Does anyone use those vaccine and heart worm clinics?

[Patti]

My 3 all need heart worm blood test and my vet charges 68.00 each just for the test and the tech fee, no vet visit.
Since all of mine have been seen recently by the vet for other reasons ie shots, illness they do not need to be seen. They do get all of their shots at the vets.

But there is a heart worm clinic at the Petco by me and they are only charging 33.00 each for the test.

I feel bad not taking them to their regular vet but finances are tight and this would really help out. I have insurance and an emergency fund for them for any health issues.

Has anyone done this and how do you think the vets feel about this.
My vet also, doesn't give a multi pet discount and I spend plenty there every year just for shots, blood work, meds and illnesses. Thanks

[Britster]

I have no issue with it. We have a very nice clinic near us and I prefer to do simple things like heartworm/lyme tests, rabies vaccinations, etc, there. He had kennel cough once too and I got the meds there. My regular vet makes plenty of money off me from other issues and I always make sure to get a yearly, etc.

But yeah, I have NO hesitation using a clinic and saving money when I can. Ours is luckily very nice too (it's more like going to a regular vet, really). The only difference is they just bring the dog back to give them the rabies shot and then bring them right out to you (the vet doesn't come into the room, etc so there is no exam fee).

[yorkietalkjilly]

I don't know what a heartworm clinic is but if they run the same test as your vet and can get the results to him so he can write the heartworm preventative prescriptions, he shouldn't care. I'm sure he's making plenty $$$ off you from regular visits and illnesses, etc. and if he's going to get his nose out of joint over saving a few bucks, too bad for him. If I had faith in the tests, I'd go there.

[pagonzal]

We use this type of service as well. We get heartworm meds and Advantix as well For other issues, like teeth cleanings and ear.infections, we use the local SPCA clinic.

[lovespandp]

My Vet uses Saturday’s as the “clinic” day. It is where you get vax’s for half off, heart worm tests, things like that. It is usually super busy, but worth it to get ½ off!! Your Vet doesn't do a clinic day like that? I know some Vet’s do a “clinic day” on Saturday’s if you have another Vet in the area that you like you can call and see if they offer it, if not I don’t see anything wrong with going to Petco for those services. ( We have to try to save money somewhere..)

[lisaly]

My vet is in the Hamptons on Long Island and he charged me only around thirty dollars for the heart worm test. Sixty eight dollars sounds like an unreasonable amount for a heart worm test. I don't mind paying for quality vet care, and always support my vet, but that doesn't sound fair for a simple in-house blood test.

[Patti]

Thanks I feel better knowing others have done this. It's run through an organization called Luvmypet. My vet doesn't offer low cost anything. I really like my vet and have used her for 23 years but if I can save some money here and there why not.

[Patti]

Originally Posted by lisaly

My vet is in the Hamptons on Long Island and he charged me only around thirty dollars for the heart worm test. Sixty eight dollars sounds like an unreasonable amount for a heart worm test. I don't mind paying for quality vet care, and always support my vet, but that doesn't sound fair for a simple in-house blood test.

It use to be $20.00. Now you have to see a tech or a vet and that adds another 24.00 to 32.00 dollars. With 3 dogs I can save a lot of money.

[Lovetodream88]

I have never heard of a heart worm clinic. I know that the rabies clinics are bad and that was said straight from someone who worked at one but I have no clue about the heart warm clinics. I always get other blood work done when they are doing Callie's but I have only one so its not to bad.

[TresCutePiggies]

I personally wouldn't be comfortable using them for vaccines for many reasons, but I can't think of a good reason not to have the heartworm test done there.

[chachi]

I use a clinic for my cats, with 2 yorkies and 5 cats i have to look for ways to cut costs. I would use a heartworm clinic Im going to see if my petco offers it

[lovespandp]

Originally Posted by Lovetodream88

I have never heard of a heart worm clinic. I know that the rabies clinics are bad and that was said straight from someone who worked at one but I have no clue about the heart warm clinics. I always get other blood work done when they are doing Callie's but I have only one so its not to bad.

This wouldn't be true for all clinics. I worked at one and it was super nice, I actually worked for two. Maybe the person who told you that worked at a bad one, but that doesn't make all of them bad.

[MikaTallulah]

Mine go to Luv My Pet AKA Petco clinics for vaccines and heartworm/TBD testing. Lucy just got treated in Jan for Lymes. My vet did run the test again himself to make sure it was correct. She has to be retested in Aug./Sept. which will be 6 months after she finished her antiboitics.

[Verbena]

I use those clinics for my cats. I never had a problem with it. Just a heads up make sure you go early and put your pup in a cart or carriage. It gets crowded.

[OwnedByJezebel]

That does sound a bit pricey. My vet charges $26, but I have it done at the same time as their yearly exam. I have no idea if there would be extra vet tech charges if I brought them in for the heartworm test at some other time. Could you have it done at the same time as their yearlies and avoid the extra charges?