Another Vet question

[Nicky, Riley & Boris]

I don't know what it's like in the US but I find it very difficult to find out what Vet fees are here.  When I ask they say they don't give out that information.  I think they should post their fees for the most common procedures.  What is the situation where you are? do you know the costs before hand or do you just get a surprise when the bill is handed over?

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

I usually wait for the bill, however I can ask and get an answer. My vet is old fashioned and much of what he does is included in the visit charge. Meds are a separate cost. 

[Charlotte and Bo]

My vet posts the routine fees. He lets me know what it will cost for not so routine stuff ahead of time.

[Elizabeth, Bailey & Bruin]

Mine does the same thing....

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

With my Vet and even the Specialty Vet where we took Guinness we ALWAYS get an estimate which we sign prior to treatment.  It appears to be standard practice in this area.  So we brought Guinness in today (as an example), and they had worked out all of the services and meds that would likely be provided.  Before we left we had to sign that saying we were in agreement.  If they are going to deviate from that they would have to call us first and get approval.

[Ricki and Tara (doodle)]

Our vet is similar to Jane's. We get a hard copy statement of fees requiring our signature prior to any procedure . But for routine visits for a physical or to get titers tested I usually call ahead and say "I want to have this, this and this done how much is it going to cost?"And they will give me a total over the phone.

Also for surgical type procedures they will have us sign a form instructing them about how much money beyond the agreed amount we are willing to spend in case something unforeseen arises during the procedure.

[F, Calla & Luca]

Surprise here at least in terms of posting. But I do think if I asked a question, like how much is a certain vaccination, they would tell me beforehand.

[Lucy & AnnaBelle's Mom]

I've asked when I had fosters and needed to get things done and the always provided the info to me.  With the girls, it has always been pretty routine stuff though so I just get a bill.

[Nancie & Gracie Doodle]

My vet has all the prices pretty much available to you other than for unusual things.  Regular office visit, vaccines, teeth cleaning, flea and heartworm medication and things like that.  If there is a procedure like when Gracie needed her fox tails removed from her paw then they give us an estimate which is pretty much what we agree to and pay.  In some circumstances if they were to find something more then they would charge more. 

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

I can call my vet and ask what the charges will be for shots, general exam, some lab tests, etc

[Sherri, Sophie, Winston, & Kitty]

I know what you mean Nicky. when I was shopping around for a potential new vet none of the clinics would tell me about their prices. They said I had to book a consult first. The only price they would tell me is the consult fee. It was really annoying because prices are a huge factor when picking a vet. But my own vet never hesitates to tell me how much things cost and I've grown more attached to her so even though they are expensive, probably one of the most expensive in the city, I'm sticking with her.

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

It is always a surprise to me and usually, never a good one...LOL!!!

[Jennifer and Jack]

The speciality clinics I have brought Jack to always give me an estimate that I have to sign beforehand my regular vet never charges me the full amount of anything unless she knows his insurance is going to pay. I have a very kind compassionate vet, who walks Jack for me when I can't and also offers to food shop for me. I don't think I have the norm when it comes to vets!