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Hi all--we have 2 dogs due in a few weeks for their regular vet visit/shots. We paid over $400 for this last year and got just the basic shots (Corona, Bordatella, etc) and office visit. I like our office really quite well, but wanted to compare rates and recommendations from my fellow C-D folks.
So I just wanted to see if folks were willing to share what they pay for an office visit and immunizations (and boarding if you have it) for dogs, and if you like your vet/would recommend them. Location isn't that important (since we don't mind driving and maybe other C-Ders would find the responses useful).
I'm in Cary and have taken my dog to Mayfair Animal Hospital. One visit = $55 (just the visit). Vaccinations I think are probably another $100 or so (maybe $150).
My understanding is the further out in the country you go, the lower the prices will be, in general. In places like Cary the rates are high.
I've been going to Peak Plaza Animal Hospital in Apex since I moved here in 2006. I like them well enough but can't really say if their prices are high or not. My vet bills have been so high this year (cancer x2) - really wish I had a visit that was just immunizations. You could also keep an eye out for immunization clinics put on by the humane society. I also only vaccinate every three years - something you could consider.
Corona:
C (in DHLPPC) = Corona virus:
This virus attacks the intestinal system similar to parvovirus. Infected dogs suffer from vomiting and diarrhea and dehydration. Keep your pet vaccinated and your yard clean to protect your pet.
Read more at Suite101: Recommended Dog Vaccinations: Distemper, Adenovirus, Leptospirosis, Parainfluenza, Parvovirus, Corona virus, Bordetella, Lyme Disease, Giardia, and Rabies Recommended Dog Vaccinations: Distemper, Adenovirus, Leptospirosis, Parainfluenza, Parvovirus, Corona virus, Bordetella, Lyme Disease, Giardia, and Rabies (http://petcare.suite101.com/article.cfm/dogandpuppyvaccinations#ixzz0tQVLL7U0 - broken link)
I've been going to Peak Plaza Animal Hospital in Apex since I moved here in 2006. I like them well enough but can't really say if their prices are high or not. My vet bills have been so high this year (cancer x2) - really wish I had a visit that was just immunizations. You could also keep an eye out for immunization clinics put on by the humane society. I also only vaccinate every three years - something you could consider.
I loved Dr. Bailey at the Animal Hospital at Peak Plaza and miss them terribly. I also spent a lot of money there, but I'd say their prices are pretty moderate for the area. I appreciated that they always gave me price upfront and gave me options. I have a diabetic cat and Dr. Bailey was always willing to have me home test and give advice via e-mail.
My previous vet (also in Cary) actively discouraged home testing, said "you wouldn't know what to do with the information," and insisted I bring my cat in for glucose testing, which stressed her and cost me $80 each time.
So even though I have an elderly diabetic cat with various medical problems, I think the Animal Hospital at Peak Plaza dealt with me fairly. I was happy when I found them!
Lovebrentwood and I are Magnolia Animal Hospital's (particularly Dr. John but they're all great) biggest fans. Well... we both think that we are their #1, but I'm voting to have a truce and share that spot with her . Anyways, I have a cat, but I know from experience that their prices are AWESOME, so I'm sure they are for dogs, too. I paid about $65 for her yearly checkup and shots. I've paid well over $100 at other places. They also include one test for free for all cats, which I just think is awesome. They have evening hours on Tuesday, which is really helpful. Not to mention, the entire staff is very friendly and pampers my cat like a princess (which, as her ever so devoted mother, I love!). Definitely check them out.
Try Town and Country Vet in Apex. I can only compare them to what we used to pay down in Florida, and they're competitive. Have been very happy with their care for our pet. Dr Ashford's been outstanding.
Not sure if you knew this, but you can actually give your dogs their own shots (or in my case, have someone else do it). Shots are about $7-10 a piece except for rabies. You can buy these shots at some pet stores (email if you want to know which one I use). Rabie shots you can get at rabie clinics (check the SPCA for dates) or if you are near Benson, check out fortheloveofdogs. They can also give shots extremely cheap (again, around the $10 price) and they DO NOT charge an office visit. They are only open Monday-Wednesday.
I take my dogs to the vet for everything else but shots. Save some money that way!
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