My cat of 17 yrs. (16 yrs and 4 months) had been declining and over the past few months quite rapidly. She had stopped using her litter box and going all over the house ( not like her at all ), she was confused and would become lost in our own home. She cried at night, almost every night and would stop when I called out to her and heard my voice. She cried during the day as well. She stopped wanting to go outside and completely stopped grooming. Sadly I knew her quality of life wasn't of quality at all. It was with great sadness and deliberation I booked an appointment to have her put down. It was heart wrenching and a difficult call to make. I also knew taking her in for a "check up" wasn't going to make everything better, due to her age and large changes in her behavior. At that time of booking I explained the purpose of my call. At no time did anyone at reception say what I could expect at the appointment or the costs associated with the procedure. It ended up being the most traumatic and devastating experience I've had as pet owner. I never want another person to go though what we experienced. Firstly, I came in hours before the apt to pick up a carrier as I didn't want to leave with an empty one and knew I would be grieving. At the actual apt the doctor came in and asked why I was there?? Wide eyed and with tears I said to have my cat put down. She then ask why? I went on to explain all the reasons I felt it was the right thing to do. She asked if I would be willing to do a blood panel, to see if medications or at home care would be considered. I knew in my heart my girl was tired and suffering, by this time was crying so hard my friend had to speak for me to reiterate my wishes. The room was tense and stressful. The doctor then sent in another person to talk about my pets remains and what I wanted to do with them?? Decisions that should have been discussed prior. I have never put an animal down before. I was shaking and crying asking what the costs were so I could make an informed decision ( while distraught ) She said, "Oh you want to know the costs??". Another person ( a 3rd ) came it to talk about costs. She then looked at my cat and said, " She still looks bright" ... Looking at my cat for a few seconds. She then said, "We just want to make sure this is what you want." Want I want? Of course it's not what I want..... My decision is what I feel is best for my animal that I know and love. The apt. was just horrific, these people are not trained in how to provide options without disrespecting or shaming the pet owner. My cat was stressed, I was hysterical. The whole event was so traumatic, I have not slept in 3 days and continue to relive the entire chain of events in my mind. Please never take your beloved animal to this clinic. Its certainly not the same lovely privately owned clinic it use to be. read more

Shamrock Veterinary Clinic - Veterinarians Near Me - Comox, British Columbia

I decided to try a new vet closer as they offered a free first visit online. They charged me and said it was because my dog wasn't healthy. Yet they never called like they said to see if he was ok. I had to get treatment elsewhere, to help my dog! Very disappointed that they did not care that im on a disability and can't afford much. Then they argue the advertisement they have online. The least they could of done was to call like they said they would to see if my dog was better, since I paid a ridiculous price! Pets are important to people's lives. Especially those suffering from trauma! Sad that these kind of buissness's only care about the money! read more

First let me say that selecting a vet is something I've spent a lot of time on. After a bad experience I spent time asking many friends what they recommend and specifically WHY? What I found out is that it often had nothing to do with medical care and almost always came down to "they are really nice and make me feel good". My bad experience was exactly someone that was nice and charming, and an absolutely terrible doctor. Is customer care important? Yes, but medical care is even MORE important. Do they have proper equipment (digital x-rays for example) Do they follow proper anesthesia protocols (gowns, masks, monitoring)? Do they do thorough workups? Do they keep proper and thorough documentation in case i need another vet to consult in an emergency? Shamrock hit all those marks and more. Dr. Christensen is experienced, thorough and professional. Is it part of a national corporate ownership? Yes. I asked Dr. Christensen about that. She looked me dead in the eye and said "Who pays the light bill or coordinates the computer system has zero impact on my medical advice and standards of care. If it did I wouldn't work here." read more

Really friendly and pleasant staff. They are a big operation so are accessible during emergencies. The downside to this is that they have many staff members in reception and as vets. After seeing multiple vets and a different face at the front, I finally asked to see just one vet which they were Hesitant to do. I found that when my puppy was young I would get varied advice depending on who I was talking to. The thing that drove me away was when I told them I wanted to communicate via email so that I had a record of what was required for a visit . They refused to. Then, when i didn't answer there calls (5 attempts during a week i was away), they sent me auto generated emails (many), mail to my house and phone calls. I've moved to a new vet who is happy to communicate vis email. read more

It's about the service! The staff are wonderful, compassionate, happy and helpful. Maggie gives them 4 barks! nice location and facilities. read more

I have visited many vets over the years of owning dogs in both Canada and the US, and have had highlights and challenges a plenty...but I have to say that I felt so fortunate to have found Dr. Gilles. The facilities are gorgeous (which is an added bonus!) I had already seen our regular vet in Campbell River twice to try to get a diagnosis. She never even suggested putting my dog on the table-- she greeted my dog, let my dog sniff her and get comfortable before doing anything. She spent over an hour trying to figure out what was wrong with my dog (she has a strange hop). She even came outside the office to see if she could see the movement. She also understood that I would rather try to do preventative exercises than wait until my dog's knee blew out and needed surgery (which is what the other vet told me I would have to do). She gave me preventative exercises for my dog to do and even said that I could send a video of the hopping to see if she could actually give me a diagnosis without me having to drive down to Comox again. She also understood that my pet insurance would only cover additional treatment for another couple of months and that she would try to help me get some solutions before the end of the insurance. Seriously the best vet visit I've ever had. read more