Affordable Pet Care
Shot clinics help keep pet costs under control
Pet owners strive to offer their pets a healthy life with routine veterinary care, which includes shots—some of which are required. In fact, Lee County mandates rabies shots for dogs, cats and ferrets. Thanks to pet shot clinics and reduced-cost clinics, the cost of shots and other veterinary care is more affordable.
“With reduced-cost vet clinics, pet owners can save money and also enjoy the convenience of having the clinic scheduled in a location nearby,” says Lee County public information specialist Karen Fordiani. Lee County Animal Services offers discount clinics where dogs and cats can receive rabies, DAPPV and FVRCP shots, along with deworming and flea treatments. It also has a microchip clinic, and a low-cost veterinary clinic (for qualified pet owners) at its main operation in Fort Myers.
Conveniently, Southwest Florida is home to many reducedcost clinics on weekends. Pet Shop Express/Vet Services is a mobile setup that enables pet owners to pay for single shots or package shot deals, or other services such as deworming and heartworm prevention. Affordable Pets is a mobile choice that also makes house calls. ShotVet works in partnership with select Walgreens locations, offering single shots, package shots and other products.
Typically, records for mobile services are saved online. Plus, pharmacy products are available. Online check-ins and early payment may also be available on clinic websites. Some pet stores, such as Petco, have vaccination clinics. Called Vetco,
they are located inside certain Petcos. They provide shots, deworming, flea and tick prevention, and microchips at a discount.
PAWS of Lee County, a 501(c)(3) low-cost spay/neuter clinic, offers discounted shots and other services, including dental care, to sterilized pets (by appointment). Gulf Coast Humane Society is a low-cost clinic providing vaccines, wellness checks, dental and routine exams. “We are able to offer these vet prices below the average costs,” says executive director Jennifer Galloway.
“Right now, we cannot stress enough the importance of vaccinations, in addition to the required rabies shots,” adds Galloway. The area has seen an uptick in potentially fatal canine parvovirus, as well as other diseases. Canine distemper,
Vaccinating your pets not only keeps them safe, but also prevents the spread of infectious diseases in the community.
a highly contagious virus, has also been a factor in Southwest Florida animal welfare this past year. “These diseases are preventable by simply vaccinating your pet,” Galloway notes.
Vaccinating your pets not only keeps them safe, but also prevents the spread of infectious diseases in the community. Mobile clinics and discount clinics make it easier than ever to keep pets healthy.