South Coastal Animal Health

Reviews 7

DO

Don Hansen

Ive been taking my dogs to South Coastal for a few years. We used to use Dr. Harris in Braintree, but he closed his practice and merged with VCA. Since we liked Dr. Harris and Dr. Syed, his associate, we followed them to VCA. Well, THAT was one of the biggest mistakes Ive ever made. One of our dogs, Spencer, liked to "ingest foreign objects"... The first time he did it, we took him to VCA and got a quote of almost $4000. We left and went to South Coastal and they did his surgery for about half! A year or so later, he did it again, this time on a Sunday, so we went to VCA. HUGE MISTAKE. When he did it the third time last month, I went to South Coastal and Dr. Strake opened him up and his intestines were all adhered to themselves and tied in a ball that would hardly pass normal waste, let alone the blanket he ate. Dr. Strake and another doctor worked on him for 3 hours (and didnt charge me more than the estimate for the simple surgery she had anticipated.) They thought they had him sorted out and he was on the way to recovery, but must have had a stroke and, unfortunately, passed away. In my view he was killed by the money-grubbing incompetence of VCA: The only reason I can see for tying the intestines in a ball is that it would guaranty future blockages and more $$$ for VCA. The entire staff at South Coastal were fantastic and caring: They let my daughters, wife and grandchildren sit in a room with Spencers body for about 5 hours. They also arranged for his cremation, etc. We are picking up our new rescue dog on Saturday and she will also surely be a "South Coastal Girl"!!!

---

A

A Private User

I left my other vet of over 12 years due to the staffs rudeness and that I wasnt getting the care I felt was needed they were far less expensive but the Vet I was used to didnt practice much. With the recommendation of another vet at another clinic (a friend of a friend) I tried South Coastal and have never been happier. I feel the hospital is clean, the staff is helpful and I have never had a bad moment with them (believe me there are clients that are impatient and nerve racking so I can understand if they did have a bad day) the vets give their suggestions but are not pushy like VCA. Ive always been seen on time and have always had the vet take as much time as needed to answer any questions I may have. I had to recently put my cat down and they provide a wonderful service where you arent waiting with your sick pet in a waiting room you enter through a back door and can leave that way. They sedate your animal first to make them comfortable and give you all the time you need before being put down. Ive had 6 in my many years of being a pet owner and this was the most peaceful thing I have ever seen. I am very happy to have found a great place to care for the rest of my pets.

---

A

A Private User

I took my greyhound to this vet for several years. I never waited less than 30 minutes, and once waited 2 hours, past my appointment time to be seen. When I brought this to the attention of Dr. Strake, the head of this practice, she told me I would wait that long for my doctor (which I dont!) - what did I expect? She showed no sympathy nor concern for the welfare of my dog who is very fearful of the vet and shakes and pants uncontrollably the entire time we are there. He was also forced to stand on an injured foot on a hard floor for a long period of time while we waited for the vet, causing him even greater pain. Dr. Strake performed one of the first exams for my dog, and I asked her several questions (being a first time dog owner). Her responses were mostly mono-syllabic and unhelpful. She managed to make me feel like a total jerk for asking questions and failed to provide any usable info. I really liked Dr. Liz, who is new, but I cant recommend this practice.

---

JA

James C

I have a purebred bengal, I brought her here to be spayed because I read the great reviews.. well.. the staff is extremely nice so its nothing against them.. but after her spay, I bring her home and see all of her nipples were gashed up and one is missing.. why on Earth would they be so careless when shaving her stomach. She is a shorthair, it is NOT hard to locate nipples and go around them. Now she has cut up nipples and they bleed. This is what $700 spay gets me? I brought her here for her safety and for it to be all done nicely and less abrasive and this is what my little kitten gets done to her? Not very happy.. but again.. very nice staff but for future trimming of fur.. PLEASE think about the animal first instead of being careless and rushing. Apparently they let students from Mount Ida handle the buzzing and appears there was no supervision when it occurred since it the student didnt just cut one or two nipples, they cut 6 and 1 is missing

---

JU

Julie Russo

The people at South Coastal are always so friendly, compassionate, and professional. I can personally recommend Dr. Strake and Dr. Smith, but the entire staff is great. The facilities are spacious and clean, which is a plus. I had a dog who recently passed away...I know the staff did everything they could, and although the outcome was not what I had hoped for, I had a pleasant and positive experience with South Coastal. They go above and beyond, even coming in on their day off (Sunday in my case), if necessary. Putting a dog down is never easy, but they encouraged me to stay until the end, and I am forever grateful that I did. It ended up being a very peaceful experience, as I got to spend the last moments with my dog. I would highly recommend South Coastal. They have their priorities in order and put the animals needs first.

---

MA

Maura Peterson

I was deeply grateful to Dr. Tam for her diagnostic on my beloved cat, Oliver. She made it possible for us to take him home whilst he still enjoyed quality of life. I cannot recommend this practice highly enough, I have been here a number of times with a friend who has cats, I had known Dr. Strake when she was with another practice and was delighted to find her again. The facility is top notch, the staff are friendly and compassionate, the front desk could not be more helpful. I was able to arrange an appointment quickly and was seen promptly. Dr. Tam took the time to answer our questions on our aging feline family member with great tact and made it clear that he still had quality of life, and could be cared for at home. Look no further if you want the best in care for you fur-friends and family.

---

DI

Diane Giannotti

South Coastal Animal Health is a wonderful veterinary facility. I have taken my two cats there since I adopted them over 6 years ago and they have been extremely helpful and wonderful with their kindness and care. I also bring one of my cats to their cat groomer, Amy, who is absolutely the best groomer on the south shore! She is a Vet Tech but she can do just about everything. I find the girls who work there are very helpful in assisting with appointments that will work with your schedule and the Veterinarian Doctors are extremely gentle and fantastic doctors. I would recommend SCAH to anyone who is looking to change their veterinarian or for a veterinary facility that is clean, modern and up to date in all medical care.

---

---