UNIVERSITY ANIMAL HOSPITAL

This trip was 2 animals (related to cost). My old vet office at AAH of many years was just getting lax with letting rabies and some other vacs lapse, not properly taking care of my animals and being fearful to the point of teasing a very fearful 17 year old cat, vet not being in the office without cover, etc.. So, I had to find a new vet. These guys are EXCELLENT and have multiple vets for coverage. GREAT hours as well. My very fearful cat (fear aggression is the most dangerous type of aggression) has been really really good both trips she has had. They could actually lift her out of the cage ... this has never happened at the old vet office. I would highly recommend this small animal vet office in a heart beat. They are kind, soft handed with the animals ... you can tell staff cares. Nice and refreshing after so many years!!!

They are excellent.

They were excellent.  I was there a couple of months ago.  I had to go several times. The last time I was there it was November 7.

Because we were first time customers, we had to pay new pet examination fees. Because we had not had heartworm check in the last year, they required heartworm check. They also charged for flea treatment. Boarding itself was not too out of line for the Norman area. When I picked up my animals, they STUNK. I don't know how to describe it. (I used to board at another place and quit because the animals smelled so bad when I picked them up.) Also, both dogs were sick (diarrhea and vomiting) when they came home, prompting a trip to the vet and a $204 bill. They might have gotten sick anyway---there's no way to tell. The smell on the animals alone is enough to keep me from returning.

.

First, I have to say that I am somewhat picky and go a lot off of my gut instinct. So, take this review however you'd like, but these were my two experiences:

Dr. Otto was recommended by my old vet (who I had been very happy with). So, I had high hopes. However, upon our first and quot;healthy dogand quot; visit, I immediately didn't have a good feeling about the place. It was very empty (no other cars in the lot), yet when I walked in we waited 15+ minutes to go in the room. Then, another long wait before we saw anyone. We had a few different services done (microchipping, lab work, and ear cleaning) and expected about a ~$200 bill based on what we had discussed with the receptionist before scheduling an appointment.

After the various services were performed, I felt like I did not really understand the reason for some of the treatment, even after asking for clarification. I liked Dr. Otto but I didn't understand his instructions very well nor did I really understand what they were doing the entire time we were there. Imagine my shock when the bill was nearly TWO HUNDRED FIFTY dollars more than I expected! However, since I felt somewhat confused about the whole situation, I went ahead and paid.

When I reviewed the bill, items seemed much more and quot;individually billedand quot; than any other vet I have had in the past. For example, I was charged separately for a well checkup AND for a specific cause for visiting (the dog's ear) and ADDITIONALLY for cleaning his ear (which was all of 3 minutes and a cotton swab!). Anyway, I wasn't happy with the bill but I didn't write them off due to the good recommendation from my previous vet.

A few months later, the dog's ear was still not better, so I scheduled another appointment with Dr. Otto. Imagine my surprise when we show up and are scheduled with another doctor! Had I been told when scheduling that Dr. Otto was out that day (we scheduled a few days in advance), I would have moved the appointment.

Anyway, Dr. Campbell looked over the dog and recommended a shot and allergy medicine. Just like Dr. Otto, he just went ahead with some services without really asking - at least it didn't feel like asking to me. I don't like when doctors just proceed to treatment - it's my dog, I will decide what services he gets! Anyway, the dog was given a shot (which I was told was and quot;cortisoneand quot; - then come to find out it was a mix of multiple steroids when I called back later to ask). Then we were given a prescription for allergy pills - I thought they must be something special, until I got home and realized we'd been charged $10 for 30 pills that the dog was already taking. Our last vet was kind enough to tell us that the meds are available generic at wal-mart for $3 for 180 pills. Sigh.

So - at this point I have a bad impression but nothing terrible. However, my dog quickly got very ill. By the evening following our appointment with Dr. Cambell, the dog was laying around like he was super sick. He would barely lift his head and wouldn't walk around unless you called and called him. The next day, I called and asked for the vet to call me back. Never heard from them.

I called again on Monday and said I was very concerned and wanted to bring him in. I described the symptoms and the receptionist did not seem concerned, and said Dr. Cambell was out that day and would call me the next AFTERNOON. I was genuinely concerned for my dog at this point and did not like that at all. The next day, at 1pm, the dog was acting so badly he wouldn't even get in the car (one of his favorite things). I called the vet and was again told Dr. Campbell would call later. After another hour went by, I scheduled an appointment with a different vet in town and was seen and treated before Dr. Campbell called.

Overall, my experience was one of an office that didn't care a whole lot about taking care of my concerns, and really, that is what I want a vet to do. I want a vet to feel like a partner in care for my dog, not a shop where you drop them off and they do whatever they want and give you a bill. Also, I expect them to be able to return my call quickly and respond to a situation that seems urgent to me. Based on this upsetting series of events, I do NOT recommend this vet.

Excellent every time. I have two dogs that are getting older; Dr. Otto always knows what the problem is and has a treatment. He gives me home care suggestions that have saved me hundreds of dollars and my pets unnecessary side effects. Dr. Otto has an excellent education and experience. He is very professional and personable. He is our family veterinarian, period.

We have had services rendered by several veterinarians in the area during the past 8 years for our dogs; Dr. Otto and University Animal Hospital have given the best and most consistent care. We feel very confident in Dr. Otto's diagnosises, treatments, and level of personal and professional concern. The receptionist, Pat, is always very pleasant and friendly.

We would not use University Animal Hospital if we were not satisfied. The care of our pets is important, and they care very much there. It is close to home, so I decided to use them. Every since we tried them, we've used their services since.