I was just referring this clinic to a friend of mine and thought I should really write a review because I pretty much talk about them like they are Gods. I haven't been to UC in probably 10 years, but... Read More
I was just referring this clinic to a friend of mine and thought I should really write a review because I pretty much talk about them like they are Gods. I haven't been to UC in probably 10 years, but the same doctors (Dr. Gates and Dr. Proctor) are still there and I can tell you, they are the best. I used to work in the animal rescue field so I have been to MANY clinics, seen MANY vets, and learned a lot about how to find a good one. For the 10 years I worked in animal rescue, felt like I lived at this clinic. I kept trying out other clinics closer to my house, but NEVER found a quality and integrity equal, so I kept going back to UC (even when I lived close to 50 miles away). I was probably there like once every two weeks. I owned ferrets first and that is how I found Dr. Gates. He is the local guru of ferret care - and most likely a national expert in the area as well. But I also trusted all my dogs and cats to them as well. Here is what I can tell you about the mark of a great vet:1) If the office staff and vet techs have been working there more than a couple years, it is great sign. Those jobs don't pay super well, and there are vet offices on every corner in SA, so the only reason to stick around is because you like where you work and are treated well. The office staff at UC are the BEST in the business, and have been there as for like 20+ years! 2) If the clinic is small and "well worn", you can bet that the owner cares more about animals than money. If the vet who opened the clinic cares more about money than animals, his/her clinic will be big and beautiful and always have shiny new stuff. The best vets in the business literally work out of "hole in the wall" places because they care about taking care of animals and being fair to their customers, not about making a profit. I have seen some of the reviews comment about this, so I wanted to make sure you all understand this is a PLUS, not a bad thing about a clinic. The vet I go to these days, because I literally live down the street (Castle West Animal Hospital, Dr. McGehee), has a clinic very much like UC, and I would consider him the 2nd best vet I have ever known.3) If the local non-profit animal rescue groups recommend and use this vet clinic, you can bet you are in good hands there. Rescue groups seek out and find the best vets, because they rely on them so much for high quality care (not diagnostic guessing and money gouging), they HAVE to have fair prices, and they need someone who really cares about the welfare of animals, as they will WANT to help out the rescue groups, and often (like UC) bend over backwards to do so. UC is the exclusive vet for the local ferret rescue (SAFE) and works with several other cat and dog rescues. I hope this helps you make a valid judgement on a quality vet, and if you are considering UC, look no further. Read Less