I have been taking my pets there for over 4 years. I have 2 dogs now, but I used to have 3. Between Annual Visits, Dental Visits, Emergencies, Vaccinations and Medication/flea/wormer, I spend about ... Read More
I have been taking my pets there for over 4 years. I have 2 dogs now, but I used to have 3. Between Annual Visits, Dental Visits, Emergencies, Vaccinations and Medication/flea/wormer, I spend about $4,000/year at Columbia Pike Animal hospital and I have to say, things have gone way down hill over the years.This was my "last straw". Yesterday, one of my dogs started acting as if he was in pain. He yelped when I picked him up and he refused to jump up on the bed or go up/down the stairs. He's 11 years old and has been in pretty good health, but this was definitely something new.Yesterday (Sunday afternoon) I called at 4:30 to make an appointment and as I was making an appointment for Monday (after work 7:20) the receptionist said "There is no additional charge for coming in as an Emergency, but it's best if you let us know when you're coming in", to which I replied "I'm on my way now".Coming from Alexandria, I got there at 5:00 and was told by the receptionist who spoke to me on the phone, that they have had an emergency come in, so there would be a 20 - 30 minute wait.After about 25 minutes, a technician came out and asked about my dog, and informed me that I could be waiting for hours because they have had a few emergencies come in. I asked her if they could prescribe 1 dose of pain killer to hold him overnight and I would come back on Monday. She said she would talk to the doctor, and they might need a weight. I informed her that he was just there 2 weeks ago for his annual physical and probably still weighed 11 lbs. She went back to the doctor and didn't come right out.I made an appointment for Monday at 7:20 and sat with my pet to wait for the tech (Vicky) to come out with a pill (or not).I waited more than an hour and she never came back out. All the emergencies had been taking back, including some that weren't very serious and weren't regular customers. I know because they triage all the emergencies in the waiting room. No HIPAA for dogs.After 90 minutes, I went up to the receptionist who had made my appointment for the next day, and had stared at me sitting alone in the waiting room for almost 2 hours alone. I asked her when the tech would come out with the pill. She rang back for the tech, who came out and said "Nobody came out to tell you?? Sorry, we can't do that". I showed up at 5:00 and left at 7:00. With driving, that was a waste of 3 hours.1) The ER was notified of our arrival at 5:00, but kept putting us to the back of the line.2) The technician forgot to come out and tell me that there was no use in waiting, she could't give my pet a pill.3) The receptionist knew I had made another appointment and was waiting for the Tech, but did nothing but stare at me for 2 hours. She cold have said "you are free to go" or "can I help you, who are you waiting for". 4) When I complained, I was promised that their manager, Kelly, would give me a call on Monday. I have not received a call. The Vet Tech, Receptionist and the Manager have all dropped the ball on a very good customer.I really have no reason to continue with Columbia Pike Animal Hospital. Read Less