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Cost Comparison: Vet Care

Started 1 year ago by Irukandji
Latest reply from lucky chick

Irukandji
Member Profile

Has anyone already done an across-the-board cost comparison for pet care/veterinary services at our local clinics (VCA, Lein, the other two area WS vets)? Who provides the best care/value?

Posted 1 year ago #
JanS
Member Profile

Um...you might want to talk with my daughter about where she has taken Cone Kitty :) South Seattle Vet...a little farther way, but good care and definitely cheaper prices.

Posted 1 year ago #
westseattledood
Member Profile

I've not used them, yet, but lately have been hearing from folks that the clinic on Avalon in Luna Park (don't know the name) has lower fees. And, just as importantly, they were pleased with services and outcomes. This included one person who had had surgery on their dog. I intend to check them out.

Posted 1 year ago #
EmmyJane
Member Profile

I don't know about price comparisons, but I can speak to the level of care that West Seattle Animal Hospital gives our pets. Our poor little Emmy has been through some big health problems lately and they have been wonderful. Above and beyond wonderful.

Posted 1 year ago #
mehud7
Member Profile

Friends of the Animals Foundation and MANY other rescues use South Seattle Veterinary Hospital for routine care and major surgery. Their first office call is free and subsequent ones are $25. FAF uses Lien for more complicated cases and appreciate the kind and compassionate care from staff and doctors. VCA West Seattle Veterinary Hospital on California Ave SW hosts several of our adoptable cats and provides care for them while there at no cost.

Posted 1 year ago #
Leah P
Member Profile

I would recommend to any dog or cat owner: get a Pet Insurance policy for your furry friend. At first I thought it was crazy to insure my dog, but have since found out (2 foreign object removal surgeries later) that the insurance is well worth it! I pay like $26/mo for our dog http://www.petinsurance.com I know they are helpful in working with your insurance at VCA and also at South Seattle Vet (I've been to both).

Posted 1 year ago #
Semele
Member Profile

I have to say, we used VCA for the first two years we lived here and I was astounded at the cost compared to where we moved from. Recently, our oldest cat needed quite a few teeth removed and we were quoted about $1300 which caused me to almost have a heart attack LOL. It wasn't going to stop me but I decided to ask around.

I had a friend that recommended S Seattle Vet and I decided to take her there and get an estimate. Their quote $450 and this actually included more teeth. I was really impressed with the Vet Dr. G and the staff was very caring. Yes, the place is busy but it's definitely no "you pay low and get low care". Unfortunately, her pre bloodwork came back showing she had developed CRF (she is 15yrs old) and again, they have been amazing with helping us manage that. I could not recommend them more. We have now moved all of our pets care to their office.

Posted 1 year ago #
JacksMom
Member Profile

This is a really important discussion, our dogs are family, our emotions are often ruling our decisions (not our budgets) and I hope this thread continues.

I have found that different vets offer different levels of service and cost. I can say, with certainly, that the cost of care does not necessarily relate to the quality of care.

I am happy with some doctors for some breeds, some for certain services like nail trims, others because of their hours, prices for different kinds of things, and the like.

Here is an example of one of my clients(2 JRTs).
The position as Advocate/Grandma came about because of a number of situations, beginning with bad vet care outside West Seattle. The dogs were traumatized from a horrific boarding experience. The owners were as traumatized as the dogs.

It worked out that I introduced them... as a new person in their lives, in an entirely different world, to medical services here in my neck of the woods. I have had these grand-dogs for about 4 years now.

If any care is needed right away of course go with your own vet!

Medicine? Shop if it a routine visit-recurring type. Special dog food? Shop. I am frugal so even if I have an unlimited budget, it is against my nature to pay more than necessary UNLESS I need it right away for treatment. The old penny saved is a penny earned, probably my Yankee roots.

FYI South Seattle Vet will match Internet prices instead of giving out a prescription that may result in what they do not want to risk, a lesser quality product. I don't know if they offer that to everyone outside of their clients so call first.

Grandma Betsey
Grandmas Pet Lodge

PLEASE take this as it is intended, as a neighbor and consumer. I am not looking for new clients!

Posted 1 year ago #
Irukandji
Member Profile

Yeah, I'm a little burned out on VCA. My favorite doc left some time ago, but the docs have never been a problem, it's the corporate stuff. I was taken aback by their 'new' room-cleaning fee. And today got notice of a $160 urine culture for a probable UI.

After a $3k quote on colon surgery for a cat (not including colostomy bag maintenance), I'm ready to find another option. Insurance would be nice, but my dogs have pre-existing stuff that precludes all/most coverage (at least so far as I've researched through Consumer Reports).

I'll call around for teeth-cleaning and regular check ups. I was naively assuming VCA was the BEST of care with blood work pre-surgery, etc., but apparently they're just pricier for similar service.

Posted 1 year ago #
hammerhead
Member Profile

South Seattle Vet is the best price around. They are usually 1/2 price of any other vets around.

Draw backs: it is NOT a pretty vet office(like Lein) there can be quite a wait even if you have an appointment. Emergencies are seen first.

Blood work there is about $90.00 for a cat. Urine sample for $160.00 yikes. Just talked to SSV $35.00 and they don't charge to get "it much less a clean room fee.

Good luck and you would do a colostomy bag on your animal? You are a better animal owner than I.

Posted 1 year ago #
HunterG
Member Profile

I had a horrible experience @ VCA with my late beloved Winnie. Already distraught about her condition (elderly, with kidney problems) he told me he" wouldn't feel guilty putting her down today, there's no real reason to keep her alive too much longer it will cost a ton of money."

I have heard great things about South Seattle vet, and that they are very reasonably priced. Compassionate docs too, which is a must!!!

Posted 1 year ago #
Ken
Member Profile

South Seattle Vet.

across the board cheaper and just as good care.

The waiting room is not as nice as the others but I am pretty sure our dogs don't care and I know I don't.

Complex surgery is also half the cost or better of the several we had quotes from in WS and Seattle.

If on the other hand you are looking for an extortionist/pet palace, I can get a few names from the brother in law in the north end.

Posted 1 year ago #
lucky chick
Member Profile

I love the doctors and staff at Lien, and for comparison, urine is $35 (a pint - just kidding, a test of course) and blood workup $90. But most importantly , the doctors LOVE animals and treat yours like their own. I know this seems like a no-brainer, but I've had vets act as if they don't even like animals.

Lien vets (Drs Kraable, Duyungan, and Fitzler are my faves) will take as much time with you as you want, share records, answer ALL phone calls promptly, and do their research for you. I cannot speak highly enough of them.

Posted 1 year ago #