Updated: 1/19/2017
I stand by my 5-star review of what I consider to be the best vet in the metro area. Dr. Snider (the OG) is still the man, but my review needs to give some props to the amazing Office Staff (and Joe), Dr. Hamilton and Dr. Drew.
In October, my sweet Chihuahua became sick. Between emergency vet visits and drop ins - I probably racked up $2K in vet bills.
There were days when I was leaving messages on the answering service of the office at 5am, telling them I'd be waiting in the parking lot when they opened. Each time I walked in, every member of the staff I engaged with was warm, compassionate and welcoming. These women CARE.
Diablo was in and out of the vet a bit. His last week sadly, he had to spend overnight at the office. My sincere thanks and gratitude to Joe, a vet tech who clearly went above and beyond to make sure my best friend had his favorite blanket and gremlin toy.
Dr. Drew is Dr. Snider's son - and man, can you tell! Dr. Drew, much like his Dad, is easy to talk to, straight forward and fun. I mean that in the sense you can tell he loves his job and making animals feel better. During what was arguable the most difficult 3 weeks of my life, Dr. Drew took all of the time to answer my questions, and reassure me that we would do everything we could to make my sweet Diablo better.
Dr. Hamilton is the most compassionate vet I have ever met. The week I had to say good bye to my dog was the most difficult of this single girl/no kids life. After a month of exhaustive treatments, it was time for a 'decision'. Dr. Hamilton did not offer empty platitudes or hollow apologies; she stood by our sides and gave us all the time we needed as we agonized over our decision. In the end, I asked her, "If it was your dog, what would you do?" She confirmed it was time. This simple, direct reply gave me the confidence I needed as a doggy mom to do what was right and best for my fur child. For that I am eternally grateful. You could see in her eyes, the pain she felt as an animal lover that day.
She had to put down 3 other dogs that same morning.
I couldn't imagine ever going anywhere else for my animals. In a world where so many people have lost the ability to be empathetic or compassionate, a place like Snider Veterinary is truly a diamond in the rough. Do yourself and your best friend a favor, and a schedule an appointment.
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A diamond in the rough.
Dr. Snider's office reminds me of the doctor's offices you see on tv -- you know, back when people cared.
First, the prices. Everything is affordable, and if you call and ask, you'll get a straight answer. They will tell you up front how much office visits, prescriptions, etc. are. If your animal requires a follow-up appointment, you typically aren't charged for that, it's part of the original office fee (which is about $30).
They also offer PAYMENT OPTIONS. During our tricky recession, when I was starting my career, I made ducats. The $200 teeth cleaning for my high maintenance Chi required weeks of saving up for. Dr. Snider's office, was willing to work with me on the payments. They're philosophy was that it was more important that animals receive care, and they wouldn't want to see one go without, because their parents fell on hard times. I asked them if they get burned a lot because of it, and the billing woman told me, "well we hope that those that can't pay now, will when they can".
The care my dog has received has been wonderful. He has serious skin and allergy issues and Dr. Snider and the other vets who see him, work with me at trying to resolve. When D had some moles on his body, I was told we should have a biopsy done. I asked if we should biopsy them all and was told, "No, that's really just excessive to your pocket book. We'll do the one -- and go from there if necessary." Again, being honest about what the animal needs!
Overall, this place is great. It's a bit of a drive for me now -- but well worth it. read more