COUNTRYSIDE ANIMAL CLINIC

We got Jake, our German Shepherd mix, from a shelter 2 years ago. We took him to Countryside Animal Clinic for an exam and rabies shots. We have taken him once a year for an exam and other vaccines for the last 2 years. We live in the country and he is outside almost all the time so some of the vaccines are important. They always want to give him the vaccines but they explain what each one is for. We have rejected some and they accept that. They have been very professional and friendly. Since the whole experience for Jake causes him to be anxious, they even suggested that we periodically bring into the lobby for a treat so he would get used to the place and not be so anxious.

I go there a lot. I don't have any problems with them at all. They are very good. Dr. Whitlock at Countryside Animal Clinic is very friendly and knowledgeable. She puts up with my two dogs. One is laid back as the dickens and the other one is high strung.

While we were not always seen at the precise appointment time, it remained reasonably close and all delays are explained by staff members in a timely manner. The staff are friendly and helpful. The office is spacious and well maintained. As best I can tell, veterinarian treatment by both of the resident veterinarians is competent. All of the staff, including the vets, take a great deal of effort to explain any diagnosis and possible treatments. Someone always phones about any subsequent problems or developments. Our only complaint is that the financial cost is often high. I have no idea how these charges compare to other vets in the area.

Dr. Whitlock and her staff have been wonderful for us and our dogs. When we need to decide among possible treatment alternatives, Dr. Whitlock discusses them with us as long as we need to understand the choice before us. As she does, her heartfelt concern for our pet and her respect for us is obvious. Her experience as a pet owner and lover informs her actions and her guidance. When one of our dogs has been in for a significant procedure or is in a sensitive state, Dr. Whitlock calls us to follow up. She checks in on how the pet is doing and how we are doing with the followup care regime. If we aren't home when she calls, she leaves a message on our answering machine and then calls back later until she catches us. When our whippet was dying and needed subcutaneous fluids to support her quality of life for the last months, Dr. Whitlock taught us how to care for her. When a need arises, they can usually schedule our pets for routine appointments within the next few days or week. When there is a special need, they can always fit us in during office hours. When we anticipated needing euthanasia for our whippet, Dr. Whitlock was willing to schedule a home visit (though events overtook us, and we ended up taking her in to the office). Dr. Whitlock's staff demonstrates the same love for our pets and respect for their customers as she does. The offices are clean and welcoming. Several times when we've had major procedures done, when I pay the bill they have reversed the charges for many of the incidental consumables involved, to help keep the total from becoming burdensome. Our experience has been that even among a profession distinguished by routine excellence, Dr. Whitlock is a star. I recommend her without reservation.