I've used a vaccine clinic.  They came to the feed store.  They had a volunteer veterinarian (with info about his clinic) and vet tech, and gave shots at cost along with records. They were raising money for a zoo I think, and they had a "tip jar" out for donations, but they didn't push anyone to donate beyond the cost--or even mention it when we were there, in fact, it was just on all the flyers.

At the time, my 4 dogs were in good health generally and they were in fact getting vet care.  We didn't have a regular vet, though, not one we liked.  And my health didn't let me work much and hubby was a full-time student; money was tight.  Vaccines at cost, administered by a vet, was a very good deal and better than me buying vaccines and administering them myself--particularly since we could get proof of rabies vax that way.

My dogs are now seniors and we have a vet we really like, so they all get their vaccines with her along with annuals (and regular vet care in between the 3 year vaccines).  The vaccines are much more expensive this way; if we really need to pinch pennies come next due date, we may go back to the vaccine clinic.  They're still getting the care they need in between.  Maybe we're unusual that way.  Maybe we're not.

Incidentally, the local animal shelter offers the same at-cost clinic.  Are vets just as upset about those?

Galadriel July 31st, 2009 09:53:39 AM

Galadriel: No as to vets getting upset about low-cost shelter care. We support low-cost vaccines at the shelters for all, though most veterinarians want the shelters to offer low-cost services only to those who have proof of their low-income status. I'm not too sure how I feel about that. 

Again, a not-for-profit, charity-supporting vaccine clinic with well-kept records and well maintained vaccines? These are usually well-managed and a few rungs up from your typical for-profit options. A generalization, perhaps, but it's where most veterinarians draw the line when it comes to our support or condemnation of vaccine clinics. 

Dr. Patty Khuly July 31st, 2009 10:21:27 AM

Back in the '80's, there was scandal and lawsuits were being filed left and right over vaccines for children.  My son's doctor announced he wouldn't be administering vaccines any longer and, being in a small town, that left the county health department as my only choice (and it had all happened suddenly and they weren't really set up to do the job yet, including no doctors on site at all).  I told him my son wouldn't get vaccinated unless he did it.  He said he wouldn't be able to go to school.  I said I'd home school.  He ordered the vaccines and administered them.  We've come a long way (or maybe not) since then and outlets like Walgreens at least seem to have their "stuff" together.

I'm of 2 minds on this one.  If one has access to reasonably priced vet care, then go to the vet for vaccines.  Based on the vet care I've experienced over the years (especially in Texas), my gut feeling is this type of walk up, sidewalk clinic may be every bit as reliable.  Given my recent experiences with local vets, I may well seek out a clinic and depend on my own best judgment rather than that of vets so snooty they fire clients for requesting copies of their records; or who have to be hunted down because they move without giving notice to current clients.

Seems to me that a database for reporting vaccines given would be the best option for record keeping on these.  Everyone who gives them to report/file to the database and pet owners to have the ability to obtain records from the database.  It's long past time, given current technology, for us to be able to track medications from manufacturer to patient; food from source to use.

PJBoosinger July 31st, 2009 10:28:25 AM

I personally have my pets vaccinated by my vet, but if for some reason I were financially unable to do that, would consider a clinic if that were my only option. Our shelter does a rabies-only clinic 3-4 times a year (rabies vaccine is required by the state of PA); we are located in a financially-strapped county. We do not give any other vaccines at these clinics since those are modified-live vaccines and would be unhealthy to give without a good exam; the rabies is a killed vaccine and is less likely to cause a problem. The vet administers the vaccines (made by Merial or Fort Dodge) with the assistance of the techs or assistant (me). At each clinic we vaccinate from 200-300 dogs and cats, most of whom would probably not be vaccinated otherwise (multiply that by 3 or 4 clinics yearly, and you'll see the kind of volume we're talking here). Owners get a copy of the vaccination record and a tag for the collar of the pet; the original is kept by the shelter. BTW, all pets adopted from the shelter are vaccinated prior to adoption with the first FVRCP or DA2+PV and rabies if old enough to receive the vaccine. Part of all adoptions is the recommendation to have the new pet see the owner's vet within a couple weeks, but of course there is no way to enforce that. Some animals would never be vaccinated if not for these clinics.

