Our biggest concern is the lack of transparency regarding services and costs. During both visits…read moresince the corporate takeover, my partner and I have noticed that services such as blood draws, cytology exams, and ear cleaning are presented as things the staff are going to do rather than options for us to discuss and approve after being informed of the cost and necessity. We are then presented with the bill afterward. We understand diagnostic testing can be important for our dogs' health, but pet owners should be told what is recommended, why it is necessary, and how much it costs BEFORE services are performed.
One example that frustrated us was during our most recent visit with our dog, Maple. Instead of saying, "Would you like us to clean Maple's ears for an additional $30? If not, we'd be happy to show you how to properly and safely clean her ears at home," the staff simply told us, "We're going to take her on back and clean her ears for you." At no point was the additional $30 disclosed beforehand. We only discovered the charge when reviewing the invoice. Some people might say, "Relax, it's only $30," but that isn't the point. It's about being charged for services without being informed of the cost or given a choice. It also makes us question whether other recommended services are truly necessary.
Another example involves Maple's recurring ear infections. During a previous visit, our former veterinarian examined her ears and said something along the lines of, "It's apparent she has an ear infection. I'm going to prescribe this medication." She was prescribed EasOtic, and we appreciated how straightforward and transparent that interaction was.
This time, rather than first reviewing her medical history and discussing whether the same medication would be appropriate, the staff quickly swabbed her ear and took the sample out of the room for testing. We were charged an additional $55.50 for the ear cytology, without anyone explaining beforehand why it was recommended, what they were looking for, whether it was necessary in her case, or how much it would cost.
I understand ear cytology can provide useful information about an infection and guide treatment. However, we were never given the opportunity to discuss the test or its cost before it was performed. Based on Maple's previous diagnosis and treatment, I strongly suspect she would have received the same medication regardless, but nobody explained how the results would affect her treatment plan. If the test was important to confirm the diagnosis or determine the appropriate medication, that should have been explained to us before proceeding.
The issue isn't that we are unwilling to pay for our dogs' care. It's that we should have the opportunity to make informed decisions. Had we known the ear cleaning would cost $30, we could have chosen to pay for it or learned how to do it safely at home. Likewise, we could have discussed the necessity and cost of the $55.50 cytology beforehand. Instead, these charges appeared on an already nearly $400 bill without being disclosed in advance.
Before the corporate takeover, our two regular veterinarians were always transparent about treatments, medications, and services. They explained what our dogs needed and communicated clearly with us. Since the change, the experience has felt very different. From what we understand, 13 doctors have left and only two remain, and the staff and overall atmosphere have noticeably changed. The staff and veterinarians have also come across as somewhat judgmental, making it less comfortable to ask questions or discuss treatment options.
I also asked twice for a packet explaining each prescribed medication and what it was for. Instead, I received only the invoice and receipt, with no explanations of the medications.
If you're considering bringing your pet to Pet Vet at Salt Lake Shopping Center, or continuing as an existing client, I strongly encourage you to advocate for yourself and your pet. Ask what each test or service is for, whether it is necessary, how the results will affect treatment, and how much it costs BEFORE anything is performed. Don't feel pressured or guilt-tripped into agreeing to services without having your questions answered. You deserve to understand what you're agreeing to and what you're paying for.
What makes this especially disappointing is that my dogs have been coming here since they were puppies, and the hospital is only four minutes from our home. We genuinely wanted to continue coming here because of the convenience and the trust we had built over the years. However, after two disappointing visits since the corporate takeover, we are seriously considering switching veterinarians. A good veterinary hospital should prioritize our pets' health while respecting owners through honest communication, upfront pricing, and informed consent. It's incredibly disappointing to see a place we trusted for years change so much.