FAQ

What is the best flea control and how much does it cost?

NSVH carries several flea preventatives for both cats and dogs. Some of these flea treatments also protects from Heartworm disease, internal parasites, and ticks. We can recommend a product that is right for your pet based on his/her living environment.

Most applications or doses are monthly, however Bravecto is an oral chewable for dogs that lasts up to twelve weeks.

Costs are dependent on how many doses are purchased at one time. Most prescription flea control is $15 to $20 per single dose (before tax), with the price reducing to a lesser price-per dose when you buy a three or six dose pre-packaged amount. The exception is Bravecto which costs $55 to $60 (before tax).

What is the cost of a dental?

Dental cleanings are more than just brushing teeth, as they are performed under anesthesia with the same precautions taken as those of our general and extensive surgery patients (exam, pre-anesthesia blood work, IV catheter and fluids, patient monitors, and constant supervision by a trained surgery assistant). Pets rest comfortably during the procedure and our staff will be by their side when they awake.

A standard dental cleaning without extractions begin at $200. Most frequently the range is between $200 and $800 and is dependent on the overall number of teeth being extracted. A pre-dental estimate is recommended as there are times when they exceed the higher end of the range. Upon request, we are happy to provide an estimate.

Not all dentals require extractions. When extractions (dental surgery) are necessary, the time it takes influences the overall costs. For those cases with extractions, there may be additional costs to cover antibiotics, anti-inflammatories, and pain medication to go home. We highly recommend a full mouth set of dental x-rays with each dental and those costs range between $75 and $127 based on the size of your pet.

When does my pet need to be vaccinated?

See our Vaccines page for more information

Canine

DAP (canine distemper virus, adenovirus type 2 and canine para-influenza virus): Given to puppies at 7-9 weeks of age, and every 3-4 weeks thereafter until the puppy is 16 weeks of age.
Leptospirosis Given at 7 weeks of age or older and again 3-4 weeks after initial dose. Lasts for one year after second dose.
Bordetella (kennel cough): Transmucosal (given orally) and is good for one year with a single dose.
Canine Influenza One dose at 6 weeks of age or older, and then a second dose 2-4 weeks later.
Rabies Given at 16 weeks of age (good for 1 year).

For adult dogs, how long the vaccines we give are good for depends on several factors (whether the dog completed a timely series of vaccines, whether they’ve had a particular vaccine in the past or not, etc.).

Feline

Rabies Given at 16 weeks of age, and then annually or triennially thereafter.
FVRCP (Feline 3-way): Given at 6-8 weeks of age, with the final booster given no sooner than 16 weeks of age. Given triennially thereafter.
Feline Leukemia Initial dose as early as 8 weeks of age is recommended with a second dose administered 3 to 4 weeks later.

Is my dog or cat required to have a rabies vaccination in the State of Washington?

Yes. Both dogs and cats, including ferrets, are required to be vaccinated for rabies. The vaccination must be kept current and proof of vaccination will be required when completing your pet application for licensing.

Proof of rabies is required within the city limits of Bellingham, Blaine, and Ferndale. It’s the law!

For additional information visit Washington Administration Code (WAC) 246-100-197 (3).

Does my dog need a license inside city limits of Bellingham?

Yes. Annual licensing may be obtained at Northshore Veterinary Hospital or through the Whatcom Humane Society. At four months of age dog licenses are required within the city limits of Bellingham, Blaine, and Ferndale. Dogs over seven months of age who live within unincorporated Whatcom County are required to have a license. Cats are required to be licensed in the city limits of Ferndale.

License costs for altered cats and dogs is $11.00. Unaltered cats and dogs are $41.00.

In order to obtain a license, owner must provide proof of vaccination against rabies. This certification must be through an accredited veterinarian showing date of rabies expiration date after expiration of license.

For additional information see Dog Control City of Bellingham Washington.