Vet choice, pet store or local?

GamerDad26 · 03-27-2008, 11:05 AM

New puppy is arriving at our house in a few weeks and we need a vet. The local big national pet store has a vet service that has a "wellness program" that includes shots, visits, etc. There is also a local vet that offers something similar in program and cost.

Besides the convenience with having the vet at the pet store, any advantages/disadvantages in going either route?

shell07 · 03-27-2008, 11:21 AM

What kind of pup? I don't see a problem either way, but you may want to call and ask the vet if they specialize in large breed dogs or toy dogs, depending on which is closer to where you live. It is always good to have that kind of info on hand since some vets have better experience with either/or and sometimes both. For instance- We have many local vets around, but out of like 12 only ONE specializes in toy breeds.

briteday · 03-27-2008, 11:44 AM

Also ask what they do for after hours emergencies. Our local vet has his cell # on the after hours recording. And he is affliliated with the ER vets closest to us as well. Also, do the vets in the pet store do surgeries and are they able to board a sick animal?

cshellenberger · 03-27-2008, 12:25 PM

I find the pet store vets and chains vets to be overall more expensive, even with their 'wellness' programs than a good local vet.

Example:

Nueter at the Petstore for a PUG was over $400.00 no IV or presaurgical testing

MY vet is 139.00 ALL SIZES AND AGES. IF I need IV and presurgical screening it wouldn't to 200.00.

Meds though him are 1/2 the price.

My vet is one of hte top rated in the state, he's been in practice for 20 years and stays UTD on all the latest. He does ALL OFAcerts and specializes in Giant breed nad Brachy breeds (EB breeder for 20 years)

The eye surgery (cherry eye tack) I had done on my EB was 250.00 through him, other vets wanted 750.00. He did any repairs for FREE.

YES, I LOVE MY VET!!!!!!

Willowy · 03-27-2008, 07:42 PM

Google "Banfield vet" (Petsmart's vet clinics). I've heard that a lot of people have had bad experiences with them. I don't have any personal experience.....they don't have vet clinics in the Petsmarts around here. I like single-doctor vet clinics the best. I hate getting a different vet every time I go. You might have to try a few vets until you find one you really like.

shell07 · 03-27-2008, 09:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cshellenberger

I find the pet store vets and chains vets to be overall more expensive, even with their 'wellness' programs than a good local vet.

Example:

Nueter at the Petstore for a PUG was over $400.00 no IV or presaurgical testing

MY vet is 139.00 ALL SIZES AND AGES. IF I need IV and presurgical screening it wouldn't to 200.00.

Meds though him are 1/2 the price.

My vet is one of hte top rated in the state, he's been in practice for 20 years and stays UTD on all the latest. He does ALL OFAcerts and specializes in Giant breed nad Brachy breeds (EB breeder for 20 years)

The eye surgery (cherry eye tack) I had done on my EB was 250.00 through him, other vets wanted 750.00. He did any repairs for FREE.

YES, I LOVE MY VET!!!!!!

Wow! I can see why you are so happy with your vet! Mine is good, but yours rocks!! Can I get the number?? Think he would make a house call to CO? LOL

cshellenberger · 03-27-2008, 11:31 PM

LOL, I found my vet on a Bulldog site after spending 750.00 on an UNSUCCESFUL cherry eye surgery(which was the incorrect procedure) , the other vet wanted to charge half price for the 'repair'.

If anybody here is in the San Diego area, my vet is Dr. Gary Simpson with Spring VAlley Veterinary clinic on Campo road.

Oh, he also diagnosed Angels Demodex and got me out of the office WITH MEDS for under 100.00.

Patt · 03-27-2008, 11:41 PM

Some people are very happy with Banfield and their Wellness Plan, others are not and are still paying for it. So it all depends on your location. Beware of the Wellness Plan though, be sure to read the fine print.

I would ask for recomendations from friends and/or co-workers.

Chicster · 03-28-2008, 04:47 PM

My roomates take their dog to Petco for puppy shots. I don't really see anything wrong with doing this... but I don't think it's a substitute for proper vet care. My roomates have never taken the dog to the vet, only to petco... to me that sounds dangerous.

agility collie mom · 03-28-2008, 07:59 PM

Banfield tends to over vaccinate. Fort Dodge has an interest in them so hence all the vaccines. The only problem I find with the clinics that come into the pet stores once a month is that you are not established with a regular vet, so if you do have an emergency alot of vets will not squeeze you in because they want to take their established clients first.