Has anyone ever used Craigslist to find a ride to the vet?

[Skittys_Daddy]

I recently posted an ad on craigslist for a ride to take Skitty to the vet and I'm just curious to know if anyone else has used this option? If so, what was their experience like.

 

[Scott]

All I can do is chime in with the inevitable *CAUTION* when considering CL. You will have to accurately sort out the genuine offers from scammers and others with possibly bad intent. Riding in a stranger's vehicle can be fraught with issues such as driver background, substance abuse, and safety of the auto.

That said, there are some awesome people who may be happy to help considering the circumstances!! You'll have to carefully construct your ad and be a good judge of character.

Good luck, and if you do take Skitty to the vet this way, please leave the relevant information with a trusted friend or relative.

 

[Kiwibird]

I have not used this option, but just a thought- Have you considered calling a local animal rescue and asking if they have any volunteers willing to give a ride to the vet (you pay gas)? You may find a more trustworthy ride that way and you'd be talking to animal lovers who understand the importance of vet visits (even if they aren't necessarily "bird people").

 

[Skittys_Daddy]

@Scott Thanks for the advice. I normally would not use this option but a cab will cost me close to $200 round trip, I've never Uber before but they aren't much cheaper. I called a local "non-medical transport" non-profit and they said they only transport 'service animals'.

Luckily, I'm not an over-trusting person. So I'd like to think I'd be able to sort things out.

@kiwibird I hadn't thought of an animal rescue. The vets office is well aware of my transportation difficulties, so I do know if they had an option they'd have mentioned it by now.

Worst case scenario, there is a vet in the next town over that will do trims on birds (wings, nails, beaks) and does them regularly. But they aren't an avian vet so they don't do exams.

I know a vet visit annually is ideal, but until I'm able to take him I think he should be okay. I mean he has no health issues now. His beak is polished (the little stinker does it himself with his pediperch). He also trims his own nails. But still, sometimes he needs a nail trim anyways, but right now his nails are fine and his beak is perfect. Given I feed him Harrisons and I am so paranoid about his health, I am hoping I don't have to worry.

 

[Skittys_Daddy]

My good friend told me her sister will do it once she registers her car, but it needs work so she doesn't know when, but it should be sometime this summer.

I still want to know what peoples experience/advice is about CL. It couldn't hurt to have an idea of experiences for the future.

 

[RavensGryf]

I had no idea that Uber was near as expensive as a cab! I have heard of a new one called Lyft. No idea about the price.

Since this visit can wait, I'd just wait for your friend. If you want to do it sooner, I think April has a good idea about asking a rescue volunteer (if you have one in your area) if they are willing to do this for gas money plus a little more for their time.

 

[Skittys_Daddy]

Well, a cab would run me between $175-200 while Uber would run me about $120-150. Which isn't much savings.

I don't know what qualifies as a rescue center, but we do have an ASPCA as well as the Greater Androscoggin Humane Society.

There is an animal emergency clinic in the next town over open 24/7 and they see birds but aren't avian vets. They mainly are for emergencies. Like something I might not be able to take care of (stopping bleeding, cleaning and dressing a wound etc). Like when Peaches punctured her wing during a night fright.

 

[RavensGryf]

I hear you, it sounds like if your friend and her sister are willing to help, I'd just wait .