Stanton Pet Hospital — Local services in Stanton

On Wednesday morning, March 4th, my dog Lola was scheduled to get spay surgery. That afternoon, I called and asked the receptionist Michelle what time I should pick up my dog. She stated we should have been notified that Lola would be staying overnight as standard procedure and I immediately felt uneasy about this. I asked if there would be someone there with the dogs and she reassured me that there would be a vet staying overnight with the dogs who had surgery. I still felt uneasy but as long as someone was there with her, I was fine knowing we would pick her up the following day. The following day, my fiance picked Lola up around 5 pm. They couldn't find our paperwork and took over 45 minutes to simply release Lola to him. There was no communication on what to look out for, proper aftercare procedures, or any update on how she progressed overnight. He was just told to bring her back in 14 days. Within 15 minutes of getting released and coming home, she couldn't stop crying with every movement that she made. That was when I noticed her sutures didn't look right. It looks as if she had holes and gaps from the hokey suturing technique. I tried calling Staton Pet Hospital several times but no one answered even though they claim to have a vet on-site overnight. Thankfully, I reached out to another clinic that was open and sent them photos of her sutures for the doctor to look at for a second opinion.

As soon as the new vet saw the photos, they called me to bring her in immediately. The new vet told us if we had left it untreated and didn't bring her in, Lola would have gotten an infection and that she was surprised the original vet didn't send us home with any antibiotics or medication for Lola. The vet also mentioned she could see what the original vet tried to do with closing up the incision but they did it horribly wrong. We were sent home with topical medication and antibiotics for Lola to prevent the risk of infection. The next day on Friday, I went back to Stanton Pet Hospital to talk to them and show them how Lola left their clinic. Per my conversation with Michelle, I voiced my concerns for Lola. I mentioned that her incision was not straight and badly sewn shut, how she was in extreme pain, and how she was not able to walk. Michelle's response was that her wound may have gotten worse at home but I reassured her that it was impossible since the 15-minute window from the clinic to home with her cone on and being carried back to the house could not cause this degree of damage. Michelle then mentioned she could have an allergic reaction but it's highly unlikely since it's blatantly obvious that her cut and stitching are extremely awful. The second vet was able to quickly recognize their lack of skill with just the photos and did not mention seeing any signs of an allergic reaction. Michelle then mentioned that they couldn't do anything unless they saw Lola themselves, despite our numerous efforts to reach them that night. Honestly, they should have checked her prior to her leaving their sight. What professional business who tailors to the well being of animals doesn't perform a thorough follow up after such an invasive surgery? We decided to no longer bring Lola to their vet since we don't feel she is safe or cared properly in their hands. We sent them an email Friday night mentioning that we will never come back to them or trust them with any of our dogs. For all the trouble they caused, we asked them to refund us for the bill we had to take on. Their response stated: "With concern for Lola, and going thru the paperwork you gave us, If this is truly an infection, she should be put on oral antibiotics. The Ointment that the Emergency Clinic gave you has a steroid in it which should not be used if there is an infection present and can inhibit healing of the incision. Sincerely, Pam" No remorse, no apology, no ownership. Even if they wouldn't refund us for our troubles, they didn't even bother to apologize. Also, I truly don't believe they have a night attendant. Never bring...

If you love your pet then please do not ever take them here. They were all rude, long wait time, unorganized and treated my dog horribly. They claimed he was "aggressive," however, I've taken him to other vets who have all said he is great and just need time and patience. To top it off, they constantly wanted my dog on sedatives anytime he was going to go to their office. They rescheduled my dogs appt multiple times, once while I was waiting in the parking lot! There is a huge disconnect with the vet and her staff. They were saying one thing and the vet told us another. The final straw was when the office assured me that my dog was going to be seen at 9:30 am. I took him exactly at that time and they didn't even see him until almost 12pm. Don't even get me started on the way they handled my pet. Please don't give them your business!

Update (response to Dr Kavanagh): I went more than 1 time. I remember the time off I had to ask for to come to this horrendous place. I was extremely patient and yes my brothers behavior was not the best but I completely understand why. He did what no one could and told you guys that this place shouldn’t be practicing. ALSO your employee Sylvia asked if he was aggressive and my brother responded with “he’s been attacked 3 times.” Sylvia marked him as such and the problems kept going from there. Even you, the doctor, said that your staff should not have treated us this way. Honestly, we didn’t have a choice since this was the only place the sponsor said we could do the surgery. I hope you never have to struggle financially, Dr. Kavanagh. Instead of replying to bad google reviews, why don’t you take action and call back the people who have had horrible experiences on here and yelp. You definitely have my number. This place is far beyond loving! DO NOT BRING...

The veterinarian here genuinely cares about animals that she will speak up for her animal clients when she needs too. She did with us, which I respect. However, to assume I don't love my cat as my child or that I will not go as far as I would with my human patients as a nurse was offending. My animals are my family and they are my children. And if I need to, I would go as far as I would to make sure that they arent hurting. Apparently, just by questioning the need for a certain diagnostic test and opting out of others, this vet ASSUMED that I did not care about my cat. She even went as far as making nasty comments and questioned me. There is nothing wrong with questioning the diagnostic tests and asking to do it one step at a time. There is also nothing wrong with being honest about our personal financial situation. If we don't have the money to pay for all these tests because we don't make very much in a month, it should be understandable. I think a good vet would be willing to work with that understanding that we still want the best for our pet, but are limited. Which she did not understand. It's OKAY to prioritize and it's OKAY to go one step at a time. Especially if the cost is going to be over $250. My husband and I left without any services from her and will go back to receive care from our regular VCA veterinarian who understands, explains, and is willing to work with the owners in better caring for the animal. At least the VCA vet has some idea of what our animal might have through examination. Our cat had a minor pink colored eye. It ended up just being conjuctivitis the was cured with a few eye drops and NO extra diagnostic tests.. With Dr. K here at the Stanton Pet Hospital, she would have had us spend hundreds. I do not recommend this vet...