I would give this business less than 1 star if I were able to.I have been bringing my dog to this facility for 7 years. I am sure I have spent thousands of dollars there, between annual exams, heartw... Read More
I would give this business less than 1 star if I were able to.I have been bringing my dog to this facility for 7 years. I am sure I have spent thousands of dollars there, between annual exams, heartworm tests, heartworm medication, inoculations, nail trims, butt clipping, sick visits, medications, etc. Due to a family issue (Both my parents were diagnosed with Lung Cancer) I rehomed Lola with my friend and neighbor, who was thrilled to take her. Lola was a rescue dog that was not socialized (Per Dr. Knee) and I think she was abused, as she was always hand shy. She must have learned early on that if she snapped, people left her alone, and this is what she consistently did. She also bit - she has bitten me, her new owner and all of my family and friends. I didn't have the heart to euthanize her, as Dr. Knee said that I could not safely rehome her (My friend already knew Lola her issues when she adopted her).Last week, my neighbor told me that Lola had bitten her very badly a couple of weeks prior. There is a back story that affected Lola's recent, extreme behavior but it doesn't factor into what happened with New Baltimore Animal Hospital so I won't go into it. I called New Baltimore in the AM and got a price of $40.00 for the euthanasia with a communal cremation and $119.00 with a private cremation. I explained to the lady on the phone that both my neighbor and I were legally disabled, lived in rent subsidized housing and every penny counted to us. I asked her is she could speak to one of the managing partners and see if there was ANYTHING they could do for us on the price. I was not asking for half nor was I asking for free, but even $5.00 would have helped. She was adamant about those being the prices - she is a RECEPTIONIST, not the owner of the practice, WHO is she to make a decision about price?Dr. Perkins called back and was concerned about when the bite occurred, as there was a quarantine issue. He mentioned NOTHING about any help with the price. He had my head spinning about the quarantine that I forgot all about the initial reason he was supposed to be calling back for. I was not about to call him back and beg, as it was obvious that there was going to be no discount given. I called back later that afternoon to book the appointment and spoke to another receptionist. All of a sudden the price of the euthanasia went up to $150.00! Now there is a cost for the office visit Office visit? They are euthanasing the dog, why is an office visit required? There is a cost for the sedation and there is a cost for the "disposal" (Thank you for wording it so compassionately, that really made me feel all warm and fuzzy). I asked why there was such a difference in price and the Lady could not explain it. I understood this, she did not provide me with the price earlier in the day.All New Baltimore Animal Hospital is there for is the money. I used to manage a Veterinary Hospital and the Doctor would do anything for anyone if the animal needed something. Money never mattered to her. She would do this over and over. Her heart was in the right place, for the sake of the pet and their pain. My cousin graduated from Tufts University and specializes in felines. She has numerous degrees and awards and is a specialist in feline medicine. I could not imagine her turning anyone away because of money. In fact, I cannot imagine any reputable Veterinarian turn someone away because of money. These sedatives and the beuthanasia that actually ends the pet's life cost very little. If anyone there cared enough, they could have done the euthanasia just for the cost of the medications. But, don't get it twisted, they are there for the "love" of the animals.Part of the Veterinarians Oath is"Being admitted to the profession of veterinary medicine, I solemnly swear to use my scientific knowledge and skills for the benefit of society through the protection of animal health and welfare, the prevention and relief of animal suffering". Animal suffering. Lola was suffering psychologically (that's part of the back story - extreme separation anxiety along with always having severe anxiety issues). That day, I sat with my neighbor and Lola was continuously growling, my friend was terrified of her, terrified of being attacked again. I was a long time, loyal customer and I think New Baltimore Animal Hospital could have been done more for me in light of the situation. They were in a position to offer financial help, we weren't asking for free services. When you have 2 disabled people with a semi-emergency with a pet, you would think more could be done. New Baltimore Animal Hosp. is a disgrace. I hope they keep pumping out customers and making their money. I also hope that Dr. Perkins and any other Doctors that were involved in this matter/decision can look at themselves in the mirror. Read Less