I have never written a review for anything in my life, but today's experience with Sierra Animal Hospital has left me not only hurt but disgusted that this is the way a business operates. I have two ... Read More
I have never written a review for anything in my life, but today's experience with Sierra Animal Hospital has left me not only hurt but disgusted that this is the way a business operates. I have two dogs, both boxers named Rocky and Adrienne. My dogs have been an integral part of my family for several reasons which are not the subject; but the point is I would do anything necessary for their well being. My dog Rocky is one whom demands care at the highest level. He has been unfortunate to have very active allergies that have taken a lot of participation from our former veterinarian, Dr. Sierra, and a lot of money from us. In the two years and seven months we have had Rocky, we have spent close to $10,000 on his care between Dr. Sierra and another veterinarian in North Carolina. The point is we have paid in full to Dr. Sierra a great amount of money and have been loyal enough as customers to even refer friends to her practice. We have always paid for the care rendered to Rocky at the time of service until our request to them today that was denied.On December 13, 2012, my wife took Rocky into Dr. Sierra’s practice because of an illness. We were given an initial estimate of $345 for X-Rays and blood work. We were more than willing to pay the $345; however, due to unfortunate timing of everything (my wife is due on December 14th, just opened a new business and remodeling a house) we could only provide half today and promised the other half tomorrow (December 14th). One would assume that after many years of faithful patronage to this business they might realize that the care Rocky was in need of was of more importance than $170, but they would not provide the care to him without full payment.It absolutely disgusts me that a business established with the objective of caring for animals would act this way to an established patient that they have a positive history with. We have never requested to make payments retroactively before, nor have we ever failed to pay what was asked of us. After years of business, for a veterinarian to take our money and then treat us like this over $170 that they were sure to receive just 24 hours later is appalling. It is clear to me today that while Dr. Sierra may have the qualifications to be a veterinarian and may provide great care, her ambition lies more with turning a profit than it does with actually providing care for the members of our family that we care for the way we do.I am a small business owner and I understand there are situations where policy must be in place for my own protection; however, I am also a person and the purpose of my business is to have a meaningful impact on the people who share the community with me. Of course in all business the objective is to make money, but when that becomes the only objective then you remove yourself from the progressive desire communities share.If you love your animals and they are sick, you will do everything you can to make them better. But there are plenty of choices when it comes to veterinarians in the area and I strongly suggest that when you choose who will care for your pet, you select someone that will put their heart into it not someone who disrespects the relationship that you both work to establish. I found a veterinarian that would work with me only a few miles from Sierra Animal Hospital, and I would make the suggestion everyone do the same. Read Less