Prices/Cost of Shots

[Murray]

Hi all,

I have never owned a dog before this one so please excuse the newbie-ish question. About 3 weeks ago I brought home my new 8 weeks old puppy named Boushy Bear. He is now 11 weeks and according to the breeder it is when I should get his "second round of shots". I looked on Yelp.com to find a good veteranarian in my area (Chicago). I found a vet that has excellent reviews and that is very close by. I called today to make an appointment and I asked about the prices. The receptionist said my first visit would cost about $160 then in 3 weeks another $97 and another 3 weeks after that another $97. She told me to bring in a stool sample and his records thus far.

My question is this. Do these seem like reasonable prices? I really have no way of knowing as I have nothing to compare with. I just basically picked the vet that got the best reviews and had the nicest face on Yelp lol. It just seems kind of high to me for just some shots.

I have his only vet visit records from the breeder. It says he got a "wellness exam", Distemper shot, Adenovirus 2, Parvovirus and Parainfluenza. I am assuming that the added expense of the first visit is for a general check up and a fecal test? I really just wanted to know what you all thought about the prices. Thanks for any and all help.

[Ashley4u2u]

I took my baby in yesterday and for the visit, exam, shots, and stool sample sent off to the lab was $90 and $32 was for the stool sample, our vet usually gives us a good deal cause I donate old towels and sheets all the time.

I think the town may have a lot to do with it too and location... Nicer places means more rent which means higher prices. I used to go to a vet who was dirt cheap, the 2 old men owned the house the business was turned u to so they didn't charge an exam fee just whatever. I did shots X-rays and eye ointment along with arthritis meds for $70 bucks LOL its just to far for me now

[yorkiemom76]

Congratulations on your new baby. It probably depends on where you live but yeah that sounds pretty accurate. I'm not sure why the first visit is so much more though. I would think the last visit would be more when your pup will also be due for a rabies vaccine. Also remember your not paying for just the shots. Your vet is required by law to do a full physical before giving any vaccines.

[hobbette]

seems pretty high to me, but it's going to depend on your area. I'm assuming your pup is yorkie. generally in small dogs they don't give them all their shots in one day but have you come back a couple days later, but only charge you for 1 appointment.

[windwalker]

Sounds about right, cost about $110 here, Tucson, Arizona. I like that you checked for best Vet, not cheapest. Our Vet retired and we feel uncomfortable with replacement, but love the staff. We are debating what to do with the new Yorkie when we pick her up next month. Any Yorkie people in Tucson, would appreciate recommendations on Vet

[rubymoon2072]

depends on exactly what they are doing. I would suggest you do one shot at a time and return 4 weeks after for the next shot and so on. I find mine react alot better and also if they have a issue I know which shot it was. I paid $97 for keylo to have a wellness exam, heart worm test and a three year rabies. they did the nail trim for free.

[pstinard]

Originally Posted by Murray

Hi all,

I have never owned a dog before this one so please excuse the newbie-ish question. About 3 weeks ago I brought home my new 8 weeks old puppy named Boushy Bear. He is now 11 weeks and according to the breeder it is when I should get his "second round of shots". I looked on Yelp.com to find a good veteranarian in my area (Chicago). I found a vet that has excellent reviews and that is very close by. I called today to make an appointment and I asked about the prices. The receptionist said my first visit would cost about $160 then in 3 weeks another $97 and another 3 weeks after that another $97. She told me to bring in a stool sample and his records thus far.

My question is this. Do these seem like reasonable prices? I really have no way of knowing as I have nothing to compare with. I just basically picked the vet that got the best reviews and had the nicest face on Yelp lol. It just seems kind of high to me for just some shots.

I have his only vet visit records from the breeder. It says he got a "wellness exam", Distemper shot, Adenovirus 2, Parvovirus and Parainfluenza. I am assuming that the added expense of the first visit is for a general check up and a fecal test? I really just wanted to know what you all thought about the prices. Thanks for any and all help.

That's a reasonable price for the Chicago area. The first visit is more expensive because they do a wellness exam and check the stool sample for parasites. That price doesn't look like it includes the cost of heartworm/flea/tick medicine, though, which will cost extra and is essential for the Chicago area. I had all the 12 week shots for Bella given at once, but she is on the heavy side for a Yorkie and built like a little tank. If your Yorkie is small or delicate, you might see if they will spread out the shots for no extra charge. If your vet is really a sweetie, they will throw in a nail trim and sanitary shave of the butt area for free.

[Wylie's Mom]

Originally Posted by Murray

Hi all,

I have never owned a dog before this one so please excuse the newbie-ish question. About 3 weeks ago I brought home my new 8 weeks old puppy named Boushy Bear. He is now 11 weeks and according to the breeder it is when I should get his "second round of shots". I looked on Yelp.com to find a good veteranarian in my area (Chicago). I found a vet that has excellent reviews and that is very close by. I called today to make an appointment and I asked about the prices. The receptionist said my first visit would cost about $160 then in 3 weeks another $97 and another 3 weeks after that another $97. She told me to bring in a stool sample and his records thus far.

