The trouble with vets...

Spud's had his second lot of jabs last week, but unfortunately i had to re-register him with another vets as the previous one doesn't administer a compatible vaccine....
So anyway, i took him and all i got from the moment i was there, until the moment i left was the receptionist, then the vet (during the consultation) trying to sell me stuff...a puppy plan, then insurance, then training and on and on...It was a real high pressure situation....Then after he had his shots they gave me some worming and flea chewable tablets, but i had to join this bloody puppy plan....They blinded me with numbers and prices etc etc....
I noticed that there was a microchip cost, but my little man had already been microchipped, and guess what ?? No discount for that..Then the woman started going on about the costs of worming etc and wrote down a breakdown, telling me that if i paid for everything individually that it would still be more expensive.....Anyway, i handed over the £90 just to shut her up and get Spike out of there as he was getting frantic....
Another pain is that i have to wait 2 weeks before i can take him out instead of the usual 1 week....Then we've got to go back and he has to have yet another vaccintation...
The receptionist was also trying to book me in for an hour long 'consultation' with her...I had already taken a strong disliking to her pushy nature and said i'd call them, not the other way around..I distinctly get the feeling that it will be firstly a sales presentation and secondly, a lecture....No thanks.
This was in total contrast to the first vet, which although its part of a large franchise, was very very friendly.
Needless to, Spike will only be going to this money making vet for his 6 month 'puppy plan', nothing more, nothing less...
I mentioned this to other people and they've said the same thing about numerous other vets...They sound mu h like many dentists and opticians...
Very disappointed i must say.

It can seem that way though I've never been pushed for insurance or anything like that. I did however have to pay a very expensive price for an op which the vet said should be covered by our own insurance but when it came to it it was a no go. Other than that our vets a pretty good.

I don't think all vets are money making machines, you just have to find one that your comfortable with. Try asking other dog owners for recommendations.

What an awful experience. There are many vets out there and the choices are yours ultimately. Ive had things recommended but never pushed, never a bad experience in the 3 vets ive been to.

I`ve never come across this myself, but i would say as soon as you have finished with the `plan` for spike, i would be looking for another vets.

So, do they puppy packs not work out cheaper in the long run? I just say no might be rude, but if I need something I'll ask for it. Keep shopping around for your vet, even it they aren't the most convenient. After going through countless rubbish ones with Bug, we've hit the jackpot with the man that we have now.

Sounds a terrible experience. I loved my vets. They couldn't do enough for me. They dealt with insurance claims direct so I didn't have the issue. They arrange my private cremation and even offered to deliver the ashes to me themselves. I joined their healthy pet plan for £10.99 a month which covered all vaccinations, boosters, worming, fleaing stuff and 20% off in store purchases. Love love loved my vets.

To me it's so important to like the people you deal with and trust them wholeheartedly. Keep shopping around, you'll find the right one for you x good luck x

Not every vet you get bad and good vets you just have to recognise a competent and experienced vet in all avenues. I hope you find such a practice a good idea would be to google local vets and check reviews. word of mouth doesn't always work as people can give a mixed bag of reviews depending on their dogs general health. Another good indication of a good vet is if they have more than one specialism equine,cattle, birds and small furries too.

Grrr....that does sound very frustrating and annoying.

I paid £50 for the 'puppy pack' including all vaccinations first flea and worm treatment, monthly checks with the nurse for six months and a 'puppy party', this also included one months insurance with PetPlan.

I have also joined the 'Healthy Pet Club' which is £9.99 a month and includes flea and worm treatment, annual booster vaccinations and two vet checks a year.

Vote with your feet Si....

I had all that rammed down my throat too, but I just said I'll look into it! But every time I go there they do try to make me take out one of their plans because it's cheaper etc, but I don't I completely get your frustration me and my oh had it. I don't go to the vets now unless Marley is ill etc I worm and flee myself! Because it cost a bomb just for the consultation!

like i said, i'll go to them for this stupid puppy plan because ive already paid for it. After that, im going back to the original vet, who incidentally called me today to let me know that they are having a puppy party in a few weeks...no pressure or anything...
the hard sales vet also implied that 'over the counter' worming treatments weren't very effective..Surely that's nonsense?

Yes it is!A flea  and wormer treatment from a pet shop is decent enough to I use the spot on for flea and tics but I can't remember the wormer the tablet was a chew one so easy to hide in his food and it's suitable for size and age they say it works out cheaper but I don't understand how if you still have to pay for the consultation! I now just get a txt off the vet when Marley is due both and I do it myself! They told me hill science plan was the best food for Marley and for a few weeks I bought it! £17.50 for a small bag!! Until I joined the forum and heard of other good brands I was paying a stupid amount!

Depends which OTC flea/wormer you're using. I wouldn't touch brands like Bob Martin with a barge pole and are pointless, but I do buy my de-flea treatment online (advantage), but get her wormer (milbemax) from the vet (don't need a consult, her weight never changes so I just pop in every 3 months.

However, vet advised treatments such a frontline are known to be resistant to many strains of fleas now, so they're costly and also not effective.

i use drontal for mia this isn't suitable for pups however the vet will allow you to pay for individual treatments if you are on a low income.

Yes, Rachel is right. Fleas are becoming resistant to Frontline. My cats use Advocate monthly now and I'm using the same on Betty. It treats fleas and (most) worms which is good.

I use Profender spot on with my cats, every three months for tape worm infection, and will do the same for Betty.

Generally I think the 'Healthy pet plans' are decent value for money and personally I like being able to spread the cost over the year.