Shellie July 31st, 2009 10:39:22 AM

Many years ago, with my first dog, we used the low-cost vaccine clinic that the town health department organized at a local pet supply store every year. She did get an annual exam, but that was in the early spring so that her annual heartworm test was included (which is wasn't in the vaccine clinic.) I don't remember now why her vaccine schedule was so far off from her annual physical and heartworm test, but for whatever reason, that's how it worked out. And of course, at the time annual vacs was the standard recommendation, and for rabies it was the law. (And the rabies, of course, was why the town health department cared about making a low-cost vaccine clinic available.

I figure we were pretty safe on the record-keeping front.

But for every animal after that, we got them on a more sensible schedule, so that the annual physical includes whatever vacs were due at that time, and going to a low-cost vaccine clinic would have been an extra cost, not a savings.

Except now I have a dog who was a year old when I got her, and rabies was already an August event. So that's when she's due for it next year, and her the schedule for her annual physical is in late March/early April, when I got her. So next year, two visits minimum. I'd still rather have an extra visit with her regular vet, but if the budget is stretched enough and a reliable clinic is available at the right time...

But no, I won't. I'll spend several weeks telling myself it's the financially wise choice, and then I'll wind up at her regular vet, because something Bad has happened every time I've said "we don't need to do this right now..."

Lis July 31st, 2009 10:51:25 AM

It's a 2 way street Dr Patty.  At this point I travel at least 4 hours to a vet because not *one* in this area meets my standard of care for my pets.  My standard?  I expect a full physical when I pay for a full visit (including actually listening to lungs and heart, head to toe exams, fecals, etc), indivualized preventative care, and referralls to specialists as needed *without argument* that they are "just as good as the boarded guys".

So for me, Rabies vax (which the vets here give whether a dog is healthy or sick, even if it's dying of cancer) at a low-cost local clinic?  Sure.  I can tell you if my dog is healthy enough for the shot, and most of the time the person working puts his/her hands on my pet more than the local guys do during a paid visit anyway.

Want to be the go-to place for routine vaccations?  Then make it a place B  owner wants to be.  Show us how much better your exams are than the clinics and why it's worth paying more.

I'm certain that *you* are doing this.  Its your colleagues that are not  often up to par.

wENDY July 31st, 2009 11:11:35 AM

Our municipal rabies clinic is staffed and supplied by the local vets with the same products they use in house (each vet brings their own and gets reimbursed by the city). We used it for a number of years, partly because our Malamute (now deceased) enjoyed the array of dogs so much, and partly because the practice we were using didn't want to see more than two animals per appointment and we had 5 dogs and 2 cats at the time.  Our area has a high incidence of rabies in wildlife, so this clinic is important to get dogs and cats from the county areas vaccinated who might never get done otherwise.

Maria Shanley July 31st, 2009 11:14:42 AM

In my area there are a lot of people who fail to take their animals into a vet clinic just because of the finances or old school patterns of behavior.

Although we don't have any such clinics, the feed stores sell vaccines and the local vets actually conduct low cost shot clinics--done outside without an exam etc.

I think that in an ideal world it would be best to have a good rapport with a veterianarian--I've never skimped when it comes to my animal's health BUT there are those that don't get the wellness checks or keep up on the vaccines.

When you see whole litters infected with Parvo or other such nonsense just because the people won't go to a veterinarian I'd say I'd rather see something available so they will get shots.

Sure there are problems but unless a veterinarian wants to grab that part of the market--it fills a void that would not impact a veterinarian's business anyway.

As for the quality of product etc., I know the local clinics and feed stores maintain quality vaccines and distribute them. They don't (unless the customer is in their database) keep track of the vaccines and cannot dispense rabies (just the vets or county does).

