Help! Need Suggestions on Saving Money @ the Vet

[VictoriaR]

We have always paid between $80 to $100 for our dog's annual exam. This includes his shots. Just wondering if anyone has been able to get a discount or if there are some other ways to save some money on exams without having pet insurance. TIA!

[TBEventer2002]

Some vets will price-match with other vets in the area.

Ask your vet what is absolutely necessary for your area. There are state laws that designate how often a rabies must be given. Also, certain areas are much more prone to mosquitos and heartworm disease, so an annual or every-two-years heartworm check might be necessary. It is MUCH cheaper to prevent HWD than to treat! And don't let anyone on here tell you to order medicines from 1800 Pet Meds or any online pharmacy. Google it and you will find where Novartis (maker of Interceptor and Sentinel) actually sued three online pharmacies for selling and distributing their products because Novartis DOES NOT SELL TO THESE PHARMACIES. So while YOU may save a few bucks, you might be hurting YOUR DOG when they come down with liver failure due to bad arthritis meds or HWD from falty products. (and if someone comes here and says, "oh, I have never had any issues" that is because they haven't had any issues YET.)

Distemper shots might be available in your area annually or every three years. Some studies show that after several years of consistent distemper vaccination, there is some level of antibody still prevalent in the system. Vaccinations for Leptospirosis and Parvo, however, should be boostered annually.

At our clinic, we do not suggest you get Bordetella unless you plan to board, groom, dog-park, or anywhere else there would be a lot of dogs. If your dog never goes anywhere, Bord isn't techincally helpful.

For cats, we only recommend Leukemia if the cat goes outside.

Also, ask about rebates!!! At my work, we offer free doses of flea prevention and $5-10 rebates for purchasing certain products. Every little bit helps! :)

Ask around about vaccination clinics. Some pet hospitals do these to help those who can't afford regular care. Usually vaccines are given by technicians with no exam by a doctor, so it is purely at your own risk.

Breaking up the visit can help. For example, a doctor's exam is required for us to give a distemper or rabies. However, the client can come back in a few months to see a technician for a heartworm test or bordetella shot without having to pay another exam fee.

Always remember that, while it seems like a lot, it's only once per year. I like to save up $10 or so a month to set back for my pets' annual visits. That way I'm not completely sticker-shocked when I have to take 3 cats and four dogs in! ;) We work a LOT with people who are lower income, so we usually have people come in who say, "I have $xx with me today, what is most important to do now, and what can I come back and do later?"

Good luck! Hope this helps!

[kval07]

I am a member of a few Yahoo dog groups in my area. Through that, I find out when different places are doing things for free or low cost. A few weeks back, some clinic was taking appts for free spays/neuters. Next weekend, the county animal control will microchip for $15. (I will be taking my dog who will go off with anybody to get that one done.) They are also doing $5 rabies shots. Sign up for local animal groups and you can get a ton of information that way. There is way more stuff going on in my area than I thought, and I would never know if I hadn't joined these groups!

[manders13]

i think i saw a MIR someplace on here for vet services.

Your lucky for $100 a year! Mine have to go every 2-3 months for "check ups" they are small so i guess they require more lol.

[kval07]

i think i saw a MIR someplace on here for vet services.



x12/31/09 $10 Back on Science Diet or Veterinary Services (http://www.hotcouponworld.com/forums/gimme-my-money-back/187242-x12-31-09-10-back-science-diet-veterinary-services.html#post1375150)

[manders13]

x12/31/09 $10 Back on Science Diet or Veterinary Services (http://www.hotcouponworld.com/forums/gimme-my-money-back/187242-x12-31-09-10-back-science-diet-veterinary-services.html#post1375150)



thank you!

[hotcouponmama]

Seems my mom used to get those shots at a feed store and gave them herself? I wouldn't know how to do it, but I think it's possible....

[cspigner28]

Depending on the Vet, a lot of them will work with you on the price. (At least that's been our experience) It may be the fact that they work with the SPCA, but I went in one day, an emergency visit (my weinie dog had a ruptured disk in his back) and the vet looked at him, gave him some meds, told me to also buy him some baby asprin, and give as he needed, keep him confined so he can't be doing a lot of jumping around, and only charged us $35!! Sometimes all it takes is asking!!

