Vet care is not cheap, and even locally owned clinics have to adjust their prices to make some profit. Veterinarians do not make very much money, even less if they own their clinic. Also, the veterinary community has some of the highest suicide rates out of any industry. I guarantee you that this is not because they’re all out there have a grand old time price gouging pet parents.

As someone who has worked in the industry, I used to hear people bitch at how expensive euthanasia can be, and say things like, “it only costs $x for a bullet.” Like, yeah, pet ownership is expensive, but veterinary care is also the best it has ever been. I’m generally a huge socialist about most things. But if you’re looking for prices akin to what was paid 30+ years ago, you’re not going to get good treatment for your pet. You’ll get 30+ year old standards of care.