Vaccinations: In 2000 we implemented the reduced vaccination schedule recommended by every veterinary medical school in the nation. We continue to be amazed at the number of over-vaccinated dogs and cats that come to us from other clinics. In our practice, once a pet reaches 18 months of age, we switch them to a yearly mono-valent vaccination schedule. For example, in 2006 a dog may get a 3 year rabies vaccination. In 2007 that pet would receive a 3 year parvovirus and in 2008 he would receive a 3 year distemper. In 2009 he would be back to another 3 year rabies vaccination. In reality, in every 3 year span, we have reduced the vaccine load by 2/3. There is ample evidence that over-vaccination occurs and is unnecessary. Note: As of January 1st 2008 we are discontinuing the triannual leukemia vaccines for cats except for those cats at risk (i.e. those cats that go outdoors or are exposed to other cats of unknown FeLeuk status).
Vaccination fees:
Yearly exam and core vaccination: 53.23 (When rabies vaccine is given the Cook County rabies tag (spelled "tax") is an extra cost. No extra office fee. Includes exam and one core vaccine.
Kennel Cough Vaccination: Can be given by a tech without a doctor exam at 26.31
Puppy and Kitten boosters: 41.83 (8 and 12 week boosters).
Final (16 week) puppy or kitten booster (includes rabies): 61.48
Litter Rate: One office visit fee plus 9.00 per puppy or kitten.
Cat spay 143.00
Cat spay and 2-paw declaw: 223.00
Cat spay and 4-paw declaw: 243.00
Cat neuter: 87.65
Cat neuter and 2-paw declaw: 161.00
Cat neuter and 4-paw declaw: 183.54
Declaw 2 Paws: 123.50 4 Paws: 143.50
Dog neuter - Less than 50 pounds: 197.91
Dog neuter- 51 – 100 pounds: 210.51
Dog spay:
Less than 25 pounds: 279.00
26 to 50 pounds: 308.00
51- 75 pounds: 333.00
76 - 100 pounds: 388.00
These spay and neuter fees include the pre-op exam, the pre-surgical bloodwork, IV catheterization and IV fluids during and after surgery, we provide a very nice clean, heated and blanketed cage for recovery. All spays and neuters receive pain medication after surgery and pain meds are sent home. Our technicians will go over with you all you need to know about home care and you will be given 2 pager numbers to call if you have any questions. We use only state of the art anesthetics, we invested in very expensive intra-operative monitoring equipment and we use only Ethicon sutures which are the most expensive and highest quality available.
Dental Cleanings: Our average cat dental runs around 95 to 115 dollars depending upon how bad the teeth are and how long the procedure takes. This average fee includes the pre-anesthetic bloodwork, extractions, antibiotic injection, and pain injection. Our dog dentals average around 155 to 175 dollars. Multiple extractions and associated pain meds sent home are extra. A survey in October 2003, of 810 veterinary practices nationwide, found that the average fee for a cat dental was 165.00 and the average fee for a dog dental was 210.00. The fees were higher in metropolitan areas like Chicago, and these fees did not include the cost of extractions. An AAHA publication in February 2008 says that the average fee for a dental cleaning in dogs, based upon a survey of 1000 small animal hospitals is 381.19 dollars.
Please note: We are a general primary-care practice. We practice very high quality medicine and surgery, but we are a general practice. We do a good job cleaning and polishing teeth but if we see a loose or rotten tooth, we pull it, plain and simple. Some clients want full mouth xrays, restorations, root canals and endodontics. We can refer you for these things, we have an excellent relationship with a vet dentist, but remember, the the cost for this high end service will make the cost of our dentals look like peanuts.
