Springfield Animal Hospital

Reviews 6

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A Private User

In response to a recent review I feel the need to express my opinion in regards to the final act of caring that we as pet owners are responsible for. This is always the hardest part of pet ownership and one of the kindest things we can do for all the wonderful years they give us. Scheduling to have a pet euthanized is more complex than the actual procedure; it entails a standard protocol that veterinary animal hospitals have to adhere to in order to provide this valuable service. Most owners are not aware of the rules and regulations that guide veterinary hospitals and therefore are often perplexed by the costs and prerequisites required for performing this final act of caring. For instance, all veterinary hospitals are required to have at least a yearly relationship with you in order to give prescription medications and are required to keep records of any interaction with your pet for 7 years, including euthanasia. The medications used to perform the euthanasia are controlled drugs regulated by the government that have to be accounted for on a regular basis. Sedatives sometimes are needed prior to the final intravenous injection in order to relax the animal and make the procedure easier on all involved. The events that occur after the euthanasia is performed are very individual based. Some people prefer home burial, and others utilize the hospitals crematorium and prefer their ashes returned. The final act of caring comes with many options and decisions that need to be discussed prior to performing the procedure and can be difficult to discuss during a very emotional time. This is why time with the doctor is built into the schedule in order to give the clients and patients the time they need to go over all the options and meet everones expectations. Charging an office visit for euthanasia of an animal that has not been in the past year covers the above rules and regulations. If your animal had been comiing regularly to our hospital these protocols would have already been established and there would not have been an office visit charge. While I am sure that the tail docking involved some miscommunication, a good way to avoid this in the future is to give markers to where breeders want the tails docked to. A string tied, white out placed, index card with measurement lines, etc. so miscommunication is avoided. I hope that my response to your review gives all viewers some educational insight and request that if you have any future questions about your pet care needs that you call the Springfield Animal Hospitals office and speak with the office manager for an explanation to any questions you may have prior to posting your next review.

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A

A Private User

I have used Springfield Animal Hospital for many years and have been kind of happy with them until my Siamese cat, Buck started the dying process. I have had cats, dogs and horses for 50+ years and know when it is time. I called the office to have Buck put down and I was told that I had to bring the dying, cold cat in first for an office appointment and evaluation and then THEY would make the final decision. I have brought many dogs and cats to be put down and they would let me in the back door and then they would put our pets to sleep. They have always been a little pricey, but I liked them.....but an office appointment to evaluate a dying cat????? Thats just plain CRAZY and more money in their pockets!!!!! Also, I had a litter of puppies who needed to have their tails docked. I wanted to show the pick of the litter and asked that the tail be docked at the first joint as many of the litters that I raised had been done. They brought the puppies out and said that docking at the first joint was too long and they did it their way. Needless to say, the tail was way too short and I was unable to show the dog. What is going on at Springfield Animal Hospital???? I must say that I loved the vet techs and miss seeing them. They are a great group of girls who always took special care of my dogs when we went in for a visit. Money, money, money...its a rich mans world.

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Steven Goodwin

A 5-star organization in every respect. The hospital is very well equipped with x-ray, ultrasound and blood lab on site and more esoteric services and sub-specialists just a phone call away Dr. Dena was a pleasure to work with, she thoroughly explained everything that she was doing and why, we discussed my dogs symptoms, her evaluation and diagnosis, possible treatment plans, expected results, my role in his treatment, worst case scenarios, etc. Unfortunately, Lymphoma is nasty, fast and unforgiving. Life doesnt always go as planned and having to say goodbye to a true friend and trusted companion will always be one of the darkest days of my life. The professionalism, attention to detail and level of dedication and compassion shown by the doctors and staff at the Springfield Animal Hospital was outstanding and deserves much more praise than I can possibly offer here. When the time is right, Ill be bringing JoJo in for his first round of shots. Again, thank you for all of your efforts and Joes plaque. -Steven

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Sue McKnight

My experience is not what people generally think of as "great" or 5 star- worthy. But it is one that we all must face one day if we are lovers of our dogs & cats. I have taken my pet here for approx. 12 years. Always happy with the care from all of the staff. On Monday I had to make the call to take my beloved 14 yr. old lab in to be euthanized. Let it suffice to say that Dr. Laurie Livingston is one of the most compassionate people Ive met, along with being warm, engaging with a very kind, calming presence. She & the staff allowed me to leave my sick old girl in my car, so she didnt have to go through more discomfort of being taken out of my car & carried into an exam room. Dr. Livingston came out to the car. What a blessing, in amongst all of the heartbreak & horrible sadness when its time to say goodbye, to have someone like her at the helm. That is one of the most important "jobs" a vet. does... Cant be easy to do it, let alone with such grace, compassion & true kindness.

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Tori Amsden

I am so mad I cannot see straight! I have been using the Springfield Animal Hospital now for 20 years, trusting them to take good care of my furry family. Crystal has been helping Pippin to give birth to her puppies for 24 hours now. She has given birth to 2 stillborn puppies, one is trapped in the birth canal and 1 is still moving in her uterus. This poor mommy dog is in distress and Springfield has turned her away, refusing to see and help her because "we are a business and she is not our client"!!! The business of love cannot be allowed to be heartless!!! I just got off the phone with Springfield and told the that I AM a client - but will not be any longer! I encourage all who bring their beloved pets to the Springfield Animal Hospital to find another vet as I have decided to do... Some thing are unacceptable!!! We are all heartbroken here today...

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Marsha Hudnall

Weve taken our animals to Springfield Animal Hospital for over 20 years and have been extremely satisfied with the caliber of service and caring for our dog, cat and birds. Our dog Jack in particular had a very sensitive gastrointestinal tract that required ongoing care. The very knowledgeable vets never took anything for granted; they listened carefully to us at each visit to understand how Jack was doing and offer any guidance, if needed. We had to put our beloved cat Puddin down after 17 years, and the compassionate support we received to do that was invaluable. I was so moved when a few weeks later I received Puddins pawprint in plaster of paris for us to remember her by. It makes me cry now to think of it! You wont find a better place to care for your animals than Springfield Animal Hospital.

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