After the death of a wonderful dog last June, my wife and I couldn't bear going back to our tried and true vet clinic as the memories were just too painful. When we purchased a new dog last July, we decided to give a new vet clinic a shot and chose Ingleside. I have been a customer of this animal hospital since last August and have had several visits. Service had been decent, although more expensive than my prior vet. There were lots of attempts to upsell you on things that may/may not be necessary and this place definitely has a more commercial feel with a strong sales/business culture.
Today I brought my dog Lucy into the clinic as she was in pain and needed attention on a Saturday. I told the staff that I didn't have an appointment and they told me that they were busy and were taking appointments for Monday. I asked if there were any emergency clinics nearby that might be able to help her today and the staffer told me to wait and see if they could take her. The man then reappeared and told me that the doctor would agree to see her but only if paid an expensive emergency visit fee. No fee - no visit.
I wouldn't have minded if they'd just told me that they didn't have space - and given me the name of another clinic. I just thing it is odd that they wouldn't have time to service a dog in pain unless an additional fee were paid. Either you have time or you don't. I think that in light of the other experiences I'd had here that it is just reflective of the culture at this animal hospital.
I've decided to return to my old vet. Even though they are equally busy, I was able to slip in with no emergency fees. A better, more caring, less commercially driven culture.