How much do normal vet bills cost? And can a 15 year old go take her dog to the vet?
Hi, im taylor and my dogs name is dakota. How much does it cost to take a dog to the vet? I live in Canda. And is it possible that I myslef can take her to the vet. My mom wont because she thinks my dog is fine, but she hasn’t been to the vet in 3 years and she is overweight and I think it would just be good to make sure she is alright.
Congratulations for trying to be a responsible pet owner 
Unfortunately, most places require someone at least 18 years of age to bring in a pet because of legal issues. Being 15 you’re not, technically, legal for them to set up an account or to consent to any form of treatment (including an examination).
As far as costs go, they will vary greatly from one area to another & from one clinic to another. At most clinic’s in my area just an examination is around $50 – 60 (I’m in Ontario, Canada by the way)
If you want some information to tell your mom to maybe convince her to take Dakota to see the vet, you can let her know with an overweight pet there are many more medical risks. The weight gain can be anything from over feeding to a thyroid problem. Excess weight can also cause your dog to get Diabetes & arthritis for starters.
Your vet may recommend a diet change or bloodwork depending on what is found during the examination. However your mom or someone over 18 years of age will be the only one that can authorize anything to be done.
Again, I’m glad to see you trying to help out Dakota & wish more 15 year olds were like you!
Best of luck with Dakota
February 10th, 2010 at 3:12 am
Yah you can and it can go from 15 dolars to 30 dolars depending on the vet.
References :
February 10th, 2010 at 3:59 am
At fifteen, you are mature enough to realize a pet needs annual exams and I commend you for being so caring and concerned for your pet.
Contact your vet (or any vet locally if you don’t have one) and ask them for their prices on an annual well check examination.
References :
February 10th, 2010 at 4:20 am
im pretty sure u can take her
References :
February 10th, 2010 at 4:52 am
Hi Taylor. First, let me say you are a very sweet, goodnatured, and responsible dog owner. I applaud you for that.
Yes, it is definitely okay for a 15 year old owner to take her dog to see a vet(: I hope everything goes well!
References :
February 10th, 2010 at 5:00 am
Yes, anybody can. Bring some cash though. You’ll have to pay for the check-up at least. They’re gonna hit you with a lot of stuff so be ready.
References :
February 10th, 2010 at 5:39 am
kk i took my dog to the vet and all i wanted was to get 1 shot and they ended up making me pay for all this stuff i didn’t even ask for so when you go tell them that all you want and that’s it and if they try charging you for something else tell them you didn’t want that and your not paying for it and i think you need to be 18 im not sure
References :
February 10th, 2010 at 6:16 am
Can you legally drive? If you can pay the bill I don’t see why not. Does she get her shots? Do you have to do that in Canada? You can get her on a low fat diet and mix it half and half with can green beans until you get her weight better.
References :
February 10th, 2010 at 7:06 am
You should definitely take dakota to the vet. Most dogs go for annual checkups and should stay up to date on shots. I live in New England and it usually costs me about $100 dollars including shots for my dog’s annual check-up. That doesn’t include heart worm meds or any other medications. And of course you can take your dog to the vet, as long as you’re a paying customer. Good luck!
References :
February 10th, 2010 at 7:16 am
You probably can’t take your dog to the vet by yourself. An adult (or someone over 18) needs to be there to sign release forms and pay for the exams and shots and other treatment.
Please try to convince your mom to take your dog to the vet. For just a check-up, it’s not that expensive. In the US, just a physical examination, maybe with a few tests, shouldn’t be more than $75. You can call your nearest animal clinic and ask for an estimate of the charges.
References :
February 10th, 2010 at 7:36 am
I’m not sure about the vets in Canada but here in the states you can usually get an office visit for about $35. You may be able to find a low cost vet clinic too where the prices would be less.
References :
February 10th, 2010 at 8:26 am
sure… take her! Just do yourself a favor and take her to a vet in the country. The kind of vet who works on cattle, sheep, and horses, AS WELL as small animals. The reason being is because these vets tend not to play on your emotions and try to make you pay for things you don’t need. They’re good, no nonsense, and do whats best for the animal, not the owner.
if you pay more than 60$ for a basic checkup, you’re being ripped off.
