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?

[Jennifer,Chloe & Myla]

Jen-no you have an angel of a vet! You are blessed! You deserve it though:)

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

The veterinary surgical specialists we took Gordie to  tell you upfront in writing the estimate and what it covers.  All follow-up visits are covered which is especially helpful because the vet then decides when the dog is healed and released no matter how many appointments it takes.

[Pat and Traveler]

I haven't asked for prices as Trav hasn't had anything major (knock on wood!).  But I think the vet would let me know if I asked.  I know they have a list of usual procedures.  It does seem they should tell you fees for common procedures!

[Barbara B., Sasha & Oliver]

Sasha's vet will give your a estimate on how much something will cost if you ask, if you don't ask then they don't tell until you get the bill.  Oliver goes to Banfield and the plan he is on covers everything except for meds. 

[Martha & Cooper]

I always ask ahead of time what the costs are going to be and usually get an estimate.   Sometimes things are added on during the visit, but I am aware of this at the time.  I don't think I would go to a Vet that wouldn't give me an estimate ahead of time! 

[Christine & Camus]

The vet I take Camus to always gives a written estimate before a procedure and the dermatologist I just took him to not only gave me an estimate for the proposed treatment but also one, with high and low amounts, for future testing/treatment.  IMO it is unprofessional on the part of the vet not to let you know costs in advance and if a procedure is being recommended they should also be able to submit paperwork to the insurance company (if you are covered) for authorization.

[Lisa, Daisy & Dexter]

I always ask and they always tell...I think that is good business.

[Sue, Murphy and Bella ()*o*()]

I am usually informed during the visit of any charges before they do them. Every shot or medication. There are no surprises as They ask if I would like to include this or that before it is done or given. They are also very open with giving prices if I call to ask. I would not like to be surprised after the fact.

[Jennifer,Chloe & Myla]

Our past vet had a sheet with all their "common" fees like shots etc. When we got Chloe spayed we had to ASK for an estimate. Same at our new vet when Myla got her teeth cleaned we wanted a ballpark estimate-we like to pay cash and have it when we pick her up! We did call a bunch of vets for "common" fees a few months ago and they did pretty much tell us over the phone! If they want a new client-why wouldn't they? Unfortunately they were all "more' than our current vet. My opinion is that's because they are more "up to date" facilities-ours does not even have a computer system-they write everything on index cards for each pet. I'm SO trying to change!!

[Nicky, Riley & Boris]

Reading through all your experiences it is interesting that it varies so much.  I like the idea of having the routine procedures listed for all to see and anything else clearly discussed prior to any work being done.  I'm just considering switching Riley to a new vet who has recently moved near by and who is part of a larger group with access to the best speciality emergency clinic (which hopefully I will never need).  I only want the best vet but I have been  ripped off before by a vet that kept doing tests (on a rabbit!) and gave me a huge bill when the poor animal hadn't a hope of beating the illness anyway.