Dover Area Animal Hospital

Reviews 6

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Dave Russell

The Dover Area Animal Hospital used to be great. They used to provide excellent care, good customer service and reasonable prices compared to other clinics in the area and that was why I had been taking my dogs there for the past 15 years. Im now looking for a new vet clinic. The last straw was yet another long wait to see a vet, 45 minutes before walking out in disgust! The staff was completely indifferent with no hint of an apology. The previous visits averaged 30 minutes past the scheduled appt times. I suspect they are over booking appts yet maintaining minimal staff in the interest of maximizing profits. Pricing, compared to other much closer vet clinics, used to make the 30 minute drive worth the time. No more. Their pricing structure no longer offers a savings advantage over their competitors. Most importantly, the quality of care has also suffered. Along with their growth over the years, theyve hired numerous vets. Their skill set & competence runs the full range. Several years ago, I was told by a new vet that my dog didnt need a Lyme Disease shot as it wasnt much of a problem in our area. A year later, my dog was being treated for contracting Lyme Disease, which now affects his quality of life for his remaining years. This feedback is based on my own experiences/perceptions and is merely offered for what its worth. I am now looking for another clinic and can no longer recommend the Dover Area Animal Hospital. Consider the negative as well as the positive feedback before making an informed decision about your pets care:-)

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A Private User

Unhappy & sadly disappointed with visits over the last year. Despite multiple visits my little dogs lesion on her head grew to such a problem that it almost took her life. I had to practically stand on my head to get the vets at Dover to take my dogs problem seriously & when I did get their attention, the results were near fatal. Finally I made a decision to take my dog to the University of Pa Vet Hospital where they identified multiple resistant bacteria pathogens and they performed cultures to determine the specific antibiotic & treatment plan needed for a cure. I also found out that the entire treatment plan given by Dover made the problem much worse. Resistant bacteria was allowed to grow & sensitivities developed because the Vets at Dover didnt take the time to find out what was actually causing the infection. To top things off, The vet at the University hospital faxed scripts to Dover to be filled. I talked to a Dover staff member over the phone before traveling 30 min to ensure they had the meds needed & after traveling the distance I found out they didnt carry the specific antibiotic needed. The staff member told me that she thought they carried it but was wrong. No apologies & no phone call telling me this info before I arrived and she had over 3 hrs to do so. I really liked Dr Dave & Dr Dan but dispite my effords over the past year, they became too busy to obtain an appointment with. I hope this review is found helpful to anyone taking the time to read it.

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A Private User

MY FAVORITE VET... Im from York, but Ive been living in Philadelphia for the last 5 years. To this day, I wish we had a vet in Philly like Dover Animal Hospital. Dr. Dave is the best. Hes been taking care of my current/ previous dogs for years and years. I cannot say enough positive things about this place. When my dogs have serious issues - not the regular appointment type, I still call back home and make an appointment with Dr. Dave. I havent found a vet that I can trust like with them. My Bichon lived for 17 years and when we finally had to put her down several years back, they were so kind and sincere. My last 2 dogs - a boxer and a large mixed breed have been always been made a priority when I call. On 2 occasions Ive had to make Saturday appointments, taking the approach that there might be a surgery needed (for lump removal and such). Dr. Dave accommodated on both instances and allowed me to pick up my dogs the same day so I could head back to Philadelphia. I havent had a regular appointment in a while, but I cant imagine that the staff and appointment times have made such a dramatic turn like some have stated. Regardless, theyre still #1 in my book - come to Philadelphia and see what you get and how much you will pay for it - now thats a rip off! A loyal parent of 2 patients... Natalie R./ Philadelphia

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Scott Cochran

I have been using these guys for years for my dogs and my Parrot. I have recently read reviews about them over charging for some services but had not experienced it myself until this morning. The average cost to clip a birds wings, nails and beak at an experienced pet shop is about 15.00. At the vet you might expect to pay as much as 25.00 which is what I have been charged several times in the past. My bird is very sweet and usually lets me do her nails while she sits with me. However her beak was getting a little long so I decided to use the vet since my pet shop lady was on vacation. Upon walking in something told me to ask what the current rate is and I was shocked when the young lady said $35! What a joke this is a 10 minute deal from start to finish and more then double what it should cost! I dont mind paying a little more for the Vet because they have expensive education and higher expenses but $35 dollars for a 10 minute clipping is highway robbery! If you add that up as an hourly rate they are charging 210.00 an hour for a very low skill procedure! NO THANKS. I guess the other reviews are right!

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animefan lander

I had my vet visit today. I was surprised to see the reviews when I pulled up their phone number this evening so I had to write my first Google review. We have been going there for 10 years and drive 1/2 an hour past multiple other vets. I have never had better care anywhere else. Sometimes they take longer than I think necessary to get meds together at the end of the visit but I have never been disappointed with the care. We have needed emergency care several times and we were always told to bring our dog right in. My mother has been taking her animals there for 20+ years and wont go anywhere else. If you are unhappy, tell a vet. I had a minor concern once and the vet was right on it. Also, Im in the medical field. If you want to complain about prices, stop and think. Regular people have no idea the amount of money that is spent on taxes, government regulations/licenses, continuing education, payroll, utilities, rent, etc. I had come home and told my husband I couldnt believe it was only $35 for an office visit. You get what you pay for. Im not interested in the Walmart of vets.

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A Private User

This place has gotten to be more like a factory than a Vets office over the last couple years. While the scheduling is super convenient and they can almost always get you in, you are pretty much guaranteed at least a 30 minute wait in the waiting room. Ive had more than one visit where I was waiting for an hour, with a nervous cat (lots of dogs in the waiting room) and a bored 8 year old daughter. The visits tend to be pretty rushed, and the staff is typically not very friendly. While I think the Vets there know their stuff (most of them, anyway), Im just not sure its worth all the trouble you go through to finally make it into your appointment. They are overbooked and simply dont have enough space for all the animals they try to see.

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