The College of Veterinary Medicine receives state-appropriated funds for faculty salaries and teaching plus major equipment purchases. However, the major portion of the Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital operating budget including expenses for labor, support personnel, drugs, feed, laboratory services and operational expenses are generated from fees for client services. In general, VMTH fees for patient care are similar to those of private hospitals. Average total charges per case are generally higher as a result of more extensive diagnostic workups and treatment required for referred and difficult cases. Occasionally a limited portion of a fee is funded from a budgeted teaching allowance or research fund and is granted only in those cases that are unique and offer exceptional teaching or investigative value. Payment in full by cash, check, Visa, MasterCard, Discover, or American Express is due upon termination of the office call or release of the patient from the Hospital. The clinic business office manager will be happy to discuss payment options. A deposit of approximately 50 percent is required at the time of admission for all hospitalized patients; cost estimates are available on all cases. Preliminary invoices, financial estimates and client communications are continually updated by the attending faculty member and staff.