I would have given them a -1 star...Be warned! This place uses bait and switch! I was issued a $70. FREE voucher from the west valley shelter because I'm disabled, so I met their guidelines. This vouc... Read More
I would have given them a -1 star...Be warned! This place uses bait and switch! I was issued a $70. FREE voucher from the west valley shelter because I'm disabled, so I met their guidelines. This voucher clearly states it covers everything for neutering the dog. You want extras you pay for them.I called the Northridge Medical Animal Center formerly Noreda Medical Animal Center...( I wonder why the name change)because they were listed on the shelters approved places. When I called to make a appt. the receptionist, who really should be ashamed to work there, told me they only do one spay/neuter a week and they just happened to have a opening the next day. What! Clearly desperate to get me in there...She told me on the phone that because I had the voucher, it was absolutely free. No other charges.When I got there, she had me sign the paperwork, then she nonchalantly lets me know that they need to run a blood panel on him because if something happens they'll know what's wrong... The blood panel charge comes in different packages (the cheapest of three starts at $60.00). in the $60.00 "package" he gets his nails clipped. He's a puppy, not very long nails there, also he would need a e-collar and pain meds for during the surgery and pills to take home. When I asked her why none of this was disclosed during our conversation when I booked the appt. she got nervous and called the doctor over to deal with my questions. The "doctor". that smug sob, sat over the bar and said these are the things a responsible person would do, but hey it's up to you... Would they not help my dog if something went wrong during surgery if I didn't pay? I told him I had a voucher and that's why I was there with it, because I couldn't afford to pay for things that are extra and should be included anyway. He then tells me that, I should know how many people come to him with vouchers and they're driving Mercedes. So if I am disabled and on a fixed income, than I can't have a nice car? Isn't that considered profiling or discrimination? Hmmm...I called another vet that was on the list and that receptionist told me they don't run blood panels, its not normally common practice when getting neutered/spayed anywhere unless you ask for it.At the other vet you get the e-collar free and the pain meds are given at the time of surgery. No playing with the nails and other things unless YOU ask for it. The only thing I would be paying for is the take home pain meds, which is reasonable. This place is clearly not for the benefit of the animals. I will be writing the Dept. of Animal Services to let them know about their practices and hopefully they will no longer be listed as honoring the vouchers.Also a poor lady came in with two cats and she was told on their website that they honor reduced prices with the online coupon. After she got there, she was told she had to have a physical voucher. They didn't explain that to her on the phone either. I didn't see what it says on their website, but she was expecting to pay about $30.00 per cat and she was slapped with a $300 bill. Unfortunately I think she went ahead with the surgeries on her cats. She should if walked out like I did because that's how they get their money. I wouldn't trust these people with my beloved pets with that blatant money gobbling attitude.They don't have your pet as a priority, CLEARLY IT'S ALL ABOUT THE MONEY! Read Less