It just so happens I went to the vet with my two today for their annuals. All shots for both, fecals, check-up $244.
A little info: Scottie, 9-1/2 yrs 26 lbs, Standard Poodle, 5 yrs, 60lbs.
As to health BOTH have spay incontinence cured 100% by daily Pro-In tabs. Both on monthly heartworm - Revolution - costs about $150 for 6 mos for both dogs. They have not had a heartworm blood tests since they were puppies since they have always been on year-round preventative (our indoor cats are too BTW). We did get full baseline bloodwork done when they were spayed. They also get Parvo and Bordatella Boosters every 6 mos here - both are rampant in our warm climate. Neither have ever been sick, neither have any health issues except the Scottie has a couple of fatty tumours (benign) neither really growing much or impeding her in any way. We feed only high quality (Royal Canin Med Special) dry food and have lots of chewies and toys so happily neither dog has never even needed a single teeth cleaning.
Our vet is one of the best and cheapest in our area. Something I look for with vets is I prefer if the vet (or vets) own the clinic and don't just work there. That way THEY decide the fees and can help people out if they decide to. Also you see the same vet every time and that person knows you, your pets and their history - I will not go to a place where you see whoever happens to be there that day. Plus, if the vet owns the clinic, he isn't gonna up and quit and leave you with someone new without notice. Lots of turnover at a lot if the "corporate" clinics here plus they always soak you for every possible "extra" like un-needed teeth cleanings, blood work, shots, on and on. Their biggest profit margin is in the extra stuff - foods, treatments, labs, dental, etc and they are constantly pushing that stuff at you like a bad car salesman. And they make you feel guilty - like you are a bad person - if you don't buy it all, do it all. Don't get taken advantage of - some of them are pretty much shysters in white coats and sadly, with a lot of them, the vet care itself is substandard. Any vet who wants to use anesthesia without a VERY good reason isn't a good vet. The good ones use it only if it is the ONLY way because animals die under anesthesia and a good vet will weigh the chances for a positive outcome with THAT risk very carefully.
I would ask around - neighbors, friends, people you know well and know are good long-term pet parents are your BEST source for a referral. Mr Tango has sent so many people he works with to our wonderful Vet and they all RAVE. SO happy to have found him after getting ripped off elsewhere and how much BETTER their critter has been with HIS care. THAT is the kind of vet you are looking for. And for sure make sure your old vet can forward any records too - avoids a repeat of some tests and expense when starting at a new vet.
And a last note - pets can be titered for ALL illnesses that you vacinate for to avoid giving shots they don't need because they have already acquired sufficient immunity levels. For instance, once they reach 5 years of age with annual shots, most indoor only cats do not need annual vaccines for ANYTHING. Ask your vet!
PS - our Vet (Dr David Carlton) is also an author - here's his web site:
http://dallasdoc.net/