Rising Veterinary Costs and Adoption Deterrent

Veterinary Costs in UAE: Roadblocks to Adoption?

Among residents of the United Arab Emirates, there is growing concern over the cost of veterinary care. Inflated prices, often unnecessary examinations, and prescription restrictions have created a situation that deters many from adopting or temporarily housing animals. Particularly, Dubai has become a focal point of criticism, where pet owners argue that prices are disproportionately high compared to other emirates.

Shocking Price Discrepancies

Many pet owners find that the same treatment or medication can cost significantly more in Dubai than in places like Ajman or Sharjah. A simple allergy medication that costs 15 dirhams for a ten-tablet pack in a human pharmacy can be priced at 170 dirhams for two tablets at a Dubai clinic. This is not only financially burdensome but fundamentally undermines trust in veterinary services.

The differences are not limited to medication costs. Basic vaccinations and routine check-ups can also vary significantly. Some dog owners report that vaccinating two dogs and giving them kennel cough vaccines in Dubai costs over 1,000 dirhams, while the same service in Ajman is only 500 dirhams.

Deterring Adoption

These price disparities not only strain existing pet owners' budgets but also deter those who would like to adopt from shelters or take in rescued street animals. Many are hesitant to start pet ownership because they cannot foresee the costs, especially if the animal becomes ill or has special needs.

Some owners are even forced to reconsider pet ownership after a simple case—like a cold or minor infection—costs them thousands of dirhams. Most pet owners do not wish to scrimp on their pets, but irrational costs often make responsible, long-term care impossible.

Lack of Transparency and Restrictions

Another significant difficulty is that many clinics in Dubai do not grant prescriptions, insisting that pet owners purchase medications through them—often at a markup. It is also common for veterinarians to recommend tests that are not strictly necessary, but as pet owners are often laypersons, they find it difficult to resist these suggestions.

The lack of transparency particularly affects those who care for multiple animals or adopt rescued pets. Caring for special needs animals, like those that are disabled, sick, or older, inherently involves greater responsibility, and costs can spiral even more rapidly in these cases.

Positive Examples Exist

It is important to note, however, that not all vets or clinics exploit this situation. There are professionals who work with genuine empathy and transparency, taking time to calm animals and inform pet owners. Some pet owners report experiences with vets who have spent half an hour sitting on the floor beside an injured dog to build trust.

These examples show that a human-centered, caring approach does exist—though it is not the norm everywhere. Long-term UAE residents generally know where to find services that offer a reasonable price-to-value ratio, but new or inexperienced pet owners often find themselves in vulnerable positions.

The Veterinarian's Perspective

From the veterinarian's perspective, the picture is more complex. Veterinarians argue that running clinics in Dubai involves significant expenses: rents are high, equipment is state-of-the-art, and skilled staff represents a major investment. These factors all contribute to the cost of care.

Many also argue that the tests are not gratuitous but aim to rule out more severe underlying issues. Nevertheless, they also admit that communication could be improved—transparent explanations, detailed discussions of options, and involving clients in decision-making could reduce misunderstandings and increase trust.

Potential Solutions

There is increasing demand for regulatory changes: for example, allowing pet owners the right to prescriptions, implementing price caps on certain medications or services, and mandating overall pricing transparency standards. However, part of the industry believes that strict price regulation could negatively impact clinic development, investment enthusiasm, and deter highly qualified professionals.

A middle-ground solution could be the introduction of guidelines and recommendations, as well as educating pet owners about their rights, what questions to ask, and when to rightfully decline a service or treatment.

Community Collaboration and Awareness

Fortunately, in the UAE, pet owner communities, groups, online forums, and civic initiatives are becoming increasingly active, aiming to share experiences, recommend quality clinics, and avoid unnecessary costs. These communities can vastly assist new pet owners, especially when it comes to rescued or sick animals.

Many emphasize the value of trying multiple clinics, asking questions, and not fearing to say no if a recommendation or examination seems excessive. Pet ownership is a responsibility but need not be financially unsustainable.

Summary

The UAE pet owner community is increasingly vocal about expensive and often unjustified veterinary costs, especially concerning Dubai. While clinics also provide valid reasons justifying the high expenses, enhancing transparency, communication, and legal frameworks could play a vital role in making pet ownership not just the privilege of the wealthy. Encouraging adoption and responsible pet ownership can only succeed if the system does not overburden families—neither financially nor emotionally.

(Article source: Based on reports from pet owners.)