Supporting my ex-local SPCA and saving $$$

Plan A:

I called my Vet Monday morning to make an appointment to have Gracie spayed. It was just about all set to happen on Tuesday. Since I'm challenging myself to find a better deal on nearly every purchase I make I decided to ask how much the fee would be. Oh my goodness, y'all! It was nearly $300 plus $55 for pre-surgery blood work. Also, if he deemed it necessary to prescribe pain meds, that would be an additional fee, depending on the meds.

Plan B: 

I could go through the Humane Society, pay them $55 for a voucher to give my Vet, who would then charge me a reduced rate of $200. Between me and Al, we have 8 cats! Oddly enough, my Vet does not offer discounted rates for multiple pets. Don't get me wrong... I love my Vets Dr. Dave and Dr. Tad, but I spend a ton spend a ton of $$$ with them. I've got to save $$$ wherever I can!

Plan C:

Last year when we brought Whitey in he had to have "the works" but I don't recall how much of that humongous fee was his neutering. Of course males are always much less expensive to neuter than females since it's basically just a "snip-snip" while a female has to have a complete hysterectomy. The last time Al or I had a female neutered was Gandalf's litter mate sister, Sarah. I remembered that we brought her to our local SPCA in Lakeland, FL (the town we use to live in before we moved here) because it was so much cheaper than our local Vet. I was remembering the fee to be about $65.00.

I googled them, got their phone number and called. Well, naturally, in 6 years they have increased their fee... it has skyrocketed all the way up to $73.00 for a feline spay! That fee includes pain meds, too! If I had taken her last week when she was still 5 months old it would have been just $60.00. I told the lady that I'd moved to Georgia and asked if residency was a requirement. No, it is NOT! Woohoo!

The Lakeland, FL SPCA has a full-service Veterinary Hospital. Best of all, by using The Reva McClurg Memorial Animal Medical Center I will also be supporting the mission of the SPCA to aid, alter, and adopt animals in need. I noticed they have some items on their Wish List. I can help them with a few items!

And the winner is...

Plan C, of course. It's about a 4 hour drive and will cost me about $50.00 in gas, but guess what? I'm SO doing that!

I'll leave bright and early Friday morning! I'll drop Gracie off between 7:00-7:30am. Once she's checked in Whitey will have his annual shots since he's due in a few weeks. Al is bringing 2 of his cats, Sarah and BooBoo, who are both due for their annuals. We are making a little Cat Trek out of it!

I booked a hotel for Whitey, Sarah and BooBoo so they will have a climate-controlled room while we wait for Gracie to be released. I wouldn't be at all surprised if Al had a little nap! =0)

Al and I will visit with some old friends and customers, have lunch at Macaroni Grill and visit my favorite wine store. Then we'll round up all the kitties about 3:00pm and head back up the road. We'll be home by 8:00pm-ish. I will save about $310.00, and Al will save about $160.00! That leaves a lot left over for lunch and wine, doesn't it? Yes indeedy, it does!

Oh. And do you want to hear something really, really sad? When I called the hotel to ask the specifics on their Pets-Welcome policy do you know what she told me?

"We require that you take them with you when you check out." 

Seriously? She said that unfortunately, it had become necessary to tell people that. Honestly, some people are idiots.

Enjoy today's trip around the sun! I know I will! Big Hugs ♥xo