Why FareVet Is Fighting for Price Transparency in Veterinary Care

Imagine needing surgery for your dog something serious, like a torn ACL (TPLO surgery) and calling around only to hear vague answers, if any. Then, you finally get a quote: $7,000. You wonder, is this normal? Is there a better option? But no one publishes prices, and phone calls feel like dead ends. So, you’re stuck making a decision in the dark, under pressure, and with no idea what else might be out there.

This is exactly why FareVet exists  to fight for transparency in veterinary pricing, and to give pet owners the information they need to make confident, informed decisions.

Pet Owners Are Flying Blind

As Dr. Krista Magnifico of Jarrettsville Vet said in a recent video, people are traveling for hours to reach her clinic not because she’s the only one offering surgery, but because her clinic is transparent. She offers TPLO surgery (a common knee operation for dogs) for around $3,500–$4,000, while many specialty clinics charge $6,000 to $8,000 or more. That’s up to 50% cheaper for the same outcome.

Why the huge difference? And more importantly, why don’t pet owners know about it? It’s simple: Veterinary pricing isn’t public.

No Transparency = No Options

Most veterinary clinics do not post their prices. You can’t easily compare costs between practices. In fact, most won’t even give you an estimate over the phone. This means:

• You can't compare pricing until after you've committed

• You don’t know what’s included in a quote

• You don’t know if a treatment is fair, inflated, or even necessary

And that leaves pet owners vulnerable to stress, to overpayment, and sometimes, to euthanasia they didn’t want but thought they couldn’t avoid.

What FareVet Is Doing About It

FareVet was built to fix this problem. We believe you deserve to know your options before you’re forced into an impossible choice. Here's how we’re making that happen:

✅ Upload Your Bill, Get Clarity

We break down each line item so you actually understand what you’re being charged for and if anything looks off.

✅ Compare Prices for the Same Procedure Nearby

Our platform pulls real vet pricing data so you can see what others charge for the same service in your area.

✅ Find Alternatives That Match Your Budget

Get matched with local clinics that offer similar care for less. We even help you book the appointment or transfer your case.

✅ Access Tools for Budgeting, Credit, and Fundraising

If you still need financial help, we connect you to resources that can help you move forward without delay.

Who Benefits From Hidden Pricing? Not You.

As Dr. Magnifico points out, a lack of transparency benefits corporate-owned clinics and high-margin businesses, not the pets or the people who love them. Most pet owners aren't asking for freebies they just want a fair chance to plan, budget, and say yes to the care their pet needs.

FareVet believes that when costs are clear:

• Pets get more consistent care

• Pet owners feel more empowered and less ashamed

• Vets earn more trust from their clients

  
  

It’s Time for a Shift in Pet Healthcare

The conversation about price transparency in human healthcare has been growing for years. It’s time pet care caught up.

FareVet is here to help normalize price shopping, empower second opinions, and prove that affordability and quality can coexist but only when pet owners are given the tools to explore their options.

The Bottom Line

You should never be forced to choose between financial ruin and your pet’s life. You should never feel like you have to say “yes” to a $6,000 bill just because you didn’t know there were other options.

FareVet was created to fight for that transparency and to help pet parents like you make smarter, more confident decisions when it matters most.

If you’ve received a vet bill that feels out of reach, or you’re unsure what’s really necessary, upload it now at FareVet . We’ll help you review it, compare options, and find care that fits your budget without compromising your pet’s health.