vets fees

[foxyferret]

What are reasonable vet fees? I know they are all expensive but I have just paid �70 consultation fee. Dog had a lump on its back. Consultation consisted of five minutes with vet who said "dog has lump on its back, will need to take a sample and send it off for analysis. make another appointment for this to be done". Of course there will be another bill for that, but I thought the �70 was a bit steep. Do other dog owners across the Cambridge area pay roughly the same, or am I paying for a very plush surgery, 4 receptionists, nice pot plants etc? Would just like other peoples comments on this.

[bushcombe]

It sounds way over the top to me, we live in Glos and pay �25. We also have lovely surgery nice receptionists.
If you're paying that much for consultation fee how much is the treatment.
Good luck hope it's just a fatty lump.

[paddywak]

The vets I take Max to is quite a large mixed domestic and farming practice and I've always found them reasonable, I didn't realise just how reasonable they were untill my sister told me she'd paid just under �40 pounds for her dogs boosters. I paid �19 for Max to have his, as you say nice pot plants and a plush surgery

[samuelcat]

In Peterborough. My vet charges �25 consultation. Used to be �15 and last year they opened a new built surgery so I suppose extra �10 is ok. And they are top class vets.

[kita1]

I would think it is expensive.

Why not phone around other vet practices and ask how much they charge for a consultation fee?

Of course it is difficult to choose a vet on price alone, I would rather try a few practices and find a vet I can get on with on a personal level.

I would rather go to a vet that I trusted - even if they were in a run down building with one nurse/receptionist.

[craft1948]

I think that's expensive........a consultation at my vets in York is �25.00.

[albaqwerty]

I pay �38 per consultation and if only anti-bugs needed or a flea injection that's all. Obviously more money if more anti-biotics needed etc.

[wolf63]

This is a list of average vet's fees. My vet is very reasonable when it comes to costs.

http://www.tescofinance.com/personal/finance/i nsurance/petins/elh/vet-fees.html

[foxyferret]

Many thanks to everyone for all your useful information. You are all 3 stars for being good enough to reply. Kita1 I have phoned a couple since recovering from the shock and have found 2 whose consultation fees vary between �23 and �30 so I will check them out to see if the animal care is good. Many thanks to wolf63 for you web site info. At least now I have something to compare with.

[foxyferret]

thanks dancairo, I have not yet paid all the bill. I am asking for a complete breakdown of cost so I know whats what. I will bear in mind your advice

[leelapops]

foxy I think that is exorbitant! I have never paid more than �25 for consultations with any vet (Jack has been registered with 3 in his life, and they have all been professional, friendly, clean and modern in their facilities).

Following wht everyone else has advised I can only agree!

[kita1]

I would be wary of refusing to pay the bill (or part of it).

To be honest I would pay it and just not go back to that vet again.

The reason I say this is because you may end up HAVING to use that vet again in the future (some vets cover out of hours 'emergency' cases for other vet practices) and you don't want to have any bad feelings with someone when you are putting your pets life in their hands. You also don't want them thinking that you may not pay the bill this time either.

I try not to fall out with any vet - you never know when you might need their goodwill. (Especially when the amount does not exactly break the bank).

[madmaggot]

Are you sure that the fee was only 'consultation'? Perhaps it also included payment for the laboratory analysis?

[foxyferret]

Yes mad maggot. I have paid �142.00 on my second appointment for the vet to knock out poor old Sam, shave the lump and take a sample. When I got home, I got the phone call saying that I had not paid the �70 from the previous weeks examination. I don't know if the �142.00 is any cheaper than it should be, so they make it up on consultation fees but from what all the answer bank people have said I shall certainly be shopping around. I love my dog dearly and want the best care, but I hate being ripped off for anything.

[foxyferret]

forgot to say madmaggot, I will get these results on Monday when they have come back from the lab. So as I said before, on my first visit they only examined the lump externally.

[devilspawn]

I know the fees vary according to where you are in the country - just ask yourself what the equivalent fees are to see a Dentist for a check up ... or a PRIVATE doctor for an examination.

Vets are professional people, and a lot of folk forget that they should be on the same par as doctors (as thats what they are in effect)

Still phone around a few other surgeries in your area and check - if you still feel ripped off, take your pet elsewhere.

[foxyferret]

Hi devilspawn, I think vets are wonderful people, it is not an easy job technically or emotionally, and I would not want you to think I was having a go at the vet, who has obviously had to study hard to get where he is. Its not a job I would want to do. I was just asking for advice on prices, as I said in my original question, it just seemed a bit too expensive and if you can get a vet who is just as good without all the frills, then so be it. Thanks for your comments anyway.

[madmaggot]

Your vet should always give you a receipt and you can ask for an itemised receipt. I would always pay by cheque anyway so you have your own proof of payment.

[madmaggot]

Your best bet is to ask at local dog club, either a breed club or agility/obedience or even at the local dog rescue. They will be able to tell you which is the best regarded vet in your area and also about the best for fees.
You should also pay a lot of attention to the cleanliness of the clinic and the hand/facilities cleaning procedures. Make sure that your vet (and the nurse) either use latex gloves or wash hands between each animal.

[garner]

I am so glad I live in South Yorkshire! looking at the prices you are paying.A consultation at our vets is 8 pound,yes just �8 .