Looking for an Affordable and caring vet in West Springfield/Burke area (Annandale: how much, hotel)

[fittmom]

I just boarded my dog with one vet in this area and they charged me $30 to board (normally it's between 15/20 per day...I was not thrilled with the price, but ok....Then....And this just blew me away. NORMALLY when you board, they will do a complimentary bath. I have been all over the USA with my dog, living here and there - and that is standard. Now...If you aren't boarding, a straight bath is $15/$25 dollars..>Grooming costs more....

They boarded my dog for 1 day....$31.00....They "bathed" her and it cost $63.50. I was absolutely floored. They charged a-la-carte to clean out her ears, and to top it all off...THEY shaved her behind...she looks ridiculous. I did NOT authorize that and I will not go to this particular vet again --

Now..that being said...I wonder if anyone has any references for good vets with good boarding facilities who don't charge an arm and a leg....

Thanks

[greeniebean]

We really like Parkway Vet. Clinic on Burke Center Pkwy, a block before Rt. 123. However, I think boarding charges are $27/day and yes, bath is extra. We'd called around to some other boarding facilities before for pricing, and I don't recall the $27 pricetag being high; a couple places were much more. At this point, our dog is 15, so we feel more comfortable boarding her at her vet's office in case there is a problem.

I hope this helps. That $63 charge is what we pay for a full grooming session at the place we use in Fairfax! I can't imagine anyone charging that much for a simple bath.

[fittmom]

Thanks so much

[mlv311]

We are also clients at Parkway Veterinary Clinic. While I think their rates for medical services are not inexpensive, I do think they are very professional and caring. One of our dogs passed away this past April and they handled the situation with a lot of compassion and sensitivity.

There is a place right off 123 (Ox Rd) and Fairfax Station Dr. that offers cage-free boarding: Affectionate Pet Care. I don't know what their rates are for boarding, but it might be worth checking out.

[barryhussein]

Vets are very expensive in NoVa. I think it has something to do with the schools not producing enough science students. For boarding, a reliable house sitter is your best option. I think many of the boarding places tack on a bath (and charge) automatically, when you drop your dog off. 63 bucks is extortion, though. The kid that did it, probably makes 8 bucks per hour. Welcome to NoVa. You will get the same type of excessively expensive services at the car dealerships, also.

[springfieldva]

For boarding purposes -

The Petsmart Pet Hotel in the Fairlakes shopping center charges 31 dollars a night for a large dog. There is an extra charge of 19 dollars if you pick your dog up after 12:00pm. Baths, grooming, individual and/or group play times are additional.

It is kind of pricey, but the pick up/drop off hours (7am to 9pm) are convenient. And, the place seems to be clean, well managed and popular with dog owners.

[Fairfax Mom]

My neighbor had a very bad experience with Parkway Vet Clinic boarding - her dog came home filthy and with urine burns.

I board my dogs at Dulles Gateway Pet Retreat(which is part of the Pender Vet) - a nice facility with reasonable rates - they only give the dog a bath if you authorize it. I use Pender Vet Centre when my dog has a serious problem and use Town & Country Animal Clinic in Fairfax when I just need shots - they are on the cheap side.
I do notice that vets are much more expensive here than where I used to live.

[greeniebean]

Originally Posted by Fairfax Mom

My neighbor had a very bad experience with Parkway Vet Clinic boarding - her dog came home filthy and with urine burns.

Do you know when your neighbor had this problem? Was it recent, or a few years back?

Thanks.

[Fairfax Mom]

greeniebean - the urine experience took place about 2 years ago.

But I also went to Parkway Vet and did not like it - ever since my dog (puppy at the time) had her nails clipped there she will not let anyone do it and now we have to have her slightly sedated before she gets her nails clipped. I did not like the fact they took her out of the room and out of my site to clip her nails and give her shots - I like to be in the room when this happens. But - I was told later that some vets do that also - I dont know if it is a new thing or not but I like to be in the room to comfort my pets when they have procedures done to them.

[msjack]

I LOVE Columbia Pike animal hospital in Annandale, they also have an office in Fairfax which is Town and Country. I have gone to many vets and by far they are the best. I'm not sure if I'm allowed to name dr's so mods if I'm not sorry, but Dr. Collada is the best! He works at both. I've also gone to other vets at the practice and they always go above and beyond. They are great. I don't know how much boarding is though.