“Don’t Animals Have Like Public Hospitals?”: Woman Shows Hardships of Owning a Pet Due to Vet Bills

• A Big Brother Mzansi finalist and digital creator shared a video of herself at the vet with her fluffy dog, later expressing shock at the high cost of the visit
• In the clip, @NateSetwaba is seen holding her wiggling pup before the scene switches to her car, where she questions why there aren't public hospitals for animals
• The video highlights a common struggle for pet owners in South Africa, where veterinary costs can be extremely high, with treatments ranging from R500 to over R40,000

A woman's reaction to her vet bill has struck a chord with pet owners across South Africa. The video was shared early April by digital creator and Big Brother Mzansi Season 5 finalist Fortunate "Nate" Setwaba on her social media account @NateSetwaba.

In the video, Nate is seen at a veterinary clinic in Joburg holding her fluffy dog in her arms as it tries to wiggle around. She poses for the camera with her pet and attempts to give it kisses.

The scene then switches to her car, where her dog is sitting on the passenger seat. Visibly frustrated, she speaks to the camera:

"Don't animals have like public hospitals, because what was that bill, what was that bill for this little man?"

When her dog starts barking, she tells him to keep quiet and sit down, clearly upset about the cost of the veterinary visit.

Watch the Facebook reel below.

The reality of vet costs in South Africa

The financial burden of pet ownership in South Africa can be significant, especially when it comes to veterinary care. Many pet owners are unprepared for the high costs that come with keeping their furry friends healthy.

Veterinary practices themselves face high operating costs, with monthly expenses for medical products averaging between R300,000 and R450,000. Most of these products are imported and depend on the Rand-Dollar exchange rate, which adds to the cost.

The average fees for veterinary treatments in South Africa can be eye-watering:

• Basic vaccinations cost around R500 per round.
• Flea and tick control is approximately R500.
• A standard consultation fee ranges from R350 to R550.
• Blood tests can cost between R700 and R900.
• X-rays start at R700 for the first one.
• Neutering a female dog can cost R4,000 or more, depending on size and age.
• Repairing a broken leg can cost upwards of R15,000.
• Emergency care for a pet hit by a car can reach R40,000 or more.

For many South Africans, these costs are simply out of reach without pet insurance, which covers veterinary visits, healthcare fees, routine check-ups, accident cover, and sometimes kennel fees for a monthly premium.

Briefly News spoke to animal expert Jayshri Rangasamy regarding when to take your pet to a vet and why people must consider vet fees before adopting apet. She stated:

"Take your pet to the vet if they show significant changes in eating or drinking habits, excessive thirst, lethargy, frequent vomiting, unusual stool, or any severe symptoms like respiratory distress or neurological issues. Severe injuries, persistent symptoms, and emergency symptoms (like difficulty breathing or seizures) require immediate veterinary attention. Minor issues like small cuts, hot spots, and skin irritations can be treated at home with pet-safe products, but always monitor your pet's condition closely and seek veterinary care if symptoms worsen or don't improve."

"Before adopting a pet, consider the costs of veterinary care, food, supplies, boarding, and pet insurance. Veterinary visits can range from R400 for vaccinations to tens of thousands, if not R100K or more, for serious treatments, complicated surgeries, and long-term follow-up care. Pet food and supplies vary widely in cost, and pet insurance is also something to think about. Factoring in these expenses will help you make an informed decision about whether you can meet these needs and provide the best care for your pet."

South Africans react to the vet bill shock

@Ronny Mod commented bluntly:

"Black people are forcing things, nje."

@Brenda Jennings shared her boundary:

"Yoooh I can't eat in your house, touching a dog with those hands. Sies Nate!"

@Mahapa George offered home remedy advice:

"Get spotty. Spotty, when he is sick, give him milk and by tomorrow, he is a champ."

@Amie Kay suggested a cost-saving tip:

"I thought everyone I know who has a dog knows how to vaccinate it themselves. The only one you go to the vet for is for rabies. Just do it yourself. Check what the vet does."

@Mthobisi D Mndebele joked:

"Get a kid, you'll be fine."

@Kgothatso Dennis Mashishi questioned pet ownership:

"People are this lonely out here? Spending their money on dogs that can wake up tomorrow and bite the western out of you."

Other pet stories making waves

• Briefly News recently reported on a young woman who shared how she had to book an entire taxi to take her dog to the vet after e-hailing drivers refused to help.
• A man walking his two Dalmatian dogs while wearing a matching spotted sweater caught the attention of South Africans online.
• A brave Jack Russell named Jan died protecting his owner's farm from a deadly Cape cobra, showing the breed's loyal nature.

Source: Briefly News