Poor communication overshadowed otherwise good veterinary care The veterinarians at Aptos Creek Vet seem knowledgeable and kind. Unfortunately, our experience with the office staff was so frustrating that we won't be returning. About a month ago, we brought our cat in for an exam and bloodwork and spent over $500 to diagnose a thyroid issue. He was prescribed medication, which has worked very well. He has gained weight and seems happier. When we went to refill the prescription, the refill was rejected. When we called to ask why, we were told our cat needed to come in for additional bloodwork costing another approximately $250 before the medication could be refilled. That in itself wasn't the issue. What we asked, repeatedly in different ways, was: * Is this additional bloodwork a one-time follow-up? * How often will this testing be required going forward? * What should we expect the annual cost to be for managing this condition? We could not get a clear or direct answer to these very basic questions. Instead, staff repeatedly said "the vet requires it," without explaining the longer-term plan or costs. When we asked for clarification, we were told we must not have been listening during the original visit. As the conversation went on, it became more frustrating because no one would simply explain the monitoring schedule or expected annual cost, which is necessary to make informed decisions about long-term care. Even when the office manager got involved, the questions were still not answered directly. The situation escalated unnecessarily, and we were made to feel at fault for being frustrated after repeatedly asking for straightforward information. I really don't think we were the a$$holes here. If you value clear communication and basic transparency around ongoing care and costs, I'd recommend looking elsewhere. read more

They have extremely poor customer service, always put you on hold for 15 minutes to just check a calendar meaning it's a small request and doesn't take anyone else more than 30 seconds to do so. read more

I have a very feisty old lady, 17 years, who doesn't clean herself or allow us to. When she woke up with a limp they gladly got her seen and all straightened up in the same day. They even gave her a much needed haircut, they never batted an eye at how naughty she is. And we can now all laugh at the kitty I dropped off at the vet and the kitty I took home, who, despite the silly haircut, is much nicer, happier in and NOT IN PAIN! read more

Aptos-Creekside Pet Hospital - Before her haircut - Veterinarians Near Me - Aptos, California

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Setting up the appointment was a breeze for my little buddy, Beau., for his check up and his rabies shot. They suggested a 3yr which is better and much more covenant. Dr Wilson was an absolute pleasure, very informative, answered all my questions and made Beau feel relaxed and comfortable. I will continue to have all Beau's veterinary needs performed Aptos-Creekside, because of the professionalism and their genuine concern for the well-being of your pet. read more

Took my dog here for a hot minute not long ago, never again. I typically don't like to give out negative energy but feel I must inform other fur-baby folks. Some words of wisdom and constructive feedback for the manager(s) and staff...(not the actual vets, who are fine)... Be Kind. Show Empathy. Don't talk back, do not use threats or intimidate. Customers may not always be right per se, but try to have compassion, or just let it slide. You work in a medical facility, that is your job. ...If an employee has trouble with understanding these simple behaviors, then the service-industry is a poor career choice, there are plenty of other jobs that do not involve interacting with the public. As a consumer, you are allowed to ask questions about the care of yourself, a dependent or a pet, you are allowed to ask questions and be informed about billing or service. And unless a legal or major ethical guideline has been crossed, do not give in to misguided authority if an employee is annoyed by that. Some businesses do not care much about keeping business, referrals or overall reputation, sadly that seems to be the case here...to potential customers, please read some other of the reviews, and come to your own conclusion. read more

This is a wonderful group of talented women veterinarians with excellent support staff. I've been taking my animals to Molly Tackabury, DVM for 20 years and would never go anywhere else. read more

Dr Elizabeth Martin, Front desk Carlos , and all of the staff - amazing! The compassion, integrity, professionalism and of course love is something so special and rare. My love, The Professor, had to be euthanized unexpectedly. The virtue and grace of the clinic is continually consoling us through this transition. Thank you read more

