Central Maui Animal Clinic — Attraction in Maui

Horrible staff. Vet didn’t know what she was talking about. Almost everything she said was wrong. Literally, every diagnosis except one was wrong. But wait! The one correct diagnoses (a broken extremity) was never even addressed in this $1300+ visit! Additionally, they have the rudest, most callous vet assistant, young, skinny, fake eyelashes white girl with foreign accent, spits out prices with no explanations and then expects you to sign a bill that costs over $4000 without any logic or discourse. When I repeated and summarized her three options when I told her $4,000+ for a one day visit that did not include any surgery, just supervision overnight, she said my only options were to murder my pet, relinquish it to the clinic, or find someone to sign it over to and pay for it, all within two minutes of ever meeting this young 20 something year old girl who wouldn’t give her name or wear a name tag (she’s probably gotten a long list of complaints already). She never introduced herself or even shared a polite, basic social greeting, just shoved a paper in my face demanding money without explanation, and gave me a sickening, impractical ultimatum. This recent, post teenage girl argued with me when she was confronted, backpeddled with no remorse after she realizes what she said WILL get her in trouble and could get her fired or sued. We literally went back and forth of her saying “I didn’t say that,” to me saying, “yes you did.” To the company, I recommend hiring college graduates! (When I left with my pet the same teen gave me some medication. When I asked when to provide it, she said every three hours, I asked when I should start, she said tonight. I asked, no, what time. She said every three hours. I said, no, when did you provide it last? So I know when I should start administering it? She had the audacity to say, start it when your dog starts SCREAMInG. This lady is sick and ignorant. When I looked at the label later, it stated every EIGHT hours starting at 7. She didn’t even read the instructions herself and was giving me even MORE false information). Back on point, I had to ask for a separate, common sense option, which should be the legal protocol of the business, which is to have patients sign off what was done only out of strict medical necessity in an emergency situation, what the next steps are, and what the next financial options are. I suggested that I pay for what was done (which I did not even consent to, it was done behind my back without a choice), what obviously needed to be done (an X-ray), and the reading fee. From there, I can deem if any other services are required based on the condition of my pet. I was also charged the I know biohazard fee, which was never explained. I was distraught and signed off on what was done, but should have put up a fight, as with a previous pet, the same clinic performed procedures without my consent and I had to argue to get them removed. You cannot charge me for what I DID NOT consent to! Price gougers! Finally, said my dog’s broken extremity needed surgery. If it’s so serious it requires surgery, WHY DID YOU NOT PUT A SPLINT ON MY DOG?!!! I literally paid almost $1500 for a 1.5 hour visit and they let my dog leave with a broken body and no splint for an area that is appropriate, and desperate for one. To add insult to injury, they didn’t even tell me if my dog’s extremity could heal on its own with a point or required surgery. I didn’t find out it need led surgery until three days AFTER the appointment and accident. I CAN’T BELIEVE the GROSS MALPRACTICE, incompetence, and disgustingly unethical practices of this...

I am writing because I want the owner of this clinic to "wake up"! I don't want to be negative - that doesn't usually do much good anywhere; however, I MUST give honest feedback. I'll start by stating that every working person deserves to be paid, veterinary doctors included. They went to school, did the work, and do seem to care about animals most of the time. Central Maui Animal Clinic does not even blink at charging even regular clients the "emergency fee" even when they are open and have time to see you (available appointments). Although Maui being what it is - a tourist and wealthy persons paradise - as well as home to many non-rich working people trying to breathe in this economy, there are citizens that are even at poverty level, and they have animals too. There is a MUCH higher percentage of lower middle class and frankly "poor" people that are reaching out and helping stray animals (not sitting on their butts collecting welfare) than the people who can pay a vet bill without choking. So, you would think then, that a truly compassionate pet business would be sensitive or even HELPFUL to those animals. I can only surmise that no human at Central Maui animal clinic, or for that matter 99% of veterinary doctors in this county, REALLY actually care about the animals more than the blessed bucks they charge! We all know the bills have to be paid, but an "emergency fee to the tune of $120 (or more) just for walking in - when your'e already open? That is SOO incredibly disgusting (and shocking - and not defendable, it makes my skin crawl. This company is owned by a Dr Shae and her business partner, I've been told they are hardly ever here (which is certainly their prerogative) I imagine and hope she knows how difficult it is in this state/ community for struggling pet owners. When is it not urgent for a pet ("Um, let's see, it's 14th tuesday of the year, I think I'll just pop in to see the vet for a fun check up.... uh, not so much! Is it that they think all people who hope for/ ask for some (reasonable) consideration/help for their pet are really just lazy bums that don't want to work? Hmmm.... THAT would be gross. In addition to happily paying quite a bit- every penny I could, I offered to clean their office, home, cook...do something they needed or wanted - I am no bum. On a small income, taking care of 7 rescue kitties and 2 rescue pups is not easy (I suspect I am doing MY part).. You can guess the answer. Instead, tons of unnecessary meds (my dog was dead in 2 days after lots of suffering AFTER I brought him in asking for loving euthanasia, massive drug treatment was totally not indicated (but they make more money that way!!) I found out later from another vet (from the mainland). Who are these doctors that can't remember why they got into this "business" anyway? Or maybe that's...

My cat was dx'd with mid-stage renal failure, but rapidly progressed and crashed resulting in needing an emergency visit and overnight stay. Though the options were limited, Dr. Nunan took so much time and patience to carefully review all the options on the table. We ended up trying to prolong her life, and it worked for now. She is still with me today, 6 weeks later. I consider them miracle workers. I was so worried my cat was going to die in the hospital overnight and they were wonderful about staying in touch and letting me call overnight to check in on her. They also went over DNR information and asked if I wanted her to be resuscitated in such an event so I could come to say goodbye. Everyone- the vets, techs, and front desk staff, were nothing but compassionate and patient. They sent her home with clear discharge instructions and teaching instructions for me for administration of fluids. She someday won't survive her renal failure, but knowing that we're doing all we can and giving her quality until then is an invaluable gift. We continue to monitor her with the staff and make decisions based on QOL. It feels like a team effort and I don't feel alone in making these tough end of life decisions. Though there is a price on the vet bills, it's actually hard to say what something like that is worth when your pet is family.

Then my dog needed a teeth cleaning (Dr. Gehring did this) and that turned into a much more involved procedure than any of us anticipated. They communicated so well the whole time, Dr. Gehring was excellent, too. They took the time to listen to my concerns about his airway pre-anesthesia, and post extubation, reassured me they'd keep a watchful eye on his breathing post operatively. They called me when they examined him, again after X-Rays, and when he was in PACU level care and then ready for discharge. They gave me clear post discharge instructions and the tech spent about 5 minutes answering questions outside the clinic. Also provided me with print outs of the X-Rays and then emailed me photos of teeth they were able to save that I need to focus on for brushing when his mouth heals.

Great care by great staff who clearly love...