[jimbo2012]

What are our choices here for a vet that besides being good, charges reasonable fees for vaccinations etc.

[Bonanza]

Originally Posted by jimbo2012

What are our choices here for a vet that besides being good, charges reasonable fees for vaccinations etc.

In today's world,
I don't think there is any such thing as an inexpensive vet.

That being said, Buffalo has opened a new office
in the new Pinellas Plaza and we were happy with the
care our guys received. We found their charges to be
reasonable in comparison to what we were previously
paying before we moved here.

Another plus is that Buffalo's main office, near the WalMart on 466;
is open 24 hours for emergency care.

[lovinganimals]

I like Dr. Drum at Colony Vet. Besides being very good at solving mysteries that other vets couldn't, he will give me options but tell me when he thinks something is too expensive and unreasonable. He also will not do unnecessary lab work or testing.

[seashorecaroline]

Dr. Kelly Vernon at Buffalo Ridge is fantastic!!!!!

[lightworker888]

We use 2 very good vets. Both are in Belleview and worth the drive. The Holistic Vet Dr. Gerald Wessner, who is a homeopath, is on 475 just past the blinking red light on the left after 42. He charges $30 per 15 minutes and gets most things done in that time. In fact he often sees both our dogs within that time and charges $40 for the two. He isn't a surgeon so he does no operating.

We also use Belleview Vet Hospital which is off 441 past Walgreens. We go to Dr. Holly as she is the alternative vet and uses accupuncture and TCM herbs very well. She is also a regular vet as are the other vets there. We were charged $40 for a one dog visit and $15 for a supplement that has been very useful. They also spayed our puppy and it was around $350 which I found reasonable. We also had our 15yr.old Shih tzu put down last summer there and were treated with much kindness and consideration and having been through this a few times, I found it a very gentle process done at our speed with no pain for our pet a compassion for all. We are Canadians and we use these vets as our regular ones. We have an emergency vet up north who is good,but these are our go to vets if possible.

LW888

[ncr2482]

We have used House Calls, Mobile Vet for 8 years. Extremely happy with Dr. Fratello and her Vet. Asst. They do everything from the comfort of your home or in the full service surgery suite in the van. Dr. Fratello works with Buffalo Ridge Animal Hospital when necessary. (Emergencies, weekends). Dr. Kelly Vernon is excellent as well. Both Vets charge reasonable rates for all of their services. No complaints at all from the humans and cats in this household

[jimbo2012]

Thanks for the input, we needed vaccines and a std checkup Colony has the best deal, $118. They are also the closest.

Park Heights was $17 more
Bufflao was $21 more

[Bonanza]

Originally Posted by jimbo2012

Thanks for the input, we needed vaccines and a std checkup Colony has the best deal, $118. They are also the closest.

Park Heights was $17 more
Bufflao was $21 more

I think it's important to know exactly what is included in a "standard" checkup, of which you already may be aware. From years of owning pets, my experience has found that there is no such thing as "standard."

I am not familiar with Colony and certainly am not saying their care is not good, but I would never consider going to a vet because they were the cheapest, particularly when it concerns a living thing. IMO, nothing is too far in this area, so to me, 5 minutes one way or another is meaningless.

I do hope that Colony turns out to be a good choice for you. And please know that my comments are not meant to insult. [/CENTER]

[jimbo2012]

When you have no other feedback on a vet, cost of services is starting point.

If 25% difference in cost doesn't matter fine, your choice.

If we had gone there and didn't like the staff or Dr. we would have walked out.

As it turns out he needed his ears cleaned out and was very stressed over the procedure.

The Vet called the next day to see if all was good, to us that is is someone who cares.

So we'll use them again.

[ladydoc]

Originally Posted by jimbo2012

What are our choices here for a vet that besides being good, charges reasonable fees for vaccinations etc.

We love Dr Drum at Colony. He is wonderful with the kids and does not over treat. He gives you options and explains everything well.

[Taltarzac725]

Originally Posted by seashorecaroline

Dr. Kelly Vernon at Buffalo Ridge is fantastic!!!!!

They do a good job.

One Buffalo Ridge vet Dr. Kelly Krause (Dr. Vernon) put down Sport without questioning our decision (I never explained to her that he had had heart failures on April 6, 2014 at about 7:00 PM and then again at April 7, 2014 at about 8:15 AM).



Dr. Vernon was the first vet who saw Beau on our behalf after we had adopted him. They call the next day to see how the pets are doing.

We had had a second vet at Buffalo Ridge who had tried to keep Sport alive for as long as we wanted him. She did a very conscientious and professional job of trying to keep him around but his heart did not have another day in it. Sport had had two heart failures before his two under 14 hours or so in April of 2014.

The prices at Buffalo Ridge seem competitive with other vets in the Villages. We also like it because of the 24 hour vet emergency option.