First Shots..

Well, after calling several local veterinarians, and finding that the cost was so much associated with the visit itself, I asked around for the lowest cost vaccinations.

I found that both Pet's unlimited and SPCA were relatively inexpensive. SPCA was $57/doctors visit (each puppy) and $17 for vaccinations. Pet's unlimited was around $62/doctors visit and then a $17 cost for Vaccinations; per a friends suggestion, I asked if they could have a technician do the shot rather than have a full doctors visit, since the mother dog has been seen there previously; the associate on the phone, asked the doctors and they suggested that there would be a cost associated with each dog/puppy that would need a shot administered. After considering the total cost of the visit, I looked into an alternative, PetCo. They have licenced Veterinarians doing the shots and should you have any particular questions to ask, they also take a look at the puppies; the only caveat is first come first serve. Okay, that seems fair, I thought. The store opens at 10am, and it was recommended to come around 9:30 AM for the best position. I arrived shortly after 10, but upon entering the store, I realized that the line was the full extent of the store. Rather than bring all the puppies out of the car, I waited in the line (with mostly other persons holding their one puppy in hand, or in a crate, all under 4 months old). I waited my turn. It took 1 hour to get to the front of the line and fill out the paperwork. My puppies were nestled warm in my car until it was my turn, where I took them out in the carrier, and brought them in a shopping cart to the front of the line. They only received the 5-way vaccine, (includes adenovirus cough and hepatitis, distemper, parainfluenza, and parvovirus vaccination). They are scheduled to have a series of 2 more in order to be fully vaccinated. The rabies shot comes at the 3rd month or 12 weeks.

They were so quiet, one at a time getting their shots. Unlike many of the other puppies, they just had their shots and were nestled back into the crate quietly. Others in line were shocked and inquired what type of dog was that.. I told them the miniature schnauzer. The veterinarian added that the dogs have very good temperament and would make wonderful pets. He went on to say that he grew up with a schnauzer and that they are very good dogs.

I was happy and took my certificates to the register to pay. The young man at the register started to ask when I would be looking for homes for my puppies, and I told him probably in a few weeks. I first would like to get their second shots before finding homes. They are already starting to learn some of the most beneficial lessons at home with their siblings.