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Dog Teeth Cleaning Cost

How Much Does a Dog Teeth Cleaning Cost?

low costMedium: $70-$350

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Regular teeth cleaning at a veterinarian's office -- along with brushing the teeth at home between cleanings -- helps prevent gum disease, which can prevent major health problems such as heart and kidney disease. As in humans, oral health in dogs is linked to overall health.
 
Typical costs:
  • A dog teeth cleaning typically costs between $70 and $350, depending on whether pre-anesthetic bloodwork is done as well as the difficulty of the job, including the amount of build-up on the teeth and under the gumline and whether periodontal disease is present.
  • The average claims amount submitted for dog teeth cleaning by Veterinary Pet Insurance policyholders is $292.
  • Daily brushing with dog toothpaste, which veterinarians recommend in addition to regular cleanings, costs about $30 to $60 or per year, depending on the size of the dog. VeterinaryPartner.com offers a guide to brushing a dog's teeth. An alternative is Oravet, a plaque-fighting gel that is painted on the dog's teeth weekly.
What should be included:
  • After examining the dog's teeth and administering anesthesia, the veterinarian removes tartar and plaque and smoothes the surfaces of the roots. If necessary, diseased gum tissue is removed. Then, the veterinarian polishes the teeth and rinses the mouth.
  • A fluoride treatment, which is sometimes included, can help minimize discomfort and harden enamel.
  • The veterinarian keeps a detailed chart of the dog's tooth problems -- such as missing, loose or fractured teeth and periodontal disease -- and procedures performed. Follow-up recommendations also should be provided.
  • DentalVet.com offers a step-by-step look and photos of the process.
Additional costs:
  • If the dog has advanced periodontal diseases, deep scaling and even surgery might be required. DentalVet.com has answers about periodontal disease. Early stage disease may require only a thorough cleaning, but late-stage surgery or extractions can cost $1,000 or more.
Discounts:
  • Some foods and treats can help to control plaque and tartar, which could help save hundreds, or even thousands of dollars, if they are part of an overall plan that prevents periodontal disease. Dental diets cost about $30 for a 30-pound bag, or about $250 per year to feed a moderately active medium-sized dog. Treats can cost about $50 to $100 or more per year, depending on the type and frequency of use. The Veterinary Oral Health Council provides a list of approved products.
Shopping for a dog teeth cleaning:
  • Any veterinarian can perform a teeth cleaning, but veterinary dentists are specialists. The American Veterinary Dental College lists veterinary dentists by state.
  • Tip: Start regular exams, cleanings and brushing early in the dog's life. HealthyPet.com offers a pet dental care guide.
  • DentalVet.com has a primer on the types and safety of pet anesthesia.
Article updated September 2007
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Recent Posts
Amount: $350.00 Cleaning + extraction
Posted by: skaterdog in Campbell, CA.Purchased: November, 2007
Breed: MalteseVet: Kirkwood Animal Hospital
Our Maltese's teeth cleaning was overdue, and his teeth got bad so 5 teeth needed to be extracted. The total vet bill was $350 -- $70 for injections, $160 for the Ultrasonic Teeth Scaling and polishing, $90 for 5 teeth extraction, and $30 for the take-home meds.
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Amount: $900.00 Cleaning + Extraction
Posted by: Bretting in Ventura, CA.Purchased: May, 2008
Breed: MalteseVet: E. Ventura Animal Hospital
Overcharging and not supportive of payment plan after being a lifelong client.
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Amount: $795.00 Cleaning + Extras
Posted by: spottymom in Union City, CA.Purchased: June, 2008
Breed: Cattle DogVet: All About Pets Animal Care
The quote includes: Dental Stage I&II Large dog:$199, CBC (blood test):$60, Vetscan Prep Profile:$77, Catheter IV/Fluids: $119, Preanesthesia: $108, Isoflurane Gas 1st hr: $165, Gas Addtl 30min: $91, Hospitalization 6 hrs: $65, Polyflex: $48, Buprenorphine $69, Oravet Home care kit: $36, Dental kit: $18
