http://thismightbejess.livejournal.com/ ([identity profile] thismightbejess.livejournal.com) wrote in [community profile] davis_square2011-11-15 11:57 am
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MORE CATS! (seeking vet recommendations)

I am a relatively new pet owner and I would like some advice on local veterinarians. My cat is young and healthy and just needs a wellness exam, and maybe some help with some sudden itchiness. Very routine. I am, however, "living on a budget" as they say. There are rave reviews for many vets in the area; Porter Square, Union Square, Winter Hill and Huron all have 4 to 5 stars on The Yelp, but I suspect they are all rather expensive. Also, since I am a new pet owner, I don't actually know what "expensive" is.

Do you have any suggestions for a reasonably priced cat vet in the Davis-ish area?

Could any of you tell me what to expect to be charged for a basic exam?

Also, I'm curious if any of you have tried the Merwin Memorial Free Clinic in Allston. It seems you just show up with your pet, are seen on a first-come-first-serve basis, and are only charged for medicines and materials (though they encourage donations). The downside is that there can be a crazy-long wait. I, personally, wouldn't mind waiting, but I suspect Pickwick might consider it An Ordeal. I also think it might be better to establish a relationship with a nearby vet, who would then have all of the cat's information on hand. But super-cheap vet visits are mighty tempting....

[identity profile] maelithil.livejournal.com 2011-11-15 05:04 pm (UTC)(link)
You want Dr. Bujowski at Porter Square Vet. Good vets are more important than cheap vets and he's a star.

I have no basis of comparison for cost, because Hubble is the first cat I've owned in the US, but they're prompt, thorough, and very good. I went in today for an "emergency" (Hubbs ripped a stitch from her spaying) and I only had to pay 20 bucks for the meds she's going to need.

[identity profile] enveri.livejournal.com 2011-11-15 05:12 pm (UTC)(link)
We use Porter Square Vet Clinic and my husband ([livejournal.com profile] roho) was very impressed with the facilities. Since he used to work as a vet tech, I take his word for it that they've spent their money where it counts.

They were prompt, contientious and very considerate of humans dealing with sick 4-legged family members (I know your kitty is just getting a Wellness check right now, but if s/he DOES get sick, it's nice to know that you aren't going to be faced with brusque rudeness).

Pricewise, they were comparable to the rural Illinois vet clinic we were seeing before we moved to Somerville. I can dig through our receipts later and see how much our dog's last checkup ran.

[identity profile] maelithil.livejournal.com 2011-11-15 05:15 pm (UTC)(link)
And crap, I butchered his name real bad. It's Dr. Bujalski.

/shame

[identity profile] veek.livejournal.com 2011-11-15 05:22 pm (UTC)(link)
I second that recommendation. I like all the vets I've seen there (3-4?), but Dr Bujalski is the one I've seen the most. He's fantastic.