The Daily Loving Their Pets to Debt
52 snips
Jul 12, 2024 
Katie Thomas, an investigative health care reporter for The New York Times, delves into the skyrocketing costs of veterinary care in the U.S. She reveals how this sector has transformed into a multi-billion-dollar industry, mirroring human healthcare. Listeners learn about the emotional and financial struggles pet owners face, from heartbreaking stories of tough decisions to the challenges posed by corporate consolidation in the veterinary world. Thomas also addresses the limited coverage of pet insurance and the pressures of social media on pet care decisions.
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Roscoe's Illness
- Katie Thomas's dog, Roscoe, developed a severe liver condition.
- This experience exposed her to the rising costs of specialized veterinary care, sparking her investigation.
Vet Price Surge
- Vet care prices have increased significantly faster than general inflation.
- Over the past decade, vet service prices rose by over 60%, exceeding the 30% rise in overall service prices.
Changing Pet Culture
- Pet ownership has become more common with 60-70% of American households now having pets.
- Pets are increasingly treated like family members, leading to greater spending on pet products and services.