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Amount: $900.00 Cleaning + Extractions
Posted by: 3dogs1fish in Chanhassen, MN.Purchased: October, 2008
Breed: WestieVet: Chanhassen Vet
YIKES! 1st time getting her teeth cleaned (she's 7 years old). Needed 4 extractions plus pocket treatments.
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Amount: $454.00 CLEANING EXTRACTIONS,
Posted by: A reader from NC in Winston Salem, NC.Purchased: 2008
10 yrs. old GERIATRIC CLEANING $250.00, EXTRACTIONS X 4 plus extra work $168.00, HOME MEDS $36.00. I felt that I had let my pet down until it was explained that most of the teeth damage was under the gums. Overall, very pleased with fees and care provided.
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Amount: $495.00 Teeth Cleaning & Gingival mass removal
Posted by: a user in Mechanicsburg, PA.Purchased: 2008
Breed: BrittanyVet: Lamb's Gap Animal Hospital
5 yrs. old/ 1st time cleaning; Pre-anest. blood work - $47.00; dental scaling & polishing - $270.00; Ginigival mass removal - $ 40.00; pathology - $105.; meds - $33. (Does not include sealants).
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Amount: $250.00 Teeth cleaning
Posted by: Katie's mom in Sunnyvale, CA.Purchased: 2008
Breed: Jack Russel TerrierVet: Dr. Paul Umeda
We've always been pleased with the work that our vet plus his techs do for both of our dogs.
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Amount: $316.00 teeth cleaning
Posted by: a reader in Escondido in Escondido, CA.Purchased: February, 2009
Breed: Lab RetrieverVet: Companion Animal Clinic
First time teeth cleaning for 9.5 yr old Lab. Included some pre-op blood work, fluids, IV cath, induction & intubation, anesthesia, nursing care, dental kit and $90 discount for Feb Pet Dental Month. Dog's teeth were not that bad according to vet nurse.
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Amount: $735.00 Dental Cleaning
Posted by: V. Prescott in Sunrise, FL.Purchased: March, 2009
Breed: CrockerVet: Lakeside
I was quoted $735 last week when I called my veterinarian office. At Thanksgiving they wanted to charge me over $900, which I refused. In 2006, I paid $280 for dental and in 2004 I paid $180 for dental cleaning. I received a coupon in the mail for $20 off from another veterinarian office and they quoted $226 which I scheduled an appointment. This extreme difference in cost has prompted me to do further research on the cost of health care for dogs. Our dog is now eight years old. I am glad I found this web site!
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Amount: $594.74 Teeth Cleaning
Posted by: Pat Hayes in Redwood City, CA.Purchased: April, 2009
Breed: Pembroke Welch CorgiVet: Dr. C Clemons
when i dropped my dog off to have his teeth cleaned today the Vet Clinic had an itemized bill in the amount of $711. There were several items on the bill besides the actual cost of the cleaning, i did not want to purchase the items. I asked the Vet to please try to reduce the bill of which she did, but two hours later she called and said that a small piece of gum needed to be removed and that would cost another $45... i have brought family and friends to this clinic as customers and i'm insulted that they would charge me this much for my "small" dogs teeth cleaning. I won't be able to afford to clean my other small dogs teeth at this time.
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Amount: $927.00 Teeth cleaning and 1 molar extraction
Posted by: Reader in NY in Hicksville, NY.Purchased: April, 2009
Breed: Yellow LabVet: Island Trees
I just got an estimate for my Lab's teeth cleaning and the extraction of a single molar. . .it's 3 times more than I payed to get my own tooth extraction!! Cepra 500mg-$46, 1 x-ray-$90, 2nd x-ray-$70, 2 injections-$48, catheter-$78, IV-$45, sedation-$55, General anesthesia-$255-305, Teeth cleaning $125, 1 extraction-$45, hospitalization-$20.
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Amount: $1,400.00 canine 4th premolar extraction
Posted by: Kirsten in Charlotte, NC.Purchased: May, 2009
Breed: border collie mixVet: Carolina Animal Hospital Charlotte, NC
