New vet?

[karaoke]

I hope someone knows a good vet who is more concerned about heling animals than filling there own pockets. My current vet has ripped me off once to many times with lots of silly and expensive tests for simple problems my dog has. They do 2 or 3 tests before you know it or can think to ask if they are needed. Next you know yu're out $100 for something probably as common as a cold for a person.

[drobyn]

I have the same problem. My dog went in for a simple eye problem and I'm pretty suire the vet tech could've diagnosed what was wrong, but in came the vet and 2 or 3 tests later I'm out way more money than if I'd gone to a people doctor.

[bethany]

I have been to the Harvey Oaks Animal Hospital and the Banfield Vet inside Petsmart near Oak View Mall. Usually I like to support local, non-chain places but the PetsMart vet was a lot cheaper. The care that we received at Harvey Oaks was excellent, though.

[karaoke]

I didn't know they hyad a vet office in Petsmart. Thats a great tip!
I'll try it. I thought they just had events like flea dips or things like that at the store.

[bethany]

They sure do! It's to the right as you walk in, past the groomers (I believe that there is also a separate entrance outside as well). It's a bare-bones sort of place, but clean, and their prices seem to be a little bit lower than a normal vet.

[apwendy]

Im gonna try that, too. My vet has a huge new office and I don't really feel like I should have to pay for the whole thing when my dog only has some small ailment. You just know they have business consultants telling them how to bill for higher amounts by doing more tests.

[bethany]

I know what you mean. I spent $330+ at one local vet to find out that there was nothing wrong with my cat, and that the reason that he was pooping outside his box was that he just didn't like that particular brand of kitty litter.

If my animals needed surgery or had a life-threatening problem, I probably would take them to a more traditional vets. But for vaccines and such the vet inside Petsmart is ok. You do need an appointment, but you can usually call ahead and get in the same day.

[Rhonda Dunaway]

After reading this, I think I'm going to try PetSmart, also. My dog is due for shots, a bath, and a toenail clipping, and I'm thinking the total bill may come out to be significantly less at PetSmart. Last year, when I had my dog's teeth cleaned, the bill was over $300, and that was with a discount coupon. When they told me the amount, my jaw literally dropped open, and I said, "Are you kidding, me?" out loud. (I normally just say this in my head, but I simply couldn't help myself.) I asked if my dog had had some kind of dental problems, but his teeth and gums were healthy. And, then when my dog had problems with ear infections for awhile, the bills for exams, tests, and treatment were running me $200 to $400 per month. This might sound extreme, but during the past year, I have often found myself wondering if responsible pet ownership is something that is soon going to be outside of the financial reach of regular middle class people.