A new vet...do i need one?

[Britster]

I had great success at the spay clinic I took Jackson to get neutered. I really liked the vet, the staff was accommodating, it wasn't an assembly-line type place, there are actual check-up rooms for a dog to get an exam. They answered all my obnoxious questions and I even called a few rescues who use them often and got some reviews before I felt comfortable LOL. The only thing I'd do differently would be get bloodwork next time around (because I did not ask, and they did not offer) but other than that, was very happy. For $65, Jackson was neutered, given 5 days worth of pain meds, 4 baby teeth removed, microchipped (this was an additional $25), monitored properly as far as I saw, and home by 4:30. He healed up great and was back to himself in a few days I still use this place for little things... to get antibiotics when he got kennel cough, and to get rabies shot every 3 years.

I really wish I could find one vet that I LOVED and fully trusted. Jackson has been to three regular vets now plus this clinic, so I've never really had an 'official' vet per say, I feel like we've moved around a lot depending on what was wrong with him, and I wish I could find just one I fully trusted and felt confident in.

[My lil friend]

Interviewing the Dr that will put your baby under and then do surgery is an excellent idea. You would do the same thing for yourself or a child.

[LittleLolasMom]

Originally Posted by Britster

I had great success at the spay clinic I took Jackson to get neutered. I really liked the vet, the staff was accommodating, it wasn't an assembly-line type place, there are actual check-up rooms for a dog to get an exam. They answered all my obnoxious questions and I even called a few rescues who use them often and got some reviews before I felt comfortable LOL. The only thing I'd do differently would be get bloodwork next time around (because I did not ask, and they did not offer) but other than that, was very happy. For $65, Jackson was neutered, given 5 days worth of pain meds, 4 baby teeth removed, microchipped (this was an additional $25), monitored properly as far as I saw, and home by 4:30. He healed up great and was back to himself in a few days I still use this place for little things... to get antibiotics when he got kennel cough, and to get rabies shot every 3 years.

I really wish I could find one vet that I LOVED and fully trusted. Jackson has been to three regular vets now plus this clinic, so I've never really had an 'official' vet per say, I feel like we've moved around a lot depending on what was wrong with him, and I wish I could find just one I fully trusted and felt confident in.

Glad to hear it went well. I spoke with two friends who have yorkies in the area and even before i asked about who there vet was they recommended this clinic and took there 3 pups to get spayed there. Said it was very good and their dogs are great. i will still go for my own blood work before december to make sure all is okay for surgery. Just because a clinic is lower cost does not mean it is lower care or lower standards. some may be, but hearing the great things i did about this clinic i am happy that lola is in safe hands.

thank you all for the input.

[Ellie May]

Yup, if you're comfortable with it for your pup, then go for it. It might be just fine.

But then I've had many a person tell me vets are great when I happen to know that is completely untrue. They usually think they are great because they like the price. Most people that go get their animals spayed and neutered know very little about the procedure and the safety precautions that need to be taken. They get lucky and their dogs do well. And of course most of these vets will be very good at the surgery itself because that's what they do all day. But practicing medicine costs a ton of money. If it doesn't come from teh clients, where is it coming from.. Some get government funding / non-prof, wtatever, and they do a very good job. A lot just make it look like they are doing it good job. That isn't to say nobody should ever use these places, but I am saying they should be checked out very, very thoroughly.

With most of these places I highly doubt they take time to put an IV in, run fluids, sterilize properly (and it's best that the surgery is done in a small suite instead of a huge room with multiple tables that seem to be acceptable).