Methodology

How we compare your charges

We publish how it works so you can judge every comparison for yourself.

Where the prices come from

• Invoices and quotes sent by pet owners in the Brisbane area, from the last 12 months.
• A phone survey of Brisbane clinics using the same script for each one (for example, desexing a 20 kg female dog), noting what each price includes.
• Public price lists published by clinics and shelters, and state-wide ranges from comparison sites. These are always marked as reference prices, separate from what owners actually paid.

How a range is built

• We group charges for the same service, for the same species, and where it matters for the same size or weight.
• With 5 or more prices for a service, we show the range where the middle half of the prices fell, and how many invoices it's based on.
• With fewer than 5, we say “not enough data yet” and give you questions to ask instead. We don't guess.
• Prices are compared as charged, including GST.

How we describe a charge

Each charge is described as below, within or above the range observed in a given number of invoices in your area. We never call a clinic or a price “expensive”. Prices differ for good reasons: what's included, your pet's weight and health, after-hours care, and the equipment used. A price above the range is a reason to ask your vet a question, not evidence of overcharging.

What we don't do

• We don't rate, rank or name clinics, and no clinic can pay to change a comparison.
• We don't give veterinary advice or comment on whether a treatment is needed.

Corrections

If something in your report looks wrong, reply to the email and we'll check it and correct it quickly.