COLLEGE ROAD ANIMAL HOSPITAL

I took my 3-Bichon Frise when I moved there a year ago. Reviews online noted that vets weren’t necessarily compassionate, caring or ‘animal-friendly,’ but Joshua Hower, who left April 30, 2020 was an exception. On the list of quirks and oddities – Owners escorted to a waiting room as Pets are examined and tested – with vets/techs returning to deliver their assessments. NOT the standard practice anywhere (8-separate vets in 3 States, as I relocate often). "New Vet" taking-over recommended neutering Females due to a cancerous risk NO other vet has ever mentioned/identified. Estimates for $380-$480 per dog promptly delivered. Similarly – Vets recommend CIV (Canine Influenza Virus) H3N2/H3N8 Combo vaccinations, required for in-house boarding, which many facilities/vets agree is NOT a prevalent risk. The Annual Wellness Plan from Monthly Payments to cover diagnostics, lab work, two Semi-Annual Examinations, free nail trimming and discounts on their online store went UP 14-17%; while invoices (covered) show visits between OCT and MAR UP 10% ($45 to $50 per dog) and "Set-up Fee" UP $10 from last year’s $50. While construction at the facility College Road has limited access to services and pushed appointments/schedules due to closures as the effects of COVID-19 have impacted business practices closures due to transition to new systems and re-opening have been a feature of early Fall (September/October) as well as a Coronavirus-related closure and more rigorous procedure implementation at the facility. When dropping-off my dogs for one of the last pre-construction appointments in March, I arrived on-time and had not received in the email communication or posted notice any communication of an expectation to sit outside and wait while my three dogs were examined. I waited for 25-minutes after arrival and notification for Techs to come-out to the car to pick-up the dogs and drove the 2-miles to pick-up my dogs just after I was notified they were done – with a charge of $12/dog for “Drop-Off Appointment Fee” - yet no compensation/consideration for the delay and burden on my time upon arrival for the appointment. Today, the Office called to remind me that the dogs were “overdue” (10/10/2020) for their appointments – mostly because I purchased both Flea & Tick & Heartworm Medications via PetCo at $110.00 per dog LESS than the Online Pharmacy. The Associate on the phone noted that they recommend you purchase medications directly through THEIR pharmacy, since many Retailers purchase “off” drugs or some gray-market equivalent and reiterated that they DO NOT authorize Sentinel Spectrum purchases outside their own service. So – in short … the ONE Veterinarian with the better reviews online left for Asheville on April 20th; the new one recommended neutering no other Veterinarian has ever mentioned as a preventative for an obscure “Cancer” risk no one has ever identified (at an estimated cost of $380-480 for each of two female dogs ages 4 and 7); overall prices have increased 10-20% for services over the last 6-months alone with reductions in the facility’s availability and closures for transition; and they effectively REQUIRE that you use THEIR Online Pharmacy for medications (especially the more expensive heartworm preventative, flea control treatment, and de-wormer oral chew tablet) for ubiquitous ‘safety’ reasons at a practice that doesn’t allow Owners to sit in the same room with their pets during the “recommended” Semi-Annual Examinations (2x a year? Really?). I won’t say it’s “shady” – but there are WAY too many red flags and inconsistencies here to build trust, support a continuously increasing cost for services or to justify remaining a Customer. Thanks for the experience – I at least know what NOT to look for in my dogs’ NEXT VET!

Excellent -professional -clean enviroment

Excellent /Friendly

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Our elderly cat has been loosing weight and has had a urinary tract infection. These tests were to establish thyroid levels and to determine the bacteria in the urine.

The first thing I would say is that on the second visit they were magically responsive to a comment I'd made in a survey after our first visit. I had complained that I'd asked if they could scan my dog's microchip and then never heard again if that was possible. Then on the follow up visit (dog needed a booster for a shot) they told me they'd also scanned her and had her microchip on file - without my asking! I'd actually forgotten but I am grateful they did it, just in case she gets lost.
The care given seemed very professional and was definitely caring. I did have to wait, but it was because I'd forgotten our rabies paperwork which they needed in order to interact with her. I left and came back which threw off the schedule, but even so we only waited about 30 minutes past our original time. The staff was all very friendly. I mentioned that I was looking for a dog sitter and they introduced me to one of the techs who also does sitting and walking of dogs. We also hired her and were very pleased with her service.

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I had to wait about 15 minutes before going back. They ran tests and an x-ray to find the cause of the symptoms. I left him there for a few hours while they tried to gather some urine, but to no avail. We have more tests to run. They were professional and responsive.

I like that they react to emergencies and that they are there when I need them. They are punctual, and they are thorough. They are very friendly. I feel very happy putting my pets in their hands; they are reliable. They give free nail clippings to my pets, and that is what I really like. I can go in any time for the nail clippings, and there are no questions; there is usually someone available there.

The visit went well. We did not have a long wait and were checked in by a pleasant young assistant who took little dog's medical history, weighed her, and did her heartworm test. She was microchipped at that time. Then Dr. Lanzi saw her, examined her thoroughly, conversed pleasantly with me, and administered her shots. We discussed her diet, age, teeth and general condition; he put her more at ease than her previous vets had done, I was greatly pleased with the visit.

It is very good service. They are excellent.