Has anyone done a comparison of vet charges and moved vets
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I really like my vets and they have lots of excellent facilities but I do wonder whether I am paying charges over the top because of the good facilities. It is very difficult to think about looking for somewhere cheaper when the facilities may not be so good but I would like to have the views of anyone who has changed on grounds of cost.
Answers (7)
I had two cats for over 15 years and never had to take them to the vet until towards the end of their lives so took them to the nearest which was part of a chain of vets. I was very happy with how the vet looked (very clean) and the friendliness of the receptionist/how they treated the cats but they seemed really expensive. After both cats had gone, I got a dog and asked around lots of dog walkers where they took theirs to.
I registered my dog at a different vets (independent) further away which had a good reputation and although I find it a bit more stressful having to drive to the vets and it's a bit more crowded, it is a lot cheaper. This vet charged full price for first check up then if any treatment is needed and has to go back a week later, they charge half the price for the second check up and third etc whereas the old vets charged over £10 more in the first place for the check up and didn't reduce their costs during treatment.
I wouldn't consider it personally. If the vets are good and you like them then why risk taking your pet elsewhere for the sake of a couple of pounds.
Unfortunately, even with insurance cover, my pet bills average about £100 a month (with insurance payment on top). She is old and has an ongoing condition. However, as you say, I like the vet and the facility and would probably not change for her but might change for future one.
i think with vet its like your doctor when you find a good one price does not come into it
You can't really advise on vets as there are so many independent ones. Find the one you like and stick with them as they get to know your pet well.
Our vets have thing called happy pet club, you pay an amount each month( it's £9 for our husky) depending on size and weight of animal, for this fee we get all flea and worm treatments, booster jab and 6 mnth nurse check up and 10% off any treatments, which I think is well worth the money, just wish they would do same thing for my horses!
yes i did just that when i had my cat neutered several years ago
Were you as satisfied with the facilities in the new vets even though the cost was lower?
oh yes i wouldn't have gone if the service and facilities were not upto scratch wouldn't want anything happening to my little friend
we stay with the same vets because we believe it ensures the best care for our pets as he remembers them and things to check over in particular. your looking for confidence that your pet is well cared for not cash.
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My vet is a fair distance away. There are two nearer vets but when I moved to this town I poked my nose into the reception and didn't like what I saw and then I heard things I wasn't particularly happy about so decided not to go with the nearest.
When I looked at some that were further away but not as far as I am travelling I wasn't particularly happy about what I heard them either.
Probably I have talked myself out of changing because even if other vets are cheaper I would not want to take my dog to them. I probably pay more because the facilities/care/surgery/night staff/vet on duty 24/7 are all what I want.
Although I will not make the same decision as you, you did help me to decide what to do - which in this case is no change.
That's good. First time I've been on this site and just happened to be searching for info on vets myself and came across your question so glad I could help - thankyou