Summit Chase Animal Hospital

So about a week and a half ago, we boarded Meah and Dakota with my mom so that we could go to PCB in peace. When we got back home, we realized that the girls had a slight cough. We pretty much just assumed it was Kennel Cough. So I called my regular Vet, and he recommended that we start giving them some cough syrup and see how they did. Well by Monday their cough had gotten pretty bad. In fact, yesterday afternoon when I got home from work and had them outside to potty, they were coughing so badly that the neighbors were in their own yards looking at me like I was crazy. So I figured that it was time for a trip to the Vet to get some real medicine.

I was pretty upset when I found out that my regular Vet was out of town for the next three weeks! But several friends had recommended Summit Chase Animal Hospital to me, so I figured I would give it a try. I called, and they were able to get me in at 5:20 today. Great, right? So I started asking all the right questions. Mainly, what are they getting done, and how much will I have to pay. Hey, I love my dogs, but they don't always fit in the budget. So let me relay my morning conversation with the receptionist:

BW: What are they having done, and how much does it cost?
Vet: Kennel Cough (aside) Mary, how much does Kennel Cough cost? $14
B: And what are they having done?
V: Kennel Cough.
B: And What does that entail? Exam? Lab? Test? What exactly is being done?
V: Something is being squirted in their nose.
B: No, I don't need the vaccine, they already had the vaccine.
V: Something is being squirted in their nose.

At this point, I thanked them for squeezing me in and got off the phone. By now I'm already a little annoyed. They didn't ask for very much information, and I wasn't very convinced that she knew what she was talking about, but they did squeeze me in, so I gave them the benefit of the doubt. Also, I remembered recently seeing a sign saying that they were looking for a new receptionist. So about 15 minutes later, I receive a call. Here is conversation # 2.

V: Did you just call Summit Chase Animal Hospital?
B: Yes. (thinking: duh...didn't you call the phone # I just gave you? Why didn't you at least
greet me or ask for "Mrs. Webb?")
V: Okay, I need to get some information from you.
B: Ok.
V: What is your name?
B: Brittany Webb (I just told you this!)
V: And your dogs names
B: Meah and Dakota
V: And breeds
B: MinPin Rat Terrier Mix and Mixed Breed (really, again?)
V: Okay, now we can get you scheduled.
B: Okay, thank you. (I thought we already did that)

I'm more than concerned by now, but I tell myself that it was just the new girl and she didn't know what she was doing, so someone had to go behind her. I did, by the way, call another vet, but they couldn't get them in so I had faith in my friends and stayed with Summit Chase Animal Hospital.

I took off work early, sped home to get the dogs, and went back out to get to Summit Chase Animal Hospital. When I walked in, the receptionists looked at me like I had no place there. I told her I had a 5:20 appointment for Meah and Dakota, and she told me that my appointment was for tomorrow. I politely informed her that she had told me today, or I would not have taken off work. Someone finally spoke up and said that I was right. One hurdle down. I went to sign in, and I was told not to (because apparently I didn't have an appointment, and God forbid my name be on the sign-in sheet). By this point Dakota had already pooped on the floor. I apologized and asked for something to clean it up with. They told me they would get it, and then left it there (in front of the door) for at least 10 minutes. In the meantime I filled out the paperwork as quickly as possible to respect their time. People came and went while I sat in the lobby. Finally they took me to the back. Thankfully, the Tech and the Vet were as nice as could be and the dogs seemed to enjoy the visit. But once it came time to check out, my terrible experience continued. The receptionist, who hasn't been one bit friendly since I walked in, informed me that I owed $163, and I nearly threw up on the floor. When I relayed the morning's conversation to her, she informed me that they had to have an exam, and that was $40. I again told her what I was told this morning, and she just pretty much looked at me like I was a moron. So what choice did I have but to pay...the services had been rendered, and they needed the medicines, which accounted for the other $80. Let me tell you, it took everything in me to not cry right there, just out of frustration. Needless to say, I will never return to Summit Chase Animal Hospital for any reason. It has been quite awhile since I have been made to feel so belittled and taken advantage of. I am absolutely furious at the lack of customer service, misinformation given by staff, and the general lack of concern for their clients.

Sorry for the rant, but I needed to vent. If you're still reading this, Bless You.