Shaffer Animal Hospital

Reviews 4

A

A Private User

Staff communication was very poor and inconsistent. I was told that my outdoor stray cat (that we recently adopted) would need to be boarded for a day to recover from anesthesia after surgery particularly for safety because she is an outdoor cat. I thought that this was a very good Idea in light of my asthma and the fact that I cant care for her inside. My kids have always wanted a pet; we could never have one because of my asthma. Because she picked us and she is a bit wild and familiar with the outdoors and doesnt bother any of the neighbors, we decided to make her our Kitty. We boarded her the day before at the vet to ensure her proper care. Surgery was scheduled for 8:00am and we were to pick her up at 5:00pm. I waited for a call the next day that never came to let me know that she was alright. When I called to get information around noon about how she was doing, there was a lot of confusion and then I was told that she would be going in for surgery at 2:00pm because there was some kind of emergency earlier. I asked if I should still pick her up at 5:00pm and the woman told me of course. I explained again that this was an outdoor cat and that I cant bring her in due to my asthma. She said that it wasnt going to be a problem. When I arrived with my husband and my very excited daughter, we were told that we needed to see the doctor before we could see our kitty. We were a bit nervous. When the doctor finally came into the private examining room to speak with us without the cat, we were told that we needed to bring the cat into our house to care for her when we got home and we also needed to get a stool sample while she was inside because she couldnt collect one at the time of surgery. Neither of these things were possible because my asthma is life threatening. Doctor Patel was clearly aware of this fact because I have to wear a respirator for each visit to drop her off and pick her up. We had also requested the week prior for a cost estimate for the surgery in the event that she had already been spayed. No one could give us an estimate. I asked twice again, days prior to her surgery, and yes all of this was completely unnecessary because the doctor told us that she saw that she had a scar but couldnt be sure if it was from some other surgery so she operated to be sure. The cat is only about a year old, unlikely that the cat had some other kind of major surgery. We were then escorted to the front desk still without seeing the kitty. Then finally we were presented with the bill; we promptly paid $130.00. It was unbelievably insulting that the staff signaled to the staff in the back that they could now bring our kitty out. (As if we might not pay the bill if we had been handed the cat first) This was our second visit; we had already paid $205.00 for her initial shots and check up and we paid in full without question. We were stunned. Eager to leave after that incredible humiliation, if that wasnt the limit, our kitty was not just a little tipsy, she was completely incapacitated! We could not see her in the box we brought her home in except, through the ventilation on top when we left. When we took her out she couldn’t even stand up. Had they told us that she was CLEARLY NOT READY TO GO HOME, we would have kept her there another day. It was not even suggested by the doctor to do so. Instead, the doctor was focused on trying to get us to board her another 3 days so that she could treat her for worms that she wasnt even sure she had. Had we seen the condition the cat was in prior to taking her home, we would not have. As it turned out, we had to care for her in the garage for a day. I ended up having a bout with my asthma. No apologies were ever offered. I guess the bottom line is that - the bottom line. They are so focused on selling you services you may or may not need, that your pet and you are not as important as whats in your wallet. And above all, never admit your careless mistakes

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NE

Nerlin Rodriguez

This place is great. Ive had two emergencies with one of my pups and they were able to see her quickly both times. They really seem to care about your pets and Ive now decided to keep them as my permanent pets vet (3 dogs and a cat). I had seen them before a couple of years ago and when I moved switched to a different vet. Now that Ive moved back, they are definitely stuck with my mini zoo. Some things offered are a bit expensive but thats to be expected as they use different methods and do tests that are more comprehensive than some of the lower costs clinics. I do admit to visiting lower costs clinics for some surgery and dental related things but I trust Shaffer Hospital for vaccinations, emergencies, and wellness checks. They dont push services at you at all but I do wish they would give an estimate before all the services are actually done when you are in the room. Its just helpful to keep track of the costs especially when bringing in multiple pets. However, they have never overcharged me or added a service we did not speak of beforehand, the estimate thing is just a personal preference for me. I trust them to give me the truth about my pets health and what they need. Shaffer also has a grooming service which I highly recommend. I usually cut my pups hair but, when I took my girl, they did a wonderful job. She ended up looking so precious and they treated her well. Thanks Shaffer!

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JA

James Weber

Do yourself a favor and find a veterinarian that is more concerned with the health of your pet and not how much they can charge you. I made a terrible mistake going here when my pet was ill and paid nearly $1000 to diagnose/treat his illness then to have my pets prescriptions held hostage unless I agreed to another $400 worth of tests. Im so disgusted with their practice, I actually took the time out of a very busy schedule to write a review in which I almost never do so others can be informed. They never gave me the prescription so that I could treat my dog, even though they knew the dog would certainly die without it, they just didnt care! All they cared about was charging me for another test. I have since found Oviedo Animal Hospital and Dr. Steve Wiseman who does not charge you for anything more than is required to care for your pet. Im thankful I found him, better late than never I suppose! If I could give no stars I would.

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LI

Liza S

This place used to be good once, but no more. Now they are more concerned about making money and not really caring for your pet or you. Our dog has been going here for years but increasingly we are feeling pressurized to go in for treatments she doesnt really need. I understand that they are getting busier by the day with all new homes in the area but unfortunately that has resulted in services going down the hill. Waiting for 30-60 minutes is the new average with no apologies from a rude staff and then you get a very rushed vet in hurry to complete the visit and guilt you into a bunch of tests and shots. Do yourself a favor and find some other vet in the area with more time and compassion for your pet.

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