Helena Veterinary Clinic — Local services in Helena

There are days that I truly feel like there is no hope for humanity. This morning was one of those times. All four babies had vet appointments; Drew had to leave at 3am for Atlanta and Ava of course school. So…. This was the first time I was completely on my own since surgery. I got them all loaded in the car, THREE trips on the stairs (Souvie is the only one who can walk stairs, I had to carry Coco, Zoey, and Sir one at a time.) I pull out of the garage at 8:35, the latest for drop off is 8:30, but it’s literally 5mins away.. It will be okay.. As I’m being my own biggest hype girl, cheering how great I’m managing all this!! Well, that’s what I thought. I was wrong!! I walked in with Souvie first, again, one at a time…. The woman at the desk asked how she could help me. I said, “We have an appointment. I have three more in the car, but this is my first time out alone since back surgery and you can see I’m moving slow.” And I laughed at myself because I know I look like Tim Conway playing the old man on The Carol Burnett Show. She replied, “I’m sorry, I will have to reschedule you. Our drop off hour is 7-8.” I stood there with a stupid look on face, I was shocked! First, their email says 8:30, not 8…. And secondly, Omgosh I’m visibly struggling, you can’t help someone out?!?! As I walked out, she said, “Do you not want to reschedule?” Uuummm NO!! You obviously have zero compassion; I don’t want to leave my most precious babies with you!!!! So incredibly disappointed and deflated. Helena Veterinary Clinic

Update/more information:

I am one who lives for schedules, structure, and organization! I DID plan ahead and started my day WAY early to be on time. However, there is no ‘guide book’ on how a new back surgery will inhibit you and obviously it did so more than I expected. After the first 2 trips down and up stairs, I had to pause and regroup my strength and convenience myself the pain wasn’t as bad as it was feeling. Trust me, it was as bad as it was feeling! I couldn’t take my prescribes Rx pain medication because I had to drive. At no point did I think I’m entitled to special treatment. As pointed out by someone, I was already late when I left my house. I acknowledged my blame, I was honest and clear that I knew I was 10 mins late, (as for the 15 mins early paperwork work, I had everything printed and ready to leave with them, no need for me to stay). My post is about the lack of compassion and understanding. One detail I failed to mention, they knew I had surgery ahead of time and the only reason I had grooming added to their annual, is because I physically can not do until I’m healed. So, there...

The worst experience ever! We originally had a vet for our dog that is very lovely in the city. However, we wanted to get a vet that was closer to our home. I called Helena Ver Clinic to make a new client appointment. The receptionist gather all the information to complete our dogs paperwork in advance on the phone. We arrive about 10 minutes late. There was another customer in front of me. She was done until about 10 minutes later. I get to the receptionist but it wasn’t the lady that booked our appointment. She tells me I need to fill out the paperwork. I looked at the paperwork and i told the receptionist that I have already previously given this information on the phone about 3 days ago. She tells me that I will have to do it again. I was frustrated. However, I tried to start writing it back over. The receptionists went to the back. When she came back she told me they have a 10 minute grace period. I was late and I will have to reschedule. I told her this is unfair to me as a new client because when I called the receptionist she didn’t mention it and I see nothing in your office with that policy written. In addition , I’m sure I missed the grace period because there was someone in front of me. The receptionist said the person that helped me to set up the appointment was new and she herself is just finding out about the 10 minute policy. My poor dog was so nervous that he pooped in the lobby. A behavior my dog has never had until we went into this clinic. I took my papers and told them you all treat your clients awful. My dog was only coming for a flu vaccine. I left and call Our dogs vet in the city and told them the situation and could we please bring our dog back. They told us sure come back, and that is exactly what we did. We don’t care how far it is from our home. Our dog is a part of our family and Helena vet Clinic need better communication and receptionist that know what they are doing. Don’t take your pet to Helena Vet Clinic ....

We changed vets after over 25 years and came to Helena Vet. The office manager helped me with getting out 3 dogs records from our previous vet and arranged our pets visits. During the vet visit the Doctor was on the phone with me the entire time (during COVID) - explained everything including the cost for each test and medication. She answered all of my questions honestly and was great to explain everything. My dog suffers from allergies and previously we were not taken very seriously and told to give large doses of Benadryl even though I explained that does not work for her anymore- it never really did. The most vital part was that she helped me with a treatment plan for my dog. At the end of the visit #1 I was not surprised by the bill- she discussed all that with me as we spoke and #2 I knew the all of the next steps. That was a big deal because where we were before I never had a treatment plan and basically we started over every time we came in. The next day Lucy’s skin was not red, hot, and irritated, she wasn’t chewing on her paws and shaking her head, she wasn’t panting and stressing her and everyone around her out. she was relaxed and calm, and sleeping so peacefully- that hasn’t happened in 8 years for her. The doctor even called me back to go over all of her blood work results. I have never been more impressed with a veterinarian clinic. I am actually a little embarrassed that I continued taking my dogs to the previous vet all these years- had I known the level of service that we were missing and the expertise these doctors offer in comparison to what we had grown accustomed to, I would have moved them many years ago. I look forward to many years of quality care...