Vets in Philly

[Jess & Stewart]

Hi all,

I'm finally bringing home a pup soon- Nov. 22nd to be exact! I'm trying to price vets in the city & wanted to see where everyone takes their dogs. I get a discount at UPenn Vet but they told me an office visit/checkup would be about $65 with vaccines ranging from $10-$30. Is that reasonable? I wouldn't think office visits would cost that much.

I'm also confused about the vaccinations-Penn told me they like to age rather than sorry so they encourage DHPP, Lepto, Lyme, Bordatella, Rabies and I believe there were 2 others they mentioned. This seems like a lot- I know DHPP & Rabies are a must, but I'm not sure if I'll need the others-especially Lepto because of the strong averse reactions to the vaccine I've heard about.

I'd love any other recommendations-training classes, daycare, groomers, dog walkers, parks?

Thanks!

[Jess & Stewart]

Lol-I meant they want to be safe rather than sorry! Autocorrect can be frustrating!

[Jennifer & Darwin]

Hi Jess,

Congratulations on your soon to be new pup!

I started at Queen Village Animal Hospital and switched to World of Animals at 20th and Pine. Dr. Dallago is wonderful - love him! A health maintenance check is about $55 (same at Queen Village). Rabies vaccine is $26 and DHPP is $36 (I think). After doing some research, I have decided to only do the basic core vaccines (DHPP, Rabies). He did receive the Bordatella vaccine when he was younger because he was going to doggie day care, but he hasn't received it again - although groomers often ask for it. I also ask the vet to give him only one vaccine per visit with a 4-week wait before getting another vaccine. And next year (at his 3 year old visit), I may request a titer check for Rabies before giving him another Rabies vaccination - undecided. The first year of vet care was not inexpensive - many puppy visits, vaccines/boosters, and sick visits (mostly for GI issues), but it seems to get easier (and cheaper) as they get older.

Training classes - Opportunity Barks for group classes (Puppy Primer, Real World Manners, Agility, Tricks, etc), Tuff Pup Training for private training (Matt Schimsky is great!)

Daycare - Central Bark (great when he was young and full of energy), My Philly Pet Care (Dave and Kristy are fantastic!)

Groomers - Nick at The Pampered Pooch - Darwin always looks beautiful and Nick is wonderful!

Dog walkers - My Philly Pet Care

Parks - Schuylkill River Dog Park (can get crazy, especially on weekends, but at the right time, is a great option), Timber Creek Park (in NJ, but great for a change of pace if you have the time)

Good luck!

[Jess & Stewart]

Thanks Jennifer!

I think I will go with Penn, just because I live right in the neighborhood and it will save me money in the end since I won't need to pay for transportation.

I would like to do classes at Opportunity Barks, I wish they had Saturday classes as it would be nice to go to a class during the day when it's light out. I'm wary of taking a cab at night to the classes since they're held at 6:30. I know a few months ago The Philly Dog School had training classes on Saturdays, but they seem to have closed and I can only find information on their daycare. I want to do classes ASAP for socialization so I may find classes on weekends near my family in NJ.

I'm definitely looking into your groomer-at least I'll know he has experience with goldendoodles! I've heard good things about the Schuylkill River Park. I also live very close to Clark Park and Penn has great green areas that I can bring him on a long line to get his energy out! Thanks for the recommendations on daycare/dog walkers!

[Theresa & Duncan]

I think Jennifer gave you some great information! I am in northeast Philly so not quite as close, but we use the VCA (Knightswood location). They are thorough and it is usually easy to get an appointment. I also agree with Jennifer about the vaccinations. It depends on what is required from the different places you take your dog (border, groomer, ect.) but I tend to be of the mindset that less is more.

I am generally not a petsmart shopper, but we found a groomer at the Petsmart on Bustleton and Roosevelt Boulevard (her name is Ashley) that always does a great job with Duncan. For dog parks, we go to Curtis Park which is not too far from Fox Chase. We have always had a great experience there, and there are usually plenty of dogs.

Welcome to the Philly group, and good luck!