the Cost of Non-Routine Pet Care

My dog had a tremor that lasted for a minute or two and then he was fine. The next day I took him to the vet to be sure and they gave him the standard check up. They then said he seemed fine, but they were going to take blood work. The vet then showed me a video of a dog doing the same thing as mine and told me it just happens and he should be fine. So, the blood work and check up came out to $250. A few days later they called and said he was fine. I asked about the cost of a bordetella shot and they informed me he would need a check up first ($50) and then the price of the shot. I had just been in and paid for a blood test that wasn't really needed since the video calmed my fears about the diagnosis.

The vets were very friendly and the facility was nice, although they didn't work with you (such as waiving the check up fee for the shot a few days after previous visit) or in any way try and save you money by combining services. They also were not up front in letting me know the cost for medications, vet visits, shots, and blood work. I feel that they don't really know what is wrong or they do and give you the run around to get more money for services, visits, and medications.

Be assertive about pricing and what you do and do not want to pay for, don't take your dog in for every little thing and make sure you know the fees for services prior.