This quote is for 2 extractions and teeth cleaning. For our 13 yr old cat to have her teeth cleaned estimate was almost $700. I am afraid we are being overcharged for both of our pets and should probably go elsewhere.
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Amount: $248.43 Teeth Cleaning
Posted by: Jeanie in Louisville, KY.Purchased: May, 2009
Breed: BoxerVet: Banfield Pet Hospital
I thought it seemed like an awful lot to pay until I came here! 29.95 for the office visit, 23.68 for the anti-inflammatory injection, 189.58 for the dental prophylaxis canine package, and 4.85 for the medical waste disposal fee. My boxer's 2 years old and this is his first cleaning.
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Amount: $348.00 Teeth cleaning and 4 extractions
Posted by: Agnes in Stratford, CT.Purchased: May, 2009
Breed: American Cocker SpanielVet: The Pet Hospital of Stratford
This price includes teeth cleaning, 2 canine and 3 small extractions, after treatment antibiotic,oral hygiene rinse, and ear cleaner.
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Amount: $400.00 my bichon is still drugged
Posted by: im ur dentist in sherman oaks, CA.Purchased: 2009
Breed: bichonVet: jay moon shermaqn oaks
I did not get a pre quote and was shocked to get a bill for 400 dollars for each bichon.But after seeing 900$ here that seems inexpensive.However the 9 pound dog is still woozy after10 hours afterwards
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Amount: $1,100.00 One extraction and cleaning
Posted by: Bernice in Glendale, AZ.Purchased: July, 2009
Breed: BeagleVet: Peoria, AZ
This price seems excessive to me. She needs one extraction of a broken tooth plus cleaning. Comments please.
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Amount: $175.00 Teeth Cleaning
Posted by: mrsreed in Port Orange, FL.Purchased: July, 2009
Breed: Jack Russell TerrierVet: Animal Clinic of Dunlawton
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Amount: $98.50 Dog Cleaning
Posted by: Hank & Linda in Florence, OR.Purchased: July, 2009
Breed: Rat TerrierVet: Dr Fred Conkel
8 year old Rat Terrier had teeth cleaned with the use of anesthesia. All teeth were intact and in good shape. We traveled to another town approximately one hour away because of the cost involved. Our home town wanted over $ 500.00 to have the same work done.
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Amount: $260.00 Teeth Cleaning
Posted by: Lexy's Mom in Amherst, NY.Purchased: July, 2009
Breed: Border CollieVet: Banfield Clinic
I was very happy with my service, my 10 year old Border Collie's teeth were very bad and they did an excellent job. The cleaning was $209.95(included in this price was blood work, IV fluid, flouride treatment, & antibiotic injections) and $50 was for 10 days of Clavamox.
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Amount: $1,500.00 Six extractions, pocket treatments, cleaning
Posted by: Babs in Mound, MN.Purchased: July, 2009
Breed: PugVet: Westonka Animal Hospital
This also includes a pre screening to check organ functions before anethesia, meds, ect. I feel very confident that they charged what was needed to do the surgery.
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Amount: $117.00 dental cleaning
Posted by: pkb in hartsville, SC.Purchased: August, 2009
Breed: malteseVet: anderson animal hospital
pre-anesthetic profile with dental cleaning (canine prophy)
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Amount: $325.00 dentla cleaning + 1 extraction
Posted by: a user in Indianapolis, IN.Purchased: February, 2009
Breed: Cocker mixVet: VCA Beech Grove
This is after Dental Discount(20% off) that they had. Includes the medications. The reguler price for dental cleaning is about $230 with ansthesia and IV.
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Amount: $195.50 Dental Cleaning
Posted by: a user in Indianapolis, IN.Purchased: February, 2009
Breed: Mix Jack RusselVet: Nora Vet Hospital
including teeth cleaning, blood test, and anesthesia. They gave us a free bag of Hill's prescription dental food.
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Amount: $85.00 Dental Cleaning & 1 Extracting
Posted by: Rexy in San Diego, CA.Purchased: August, 2009
Breed: PugVet: San Diego, CA
