Kitty held at Vets till bills paid, 'interest' added daily. Help?

Associate
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20 Feb 2006
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Why? everything that is held by force you have to pay storage for, as it costs money to do so.

Just borrow the money, or better still talk to the vet and try and work something out.

And everyone has money to pay immediately with, do you not think it is unfair to charge a high storage fee like that? I doubt it would cost the owners anything like £20 quid a day to look after a cat. You cannot just chose to return something and charge a storage because the person cannot pay then at least not without good reason.

And frankly a vet that is 'inhumane' to animals (maybe a little strong but I believe they should be doing what is best for animals and not acting unreasonably: unreasonable behaviour being key to this statement) should not be allowed to be a vet, assuming the vet has acted unreasonably here, animals are not just property they are a living creature and may be valued like a family member to their owners.

Of course owners are also liable to any vet bills etc related to them but extortionate storage fees? Now if there has been a history of non-payment from said owners then that may add complications.
 
Man of Honour
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11 Mar 2004
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And everyone has money to pay immediately with, do you not think it is unfair to charge a high storage fee like that?
police, garages and others do it all the time.
You should know roughly what the bill is and have the money or make arrangements like payment plans, as well as any agreement or T&C you signed.

I doubt it would cost the owners anything like £20 quid a day to look after a cat. .

It is not the owner though, it is a clinic with over heads and specialist staff.
 
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Even our local basic cattery costs £10 a day without trained veterinary staff. A vets isn't designed to be a boarding home for animals, the same way that a car impound isn't as cheap as using a normal car park. £20 doesn't seem expensive at all to me - try calling a local vet for a similar quote.
 
Soldato
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I really doubt that this is legal.

Picture the situation if it was a child, and a nursery bill!

You should be able to take the cat and have them send you an invoice.

If i was you I would try to speak to the vet personally on their behalf. If you explain that there is no way you guys can afford the escalating bill, you may get let off.
 

Mp4

Mp4

Soldato
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Even with pet insuarance (from my experance) i've had to pay up fist then cliam back and ofc £20 admin fee to get it all signed.

I wish i was a vet sometimes!
 
Soldato
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Has she been late with payments beforehand?

If not then I suggest you find another vet.

Most vets are very accommodating and will allow you to pay off the bill over time.

How come you found out so late that you were insured? :confused:
 
Soldato
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We do the same at our hopsital here in czech when parents dont pay for their kids medical bills.

However it does not work too well as they had to let the last kid go when turned 18
 
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How can anyone who acts so unethically seriously call themselves a vet? Theft of animals and charging £20 a day for cat food, unbelievable.

You're right, it would be more ethical of the vet to pass the cat straight onto a rescue centre so it could be rehomed by someone who could afford to care for their animal.
 
Caporegime
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You're right, it would be more ethical of the vet to pass the cat straight onto a rescue centre so it could be rehomed by someone who could afford to care for their animal.

Or he could just invoice the owner and charge a reasonable amount like every respectable place....
 
Associate
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To echo your gf should have insurance but also i'd personally be tempted to walk in pay the original £160 then just take the cat from where ever it is the surgery. No way would I pay a £20 a day fee it seems like madness.
 
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