I think in this case, when people choose the option to buy over the counter medications or go to a different source it is their choice and not that of the professional.

Ark Lady July 31st, 2009 11:22:38 AM

I'm a little bit mixed on this subject. 

For my Frenchie, who I know does not tolerate vaccinations well and whose reacted quite badly to some, no, a clinic is not the answer.He goes to the vet and gets them. We also do them in two or three parts, meaning he'll have one this week, the second in 3 weeks, and if there's a third, in another three weeks. Seems to be easier on his system and prevents a reaction without having to medicate him. 

Concerning my beagle and my cats: all are healthy, see the vet regularly, etc. They've gone to the clinic for shots. I'm on a budget and all of my animals are well cared for. They eat top of the line food, have an abundance of beds, toys and affection, and see the vet if and when needed. I emptied my savings last year to try to save my one cat's life (over $4000 in bills and we had to let her go anyway). But when it comes to six cats, two dogs, a bird, salt and fresh fish tanks, and whatever critter is being fostered, a clinic is the more logical route for me as long as my fur kids are healthy. 

I'm also at an advantage however, because I do so much with the rescues that I know what vaccinations are what, reactions, etc and I've even helped administer them with the techs. 

I think if the clinics were stricter, there would not be so many issues, and if people were more educated animal guardians, the same. 

RHz July 31st, 2009 11:23:02 AM

I'm of two minds about this, as I don't think it's best practice to keep vaccinating after adulthood (and even more so after senior status) - as long as a titer gets done.  Titers done every three years cost more, but still.... of course rabies doesn't, legally, fall into that for most people (even though my dogs are not 'current' and won't be brought up to date unless I'm forced). 

So the availablitity of low-cost (or cut-rate) vaccination centers is something that I think makes people think they should be getting vaccinations every year.  It's the lack of education/necessity that bothers me.  How about yearly low-cost exams?  Unfortunately, people think the 'magic bullet' in a bottle is the best - and usually only - thing they should do for their dog.

KateH July 31st, 2009 11:52:41 AM

I agree with your position on this one.  I also agree with others who have posted or implied that:

1.  Animal guardians need to be educated better -- to understand the hidden cost of "low cost" services when "low cost" also means: Corners cut.  This means they need to understand the perils of over-vaccination, and also the importance of withholding vaccinations for unhealthy animals, and also the possibility of a life threatening vaccine reaction which, without available ER care, can kill a pet.

2.  However, many vet hospitals and veterinarians themselves do not do a good enough job of this though -- so going to a brick and mortar vet hospital as opposed to a "vaccine clinic" is no guarantee of competent care when it comes to vaccination protocols.  Some vets vaccinate sick animals.  Some vets still over-vaccinate.  Some vets fail to have pets monitored for a vaccine reaction -- reacting too late to save the pets life.  Some vets dispense heartworm meds without warning to people with collies and other susceptible breeds.  I have read these things in disciplinary records and have good reason to believe that for every 1 that was disciplined for this, at least 10 either went unreported or undisciplined for the same behavior.

So, yes -- these clinics devalue veterinary medicine (when praticed right) and can be dangerous -- dangers most people with pets are still unaware of.  However, the same can be said of having these services done at a regular vet hospital, in some cases. 

Sidebar:  I was sitting in the waiting area at my vets, overhearing the receptionists end of a conversation. It was apparent that the caller was challenging him:  Why is your spay or neuter so much more expensive than the shelter?  The receptionist, who has worked there for a long time -- at least a year and a half -- had to put the caller on hold and ask a more senior staff member.  Meanwhile, I am mumbling in my seat about IV fluids and monitoring and intubating and pain control.  It is evident that consumers do not understand that quality comes at a price -- even many of those who can afford it.  It is also evident that sadly, some veterinary staff don't either.  He's a fine receptionist, but I feel that after a year and a half, he probably should have known the answer to this question.

Stefani July 31st, 2009 12:01:10 PM

My city was offering either free or low-cost vaccinations on-site if you showed up to a certain outdoor location to get your dog license or renewal.

