Fees and Payment

The veterinarian in charge of your animal’s care will provide you with a detailed cost estimate. The estimate will list the approximate cost of services, procedures, tests, drugs and supplies.

The original cost estimate, which may reflect only the initial diagnostic and treatment plan, may change based on decisions that you and your veterinarian make regarding your animal’s care and treatment.

Emergency and critical care

The cost of hospitalization in the ICU typically varies between $300 and $600 per 24 hours, depending on the level of patient care and monitoring required.

Emergency fees are charged for the WCVM Veterinary Medical Centre's emergency services. In the case of emergency surgery, the VMC will also charge emergency call-back fees.

Payment Options

The WCVM Veterinary Medical Centre accepts payment by:

• cash
• credit card (Visa and MasterCard)
• debit card (Interac)

Personal cheques are not accepted at the WCVM Veterinary Medical Centre. 

Payment plans are not available though the WCVM Veterinary Medical Centre. If necessary, at the time of admission, clinic receptionists can assist you in applying for a loan through an independent credit agency.

The WCVM Veterinary Medical Centre requires payment at the time of service unless you are receiving field service or your animal is being hospitalized.

Payment for hospitalized animals

If your animal is hospitalized, half of the estimate is due before services are provided. Final payment is due at the time of discharge. Occasionally, the hospital will mail statements to you for additional tests that were approved by you and for charges not included on the initial invoice at discharge.

If you have questions or concerns about fees and payments, please contact the Veterinary Medical Centre's Business Office at 306-966-7121.

Payment for Field Service

After your Field Service visit, the WCVM Veterinary Medical Centre will send an invoice to you by mail (payment due in 30 days).

You have the right to decline any or all treatment suggested for your animal. The course of treatment is based on your decisions with regard to your financial resources.

If your financial resources are limited, please explain your situation to your veterinarian so that a less in-depth diagnostic treatment plan can be selected.

If you become concerned with the cost of treatment and services for your animal, please contact the WCVM Veterinary Medical Centre's Business Office at 306-966-7121 for an updated invoice total at any time during the treatment process.

Reason for Fees

While the WCVM Veterinary Medical Centre is part of the Western College of Veterinary Medicine, the centre is a self-supporting entity. Fees for client services must cover:

• salaries for the centre's technical and support staff
• equipment purchases
• drugs and medical supplies
• laboratory services
• other operating expenses