General Discussions

We have a relatively small laboratory animal research program, and as such our attending veterinarian and his backup are on consultant contracts.

Our backup has asked for a change to their contract that would substantially raise the daily retainer rate and lower the hourly  on or off-site service rate.  Historically, we have not had many emergencies requiring backup service, so this change would likely create a huge increase in our average invoice.  For our attending vet, we have a small daily retainer with a larger hourly rate which includes monthly inspections and routine IACUC reviews - these would not be assigned to the backup.

I am hoping for some feedback on how other institutions handle vet contracts, and what typical rates would be.  If you would prefer to reach out via email, I understand. zembrzus@american.edu.

Thanks!

------------------------------
Matt Zembrzuski
Research Compliance Manager
American University
------------------------------

Hi Matt,
We have a very small vivarium (mostly mice and rats) with an attending vet who we provide a nominal honorarium for the year and is available for emergency consultations etc.  Our cost is very low but we very rarely need services.  Smaller institutions with very low volume activity can sometimes lean on an alumnus to enter such an arrangement to manage costs. This model is likely not appropriate for you, but I thought I would share anyway.  Best wishes.

------------------------------
Kris A. Monahan, Ph.D.
Director Sponsored Projects and Research Compliance
Providence College
Providence, RI
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 08-09-2021 11:20
From: Matt Zembrzuski
Subject: Attending veterinarian and backup vet care rates

We have a relatively small laboratory animal research program, and as such our attending veterinarian and his backup are on consultant contracts.

Our backup has asked for a change to their contract that would substantially raise the daily retainer rate and lower the hourly  on or off-site service rate.  Historically, we have not had many emergencies requiring backup service, so this change would likely create a huge increase in our average invoice.  For our attending vet, we have a small daily retainer with a larger hourly rate which includes monthly inspections and routine IACUC reviews - these would not be assigned to the backup.

I am hoping for some feedback on how other institutions handle vet contracts, and what typical rates would be.  If you would prefer to reach out via email, I understand. zembrzus@american.edu.

Thanks!

------------------------------
Matt Zembrzuski
Research Compliance Manager
American University
------------------------------

Hi Matt,

We actually contract with a veterinarian practice instead of an individual veterinarian. The practice provides backup vets for us, so we don't pay a different amount for the backups. The way our contract is structured, we pay a monthly fee rather than a retainer and then a per visit charge.

------------------------------
Eric Boerngen
Outreach Coordinator, Research and Graduate Studies
Illinois State University
edboern@ilstu.edu
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 08-09-2021 11:20
From: Matt Zembrzuski
Subject: Attending veterinarian and backup vet care rates

We have a relatively small laboratory animal research program, and as such our attending veterinarian and his backup are on consultant contracts.

Our backup has asked for a change to their contract that would substantially raise the daily retainer rate and lower the hourly  on or off-site service rate.  Historically, we have not had many emergencies requiring backup service, so this change would likely create a huge increase in our average invoice.  For our attending vet, we have a small daily retainer with a larger hourly rate which includes monthly inspections and routine IACUC reviews - these would not be assigned to the backup.

I am hoping for some feedback on how other institutions handle vet contracts, and what typical rates would be.  If you would prefer to reach out via email, I understand. zembrzus@american.edu.

Thanks!

------------------------------
Matt Zembrzuski
Research Compliance Manager
American University
------------------------------