Category: | Animal Hospital |
Address: | 1014 Dale St N, St Paul, MN 55117, USA |
Phone: | +1 651-487-3255 |
Site: | comoparkanimalhospital.com |
Rating: | 4.3 |
Working: | 8AM–8PM 8AM–8PM 8AM–8PM 8AM–8PM 8AM–6PM 8AM–2PM 8AM–2PM |
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Nic Nov
My boyfriend and I had an absolute awful experience here. Our friend referred us here because they see Dr. Pat, who sounds like an absolutely wonderful Vet. However, we did not see Dr. Pat. We went on a Sunday, ER clinic hours. The vet tech that assisted us ran diagnostic tests on our sick puppy without our knowledge and permission BEFORE we even had a chance to meet and speak with the Vet. Once we met with the Vet, she wouldnt listen to us. She talked non-stop saying our puppy had Parvo, and we should test him for Parvo. No other puppy in the litter was ill, and with his symptoms and timeline of symptom onset it just didnt add up. The amount of tests and medications the Vet recommended to give him made us feel like they just wanted to rack up a bill with us. Then when we addressed the charge of $50+ from the unauthorized tests at check-out, the vet tech came out into the lobby and says in front of other people in the waiting room that there was nothing they could do about the charges. She stated " youre already getting a friend referral discount of $25, so youre only paying an extra $25". I was upset and called her out for never asking for our permission to run any tests, and informed her that I realize she is human and made a mistake. She then started to lie and proceeded to tell me that the tests they ran are "standard", meaning they run them for everyone? No. The form I signed when I went in there said I was responsible for the $110 Emergency Vet Fee, but nowhere on there does it state they are allowed to run additional tests without your knowledge. They finally removed the charges, we paid, and then we left completely irate. We ended up seeing our regular vet right away the next day. He listened to us describe his symptoms, ran a simple blood test and found out our puppy had Hemorrhagic Gastroenteritis, along with Coccidia and Roundworm. I reached out to Como Park Animal Hospital after some time and got in touch with a clinic manager of some sort, but she doesnt seem to have any real time to meet and discuss the issues of that day. This place is awful, at least during the Emergency Vet hours. The ONLY way we might ever think of returning, would be to see Dr. Pat, and Dr. Pat only. I would never recommend this place to anyone.
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Lindie Falk
I was forced to bring my bearded dragon to Como Park Animal Hospital as my normal reptile veterinarians clinic was not open on a saturday afternoon. While under Como Park Animal Hospitals care, my bearded dragon consumed a large section of paper towel. She has no access to paper towel in my home and could not have possibly been bought with it as she was a mere 12 grams, now over 300. After consuming the paper towel, she was unable to swallow, became severely dehydrated and emaciated due to her inability to eat. It took us 4 months and 1000$ to figure out what was going on as I was unaware of the paper towel blocking her esophagus. My bearded dragon went through immense suffering as she endured diagnostic tests, treatments, multiple fluids, injections, medications, etc. etc. etc. When I brought this to Como Park Animal Hospitals attention, they not only made up inaccurate excuses to deflect the blame, but wouldnt even acknowledge the fact that it was even possible it occurred there. I know for an absolute fact, and would bet my life on it, that my dragon consumed the paper towel at Como Park Animal Hospital. I am a veterinary student at the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine. Thus, I understand mistakes happen, but I am disappointed and ashamed at the response of my future colleagues. DO NOT bring your animals here. If a mistake occurs, they will not assume any responsibility and your animals health, wellbeing, and quality of life is NOT worth the risk. I was not expecting any monetary compensation but simply an acknowledgement that a mistake could have occurred and that they will prevent such occurrence in the future. I received nothing but denial, lies, and excuses.
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Heidi Miller
I very much appreciate that theyre open 24/7; you know thats a sign that these folks care about our animal friends by providing services at any time of day. I brought my hedgehog Nora in at night after shed been acting strangely and appeared to be in discomfort. Being in a new environment, she naturally went into defense mode and wouldnt unroll from her spiky ball, making it difficult for the vet to examine her. Instead of just jumping into anesthetizing her, the vet spent her time talking with me about Noras symptoms, the possible tests, and potential outcomes. I had gone in knowing it might be the end for Nora, as she was an older hedgie, and after considering the stress going through tests would cause for her and her future quality of life, the vet made me feel okay about my decision to say goodbye to my friend. She clearly explained the process of euthanasia and assured me that it would be painless, and then they let me spend as much time as I needed alone with Nora to say goodbye. When it was over, they gave me a lovely little clay disc with Noras paw prints and her name on it. Im sorry I dont remember any of their names, but all of the staff I encountered were friendly and caring and made this sad experience as comfortable as one could hope for. I hope to never need to use their emergency services again, but I will now bring my cat here for routine and preventive care.
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Amy Pitmon
I brought my French Lop rabbit in during emergency hours. We had never been to the clinic before. I called ahead and they were waiting for us and immediately rushed her back for assessment. I was fairly certain she was dying as she was 8 years old (at the end of average life expectancy for her breed) and she was suddenly unable to stand or even lift her head. I brought her in pretty much knowing she wasnt going to make it only because I didnt want her to suffer. Everyone was very kind, caring, and patient. The vet told me it didnt look good but that they could try and would do an x-ray and some supportive cares. She didnt push diagnostic tests or treatment at all and understood that I didnt want to put a rabbit who was already at the end of her life through anything more if she basically had no chance of meaningful recovery and very likely wouldnt survive anyway. She was very supportive and understanding and explained the euthanasia process to me and answered all of my questions. I asked to hold her and say goodbye before the procedure. She ended up passing away naturally in my arms and thankfully did not need to be euthanized. It was very hard and sad but also left me feeling at peace with the decisions that were made and the way everything happened. The care and kindness of all the staff made a very difficult experience bearable and Im grateful to everyone.
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Hannah Edwards
Their tech/front desk woman was extremely rude to me. I could not afford to pay the full bill for my dog who needed her anal glands expressed. I was told I could apply for their credit line or pay in full or they wouldnt see my dog. I was pregnant at the time and the tech rudely implied "you cant afford your dog but your having a baby" When I called to complain they said they were sorry for her actions. Then when I got paid two days later and I brought my dog in for care because I could pay in full there was a letter that was saying they were sorry if about anything I felt was implied. However it was addressed to the wrong name - so personable and believable when you get my name wrong. This was about a year ago and now when I take my dog in to our new vet the people there who I have told this story to are in shock. That is not customer service or a good way to make people feel confident in your ability to care for their animals. Dont go here unless you want to be treated poorly.