Highly Disappointed, These people had me fooled to thinking loyal clients meant something. I was…read moreout of town because the work I do requires me to travel. My girlfriend called and said something bad happened to our new puppy. (I finally had gotten another dog after having lost my dearest friend ever LincolnDog) She said Molly (new pup) couldn't walk and was screaming in agony. (I could hear in background on phone also) Needless to say, I immediately called the animal clinic I have loyaly used for over a decade with multiple pets, and have talked multiple friends into taking their animals there as well.
I had left money at home before i had left town for work, but being as i was only going to be gone a couple of days i had the credit card with me, and I was also waiting for my direct deposit to hit the bank. (I had been laid off from work for 8 weeks prior and was short on cash till the deposit went though) I was upfront about my situation, and that in a few hours I could pay them. (My credit card didnt have enough to cover the cost) . Things had gotten thin for me, but i worked my butt off to turn them around. I had NEVER owed the vet any kind of money, i had ALWAYS gave them and them only my business. Hell, i advocated for them and sent numerous people there. They had only 2 months prior performed end of life care for my boy that had to be put down due to cancer, Batman) I thought we were more than just patients, i thought of them as friends. So, i turned to them when Molly clearly needed Medical Care, but told them i wouldnt be home until the next day, but assured them i would most certainly come straight there as soon as i returned home the following day. They refused to treat my dog unless I paid in full right then. And not only did they say that to me, they said it in a hateful manner towards me. Talking down to me as if I was somehow some scumbag who owed substantial past balances or something. (I WENT TO THEIR OFFICE TO BUY THEIR OVERPRICED DOGFOOD I COULD GET CHEAPER ANYWHERE, AS WELL AS MONTHLY HEARTWORM AND FLEA PREVENTION MEDICATIONS)
I'm sorry to write such a long review, but I'm trying to give some background as to the fact I WAS NOT A STRANGER, and they clearly know what my pets mean to me. And I thought they gave a shit also.
I've even used their boarding service more than a few times. I understand that there are crappy people out here in this world that don't keep their word, but I am not one of them. I volunteer the skills that I possess to build wheelchair ramps for the elderly, as well as provide all the materials as well as fix their vehicles, roofs, handyman services etc. And have never accepted a penny for any of it. I stop to change people's tires in the sweltering heat along busy interstates and once gave a woman with 5 little girls with her the spare tire from my vehicle because hers was flat, just to know they would be safe and some crazy person wouldn't prey on them. Why, cause it feels good to help someone in need. However i am not skilled in providing emergency care to animals. I also understand that is a business and they are open to make money and cant do everything for free and i wasnt asking for something for nothing. I simply was asking to be allowed to come pay for their services the very next day. Apparently people dont become vets because they love animals and want to help them, they love money and know they can charge people that love their animals what ever they want to when they need emergency help. But to talk to me as if they are somehow better than I am, because I was away from home trying to make a living. I could almost understand if a surgery would of been needed and actual materials, extra help, or significant cost they would be risking taking the chance on losing, but asking them to stop the bleeding and stabilize my pup, possibly an x-ray to assess the damages was asking for to much? At that moment it was crystal clear that green is the only color they see and they would let your animal die right there without lifting a finger unless you handed your wallet first. They don't accept checks either I don't guess.
I want to be clear: I did find another vet who not only understood my situation, but treated my puppy with compassion and urgency. The bill was around 400 dollars and I returned the next day and paid that vet in full, just as I said I would. That clinic showed care, not just for animals but for people too -- exactly what you expect from someone in the veterinary profession.
Camden Animal Clinic had a choice that day. They chose not to help.
And I will never think of them the same again. And all of them up there need to watch how they speak to people, she reminded me of an old sour, hateful person who spreads her misery. I'm sure she probably pinches babies to hear them cry so she can fall asleep at night with a smile.
