My vet quoted me $950 and snap lists it at around $100...is this because they're subsidized or because they're operating with rusty nails and duct tape?
quote:Must be the difference between spay and neuter
My Appointment for SNAP was maybe a week out from when i walked in.
quote:This. I know a lot of people who do rescues use them as a low cost way of getting animals fixed.
Vasectomies and tubal ligations are not common at all in vet med. SNAP will be doing a routine spay/neuter. The difference is pre and post-op care. SNAP and other low cost clinics are more of an assembly line, so your pet typically will not be monitored in the post-op period (which unfortunately is when most perianesthetic deaths occur).
I do think $950 is a bit steep for a spay, unless you have a 220 pound Mastiff or something. Our clinic charges in the $250-450 range depending on size, pre-anesthetic bloodwork is around $75 to 130 depending on age (not required unless the dog is over 6 years). Prices will vary depending on your location.
One thing that depends on the clinic is the use of an IV catheter. I use that for all my spays so emergency assess is available, and so IV fluids can be given during the surgery. Most low-cost places are skipping these steps.
I am not saying they are bad, I volunteered for the local SPCA for 7-8 months to gain experience and the quality was more than adequate, but not what I would have wanted for my own pet. It serves its niche, to provide services at a lower cost for people who cannot afford it otherwise. (And obviously the SPCA is trying to get them adopted as fast as possible, which can't be done unless they've been fixed).