[TBEventer2002]

Hotcouponmama, rabies vaccinations aren't sold through feed stores. In many (if not all) states, it is state law that rabies is given by a licensed vet. ;)

You wouldn't believe how many people have come in this past year with dogs with parvo, and they vaccinated with TSC shots. :O

[mayanfire]

If you don't love your vet, you could always shop around. When my vet died (he was the best vet ever!), we first went to the closest clinic and they charged an arm and a leg for my two dogs, and they weren't very warm. It was just a visit, didn't pet my dogs or anything...i know that it's not their job, but they didn't really seem to even like animals, and because my dogs were soooo scared, i was trying to comfort them, and the vet got very annoyed. she could have just been having a bad day, but i've never gone back. my animals are my babies. now i go to a vet thats an hour away, but they are rock bottom prices and they are so warm with my animals! they talk to them and play with them. the only thing i hate, is they are always packed. their phone is always busy. everyone else loves them too. my dogs aren't quite as scared to go there as they were the other place.

[Riann216]

go to craigslist.com In the upper right hand side there is a pets section. Put up an ad asking about reduced cost vet services in your area. That is the best way to find them aside from google.

In Jacksonville, FL we have a few vets here that will do reduced cost exams and shots. We even have one that doesn't charge an exam fee. I got my dog's shots and exam for around $20.

Also, if you have humane society they may be able to point you in the direction of a lower cost vet.

If you only need shots, luvmypet.com has a list of mobile vaccinations that you can get. Their prices are listed online. Good luck.

[VictoriaR]

[quote=TBEventer2002;2068127]Some vets will price-match with other vets in the area.

Ask your vet what is absolutely necessary for your area. There are state laws that designate how often a rabies must be given. Also, certain areas are much more prone to mosquitos and heartworm disease, so an annual or every-two-years heartworm check might be necessary. It is MUCH cheaper to prevent HWD than to treat! And don't let anyone on here tell you to order medicines from 1800 Pet Meds or any online pharmacy. Google it and you will find where Novartis (maker of Interceptor and Sentinel) actually sued three online pharmacies for selling and distributing their products because Novartis DOES NOT SELL TO THESE PHARMACIES. So while YOU may save a few bucks, you might be hurting YOUR DOG when they come down with liver failure due to bad arthritis meds or HWD from falty products.

I freaked out when I read this! The only items that I've ever bought through 1800 pet meds was the Iverhert and Frontline. I will have to do my research on this--very scary.

Thanks for all of the info. We live in a very humid area, so the heart worm check is required and I've always felt that it's better to pay for a complete exam then to pay for treatment. I will talk to the vet tomorrow to see how flexible he is.

[VictoriaR]

I am a member of a few Yahoo dog groups in my area. Through that, I find out when different places are doing things for free or low cost. A few weeks back, some clinic was taking appts for free spays/neuters. Next weekend, the county animal control will microchip for $15. (I will be taking my dog who will go off with anybody to get that one done.) They are also doing $5 rabies shots. Sign up for local animal groups and you can get a ton of information that way. There is way more stuff going on in my area than I thought, and I would never know if I hadn't joined these groups!
Thanks- I never thought of doing joining a group. I plan on looking into it.

[VictoriaR]

x12/31/09 $10 Back on Science Diet or Veterinary Services (http://www.hotcouponworld.com/forums/gimme-my-money-back/187242-x12-31-09-10-back-science-diet-veterinary-services.html#post1375150)
thanks-now if I can only get my hands on one of those forms!! LOL

[VictoriaR]

If you don't love your vet, you could always shop around. When my vet died (he was the best vet ever!), we first went to the closest clinic and they charged an arm and a leg for my two dogs, and they weren't very warm. It was just a visit, didn't pet my dogs or anything...i know that it's not their job, but they didn't really seem to even like animals, and because my dogs were soooo scared, i was trying to comfort them, and the vet got very annoyed. she could have just been having a bad day, but i've never gone back. my animals are my babies. now i go to a vet thats an hour away, but they are rock bottom prices and they are so warm with my animals! they talk to them and play with them. the only thing i hate, is they are always packed. their phone is always busy. everyone else loves them too. my dogs aren't quite as scared to go there as they were the other place.
I would like to stay with the same vet. I like our vet and my dog seems to be pretty calm around him. Our former vet was a bit rude-even I felt uncomfortable around him, so when we moved I found this vet and you can just tell that he's a dog lover-plus he's pretty darn handsome.

[kval07]

I would like to stay with the same vet. I like our vet and my dog seems to be pretty calm around him. Our former vet was a bit rude-even I felt uncomfortable around him, so when we moved I found this vet and you can just tell that he's a dog lover-plus he's pretty darn handsome.

Well that settles it! :biggrin:

[Smee]

Seems my mom used to get those shots at a feed store and gave them herself? I wouldn't know how to do it, but I think it's possible....

Hotcouponmama, rabies vaccinations aren't sold through feed stores. In many (if not all) states, it is state law that rabies is given by a licensed vet. ;)

You wouldn't believe how many people have come in this past year with dogs with parvo, and they vaccinated with TSC shots. :O

Our clinic has seen this a lot, too. Most of my dogs are antiques, so I no longer vaccinate them at all (except rabies as required by law), but if I felt they still needed protection, I would not trust those feed store vaccines. We've seen too many parvo dogs.

