I'm changing vets!

You may recall, I asked my vet to give Dylan's vaccines over two weeks at the same price as usual. They agreed and this week is Lepto and kennel cough. But, they are charging £26 for kennel cough. They charged £33 for the tripple vaccines last week so £59 all together

There is another practice near to me that I have heard is very good and very cheap, at least £50 less for a neuter (we are not neutering this time). I gave them a call and their kennel cough vaccine is £14.96, £11.04 cheaper than my vet. I asked how much they charge for writing prescriptions as the insurance won't pay for that, it's £5 which is half the price I'm currently paying.

So Dylan is having Lepto at my usual vet tomorrow and I will break the news to them then.

I'm doing the right thing, right?

BTW, it's snowing here, pictures to come soon, check out the gallery.

I think often times people in the medical field (for animals and people) forget that THEY are working for US. They provide a service, we pay for it, and that is that. So, if the vet were your dry cleaners or your car mechanic, you'd shop around and you'd go to a new shop if you could get the same, or better expert service at a better price.
That said, you could go to your vet and just honestly say that you have to watch your dollars (or pounds, rather) and you will need to get a copy of his records to transfer to a more reasonably priced vet. The vet may say "sorry to hear that" or they may agree to match the other vet's rates.
You might want to see this new vet a few times before you tell your current vet first, however. You might find they get their money other ways (I have seen that here), or that they aren't a good match for you and Dylan. If that were the case, you could simply stop using them.

There are other considerations for choosing a vet. I choose a vet carefully, and the prices charged for vaccinations would be lower on my list of considerations. I have always preferred a large practice, especially one that provides 24 hour care and has specialists within the practice. I need to build rapport with my vets and have relationships built on trust. With Geordie (SM and MVD) I especially need the vets in the practice know about his health problems and to discuss everything related to his care with me thoroughly. I would gladly pay a little extra to have the right vet/practice for my dogs.

If you think that all told the new vet represents equal if not better service at a more competitive price than go for it. However, I would just make sure that the new vets are fully up-to-date on all the conditions which can effect cavaliers especiall SM and MVD, just so you know that Dylan's health in that regard won't be compromised by the move. Also can I ask how do you get on with your current vets? Is there a person there you've clicked with? I would also 'interview' the new vet before changing. Do you think you can work with this new person. I only mention this as I have a preference which vet at my clinic sees Cleo. One of the vets is an absolute star, seems to know everything and will explain everything is a way I understand. he listens to my questions and concerns and I never feel like an idiot for asking about things. One of the other vets at the practice is brusque and a bit dismissive so when possible I schedule appointments with the former guy as I prefer meeting him. BTW either vet will I know do a good job, I just think it's important to feel comfortable asking questions etc.

It's really a decision only you can make. Good luck with it.

ps looking forward to seeing photos of the snow. Missing Dylans delight in the snow already! Sigh - Not that Merlin and oakely aren't absolutely snuggly gorgeous

Good points Suzie and Cathy, thanks. My present vet knows about SM but really only prescribes Dylan's pills, if I have any questions regarding Dylan's SM treatment I call the RVC.

I would like to keep Dylan on both practices books, I know others who do this. Certainly I would like my present vet if Dylan were to ever have an operation, only because I know them and trust them. But I am paying double there.

Cleo's Person said:

Also can I ask how do you get on with your current vets? Is there a person there you've clicked with?

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I get on with them all really well, even the nurses and manager. This is why I'm going to go and explain in person when Dylan has his Lepto vax. I like one because she always kisses and cuddles Dylan and talks to him in a baby voice! I like the other because he explains all the science to me.

