Shea Animal Hospital

It pains me to write this review today because upon my initial appointment with Shea Animal Hospital I was so impressed. I took my Bluetick Hound into Shea Animal Hospital on a Thursday for what turned out to be a sabeceous cyst. The young lady who worked the front desk, Cia,  was so sweet and respectful both over the phone in making the appointment and in person. During our appointment the vet tech and Dr. Smith were both wonderful as well. Surgery was going to be required to remove the cyst. We scheduled the minor surgery for Tuesday. Before we left the office I received an estimate regarding my financial responsibility for Tuesday's surgery. On the estimate the tech highlighted the three potential "optional" treatments for Tuesday's surgery. One highlighted item was an antibiotic. I was prepared to pay for this additional charge because of the turn around time from diagnosis to surgery. No biggie, $40.74 antibiotic that in my opinion made sense. The next highlighted item was Preop/Lab-Chem for $130.00. Basically this means preop blood work. This was highlighted as an "optional" treatment. One we would decline because our dog is in great health and the surgery was minor. Not complete sedation anyway (as it was described to me during the visit). The last highlighted item was to have the cyst biopsied. Another treatment we would decline because we have seen this type of cyst before and know it's minor. Our estimate ended up being around $250 for the minor surgery. If we decided to do the preop blood work and biopsy the cost would jump to around $606. So, surgery day arrives and after my husband drops off our dog I get a phone call from Valerian (apologies if the name is misspelled) regarding "why our estimate was so low." She proceeds to tell me that the preop blood work is not and optional treatment and they had already conducted it, without our consent, and we would have to pay the $130. What?!?! How is that even ethical? I explain all of the above to Valarian and she proceeds to tell me that she will speak with the office manager and see if she can have half of the $130 taken off. No!!! Why should we incur a cost, even half of the cost, that we were told was optional then done without our consent. At this point my husband went back to Shea Animal Hospital and picked up our dog. After the shady billing tactics displayed we did not feel confident with Shea Animal Hospital with the health and wellness of our dog. We usually love to support neighborhood businesses but Shea Animal Hospital has lost our business indefinitely. Read Less

We recently moved to the area and had a less than great experience at another vet's office, so we decided to give SAH a try, and I'm glad we did. They have been caring, compassionate, and incredibly attentive. I saw Dr. Park recently and he took lots of time to talk to me and understand what was going on. He even sat on the floor to make my skittish dog comfortable. His calm temperament and genuine concern were very much appreciated during what was a fairly stressful time for my dog and I. Since my dog is older, Dr. Park ran a full range of tests before prescribing any medication. They were a little bit pricey, but I really appreciated the doctor calling me personally the next day to go through everything in detail and taking a significant amount of time to answer questions and put my mind at ease. I'm glad we found this place! Read Less

For all those who come and review this place I can tell you that Dr. Garthy is the best surgeon I have ever had, she gave my dog tonka more time to spend with me before I had to say my good byes to him. Very thorough Dr. Recommend her to those who really love thier animals verry inexpensive surgeon. Read Less

This is an independent Veterinary practice. Nothing corporate. Very personal. Everyone I met in the practice was professional, helpful, accomodating and informative. My cat is very skittish, and she felt at ease there. Prices were fair. I recommend this practice to anyone who loves their pet.Read Less

I recently took my cat, Gizmo, to see Dr. Sampson at Shea Animal Hospital.  I had taken my pets to this place many times in the past but had changed vets because of a bad experience my cousin had told me about.  The morning I called the other veterinarian they could not get me soon enough so I called Shea Animal Hospital.  They told me that only Dr. Sampson was in and he was going to be in surgery most of the day but they offered for me to drop of Gizmo and Dr. Sampson would see him between surgeries.  I agreed and brought Gizmo right in.  The front desk women were very nice and before you know it I was in the exam room with Gizmo.  Dr. Sampson took the time to squeeze us in before starting his surgeries.  The entire hospital including the exam rooms were very clean and the blanket on the cold steel table made Gizmo more comfortable.  Dr. Sampson did a thorough exam.  He was very compassionate while handling him and while talking to us. (I should have taken a picture when he was rubbing Gizmo's very fuzzy belly.)  He did not find anything wrong with him so he suggested some meds for Gizmo's nausea and a blood test if we wanted to investigate further.  My biggest fear when going to any vet is the cost of an endless list of tests that need to be done.  This was not the case here and although blood tests are expensive we decided to have one done.  Gizmo was treated and ready to go within 20 minutes.  After we took him home I received two phone calls to follow up, one from Dr. Sampson himself.  He explained the blood results and discussed some other questions I had without rushing me off the phone.  I feel that Gizmo and I both got excellent service and care from this hospital and will recommend them to anyone looking for a good honest, compassionate veterinarian. Read Less

