Pets in SA (how much, cost of, license)

[ohannahbanana]

I just had my dog at the vet for her boosters and heartworm, and they said to check out regulations in Tx as far as Rabies.

In Michigan we have a 3 year Rabies vaccine, but the vet wasn't sure if Tx would recognize that or not?

For those of you with dogs, what's the yearly routine on vaccinations? Do you treat for fleas/ticks and heartworm all year round?

Also, if anyone can reccomend a vet in the North Central part of town, it would be greatly appreciated! I'll have to get more Heartguard for her about 6 weeks after we arrive.

Thanks!

Oh, and how soon am I supposed to license her once we arrive? How much would that cost for a (spayed) 15lb dog?

[turtlesoup]

I believe the rabies vaccine has to be done in Texas, but I could be mistaken. We have one year vaccinations and three year vaccinations. Since most people go to the vet yearly for their other vaccinations, one year vaccinations are much more common.

Heartworm prevention should be done year round in South Texas. It's a good idea to keep them on flea prevention year round, too. I don't keep my animals on Frontline year round, but if I see A SINGLE flea on any of them, they all get Frontline that month.

The cost of spaying a dog can vary greatly. The surgery, itself, can vary in cost and there are usually options you can add that will increase the cost. Most clinics present pre-op bloodwork as an option. (you should get it!) Pain medication is also an option in some clinics although required by others. Many vets will require that you have your dog current on heartworm prevention or require that she's tested to make sure she's negative before surgery. Most also require the basic vaccinations including Dhlp, bordetella and rabies. Depending on what your vet charges and what options you choose, you could spend a little under $100 or closer to $300.

You should probably get a city license as soon as you get the rabies vaccination. You can get it at HEB's customer service center if your vet doesn't issue them at the clinic.

There are plenty of good vets around town, so take your pick. I think it's a matter of your personality and the vet's, in most cases. Just find one you like.

[ohannahbanana]

Okay, thanks.

She's already spayed, I didn't know if that made a difference in the cost of getting her licensed.

Maybe I should've asked if there were any specific offices to stay away from?

It's nice to know there are a lot of good vets in town.