(Kitten image via Shutterstock)
WINNIPEG — Pet owners won’t be shocked by unexpected fees when they pick up their furry friend from a veterinary clinic in Manitoba.
The province is introducing legislation to ensure pet owners receive clear upfront pricing and aren’t dinged for anything else beyond what they’re expecting to pay.
“Veterinarians provide life-saving animal care and we know the vast majority offer upfront pricing to their clients,” said Tourism, Culture, Heritage, Sport and Consumer Protection Minister Ron Lemieux. “Our proposed legislation would ensure this practice is the rule for all veterinary clinics in Manitoba.”
The province worked with the Manitoba Veterinary Medical Association on the changes, which they say will improve public protection, increase fines for breaches of the act, and recognize the role of animal health technologists.
The MVMA will work with veterinarians over the next year to create a pricing transparency bylaw that would ensure the new rules are fair for clients and practical for the nature of veterinary care.
There are no plans to regulate pricing of veterinary services.
