I think if you are at all uncomfortable, then it is time to find a new vet. Some vets look at ears everytime, but many don't. It can be traumatic for the dog and difficult for the staff. So unless there are symptoms, some vets elect not to.

As for joints, I'm sure many vets check them yearly. Again though, some don't. Ears and joints wouldn't be too important for a spay. I'd be much more concerned about heart, lungs, maybe abdominal palpation, and bloodwork.

Bloods should really be done at least once yearly in young dogs. It's usually skipped which isn't a good idea.

Reading through the various posts I am thanking my lucky stars that we have a great vet. Before he even examines Romeo he asks questions about behavior, eating and sleeping habits, etc. He then follows that with a thorough exam - eyes, ears, throat, joints, abdomen, spine, the list goes on - and explains what he is checking and why. The vet will give me as much time as I need to ask questions. The office staff is professional and accommodating and have never said "no" if I needed to take Romeo in the same day that I call.

Finding a great vet is difficult and when you find a great one stick with him/her.

actually the receptionist at the vet gave me the info for the spay/neuter clinic 20 minutes away that she took her cat too and does it for 1/3 the price. she said they were wonderful with her cat and that if i was interested in a recommendation to go with that clinic. they take her at 730am and she comes home at 430pm.

Thank you, i may look into asking a few friends in town who they go to. I want to make sure she is ok for surgery in dec. worried mom wants to make sure she will be a-ok :) thanks!

After the first visit, did you express your concerns to the vet when you went back for the followup shots/rabies, etc?

Are you saying this vet doesn't do spays/neuters, but sends you to a low cost clinic instead? If you feel he doesn't do a thorough exam and address your concerns, AND he doesn't do his own surgeries, then I'd definately be looking for another vet if I were you.

Does the clinic to a pre-spay physical & bloodwork? Are you getting your pup microchipped too at the time of the spay? Does she have any remaining baby teeth that will need to be pulled at that time too?

A lot of these places are very good with experienced vets and staff and all the best equipment. Then there are some that charge 1/3 of what it's worth because they can after cutting corners. Some things I'd ask:

Is bloodwork included?
Pain meds?
How is pup monitored while under anesthesia?
Physical exam done first?
How much experience does the vet have?
Do they have a certain allotted time for each one and can't go over (some like the vets to get them done in around 7 minutes - bad idea).
Is it assembly line style (a few animals put under and the vet goes through and does the surgery - or one at a time how it should be).
Is there a heated surface available for surgery (toy beeds lose body heat quickly)?
How are the instruments cleaned and how often?
Can baby teeth be pulled at the same time (if this is a pup)?
What anesthesia is being used?
Are pets watched very closely after surgery (TPR'ed)?
Is an IV cath placed and fluids ran?
Is follow-up care included in the price even if it was unexpected?
Etc., etc.

I also think it's a good idea to volunteer at the non-prof place that you're considering. I've seen behind the scenes at a similar (good) place and I wouldn't let my dogs set paw in there... So in other words, just make sure that the great price isn't going to hurt your pup.

Our vet is wonderful. She's very thorough. Teeth, eyes, ears, joints, she feels and looks at them from head to toe. Our 12 year old Wheaten Terrier had never had such a thorough joint/hip check until he saw her.
Like others have said, if you are the slightest bit uncomfortable, find a vet with whom you are!

I LOVE what Ellie May said here-that's almost entirely the check list I used for my Princess' spay.

IN the VERY least do the pre-spay blood work.

I used to pass out free and low cost vouchers for the spay neuter clinic here when I volunteered at the human society a great program for the unfortunate and hard of luck atm. I'd never take such a risk with especially a small dog.

My vet does spay/neuter clinic days in their office. Or are you taking your dog to the low cost spay/neuter clinic where dog are tossed on tables one after another in a one in the same rush through them for the day by a vet doing good work to control the population not to ensure the absolute safety of your baby?

I made sure my dog was the first on the table at 7:30 that morning-if they preferred I didn't watch then I'll be damned if I was going to let my baby risk infection-seriously sterilization in vet's offices is a major problem no matter the clientele it's a known issue in the area.

the vet does so spays but his prices are extremely high and the clinic comes well recommended and offers a more afforable option. my pup came microchipped already thankfully and i have that already registered. she has mostly all her baby teeth that i can tell right now. havent seen any fall out yet but see two holes in teh back so she may have started to lose a few.

this is the clinic, it came well recommended.
Spay, Neuter, Adopt, Dog, Cat New Jersey

From your link:
Services & Fees

Your Pet’s Spay/Neuter Package includes a pre-surgical exam, rabies and distemper vaccines if needed and pain relief injection (if 4 months old or older), a green Tattoo for females, medical waste fees and a spay/neuter surgery by an experienced licensed veterinarian.
Total for your dog $100

Princess' Spay at my vet's was $673...that included the entire encompassing costs, pre-spay appointment, blood-work, spay, alternative anesthesia, meds, two types, antibiotics, the post check up etc.
I just started with this vet recently they are the small dog specialists in my area=Princess is a miniature schnauzer btw.

I'm sorry but this place you are going to seem ghetto to me.

If they don't do blood work before I wont not be letting them do the spay. My Aunt and Uncles shihtzu got the before hand blood work and they found her liver levels were very high and at that time she could not get the spay done it could have been very bad if she did so the blood work is very important.

thank you for the insight. as i mentioned i want blood work done regardless and her appt is set but by no means do i have to follow through with it, was looking for some helpful advice adn appreciate those who have offered it.

I would like to add: making sure that ALL of YOUR questions are answered.
Presurgery bloodwork is important. It will also give your vet a marker incase there is a problem after the surgery or in the next year.

thank you -- when the receptionist gave me the information for the clinic it struck me as odd. why would your own employee suggest a different place to get my dog spayed? that was what then prompted me to write this post also in the first place...asking if i should look into getting another vet. sure i asked questions but this is also my first pup so i am basing much of what i learn from books, friends, and forums.

i have reached out to a friend who lives nearby who gave me her vets info, i may have lola go there for a visit and find out my options there.