I have no idea whether the vaccines were being administered by vets or not, but I wouldn't bet on it. For sure the animals were not getting physical exams. They were also completely unequipped to handle an adverse reaction, and since it was a Saturday, there would not have been an open Vet clinic anywhere close enough to help a dog which had one.

In other words, it was organized just like I would expect my city to do it.

My dogs are brachycephalic breeds and both breeds prone to vaccine reactions, so any vaccine they get is coming from a Vet, on a weekday, preferably early in the day. (I know reactions can take place even longer after the shot, but the odds are in my favor the more time has passed). I think it is fine for the city to offer low cost vaccinations, since they are required by law, but they should be administered using at least minimally safe practices. The city's shelters have vets on premises; give the shots there. Record keeping won't be an issue, it will be on file with the city. There you go.

I do not think vaccinations ought to be given by the equivalent of roadside vendors. They are just not equipped to follow safe practices.

Susan July 31st, 2009 12:50:35 PM

Personally, I am surprised that vaccine clinics are still being run and think it's a disservice to both the public and the animals. 

With all the info out there now about vaccinations, just doing core vaccines, not needing to vaccinate every year as was the norm in the past, vaccine titering, not giving multiple vaccines at the same time etc...it is frustrating to know that for one, many veterinarians don't educate their clients in this area; owners don't know where to look for info either? and they certainly aren't going to get educated at a "shot clinic". They think they are getting a bargain but missing the point of preventative health care. 

I helped an elderly neighbor take her cat to a "shot clinic" once and they didn't even take the cat all the way out of the carrier. I thought to myself...that cat could have had mammary cancer, a fight wound abscess on it's hip etc and they would have never known...but it got it's shot.

Stefani brings up some very good points, too. There has only been a very short period in my adult life where I wasn't "behind the counter" in a vet office, and while some may think it a "demotion" to be a "receptionist LVT", I truly love the client education part of my job and my boss truly appreciates me too. And it pleases me when I hear other staff absorbing what I say and therefore giving the client and patient better care and info, too. 

Teri and the cats of Furrydance July 31st, 2009 12:59:34 PM

I don't see any problem with the vaccine clinics in this area.  We have used them on occasion.  They are staffed by licensed vets, so I don't worry about how their vaccines are handled.  Those same local vets have a brick and mortar office in the next county, so they are available if any questions arise.  Their name and address is on the paper work - And the same vets are at the same feed store here on a regular schedule, so if you forgot the name & wanted to contact them, you would only have to ask the feed store for the name.  They certainly are not a fly-by-night operation.

And it's not only the lower cost that is attractive.  The vax clinics are held during evening hours which is better for working folks - our local vets all close at 5 pm.   No appointment necessary, which makes it easier too.

Now, if a dog is sick it should definitely be seen at a vet office.  But if the dog is healthy I see no problem with getting vaccines at a low-cost clinic.  And as has been said above, some vet offices do not do a thorough exam either.  I think a lot of pets would not get vaccinated at all if it were not for the low-cost clinics.   More pets vaccinated means less chance of epidemics of parvo, distemper, or rabies in our local animal population, which I think is good for everyone.

I don't see why every vet couldn't hold periodic low-cost vax clinics if they wanted to.  But rarely have I seen that done.

Mary July 31st, 2009 01:14:48 PM

as a veterinary technician, veterinary technician student, and pet owner, i am drawn into 3 seperate directions, and all at once on this topic.

the vet tech in me that has seen entire litter sof puppies sucumb to parvo doesn't care where the owners get the vaccines...so long as they get them.

the veterinary technician student in me recognizes the appropriate technique, medical reasoning, & aprreciates vaccinations.

the pet owner, who has several mouths to feed & care for, has actually used the "el cheapo" clincis offered at the local Petco  EVEN WHEN I WAS WORKING IN A CLINIC because i simply couldn't sfford the cost, even employee discounted, for my pets to be vaccinated.

