pdsa help

Oxyfire

Hello

Basically i want to use my local PDSA as the place i take my pet for all his vet needs including vaccinations, worming aswell as when hes sick.

Does the PDSA offer such a service either free or paid? Im finding my local vets to be expensive and the actual vet to be not very friendly.

Im currently on benefits as im ill so i know i can use the PDSA for when my pets sick.

donnac2558

They won't vaccitate as far as I know. Only there if your pet is ill not check ups etc. You do have to pay something, think they will fund up to 80% of cost? When I used them we did not have a branch in Northern Ireland, had to use another vet and the bills sent to them. They don't do teeth cleaning either,worming or flea treatments.

Fridaycat

I have never used the PDSA as I have always ensured that whenever I have taken on a new pet, I have the funds to ensure their health and wellbeing, if not, I wouldn't have them. However, it would seem from the previous response that the answer to your question is no, they will not provide a full veterinary service.

All vets could be seen as expensive, though I think they generally do a fantastic job for their money. If the one you currently use is not very friendly, are there others in the area you can go to instead? Also, have you considered insurance to cover the expenses of when your pet needs treatment?

spike7451

donnac2558 wrote: »

They won't vaccitate as far as I know. Only there if your pet is ill not check ups etc. You do have to pay something, think they will fund up to 80% of cost? When I used them we did not have a branch in Northern Ireland, had to use another vet and the bills sent to them. They don't do teeth cleaning either,worming or flea treatments.

They don't do free vaccinations anymore & you need to be in reciept of Housing Benefit ti get it.

http://www.pdsa.org.uk/pdsa-vet-care/eligibility/

donna2558,the is one just off the Antrim Rd in Belfast,where I took my old mate to when I wasn't working,he was stressed out from the trip in the car & for some reason doesn't like women vets so he got quite upset,the PDSA vet suggested I had him PTS,which I refused, without examining him.
He lived on for another year after that.

donnac2558

Spike, I am in South Belfast and would have to take two buses to the Antrim Road. No idea of the area so just stick with who I know. Gortlands but ask friends to take me if I need. Doubt they would want to travel up the Antrim Road.

It was way before they came here that I got help from the PDSA.

spike7451

donnac2558 wrote: »

Spike, I am in South Belfast and would have to take two buses to the Antrim Road. No idea of the area so just stick with who I know. Gortlands but ask friends to take me if I need. Doubt they would want to travel up the Antrim Road.

It was way before they came here that I got help from the PDSA.

Know what you mean,I travelled from Donaghadee & I didn't want to go to the Antrim Rd either...
The's a pet hospital (http://www.vets4pets.com/) that's just opened on the Belfast Road in Bangor.

Malicia_Crass

Hi,

They do vaccinate etc. for slightly less than private vets. You usually need to be receiving a means-tested benefit such as housing benefit. You usually have to register prior to making an appointment, although may depend on your local branch.

To above replies - OP said either free or to be paid for. So whats the problem? OP may have the funds aside, however if PDSA is their local vets, why not pay them rather than a private vet? Also, who's to say OP didn't become unwell after getting their pet?

Mrs_Arcanum

You may also be able to get some financial help from the Blue Cross and Dogs Trust as well (they never used to be mutually exclusive).

Ladyshopper

I use my PDSA as a local vet, as I work so have to pay. They are slightly cheaper than other vets, which is why I moved there.

Have to say that some of the clientele are horrendous, with an entitled to attitude. I say some, not all are like that. I do feel sorry for the receptionist though with some of the attitudes and swearing they have to put up with.

The particular vet I use there is absolutely fantastic, got my old girl through having her thyroid removed, then most of her teeth removed a few months later.

One thing I will say, its very difficult to get an appointment compared to a normal vet, you're normally looking at booking at leat a week ahead unless its an emergency.

chelle230

I have 3 of my pets registered with PDSA as I'm on housing benefit,
they do vaccinate, flea and worming treatment for a set price, lower than the usual vets. all other treatments are done for donation

missmontana

As Chelle said, you can have up to 3 pets registered.

Ideas of prices for you, this is for cats....
Vaccs 1st course - £30.50
Booster - £24

Worming Milbemax - £3.60 (depending on weight can do 2 lots of treatment)

Fleaing Stronghold - 1 - £4.30
3 - £11.60

Microchips - £15.50 slightly less if done at time of spaying/neutering

Neutering - £23.50 Female
£16.00 Male

You need to have proof of housing or council tax benefit to register and must be updated every 6 months to continue using their service.