Choosing the right vet

Vet costs vary between cities/ states, but generally, prices for routine care such as vaccines will be relatively comparable at the different vet offices in your area. Your comfort with the vet during your initial visit is probably more important than a small difference in the cost of routine vaccines. However, you can ask for quotes from a few offices before you make your decision- they should be able to give you an estimate of cost for a puppy vaccine series, a yearly visit (vaccines, stool studies, heart worm test, etc) and a spay/ neuter procedure.

If you are getting a puppy from a breeder, you can ask the vet office if they have an email address where you can forward their records from their initial vet appointment (although hard-copy is fine too).

Questions to ask the front desk staff

• Do they allow same-day/ walk-in visits for acute concerns?

• Do they provide after-hours emergency services? If not, do they have a recommendation for after-hours care?

Topics to discuss during your first visit with the vet

• Discuss dietary options (which kibble is best/ what to avoid/ how much to feed)

• Activity restrictions through certain ages.

• Recommendations for chewing toys for puppy teeth and adult teeth

Monthly flea/ tick/ heart worm medication

• Costco is generally the least expensive option for routine medications. You will need a paper prescription to take to the pharmacy.