Rocky Shores Veterinary Hospital

I have to be extremely honest on this post because, being a dog owner for many years, I always want what is best for my animals. I was planning on switching both of my animals here, but will not be doing so after my initial appointment I had on Monday night. I called Monday morning and was able to get my long haired shepherd in that night, for what I thought may be a UTI or some kind of infection, plus his anxiety had seemed to have gotten worse. I was asked by one of the techs if my dog had urinated already, and I advised yes but that it would be no issue getting him to go again. Than during his exam, was told they were going to use a catheter for the urine sample. There was so much going on, between the 3 techs in the room and my dog being so anxious and trying to calm him down that I didn't even think to ask about cost. Low and behold, my visit ended up costing $467 , $200 of which was the catheter procedure, or excuse me, the testing of the urine, I was told I was not charged for the catheterization,which I find hard to believe as I know they would have to buy more product since one setup was used on my dog and no vet goes in their pocket to pay for products, it comes out of the bill somewhere. I was absolutely appalled and was not even able to get words out to have any wherewithal to address it with anyone, also due to the fact that my dog was so stressed and ready to leave I had no time to sit there and argue. So I went home, talked about it with my boyfriend and parents, all of whom agreed that the cost should have been addressed prior to the catheterization as it is not a normal procedure. I called yesterday to try and address my dissatisfaction with how this was handled, I was passed from reception, to a tech to the office manager. The office manager tried to push it back on me, that I should have addressed it that night, or should have asked for an estimate myself in the room, that is not normal for them to give an estimate for every patient. She also proceeded to say that due to my records I provided, they assumed I was aware of the costs of things and knew what to expect. I take extremely good care of both of my dogs, and have them on a regular vaccine/exam schedule, of course, but that DOES NOT MEAN I know the costs of a catheter, in my records I never had had a catheter done on either of my animals. I am extremely dissatisfied with how this all progressed and even though the catherization is the most "sterile" sample, I have NEVER been told by any of my vets that they were going to do that. Any vet I have ever been to would allow me to take him outside and do a free catch, which would have been completely doable. Completely and utterly dissatisfied with the whole experience and will not be coming back with either animal. Read Less