Linwood Animal Clinic

Reviews 3

A

A Private User

I live near Linwood, so when my rats got old and sick I took them in when they needed euthanasia. The service was always so-so, but when I took in my 3rd rat, I filled out the papers and clearly stated I wanted to be present during my rats death. They give the injection in the back and then bring the pet back out for its last moments--usually. This time the vet disappeared into the back with my rat AND DIDNT COME BACK. After 15 min. she walked past and was surprised to see me. She stared, then said, "Ill be right back." She must have checked the paperwork, because she returned and told me she had already euthanized Agnes, that she had been unaware it was my wish to be with her even though it was ON THE PAPERWORK. I was furious, but couldnt say anything, I was so upset. They charged me twice the amount they had the previous 2 times I had my rats euthanized (the last one just a week prior). I was LIVID, but paid and left until I could calm down. I called the owner of the clinic, who refunded me half the amount paid but defended the vet, claiming she was new and "doesnt yet know all of our policies." Understanding the owner wants to be present during euthanasia seems pretty important, regardless of the length of employment! The owner apologized, but that was it. I told her I would no longer use them for vet care. That was 2 years ago (2009). Then last month: while out walking, I witnessed a dog attack a kitten. I chased the dog off, but the kitten was injured. I rushed her to Linwood, the closest vet. Once I got there, they examined her BUT DID NOT TAKE ANY MEASURES TO SAVE HER. They said I would have to take responsibility for her bill or they would euthanize her as a stray. This was not my kitten, but I agreed to pay if they would just try to help her. They said she was in bad shape and they would need $500 to even start doing anything. I had just paid rent and didnt have it, so I told them to please start saving her and I would pay upon her discharge, as it was clear she wouldnt be able to leave for some time. They said no. They wouldnt even give her liquids or pain meds until I paid. I told them give me 2 days and I would pay the $500 and more. I have friends and family who work in rescues and shelters and I knew I could pull together a fund to help w/ the bill, but Linwood REFUSED TO SAVE THE KITTEN without the money immediately. I do not keep credit cards, I did not have my phone w/ me as I had rushed straight to the clinic w/o going home, so I couldnt call anyone to help me w/ the bill. The kitten was so badly injured she wouldnt survive the trip to my regular vet. When I got upset that they wouldnt do anything, they told me that no vet would treat the kitten w/o money up front. THIS IS A LIE. I later called my regular vet and 4 others in Portland and ALL said they do emergency care FIRST and worry about the bill later. After arguing w/ the vets, I eventually had to abandon the kitten to euthanasia. I didnt want her to suffer on the way to a different vet, as she was unlikely to survive the trip. Better to be out of pain quickly. I will ALWAYS discourage people from going here. They will not work w/ owners/samaritans to save an animals life. I would have paid the entire bill if they had given me TWO DAYS, hell ONE DAY, to get the funds together from my network of rescue and shelter friends. PLEASE DO NOT GIVE THIS CORRUPT CLINIC ANY OF YOUR MONEY and do not trust them with the lives of your pets! They only want your money, not your trust or respect.

BO

Bob Macke

Ill try my best to keep my experience as brief as possible but as equally informative and please understand Im not a highly critical or negative person. I was recommended to this clinic while I was temporarily in beautiful Oregon for a year. I have an award winning male Boxer and have literally spent my entire life with this breed. My family had a Boxer when I was born. She and I lived to be fifteen together. I still miss her 47 years later. Unfortunately, due to such careless breeding with not just Boxers but with many breeds today, their lifespans are nearly half that on average. However, many breeders are working very hard to reverse this. All I had ever heard about this clinic is: "They are so nice" which means nothing to me. You dont go to any professional just because theyre nice. You go to them because of their quality of care and professionalism. My only reason for going was to renew a basic prescription for Nexguard. That requires a full examination. I was in Oregon from Illinois where our regular vet is located. Linwood called our regular vet and I was informed that my buddy needed updated inoculations. The veterinary assistant guided us back to an exam room where she proceeded to listen to his heart. We then went into another exam room where all the full syringes were lined up and waiting. Dr. West came in for an examination which was anything but. All she did was listen to his heart while saying to me that Boxers are known for heart trouble which is very true, however, the veterinary assistant had already done so. That was the full extent of the so-called examination. She didnt check the eyes, ears, mouth/throat, teeth or for any other issues such as tumors which Boxers are also known for. The cost for the "examination" was outrageous as were the inoculations. She didnt ask me any questions about my buddy nor did she ask me if I had any. I only asked her one quick question as she was headed to the next "exam". I asked her if she could recommend a specific high quality diet and food. She looked at me with a surprised look, hesitated and said: "Its not a real concern anymore because all the available foods are very good". What??!! I dont think so!! The person who recommended me to the clinic has three cats. One developed an eye infection. It was examined at this clinic and given medication. The clinic didnt perform any prior lab work to find if the infection was bacterial or viral. So, guess why they needed to return for more unnecessary treatment. I must give credit to them though because I received a very kind and professional call from an extremely concerned gentleman at the clinic as to why I had only left one star and was very open to hear my opinion. That was before I had the time to write this.

A

A Private User

I had brought my 20 year old kitty in to see what was going wrong with him and had difficulty at the desk because I had limits on the personal information I wished to share. When Buddy and I went into the exam room he received excellent care and Kim took a lot of time helping me understand what was most likely going on. I was very pleased with the care. Buddy died this morning, 3 months after taking him in. I called to set up cremation services and received excellent service from Trisha on the phone. When I explained that I wouldnt have enough money to pay for it until the day after next she suggested bringing Buddy in so they could hold him for me until then. The office manager then overrode that idea and said I would need to pay for it at the time I brought him in. It seems to me that they provide great care, but the office manager and/or policies are a bit over the top. I called Southgate and they will work with me on it, plus they were quite a bit cheaper. I will never go back to Linwood, that was just a very cold way to handle it.