Most clinics evaluate ICU systems primarily on purchase price. However, the initial cost typically represents less than half of total ownership expense over five years. Consumables, maintenance, staff time, and energy costs determine the true financial impact on your practice.
This guide is designed to help veterinary clinics evaluate ICU system options based on real world operational cost data and typical ownership patterns.
Why Clinics Are Reevaluating
Purchase price represents only 40% to 50% of total five year cost (estimated)
Soda lime consumables alone can exceed the original purchase price
Maintenance costs increase as systems age
Staff time for consumable management is rarely accounted for in budgets
Energy costs vary significantly between system architectures
Unplanned repairs and downtime carry hidden costs
What to Consider
Initial Purchase Price
The most visible cost but often the least significant over the equipment lifecycle. Factor in warranty coverage, installation, and training when comparing.
Consumable Costs
Soda lime, filters, and replacement parts represent the largest ongoing expense category for traditional systems. Some systems eliminate these costs entirely.
Maintenance and Service
Scheduled maintenance, unplanned repairs, and service contracts add to ownership cost. Simpler systems with fewer consumable components require less maintenance.
Staff Labor
Time spent on consumable monitoring, replacement, inventory management, and vendor coordination has real labor cost that compounds daily.
Energy Consumption
Different system architectures consume different amounts of electricity. This is a minor but ongoing cost that should be factored into total ownership.
Direct Comparison
High volume clinics often prioritize systems that reduce ongoing maintenance and consumable dependency.
Complete 5 Year Cost Breakdown
Estimated total ownership cost including all operational categories.
$31,500
Estimated total savings
~$525/mo
Estimated monthly impact
All figures are estimated averages based on typical clinic usage. Actual costs vary by volume, location, and operating practices. Over a typical lifecycle, ongoing consumables and maintenance often exceed the initial system cost.
Common Buying Mistakes
Assuming soda lime free systems cost more upfront
VetFlex ICU systems are competitively priced with traditional soda lime systems while eliminating all ongoing consumable costs from day one.
Underestimating soda lime volume
Most clinics underestimate their soda lime consumption during the evaluation phase. Request actual usage data from current users before projecting costs.
Ignoring staff time as a real cost
Hours spent on consumable monitoring and replacement have measurable labor cost. At $25 to $40 per hour, this adds $1,500+ annually per cage (estimated).
Not requesting warranty details
Warranty coverage varies significantly. A longer warranty with broader coverage can save thousands in potential repair costs.
When This Makes Sense
Clinics comparing two or more ICU system quotes
Practice managers building a capital equipment budget
Hospitals evaluating lease vs. purchase decisions
Clinics replacing aging equipment and wanting to reduce ongoing costs
Multi unit facilities where operating costs scale with each additional cage
Common Use Cases
Capital Planning
Practice managers and hospital administrators building equipment budgets with accurate total cost projections.
Replacement Decisions
Clinics evaluating whether to repair aging systems or invest in new equipment with lower ongoing costs.
Multi Unit Expansion
Hospitals adding ICU capability where per unit operating costs multiply across multiple cages.
Frequently Asked Questions
Next Steps
View Products
Compare models and options
Download Specifications
Get detailed spec sheets
Request Pricing
Get a quote for your clinic
