Average cost for a neuter + umbilical hernia

[Rick Smith]

I was curious what the average cost was for a neuter plus correcting an umbilical hernia was. 

My local Petsmart has a banfield inside which has a puppy plan that comes out to about 440 for the year that includes all needed shots (I still need to get him one more round of shots, plus a Rabies shot) as well as a fecal and heart worm exam, and includes the neuter. They said they would add in correcting the umbilical hernia for an extra 50 dollars when they do his neuter (I really want to verify this though since that sounds cheap.)

I just wanted to see if that sounds like a good deal or not. I can get the Rabies, heartworm test, 6 in 1 distemper combo, and bordetella for 79 dollars, plus pay 16 dollars more for a fecal test. So basically 99 bucks for all the shots (with no office visit payment) through LuvMyPet.

Which means I'd be left with 340 dollars (and I'm assuming I can get a neuter done for cheaper than that. 

Any thoughts on this? 

[Ricki and Tara (doodle)]

I'm sure there are those who have had good experiences with Banfield but neither myself nor anyone I know has been happy with the care their animals received there. It could vary from clinic to clinic around the country, but I am speaking of multiple clinics that I or others have experience dealing with.

Have you looked into other pet insurance companies? They normally do not cover preventatives or neutering but you will be covered for any other types of health issues and accidents and it is good to get a pup covered early before any preexisting issues surface such as allergies, etc. Quality animal healthcare is becoming more and more expensive.

I mentioned the vaccine issue in your other discussion and want to say that I have a real concern with injecting a puppy with multiple vaccines all at the same time. Especially when the rabies vaccine is involved. These are immune system stimulating shots and should be spaced out in order to allow the immune system to adapt to each without being overwhelmed.   This isn't possible when you take the pup to a shot clinic.  Sometimes the cost of a procedure, whether it be neutering or vaccinating,  should not be the first or only consideration.

[Rick Smith]

Thanks everyone for the feedback. I wouldn't say 440 dollars is "cheap" but it's nice to have unlimited office visits when needed.

I went ahead and went with Banfield instead of the shot clinic. It's near my house which works out well. And the local one were I live actually gets good reviews.

[Sheila & Finnley]

When I brought Finnley a month and a half ago for being spayed, plus an umbilical hernia repair, it cost me $258.00 total. That also included some animax ointment for her ears because they were red, and a 2 day stay at the vets, as well as they tested her for heartworm and gave her two booster shots.

[Sheila & Finnley]

P.S. We don't have a Banfield around here.... never even heard of it ! lol

[Adrianne Matzkin]

Banfield is the clinic at some PetSmarts. I only have been in 1 - took the puppies to one near Lancaster, PA when Jeannine & I picked them up from an Amish Puppy Mill rescue. They were very nice, clean and for a quick checkup & ear cleaning it was perfect. 

[Rick Smith]

Lol. Well lets just say it all ended up ok. :-)

[Adrianne Matzkin]

Rick - please read the discussions here in DK on pet insurance. As Ricki stated doesn't pay for the yearly exams and vaccines it is worth the money if G-d forbid your puppy gets sick! You would never have to think twice about getting the medical treatment that might be necessary. 

[Rick Smith]

I wouldn't think twice regardless.

[Willow and J]

Does your county/city subsidize neuter/spay? Mine does, and with the voucher from the county, I ended up paying almost nothing ($15?) for spaying.

I don't know about Banfield, but if there's any concern (including questions regarding $$), it might not hurt to ask other dog owners in the area and see who they use. We did and switched Willow's vet once (not because of the cost, but because of nicety of staff members and availability of the vet we like), and was surprised to find the difference in cost for even a routine exam / shots.  

[Oliver & Elizabeth]

I can't speak to the price of a neuter as Oliver was neutered prior to leaving his breeder (at 8 weeks). While looking into different vets noticed--like yourself--that most charged for an office visit at each shot visit. This was irritating because I wanted to do single vaccines, and come in more frequently rather than doing multiple vaccines at each "office visit." after calling around I was able to find a vet that only charged an office visit fee on the initial shot visit (as they did a physical on the first visit). If you haven't already committed to Banfield, it may be useful to call around to other vets in your area. I love that the vet I found and we saved a considerable amount of money by not paying for unnecessary office visits.

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

Once someone commits to Banfield, it s a year contract and the only way out is to pay for the remaining months and/or the difference in services they say they saved you by being on their plan. It may be one or the other or both, don't recall exactly. But I'm with you, my Vet only charges for one exam visit and I can space out vaccinations without another charge for office visit.