Recently we took our short-haired border collie to Shea Animal Hospital.  Previously he had always been treated at a 'corporate-style' veterinarian - never seeing the same vet twice. Because of Elvis' condition, we were able to get a same day appointment.  Dr. Lori Herrold and her compassionate staff could not have been more professional.  Elvis isn't too fond of strangers but they won him over immediately. Because of Elvis' symptoms when we took him in, we honestly were not certain he would be coming home with us ever again. Dr. Herrold examined and performed a number of tests, answered our questions and always called us with updates on the testing and results.  Elvis is doing extremely well and we have this caring team to thank.  We could not be happier with the service provided here Read Less

Family vet clinic over 40 years. Dr Samson even can handle my female umbrella cockatoo without a nip. She fell asleep as he rocked her on her back, calling her his little papoose! He cares. They aren't in for the $ but love of our family. Not even my husband can touch my Kyle as she was abuse by men. All my pets are rescues . They've been understanding when we have missed appointments due to our poor health. My husband's stroke/paralyzed and my several hospitalizations in comas. Can't make them when unconscious! The staff is so over and beyond knowledgeable and kind. I really can't thank them enough. Dr John Austin was our first vet,1970 something . My aunt assisted there. Their prices are better than most. Can't put a price on love and care they show! Thank you, Shea Animal Hospital!Read Less

We love Shea Animal Hospital!!!! We started taking our dog, Charlie, 4 years ago. Charlie is not the easiest dog in unfamiliar places at all, but they always make light of it and are so patient with him! We recently welcomed a new dog into our home, Fluffy, and the vets and vet techs have been absolutely amazing in making sure that Charlie has been ok with Fluffy.  Both dogs were recently sick and the attention they gave the situation was superb.  They called us so many times to check up on my babies...how wonderful is that? Reasonable rates, clean facility, and fantastic staff! Read Less

I can't believe that this vet is advertising holistic pet care.  I took my dog to this clinic for several years and thought that they were pretty good, however, they insisted on vaccinating every year.  If you've read anything about vaccinations, you know that a holistic vet would not recommend that vaccination schedule.  We were actually forced into the vaccinations because we were told our animal could not be groomed there without the constant yearly vaccinations.  If you are looking for holistic vet care  DO NOT go to this clinic Read Less

I brought my 15 yr old dog in a few weeks ago because she had took a turn for the worst over the weekend. This was my first time here since we just moved to the neighborhood and they were more than accommodating. They put us in a private room so my dog could be comfortable while we filled out the paperwork and were so sympathetic of my situation.During the whole procedure, the vet and assistant shined with professionalism. Everything was taken care of on site for the cremation as well. I received my dogs ashes within a few days of the procedure and they even sent a condolences card with her paw prints.I would recommend Shea Animal Hospital on the highest level and this is our new vet for our 5 year old lab from that date on. Read Less

I've been using Shea Animal hospital for over 20 years... Even though I have moved very very far away I still go back to them because Dr. Sampson and the whole practice is the best I have ever been to. I've now had 4 dogs that have been patients of Shea animal hospital and when they have to go for shots and checkups they actually get excited when they get there.  3 spays and 1 neuter. No problems ever. They even have the best groomer in town! Don't hesitate to come to this practice...it's such a friendly and welcoming place! Read Less

Dr. Garthe and the rest of the staff have treated us so well over the years. They have taken great care of our dogs and have always set us up with other great vets for care outside of their scope of work.Read Less

