By the Way, You Can Totally Trust Your Vet

For real. They're good.

It's not that I mind chatting. I really don't. But you texted me after taking INSERT_PET_NAME_HERE to an actual, licensed veterinary professional, and I'm highly confident that they can help.

But again–I'm happy to discuss INSERT_PET_NAME_HERE's problem. Really, it's no big deal. This happens all the time!

And honestly, it’s nice to hear from you. When your name popped up, I figured it had to be veterinary related—since, well... I never hear from you otherwise.

By the way—you don’t need to tell me you already paid for a veterinary consultation and came away unsatisfied. Let’s cut the crap: I know you don't trust them. Maybe they didn’t give you clear answers. Maybe they seemed too expensive. Totally fine! I get it. I accept my role as second opinion—your own personal, on-demand animal medical advice hotline.

Listen—friend / cousin / uncle / old roommate / aloof acquaintance I met at a barbeque / friend-of-a-friend who heard their friend has a friend who’s a vet / person I’m sitting next to on an airplane—I’m happy to help. Really!

If you’re one of my siblings, you’ve probably just called me directly—and in that case, I can flip into vet mode at the drop of a hat. I’ve done it while camping. I’ve done it at a wedding in Mexico. I've done it in bars after a couple of Jägerbombs. Truly, I don’t mind.

Don’t feel bad (secretly, I'm kind of a misanthrope, and this sort of unsolicited outreach makes me feel useful in a bleak, transactional world). Honestly, my job can be rough—so I actually appreciate the chance to help you completely for free, I don't expect anything in return.

And I do care about INSERT_PET_NAME_HERE—even if all I know so far is that you think their vet is an idiot. I want to help. So please, let me.

But before we really get into it—can I just say one thing?

You can totally trust your vet.

It's unlikely you need my opinion. There's a 90–95% chance I’m just going to repeat what they already told you. I’m pretty confident in their abilities. Not that I know them personally—but they’re a fully licensed veterinarian, right? I mean–check on that first.

If so, you’re in good hands!

But if you’re the kind of conscientious pet owner who takes your animal to a professional, listens attentively during the appointment, reads the follow up materials and still needs more attention, well—sure. Give me a call.

But just so you know: your vet knows what they’re doing. I promise—they’re not trying to trick you. All of us swear an oath to care for animals. Most of us genuinely suffer for it: crushing debt, punishing hours, demanding clients, and atrocious mental health statistics.

That’s no excuse for your feelings (confusion and exasperation, btw). On behalf of my undoubtedly earnest colleague, I apologize for inadequacy in your particular care. Burnout does the darndest things to communication. Ha. Ha. Ha.

May I ask—is there a possibility that you’re being an outrageously entitled prima donna? Nevermind! Anyway—like I said—you can totally trust your vet.

INSERT_PET_NAME_HERE’s doctor got into this work because they absolutely love animals. They’re trying to help, I promise. It may seems like they’re not explaining things clearly or just want your money, but, well... they may just have less interpersonal skills than you needed. Sorry! They were hoping their career would involve a lot fewer human interactions.

See, animals are honest. Dogs and cats don’t lie. They don’t manipulate. Their communication is beautifully simple—which is great, because the medical part is incredibly complex.

Unfortunately, it’s hard to explain all that to an anxious, demanding, and passive-aggressive primate. Especially an untrusting one. Not that I'm calling you that! It's very interesting how you reacted to that. I meant no offense.

So yes, I’m a qualified veterinarian. I have broad experience. I can probably walk you through whatever’s going on with INSERT_PET_NAME_HERE during the next 20–30+ minutes while I step away from my family, or recreational activity, or personal medical appointment, or whatever!

I. AM. HAPPY. TO. HELP.

I’ll translate. I’ll empathize. I’ll tell you the treatment sounds reasonable, explain why the costs are what they are, and gently guide you to the realization that you just panicked in there and everything is actually fine.

But just so you know?

You can totally trust your vet.