We first used Timberline when it was owned by Dr Singleton about 6 yrs ago. There is one thing that makes Timberline different than the other veterinarians we tried. The new owners, husband-and-wife t... Read More
We first used Timberline when it was owned by Dr Singleton about 6 yrs ago. There is one thing that makes Timberline different than the other veterinarians we tried. The new owners, husband-and-wife team of Dr Hill and Dr Hill (I know; makes it easy though!) took over and continued this unique quality although I have no idea how new owners can accomplish this. I hope I can relay this difference in a way that is understandable and appreciated and it's worth your time to read this long review. Here it is:
The vets at Timberline are easy, friendly, capable, and act like what you imagine long-time country doctors act like. What I mean by this, and how this translates to being a quality that you will appreciate, is that you don't get the uneasy feeling you have to protect your wallet when dealing with them.
Unlike other, well-rated, well-meaning vet offices along Harwood Rd that we tried previously, we were impressed that Timberline doesn't seem to be in it for the money. I'm not saying they're free - although they have provided free eval and advice. Here's exactly what I mean:
Before we used Timberline, we used 3 other vets along Harwood Rd (mid-cities). We waited 1 hr 15 min past our appt time at the first one before walking out. I have done the same at a potential new medical dr for myself; why would I accept this unprofessionalism at a vet? We declined a pricy $600 immunization plan at a second. We completed a $325 immunization treatment plan at a third ... with many references to how we should keep returning for similar services in the near future.
At all 3, we felt the offices might be professional - of course, there is nothing wrong with being paid and making a living - but underneath, it always feels like the main motivation is revenue. It's okay but frankly, I like my auto mechanic to be honest about the services and repairs to my car and, if he shows he's looking out for me financially, then I don't have to worry about his motivation. I try to find the same quality in my appliance repair guy and yes, my vet.
The first time we used Timberline, Dr Singleton examined Mattie while we waited and after 10 min, told us there was nothing to worry about; she's fine. Our charge? Nothing. Told us to come back when we needed something done. I remember thinking, Maybe this isn't a regular veterinarian clinic. It's got the name hospital in it. Maybe it's for vets to refer to for serious operations. Or else, why would it be free?
Tw o yrs ago, we called on the phone: grandma (with altztimers/dementia) fed Mattie some grapes which can kill a dog we read online. Online advice was to get her into a vet. The Timberline vet asked a few questions about quantity and symptoms over the phone and told us not to worry. Over the phone! Again, no charge.
Went in today over Mattie throwing up and not eating. They didn't have any openings for appts but told us to drop her off and they would look at her in between appts. Result? Mattie is most likely fine. There are two options: 1. Give her a shot for nausea, feed her a special easily-digested food and wait a da yto see how she responds. Or 2. They can run blood tests and xrays if we knew our dog well enough to know there is something more to it or if it would make us feel better. Option 1 - $112, option 2 - $293. We chose option 1 because it made sense in our case. Dr Hill told us that was a perfectly reasonable decision and we felt good about it. He could have suggested option 2 "to be safe" but he didn't.
With this attitude to do the right thing, I imagine these two dr's are not going to live in mansions and become multimillionaires. But then again, if the way they treat customers by being honest and putting them first appeals to a lot of people in DFW, maybe they will!
My kind of business. I recommend. Read Less