Vetnews | Augustus 2024 38 « BACK TO CONTENTS Offering free veterinary services is usually viewed as a commendable and noble practice. The general intention is to provide services to clients and animals in need who would not otherwise have access to veterinary care. Fee guidelines for veterinary services no longer exist and there are no minimum fees prescribed for veterinary services. But there is potentially a dark side to free veterinary services. The potential unethical aspects of free veterinary services are further explored here. 1. Quality of the service provided The veterinary profession places high demands on veterinary professionals. When a veterinarian or practice is not compensated for the service provided, it can be tempting to cut corners or reduce the quality of the service to manage cost and time. The resources available when free service is provided may be limited which might lead to inadequate patient care. For example, a practice may use young, inexperienced veterinarians to perform the free service, while the specific patient may need the care of a specialist. 2. Long term sustainability Providing free services may eventually become financially unsustainable for the veterinary practice. This may lead to job losses of veterinary employees or even the closure of the business. Clients may also become too dependent on free services and may struggle if the free services are ended. 3. Perceived value of veterinary services People value what they pay or work for. Clients may perceive free services as less valuable and less professional. This can undermine the service provider’s reputation. However, a far bigger concern is that it can undermine the perceived value of veterinary services in general and the reputation of the veterinary profession. When long-term free services are provided, especially if it is provided to an individual who can afford to pay for them, it creates the impression that veterinary services have no inherent financial value. This is very dangerous and detrimental to the veterinary profession. 4. Unfair competition Free services disrupt the market and make it difficult for other professionals to compete fairly. This can lead to good, honest veterinary practices being forced to close and depriving people of their livelihoods. In the long run, it reduces competition and harms clients by limiting their choices. It makes it difficult or impossible for new veterinarians to establish themselves in the market and ultimately leads to a monopoly. Legal Mews THE DARK SIDE OF FREE VETERINARY SERVICES Trudie Prinsloo (Legalvet Services) This article is intended to provide information and educate veterinarians on relevant aspects of the law. It is not intended as personal legal advice. SAVA is not responsible or liable for any advice or other information provided herein.
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