(i know good & well that the doctor i was working for was ordering massive quanitites of vaccines on special from the distributor, getting a box of 25 doses for free, and storing them incorectly, and yet would still charge staff cost + 20 %!!!)

so, yes, i think all animals deserve a yearly exam. and now that all 50 states recognize the 3 year rabies vaccines, i suspect that there is lessincentive to visit the vet unless your pet is sick.

i also have used low cost vaccine clinics in times of economic stress, so as to protect my beloved pets.

& i also don't really care where pet owners get their vaccines done, so long as they get them done. some people are intimidated by the clinic itself, and see their hard-earned money go to pay for the clinic overhead & not their pet's care. (they know that the satalitte television, coffee, tile floors, and sharply dressed employees aren't free)

it sure beats holding dying dogs or kittens because their owners felt they couldn't afford vaccines.

roxanne

Roxanne July 31st, 2009 03:10:49 PM

I've never heard or even seen a vaccine clinic for pets! I'm wondering if there are local laws preventing this sort of thing (I live in Canada, near Toronto)? I do know that all the vets we've seen over the years have always given us a vaccination certificate --  signed &  dated personally by the vet and then and stamped with the vet's official stamp. Without this certificate we wouldn't be able to board our pets or buy a dog licence. 

If I ever did see a vaccine clinic, I'd be unlikely to take my pets. My dog is still a pup and I definetely wanted a vet to look him over during his routine shots to make sure he was developing into a healthy dog. 

If I were really strapped for cash perhaps I would take my two-year old cat to a clinic -- he's healthy, he's young, and although not impossible he probably doesn't have anything terribily wrong with him at his age. However, I would never take my oldest cat (just turned 7 years old) to a clinic. A routine vet check is very important for older cats, and I want him to be with me, safe, happy and healthy as long as possible. My cats have a much better chance of living a long happy healthy life and/or beating any disease if they get routine check-ups.

Shauna July 31st, 2009 03:13:29 PM

Another great subject Dr. K.

Like I've said in the past, I work for a major pet retail chain and we offer low cost vaccination clinics once a month, every month. I take my dogs there for the shots, because with the low cost and an additional 20% with my associate discount, it saves me a bunch of money. I do have a regular vet whom I love to death. I have a special needs Dobe and a newly adopted Boxer with issues of her own that need vet care. My vet accepts that I use the clinic to save money, as he knows that with any other issue/illness he's the one I'm coming to for care.  The same vet has been doing these clinics for the past 10 years and he does have a local office as well and I would go there except it's 40 minutes away from my house and with my Dobe, (who's a bleeder), needs a vet almost next door to me if she has any issues.  The customers that come to this clinic, most of them anyway, probably wouldn't seek vaccinations at a vet's office anyway. (based on the customer base at my store). I don't think I would show up to a clinic in front of a grocery store or drug store though. And I certainly wouldn't recommend it to any of my customers.   

Anyway, just my two cents.

Sharon July 31st, 2009 05:21:00 PM

Sharon: I also have clients who have their routine stuff taken care of at less expensive facilities and come to us only when there's an illness. I'm OK with that. I think it only makes sense to accept that a veterinarian-client-patient relationship doesn't have to be one-size-fits-all to meet great standards.

Dr. Patty Khuly July 31st, 2009 05:33:24 PM

my favorite vet used to (and I assume still does) run the free vaccine clinic offered by the township. I think it is a great thing to those who can't afford, but want to get vaccines.

I am personally done with vaccines. But that is a topic for another post/debate.

It's time IMHO that vets stop looking to vaccines to bring pets in for their yearly exams and their regular income.

Well health visits and preventive maintenance should be where the mind thought focus is headed. But in this economy? If you want and or need your pet vaccined, go where you need to, yet be advocating for your pet and still ask for the best you can get from any situation.

having said that, I'll be honest...I brush teeth, monitor health and unless we notice a significant change or a pressing issue, for now we just go in for sick visits. Hopefully when the economy changes we can resume our previous level of professional health care.

