Australian pet owners have claimed their vet bills are outrageously expensive, sparking a heated debate on radio.

Caller Jenny told 2GB's Chris O'Keefe she had to re-finance her home when her dog Alfie died because her vet bills hit $15,000 and became "too much".

She thought they had pet insurance but her coverage was not enough.

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Another caller Nicole told 2GB her family had a cat that cost them $10,500 in vet bills in two days.

She couldn't get insurance because the cat was 15 years old and described the vet prices as "crazy".

A heated debate then broke out between 2GB host Chris O'Keefe and a veterinarian, who came on the show to defend the industry.

https://omny.fm/shows/the-drive-program/have-your-say-are-vet-bills-actually-sane/embed

Vet Lindsay said she was appauled to be called a thief on radio.

"I run of veterinary practice and the idea that vets are ripping people off and are earning a lot of money is just not true," Lindsay told O'Keefe.

"I have in 50 years never handed a bill to one of my clients for more than say $5000.

"These examples come from specialist hospitals where the overheads are extraordinary."

You can listen to the full interview above.