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]

Originally Posted by manders13 i think i saw a MIR someplace on here for vet services.

x12/31/09 $10 Back on Science Diet or Veterinary Services

[manders13]

Originally Posted by kval07 x12/31/09 $10 Back on Science Diet or Veterinary Services

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.