Originally Posted by berkdogg

Another thing that I find myself having to do is to separate my traditional view of what a veterinarian is (someone who truly cares for your dog, and even give you a free treatment if you couldn't afford it), from what they actually are today (most seemingly being vaccinating, uncaring, money hungry, S.O.Bs). $65 just to walk into the vet is a rip off in every since of the word. $150 to get the dog's skin looked at- please do you want to turn me upside down before or after the visit. These vets know that we love our pets and truly consider them part of the family. The guy who has his dog tied to the backyard tree is not even going to show himself at the vets office. We are being exploited here because we will pay whatever they say. Where else will we take our dog for treatments? If indeed pet insurance becomes the norm vet prices will as others have said shoot through the roof. If they have increased prices this much, what do you think they will do to the insurance company? The $65 visit to walk in the door will go to $90, because the insurance company can pay what the patient can't.

I know there are people here who just want their dog to be protected. I think responsible, caring dog owners have gotten along just fine without getting involved in an insurance company. I mean by their very nature and admission, their goal is to do as little for the patient as possible, while charging the most. And that last sentence was for HUMAN health insurance. What do you think they will do when it comes to dogs. The more prevalent this pet insurance becomes, the less effective and honest it will be, because they will have the ability to piss a whole lot more people off without it affecting the number of subscribers.
This is frakkin nuts. Pretty soon to take your dog to the vet, you will have to show proof of insurance. What the hell. How could anyone think this is a good idea for pets and owners?