My question is this. Do these seem like reasonable prices? I really have no way of knowing as I have nothing to compare with. I just basically picked the vet that got the best reviews and had the nicest face on Yelp lol. It just seems kind of high to me for just some shots.

I have his only vet visit records from the breeder. It says he got a "wellness exam", Distemper shot, Adenovirus 2, Parvovirus and Parainfluenza. I am assuming that the added expense of the first visit is for a general check up and a fecal test? I really just wanted to know what you all thought about the prices. Thanks for any and all help.

First, CONGRATS on your new kiddo and WELCOME to YT !

What is the breakdown of services you're getting for those prices? Ie, office visit vs whatever else is included. Here in Phoenix, we pay about $50 just for the office visit.

Btw, you may want to check if your local Humane Ass'n offers shots like ours does...the shots are often much less money, supports the shelter, and there is a vet on staff in case of reactions. Just a thought.

[Murray]

Ah Ha! I got the profile picture to work by using avatar instead! Now I can see his handsome little face everywhere.

Thanks everyone for all the nice greetings and the information regarding the cost of shots. I honestly thought it would cost something like $50. I was pretty shocked at the cost and wanted to make sure I was not over paying by asking you all. I went ahead and made an appointment for tomorrow. I am anxious to establish a relationship with a good vet. As you can imagine, with this being my first pup, that I am a bit paranoid about his welfare and have tons of questions for her. It has only been 3 weeks and I am already madly in love with this crazy dog.

From what I understand the list of things included for tomorrow's $160 visit will be; second round of shots (still don't really know what they all are), fecal test, general checkup (wellness exam?), something about flea prevention, and a free nail trim. I hope I can get that free butt shave pstinard was talking about! He could use a butt shave at this point!

How did I live this long without a Yorkie?

[megansmomma]

Where do you live in the Chicago area? There are several low cost clinics in the area as well as shelter clinics. IMO $160 might be a little on the high side.

[Murray]

Originally Posted by pstinard

That's a reasonable price for the Chicago area. The first visit is more expensive because they do a wellness exam and check the stool sample for parasites. That price doesn't look like it includes the cost of heartworm/flea/tick medicine, though, which will cost extra and is essential for the Chicago area. I had all the 12 week shots for Bella given at once, but she is on the heavy side for a Yorkie and built like a little tank. If your Yorkie is small or delicate, you might see if they will spread out the shots for no extra charge. If your vet is really a sweetie, they will throw in a nail trim and sanitary shave of the butt area for free.

Thanks for this, I will check to make sure heartworm/flea/tick medicine is included. She did say something about fleas but I will make sure tomorrow.

Boushy Bear seems to be a pretty sturdy pup. He is almost 12 weeks now and weighs almost 4 lbs. I met his parents and they were both about 7-8 lbs each. He is definitely not fragile. Can you take a look at him here and let me know what you think? I would like to get these shots over with but I don't want him to have a bad reaction. Thanks!

[Murray]

Originally Posted by megansmomma

Where do you live in the Chicago area? There are several low cost clinics in the area as well as shelter clinics. IMO $160 might be a little on the high side.

Hello megansmomma, I live at Irving and Lake Shore Drive. I think they call it Lakeview or uptown. I always get that confused lol.

[pstinard]

Originally Posted by Murray

Thanks for this, I will check to make sure heartworm/flea/tick medicine is included. She did say something about fleas but I will make sure tomorrow.

Boushy Bear seems to be a pretty sturdy pup. He is almost 12 weeks now and weighs almost 4 lbs. I met his parents and they were both about 7-8 lbs each. He is definitely not fragile. Can you take a look at him here and let me know what you think? I would like to get these shots over with but I don't want him to have a bad reaction. Thanks!

He's cute! He looks like a little bandit. He's bigger than Bella was at that age, and she handled her shots well, but other people will tell you differently. The decision is ultimately up to you and your vet. Be sure to ask about a free sanitary shave. He shouldn't go to a groomer's until 4 weeks after his last puppy shots, so if his hair is getting long down there, you'll either have to get the vet to trim him or do it yourself.

[Balbrt1]

Ok. Sometimes it pays to live in a rural area. Office visit $25, shots $17.50 if shots only they do not charge office visit. Stool sample $12. I could not afford to city vets. I have 3 dogs. Lol. I had Max's tail docked (long story). Even thought they had to put him all the way out, it was only $72.00. Might want to look around Good luck

[Murray]

Originally Posted by pstinard

He's cute! He looks like a little bandit. He's bigger than Bella was at that age, and she handled her shots well, but other people will tell you differently. The decision is ultimately up to you and your vet. Be sure to ask about a free sanitary shave. He shouldn't go to a groomer's until 4 weeks after his last puppy shots, so if his hair is getting long down there, you'll either have to get the vet to trim him or do it yourself.

Oh he definitely needs a shave down there. I call it the butt beard. I will ask the vet about a free trim. I think you are right about just leaving the shots up to the vet. She seems to have excellent reviews so we will see. You put my mind at ease about following their shot schedule. Thanks so much for your help.