LorriM July 31st, 2009 06:09:10 PM

The vets that are the most threatened by these clinics are the ones who run their veterinary clinics like "shot clinics" every day, they just do it at  a fixed location. If the do an exam at all, it is just cursory, incomplete and fast.  They overprice the vaccine and do not charge for the "exam". They don't discuss/offer lab work other than a fecal or heartworm test.

In my experience, most of the people who cannot tell the difference betrween a vaccine clinic and what veterinary medicine is supposed to be are not going to be happy at my clinic nor will I be happy trying to accomodate them.

Hobson July 31st, 2009 07:19:03 PM

Hobson, Give us a chance.  We can't even get a chance to tell the difference until we run into someone like you or Kr. K!  Even then, you gotta bring us up to speed (or at least start to).  I know that means vets have to kiss a lot of toads to find the princes and princesses but pucker up 'cause all professionals have to do it :)

PJBoosinger July 31st, 2009 08:31:29 PM

My vet is 45 minutes away and well worth the drive for health care.  I give my own DHLPP vaccines and I am a regular at the County Health Dept Rabies Clinics.  They know me and my dogs, hug the new puppy, and are always very professional.  They also do keep records and if you should loose your vacc certificate they will give you a duplicate.  My vet is fine with this arrangement (I have used him for 10+ years) and I am thankful for the convenience. It's a win-win for all of us.

Holly July 31st, 2009 08:32:53 PM

Yes, I use vaccine clinics. I do for two reasons: 1) getting annual vaccines at my vet's office is more than $200 per cat, and 2) the money that I'm not spending on annual vaccines can be used when my cats actually get sick. If my vet has a problem with it, he's free to lower his annual vaccine price.

Sarah July 31st, 2009 09:17:09 PM

Sarah, that's astounding. To spend $200 on one pet at my vet, I'd have to include a full blood panel with the exam and whatever vacs are due. And they're not one of the cheaper vets in a relatively expensive part of the country.

Lis July 31st, 2009 09:56:01 PM

Sarah, can you break down that $200 per pet for annual vaccines?  How much for Rabies? FPVRC? Leukemia? Exam charge? Fecal test? (My clinic's total for those 5 come in around $100 and some folks complain that I am expensive because they can go to one of those cheap places for less)

PJB, I try to do it every patient, I offer a level of medicine that usually gets me 10-20 patients a day, enough to keep me busy and pay my bills. I don't want to see 60 patients a day, but some folks just want the "shots" and as cheap as possible.  I tell them I cannot accomodate them and do what I do best at the same time.  I have found in the past that most adults are too set in their ways and I spent way too much energy trying to change their minds. I now focus on kids and speak to schools, boy/girl scouts, clubs et. and try to educate them early. I have even seen them influence their parents better than I could afterwards.

The best written description of the problem I ever saw came from a layperson, Julie, who frequently posts on this site. Her website is vetabusenetwork.com and her article titlesd "Beware of DR. Cheapvet" (or something close to that) is a a masterpiece> I have referred that site to some folks that complain about my fees in comparison to the cheap places.

Tto the folks that use the cheap vaccine shots for healthy pets and only call on a vet for illnesses and injuries, keep in mind that you are driving the price of that kind of care up.  We all have fixed costs that we have to meet (salaries, insurance, taxes, maintainance, education, utilities, et) and if our vaccine revenue goes down - something else has to go up.  

Hobson August 1st, 2009 09:37:25 AM

I have issues with the immunization clinics.. but if it's a choice of the animal going without the vaccinies, I'd advise people to use them.. Right now I have a young patient that is getting anti rabies shots, as he was bitten by a non vaccinated dog..

