If you’ve been to the pump lately, you already know what’s happening.
Gas prices across Routt County and the Colorado High Country have taken a sharp turn upward in 2026. What was averaging around $3.10 per gallon last year is now sitting closer to $4.80 — a jump of nearly $1.70 per gallon, or about 55%. For most of us, that’s a painful line item in the household budget. For a veterinary practice whose doctors drive thousands of miles each month to reach your farms and ranches, it’s a significant operational challenge.
Why We’re Adding a Temporary Surcharge
Our farm call fees have covered the cost of getting our veterinarians and equipment to your property for years — and we’ve tried to hold those rates as steady as possible. But the current fuel environment is unlike anything we’ve seen outside of the 2022 energy spike, and the cause this time is compounded: global oil supply disruptions, the ongoing conflict affecting Middle East shipping routes, Colorado’s annual summer blend switchover, and peak travel season demand are all hitting at once.
Beginning Spring 2026, we are adding a temporary fuel surcharge to farm call fees. Here’s exactly what that means for each zone:
| Zone | Distance (one way) | Farm Call Fee | Temporary Fuel Adjustment Fee |
| Zone 1 | 1 – 10 miles | $86 | +$5.79 |
| Zone 2 | 11 – 15 miles | $110 | +$8.79 |
| Zone 3 | 16 – 20 miles | $125 | +$11 |
| Zone 4 | 21 – 25 miles | $148 | +$14 |
| Out-of-Zone | 26+ miles | $6.00 / mile | +$0.50 / mile |
A Way to Save: Haul In to Us
We know fuel costs are affecting your bottom line too — not just ours. So we want to make sure every client knows about an option that can save you real money: hauling your animal to our clinic.
When you bring your animal to us, you pay only a flat $44 facility fee — instead of the full farm call fee. There’s no surcharge, no mileage, no zone calculation. Just a simple flat rate. Depending on your zone, that’s a savings of $47 to $118 per visit. For clients with multiple animals or regular appointments, that adds up quickly.
Of course, we understand that hauling isn’t always practical — that’s exactly why we come to you. But when it works, it works out well for everyone.
We want to be clear: this fee adjustment is not permanent. We have set specific checkpoints to review and reduce it:
August 1, 2026 — If the Routt County average falls below $4.00/gallon, we will reduce the surcharge by 50%.
October 1, 2026 — If the average falls below $3.50/gallon, we will remove the surcharge entirely.
The U.S. Energy Information Administration forecasts crude oil prices to ease in Q3 and Q4 of 2026 as global supply routes normalize. We’re cautiously optimistic that fuel relief is coming — and when it does, you’ll see it reflected in your invoices right away.
Thank You for Your Trust
We don’t take lightly the decision to add any cost to the services we provide. High Country Veterinary Services was built on relationships with the farmers, ranchers, and animal owners of this community, and those relationships matter more to us than any line item.
We are committed to being transparent about what you pay and why. The fuel surcharge is listed as a separate line item on every invoice so there is never any question. And as soon as conditions allow us to reduce or eliminate it, we will — without waiting to be asked.
Thank you for your continued support of High Country Veterinary Services. We are honored to care for your animals and to be part of this incredible community.
Warmly,
The Team at High Country Veterinary Services, LLC