The first visit is a "new" patient visit..They are more money for people as well because they are supposed to be more comprehensive as far as taking a history, starting a chart, starting from scratch essentially. The price sounds about right.
I used the shelter clinic for Maggies most recent shots and it was cheaper because there is no "office visit" fee and the shots themselves are lower cost.
I would not use the clinic for a new puppy though. You need to begin a relationship with a vet and get your pup checked out. Did you take him for a checkup when you first got him? (you should have!) I would feel more comfortable having the vet do the first year's shots in case he has a reaction. I still take Maggie to the vet for her yearly check-up, but this year I didn't have them do the shots because we were about to go on vacation and I was worried she'd have a reaction. Since she had her checkup in the fall I took her to the clinic for her shots last month. No point in paying an office visit fee again....I waited a few months longer than a year which I figured was safe based on the fact that some people don't even get the shots and others think they last longer. I wanted her to get her Bordatella booster before her last grooming though.
The clinic gave her the shot sub-q, (under the skin I think) and she had NO reaction. I'm pretty sure the vet stuck her in the muscle and she was very achy and not happy for a day or so. I wonder if it matters how it is done? It would be nice for all of us to know so we can request sub-q if it is ok. |