Pet care costs are climbing sharply across Canada, making life more expensive for dog and cat owners.
Earlier this year, CBC reported that dog owners could see yearly bills rise as much as 18 percent, while cat care costs may jump a staggering 41 percent.
Pet owners in Norfolk County have some options to help manage the rising cost of veterinary care.
Colborne Veterinary Clinic in Simcoe and Burford Veterinary Hospital are rolling out several programs to make essential services easier to afford.
Clinic spokesperson Melissa Brighton says the first initiative is a wellness program that spreads routine care costs over six months or a year.
This covers annual exams, vaccinations, heartworm testing, and preventative treatments.
She added this is especially good for those with large breed dogs, where medication costs are higher.
Secondly, they have set up a referral program.
This allows families planning larger treatments, such as dental cleanings, to mitigate those costs.
And for unseen emergencies, the clinic now provides on-the-spot financing through HUMM Financial, letting pet owners apply directly on their phone and receive immediate approval.
The clinic also works with the Farley Foundation, which assists qualified clients with urgent care costs.
Additionally, to increase access, the Simcoe clinic recently extended weekend hours, offering Sunday appointments that reduce the need for costly emergency visits to Brantford or beyond.
Brighton says several factors are driving up veterinary care costs, especially since COVID.
Pet food ingredients have surged in price, mirroring grocery increases. Transportation costs for shipping food and supplies have also climbed, while manufacturer-set medication prices continue to rise—pushing clinic expenses higher.
She adds that veterinary fees reflect real healthcare needs, including medications, equipment, supplies, and professional training.
Colborne Veterinary Clinic in Simcoe and Burford Veterinary Hospital hope the combined programs will help keep pets healthy and families together, ensuring financial challenges do not force heartbreaking decisions about beloved animal companions.