Excuse me, how much did you say that would cost me?!?!

One big and EXPENSIVE responsibility of having a dog is taking them to the vet for yearly check-ups and for anything else that might happen in between. I know this blog is about pet friendly places in Georgia, but I feel that finding the right veterinarian is very important to every fellow dog lover. I used to take my pug Jack to the Banfield Animal Hospital that is located in Petsmarts, but I felt that I was being overcharged.

After doing some research and talking to other dog owners, I scheduled Jack's yearly check-up at the VCA Falcon Village Animal Hospital that is located in Lawrenceville, GA. I heard and read nothing but good things about it so I definitely had high expectations. The staff was friendly and helpful, but the the nurse assisting the doctor was exceptionally caring and loving toward Jack; I could tell she loved her job. The vet was nice and took her time to listen to my concerns and answer all of my questions, but I still feel that I was overcharged.

Here is the breakdown of my vet bill that was over $300.00:
$45 Comprehensive wellness examination (I believe this was the blood test to check all of Jack's vital organs)
$11 DA2P (Distemper, adenovirus, parainfluenza)
$8.00 Bordatella (Kennel Cough)
$18.oo rabies
$9.00 parvovirus
$8.00 Coronavirus
$25.00 heartworm test
$50.00 fecal exam
Jack also received a benadryl shot, cortisone shot for itching, and some medication for his skin irritation which probably added up to at least $30.00.

I know Jack is worth every penny to my name, but give me a break here..I am a poor college student! I need to find a good and decently priced vet for my two wonderful dogs...any suggestions? I need your help fellow Georgia dog lovers! Was I over charged or is this the standard rate for yearly check-ups?

Rainy, but still fun!

Since I am a student at the University of Georgia, several of my dog friendly places will be located in Athens, GA. UGA offers a great intramural facility that is pet friendly off of College Station Road (Exit #7) that is not only open to students, but to the general public as well. At the very back of the facility, there is an off leash permitted dog park!

My boyfriend and I took the dogs to the intramural fields on Monday evening. Even though it poured like "cats and dogs" on us for five minutes, I was still thoroughly impressed with the dog park. The dog park is enclosed by a fence, but it has wide open fields and numerous shaded trails to choose from to walk or run on within the fenced in area.We were able to play fetch with the dogs in an open field and go on a walk on one of the trails without their leashes on. The dogs had a blast!

Another couple at the dog park that I talked to goes there every day with their three dogs and have not encountered any other aggressive dogs, which can be a problem at other parks. The couple also mentioned that they sometimes keep their dogs unleashed outside of the dog park and have not had any complaints from other visitors. As far as I could tell, other runners did not seem phased by the unleashed dogs. Although I would not recommend for people to do this, unless your friendly dog will stay by your side and not distract other visitors.

This is a great place for college students to bring their dogs after a long, stressful day at school and for professionals after having to leave their dogs inside all day while at work.

The intramural fields offer a wonderful area for the dogs to aimlessly run around with no worries while providing a beautiful scenic backdrop to enjoy. What else could anyone ask for in a dog friendly place?

All about my blog

My dogs Jack and Lilly

I have two dogs and I love to bring them everywhere that I possibly can. My blog will contain information on pet friendly places all over North Georgia for other dog enthusiasts like myself who do not like to leave their dogs at home. Whether it be a restaurant that has a pet friendly patio to hiking trails that have permitted areas for unleashed dogs, I am going to find them and blog all about my dog-related experiences. I will also post pictures of my dogs enjoying my new blogging adventure. If anyone knows of any great dog friendly places that I do not blog about, please feel free to e-mail me or post a comment and I will try it out for myself with my two dogs.