Served my dog well in good health, unfortunately it was only when the tides turned later in his life that I realized not only had I been taken advantage of financially but serious oversights had been made enabling a severe form of cancer to progress. I don't want to mention any names but the attending vet was clearly never schooled in proper bedside manner considering the gravity of the situation. Worst experience of my life on that day next to his passing! read more

Everything.. care of my dogs.. how they were caring with loss of our 9 year old dog who died if cancer.. I can't say enough ! read more

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This small clinic is the best for you and your pets! They fit me in for an emergent visit for my new cat. Dr. Molly Tackabury is excellent. Compassionate, knowledgeable and very kind. She quickly diagnosed and treated my guy and offered suggestions to keep him healthy. You can tell everyone in that office loves animals. The front desk staff are more than helpful! Their prices are very fair!! read more

We have been customers for with this dog for 16 years and my dog is dying and has developed seizures. I called asking for help at 4:40 p.m. on November 1st. I specify because I'm hoping that this employee will be disciplined. I asked if I could possibly get anti-seizure medication while we arranged for me to bring the dog in to be euthanized. She is really suffering. I knew it was a long shot. I don't think this person even gave my message to the doctor. He became defensive when I said something completely innocuous then he became offended and called me a horrible person. I don't know what he thought he heard, but I had two people in the room with me and I was on speakerphone. I did a reality check with them and they said no, that wasn't a " horrible " thing to say. It wasn't insulting and it was actually very appropriate request. Well that was 4 hours ago and I don't think he gave my message to the doctor or the doctor's decided not to call me back even though I'm a long-term customer and have paid for all of my dog's checkups and endless vaccinations. I am an MD and no one who has ever worked for me on the phones would suppress a message because they were offended. That would be completely unacceptable and unprofessional. Postscript: The day after this review was posted, their manager called my husband and accused me of being a liar (not true) and summarily fired us from the practice. I had posted this negative review with the expectation that I'd get a call from the office wanting to discuss the matter. I wanted to get their attention and maybe even an apology or an explanation of why we didn't get a call back. I would have immediately withdrawn the review. Now, I won't do that. We liked them. We were clients with a couple dogs for almost 30 years. This was a very sad and disappointing ending to that relationship. . read more

I don't ever post negative things but this one needs to be told. I was so taken aback by my experience and am in such disbelief that this establishment, that knowingly deals with death, would have anyone so poorly trained working for them. We put our deceased sons dog down tonight who has been alive for 17 years. I like the Vet, whom we have known since she worked at Adobe. So probably close to a couple decades And we have a close friend that works there and knows us well. However, on such a horrible evening, the receptionist was obnoxiously disrespectful to me. She was not a calm person and she certainly was not listening nor concerned with anything I was telling her. Had she simply listened there would have been zero issues and I could have grieved with my family outside instead of being bullied by her literally right after putting our dog to sleep. She was probably more concerned with getting out of there, being a Friday night, then simply listening and doing her job. My problem is people like her should not be working at a place were people have to experience loss. She had no consideration and didn't recognize till it was over that it was her not listening and being preoccupied that was the problem. She would not back down either it was unbelievable! She started arguing with me and raising her voice and manipulating me that I was the problem. Threatening me because I asked her to calm down. In addition when you have been a loyal client for over a decade it should not be insisted that you pay right after you put your beloved pet down. But I get it and if that is policy it should be noted before hand and we should have been told that before hand when it's much easier to do but we were not informed. So it started by me informing the young lady, very clearly, a few times, because I had a feeling she wasn't paying attention to me. I informed her I was paying for only 2 paw prints and my former husband is paying for the rest. She acted like she heard me and then charged my card the entire amount, nearly $700.00 and then started arguing with me when I said I had been very clear to charge me for the two paw prints . I told her to calm down and take a deep breath and she told me I couldn't ask her that. I am dumbfounded by the entire experience after putting my sons dog down. I needed to just chill and be outside with my family but instead I was being yelled at by a young woman who wouldn't calm down and Im the one who just lost my deceased sons dog! Unbelievable how disrespectful she was and when someone finally came in to help she never said a word to her regarding her terrible behavior. On a side note I put my Mom's dog down at Adobe in January. There they told my Mother she could make payments if she needed and they were so caring, laid back, and kind. A very, very different experience. I don't know what it is with some young people but that was such a horrible experience after such a horrible experience read more

