What Does Low Cost Really Mean?

Low cost vaccination clinics are popping up everywhere. We understand the need for everyone in these hard economic times to save money. As our valued clients we want to help you understand the possible problems involved in choosing a low cost clinic or weekend shot clinic. As your regular veterinarian we establish a relationship with you the client and your pet. We hope we earn your trust, and you will continue to visit us for your pet's needs throughout the lifetime of your pet. Our vaccination protocols are individualized for your pet's specific needs. Vaccines are purchased only from major manufacturers, and needles and syringes are never reused. Your records are always updated and available. Patient records are backed up and stored through a secure off site service. We value our clients and understand that a pet is a family companion. We do not want to see you once, but we want to be there for you anytime you have a concern.

Low cost "shots only" clinics can be mobile clinics, weekend parking lot clinics or local feed and pet store clinics. Here are some tips on what to look for in a clinic:

Are they using disposableneedles?
You probably do not want to have your pet experience a needle that has been dulled on a previous patient or possibly inadequately re-sterilized

Is the clinic using the latest guidelines to avoid vaccine-induced fibrosarcomas?
This might be a good indicator of whether the clinic is up-to-date in its quality control. Fibrosarcomas can occur from over vaccinating the same area of the pet.

Do they seem simply interested in selling you the maximum number of vaccines or do they seem genuinely interested in informing you on which vaccines you do and do not need?
Many vaccine clinics pay their staff commission for the number of vaccines sold.

Do they keep your records and are they available? Some weekend shot clinics do not keep vaccine records and do not have easy access to past records should you lose your copy.

Are the vaccines already drawn up or are they mixed fresh while you are present?
Modified live vaccines are sensitive about storage, especially after they are reconstituted. A mobile clinic must contend with the inherent difficulties of refrigeration. You do not want to use a vaccine that may have been reconstituted perhaps hours before.