Belleville Animal Clinic

Reviews 3

A

A Barrow

After building a relationship with the Belleville Animal Clinic for 4+ years, sadly I am forced to take my pets elsewhere. It is highly unlike me to voice opinions and write reviews, however this situation is a definite exception. I am highly DISSAPPOINTED and feel utterly DISRESPECTED. CUTTING TO THE CHASE: Unprofessional, Dirty facility, Yearly price increases, Hidden costs, Rude staff (especially receptionists), Poor management, Unnecessary testing, & Varying fee’s for the same services (just different labeling/pricing on the receipt for the same service---ie. wellness exam vs. physical exam). Visit for diarrhea is $273, then unpleasantly requesting posted-dated check in front of entire waiting area after never carrying balance for extended amt of time! BRIEF LOOK BACK- Between my mother & me, combined we have spent $2800+ at this location on our pets over the last few years. There has been many times we have carried a balance for a short period due to the high pricing and extensive treatments that were needed (we rescued a chained-up beagle from a nearby pub and discovered he had been critically infected with heartworm). In addition, my mother’s beagle was hit by a car, and the BAC gave my mother false hope in thinking he could “make it”, when really he should have been put down immediately; instead of racking up costs with diagnostics, overnight stays, and treatments for nearly 3 days costing over $1100. ICING ON THE CAKE-My dog had diarrhea last month. I took her to the BAC in fear of any possible electrolyte imbalances. After the visit I go to pay the bill after to agreeing to an exam & basic lab work, in addition to some antibiotic ($20), special food ($16), and probiotics ($7). I also got her heartworm test ($30) as this was due 2 weeks later (I did not want them to draw blood any more than needed because they often had to needle-stick her numerous times before they successfully drew blood—even though I would tell the vet repeatedly that the back leg is the best). By the end of the 30 minute visit, my bill was $273—for a visit for diarrhea! I was gracious for their services. I told the receptionist I would pay $100 now and the rest in the near future. The receptionist, ‘Taylor’, rolled her eyes and quickly changed her attitude, “well, I will have to call my administrator to validate this”. I explained I have ran a balance in the past and there has never been any issues. There was no account balance at this time. Taylor quickly reached the administrator, ‘Cheryl’. In a waiting area full of clients, Taylor then asked me for a post-dated check. Completely unprofessional! I was mortified! I replied in utter shock that I did not have a check with me and that I was “good for it”. I never thought those words would ever come out of my mouth. I cannot remember the last time I was this embarrassed. IF it were not for this incident, I would have paid my bill and continue to return. Two weeks later I brought my dog in for her vaccines. An exam was done in which the cost was different from the exam done during the office visit, even though the vet repeated the same assessment (I am a registered nurse and would recognize if additional techniques were performed). At the close of this visit, I paid my entire balance and told them I would be changing vet and made a request for medical records. The receptionist’s said nothing, were completely uncaring and indifferent. The BAC has now lost two very loyal clients. Not to mention lost another relative who was charged $100 for a phone call. PROs: Lots of vets so easy to get appointment. Seemingly knowledgeable vets, however may over test/recommend due to instruction by management-?? (staff payroll has to be made up somewhere!)

EM

Em Johnson

I am the proud owner of a Newfoundland who unfortunately was the victim of a neurological anomaly that attacked the muscular system. By age 1.5 we were dealing with knee replacements, skin issues, and severe hip dysplasia. Through dealing with Belleville Animal Clinic Ive have nothing but positive experiences; theyve handled Big Macs case promptly and made an excellent referral to Veterinary Specialty Services (in Missouri) for his surgeries. Ive had no issues what-so-ever with the two clinics contacted each other to update his records and bounce prescriptions back and forth for my pick up convenience. There are cons such as: - Extremely small exams rooms (especially if you have a giant dog like me) - Cluttered lobby; if you have an aggressive dog youre going to have a tough time in the waiting area. - Occasional smell. It does have a distinct odor to it but thats going to happen with such a small area. Ive seen them disinfecting the area frequently so its not a matter of being unclean...just a by product of several sick animals coming in and out day after day. But overall the kindness of the staff, their ability to work with the space they have, and the treatment they provide is impressive enough to make certain that well be sticking with them throughout our entire stay here at Scott Air Force Base. Update 06.23.2017 Big Mac could no longer fight his disease and was euthanized on the morning of June 20th, 2017. The staff in this building, from vet to secretary, has gone out of their way to treat my family with not only utmost respect but also with the kindness we desperately needed in these hard times. Macs passing was gentle and peaceful and the technicians stayed behind with us to reminisce about our time together...we were never rushed to leave our baby behind. I certainly wish our experience with this clinic had been under different circumstances but my husband and I feel at peace knowing that not only did WE do everything we could for Mac...but that this excellent team did everything in their power as well. We will always be grateful to them for their efforts during Macs tragically short life.

L

L Hunter

The whole place is DESPERATELY in need of a MAJOR renovation! Lobby is filthy, front desk area looked dirty,cluttered and unorganized, outdated decor, water stained ceiling and grungy floors. Exam rooms are TINY, NO chairs, dirt/dust was visible on counter where instruments were laying that were used to examine animals(obviously used numerous times without cleaning), whole interior needs a GOOD scrub down and paint job. Had issues from the moment I walked in- staff was unfriendly, ignored customers to watch TV, waited 30 minutes PAST my scheduled appointment time before I even got into exam room, THEN took forever to see vet. No one seemed like they knew what was going on.The front desk staff were all teenaged/college age kids, who could not even answer simple questions, in the end they had to call the clinic manager for an answer, after waiting more than 10 minutes for her to call back and she NEVER did call back, walked out with no intention of ever going back! Prices were VERY high, definitely not worth it because my pet did not get quality care and I got pat answers that did nothing to resolve the problems. Don t waste your time or money on this dump, it s been in business a long time and looks like they haven t done any improvements since the day it opened ( to the building or the way it is managed)! They definitely need new management and training program for their staff because I have talked to a lot of people who used to go there but said that it s really gone down hill since the previous owners. I ended up going to Lashley s and my pet s issue was diagnosed and treated in one visit!