Home Town Animal Care

Reviews 3

MA

Matthew Johnson

This has been quite possibly the worst Veterinary experience Ive ever had across 3 states. I have had my lab for almost 14 years now, and I moved to North Austin a few years ago. We ended up choosing Hometown because it was close and seemed friendly. The first visit was pleasant and she was seen for an eye infection - mind you, this is her first visit to a new vet, and for some reason they didnt think to check her for heartworms? A year later, I go back because of a bladder infection and they did a heart worm test. It was positive, so the vet recommended that she stay on her heart worm pills for 3 months to see if that would control them (since she is older and heart worm treatment is risky) and I should bring her back at that time. I ended up bringing her back earlier because she couldnt breathe properly. Also during this time, she is on tramadol for her hip pain and vetprofen as needed. When I bring her back, we see a DIFFERENT Vet (surprise! there are 6 there and not consistent care) who informs me that her heart worm problem is worse, her heart is enlarged and shes probably had these heart worms for 3 years. Someone explain to me why Ive been to this clinic twice before now and Im just now hearing this? So, she starts on medication (prednisone and antibiotics) for 8-10 weeks before treatment. Not ONCE did this clinic follow up with me to reschedule or remind me of my dogs upcoming treatment(s). All the while I am going up there for medicine refills and buying her Urinary dog food brand from this Hometown clinic. Two separate issues on their own- each time I went to the clinic for a prescription refill they charged me something different. When they did not have the correct food in stock I requested a prescription for the Urinary dog food so I could get it at PetSmart - they actually initially tried to deny me and said I should just wait until it was back in stock - on Friday. When it was time for my labs actual heart worm treatment, they had given me a quote for the entire treatment in January. By April, it was $250 higher. I had to argue about this. When we went back for her second treatment and the quote had changed for the 4th time, I had to throw another mini fit. Thankfully, I had one of the vets find out what was happening and get the "office manager" involved. Before I went in for the 2nd treatment, I called to schedule it because, of course, why would the office bother themselves with clients? They informed me AT THAT TIME, that my lab would need to be dropped off for the next two days in the morning because.... she actually was to be given THREE shots, not just two treatments. Beyond this, the 2nd treatment my dog had a shaved spot on her hip - I asked, where was the first treatment given? She didnt have a shaved spot last time? Also on the second treatment, my dog had diarrhea all over my backseat the second we got in the car - we were still in the parking lot. Did they take her out more than once? The final straw was when I was headed out of town and I went by the clinic to get a refill on tramadol so my dog is not in pain. One of the brilliant office managers asked if Id called in a refill - I said no, because they have always just given it to me - is this Walgreens? My sister in law went to pick up the scrip, where they charged her $20 for the exact MGs and quantity of pills I had just paid $68 for two months prior - AND icing on the cake - they actually had the nerve to write on the prescription - please call ahead to refill. While I dont believe the Vets that work at this office are responsible for most or any of this, I do believe they need to have better control or communication with their office staff. Its unorganized chaos. I cant believe that Im the only person who has had this many unfortunate sequential events in this office. Also, Ive written maybe 3 reviews about anything in my entire life. Not respecting me and my animal during an already difficult fiasco has just pushed me over the edge. If you choose Hometown, just talk only to the vet.

A

A Private User

This place is all smoke and mirrors. It appears to have all the right stuff but look around. The Staff is RUDE and disorganized. All staff members give you the impression that its their first day. This is one of those places that when you walk in, 3 staffers will look at you, 2 walk right past you and 5 minutes later you still havent been helped. Once helped, the staff member will turn around and ask another staffer how to enter something in the computer and 15 minutes later you are checked in...maybe...cause the girl at the desk just walks away leaving you and your pet hanging. Every one looks busy but clearly busy doing important stuff like deciding where to get lunch and checking rooms that may or may not be occupied that day. Im a cat person, love dogs but i have a cat and thought the "Cats only" entry was a great idea. Ha, been there three times and the cat entrance is ALWAYS occupied by dogs. Big dogs, barking dogs, dogs off their leash cause their owner thinks their cute dogs. A little much for an already stressed out cat. Course, the dog side is usually empty but we all know...dogs like cats right? I boarded my cat. Yes, they may sweep the floors but thats it. The cat furniture is disgusting as it is never washed from pet to pet. And they wont allow you to bring your own bedding. Why, theres is old, stinky and covered with another pets hair. Your pet is put in the room and forgotten about. When I picked up my cat i couldnt get out of the place fast enough. I have no idea what the vets are like here but for cat boarding...its horrible. The cat area is dark, dirty and the whole floor stinks. My pet will NEVER stay here again!! Disorganized, unpleasant and youll stress out thinking that the staffs incompetent behavior will affect your pets stay. (They didnt follow any of the feeding directions i left). Again, i have no idea what the vets are like here BUT, i am also a firm beleiver that the staff of a place is a direct reflection of the owner/manager. For pet boarding, this place SUCKS!

KA

Kathleen Bondurant, Ph.D

Superior in care and service! I was recommended to Dr.Suttons practice by a dear friend who knew I was not getting the quality of care for my dogs that I needed from our vet we had seen for 13 years. That was 3 years ago! Even though I live 25 minutes away, I am HAPPY to drive to Hometown. It is SO worth it! Not to mention that Dr.Sutton tries to keep the prices as reasonable as he can, and they are certainly less than what I was paying before! The veterinaries and all of the staff at Hometown are welcoming and kind. They go out of the way to explain procedures and options. After 2 surgeries for cancer, my dog Bean and I know Dr.Weaver is a superior surgeon! If, by chance, we have had to go to the Emergency Pet Care Clinic of Round Rock over the weekend or late at night, early the next morning Dr.Sutton or Dr.Weaver know about it immediately, and are ready to help with further treatment. My dogs are individuals to them, members of my family, and are treated as such--the staff members know the dogs by name, and make a point of saying, "Hello"! Just to show the level of commitment to giving your pet the best care, the veterinarians are comfortable conferring and accepting advice from each other--with the "It takes a Village to care for a pet" can do attitude. Egos are aside and pet care is first! I can honestly say, that Hometown Animal Care, Dr.Sutton, Dr.Weaver and staff have added at least a year, if not more, and better quality, to my dogs lives! Every time (knock on wood) when I think this is going to be it, the end, they "pull something out of the hat" and send us home for more time together! There is no price that can be put on this quality of care! Dr.Sutton, Dr. Weaver, Dr. Mendoza, Dr.Morelli and Dr.Minor are the "CREAM" of the crop, and Cyndy, Sandra, Tara, Keith, Edna, Angie, Hannah, CJ, Claire, Jennifer and Lauren--YOU ROCK!!!!!!! Dr.K. Bondurant, PH.D., Bean, Elvis (and Trudy)