Vets, I need guidance.  As a newbie, I am concerned about committing a faux pas.  All cautions say "don't talk price on the phone"....some even frown on any e mail reference.  And the website (if it there is one) may lack "donation information."  

How do you discern the amount needed before committing to an appointment?

Try this in an e-mail, "Hon, there is coflicting information about your fees.  Can you help me out?"  I sometimes e-mail something like, "Hon, I found hourly rates on your site but I'm interested in 90 minutes.  Can we make it work for x?"

There is nothing wrong with asking a lady to quote a price for an hour of her time if it is not stated clearly on her site or ad.  What you can not do is ask what that hour includes.

Hey Bostonguy 57, thanks for the response. It answers my question.  Clarity with brevity is indeed a talent.

Good topic, I'm a newb as well and this bit me hard.  The agency said on the phone $200 for the hour + tips.  I should've asked to have tips defined for me.  Basically, $200 gets her there, the donation starts after that.  Lesson learned.

You were a victim of upsell.  That happens routinely when dealing with unreviewed ladies.