VIP members were invited to participate in an FYI survey between March 8-24, 2004. This survey was comprised of questions submitted by VIP members. A total of 309 VIP members completed this survey. Detailed findings from this survey are provided in the charts and tables below. Key findings are:

The average annual starting salary for non-staff positions are:

Position Salary Certified technicians (LVT/CVT): $26,625 Non-licensed assistants: $20,100 Secretaries/receptionists $19,877 Office managers: $29,683 Kennel person: $15,406

The non-salary benefits veterinarians offer their staffs vary by position, although most all positions do receive some amount of paid vacation time.

The average fees charged for common services are:

Service Canine Feline Initial vaccinations $36.48 $36012 Booster vaccinations $35.02 $34.97 Boarding fee (daily rate) $13.30 $10.95 Hospitalization (daily fee) $29.98 $37.46 Deworming $12.59 $11.34 Teeth Cleaning $123.75 $111.89 Spay $138.42 $107.25 Neuter $111.19 $69.67 X-ray (per film) $54.77 $55.75 Sonogram/Ultrasound $179.02 $176.75 Blood Test (lab/diagnostics) $75.91 $76.29 Annual Exam Office Visit $34.68 $34.13

Nine out of ten veterinarians report that in 2004, the flea control and heartworm preventative products they will recommend most often to their canine patients will be the same as last year.

Conversely, one out of four veterinarians plans to change their primary NSAID treatment recommendation for their canine patients this year.

Weight loss is the most frequently mentioned area of pet nutrition where veterinarians would most like to see improvements made

Fewer than one out of four VIP members would prefer to be compensated for VIP survey participation with a “rechargeable” credit card. As such, VIP members will continue to receive checks for their survey compensation.

The majority of veterinarians are interested in participating in a VIP member referral program.

On the next screen, you will be asked to provide an estimate of the average fee charged at your clinic for a variety of services specific to your canine patients (you will be asked for the same information for your feline patients in the next question).

If a particular service is not offered at your clinic, please select the “Not Applicable” button for that service. If you are unsure of the fee charged for a particular service, please select the “Not Sure” button for that service. If the fee is variable based on the size of the animal or on some other factor, please provide an estimate of the average fee charged for the service.