Affiliated Veterinary Emergency Center

Reviews 3

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Robin Sidbury

I called my vet on a Sunday and this vet was apparently taking call for my vet. I thought that my dog Sugarbear had fractured her leg jumping down from our truck. They told me to call exactly when I was to bring my pet in so that they were sure a vet would be able to see her; I complied. Once there, and after waiting for an hour in a room, a vet tech came in to take "vitals". My dog, in pain, was wary. I muzzled her just to make sure she would not nipp at the tech during x-rays, as to touch her leg or paw would send her to yelping. The vet tech came in and wanted to take her from the room to do "vitals". I am unused to not being able to accompany my pet as my usual vet allows me to be with her at every visit unless she is to be put to sleep for surgery. The vet tech then attempted to "drag" my dog by her leash as she planted her bottom and refused to move and stated she knew how to handle "the animals". After questioning none to lightly the manner in which my dog was being handled another individual came into the room and looked at my dogs leg and stated that it looked broken but that maybe a sedative would ease her enough to do the x-ray. She also apologized for the wait stating that they were short a technician and had twenty (20) dogs in the back to be treated. We asked them if we left would they call us with results after they had seen Sugar and x-rayed her. They agreed. They stated that it would not take too long. After two (2) hours I called for an update and was told that the "sedative" apparently was not working and Sugar might need another shot. After another two (2) hours I called back and was told that they had just finished up and could not find a fracture but that they would wrap her leg and maybe we needed to bring her back the following day to see the "specialist". I found this strange. I was charged $386.00 for an x-ray, a visit, and a sedative (dont forget the wrap). I shutter to think what the "specialist" might have found. The front desk tech was very sweet and caring, but as for the back staff, they could use a little work if they plan to live up to my vets caring and professional staff. Just a note: I found after taking off my pets bandage 2 days later, that one of her nails had been ripped out from the nail bed (the wrap ended at mid foot, nails covered by hair but exposed), and that was the problem all along. It had healed somewhat so my pet let me touch her paw. I am confused, just how well did they examine my dog? A possible carpal fracture in need of a specialist? How much would I have paid the following day to your "specialist"? I wonder, would they have done surgery or found the pulled nail? Was my dog seen by a vet, a student, or an vet assistant? I am really not sure. I know what they said, but my confidence is shaken and very, very unsure of this place.

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Mazi Tucker

When I first arrived to the emergency clinic, I didnt get the best welcoming. Instead of asking how we were or what was going on, the receptionist asked "who is this?". I then proceeded to mention I was offered a free exam because I manage an animal hospital in the area, which at the time was unfortunately closed. I realized I had called Orange Park ahead of time, so apologized and said I called the wrong location. Instead of asking if it was still okay to get a free exam since its the same business, she told me to go to Orange Park. At this time, I knew the stray I had found was in a lot of pain and would rather not drive all the way to Orange Park, so I said I would pay for exam. We go back into a room, I then give techs the information they need and they take the stray in the back with them. I find this a bit odd, because the tech and/or doctor normally take a look at the pets before taking them out of the room. But, maybe with strays its different. While we are waiting, we can hear a tech and the same receptionist from earlier talking about our situation. Basically stating I was lying about the situation I was in. I didnt care at this point because she was already rude. I then met Dr. Barton. He was great. He explained that the cat was aggressive and had to sedate and offered to help me with x-rays and advice until I could get back to my clinic on Thursday when we reopened. The cat has to be quarantined because of a bite and everything was thoroughly explained. Definitely recommend seeing him if you ever have an emergency with your pets or with strays. While he was doing the x-rays, the receptionist wanted me to pay. One, asked me to pay for everything and when I said he offered x-rays for me she again thought I wasnt telling the truth. And, why would you get payment BEFORE x-rays are done? I may have had to euthanize, get further treatment, etc. Why would I pay in the middle of an exam? I did end up getting an felv/fiv/hw test afterwards. All in all, doctor was great. Front desk, not so great. Her name was Amanda.

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Julia Pullen

Short version: very warm and kind staff. Clearly they love animals and want to do whats best for them. The doctor we saw was very knowledgeable and had excellent "bedside manner". Highly recommend for any dog emergency! (Weve only been once and it was for our doggie so I cant vouch for other species of pet) Long version: Our dog got in a scuffle with another dog at our apartment complex and the other dog got several bites in before we could separate them. They took her back within 5 minutes of arrival for a quick initial exam and vitals while I filled out the paperwork (one form, easy peasy). They brought her back out to wait with us since her vitals were ok and she wasnt in trauma. We had to wait a while for them to actually take her for the real exam, and then we waited to get into a room, but its an ER so we expected it. Finally the doctor—very kind, very knowledgeable, friendly and warm—informed us of her recommendation and the approximate cost (lower end and higher, just in case) and then asked if we wanted to proceed. It was great that they were straightforward and unwilling to do anything unless we were comfortable with it. We gave our consent and were told it would be an hour, and we could go home or wait in the waiting room. Obviously we stayed because duh. They kept us informed of her "condition" the whole time; thankfully shes fine and the wounds were pretty superficial. They did have to sedate her, to which we had already consented, so she was pretty out of it once she came to and was ready to go home. Start to finish we were there about 2 ½ hours, which I think was reasonable for an ER visit. The price was exactly what the doctor said to anticipate (and the lower end, yay!) so we werent surprised or anything, and it was on the lower end of what we had anticipated having to pay. I dont think Ive ever said this about a 5-star place before, but I hope we never have to come back! But if another emergency should arise, we will definitely bring our Maggie back to AVEC. Thank you for taking care of our baby!