I honestly wish I did not have to write this review.I brought my animals to Turquoise Animal Hospital for 8-9 years; that includes 2 dogs and 1 cat. About 8 years in, I had to move from the local PB ... Read More
I honestly wish I did not have to write this review.I brought my animals to Turquoise Animal Hospital for 8-9 years; that includes 2 dogs and 1 cat. About 8 years in, I had to move from the local PB area to North County (divorce), but I wanted to maintain our relationship given our history with some of the Doctors. This was increasingly difficult, because I work during the hours the hospital is open, and I am a 50% time "all in" single dad the rest of my waking hours. I can only make it to the hospital every other Saturday. Well, I needed medication for my cat, because she takes a daily thyroid pill. I ran out...and I needed a refill ahead of testing - it would be 10 days before I could bring my cat into the hospital. The hospital would not give me an immediate refill; I could have taken an extended lunch hour and picked it up. I offered to schedule the appointment at my earliest availability (10 days out, with a 10-14 day limit on refill). So, now...my cat is off the medication until I can find another provider. I have seen in some other reviews the lack of attention from the Doctor staff, and I feel like this impacted my situation greatly. Towards the end of our relationship, our favorite doctor, Dr. G, was almost never available. Also, Turquoise could/would not recommend a doctor in my area and would not help with the transition to a new doctor (other than email of record). This profession requires some regular community interaction - I would think that the Doctors within the county do actually know each other. The final nail in the coffin: not one doctor from the office would take the time to hear my situation and then come to an agreed treatment plan/path for the short term situation (of the next 10 days). I called 3-4 times over the course of two days to work something out. I never once got past the receptionist; the practice just exchanges chart notes between front desk and doctor. Wow - just repeating that back to myself speaks volumes in my mind.I always paid in full each visit, always ran the extra tests, did my best to keep up with routine scheduling and maintenance. My dogs/cat are always up-to-date on shots, flea treated, etc...The cost of treatment at this hospital feels like it is higher than most places. They also run every additional cost when they can. I am OK with this, as long as I am given flexibility/credibility within the relationship we are building. Without it, I feel like I am just getting used. This review could have easily been a 5 star review had the hospital done more for the immediate health of my pet and worked within my schedule constraints. Check my Yelp rep, I generally only give praise. Also, I have worked at a Veterinary Hospital before. The job is less about hard-edge medical methodology and more about helping people through some of the most pleasing and/or some of the hardest moments in their life. While the health of the animals is important, the pet owners are the ones really being treated. They should come first in the process and caring for them as such will take the practice much further (people before "medicine").Avoid Turquoise at all costs - the Doctor staff will not value your effort and has lost its purpose. Read Less