FROM THE NEW JERSEY VETERINARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION WEBSITE

Q: I RECENTLY PURCHASED A PUPPY FROM A PET STORE THAT TURNED OUT TO BE SICK. DO I HAVE ANY RECOURSE?

A: New Jersey law provides options for people who purchase dogs or cats (from pet stores or pet dealers) that are deemed "unfit for purchase" by a licensed veterinarian. *Click here to download a brochure that summarizes this law.

Q: WHY DOES IT SEEM THAT I SPEND MORE ON MY PET'S MEDICAL CARE THAN ON MY OWN?

A: One of the major differences between human medicine and veterinary medicine is the prevalence of insurance in human medicine. Veterinary medicine is as real and as skilled as human medicine. The difference? The method of payment, which makes veterinary fees appear much higher. People with insurance see a co-pay while pet owners pay the full amount for each procedure. But when comparing the same procedures, veterinary medicine produces much lower care costs. Where else could you pay $250 for a hysterectomy (spay) and get a skilled surgeon, skilled nursing care, a sterile operating room, anesthesia, pain medication, hospitalization, and post operative care? It's important to remember that veterinarians are doctors - doctors who must know about many areas of pet health and about many different types of pets. We live in a world where the bank, the utility companies, the drug and medical equipment suppliers, and support personnel all require, and deserve, prompt payment. This makes charging fees, reasonable fees, necessary. No one would ask or expect a human physician to provide a free diagnosis or reduced prescription fee. Veterinarians are no different. Veterinarians know how much you love your pet and can help guide you on an appropriate course of medical treatment. Ultimately, the decision of what to choose is determined by you. To help defray the costs of caring for your pet, you may want to ask your veterinarian about pet health insurance.

Q: I WOULD LIKE TO PURCHASE MY PET'S MEDICATONS FROM AN INTERNET PHARMACY. CAN YOU TELL ME MORE ABOUT THIS OPTION?

A: In order for a veterinarian to prescribe medication for your pet, federal and state laws require that a veterinarian-client- patient relationship must exist. You, as the pet-owner, are the client and your pet is the patient. It is illegal for a veterinarian to sell, prescribe or dispense medication without this relationship. So, while you are entitled to fill your pet's prescription wherever you choose, your veterinarian is required to ensure that a current veterinarian-client-patient relationship exists. This may take the form of an annual health exam or follow-up visit to ensure that your pet is in good health and that the prescribed medication is warranted and/or working effectively. Take caution where you purchase your pet's medications. Some pharmacies receive their medications from oversees where standards are different than those in the United States and do not meet FDA or EPA approval. Purchasing your pet's prescription medications from your veterinarian is a guarantee that the product meets appropriate guidelines. Your veterinarian is also available to provide immediate follow-up should there be a problem. (Visit the Red Bank Veterinary Hospital e-Pharmacy at:  shop.rx.rbvh.net )

Q: IS MY VETERINARIAN ALLOWED TO CHARGE ME FOR COPIES OF MY PET'S MEDICAL RECORDS
AND X-RAYS?

A: New Jersey state law requires your pet's treating veterinarian to retain all original medical records, including radiographs. Should you require copies of your pet's records, your veterinarian is allowed to charge a reasonable fee to reproduce the documents.