Once a Reliable Clinic--Now Deeply Disappointing…read more
I've been taking my pets to Winterfield for well over a decade--likely since around 2008, when I first adopted my dog. For many years, I was satisfied with the care they provided. But recently, the level of service and professionalism has sharply declined. I'm left wondering what changed.
Over the years, I've trusted them with a wide variety of animals--dogs, cats, sugar gliders, ferrets. I even once asked if they could see my Serama chickens, only to be laughed at over the phone. I'm not sure who they think is eating Seramas, but many people keep chickens as pets. For a veterinary clinic, that response was surprisingly dismissive. I expected more understanding and respect from professionals in animal care.
I overlooked several concerning incidents in the past, but the growing pattern of questionable practices has become hard to ignore. A few examples:
I was charged nearly $300 for a single antibiotic shot--without any prior disclosure. A simple heads-up would've been appreciated.
I received a $20 bill for trimming a cat's rear fur--something that took five seconds and seemed more like a gesture of kindness than a billable service.
A sugar glider died following a hernia repair.
Basic supplies like needles, tubing, and saline were marked up 10-20 times their cost.
I've repeatedly been upsold on tests that provided no real value to my pets' health.
In my experience, unless a treatment involves something direct and tangible --like antibiotics or fluids--it rarely seems to make much of a difference. Once your pet is placed on a medication regimen, it feels like you're trapped in a cycle of ongoing costs, with little flexibility or empathy.
I even took in a 19-year-old stray cat I found dying in the street--an act that came with significant financial responsibility. When I had to delay a follow-up due to a temporary lack of funds as I told them, I was charged a $20 no-show fee. It wasn't the cost that bothered me, but the lack of grace--especially after years of loyalty and thousands of dollars spent. I had also referred my father, who spent around $1,000, and I paid another $3,000 toward that same rescued cat--every cent paid in full.
What stung most was the cold, scripted response. "Heather" speaks of "supporting you and your pet," over and over yet they refuse to release medical records until a measly $20 fee was paid, or tide your meds over for a few weeks. No exception. No empathy. No sense of loyalty.
You'd think a long-time client in good standing might be offered a little understanding--maybe even a courtesy bag of fluids to tide the cat over, or a simple "don't worry about the fee this time." Instead, it was rigid policy over people, and cash over compassion.
Winterfield may still be acceptable for routine visits. But if you're looking for transparency, understanding, or basic respect for your loyalty, I'd recommend going elsewhere. To them, your pet is a profit center. And when the money slows down, their compassion disappears, regardless of how long you've been with them.
