Vetcare Harris Animal Hospital

Reviews 4

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Gina Thomas

I just spent 20 minutes writing a review and it vanished. Could it be google trying to cover up for an advertiser? BEWARE OF THIS VET CLINIC: These people are greedy, and spiteful. It has changed from the veterinary clinic I first brought my newly adopted kittens to in 2012, though that nice Dr. Flicker is still there. Today he was not there and I saw another veterinarian, Dr. Santos-Brant and her vet tech, Christine. I brought Jaz my three-year-old healthy, vibrant spayed female, in because I thought she had a cold. Some vets tell you these viruses will run their course, whether you treat it or not. But I didnt want Jaz uncomfortable so I brought her in. The office visit only went up a tad bit to $45.50. The vet noted I had not brought Jaz in for a while, and I said she is healthy, good appetite and is an active indoor-outdoor kitty but shes terribly shy of people and a trip to the vet is very stressful. Why would they ask such a question? They also asked where I got the REvolution, and I told them -- the much better priced vet clinic near downtown. Dr.Santos-Brant prescribed an antibiotic injection that cost $60. I was floored and asked if they could provide some oral medication, which they said was $58. I said please, write me a prescription I can get filled. Other vets have so done without any problem. Dr. Santos-Brant grudginly did so. They also recommended an antibiotic eye ointment which from them cost $30 and then there was the ear medications etc. I asked if they could also write a prescription for the eye ointment. I NEVER had such a HEADACHE trying to get anything filled. After five calls to pharmacies it turns out the medication is no longer on the market, it hasnt been for a while and there are other eye ointments that work just as well. So at the end a very frustrating day I called and told the tech Christine this very thing. She said oh they managed to get some of this medication even though it is not on the market anymore. She said I could go to a compounding pharmacy to get it made in a generic. Why would they be using something that isnt being made anymore? And what good is a medication if you cannot afford it? More important, what good is a prescription if you cant get it filled? Its all about money, not the health of my cat. Jaz is not my only cat. And I told them, three weeks ago I took in a third cat because her owner sold her house and moved, and left two cats. I took in one and a neighbor took in the other. Its despicable to deliberately write a prescription this vet knows cant be filled, because the one that suffers is my Jaz. Its not about the animals its about the money. We all know they are in business to make money, but there is a line where greed should not trump decency. In Hillsborough County, there has been for years a horribly high euthanasia rate for unwanted cats -- not bad cats, but many beautiful, young, healthy kittens and cats that would make wonderful pets. So to turn this egregious thing around the county and local animal rights groups came up with a plan to spay/neuter and release these animals back to their communities, where many people pitch in to feed them. The only opposition has come from many local veterinarians. Why? Its about the money. They lose money. I am thinking of making a complaint to the Florida Board of Veterinary Medicine because to write a prescription you know a person cannot get filled is unethical and incompetent. It shows a nastiness nobody needs to see in a medical person. I hope you this review helps someone make a decision and stand up for yourself.

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Michele Smith E-RYT

For years Vetcare Harris was our family vet for 4 animals. When my brother was ill with terminal cancer, I trusted Vetcare to board my dog Kalob. I paid the extra money so he would be well looked after during my numerous visits to California to care for a dying brother. Upon return from one trip I went to pick up my dog and they warned he had seemed "under-the-weather" for several days. I paid my boarding bill. When they brought him to me his belly was bloated and it was obvious he had a case of dog bloat, something that could have been remedied with a simple dose of antacid if caught early on. As soon as I pointed this out the tech agreed, "oh yeah, youre right" and they rushed him into surgery. It was too late, the several days like that had caused his belly in torsion. He died that night. A few weeks later after receiving condolence cards, I got a bill for the surgery. I thought it was an oversight and turned my attention to handling my brothers final affairs. Two years later, I got a notice of intention to sue for the $350 balance for the surgery, plus attorney fees. I paid/settled my account w the attorney directly as Vetcare claimed there was nothing they could do about the bill at that point. The whole situation was neglectful and painful. It was salt in the wound.. followed by glass shards and rubbing alcohol. To this day they have not made right by me for their oversight, to a loyal customer of over 15 years. Its sad.

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Diane Bradley

I have gone here for years and everyone has always been great. Recently my elderly Great Dane had a mass that was literally rotting and without surgery he would had died. They wanted $1800+, $200 for antibiotics! I explained to them that I know as a nurse there are human equivalents. They were able to call a prescription in to Walmart, cost $10. They didnt offer that option until I said it. I spoke to a friend about my dilemma regarding trying to get surgery for my beloved pet. They recommended Dr Ireland in Lakeland. I called, they saw me immediately,did the surgery that day for $1000 LESS! The staff was very nice. Although Vetcare staff are nice, they have become ridiculously expensive making you debate if you should get your pet euthanized because you cant afford their ridicuously expensive prices. I also had a pit I wanted to get his ears cut. Their price $800. I went else where, $200. They might do a Good job on your pet but they do a better job emptying your wallet.

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Danelle Katherine

My 2 yr old Siamese started crying in pain and urinating blood so I immediately brought her to a vet clinic close to where I work. I waited for about 20 minutes, during which time the staff were very friendly and apologetic for the wait (which is understandable- I didnt have an appointment in the first place.) Dr Shaw was very professional and gentle, not to mention through. The tech Christine was kind and compassionate towards my yodeling cat. Turns out my cat does have a UTI- and Dr.Shaw supplied me with the right medicine and food to help my cat get better. Ive read some reviews that this place is pricey, but I paid about what I expected-as much as the SPCA quoted me over the phone anyway. And most importantly- I felt comfortable that my pet was in good hands. Its a 40 minute drive out of my way to this clinic- and after my visit today, I wouldnt take my cat anywhere else.

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