References :
February 10th, 2010 at 8:57 am
I applaud you for being concerned about your pet!
Call your vet (or consult with a new vet) about your situation and ask them for pricings on what your dog would need.
Three years without a vet may require shot boosters, fecal floats, and will absolutely need a heartworm pill prescription and possibly flea treatment/preventative.
References :
February 10th, 2010 at 9:37 am
depends on what the dog needs..
Im not sure of Canadian prices.. but average costs are ussually similar to the US..
Exam fee around $35
Shots $15-30
Rabies vaccine $5-15
fecal exam $30
heartworm test $30
wormers.. $5-30, depending on type of intestinal worms
heartworm preventatives.. $3-7 per monthly dose
flea/tick preventative.. $10-15 per monthly dose
if the dog has any ear mites or other common minor infections, medication for these.. $5-30
Im not sure if you can take the dog or not.. the vet may not question you for routine shots and exam, proividing you do have the means to pay.. but if the dog needed something like surgury, it may require an adult to consent to care.
References :
February 10th, 2010 at 10:19 am
i take my animals to the vet by myself and im 16. im pretty sure you can do it too.
as for how much the bill will be, it depends on the vet and the services they provide you with.
References :
February 10th, 2010 at 10:50 am
It depends! If it’s just a check up and everything is ok with her, it won’t be too expensive. However, if they find problems it will definitely cost you a lot. But if she hasn’t been in 3 years then she is way over due with her shots & other tests. So it will probably be expensive. Just because there are no visible health problems, doesn’t mean there aren’t any. She definitely needs to be taken to the vet. And I don’t think the vet minds who brings the dog, as long as they get their money
And good for you for being a responsible dog owner 
References :
February 10th, 2010 at 11:33 am
Just for a general check up you’re looking at around $40-$50; but bring a little extra just in case. It’s always better to go with more than you need. If she’s not okay, then it’ll be more for the treatment.
I’m sure there’s no problem with you taking Dakota to the vet. You’re a paying customer after all =P. As long as Dakota’s registered with that vet you should be good to go.
References :
February 10th, 2010 at 12:22 pm
Kudos to you for being responsible enough for wanting to take Dakota for a wellness examination. I don’t know about Canadian prices but I believe here in southeastern Pennsylvania an office visit is $30-40. Although here in the States you would need to be 18 or over to enter into a legally enforceable contract, this should not preclude you from taking her to the vet. If expense may be a problem, some shelters do run low cost clinics – downsides are the wait time in there and that they operate on bankers’ hours. Also, I think PetSmart does run clinics of sorts biweekly where you can get brief exams done and routine inoculations at nominal prices.
Good luck and I hope Dakota is okay!
References :
February 10th, 2010 at 12:58 pm
that is very good and grown up of you
i really admire you doing that
sorry though i cannot help as i live in australia and am not sure about canadian prices
good luck and hopefully your mum will atleast change her mind or give you the money for it
References :
February 10th, 2010 at 1:14 pm
Congratulations for trying to be a responsible pet owner
Unfortunately, most places require someone at least 18 years of age to bring in a pet because of legal issues. Being 15 you’re not, technically, legal for them to set up an account or to consent to any form of treatment (including an examination).
As far as costs go, they will vary greatly from one area to another & from one clinic to another. At most clinic’s in my area just an examination is around $50 – 60 (I’m in Ontario, Canada by the way)
If you want some information to tell your mom to maybe convince her to take Dakota to see the vet, you can let her know with an overweight pet there are many more medical risks. The weight gain can be anything from over feeding to a thyroid problem. Excess weight can also cause your dog to get Diabetes & arthritis for starters.
Your vet may recommend a diet change or bloodwork depending on what is found during the examination. However your mom or someone over 18 years of age will be the only one that can authorize anything to be done.
Again, I’m glad to see you trying to help out Dakota & wish more 15 year olds were like you!
Best of luck with Dakota
References :
Working in the veterinary field for 11+ years now
February 10th, 2010 at 1:26 pm
i think it is a really responsible choice to take your dog to the vet. I do believe that anyone can bring in an animal. (ANY ANIMAL) if you didn’t get my hint, if you can not get in your self you can ask a friends parents to bring it in with you.
References :