The Pet Doctors of Sherman Oaks

Reviews 4

CR

Craig B

This review is based on my experience with Dr. Alexis Cox DVM and the "The Pet Doctors of Sherman Oaks" and is my personal opinion. I know it is a little long but, PLEASE READ THE ENTIRE REVIEW. I am writing this review on the anniversary of my cats death. My cat ( my very best friend on the planet ) was a patient of "The Pet Doctors of Sherman Oaks" for over eight years, going back when they were called "Szanto Veterinary Center". Dr. Alexis Cox DVM was my cats Veterinarian. This is why I am writing this review. My cat had kidney and thyroid problems. Around 11AM on a Saturday my cat was stumbling and in extreme pain. It was obvious he was in serious critical condition. I called "The Pet Doctors of Sherman Oaks". I explained the situation to the receptionist. She replied that they were too busy to see him. Again, I made myself very clear that he was dying and was in serious PAIN. The receptionist said, "you will have to take him somewhere else". I asked to talk to Dr. Cox. I was told she was too busy to talk with me. My cat was dying, in extreme pain and Dr. Cox was too busy to talk to me. Finally, after begging, the receptionist said bring him in and they would try to squeeze him in. Then I remembered the money part. I was short of cash that weekend. And knowing how high their prices are, I mentioned to the receptionist that I would have to pay half now and in a few days the other half. Then the receptionist made it very clear "NOT TO BRING HIM IN". Again, I told her how serious his condition was. She replied "Sorry, if you cant pay the full bill now, then go somewhere else". I said to her "so its all about the money, not the care and compassion of my cat". No reply. I insisted on talking to Dr. Cox. The receptionist told me she would call me as soon as she had time. I waited and waited for that call. Too much time was passing and my cat was suffering so I started calling around town to find a Vet that would take care of him. I found "Best Friends Animal Hospital". They told me to bring him in now, we will deal with the money later. While my cat and I were in the examination room at "Best Friends Animal Hospital", Dr. Coxs receptionist, (not Dr. Cox) called me. She did not know I was at "Best Friends Animal Hospital". Her exact words to me were, "Dr. Cox feels you should just find a cheaper Vet". Dr. Cox was more concerned for the money, not the care of my best buddy. There has never been an issue with the very high Vet bills in the past EIGHT YEARS between me and "The Pet Doctors of Sherman Oaks". When my best buddy was in extreme pain and dying, Dr. Cox and "The Pet Doctors of Sherman Oaks" TURNED THEIR BACK ON HIM WHEN HE NEEDED THEM THE MOST. My best buddy Died. Shame on you Dr. Cox. Shame on you "The Pet Doctors of Sherman Oaks".

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JO

Jon Bastian

Ive been a very, very satisfied patient of The Pet Doctors of Sherman Oaks for about 18 years now, from back when it was just Dr. Szanto, and the one thing Ive always felt the entire time is that these are a bunch of people who have compassion for their human clients and animal patients. Ive had to go through the difficult process of losing a beloved family member, a dog, with them twice, and they have always been there every step of the way. I have never felt like they pushed me into heroic and expensive, but futile, treatments in order to make me feel better. Rather, they have always had what was best for my dog in mind. And, in those good times when Im not dealing with end of life issues, every member of the staff has gone above and beyond to make sure that my dogs have been well taken care of, that I have had all of my questions answered, and to make me feel like a valued client. In particular, I give kudos to the front office staff, who are caring and competent, and I cant say enough positive things about Dr. Caldwell, who has been my vet for a long time. One of my dogs, Shadow, was always terrified of going to the vet, until Dr. Caldwell. He was the one medical professional she finally learned to trust and relax around, and when it finally came time to say good-bye to her, I felt that he was as upset about it as I was. I cant even begin to describe how comforting it was to know that my vet regretted saying good-bye to her as much as I did. If only I could find a human doctor with the same level of empathy and care! And this is why I will continue to be their client. Ive encountered vet practices where the modus operandi seems to be "Were going to sell you the most expensive thing we can, pay on the way out, see you in six months." And Ive encountered the Pet Doctors of Sherman Oaks. And Im staying with them. If youre worried about cost, dont be. Their fees are quite reasonable, and theyre very upfront -- heres what this and that will cost, sign what you agree to, reject what you dont. No pressure. But, more importantly, they take the time, they listen, and they care. And that last part is really the most important. Everyone at the Pet Doctors of Sherman Oaks cares about your pet -- dog, cat, ferret, parrot, whatever -- as much as you do. And it shows. They are the only vets who have ever sent me a sympathy card, signed by the entire staff, when I lost a dog, and the only vets who have ever helped me through those difficult decisions. My only regret in this review is that the star rating doesnt go to eleven -- because it would if I could.

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RO

Ronli Tzour

Please read entire review as there IS a positive side as well! CON: I actually agree with the review below re: Dr. Cox. I was referred to the Pet Doctors by a good friend and when I ended up with Dr. Cox I re-evaluated my vet relationship.. Every time I went, she only would help based on what I was able to afford for my dog instead of helping with some sort of a payment plan and actually helping my dog. She also wanted to go through a full regimen of changes at once for my pup instead of going step by step so my dog (and wallet!) would be at ease. POSITIVE: With that said, one fine day I ended up seeing Dr. Caldwell b/c he was the only vet available on a day I needed to see someone. He is AMAZING. He really takes the time to speak with you and discuss all the possible options, outcomes and is so considerate. In full transparency, the only reason why I continue to go to this clinic is for Dr. Caldwell. Hes genuinely concerned about both of my dogs and while seeing one, is always asking about the other and how hes doing. To me, its so important to know that my vet truly cares about what hes doing and prioritizes my dogs well-being over the hefty vet bills. And Dr. Caldwell most certainly does. If he leaves, I will follow.

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RO

Royana Black

Ive been going to the Pet Doctors of Sherman Oaks for a while now. Im such a neurotic when it comes to my animals, and the staff here doesnt ever disappoint me. The doctors are caring, warm and compassionate and really good at what they do; they always give me estimates with a high and low and I never feel any pressure to do more than is necessary (and in some cases, theyve talked me out of something because it was unnecessary and costly); they were so patient with my incessant calls and questions when by beloved cat Jules was sick with advanced kidney disease last year and when I finally had to put her to sleep, I got the loveliest card from them that was signed by everyone. I keep that with her ashes. I bring my dog Annie and our other cat, Barbra Streisand, here as well. The vet techs are incredible, the front desk staff is awesome and always, ALWAYS polite even when its obvious theyre slammed and the whole experience, which we all know can be unpleasant is just wonderful. I trust these guys with my babies. And frankly, if its good enough for Barbra Streisand, then its definitely good enough for the rest of us!

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