FALFURRIAS, Texas (RFD News) — A South Texas veterinarian says rising prices are making it increasingly difficult for people in rural communities to afford care for their animals.
Dr. Mike Vickers said that more pet owners are coming to his rural practice, which traditionally serves ranchers, as veterinary care becomes more expensive in surrounding areas.
Vickers pointed to the growth of corporate veterinary practices as one factor driving the change. He said some pet owners have faced bills reaching thousands of dollars for procedures and emergency care, leaving many rural families struggling to afford treatment.
“For low-income people, people on Social Security, retired people, people that work on ranches, they love their pets. The prices that they have to pay to take care of them are astronomical to the point that they can’t pay those prices.”
Vickers said he plans to push state leaders to address veterinary pricing during the next legislative session.
The concerns come as large-animal veterinary care faces its own challenges. A 2023 Johns Hopkins University study found the United States has lost 90% of those veterinarians since the end of World War II.
Frank McCaffrey reporting for RFD News.
