Dr. Zenker in Oakville, neutering prices ridiculous?!

[lilratsy43]

I payed $100 each (I had 5 rats done at the same time) but this was in the US and I had them done at a University so they were all teaching subjects.

My vet initially quoted me $350. I know if I had went to him he would have given me a discount, but it still would have been around $200 each...

 

[Moon]

I'd pay $200 for a neuter, not $300. $60 for an exam is okay, but most vets will charge you less for the rest of the animals you bring... say, $60 for the first rat and $20 for each additional.

 

[Cigar]

My head hurts something bad so I haven't read much but I used to see Dr. Keir at Gagemount and really liked him. It's about $75 for the appointment fee but he used to let me bring them in all at once if it was for the same thing and dispensed ivermectin, baytril, etc. for all. He enjoyed interacting with my kids and hearing about how they're cared for. He was also very open to suggestions for medications or diagnosis'. His prices are higher than my current vet (LJ and I see the same vet, $45 per appointment/just over $100 for a neuter/$130 for a spay) but I chose him over any other vet in the area because he doesn't have his head stuck up his butt and a hand in your wallet.

Edited to add that Dr. Keir performed a "skin scraping" with a piece of scotch tape. Neither technique will give you a definite answer and I'm glad that he went with the free, painless kind.

 

Mine charges 60, if I bring 1 its 60, If I bring all 9 I still only pay 60 when I leave

 

[Rattus]

a normal vet visit at Bells corners where I go is 70$ and then when I get meds its about 170 or near 80 some.. thats A LOT of money when you have more then 1 rat and they get sick enough. Where I live now, a simple appt. is 79 THATS REDICULOUS... I dont like the vet here... you should here the prices...

 

[Cityratt]

dont really want to get involved here - just wanted to toss it out, that cost should not be the determining factor in choice of veterinarian.

Prices are based on the OVMA fee guideline published annually, some clinics increase accordingly, some do not - also some take into consideration "exotics" status, some do not. (in Ontario)

Most surgeries are based on the surgical time, not the scale of the procedure itself, anesthetic is also commonly based on duration versus quantities used.

I understand that money does matter, but a more expensive veterinarian should not be considered the superior surgeon, nor should the clinic be deemed a rip off just because they choose to follow the OVMA fee guidelines.

I agree with Moon though, I would pay $200 - likely not more - but I wouldn't just go to the cheapest place - because costs can indicate quality of care for your pet (its obviously a multifactorial process, determining fees), and sometimes you get what you pay for

 

^^ I agree, you shouldent just go to the cheapest place, you should go to the best . Where I go is not actually cheap ..he gives me 20 - 50 % off because I'm there so much and he loves how I care for my ratties so much. He owns the practice so he is able to do that

 

[Maple]

Personally I go to the person I feel most comfortable with........allows me to sleep easy.

 

Personally I go to the person I feel most comfortable with........allows me to sleep easy.

Thats another factor too
I told my vet thhat he can never retire or I'll die without him haha

 

[LA]

Anne that's a very good point.

My vet charges $52 per visit and half for any rat added
Neuters are $160 and Spays are $230

SQ unfortunately some vets will not give out rev without a skin scrapping. Like mine. Yes I agree it's unnecessary but not much I can do.

However now I find I get deals. Erin gets her teeth trimmed regularly, it's a $45 procedure but I pay $15. Also when I was dealing with her continual abscesses there were sometimes I wouldn't pay at all.

One thing I want to point out for someone who maybe moves around from vet to vet OR is newly going to a vet. Give them time, when they see how you are with your pets and you've been with them for a long time they may start giving you deals. It builds a wonderful relationship. I love my vet and we learn together and I completely trust her. I wouldn't give that up for the world.