Had a great first visit with Dr Katie and my kitty. Very knowledgeable and helpful team at front desk. Upfront and informative about fees and services. Stoked to establish our vet at such a lovely and welcoming place. read more

Our Bella loves all the vets at APTOS Creekside Pet Hospital. Dr. Martin is our favorite. She has a great personality and sense of humor. She only does what is necessary when Bella visits. She also works at the pet clinic at Tractor store and Wishbone pet store for pet check-ups and shots. read more

Took my two cats there this morning. They are efficient, caring, user friendly and seem to know what they are doing. I am not a veterinarian so am unable to qualify their expertise. I do have a fair knowledge of biology and therefore strongly recommend Aptos-Creekside Pet Hospital. Ben F Tarsitano, MD read more

VETERINARIANS, DO YOU JOBS! After taking my dogs there for years, I have discovered that they failed to diagnose and treat my dogs appropriately, causing them more pain, having to find other veterinarians to properly diagnose what I already paid Aptos to treat, and costing me (ongoing) thousands and thousands of dollars. I am about to spend thousands more. The only ones suffering are my beautiful dogs whose lives are being shortened. read more

Thank you for years of care with our boy Cody. He was always ok to walk in the doors to such kind faces. I guess his last time in was being carried and he fought the fight. But it was his time to be free from his old body. Thank you for caring for him with love. I know it isn't easy to say good by for all of you also. And watching Cody's Dad was so very tough. Much love to all read more

We followed our favorite Vet of 30 years to Creekside. Turned out to be a big mistake that we will not repeat. If you expect to be treated with respect and courtesy by a vet tec this is not the place for you. It seems to be a money mill. They required a unnecessary blood panel for teeth cleaning. We had just had our pets annual check up and blood panel three weeks earlier. Seems they care more about separating you from your money than caring for your pet. read more

7days after giving this establishment a 1 star review, my husband and I got a letter from the manager SHELLY That they no longer wanted to business with us or our dogs. Lol don't worry I would never want to bring my dog back here. After our horrible experience here we found a new vet immediately and are every happy with them. read more

Aptos-Creekside Pet Hospital - The letter they sent us to say we can't bring our dogs back...don't worry we won't. - Veterinarians Near Me - Aptos, California

Had a great experience with Dr. Blom. She very quickly diagnosed our dog's problem with a yeast infection in her ears. Started treatment that same visit and sent us home with a presription prepared in house at the end of our visit. We treated her at home and all her ear scratching and head shaking has totally stopped, by the end of the three week course of treatment. I had an additional question, so I sent her an email after regular office hours. She promptly answered my question the next day by return email. Great response time. Very happy. read more

Dr. Martin is absolutely the best. I have had two unfortunate health scares with two separate kitties within a month and Dr. Martin made a point to see both of them as soon as possible. You can tell she genuinely cares about her patients. She does not try to gouge you for unnecessary tests. I have only had positive experiences with Aptos Creekside staff and have been going there for 15ish years (since Dr. Hall, another favorite, was there). We will keep going back thanks to Dr. Martin! read more

You cannot get a better team than Dr. Martin, Shelley and the rest of the compassionate group at Aptos Creekside. They have treated all my animals with intelligence and kindness for the last 20+ years. From the time they were babies until the last good bye they have given stellar care and loving attention. They have also soothed my heart and clearly explained everything I needed to know to take the very best care of all my furry kids. There are truly no words to express properly how very good they are at what they do. I love you all. We will always remain deeply grateful for everything you continue to give to those who are fortunate enough to be your clients. read more