This place killed my dog!!! After changing his seizure medication per Dr. Farrington two weeks into the transition he started showing signs of abnormal behavior I called the vet office to get the Dr. advice. No call back! Four days later he entered the longest seizure hes ever had I took him to the ER they pumped Valium into him and hours later the seizures finally stopped after three days in the ER doctors that worked there contacted Shea Animal Hospital to speak with Dr. Farrington still they couldnt get a hold of him. I tried nursing my dog of 12 years back to health but it was clear he was gone and I had to make the tough decision to put him down. Dr. Farrington Im calling you out your negligence has taken my best friend away and you should be ashamed of yourself!!! Be warned Read Less

This place killed my dog!!! After changing his seizure medication per Dr. Farrington two weeks into the transition he started showing signs of abnormal behavior I called the vet office to get the Dr. advice. No call back!  Four days later he entered the longest seizure hes ever had I took him to the ER they pumped Valium into him and hours later the seizures finally stopped after three days in the ER doctors that worked there contacted Shea Animal Hospital to speak with Dr. Farrington still they couldnt get a hold of him.  I tried nursing my dog of 12 years back to health but it was clear he was gone and I had to make the tough decision to put him down.  Dr. Farrington Im calling you out your negligence has taken my best friend away and you should be ashamed of yourself!!!  Be warned Read Less

This place is awesome.  Very friendly staff, vet docs - everyone is super flexible, and accommodating.We've been taking our cats and a dog here over the last 3 years, highly recommend this pet clinic to everyone!!! Read Less

Great group of people who seem to genuinely want to help and not just get through all the appointments. They take care of both our dogs Bradock and Malea and we are very appreciative of all their help. Read Less

We had a sick cat and had to find a vet near our house. Shea Animal hospital was down the street so we decided to take him there. They were so nice and friendly and loved Atticus immediately. That was in November 2011. A couple days ago I noticed our cat having a hard time breathing so I called them. Dr. Organek treated him before and she called me back and also scheduled the appointment for me for the next day. Unfortunately we ended up having to put our sweet kitty to sleep but Dr. Organek spent almost 3 hours with us and talked to my husband on the phone and answered all of our questions. She was also very sympathetic. This was 4/5/12. On 4/7/12 we received a sympathy card from her. We are very happy with their services and would bring our pets to them again. Read Less

I write to express my personal opinion regarding this practice.  I have been taking my dogs there for approximately three years.  I no longer will take me pets there, as on at least two occasions they have taken my dog to the back to "check" a condition, and come back having "treated" the dog without ever stopping to ask if their idea of what to do was acceptable to me.  I do not feel as though I was given an opportunity to make an informed decision.  Further, on one occasion, I was told that my dog would not show any pain in a way that we (humans) could understand.  The doctor was trying to convince me that my dog was in pain, even though she ran through the yard and raced after a treat.  Finally, I feel as though when I asked a question about treatment, the doctors became defensive and took my question as a challenge to their opinion and/or knowledge. Read Less

Over 20 years, we have taken many pets to Shea Animal Hospital and only had the best of care for all of them. Dr. Sampson has been our primary vet and has been caring and honest in every situation. The front desk staff and all other staff have always been caring and considerate. Read Less

Dr. Constance Organek is amazing!  She took the time to help me understand how to care for my bird.  I've been to a lot Vets, but none were as patient, and knowledgeable as Dr. Organek.  As long as she is at Shea, they've got a very loyal customer. Read Less

About 15 years ago, when I lived in rural AZ, I spent a lot of time in hotels in PHX for work, and some friends in Scottsdale dogsat my dog Heike while  I was in town.  Turns out their neighbor was Dr. Rick Sampson of Shea Animal Hospital, and Heike loved him.  When I moved to PHX, I chose Dr. Sampson, seeing as how he and Heike already knew each other on a "social" basis.  After years of care, and Dr. Sampson helping us through her last days, I'm still a huge fan of Shea Animal Hospital and take my two dogs there regularly.  The staff is genuinely nice, and care about the animals and owners.  I wasn't the only one crying when Heike passed away.  They are very good about discussiong the pors and cons of various procedures (including cost versus benefit), why they are recommending certain actions, and the consequences of different alternatives.  Over the years I've recommended them to at least three other friends in the area, and all are now long-time satisfied clients.  Best of all - I trust them. Read Less