I have gone to a vet clinic that I've been happy with but was going to switch here so that all 12 of my animals (pet and farm) could be cared for in one place. So I started by having my dog neutered by Dr. Walker today. Let me begin by stating that a year ago I requested pricing via email and still have the email with pricing for neutering and a stomach tack for a 1 year old Dane. Neuter $145 and tack would be between $60-100. My dog is now 18 mos but the weight hasn't changed from that of a 12 month Dane. When I arrived, I was told that the tacking was over $200. Apparently they didn't want to honor their price because the quote was one year old (the price has changed that much in one year? I think they just realized they made a mistake and didn't want to admit it). Next, the receptionist asked if I wanted the "optional" Lepto or Lyme shots in addition to the DAP that he was due for. I said no (he wears a Soresto collar for ticks and isn't around stagnant water so mosquitoes aren't an issue).
A little bit later, the tech calls me to ask for my old vet's number so he could confirm what vaccinations he really needed (as if my word isn't good enough, but whatever). I gave the information and he told me that he would be getting his DAP, neuter, microchip, pain med, and cone. He called again later to say the surgery went well and I could pick him up after work.
When I arrive and get my bill, I see I was charged $24 for Lepto. I told the receptionist I didn't authorize it. She twice checks with the vet and then tells me it's a "required" shot and Dr. Walker would be out to talk to me. Dr. Walker came out and, without even introducing herself or saying hello, firmly tells me "$248 is what is due". At this point, I hadn't even said that I wasn't going to pay for it - I simply repeated that I didn't authorize the shot. I assumed (hoped) she would discuss the problem with me. I informed her that I didn't authorize it and she states that I verbally authorized it on the phone with the tech that morning. Sorry, no I didn't. He listed the DAP shot, not Lepto. Twice more she told me that I WOULD be paying $248. Then she changes the story and says it is part of their "comprehensive vaccine package" and required....what happened to the "optional" shots the receptionist talked about that morning? I finally handed over my card and paid the full bill. I also state to the receptionist that I would not be coming back. At this point, Dr. Walker turns around and is very irritated, with her finger pointed at me she tells me I am being disrespectful to her employee and that I should go back to whatever vet I used before them. What? I stated (actually, mumbled) that I wouldn't be coming back and that is being disrespectful? I then brought up the fact that they also didn't honor the pricing they gave me in writing and her response was that the quote was a year old. The email is very clearly written for a 1 year old dog with the stipulation that the stomach tack was done with the neuter. So, apparently they raised their rate by $140 in one year. I told her to just bring my dog to me so I could leave (twice, because she continued to argue with me).
When the tech brought my dog to me 5 minutes later, he handed me the leash and thrusts a cone at me and turned around and walked away. With NO discharge instructions or even one word. It wasn't until he was almost out of the room that I huffed and he turned around and said "what?"....he then gave me a very brief and annoyed description of the stitches and pain meds when I asked him what I'm supposed to do for my dog.
I did apologize to the receptionist and told her that none of that was directed toward her - but she ignored me too. I won't lie and say that I didn't raise my voice but I didn't change my story multiple times or not accept responsibility like they did......this was not a good first impression from ANY of the staff there.
So what I expected to be a new relationship with a vet clinic who could care for all my animals resulted in one of the worst interactions I've ever had. Perhaps, Dr. Walker was having a bad day but to not even discuss a lousy $24 charge with me (a potential new client) and to come out with both barrels loaded.......nope, not having that. Don't worry, Dr. Walker, I'll stick with Appalachian Animal Hospital where the vets are wonderful and the front office staff is welcoming and always happy to accommodate me and my pets.
I might add - I've never reviewed a business before, good or bad. read more