A Bundoora woman has launched a social media campaign calling for better regulation of the pet and veterinary industries.
Elena Todorova hopes her Facebook campaign, Regulate Vet, and an online petition will lead to reforms to drive down the cost of veterinary care, medication and pet insurance.
“Since when did you have to be a millionaire to have a pet?” Ms Todorova asked.
“It really is just a money-making business. I’m here to raise as much awareness and provide insights into the vet and pet insurance industry.
“I’m against high vet fees, huge mark-ups on medications and a lack of competition and transparency in the pet care industry.”
Citing a lack of generic brand medications and a virtual pet insurance monopoly, Ms Todorova said many pet owners needed to have “$20,000 to $30,000 set aside, just in case”.
“How can everyday Aussies have this sort of extra money?” she said.
“Millions of pet owners in Australia are being ripped off by many overpriced vets.
‘‘And the pet insurance sector is turning billions over and refusing to cover pre-existing injuries.”
Ms Todorova said many medications used for animals were similar to those given to humans but could not be bought over the counter.
“You can only get them from a vet,” she said. “At least humans can get generic brands and there are more varieties to chose from.”
Ms Todorova is urging pet owners to support the campaign so she can take her case to federal and state MPs including Premier Denis Napthine, who is a veterinarian.
For more details, visit www.facebook.com/Veterinarycareoverhaul
