VCA Redwood Animal Hospital

Reviews 6

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A Private User

I recently read the reviews here (11/10/08) and decided this looked like a good place to take my dog, boy did I pick wrong. I have been a dog/horse/cat owner since I was a child and have seen all sorts of vets from a mobile cattle vet to the slickest of specialists. This place was the worst kind - it was glossy and pretty, but the actual care was negligent...you are paying a high price for flash and no substance. The facility is fine. After waiting for 20 minutes past my appointment I had some time to see how the place worked. Lots of upscale clientele many who preferred to hand their dog/cat off, wait, and then get it back. After 25 minutes the vet came to get me: a small young woman with a nervous disposition. The exam room did not have a table large enough to examine my 40 pound dog, they definitely cater to a small pet audience. The vet did a quick initial exam on the floor and commented that my dog looked nervous (she was much more nervous than she has ever been before...trust your dog people!) decided that they wanted to look at her foot in the back and would probably muzzle her. I asked if I could come and she said no. After an additional 10 minutes of waiting I finally crossed the hall and was about to enter the "employees only area" when they came out. Sam was terrified. The vet noted that she had pooped and expressed her anal glands (stinky - you know the smell if you ever smelled it) and that that tends to happen, not to worry...umm I do not think so. They decided she needed x-rays to determine anything else but was backed up and did not know if they had the time...when I asked for an estimate it was about $450 for the x-ray, appoint, and analysis of the x-ray. I decided I didnt want to waste anymore time or money with these people and took my dog home and paid $90 for the appointment and some doggy Aleve. I also took home her file to keep with her medical records and was horrified to read that while in back they had, WITHOUT ANY PAIN MEDICATION, tried to realign her 3 week old dislocated toe but it kept "popping back out of place". Well no wonder she had to be muzzled and pooped on the floor! Do not go to this Animal hospital, or if you do, insist on being with them through everything as they do not seem to have any scruples or experience in dealing with animals and pain management. To finish the story I went to my Eastern Washington vet who saw me on a Saturday, x-rayed the dogs foot, knocked her out before trying to manipulate the toe into place (much more humane), and then referred me to a regional specialist who would be able to help me because the injury will require surgery....all for a much more reasonable price and no muzzling or scared pooches. Please do not be a bad mom like I was....If it is a new vet, stay with your pets for all of the visit and if the vet will not let you...walk out. There are lots of much better vets in this area.

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A

A Private User

I just want to say how terrific this place is. We lost two greyhounds suddenly (one to a fast growing, inoperable tumor, and one to cancer). They were so wonderful with the first in diagnosing the problem and explaining what recovery would be like for our hound if we were to operate. We chose not too operate. And when I showed up suddenly one day with our boy in pain they let us occupy an exam room for over two hours while we talked about our limited options with the vets and made that last terrible decision. Our second hound was in perfect health until the day we brought her in tired, lethargic and in a lot of pain. After some x-rays and tests they found her riddled with cancer. Again, they were very supportive. We really couldnt have asked for better service and support. From annual exams to helping us say good-bye, they were terrific in every way. I would highly recommend this place, especially for greyhound owners. The head Vet has had several of his own, and the staff has seen our hounds for the past 3 years. I dont think theyre any higher priced than anywhere else, but the care our dogs received there has been top notch.

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Tabitha E

I had a fantastic experience with Redwood Animal Hospital. My dog had a large bite wound from a coyote and needed to be seen asap. I had called many vets and been turned away because they were short staffed or didnt have time. When I called Redwood the lady who answered was extremely helpful and friendly. They were packed, but told me to come in and theyd see me as soon as they could. I arrived, the staff was very friendly, and I was seen in a timely manner, despite the fact that they were busy. Only a few hours later I had my dog back, stitched up, drugged, and looking much better. I received home care instructions, meds for my dog, a cone, and the relief due to the fact that the ending cost was lower than the estimate I was given initially (which has NEVER happened to me at any vet- refreshing). Overall, loved the staff and the quality of care given to my dog. These people care about animals, its not just about the money.

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Gary Selke

Were on our third dog whose care we totally trust in this clinic to handle for us. We appreciate how they give us their honest opinion then listen to our concerns (including financial issues) and THEN give us options for us to make the decision that is right for us - without any pressure. When we had to euthanize Sneaker and then Riley it was handled with so much care and compassion for the dogs and us, that a terrible, heart wrenching experience was the easiest and nicest that it could be. They even reached out to us a few days later to make sure we were okay. They are a little more expensive then other clinics and maybe because we have history with the clinic they were willing to workout a payment schedule with us. We think the way the staff cares for and treats the animals and their willingness to work with the owners to provide the best care that matches individual circumstances makes it worth it.

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Jeremy H

Since being acquired by VCA, Redwood Animal Hospital has been locked in a downward spiral of poor customer service, shady billing practices, and high fees. On several occasions I have taken my dog in for routine testing and was invoiced for services not discussed in the original contract. The fees they charge for yearly checkups are much higher than they were as an independent veterinary clinic. I have been given the run-around by both doctors and receptionists when trying to purchase prescriptions in high demand; instead of telling me they were out of stock, I was made to suffer half-hearted apologies and excuses. Yet for all of the problems I have listed above, some of the providers at Redwood are compassionate, skilled vets. Were it not for the continued greed and mismanagement by VCA Antech Inc., I would still be a happy Redwood client.

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Jessica Plampin

The hospital is very cean, and the staff is very compassionate. They truly care about what they do. Ive been coming here for 3 years and have seen all of the doctors at one time or another with my beagles and theyve always been very kind and considerate of my budget. I currently have been seeing doctor Baker with my mother-in-laws very sick pomeranian and she has been very professional and non-judgmental when we chose not to treat an illness as the treatment would decrease his quality of life. For now we are managing his symptoms with doctor Bakers help and guidance. Thank you to all at Redwood Animal Hospital.

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