I was doing work on an indian reservation, a couple of years ago, and a traveling clinic with vet students, teachers etc. came to town, and were giving free immunizations, spays, and neuters..  It was pretty neat.. as it was the only vet care within  reasonable travel

I definitely would question the storage, lot accountability, and recalls... though....

barri August 1st, 2009 09:53:28 AM

Barri, what state are you in, that they wouldn't let the dog stay in 10-day quarantine to see if rabies develops before deciding to give prophylactic rabies shots?  If this was an owned dog with no history of exposure, that's an odd way to deal with the situation.  While the shots are mildly uncomfortable (and there are only 3 now), the biggest problem is the cost.  To expect anyone to pony up for them without actual need is not right.

KateH August 1st, 2009 10:42:53 AM

Hi KateH

 Our office is in a suburb of NYC.. The child went to the hospital, and therefore NYC dept of health got involved.. I don't know the details.. I just got a call  from the mother.. She wanted to know if it was necessary to continue the shots, or if we would be able to do them.. I wasn't getting involved.. There was no cost to the parent, as it was covered by medicaid

barri August 1st, 2009 02:53:55 PM

"most adults are too set in their ways"  Oh, I don't know...  It only took a dozen+ mini strokes for me to re-set my ways :)  Yes, tongue firmly in cheek.  I'm still often in the "get our your 2 X 4 to get my attention" crowd with one difference.  I know it and don't mind being smacked with the 2 X 4.  Think you're really on the right track getting to the parents through the kids!

PJBoosinger August 1st, 2009 04:55:06 PM

I don't mind paying more to have my pets vaccinated by my regular vet.  The mark up on vaccines help keep my vet in business and subsidizes other services.  My vet has a small practice and truly cares about my pets and takes the time to make sure I understand what my options are, etc.  It is the least I can I do. 

Diane C. August 1st, 2009 06:42:58 PM

Diane C.   I wish all clients felt that way 

Hobson August 1st, 2009 07:55:38 PM

This discussion has a parallel in the human clinic world.  I like to go to the local quick clinic and see a nurse practitioner to get my flu shot and a throat culture for strep if needed.  My regular doc is not happy with this as he does make the odd comments when he checks my record to see that I have visited the quicker mini clinic. 

On both sides it is about customer service.  If someone wants a quick vaccination for themselves or their pet I see no problem with this model.  If there is an illness then a visit to the regular doc is in order.  My belief is that it is about money for the regular docs more than anything.  These specialty clinics are taking business away from the regular clinics.

I have never taken my pet to  a vaccination only site because he has complicated medical issues and all visits are at the local University but if his health were normal I might give them a try.

Harold August 2nd, 2009 01:12:14 PM

Perhaps the vet industry has brought on some of this problem by making vaccines routine.  I like and trust my vet but feel they were late to the reduced vaccine schedule.  I am much more interested in physical exams than yearly shots.

Perhaps vets need to acknowledge their error and seek redemption. :-)

Erich Riesenberg August 3rd, 2009 06:47:13 AM

Harold: "it is about money for the regular docs"  I've come to the conclusion it's even more about control than money with M.D.'s; am undecided if that's the case with vets.

PJBoosinger August 3rd, 2009 09:56:10 AM

I have always gone exclusively to the vet for vaccines and other care for my dogs.  My thinking is that if the vet sees my dog (and me) on a routine bais, he/she will know my dog and what is normal for him, and will know me so that when I say "somthing isn't quite right with....", they will trust my observations and investigate the issue. So far, that has always worked.  And having a good relationship with a vet I trust, I have always been able to get in when things came up, even if not quite an emergency.  It's worth it for me to pay more for vaccines to establish that relationship and familiarity.  I totally understand if people can't afford it - some care is bette than none.

Di August 3rd, 2009 10:43:01 AM

While I wouldn't partake of one of these clinics myself, I have championed them for our own city.  Our rate of vaccination, licensing and microchipping is dismally low.  Our idea?  A one-stop-shop with a greatly reduced rate.  Essentially we were looking at the whole shebang for the regular cost of a microchip (about $45). 

This ensures that FAR more pets receive one set of vax in their lifetime, are chipped and registered to allow the city to keep better track of their furry inhabitants.  In addition, this gets them on record so that their subsequent license fees can be collected.  At the moment we have about a 10% license rate.