Some vets in my area will actually dispense vaccines, though (except rabies). You can (possibly) buy them from the vet and administer them at home, and it saves the cost of the office visit. I don't know how common that is elsewhere, but it's worth asking about. My vet does it all the time for trusted clients.

[choka162]

My vet has a vaccination clinic the first saturday of the month, they just charge you for the shot not the visit. Sometimes it seems that places do that and just don't mention it, so it's always worth asking.

For what it's worth I have used the vaccines you buy at tractor supply and never had a problem with them. I don't think its a bad option if you know what your doing, but it's much easier to have your vet do it. And it's nice to have that face time with your vet- just like your annual check up!

[philekallista]

What a helpful thread. Our kitty seems to be sick with a UTI---though they couldn't get any urine from her to make sure, that's what it looks like, so I paid $110 for an office visit and 2 weeks of Clavamox today. The medicine is *not* sitting well with the poor thing. She's vomited several times and just looks sicker than she did before we gave it to her. So tomorrow I'll probably get to go pay another $50 for another prescription that hopefully won't disagree so much with her. :(

It's about time for her vax boosters, though, and I think I'll just be going to the Petsmart Banfield hospital for those, which doesn't charge for an office visit during certain hours (the place I tried today charged $60; I had no idea it would be that much).

[TBEventer2002]

Phile, that is not uncommon. :( I'm sorry your kitty is sick! Did you get pills or liquid? If you got pills, you should be able to return the remaining medication. We have several kitties who don't tolerate Clavamox well, so we have a variety of antibiotics (and even trying a different form might help!). You can always ask your vet for a written script and call around to local pharmacies. Some of our local ones can make or compound medications for our patients for a small price. :) Good luck, and I hope your kitty feels better soon!

[philekallista]

Phile, that is not uncommon. :( I'm sorry your kitty is sick! Did you get pills or liquid? If you got pills, you should be able to return the remaining medication. We have several kitties who don't tolerate Clavamox well, so we have a variety of antibiotics (and even trying a different form might help!). You can always ask your vet for a written script and call around to local pharmacies. Some of our local ones can make or compound medications for our patients for a small price. :) Good luck, and I hope your kitty feels better soon!

Thanks for the tips...we got pills. You think they will let me return the unused pills, as in, get a refund? That would be awesome. And you mean that I can take a pet's Rx to a CVS and they'll fill it for her (and I can get a $10 gift card with the Kmart new-or-transferred Rx deal that's out)? I won't get my hopes up, but if that's what you're saying, I will go for it. Thanks very much.

[Rene S]

1. If you have multiple animals, ask if you can bring them in all at once and get a group discount. Our vet does this.

2. Many medications given to pets are actually for humans (not all though). Whenever possible, get a prescription and fill it yourself. Walmart and Target have the $4 generics too. When you fill the scrip, you'll just need to tell the pharmacy if your pet is feline or canine, as they note that on the bottle.

philekallista--Clavamox is known to put many cats off their food. It has to two of our cats and is now one of the drugs I will NOT give my cats. It's a pencillin-based drug, so there are plenty of other inexpensive options.

[philekallista]

So ... I don't know much about the generic antibiotics and how they work with insurance. I couldn't use my health insurance to pay for my cat's prescription, right, so is the $4 generic thing independent of whether or not you have insurance? I am still waiting for the vet to call me back about what we can substitute for the Clavamox. I really want my kitty to start feeling better sooner rather than later. :( She's not vomiting anymore but she still won't eat (thankfully has been drinking some water).

[TBEventer2002]

Phile, the $4 prescriptions are not through insurance. They literally only cost $4. lol. The issue would be if the size/strength that your pet needs is available. That's why you might need to call around to the local pharmacies to see if they even have what you need. :) Hope that helps!

[philekallista]

Phile, the $4 prescriptions are not through insurance. They literally only cost $4. lol. The issue would be if the size/strength that your pet needs is available. That's why you might need to call around to the local pharmacies to see if they even have what you need. :) Hope that helps!

Thanks! I ended up only having to pay the difference between the first and second antibiotic! I can handle $11 as opposed to another $50. Now the challenge is getting the pill in her mouth. I totally lucked out with her yesterday; she was so distressed she started crying and I was able to toss the pill in her mouth mid-cry. But she's learned to cry with her teeth clenched now. :( I hope I don't have to go back a third time to get another medicine in liquid form...

[kval07]

Thanks! I ended up only having to pay the difference between the first and second antibiotic! I can handle $11 as opposed to another $50. Now the challenge is getting the pill in her mouth. I totally lucked out with her yesterday; she was so distressed she started crying and I was able to toss the pill in her mouth mid-cry. But she's learned to cry with her teeth clenched now. :( I hope I don't have to go back a third time to get another medicine in liquid form...