Just the very best for years...quickly diagnosed that our pooch had a big problem and recommended that we take him to ER...think they saved his life! by that recommendation...they are so smart, so caring and proactive...we are now going to them for dog acupuncture ...we know that they really care...that's what counts!...thanks all!!! read more

Best vet in the area! I have two kitties, both with different medical problems. I have always felt heard in my concerns with Dr. Blom and other staff. We worked together to find a plan for one cat with IBD and the other cystitis. I've also received a lot of great practical advice that is really above and beyond care I've gotten from other vets in the area. The front desk staff has also always been kind. read more

I have been a client of Aptos Creekside Pet Hospital for many years. The vets and the staff have seen me through many ups and downs with my beloved pets, and we have always been treated with kindness, comfort and professionalism. Of course the Virus has impacted so many businesses. I have had to use Creekside's services during this horrible time, and although they are down one vet - my dear Patricia Wilson - (are you back yet, Patty) - their services continue to be exemplary. When I was there last week, I was advised by the office manager that they are seeing about 38 patients a day, not counting surgeries. Hearing this was astonishing, so I want to say on behalf of all its clients, THANK YOU SO MUCH for continuing to go the extra mile to support us and our pets. All of you are TRUE HEROS!!! With much appreciation. Anne Young and Mollie Mae and Sunny Delight read more

I was in Aptos visiting family for the holidays when my pup came down with a bad case of environmental allergies and had scratched himself raw. He was in such pain that I needed to take him some place immediately as the allergy couldn't wait until we were back home in SoCal to see our vet. I called around to a few places and Aptos-Creekside was the one hospital that would look at him within an hour. The care, knowledge and follow-up was incredible. I honestly cannot say enough good things about everyone at this location and the care my dog received. I really wish they were local to us because I would love to have them as my primary vet. Thank you to the whole staff for everything. Marley is now almost fully recovered, the medication is working as you described and we feel very fortunate to have found you guys read more

Aptos-Creekside is a little on the pricey side but they're worth it. They are very caring, responsive, and give great medical treatment. I'm a first time dog owner and my dog has had a couple illnesses and injuries and each time they treat her she gets better quickly and is happy when she comes home. That's worth every penny. read more

Good drs and staff but expensive. Perhaps all vet places are ??? They are not inexpensive. But you do get good response time from staff and Drs and can talk to them on phone to discuss after your visit which I appreciate. Get pet insurance highly suggested to help with payments. Even when pet is healthy so they will be accepted by insurance without pre-existing conditions read more

I have been going to this vet hospital for years. I am following Dr Wilson who is the best vet I have ever had. She loves all the furry ones who walk in and looks and talks to them before greeting me. I love it. That's why I am there for my furry one not for me. She helped me with my precious dog who I had for 15 years and she walked me through her death. Now I have my little guy. She is excellent at being a doctor. In addition doesn't always go for drugs as first choice of dealing with an issue. She tells me up front and kindly what going on. The desk support are fantastic!!! Efficient and yet super kind and again loves all the ones I see come in. Lastly the tech support whom I see monthly for my little guy are again super kind and efficient. My little guy has knee issues and I have to have them cut his nails. The pet stores are just too expensive and too harsh for his little legs (he is five pounds). They have a lower price if you come in regularly for nail trim which is equal to what you find out on the street. Overall I highly recommend them. I drive 30 min one way to get to them and they are worth it read more

The staff and Dr Tackubury are so kind and kept me well informed when my beloved older dog had to have a dental done, Thank You everyone for the awesome care! read more

