Suburban Animal Hospital

Reviews 5

CA

Camille Starr

Ive been coming to this vet for 5+ years. Every so often I would have a bad experience but I overlooked it. I overlooked the long wait times, and the INCREDIBLY high prices. I couldnt overlook the most recent experience though. One of my two cats has Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease (FLUTD). She has a flare up on average once a year and its pretty traumatic. The most recent flare up was especially bad (suddenly peeing blood in the sink). I called the vet immediately and I was told I wouldnt be allowed to make an appointment because my name wasnt on the account (when I first started going it was to bring my parents dog, and as I got older I started bringing my two cats always under the same account without any problems). I asked to speak with my regular vet and I was told I wasnt allowed because I wasnt on the account. I had my mother call to have me added to the account and I called back. I explained the situation and asked to make an appointment. I was told I would have to wait over a week. I protested but she wouldnt budge. In light of that I asked that her if I could pick up the Rx food that breaks down the crystals (something shes been prescribed with every flare up) seeing as she couldnt see the vet for a week. I was told they wouldnt give it to me without her being examined, which they couldnt do for a week. I explained that a week from now would result in a block and possibly surgery. She literally said "thats too bad". I hung up and will never go back to that vet. I ended up going to an emergency vet that night that provided the Rx without an internal examination. She was better in two days. Ive since moved my services to Caring Hands Animal Hospital and so far they have been fantastic. They also have something called a pet portal on which you can schedule appointments, track your pets history with the vet etc. Its wonderful and not nearly as pricey. Most importantly, they care about my pets well being. Im very happy with the move.

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MA

Margaret DAVIDSON

I was pretty sure my 4 month old puppy has tapeworms (very gross, i know) and she had finished a deworming medication over two weeks ago so i knew something wasnt right. i called the Suburban Animal Hospital and asked if i could get something for tapeworms became i am pretty sure thats whats in her stool. i was told i needed to have a stool sample dropped off so they can make sure thats what it is. I did, and I called later to ask about the results. They said the results were negative for parasites. But when i told that cant be right I can still see them in her stool, they told me they only tested for ring worm because that what she was being treated for when she was prescibed the deworming. They didnt want to acknowledge any kind of break down in communication (because i specifically asked for them to check for what looks like tapeworms) or acknowledged maybe since she wasnt ready for the once a month prevenative medication( you have to wait for a negative stool sample to start) that she might have something other than ringworm now, who knows. Also when i first got her she had fleas, which i treated and she hasnt had them since. I feel like the vet was kinda flea shaming me, saying i really should have had a flea prevention routine in place "since she has tapeworms she probably has fleas" she says to me as she is walking away. i asked her if she wanted to check my dog because I check her regularly and I am sure she does not have fleas now. The vet declined of course. I am pretty sure dogs can get tapeworms from coming in contact with other dogs poop. I didnt want anything other than a hey sorry, we will try to have better communication next time. I will probably not go back, if i do I will ask for a different vet.

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IV

Ivan Quinn

Ive had pets all of my life and realize that vets and veterinary service is expensive. This place takes it to a whole new level. My cat required emergency surgery. I accepted the "estimate" over the phone from the vet and authorized surgery. Two days later I was faced with a bill that was $1200 over what had been estimated though the procedure and care had not changed from the original estimation. When I confronted the head vet, Dr. Schrader (Vietnam War Veteran), he accused me of trying to avoid paying my bill and refused to remove my cats sutures. I, too, am a Veteran and I didnt take kindly to his threats, lies and accusations. I even played a recorded voicemail from his associate vet (female), where she verbally indicated the price ($1200 less than the final price shown on the invoice) and he still told me I was a liar and refused to adjust my bill. If I didnt have a security clearance, high morals, impeccable integrity I would have knocked this guy out. I promptly paid the full bill and havent stepped foot in this godforsaken place again. My recommendation is to avoid this business at all costs or if you do choose to conduct business here, get EVERYTHING in writing. I will be filing an overdue claim with the Better Business Bureau

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JO

John Hart

Suburban was wonderful to us and our dog Xena. They helped us diagnose her condition and treated us with tremendous compassion throughout the process. Xena had cancer that had metastasized. Due to the urgent nature of her issues, we saw them 3 times in 6 days. Despite working with three different veterinarians due to last minute scheduling, they provided a consistent, clear and compassionate level of care. Suburban recommended Lap of Love for in home euthanasia. Lap of Love was as gracious and sensitive a process as I could have imagined. I know that many reviewers have had issue with Suburban. We have used them for 10 dogs across 3 of our families since 1980. Yes, they can be expensive. But they have always been up front and sensitive about the cost, identifying aggressive and minimum levels of treatment. They have allowed us to layaway money for expensive procedures. They have also always told us what they would do for their own dog - or wouldnt do. And we have never, ever felt pressured into a procedure, nor guilty for not doing one. Bottom line - we trust them. We recommend them without hesitation.

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MS

Ms. Lene Jensen

My Princess suddenly decided food was not that cool, and dropped weight fast. After about 3 weeks, I took her in under the care of Dr. Kimberly Halbert. She was very caring, good with Princess (who can be really difficult, even to me). At all stages did I feel I was made aware of cost, what procedures to go through, what we should do, and referrals to other hospitals (Southpaw). I have nothing but good things to say about Dr. Halbert and the staff. I was there 3 times in a week, and they really cared about Princess. They took good care of us, and I have no complaint. They did cut her claws, to help me being able to give Princess medication (fat chance, I am unsuccessful, where the doctors at SAH is capable). It cost me $15, which is on par with what I have paid at PetSmart previously. While they may charge a bit more than other places like Banfield etc, I feel welcomed by everyone, as well as cared for. Weve been customers there for 5 years, and I doubt we will change any time soon.

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