Understand the care, and the bill.

Vaccinations: which and when?

Dog. A common schedule: 6 weeks (distemper + parvo), 9 weeks (parvo + leptospirosis), 12 weeks (the “big cocktail”) and at 1 year the cocktail + leptospirosis. After that usually yearly or every three years, depending on the vaccine.

Cat. The big cocktail (feline distemper + cat flu) at 9 and 12 weeks; cat flu is best repeated yearly.

Rabies can be given from 3 months and is required for travel abroad, usually valid for 3 years.

Microchipping & registration: is it required?

Dogs: microchipping and registration is mandatory for puppies born after 1 April 2013. Since 1 November 2021 your dog must also have a dog passport.

Cats: for cats born in the Netherlands it is not (yet) mandatory, but strongly recommended. A chipped cat is far more often reunited with its owner. For travel abroad a chip is required.

Neutering or spaying?

In a castration the reproductive organs are removed; in sterilisation only the sperm or fallopian tubes are tied off. In practice castration is usually chosen for males, and castration or sterilisation for females.

For dogs the price strongly depends on weight. A large dog costs considerably more than a small one. So always ask for a price based on weight.

Dental care

Tartar and inflamed gums are common and can cause pain and infections. A professional dental cleaning is done under anaesthetic; the price depends on the amount of tartar and whether teeth need extracting. Brushing at home and dental snacks help extend the intervals.

When to go to the emergency vet?

Call immediately for: persistent vomiting/diarrhoea, inability to urinate (especially male cats), breathing difficulty, a swollen hard belly, heavy bleeding, a road accident, or poisoning (chocolate, grapes, xylitol, antifreeze).

Outside opening hours a 24/7 animal hospital can help. Bear in mind that emergency consultations are more expensive in the evening and at weekends.

Save on vet costs

Compare prices in advance: for the same procedure prices vary widely. Prevention is cheaper than cure: keep vaccinations, deworming, teeth and weight in order. Consider pet insurance for large, unexpected costs, and ask whether a clinic offers package prices or payment in instalments.