Where should I take my puppy to get neutered?

[otch1]

I'm going to get some raised eyebrows... but going to the Humane Society with a healthy dog, that is not crypt-orchid, is the most sensible route to go... IF this is a financial issue. Your vet getting upset with you questioning her prices is odd. She is charging 3 times what a vet in my neighboring area (Seattle) charges. Even more than some of the specialty practices here. Her education to become licensed, is the same as the veterinarian for the Humane Societys', as are the educations of licensed vet techs in your state. The only reason she's charging more is because of her overhead and she's doing pre-surgery proceedures that a lot of vets don't find nessecary for a routine procedure like a neuter. (I.e. blood work up) They are under anesthesia for neutering, 15 or 20 minutes at best and recovery time is very quick, able to go home several hours later. If you have a breed that warrents other concerns, Dobermans/bleeders, bulldogs/mastiffs/boxers, respritory issues to consider that's a different matter, blood work up is wise. I would go to your Humane society office and see the clinic first, ask if it's an on- staff veterinarian (there full time) or a volunteer vet. Some will donate their time several hours per week if they do not yet have a clinic of their own they work out of. An on-staff vet does neuters all day long!! They've seen it all and dealt with all of the possible mishaps, something to think about. Good luck!

 

[elegy]

i'm kind of perplexed about how somebody can choose to get a dog and not be able to pay for something as simple as a neuter. what are they going to do if the dog gets sick? or hurt?

i also can't fathom preferring a stranger to do surgery over a vet you know, who knows your dog, and with whom you have a relationship.

but... whatever. the bottom line is that the dog gets neutered, i guess.

 

[bumhouse]

As I'm finding out, some people get very judgemental about issues like these and automatically assume a person did not consider the implications of pet ownership when they do not agree or see things differently.

Just as I would weigh the need to have my children seen by a specialist for a cold, I am weighing the neccessity of paying more than 5 times the price of a shelter just to have a routine procedure done by a vet. I only want what is best for my children and my pet, but, quite honestly, after doing some research on this (as any educated and concerned person should do) I think the vets are overcharging as seen by the wide disparity I found when inquiring into prices in my immediate area ($199 - $400).

If the vets would make this procedure more available to people of all income levels, perhaps 1.) we wouldn't see so many unwanted pets in the shelters and kittens and puppies left on their doorsteps, and 2.)the humane society wouldn't need to offer this service to insure animals don't reproduce.
Also, it is evident from the feedback on this forum that opinions are split as to what may be the best way to go - and these opinions have been given based on individual experiences in both directions. In addition, I don't really "know" my vet that well. This is my first puppy and I chose her based on recommendation, but I hardly have a personal relationship with her nor does my 4 month old puppy who has been seen by her only 4 times in 4 1/2 months for shots and exams.

I appreciate feedback or I wouldn't be here, but let's keep it to just that and leave the personal feelings and judgements out of it.