Veterinary Services

The Veterinary Hospital of the Humane Society of Berks County provides the best care by the best vets.  Our goal is to provide every pet owner with access to top quality vet care for their pets.  For the average pet owner, that means great care at average market rates and the satisfaction of knowing that the money you are spending on your pet's health care will be going to helping homeless, abused, and injured pets that would not be cared for without the Humane Society.  Those requiring a little extra help may choose to pre-apply for our sliding scale rates* based on financial need.

The Veterinary Hospital is now accepting new clients at our Reading and Douglassville Veterinary Wellness Centers!  To schedule an appointment or to discuss your pet's medical needs, call 610-921-VETS.

The HSBC has recently expanded and upgraded its veterinary facilities in order to provide the best in medical care for your pet.  We hope that you visit our two facilities so you can see how the Humane Society of Berks County is jumping into the 21st century with both (all four?) feet!

Basic Rate Schedule

We think it is important for you to know what to expect in the way of fees at the Veterinary Hospital of the HSBC.  Below is a listing of common services and procedures and their costs to you.  As always, prices may be subject to change and may vary from case to case.  Never hesitate to ask our staff to provide you with an estimate prior to scheduling an appointment or receiving service.

Common Procedures and Services*

General Exam: $44 (additional pets $38)

Recheck Exams: $38

Sick/Problem Oriented Exam: $48

Emergency Visit: $60

Vaccinations & Microchipping: $20-$25

General Testing: $20-$50 (fecal, heartworm, FeLV, urine, etc.)

Full Chem/CBC: $96.50

Acupuncture: $80 (initial evaluation and treatment), $55 (follow up visits)

Sterilizations:  All sterilizations require a pre-op exam ($44).  For pets five years and under, a pre-op blood screening is strongly advised for the health and safety of your pet.  For pets over five, pre-op blood screening will be required.

Canine Spay

• Less 60 lbs: $207
• 60-80 lbs: $230
• Over 80 lbs: $253
• In heat/pregnant: Charge is according to time and materials.

Canine Castration

Routine (Under 60 lbs): $155

Routine (Over 60 lbs): $184

Over 100 lbs: $230

Cryptorchid (Inguinal): $195

Cryptorchid (Abdominal): $230

Cryptorchid (Bilateral): Charge is according to time and materials

Feline Spay: $155

• In heat/pregnant: Charge is according to time and materials

Feline Castration: $92

The HSBC provides the same standard of care for all animals.  Those who require additional financial assistance should ask about our reduced and sliding scale fees (below).

*Sliding Scale & Reduced Cost Services*

For those requiring a little extra assistance, the Veterinary Hospital of the Humane Society of Berks County has several ways to help.  The HSBC offers a standardized sliding scale fee structure based upon client income.  These rates provide a 10% to 33% reduction in the costs to provide veterinary care (with some services decreased up to 50%).  The intention of this program is to allow pet owners to provide full and complete veterinary care for their pets but are financially incapable of.  The Humane Society's hope is that we can help people keep their pet happy and happy where they belong- at home.

This program is needs based and requires pre-approval.  It is open to all who qualify.  Sliding scale pricing is based upon the Federal Poverty Guidelines and reduce rates by the following amounts*:

• 151% or above poverty rate: regular fee
• 141-150% of poverty rate: 10% off veterinary services
• 131-140% of poverty rate: 15% off veterinary services
• 121-130% of poverty rate: 20% off veterinary services
• 111-120% of poverty rate: 25% off veterinary services
• 101-110% of poverty rate: 30% off veterinary services
• 100% or less of poverty rate: 33% off veterinary services

*Some services and items may be excluded from these discounts and some other services may be discounted at a higher rate (up to 50%).

Example: A family of four earning $31,800 (150% of Federal Poverty Rate) would be eligible for a 10% discount and a family of four earning $21,200 (100% of Federal Poverty Rate) would be eligible for a 33% discount.

Download the Federal Poverty Rate guidelines by clicking here.

Proof of eligibility is required (current pay stub or current determination of income status by an acceptable State or Federal humane services agency).  Proof of status must be determined and approved prior to any treatment being provided at reduced rates.

Special sterilization programs are also available for feral cats.

Please contact the Humane Society for more information about any of these special programs.  Some services, medications and procedures that are already being offered at, near or below cost may be excluded from the sliding scale program.

Low Cost Pet Microchipping and Vaccination Services*

The Veterinary Hospital of the Humane Society of Berks County offers top quality services and the highest standard of care for our clients and their pets.  However, not everyone is able or willing to provide this level of care for their animals for a variety of reasons.  Because the HSBC's mission calls for providing services to all pets in need, we also offer offer regular vaccination clinics that provide basic vaccination and microchip services for the cost of the vaccine only (no exam or office visit charges). 

These services are offered on a first come, first served basis, during set, limited hours.  Clients will be assigned numbers in the order they arrive. No other services are provided and no exam fees are charged.  Client pays only the vaccination or microchip charge.  Schedule subject to change without notice.

There will not be a Vaccine Clinic on Monday, May 25th due to the Memorial Day Holiday.

Additional Vaccine Clinic Dates To Be Announced.

The Humane Society of Berks County strongly encourages all low cost clients to consider becoming actual clients of the Veterinary Hospital rather than just utilizing the low cost clinics.  It is better and safer for your pet!  Research has shown that among the best ways to ensure that your pet is happy, healthy, safe, and never ends up in an animal shelter is by having a regular relationship with a veterinarian.  We will be happy to assist you with qualifying for sliding scale rates based upon your income.

All dogs served at the low cost clinic must display or purchase a current PA Dog License ($6.50 to $8.50) or service will be refused.

*All services fee subject to change without notice.  The service fees listed here are intended to provide a general guide to estimated costs.