Some Manitoba pet owners tired of expensive trips to the veterinarian have found a cheaper alternative across the border in the United States.

Theresa and George Patenaude say the vet bills for Jackson, their 9-year old Shih Tzu, are extremely high. They want to try a more affordable alternative.

Next month, they’ve booked an appointment with a veterinarian in Grand Forks to have Jackson’s teeth cleaned for $205.

“Up here that's 650 bucks or so, said George Patenaude”

“Jackson gets great care up here, but I understand that it’s excellent care down there as well,” he said. “So why would we not do it?”

The couple said they will save around $400 on the procedure by having it done in Grand Forks compared to Winnipeg.

The Grand Valley Animal Hospital in Grand Forks, North Dakota said they’ve been seeing more and more Manitobans, primarily from Winnipeg bringing their pets for veterinary services.

“We're hearing sometimes cost is an issue and I guess that's no different than any other service in the United States," said Dr. Darin Meulebroeck.

He said he sees up to 15 Manitoba clients a month, and pet owners tell him his services are about half the cost than those at home.

"Most of it is coming from online. And they search online for veterinary services,” said Meulebroeck. “It's not like we do a lot of advertising in Canada."

Fetching the best price

CTV made some calls to see who fetches the best price:

In Winnipeg, dental cleaning could run you between $250 and $600 depending on the size of your animal. In Grand Forks, the price is around $200 to $250.

A a spay or neuter could run as much as $500 in Winnipeg. At the Grand Forks Animal Hospital, the higher end is around $300. A physical exam -- $75 here, $45 there.

A puppy or kitten package with an exam and vaccines, could run more than $250 in Winnipeg, and around $120 in Grand Forks.

Comparing apples to apples?

The Manitoba Veterinary Medical Association questions if Manitobans will get the same quality of care in the United States.

“Certainly we're not comparing apples to apples,” said Winnipeg vet Dr. Ron Worb, spokesperson with the Manitoba Veterinary Medical Association.

Worb urges pet owners to do their research. He said he believes the savings would have to be huge for people to take their pets across the border.

“If you have a nice relationship with your veterinarian, and they know you, and you're in a little bit of a financial bind, vets are pretty decent people, that some sort of payment plan could be set up for these procedures,” said Worb.

Worth the trip?

Not all Winnipeg owners think the trip with their pet is worth it.

You have to "cross the border, you have to get the papers to do that … plus adding gas costs. Seems like a lot," said dog owner Sarah Sampson who was walking her dog at The Kilcona Dog Park.

"It costs money to stay down overnight or what-have you, said Gary Zurba who has two dogs. ”I just don't feel it's right,” he said. “They should support Canadian vets, even if they are a bit expensive."

The Patenaude’s said the savings are too good to refuse not to go.

“We don't put a price tag on him. If he needs it he gets it done, but there has to be an alternative. And Grand Forks is the alternative,” said Theresa Patenaude.

Crossing the border

U.S. Customs and Border Protection require dogs crossing the border to have a rabies shot and the papers to prove it. Cats are not required to have the rabies shot.

Canadians must declare any vet services and medication at the border.