Kitsap Veterinary Hospital

Reviews 5

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kathy pichler

For years I loyally brought my dog, Baxter to Dr. Christman. I loved him and had no complaints, to my disappointment he retired. Recently I brought Baxter in because he was scratching and had a couple of hot spots. He has had skin issues in the past so it was almost a routine appt for us. Dr. Hoover saw Baxter, she was very friendly... BUT I was extremely upset about this visit. After examining him, she felt a mass in his tummy and recommended an xray. She showed us that his liver and spleen were very enlarged. Possible cancer is what she told us, she took blood work and sent us home to wait for results. My family was devastated. We were to bring him back the next day 8:30am and drop him off for an ultrasound (could not wait with him) and wait for a phone call to let us know if he needed surgery or not. We were informed that if this were cancer, he might not survive. After consulting with others and researching, we decided we would not drop Baxter off. To possibly never see him again, or even have him cut open for a surgery that wasnt necessary. We decided to take him to Ridgetop Animal Hospital instead. Dr. Cage is who saw Baxter and we couldnt have been happier with her! She was very thorough and did an xray and ultrasound all in 1 hour while we waited there. Results have to be sent out to a radiologist so we have no 100% definite answer, but they told us they saw nothing to be worried about! His liver and spleen were slightly enlarged and they told us they dont believe he will need surgery. This was very different from what Kitsap told us, we were believing Baxter probably had cancer and we had a very short time left with him. These past few days have been so traumatic for my family and we want nothing to do with Kitsap Veterinary Hospital again.... who we feel like was only trying to get any money possible out of us. I will give just one example of my MANY examples from my bill statements... Kitsap Veterinary xray & ultrasound total $536! + 2nd office visit for ultrasound! (X-ray (2view)- $115, X-ray setup interpretation- $97.75, Ultrasound- $295, 1/2 day hospitalization $28.25) & Ridgetop Animal Hospital total $381.25 (no breakdown, this included all xrays & ultrasound, read by radiologist, and we didnt have to leave him!) Even if it turns out Baxter does have to have some sort of surgery (which is unlikely), I will only go to Ridgetop. They treated us with respect and knew exactly how to handle the situation, they were honest with us and didnt scare us to death in the meantime. I do NOT recommend Kitsap Veterinary Hospital.

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Nancy Benson

After evaluating other facilities and hearing friends reviews about other vets, I took my dog to KVH ten years ago, and am so glad that I did. I am very particular about her care. Some of the negative reviews Ive read indicate that the writers know little, if nothing about the health care of animals. Tests that you might consider unnecessary may likely divulge the underlying reason for the health problem your dog is experiencing and prevent further, perhaps more serious issues. Remember that your pet cannot tell you specifically how they are feeling; tests can determine what the underlying problem is. If you are taking your dog to a vet for the first time and you dont have your dogs records with you, the vet SHOULD do a thorough exam and lab workup to protect not only your pet, but you, your family and the animals with which your pet comes in contact. Surgeries? Yes, they are expensive. They involve skill, knowledge, expertise, sedation, sterile conditions (cleanliness is impeccable at KVH, and I was appalled at the lack of cleanliness when taking a friends pet to another vet in Kitsap Cty), infection control and follow-up care. The staff at KVH, from the front desk to the docs, techs and helpers have always been very pleasant, helpful and compassionate. Its clear to me that they truly love animals, and have respect for the people who bring them in. No, having a pet is not cheap. If thats what youre looking for, maybe pet-ownership is not for you. Your pet provides you with unconditional love and happiness; why expose them to anything but the optimal care?

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Char Garcia

I recently got a new kitten thats 2 months old. This is my first pet besides a goldfish or bird. I had an idea that my kitten needed vaccines soon, so I was driving on Bethel to find Kitsap Vet Hospital. I dropped in to ask them to familiarize me with what my pet needs, I mean I had no clue treatment and price wise. The staff members were very outgoing and friendly. The receptionist told me that a regular treatment/appointment was $45. Believing that was an amazingly good price I quickly made an appointment for my kitten for the following day. The next day, before the appointment I did some research on other Vets in my area. Coming accross Woodside because of their superb reviews online, I called them up and asked them the same thing I asked Kitsap Vet Hospital. While they used such proffessional terminology and approach, they gave me a rough estimate of a grand total of $101. During my pets appointment with Kitsap Vet Hospital they revealed the bill: $145. Dumbfounded by the price, I asked a friend how much he paid for his kitten the first time, he said $75 at his local vet. I feel ripped off and puzzeled about the price and pre-explaination of my kittens essential treatments before It was throughly explained to me during the appointment. While Woodside gave me a great explaination of what my kitten needed via phone...I had to find it the hard way with Kitsap Vet. May of been a misscommunication, and dont get me wrong the staff members are fabulous....but the digits were very heart stopping (for me being a pet noob).

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Monique Bissett

My dogs have been clients of Dr. Christina Lock, DVM since 2014....and even NOW, although I have moved to Port Ludlow - 45 miles away! I have established with Oak Bay Animal Hospital in Port Hadlock for quick EMERGENCY stuff, but will continue to see Dr. Lock at Kitsap Veterinary Hospital for ALL my Animal Wellness visits!!!..because, as a Registered Nurse for 34 years, I appreciate the fact that ALL information collected by a doctor about your pet or human companion can only help pinpoint a diagnosis, or promote proactive care and treatments - whatever the COST!!!!! My theory is "You get what you pay for!!!" There is always "CARE CREDIT", a graduated payment system where vet care can be paid off in 6 months WITHOUT interest!!!! KVH was the FIRST animal hospital that told me this was available!!!! ... a financial life-saver !!! I HIGHLY recommend Kitsap Veterinary Hospital. ANY medical care is not cheap, whether it be human OR animal, but keeping our pets healthy through routine lab tests and exams, proper nutrition, exercise and love will keep them with us for a LONG time!!!!!

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A Private User

I raise and compete in a variety of high intensity sports with Labradors from puppyhood to geriatric in age and consider the staff at Kitsap Veterinary Hospital to be an integral part of my “team”. Since we moved to the area in 2009, the staff has taken care of emergencies ranging from broken teeth, to an obstruction caused by a stuck food particle, cuts needing stitches, sprained extremities, and even acted as a partner in care during cancer treatments for my young lab. The level of care at this vet is EXCEPTIONAL. The staff seems to be continuously involved in furthering their education in veterinary medicine, and shares their knowledge when an improved therapy might benefit my dog (ie; improved arthritis medication with less side effects). If you want to make sure your pet receives the best care possible… this is the place. They help keep my furry teammates in tip top health, and get them back up and running again when something’s gone wrong.

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