Advanced Veterinary Hospital

My husband witnessed someone hit a stray cat by a car on his way home from work. He picked up the cat and called me panicked on what to do and asked where the closest vet was. With his location, this vet was the closest available to give the cat the best chance at life even though he told me he was pretty sure the pet had passed away. I called the hospital around 4:30 today to give them a heads up that my husband would be coming so they would be prepared for a potential critical case and could scan for a microchip. The receptionist that answered seemed confused and annoyed by my call with a response "....okay...?" as I explained the situation. Judging by her lack of empathy (there was no "oh, I'm so sorry!"), I asked if this was okay. She told me with a questionable tone that it would be fine, but they had to have someone responsible for finances. I again explained that it was a stray cat and we were pretty sure that this cat had already passed away. I told her I worked in the veterinary field for 7 years and had NEVER turned away a critical stray pet due to finances. She explained that they could check for a microchip, but any exam done (even to establish if pet was alive) would need to have proper form of payment. I asked her if I just take the pet elsewhere or what do I do with this cat this is dead or almost dead? She told me that I should take it elsewhere. I was and am still SHOCKED by the lack of effort this hospital provides to stray critical pets! It makes me wonder what would happen if my dog or cat were patient's of theirs and had escaped from the house and were picked up by someone after being hit by a car? Would they refuse payment on a well-established client that was critical? I understand needing payment for services up front, but don't understand how this practice gets approved payment arrangements from anyone when time is of the essence? They should be advocates for animals and treat them with the utmost priority and respect. I'd have no problem paying for my own pets, but I'm not about to fork out over $1000+ on a stray pet. It also makes me question what would have been done if I didn't call in advanced. The website states that they are equipped to handle emergency cases, but this situation proves to be different. As someone that has had many years working in a private veterinary practice I hated when people would say that veterinarians are just in it for the money. However, I truly believe this to be accurate for this animal hospital. I am still shocked that this receptionist told me to go elsewhere with a critical stray animal! We took this sweet baby a few minutes south to Tarpon Animal Hospital where they quickly evaluated the situation and realized this baby was DOA. They thanked my husband for being a good-Samaritan and told him they would take care of the cremation. I truly hope this hospital re-evaluates what to do in critical cases whether they be for current patients or strays. It makes me concerned what their action would be if they saw a dog or cat get hit by a car right in front of their building. Would they try to save it not knowing if they would get paid or would they leave it there to die? The motive to this practice is questionable. I truly hope that this was a miscommunication with the receptionist and not the way these doctors run their practice. Even so, this receptionist needs to work on her phone etiquette and at least PRETEND to care that an animal just got hit by a car! Read Less

Dr. Kern was amazing with my daughter's dog. When he first came in with a corneal abrasion we thought he might lose his eye or have to have extensive surgery but Dr. Kern was very knowledgeable and patient with him even when he want the most cooperative and nor only did he not lose his vision he made a full recovery and it doesn't even look like he ever had a problem. Read Less

Emergency situation called and was advised they can help only if we front $1000 and if not then go online and apply for their credit card and then they can help. Never would I go here would be the same as showing up at ER and being told hold let me verify with your insurance and see if they will authorize this for you, go ahead have a seat and we will get back with you. Read Less

The staff is very caring to the animals and was good with me as well. I've been going there for almost 20 years and when the original vet retired I wasn't very happy with their service. It looks like they're finally getting it. Read Less

we were there yesterday to put down the family dog, she was almost 16 years old. We had a very hard time but the staff was wonderful, they gave us time with her while she was still alive and left us alone for a bit after she passed they are very sweet and compassionate. Thank you so very much for giving us the time we needed to say our good byes to our beautiful CeCe girl. Read Less

I will not say anything negative on the Drs or Techs at this location as my family had previously used them for years without issue, however in recent years I have found reception etiquette quite lacking on the two occasions I have interacted with the front desk. Read Less

For 10+ years we took our cats and dogs to Dr. Kern. We received excellent service from her. Last week we brought in our cat for a dental exam, she was examined by the male Dr. Our cat was going to have the lab work done for dental surgery but we decided to wait for now as the cost was $1000-1300. I paid the bill $46.98 and left. Later that day I finally looked at the bill and saw there was a $4.98 disposal fee. I called the office and was told every office visit is charged this for disposal of things the doctor uses during his exam. The only thing that was disposed of was an alcohol pad used to clean the thermometer. The secretary (Lauren) was very snarky, I told her that this appeared to be a mistake of the charge since lab work was not drawn and she didn't care that we were long time customers, that her attitude would send us to a new vet. I'll bet Dr. KERN would disapprove of this treatment of the secretary.Read Less

Well where to start...I took my dog in and she was spotting blood...put her on one med for UTI well at end of a week still spotting ...took her back put her on a stronger med...no results in another week...called...got no return call back from Doc detair...went there on Friday took her to curlew animal hospital...what a great man he is...she in 3 days doing better call me 2 times monday..last call at 6...this is a vet that cares...I'll never go back to advance vet... Read Less

Siberian Husky Rescue of Florida definitely remembers Dr. Kern from her days at a St. Pete practice. She saved one of the rescue's sweetheart dogs named Kanda after complications from a spay. Kanda is recently deceased, but her adopter, Angela, had over 8 wonderful years with her 'magic' girl, and we knew you, Dr. Kern, would be pleased and proud since you were a part of the magic. Read Less

By far the best vet I have been to. I have a pitbull, the biggest sweetheart but he does bark when he's scared. They were awesome with him! He has been a little discriminated against because of his breed.. (The last vet I went to put him under anesthesia because of his bark..) but they treated him like he was one of their own! Our vet was even able to calm him down although he was very nervous. They actually care about your pet as an individual at this vet. I highly recommend the Advanced Vetrinary Hospital in Holiday to any one! Still amazed by the professionalism and actual care for your beloved pet. You could not pick a better place to go! Read Less

My Neighbors dog was so ill I needed to do somethig, So i found your office The Dog had Cancer and we had to put him to sleep. The staff there was So Amazing They gave me a price and the dog was 15 pounds over the weight and they did not charge any extra I would 100% take my animals there Great People and they Will Not rip you off. Thank you So So much Al Read Less

Shortly after moving to FL, 2 of my 3 pomeranians were attacked by pit bulls. The care that Dr. Kern & her team extended to them was nothing short of wonderful. She took her time thoroughly examining the wounds and was so empathetic to what we were all going through. She is a champion of her profession with a heart of gold. I am so thankful we found her! She and her team are now part of our "family" :-) Read Less