Idaho joins battle over shelter veterinary clinics
Prepare to see more state VMAs weighing in on the role of low-cost shelter veterinary services.
This blog has raised the issue before about growing concern over the scale and scope of shelter veterinary clinics, with Alabama and South Carolina being two states considering restrictions. Add Idaho to the list as the Idaho Veterinary Medical Association (IVMA) seeks to restrict Idaho shelters and humane societies from serving commercial clients other than low-income pet owners.
Shelter veterinary practices cover the spectrum across the United States:
- Veterinary care only for pets in custody of shelter;
- Veterinary care for shelter pets plus spay/neuter services for low-income pet owners;
- Veterinary care for shelter pets plus spay/neuter services for any pet owner in community, generally at a lower rate than private practitioners;
- Full-service commercial veterinary clinic serving low-income pet owners; or
- Full-service commercial veterinary clinic serving any and all pet owners in community, ostensibly with a lower pricing model than private practitioners.