Was quoted $600 with pre-screening blood work - Declined that and they came back with $350 - Declined that and found a mobile dentist who travels throughout the country - NO DANGEROUS ANESTHESIA USED. As a bonus, my dog\'s infected tooth \"popped\" out during the cleaning & NO EXTRA CHARGE FOR THIS! Check various pet stores for this mobile pet service and save big $$$.
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Amount: $631.00 Canine Dental cleaning
Posted by: BB's mama in Stuart, FL.Purchased: September, 2009
Breed: ChihuahuaVet: no comment
I was quoted $441-613 for just a cleaning, not including the four extractions of his puppy teeth he requires. I figured $175-225, but $400-600 AND it's recommended to be done every year!!! I haven't accepted this yet. I wanted to make sure I wasn't getting jacked. I've been with this vet for over 12 years.
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Amount: $336.90 Dental Cleansing
Posted by: Teenie Weenie Mom in Ormond Beach, FL.Purchased: October, 2009
Breed: Toy DachshundVet: Val-U-Vet
This seems very high to have her teeth cleaned and a baby tooth removed. $130 for cleaning/polish. $12.50 for the extraction. Not so bad. But all the extras, $70 for blood test, $51.50 for ECG, $22.60 Torbugesi inj. another $21.10 Torbugesic syrup. And $6.50 for a flea treatment when she doesn't even have fleas!
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Amount: $342.00 Dog Teeth Cleaning
Posted by: AyJay in Edmonds, WA.Purchased: October, 2009
Breed: WestieVet: Perrinville Animal Hospital
This price included only anasthesia and teeth cleaning. Blood work had been done on a previous visit. I was told the cleaning went well and there were no hiccups. She was kept from 9 - 5. This Vet is usually pretty reasonable with his prices, so I thought this was a bit too high a cost.
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Amount: $355.00 pricey pug mouth
Posted by: mamapug in cincinnati, OH.Purchased: November, 2009
Breed: pugVet: cincinnati animal hospital
Had dental less than 2 years ago. Tech said tarter came off easily and his teeth were in great shape. Love my vet, but feel overcharged. Price included blood work and antibiotics - no extractions.
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Amount: $825.00 Estimate of $834.00
Posted by: sadie's mom in Coronado, CA.Purchased: 2009
Breed: Cavalier King CharlesVet: Coronado, CA
Am now looking for anesthesia free cleaning for dog. Am aware this is available and quite inexpensive. This estimate is outrageous and was given only after I questioned the front office. I would have been shocked when picking her up because no amount was volunteered.
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Amount: $1,245.95 Teeth Cleaning + X-Rays + Extraction
Posted by: Milo's Dad in Vienna, VA.Purchased: November, 2009
Breed: German Shepherd MixVet: Animal Dental Clinic (Dr. Barron Hall)
$208 - Anesthesia (50-90 lb dog) < 120 min
$ 38 - vital signs monitoring
$ 36 - catheter placement
$ 30 - IV Fluids
$ 62 - Ultrasonic Scaling
$ 42 - Root / Subgingival Currettage
$ 24 - Polishing
$ 16 - Fluoride treatment
$ 12 - Oral Exam
$ 85 - Dental Consult
$145 - Full K9 Dental X-Ray
$ 50 - Propofol Anesthesia Induction $193 - Extraction: Carnassial $ 15 - Periodontal dressing $127 - Surgical Gingival Flap $ 25 - O.R. Setup $ 36 - Buprenorphine Injection $ 25 - Local Anesthetic $ 26 - Metacam injectable $ 31 - Metacam (take home) $ 20 - Tramadol (take home) $1245.95 Total If you're a veterinary dentist, please tell me if I just overpaid (and for what). Thanks!
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Amount: $750.00 Teeth cleaning
Posted by: Frustrated pet owner in Point Loma, CA.Purchased: December, 2009
Breed: WestieVet: VCA Pennisula
They left a message with this quote!! Are you kidding me? We were quoted $250 last year from our normal vet who recently retired and sold to the above clinic. We will not be giving them our business!
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Amount: $660.00 Is my Vet Overcharging for Teeth Cleaning?
Posted by: whitebunnycandy in Danville, CA.Purchased: 2009
Breed: Chihuahua/Terrier mixVet:
My dog currently weighs 12.5 lbs. She's almost 2 years old. It will be the first time she's getting her teeth professionally cleaned.

