I used to use TLC as my primary vet, about 10 years ago. They had a great doctor and several others who were ok, and even though their prices are high, I liked the care that my dogs received. I stop... Read More
I used to use TLC as my primary vet, about 10 years ago. They had a great doctor and several others who were ok, and even though their prices are high, I liked the care that my dogs received. I stopped going there when my favorite doctor left the practice, since I didn't want to pay their prices to see their other vets.Fast forward to May 23. My 12 year old greyhound and I were going to head out for a walk when I got home from work. As I was changing clothes she suddenly appeared in my room, unable to walk, barely able to stand, and in obvious distress. I got on the phone to check for availability of vet care, starting with my regular vet and moving down the list of local practices, but all were closed for the evening. I then called TLC to notify them I was bringing her in, that she was critical, and they were ready and waiting when I arrived.They brought a gurney and rushed her into the back. After their initial assessment I was informed by the female vet on duty that the cause of her distress was not immediately obvious, but that at this point she was unable to stand and was in serious condition. She offered me three possible diagnoses based on the symptoms, and frankly none of them sounded like they would have a simple or good outcome. She recommended keeping my dog overnight for observation and testing, with an estimated cost of nearly $2000. I told her I could not afford this, at which point she offered a reduced plan of treatment that brought the estimate down to around $1500. Still more than my husband and I could afford. Based on the high cost of diagnosis, the likelihood that the treatment options of the various possibilities were long-term and probably costly, I had to make the difficult decision to euthanize my girl, knowing that she was suffering and that even with costly testing and treatment, she might not recover. I informed the vet of our decision and she agreed to perform the euthanasia.During each step of the process, I was left sitting in a silent exam room, waiting for the front office staff to prepare the estimate forms and come to explain them to me. I understand the need for discussing costs before treatment (especially at a practice like TLC) but the wait at each stage was excruciating, knowing that my dog was suffering in the back room, scared in a strange place while she suffered.Up until this point, I was understanding of the delays and the office practices. But when I made the decision and authorized the euthanasia, my experience quickly went downhill. They brought my dog back into the room to be with me. At that point I observed that she was partially paralyzed on one side (her legs were stiff), her gaze was fixed and she barely responded to me. I knew, as hard as it was, that I was making the right choice to end her suffering. What I couldn't believe, and still can't, is that the front office assistant came in to inform me of the cost of the euthanasia, and insisted on PAYMENT IN FULL BEFORE THE PROCEDURE WOULD BE PERFORMED. I told them I had $100 cash on me, and I could pay the balance the next day (in my rush to get my girl there I had left my wallet at home - I only had my drivers license on me). THEY WOULD NOT PERFORM THE EUTHANASIA UNTIL AFTER I PROVIDED PAYMENT IN FULL. So I had to call my husband, who was at work, and get his credit card number from him. At that point they gave me time to spend with my girl, telling her goodbye. After I informed them I was ready for them to proceed, I had to wait in the room for what seemed an eternity before the doctor came to administer the drugs.Their front office staff was understanding and professional throughout the process. The doctor was professional, but not warm or caring, and certainly expressed no sign of emotion during our exchanges. I realize that euthanasia is an awful thing for any doctor to perform, but I would appreciate a little effort at warmth at the very least.But the reason for the one-star review is that "pay before service" requirement. I was insulted. My dog was suffering. I had offered a 50% down payment in cash. Their insistence on payment in full added an extra layer of stress and conflict to what was already a shockingly painful experience.In addition, I called the office later that week when I had cooled down, to speak with the office manager. I was told she was not available but the woman who took my call was understanding and sympathetic, agreed with me that it was not right that payment had been demanded prior to the procedure, and told me she would inform the manager.Later that week I got a syrupy, insincere sympathy card signed by all the staff (they probably keep a stack of these ready to go). I can't imagine there was any understanding on the part of those who signed that card of the sheer agony I experienced that evening.I never got any response from TLC management.All this over $200. Professional, or callous and insulting? You decide. Read Less