Pet owners turn to veterinary tourism as costs rise at home

Thomas and Loralee Kitts faced an excruciating decision. Their wire-haired dachshund, Gus, needed surgery for intervertebral disk disease, a painful and crippling spinal condition. Unable to afford the $12,000 quoted by a veterinarian in Portland, Oregon, where they live, the couple considered euthanasia.

"We were at a loss," Thomas Kitts said. "My wife and I were sitting there wondering, what the hell should we do? This is our little guy."

This story was published on April 10, 2025.