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I am a big fan of Bayleaf. I used to work at an overpriced vet in the area and was so tired of seeing people get ripped off and didn't agree with talking people into unnecessary procedures or promoting the company's line of flea/tick/hw products for their own benefit; especially when the products didn't work for my own pet.
My annual visits at Bayleaf haven't been more than about $105-110. That includes the exam, core vaccine (dist/parvo/rabies), lepto, heartworm test and wellness bloodwork that I request every year. They did a nail trim for free too; something that my old employer would have charged at least $11 for (and that was before they had 3 price increases). I pay more for my large dog's heartgard and frontline than I do for my annual visits, but each year, they always have a mail-in rebate through the supplier and submit it for you.
I highly recommend Dr. Wilson, but his schedule tends to fill up quicker than the other vets at the practice.
I am a big fan of Bayleaf. I used to work at an overpriced vet in the area and was so tired of seeing people get ripped off and didn't agree with talking people into unnecessary procedures or promoting the company's line of flea/tick/hw products for their own benefit; especially when the products didn't work for my own pet.
My annual visits at Bayleaf haven't been more than about $105-110. That includes the exam, core vaccine (dist/parvo/rabies), lepto, heartworm test and wellness bloodwork that I request every year. They did a nail trim for free too; something that my old employer would have charged at least $11 for (and that was before they had 3 price increases). I pay more for my large dog's heartgard and frontline than I do for my annual visits, but each year, they always have a mail-in rebate through the supplier and submit it for you.
I highly recommend Dr. Wilson, but his schedule tends to fill up quicker than the other vets at the practice.
Yes they seemed very cost effective and reasonable. I did buy one month of heartguard when I was there and was going to order online like I do for my other dog that I took to the "overpriced" place, though they did fax back to Petmart pharmacy for me which was a bonus. When Bayleaf called to tell me they do not deal with online pharmacies and would mail the script to me and I could send it in, they told me about their special with the mail in rebate. Their deal was going to be $9.09 a pill and I can order it for $7. Not much but does add up and I order my other dogs and wanted to do the same once a year just so I dont forget.
I will transfer my other dog to Bayleaf for next years visit thats for sure.
I buy my Heartguard and Frontline from Australia, as another poster mentioned. Even paying $5.00 for airmail, it ends up being quite a bit less than US prices.
I buy my Heartguard and Frontline from Australia, as another poster mentioned. Even paying $5.00 for airmail, it ends up being quite a bit less than US prices.
When comparing costs, just make sure you are comparing apples to apples.
For instance, the $2k-3k surgery for knees is a TPLO performed by a specialist (involves bone plate, etc) and the $600 fix is a "GP" vet doing an extra cap repair (high tensile strength suture). The former will return a dog to 90% or greater function with minimal fail rate, while the latter has a pretty high fail rate for larger dogs because it is a far less stable repair.
Heartworm tests can be heart worm only, or the one that also tests for lyme, ehrlichia, and other tick diseases. Obviously there is a price variant there.
Also remember that if you buy your heart worm products through the vet, even though more expensive, the product is guaranteed. So if your pet gets intestinal or heart worms while on the product, the company will pay for any needed testing and treatment. If you get it online or overseas you are on your own if you have a product failure. Frontline also has a guarantee through vets only.
While it definitely is NOT a linear relationship that "You get what you pay for", I would be wary of bargain basement prices. I know that some of the local areas that have super low prices do things like recycle needles and syringes, use bulk suture instead of individual (sterilized) packs, etc. There are plenty of "reasonably" priced vets in the Triangle area that have average prices, good service, and knowledgeable/friendly staff. Don't base your decision solely on price.
When comparing costs, just make sure you are comparing apples to apples.
For instance, the $2k-3k surgery for knees is a TPLO performed by a specialist (involves bone plate, etc) and the $600 fix is a "GP" vet doing an extra cap repair (high tensile strength suture). The former will return a dog to 90% or greater function with minimal fail rate, while the latter has a pretty high fail rate for larger dogs because it is a far less stable repair.
Heartworm tests can be heart worm only, or the one that also tests for lyme, ehrlichia, and other tick diseases. Obviously there is a price variant there.
Also remember that if you buy your heart worm products through the vet, even though more expensive, the product is guaranteed. So if your pet gets intestinal or heart worms while on the product, the company will pay for any needed testing and treatment. If you get it online or overseas you are on your own if you have a product failure. Frontline also has a guarantee through vets only.
While it definitely is NOT a linear relationship that "You get what you pay for", I would be wary of bargain basement prices. I know that some of the local areas that have super low prices do things like recycle needles and syringes, use bulk suture instead of individual (sterilized) packs, etc. There are plenty of "reasonably" priced vets in the Triangle area that have average prices, good service, and knowledgeable/friendly staff. Don't base your decision solely on price.
I never base my child care or pet care solely on price. The staff need to be compassionate, caring , knowledgeable and understanding. I just shop around for products that I buy and if I can get the same EXACT med through an online company that is reputable like Petmart pharmacy that has lower prices and reliable service then I will use them. I am willing to pay a little more for better care and service but when a business hikes up the price on a product the way some vets do, it is no wonder people find more cost effective ways to treat their pets.
All the veterinary practices that have been suggested so far on this thread seem to be in North Raleigh. Does anybody have suggestions for a good/caring, low cost vet in the the Cary/Apex/Morrisville area? I have a cat who has some allergy issues and the vet bills for each visit have been astronomical!
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