Try Greenies Pill Pockets. I have issues with my dogs taking their heartworm pills. They love the pill pockets though, so they don't even know they are getting it. Sneaky sneaky! They are kind of expensive...I think I paid $6 for a bag. But they've lasted forever.

[mayanfire]

*L* when i used the greenies, they gave my dogs such bad gas...*L* it was horrible...

now i use the cans of little sausage things? i think armour makes them...they're really soft and mushy and my dogs LOVE them....i just tear them apart, stuff a pill into the middle, and they gobble it up....

[TBEventer2002]

If you need to pill a cat, you can try different methods.

- A pill gun. A plastic tube that you put the pill in, shove it in the mouth, and the pill is dispensed.

- Canned cat food. I meal-feed my cats, so they always finish their meals quickly. I can hide a small pill (or pieces of a large pill) in their canned cat food.

- Crushing & mixing with water in a syringe. This is only in desperation. Carefully crush the medication and mix with a few mL's of water (NO MILK!!!) in a syringe and it's just as good as getting a liquid form.

Hope that helps! :)

[Rene S]

You can also crush the pill and mix it with a small amount of chicken or turkey baby food. Many cats love meat baby food. Note: if you want to do this, please ask your vet if it's ok to crush the pill first. Some pills need to be taken whole.

[philekallista]

I think I'm just going to have to bite the bullet and pop the pill in her mouth as quickly as possible. I tried molding my own sneaky treat (a little mound of wet food with the pill inside) and the first time her tongue touched the pill, she glared at it and walked away!! It must taste really bad. Soaking in tuna juice didn't help either, and tuna is her favorite food. But I've had two successful runs now just opening her mouth and throwing it in after coating the pill in a little butter. And this medicine seems to have no side effects. It's so good to see her happy and playful again. :) Thanks all for the tips.

[sdasilva27]

You could also try your state/county/city humane society. I know I paid $150 for an annual exam, hw test, and shots for mine. I might try actually using the humane society this time. My area's website is here with prices if you want to try and find the similar one for your area: Low Cost Spay & Neuter Clinic (http://www.humanemanatee.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=13&catid=9&Itemid=48)

[Riann216]

I think I'm just going to have to bite the bullet and pop the pill in her mouth as quickly as possible. I tried molding my own sneaky treat (a little mound of wet food with the pill inside) and the first time her tongue touched the pill, she glared at it and walked away!! It must taste really bad. Soaking in tuna juice didn't help either, and tuna is her favorite food. But I've had two successful runs now just opening her mouth and throwing it in after coating the pill in a little butter. And this medicine seems to have no side effects. It's so good to see her happy and playful again. :) Thanks all for the tips.


Be very careful with the tuna if it the human canned kind. This is very bad for cats and can actually cause UTI's. The mineral balance in the tuna and the sodium throw the cat's urine off kilter and allow the crystals to form that can lead to a blocked urethra.

[kbullsexy07]

We have always paid between $80 to $100 for our dog's annual exam. This includes his shots. Just wondering if anyone has been able to get a discount or if there are some other ways to save some money on exams without having pet insurance. TIA!
Where are you located?? In dallas we have a mobile unit that goes to diffrent locations in Dallas each Sunday?? Its called the PetVax. I pay $6 for boardatella, $8 for rabbies , heartworm medicine is sold at a discount etc..

After spending $150 twice and over $300 at the vet to get my dogs 3 rounds of puppy shots, i quickly started researching other options..

[motherofmolly]

Seems my mom used to get those shots at a feed store and gave them herself? I wouldn't know how to do it, but I think it's possible....

my friend has 4 dogs and two horses...she always gives every shot except the rabies for the dogs...you have to prove they got the shot and buy a tag from the county here...needless to say she has a country vet come out and he gives the dogs all the rabies shots and takes care of the horses and charges one home visit (the price of an office visit)...

she gets what she needs at tractor supply. try pricing at your local tractor supply, farm & fleet, or feed store.

also remember when you go to the vet, take an actual poop sample. my dh always forgets to do this and we get charged for them to draw blood. way cheaper to bring in the poop.

[TBEventer2002]

also remember when you go to the vet, take an actual poop sample. my dh always forgets to do this and we get charged for them to draw blood. way cheaper to bring in the poop.

I think you might be confused. :) Heartworms are not passed in the stool and cannot be detected by a fecal float. They must be found through a blood sample ONLY. The stool sample is to check for INTESTINAL parasites such as roundworms, hookworms (both of which are transmissible to humans), coccidia, etc. :wavehi: So most vets do both, not "one or the other."