Animal Hospital At West Ridge

Reviews 4

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Keisha Marie

I decided to visit this animal hospital because of the positive Google reviews I read and was looking for a new vet for my animals. Unfortunately, after my first experience was a very negative one, I will not be returning and would like to share this experience with other prospective people. The receptionists were friendly when we walked in together and I was carrying my small dog because he was very nervous and scared. When I tried to set my dog onto the examination table, he clung to my arm and stuck his face into my coat and trembled (he has a long history of abuse/trauma before he was rescued by the WCHS and adopted by my family). Without any introductions, speaking to my dog or letting him sniff her hand or anything to meet her, the vet tech girl reached out to grab my dogs collar to pull him away from me. Of course, my dog growled because this gesture was not friendly and very scary from a small dogs perspective, meaning a strangers hand suddenly coming at his face and being pulled away from me. My dog growled at her and then turned away from her to hide his face in my coat. The girl walked out without a word and in the hallway I heard her say to the doctor, "That dogs nasty." This is disappointing because my dog is not nasty, but scared. If he had been greeted more positively and properly, the rest of the experience would have gone better. Unfortunately, it was made worse because the doctor came in and did the same thing! He grabbed my dog and squeezed his neck in a chokehold as the girl grabbed his arm and put the needle in. When my dog screamed and she jumped, she then glared at my dog and said, "I have to do it again, I missed." and put the needle in again and he continued to scream. Ive never seen my poor dog look so terrified. Not once did anyone try to comfort my dog or talk to him or properly greet him or anything before touching him. This blood sample was taken for a heartworm test. I told the doctor that my main purpose in coming was to get a baseline blood test as part of a yearly regular check-up and make sure everything was functioning as it should be, especially because my dog is 8 years old. The doctor said it wasnt necessary because "if its not broken, dont fix it." What happened to the idea of preventative and proactive care? I told the doctor that I was confused because I thought the point of coming in for a check-up was to do this and make sure everything is working as it should be. He again repeated his "if its not broken, its fine." phrase. I couldnt believe it. So no blood test for this was done, which I think was a good thing considering how aggressively they handled my dog for the first needle. To take matters worse, the vet finally decided to try to do something to settle my frightened dog by offering him some treats. But only offering. Because when my dog tried to take the treat, he took the treat away just out of my dogs grasp and laughed. He did this a second time and then finally gave him the treat. I just was so disappointed that on top of not comforting my dog, the doctor thought it would be a good idea to tease him. I just dont understand. This experience was honestly a major disappointment and I will not be returning. It was a big waste of time, money, and unnecessary trauma for my pet.

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Sheana D

This is a sad review to write, but I was moved by my experience here so I felt like it needed to be said. I should foreground this by saying: our cat did end up passing, so this isnt a "happy" ending. That said, I really, tremendously valued the service we got with him at the Westridge animal hospital. The veterinarian was kind and patient, he explained everything that was going to happen, told us what our cats odds were, and he and his staff went to great lengths to try to help our boy (I think what the vet called it was feline urologic syndrome) to get better. In the end, we didnt really have any viable options and had to have our cat humanely put down after several days in the hospital. Throughout, every time I talked to the vet staff - and I called a lot some days - they were kind and patient, they were never dismissive, and they made me feel like our little guy was being very well cared for and like it was totally okay that I was calling worried about him. Id never had to have a pet put down before so they were patient with me as they explained what would happen and what the options were. I *really* appreciated that the vet was up front with us about his chances - Ive had horrible experiences at other local vets who seem to just want to prolong the animals life even if it means theyll be in horrible pain, or who seem completely clueless - and during my entire experience with this vet I absolutely got the sense that he was honest and cared most about my *cats* quality of life, rather than some bottom line. I cannot thank the animal hospital here enough for how thoughtful they were to me and my spouse and how good they were with our cat, and while I wish hed gotten better and we could say we brought him home, I absolutely believe this vet did everything he could. If we ever do decide to take another critter into our family, this will be the only vet we go to.

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Mary Wright

After reading the last review, I felt compelled to write a review. When I went to find a vet near our new house, someone had recommended here. They have been nothing short of amazing. They talk to my scared dog, get on the floor to pet her and be at her level, and always offer treats first thing when they come in the room. I remember my first experience and I brought my 4 year old son with me. The Dr. got on the floor with her, pet her, and said, "how are you girlfriend?" My sons responds, "she is not your girlfriend, she is my dog." I was embarrassed, the vet just laughed and got my son a toy to play with and told him not to worry, he was just going to take care of her. They have continued to care for her for 8 years and I didnt hesitate to bring our new kitten there when we brought him home. They have always offered us different options for treatment ( dogs anxiety and allergies) and explain all options thoroughly. They have also explained when not to be worried and when to be worried (cat with a kennel virus). And lastly, they are reasonably priced! I firmly agree with vaccinating pets and they make it affordable. Definitely worth a try if you are looking for a new vet.

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Shanna Gilkeson

My cat developed a sneezing and eye thing, and I was worried about getting him in before the holiday weekend. I lucked out and there had just been a cancellation right before I called, so I was able to get my boy in later in the morning. The person who booked the appointment (Im sorry - I dont remember your name!) was very nice and helpful. Dr. Dave seems to understand that I want the best for my cat but that I also have budgetary limitations due to being on a grad student budget, so I was relieved when he revealed in our discussion that he doesnt like unnecessary expenses. Last time, I had taken Squiggy to one of those chain clinics located inside a certain pet store and we were nickel and dimed over everything. If you want good care at reasonable prices, I recommend West Ridge.

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