I'm not quite sure how to properly rate this place. On one hand, I was able to get in very quickly with my new puppy when I was in a panic. We rushed over at 7:45 on a Saturday, and saw a doctor by 8:30. The gals at the front desk were friendly. On the other hand, I don't have much of anything positive to say beyond these things. WARNING: this post is very long, but I want to be sure I get out as many details as possible in order to help people make an educated choice on whether or not to bring their precious pets here. I wish I hadn't.
As an emergency vet, I would recommend your front desk people not tell you to "please wait a minute" as they stand behind the counter counting cash. I was panicked, not knowing what was wrong with my dog, and had to wait about 5 long minutes (maybe longer) waiting for someone to give me a new patient form as my dog waited alone, injured in the car. The head doctor even walked up and saw me standing there, and didn't say a word or ask if I'd been helped. When I asked the nice front desk lady if I could fill out the paperwork while she worked on that, I was shushed and told to wait. Nothing feels worse than feeling like your emergency is not enough of an emergency to them.
We came in due to excessive bleeding from my puppy's paw, with the cause unknown and me unable to bandage her up without her crying to the touch. The bleeding would not stop, and I feared something might be stuck in her paw or she might need stitches. She had just been recovering from spay surgery (surgery was 2 days prior to our visit), so I made sure the doctor knew this before he took a look at her, as she was on a pain medication and a sedative. Much to my surprise, when he returned with the "estimate", it showed that she had been given another controlled substance. I was not happy. The "estimate" broke down what I would be paying for, which was her paw to be bandaged, an exam, and antibiotics. The "estimate" showed her diagnosis as "Bleeding Paw" - um, duh? When I asked how this could have happened or how to prevent it, the doctor explained that these things just happen to some dogs, and didn't offer any possible explanations. He mentioned that to prevent it from happening again, paw pad tissue removal might be required. The "estimate" has been described in quotations because by the time it had been presented to me, these things had already been done/administered. There was no way around the total amount, which came to a whopping $500. Of course, I am happy to pay any price to make sure my dog is safe and healthy, but in the moment I knew that this didn't feel right. The unfortunate thing, is that this establishment knew that I was not in a position to ask the right questions, or refuse these payments. Why? Vulnerability. This is my first puppy, and being in a scary situation where you don't know what is exactly wrong can be very terrifying. I'm not a vet, I don't know what the wrong or right thing to do is. Once my dog was all done, she was brought out to me trembling. So, visibly upset, I paid for our visit and we left.
The doctor had mentioned that the cause for her injury had to do with a tissue/birth defect, so I was sure to call our normal vet right away. When I spoke to our regular vet after they were able to inspect my pup, they confirmed my suspicions. I had been ripped off. They were able to give her an exam, new bandage, medication for $35.
When you are in a dire, emergency situation in our area, there are not many places to go. For this, I would say that this place would be the best bet for you on the weekend if your normal vet isn't open. Most vets have an emergency line or a referral to somewhere you can call/take your pet when they are closed. I'd advise everyone to check with their vets on who to call/where to go before coming here. I wish I had read other reviews, but again, I was in a panic. Be careful, ask questions, and don't find yourself afraid to speak up when you know something is wrong like I did. I urge this vet to please read reviews, and make the necessary changes to bettering their business. You are in the healthcare and service industry, and essential worker. We NEED you to care for us and our dogs, especially in a time when so many people are struggling. Emotionally, and financially. This experience has really taken a toll on me, and I hope no one else has to have this experience. read more