We were sad to hear that Creekside was no longer in Soquel, but SO happy to hear that they merged with Aptos Animal Hospital! I had had a good experience there on my own, so when my husband & I got our two furry babies, we knew exactly where to go! We have visited for everything from routine exams, vaccines, & the more involved investigations needed for feline epilepsy. We've worked with Dr. Siri, Dr. Hall, Dr. Hawklyn, & several receptionists & techs. We have enjoyed them all! They are knowledgable, friendly, & compassionate. Your pets will be in good hands at Aptos Creekside! read more

The last three times I have waited 20 minutes or more to be seen. I have a cat and a dog. Dr Martin is excellent but my time is valuable. I am tired of waiting. I won't be back. read more

Doctor George Hall is a genuine person and an extraordinary vet. We called at 8 am this morning and Doctor Hall arrived at our house exactly when he said he would. He was kind, caring, compassionate and completely unhurried. Doctor Hall was needed as it was time for Cruiser to be released from this world and my and Cece's care. Cruiser was the best little buddy, cat, ever and Doctor Hall treated him as if he was his friend. Cruiser struggled hard for three months with GI Lymphoma and today at 12:15 pm his fight ended. If you ever need and I highly recommend, At Home End of Life Care, Aptos Creekside and Doctor Hall should be called. read more

I took my dog in to see Dr. Stern today. She was very patient and took her time, I did not feel rushed or upsold like other vet offices. I learned a lot in this visit. So, I will definately be coming back! Thank you for making this an easy trip. read more

I've been coming here for 6+ years even had great experiences with the old crew and Dr.Siri, but I feel the new staff is lacking. I came in with a basic problem and gave them 3 things to check on as well ..... They never checked my dogs freshly grown cysts and they could have just used medical records to see the medication need for his skin issues after I've said its the same annual skin issues as before. I refuse to pay for more tests/visits because the Dr. Kirschenbaum isn't willing to use the medical records she inherited from my former vet.... I know this place is more expensive then others locally and was willing to pay more and drive 3 hours for non emergencies, but after my last visit I'm quite disappointed. These seem to be good people who love and care for our pets but overlooked some key elements to my visit, which leads me to believe they could make more serious mistakes in the future. read more

Really nice staff and my Vet was great. I did the puppy package and all went well. Then it came time to do Spay, microchip, baby tooth removal etc. These guys are really expensive. The microchip, $68.00. Other Vets in area charge 30-40 and the shelter will do it for $15. My final spay fee and tooth removal at another Vet was half what this place quoted. I really wanted to use them but I don't like being overcharged so much. read more

I am sorry to say that after using Aptos Creekside Pet Hospital for 10 years, I will NOT be returning. Dr. Martin is the only good thing about that pet hospital and I sincerely wish she worked at another location. It seems like after they were bought by a corporate entity about 18-24 months ago, the service has gone dramatically downhill. Not to mention the HUGE increase in charges. I can't even get them to call in refills for my poor diabetic kitty's insulin or syringes without it being a literal battle. This place is terrible now. I'm moving on to Del Mar Pet Hospital. Dr. Condreay is wonderful and Dr. Hall is over there now. I recommend others do the same. read more

I have been using Aptos-Creekside Pet Hospital for over 15 years (4 dogs and 1 cat). Dr. Hall has been my primary Veterinarian the entire time. He is very down to earth--great people skills, and extremely knowledgeable. Nothing---no disease, injury, bug, diagnosis--gets past him. No matter what seemingly mysterious ailment is affecting my pet, I am confident Dr. Hall will figure it out. An extra big plus: Dr. Hall is the most compassionate Veterinarian I have ever met. Euthanizing a pet is never easy--but Dr. Hall handles it with aplomb. I can't imagine how an end of life situation could be handled better. read more

From the front desk to the vet techs, to the veterinarians- everyone was friendly, accommodating, and efficient. Highly recommend this vet hospital! read more

Very professional and knowledgeable staff and vets. They wont try to up sell you unnecessary treatments or meds. On numerous occasions they have been accommodating with last minute appointments and my dog loves Dr. Martin! read more