Cat question: Is there such thing as a “retired vet” or “vet in training”?
July 30th, 2010 | 
Author: Question by str l: Cat question: Is there such thing as a “retired vet” or “vet in training”?
I’m looking for a reasonable or low cost veterinarian in the San Francisco area. I have four cats that I’ve inharited when my neighbor died leaving them homeless. I can handle the routine exams and vaccinations just fine, but now two of them are showing signs of illness, (one has an eye infection of sorts, and the other is urinating blood). I know this going to be costly….and I have to do it….I want to do it….I just can’t do it at the outrageous cost that all the vet offices charge. Any referrals, advice or links would be appreciated.
Best answer:
Answer by Tanya M
The most important thing about having a rescue is to find a sympathetic vet to help since rescues usually dont have much money. I would contact local rescue and ask who they see. Alot of times they have retired vets who give checkups to new arrivals in the rescue.
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See if their is a teaching college of vet med in your area, sometimes they will work something out. Also check to see if their is a way you can bring them both in at the same time for a discount. The one with the blood in the urine will be more costly. Chances are the eye is an ulcer and it will need a steroid free antibiotic eye ointment and not be as much. Explain how you got the cats and their may be a good hearted vet that will help you out. You can also check in with the vet at the shelter and see how their rates are. I would get the one in the blood in its urine first that could be fatal an the longer you wait the worse the infection will be, not to mention it is extrememely painful for a cat to have a UTI or kidney reflux. Good Luck and you are great for taking them, providing them homes and getting them care.
If a vet’s retired they aren’t working anymore & if they’re not certified yet they aren’t allowed to treat your animals.
San Francisco has an excellent SPCA (or whatever they call it). Surely if you call them they can give you an idea of what’s available. Maybe they even have a low cost clinic.
Good luck!
If your willing to make the drive whenever you need to see the vet, try seeing if UC Davis can have one of their grad students work with your cats. Another good option would be to look into vets that serve the farming communities. I was born and raised in La Honda and my parents were able to find a vet that allowed my dad to work off outrageous bills by helping him out with restraining animals and just helping out in general. This was about 15 years ago though so I don’t know how much things have changed.
Actually, vet schools with their “vets in training” will typically charge more for routine services than a privately owned clinic. Even though you’re seeing a student, you are also seeing the specialist that is supervising that student.
Unless a retired vet kept their license current, which most don’t, it would be illegal for them to treat your animal.
If you are needing a cheaper option, sometimes you can find low cost clinics operated by a local human society or animal shelter. However, if they do find something seriously wrong, they may not be able to handle it there and would refer you elsewhere.
My advice, find a low cost clinic and get the healthy ones vaccinated there and then take the sick ones to another vet.