As for the lack of a physical exam... well, I have to say that the Dr. K exam is not indicative of your average veterinary physical.  I've seen dozens of vets who simply touch a few parts hoping to give the impression of an exam and get on to the next client.  In addition, even when problems ARE found during a physical exam, vaccines are rarely avoided.  I've seen dogs with infections, un-biopsed lumps and bumps, skin disease, runny eyes and diarrhea proceed with vaccination.

I'm not suggesting "physicals be damned!" but rather that perhaps if more veterinarians provided the value-added services that YOU do, thereby endearing themselves to their clients in a way that vax clinics never can or will.

Kim August 3rd, 2009 12:57:48 PM

In my former home town (a small city in coastal Maine), the county humane society offered several free rabies vaccination clinics throughout our very large and rural county. All the local vets volunteered to participate in the clinics and the humane society reimbursed them for the cost of the vaccines, people received real certificates, and it vastly increased the rate of rabies vaccinations in a county that was seeing an increasing number of rabid wild animals at large. It was a huge boon, not only for the people who lived 45 minutes away from the nearest vet clinic but who couldn't afford a vet visit even for a simple vaccination--and nothing else. (I should say here that I emphatically do NOT fall into the "poor people shouldn't have pets" camp.)

The humane society also offered low-cost spay/neuter clinics throughout the county as well. People had to sign up for those in advance, but they could get a dog spayed for $30 and a cat spayed for $20. (Vets volunteered, and the cost paid--in part--for the materials used in the procedures. Humane Society members and vet techs volunteered to watch the pets in the "recovery room" until they awoke from anesthesia and proved that they weren't having adverse reactions.)

That having been said, the thing that irks me the most about these free services--which are designed to help low-income people get basic necessary care for their pets--is that they were used by some people who could clearly afford to see a vet in private practice, including (in one case) a local cat breeder!

I used the free rabies vaccination clinic once, for a cat that was abandoned at my family's farm at a time when none of us could afford a full vet visit. We had other pets and livestock, and since we didn't know his vaccination status (but we assumed anyone who would toss a cat out of a moving car probably didn't get the cat his shots), we didn't want to risk exposure to rabies for our pets OR for us. The clinic was run smoothly, the vets did give a quick exam to any pets that came in to be vaccinated, and I got a real live vaccination certificate.

I would never but NEVER trust my cats' care to a fly-by-night roadside clinic, though.

JaneA August 4th, 2009 10:51:14 AM

I've used county rabies clinics where it's a one-stop shop to get the vaccine and their annual license.  (This county don't do the live-long tag but issue a new dated one every year.) 

I've used Petco vaccine clinics and I'll use them again, unapologically.   

Ann August 4th, 2009 09:45:43 PM

I worked at a clinic like this in suburban NJ before starting vet school, and I would say almost 40% of people who attended had a large number of animals (3+ dogs or 4+ cats).  Many of these clients were organized and educated consumers who could afford "normal" vet care for a couple of animals, but would be stretched to pay an annual vaccination/exam fee for all of their animals (in this area of NJ, you can't walk in the door for less than $60, and vaccination/exam will easily run $100).  These animals seemed well cared for, with the owners compensating for lack of money with greater education and organization (I was shocked by how many showed up with forms from previous vaccine clinics).  Not sure how much this particular type of consumer has to do with the area.

Rachael August 7th, 2009 10:44:39 AM

Gah.  I always end up under the spammers!  Guess that's what I get for reading "later."

Anyway. I have had some very tough times in my life, so I see both sides of the issue.  You do want the vaccines to be safe for the animals, and you want records, and you want to be able to prove they've had the vaccines they need.

At the same time, a reputable low-cost clinic can be a God-send.  For me, it would be amatter of checking the clinic out as much as I could.  I'd be more inclined to go with one at a shelter or by a volunteer vet.  Anything without a name or paperwork attached to it would be out of the question, for me, though.

Jen M.

Jen M. August 28th, 2009 01:15:40 PM