I'd be slow to change because of price.Now if it were a huge amount I'd say sure...go for it,but the vets that you're with have been wonderful to Dylan and referred him when they suspected SM without any problems.They also know his history and you've built a relationship with them.
I know from talking with UK based friends that vet prescriptions are a sore point but you need to remember that just because this other vet is currently cheaper,they may raise their prices even higher than your current vet in the coming weeks or months.Wait and see how things level out.
Sins

I would certainly go to this other vets and find out about the facilities they have and talk to a member of thier staff or make a phone call then you would know if they would cater for Dylan`s health needs, probably better to do all of this before you mention anything to your vet. Good Luck, a difficult decision to make.

Can I be registered at two vets? I know someone who used 3 vets depending on what they wanted.

I brought two of mine for their boosters the other night and discovered a 50% increase in price since last year - €75 *each*

I brought two of mine for their boosters the other night and discovered a 50% increase in price since last year - €75 *each*

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What??? I pay less than that for a neuter!!
*faints*
Sins

sins said:

What??? I pay less than that for a neuter!!
*faints*
Sins

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I got Cody spayed 3 years ago for the bargain basement price of €240, I'd be afraid to ask what it costs now

*Pauline* said:

Can I be registered at two vets? I know someone who used 3 vets depending on what they wanted.

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I don't know, but it's worth investigating as that would mean you can keep up the good relationship with the vets you have and still use the other vet when the price is more reasonable.

HMM I WISH it were that cheap over here!!! I took Kosmo to the vet a few months ago because he scratched his eye - the vet thought it was "uveitis." So therefore, I had to get him screened for lepto, kennel cough, heart worm, and his bloods.. I almost DIED when I went to pay my bill and it was $550 or 350 euros I also paid 400 or 250 EUR for him to get neutered.. CRY!! It's SO expensive over here :cry*ing:

We pay $70 or 44EUR to just walk in the door - that's with NOTHING else. . . all vaccines/prescriptions/etc is on TOP of that fee :bang: I hate paying for vets here!

We have 2 Vets. One is a Holistic Vet that practices both Eastern & Western medicine. She uses the new protocol in giving vaccines & her prices are very reasonable. The down side is she is 40 miles away. About 5 miles from home is Dr. Frank who we go to for emergency things like ear infections, pulled muscles in the back, etc. We just make sure that all records are in the files at both Vets.

Funny enough I moved from a cheap vet to a more expensive vet and I am glad I did. The cheap vet I used when I had my other two dogs and he was ok as not much was ever wrong with my other two dogs. Then there was a two year gap between my last dog passing and us getting our first Cavalier. I started of using my old vet but his manner had become terrible. (It was never very good before). When Ebony had a puppy murmur he made out she was going to die within the next month. Then he gave her medicine that made her really ill. He probably couldn’t have known that but it made me change vets anyway. When I look at my vet bills now they are a little bit more expensive, spaying is £165 (old vet done it for £90) and operations are dearer but I know my dogs are in good hands. The facilities they have are great as they have tier 3 RCVS Hospital Status. Also I can choose the vet I want to see.
I would never again let the price decide which vet I choose.
I know a few people who use more then one vet.

So it might be best if I just get my vaccines and repeat prescription from the new vet as long as they agree to give me a 3 month supply and get any treatment done at my old vet.

I just called to postpone Dylan's Lepto as the weather is so bad. I foolishly asked the receptionist if it is ok to go to two practices. She said not really and there would be problems with insurance, I said I'd discuss it with the vet when I come next week, she said there wasn't anything to discuss! (oops) I phoned the insurance and they said it's fine. Just to put in a covering note next time I claim. They said some people use the vet and the internet to get meds and that's no problem.

Oh my God the receptionist sounds rude.
It’s a bit like when you go to your GP, the receptionist thinks she is the doctor and you have to tell her everything in detail. (No offence intended against receptionists)
Good that your insurance don't mind.

She didn't say it in a rude way as such, she is quite a nice girl, she's a nurse too. I postponed the new vet and the old due to weather. The new vet also said it is best to go to just one vet. I feel I have to change as I can't pay double at mine. I will be sorry to leave though. If I don't like the new vet, I can always change back.