I have mixed feelings about this place. There are some big pluses and big minuses, which is why I'm at 3 stars, right in the middle.
Pluses:
They do provide very good care and are well staffed with n... Read More
I have mixed feelings about this place. There are some big pluses and big minuses, which is why I'm at 3 stars, right in the middle.
Pluses:
They do provide very good care and are well staffed with nice people. I have a mini dachshund who I've been bringing here for about a year and a half. He's super low maintenance, but has had a few moments when he's needed big procedures ("big" meaning costly) or emergency visits and he's always been treated well and had his issues taken care of. A couple of those were false alarms, but I'm not a vet, and couldn't have known unless I took him in. He also had a full teeth cleaning and they did a great job.
Minuses:
EXPENSIVE!! Anyone who tells you this place is reasonably priced is full of it. Not to mention they nickel and dime you on everything and will ALWAYS up-sell you or include extras that sound like requirements. It's unfortunate because they operate like a profitable business, not a hospital. Granted, they are good at what they do, but they certainly don't try to make it easy for you. It's very frustrating to me because it taints every experience. I hate that I have to be skeptical of every little procedure and medication and try to figure out if my dog actually needs it, or if it's extra. Most of the time I begrudgingly agree to whatever and take the hit, but others I sound like the untrusting parent, which makes me feel like a dick when they're the ones forcing me into that position.
Also, because they operate like a business, the vets/staff can often be a little impersonal and I sometimes question their diagnosis/treatment process. It doesn't really feel like they are trying... certainly not negligent, just kinda like they have a general list for certain symptoms and its easier to just do all of them because then they don't really have to think too hard about it and, hey, more treatment means more money! Don't get me wrong, I'm not against paying for quality care, but there's a better way to do it. I used to go to Presidio Way when I lived in San Francisco. They were expensive too, but their vets were super personable, very caring, and awesome. They always remembered me and gave it to me straight. They would give me options and talk me through everything so I didn't have to guess, and they didn't nickel and dime me. I felt like a patient, not walking wallet. It instilled confidence and trust, not skepticism.
Conclusion:
It's like owning a BMW without a warranty... the dealership will always charge you an arm and a leg for everything whether you need it or not, but your car will always run great when they're done. I look at as a necessary evil. I care about my dog, so I put up with it, and I'll continue to do so until something better comes along (which I hope is soon!).Read Less