I give her Dental Star Treats, Greenies, and I used to give her raw sterilized bones until my Vet told me not too. I would also brush my dogs teeth 2x/week but with a fingerbrush.

After our last visit I have changed my dog's diet to Science Diet's Oral Care and have been trying to brush my dogs teeth daily with the actual bristle dog toothbrush and PetToothpaste.

My vet has estimated the Low Amount to be $660.48 and $901.13 for the High. This price range seems a bit ridiculous to me. The breakdown for price is as follows: Dental Stage I - $428.90, Canine Full Mouth Xrays - $137.60. How much should a dental cleaning for Stage I and Xrays cost? I worked as an intern for an Animal Clinic for awhile and observed Surgical Technicians cleaning teeth as well as performing extractions but I never saw how much they charged. I still want to get the procedure done but I was hoping the total bill to be more around $300 for a small dog such as mine with early periodontal disease
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Amount: $125.00 Dental cleaning nightmare!
Posted by: Shari in Temecula, CA.Purchased: January, 2009
Breed: German ShepherdVet: Doggie Dental
I was quoted $350 from my vet, then found Doggie Dental mobile non-anesthesia teeth cleaning for so much less! Did the cleaning and wouldn't do it any other way! No drugs, no after effects and my dog is still alive! No guarantee at the vet. I would highly recommend them to anyone in Southern California.888.936.4443
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Amount: $400.00 Almost overcharged, but wasn't thanks to all of you
Posted by: Kai in Toronto, Other.Purchased: December, 2009
Breed: Miniature SchnauzerVet: Bathurst-Dupont Animal Hospital
I want to THANK everyone on this site for sharing your experiences. Thanks to you, I shopped around and found a NEW vet after my current vet quoted almost $1300 (!) to clean the teeth of my 7-year-old miniature schnauzer.

At the time, I had already paid for almost $400 of (mostly extraneous) pre-screening tests for my dog. This would have brought the grand total up to $1700. My vet couldn't give me a logical explanation for his pricing scheme, except that it included x-rays.

Seeing the prices listed here encouraged me to research further. Here are a few of things I discovered:

- There's a wide range of prices for this service amongst different vets, even in the same city, so shop around! Many vets do overcharge. Expensive (but really unnecessary) add-ons can jack up the price in a 'package'.
- February is 'dental month' at many vets so you may find the best prices then.
-Dog teeth are different from human teeth. When they decay, they just fall out. It's not necessary to take x-rays to figure this out; they wiggle! (and it’s not like your vet is going to do fillings!). A manual examination during the cleaning can easily determine which teeth need to come out.
-Small breeds often loose their upper and lower incisors in mid-life. These teeth come out easily; don't allow a vet to charge you for each one!
-Brush, brush, brush your dogs teeth and you won't need to get them cleaned. I now brush every day. Products like Petzlife Oral Gel and Leba III can also help prevent plaque build-up, but nothing beats brushing.
In the end, I found a vet whose prices made sense to me: Cleaning package: $250 Extractions of upper/lower incisors: $70 IV/supplies: $20 Medication: $38 With tax, it was just over $400. I hope this information is helpful to others who are researching pricing for this procedure.
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Amount: $85.00 Pet Food Max
Posted by: Leon001 in San Jose, CA.Purchased: January, 2010
Breed: BichonVet: Pet Food Max
I got it done by a lady who goes to pet food max every other month. Usually its $110 but my baby wouldn\'t let her touch one tooth so she gave me a discount. It was my Bichon\'s first dental cleaning in 12 years. His breath used to stink and the vet said his gum\'s were irritated which meant he needed dental cleaning, he said they would do it for $450 which I def wasn\'t OK with. The lady at pet food max cleaned my dogs teeth in 30 min for 85$ no anesthetics which is great! His teeth are spotless and he no longer has any gum irritations.
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Amount: $0.00 Milo's Dad in Vienna, VA.
Posted by: bob cogswel in va, VA.Purchased: November, 2009
Breed: ffffVet: xxx
you got screwed
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Amount: $370.00 Contemplating
Posted by: JenLang in Seffner, FL.Purchased: January, 2010
Breed: YorkieVet:
This is a quote I have recieved from my vet. According to all the other posts, this seems resonable or maybe average? Half of the price is for Pre-cleaning. They recommend that you have bloodwork done to make sure the dog is healthy before giving them anethisa. Also, they give you some kind of antibiotic so when they do clean the dogs teeth, the bateria that is released into the gums will not make them sick. These fees can be avoided if you want, but then you have to sign a waiver. I definately want to make sure my dog is healthy before putting her under! Now I just have to make the decision to have it done or not, I don\'t like having a 10 lb dog put to sleep!
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Amount: $156.00 Teeth Cleaning
Posted by: LoveGoldens in Baton Rouge, LA.Purchased: January, 2010
Breed: Golden RetrieverVet:
Took my almost 6 year old golden to have his teeth cleaned. They had to extract 3 teeth along with cleaning. (We've been going to the same vet practice for 22 years, definitely the most reasonable in town.) While he was under they also gave him his yearly shots, clipped his toenails and one other thing. Total bill $156.00. They usually charge $70-$90 for cleaning and they said that extractions if need be are just included in that cost. We have vets here in town, that I know would charge as much as some of the extremes I've seen on here.

My advice for what it's worth, check around and compare prices. Ask other pet owners who they go to.
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