Seeking New Vet in Sacramento

Requiring a physical before meds and doing a heartworm test at least every few years is really, really common. If a dog does develop heartworm and you give the meds, it can be fatal to the dog. I don't know if every year is necessary, but regular physicals and a routine bloodtest really is important every few years.

In any case, I cannot even begin to tell you how awesome Sacramento Animal Hospital is. It's way down on 57th and H, but they are amazing. We've gone to them for many years now.

You can get it online, though. There are a ton of places - we usually use Petmeds.com.

Hi C.,
There are many good vets in the area you are looking, so please check a few of them out. Look for one that will give you a tour and introduce you to all its empolyees.
However, what I would like to comment on is all the individuals telling you to use internet pharmacies to purchase product. This is not a safe or smart thing to do. Internet pharmacies get all their veterinary products second hand, so there is no line of quality control. If your animal has a reaction, the company that makes the product will not support or help you if purchased from online.
The FDA routinely puts out warnings against purchasing online - you have no idea what you are actually getting no matter how much it looks like the real thing, and no matter how much 1800petmeds tells you they are the same.
Additionally, there are certain products that should only be used in certain situations, which is why a veterinarian needs to prescribe them to you, not just have you get what you want from Canada.
I understand it can be expensive, but please go to the vet of your choice and get product there.
Thanks.

Hi,

I use the Rio Linda/Elverta Veterinary Clinic on M Street (at Rio Linda Blvd), & have used them for over 10 years.

I have had my dogs on heartworm meds for years, and I remember that when a vet is going to prescribe them, they always want a heartworm blood test to be sure they aren't giving preventative meds if the dogs are infected; they charged me $45 for the blood test, and the preventative meds are $24 per month for BOTH of my dogs--so probably only $10 for one, $14 for the other, or something like that...(the price goes by weight, I have them on Interceptor), two yellow labs, one is 120 lbs and the other is 75 lbs. As far as I know, they have never required an annual exam to re-issue heartworm meds, they just require the blood test.

They might be able to get the results of a prior heartworm test, if it is within the last 12 months, & use that, until the 12-months is up. I do remember that every 12 months, they want a new one.

If you need an exam, I think their exam is only about $40-$50, and they tend to include follow-ups at no extra charge (no extra exam fee), and in general are reasonably priced.

I have lost a few animals in our 10 years with this vet, & they have never charged me for helping to relieve my animals' suffering & do the euthanization. (putting them to sleep so they don't suffer anymore). And they always send me a sympathy card.

They have a caring & helpful staff, and since one of my dogs has had a number of health problems, they could have really milked me for $$ but I feel offered me lots of choices with prices that were reasonable, and realistic for my situation & budget, all with compassions & without judgment.

Dr. Tammy Hendrie is the vet, I would recommend this clinic. They are open Tues-Sat. ###-###-####

Hope this helps!

I would check with some of the online pharms... 1800 pet meds and fosters and smith are some of the well known ones.
My mom used fosters and smith and says they are slow, but it's a little more than half of what she was paying at the vet. They do call to check the prescriptions, tho... and her vet charged her a transfer fee for the prescription, but it was still less than what she would've paid for the heartworm chews. Our vet is in Vacaville, so it's a drive. Good luck

Try ordering from canadavet.com. They do not require a prescription for heartworm meds. I have ordered flea treatment and had an easy time of ordering from them. I do recall canadavets' heartworm meds, especially the generic, were definitely cheaper than the local vet office.

Worth a try, especially since there has not been a lapse in medication.
T.

We used this vet a few years ago and found them to be wonderful caring people, at a great price. When i brought in my cats records (so they could see what things were still needed) i saw the lady try to hide her *gasp* at the prices we had paid in East Sac. It's been a few years, now 3 kids later, I do not have the time to make the trek out there, but I believe it is in the area you are hoping for.

Here is a link I found to a review (not sure if they have a website, but if the link does not work, it is called Animal Birth Control (but they do everything)on Auburn Blvd.

http://www.insiderpages.com/b/3711303643

C.,
WE love out vet, They are called Sunset Animal Medical Center. They have two offices, I'm not sure where the other one is. Their phone #is ###-###-####. This particular office is in Fair Oaks. I can say that they will want to do a physical the first time out at least, since they haven't ever had your pets before.
W. M.

I believe that you can purchase Heartworm meds online. I think it is petmeds.com.

Hi C.,
I can totally relate to the expense, we have two cats and a dog and having to pay for a physical on all three is pricey but I understand why. It is a liability issue. We have to do the same thing at our dental office. I'm not sure you will find a good vet who doesn't insist on an exam/physical. Sorry, I do feel your pain.
L.