Labradoodle & Goldendoodle Forum
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When we lived in FL we had a really hard time finding a Vet that we trusted. I felt like every time I walked in the door I could hear them warming up the cash register. I don't like to feel like they are running up the bill. I wouldn't worry about your daughter not getting to shadow, because I'd be worried about what type things she might be learning about the business. I would much rather have a Vet who I feel like if they say something needs to be done, it truly does need done and I don't have to second guess all the time.
I agree.
I didn't realize how fortunate I am to have found not only a good vet, but one associated with a low cost clinic until I read about your experiences with yours. I am so sorry you are going through this! Doodles are not inexpensive dogs (or at least it seems that way) between potential health issues, good food, grooming, etc and finding one that you trust and doesn't charge an arm and four paws is a treasure.
Henry was neutered yesterday and one of the "suggestions" was blood panels and offered 3 different ones ranging in price from $30-$130. I asked her if we should go ahead and do the expensive one to have a baseline for the future just in case. She surprised me. She told me, "I know Henry pretty well (she has seen many times during our Giardia/Coccidia/ear infection since he was 9 weeks) and he is a healthy puppy and there is no reason to run unnecessary labs at his age". The total for his neuter, ear hair removal/cleaning and pain meds; $160. I have talked to several other pet owners and they come from all over to this clinic because of the low cost and great vets so I am really lucky.
One caveat about "low cost" clinics: they often don't offer the 3 year versions of the core vaccines, which you definitely want. They also often don't offer separate shots for the non-core vaccines, but instead include them in one big "vaccine cocktail", which you definitely don't want.
Karen you are correct, they don't offer the 3 year versions or separate vaccines as they are more costly and pet owners come to a "clinic" expecting low cost not the opposite. I had to ask that they order Henry's vaccines and paid more for them, they also understand that I want to have a blood titer test done before giving any boosters in the future. I'm sure I'm a bit of a pain in the butt compared to most owners but we are considered "frequent flyers" and have been going here for almost 25 years so maybe they are more willing to accommodate us I'm not sure.
I think they probably respect you, because you are an educated pet owner and are aware of the options. And of course, they value you as a long time client with whom they have established a relationship. That's so important.
I have a similar status at my vet's office. :) I have been with him for about 22 years, and I've been going to that office since 1979, believe it or not; the practice has changed hands twice over the years, as vets retired, but the philosophy has stayed the same. I think it's so important to have a relationship that's built on trust and respect. I do think I get certain "perks" that the person who comes in once a year for shots doesn't, including some breaks on prices. In fact, I know I do. Sometimes, they don't charge me anything at all for a visit that only requires looking at something, and there is no "office visit" charge for a dose of bordatella vaccine or a B12 injection.
I used to be a personal trainer and rehabilitation specialist, and I can tell you that clients who were educated and who questioned things did not make me miserable; to the contrary, I enjoyed working with them far more than those who didn't seem all that knowledgeable or interested in what we were doing and why. Certainly, I respected them more. That type of client challenges a health care professional to provide the highest level of expertise and service, to do research, to"up their game", so to speak. I have to believe it's the same with vets.
Yes, you definitely need a new vet. ASAP.
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