Stewart Animal Clinic — Local services in Warrior

I don’t normally do bad reviews , but I feel this warrants a review.. I took my puppy here for his 8 week shots. My husband and I had him on leash walking him in. I went to sign in while my husband let him use the bathroom outside. I walked in and there wasn’t any staff in sight. The front desk lady came around the corner after I had a seat. She called me up front and gave her his records from the breeder and she gave me the other paperwork to fill out. My husband walked in with our golden retriever puppy and the lady at the front desk starts asking us TONS of questions about him “how much was he? where did you geat him? is he registered? CKC or AKC?” Meanwhile, the phone is ringing and she answers just to put the person on the other line on hold. When we finally got to go back to the room, the person was still on hold! Granted she was the only one up front but that does t fly at my job. We go to the back, and wait for someone to come in. The tech comes in to get buddy and I thought we would go with him but I guess not. She takes him out of the room and she’s gone for a little bit. When they come back, the doctor comes in. Doesn’t really tell us much and gives him his vaccine. BUT HERE IS THE REAL KICKER.. When we go to check out, the same lady up at the front, tells us not to let him in the grass because they had a dog with Parvo there that week. I was like “are you kidding me, my husband has been taking him out ever since we got here. You saw him take him outside. You couldn’t have told us this beforehand???” She replies “well.. you know you can’t take him to dog parks or anything, etc and etc” I WAS LIVID! Not only did she fail to tell us when we arrived but she treated us like we knew nothing about how to care for our dog.

A couple of days later, I called them back because he had been getting sick every night. I knew Parvo had an incubation period and more than likely, he was just eating his food too fast. When I calle do asked to speak with a tech, a girl answers the phone and I explain to her he had been getting sick and how when we were there that the girl at the front said they had a dog with Parvo our in the grass where buddy was. She said let me talk to the vet. I’m on hold ON MY LUNCH AT WORK FOR 10 MINUTES. Finally, a guy answers the phone and I have to tell the story all over again.. HE WAS SO RUDE, he tells me “ma’am, I can tell you right now he didn’t get Parvo from us because it has an incubation period and more than likely, you’ve talked your dog somewhere like Walmart or a park where a dog with Parvo has been” I WAS APPALLED. I told him that no we do not take our dog to parks or Walmart the only place he goes is our yard and our house and he isn’t around other dogs yet. He said “well, he may have eaten something that could be blocking his throat so food can’t go down all the way, we can check him if you want us to” obviously, I didn’t take him back I WILL NEVER GO TO THIS PLACE AGAIN! Do yourself a favor and take your animal to all creatures in Gardendale. The staff and doctor are WAY more detailed in their care. If I could give zero stars I would

P.S. I sent in a review similar to this on their feedback email they sent and no one has contacted me to remotely apologize or ask questions...

When I needed to find a vet that could accommodate the hours of my job and allow my little dog Diddles the care she needed, I stopped looking when I found her an appointment the next day at this clinic, which was a Friday at 5:00. Even more impressive was an email I received soon after I made the appointment at about 4:00 am. I planned to call shortly after their opening time of 7:00 am to discuss my dog's situation with someone. Although I was delaying my call to give them the chance to settle in, by 7:15 am I was already receiving an email. It was from someone who recognized that my dog's problem could be considered an emergency and offered to get her in sooner. It wasn't just the gesture and quick response that impressed me, it was the tone that really stood out: helpful, friendly and concerned for my dog's health. So my props to this clinic starts out with their admin and how quickly and kindly they responded over the online appt I had made. To whoever sent that email, please know that your gesture was truly appreciated and sealed my desire to have my dog seen at your office and I thank you for the kindness.

My poor little dog had never seen a vet, or really hardly many people period. The young lady who took command of our visit was knowledgable, friendly and easily reacted to my dog's fear in a sweet, encouraging manner. I know that giving costs and talking money, though essential for businesses to exist, isnt a fun or easist of tasks but she managed this role professionally, politely and made it a comfortable part of the visit and we got it out of the way quickly. She listened to what I said, offered explanations in a confident and easy to understand way. Even though I knew how scared my dog was in that office and how much her feelings matter to me, I had no issues watching this kind young lady walk away with my dog to go do what was needed and knew she would be in good hands.

When the treatment options were reached through the doctor's exam of her, I was immediately advised of them, what each option would involve, and possible outcomes. The paths of treatment were discussed with me, and rather than gearing or pressuring me towards the option that would have cost more right then, she presented that more as something that was absolutely my choice. She seemed comfortable with going a more moderate route, setting my dog up to be in a better position for further treatment if needed. And this leads me to the main reason for writing this review. The difference in how much my dog's problem has improved is significant, completely night and day and we are both beyond grateful that her pain is no longer the daily focus. The guilt of being helpless to make her better has turned into complete appreciation to those who could and i want to say thank u from the bottom of my heart to the wonderful people at Stewarts for helping my little Diddle baby. And i cant wait to introduce u to the love of my life, Puppy, knowing that he will be in wonderful hands. Thank u so much, I truly would write in 10 stars if I...

Making a difficult decision is always hard to do. Our old girl, Lily, was slowing down. Over the last 3 years Stewart Animal Clinic has been seeing her monthly providing her with injections for her arthritis, providing meds needed daily for her heart, lungs and pain. She was a 13 year old (teenager) that never complained.

One day she had difficulty standing, and the staff got us right in. A heavy dose of Ketamine helped, but is it going to be enough? Dr. Sharp and Jamie helped assure me that whatever the case may be, we know that we have done everything to provide a comfortable life.

After battling with this over the next few days I spoke to Jamie. I told her we made the decision to allow Lily the rest she deserves. With such compassion she allowed me to ask all the questions we are never prepared to ask.

Over the next couple of days Lily ate hotdogs and cheeseburgers, went to the park, had a hot bubble bath and ate cream puffs. She rode as co-pilot in Daddy’s Jeep for the last time.

The morning came. Heartbroken is an understatement. Jamie met us and took us back to the room where we would say goodbye. It was beautiful. A soft blanket on the floor, a peaceful melody faintly in the air, and a beautiful window that allowed the sun to shine in (on a very cloudy day). We curled next to her. Dr. Sharp and Jamie were true professionals, providing comfort to Lily and peace to us.

Thank you, Dr. Sharp, Jamie, and the entire staff at Stewart Animal Clinic. Your kindness does not go unnoticed. We appreciate you!

Keith and...