I am new to the area and when my kitten developed a case of diarrhea, a friend recommended The Animal Mansion as a low cost and honest local vet. She told me her visits were $30 and they never did anything unnecessary, sometimes even threw in an extra service for free, just to be nice. Sounds great, right?
Well when I get to my appointment, I asked the receptionist about the cost. She told me $55 plus whatever tests or medications he needs. I asked about any subsidies or programs offered because my friend pays $30 at the same place. She said no but started explaining some charity program to me and gave me the paperwork. As she was talking, I was called in for my appointment.
The tech was not very friendly, and neither was the vet for that matter, but he was at least fake-nice. They told me they needed a sample of his bowels, gave me a collection container and told me to bring one back whenever I could. I packed the kitten back up and left, waved goodbye to the receptionist.
I had to drive my grandmother home, pick up my kids and cook dinner, so I was a little frazzled. I realized when I got home and brought in my paperwork, I hadn't paid the vet! I figured it was no big deal, I was going back in the morning to drop off the sample.
Well, I was wrong. By the time I finished making dinner (about an hour and a half after leaving the vet) I had two voicemails and 7 missed calls from them. The voicemails were from Dr. Bertoldo himself, BERATING me for trying to get free services. He went on and on about getting his money from me, that if I am not there at 9am he is going to have a warrant for my arrest, etc., etc.....
Let me just say, I am an office manager for a construction company. I deal with business practices all day. I deal with customers that cant afford what they need all the time. I have never, not once, threatened to have anyone arrested. For that matter, I have also never stolen property or services in my life. Apparently, because I was trying to get the price my referral told me she pays, I am determined to be a criminal. Keep in mind, the vet had my name, number, and address. I did not run out. I simply forgot to stop and pay, since in every case I have been to a vet or doctor I paid ahead of time and left straight from the exam room. It was a very human and innocent mistake, one most people would understand and not jump to evil conclusions on.
Anyway, I was in tears after hearing his messages. It really hurt to hear such intolerance from someone I trusted to help my little kitten and hopefully become a trusted care worker for my "fur kids" for years to come. I called him back, unable to control my crying (pretty embarrassing for me) and tell him I was sorry and didn't realize my mistake until I got home, but he knew I was coming back so I really was not expecting to be arrested over it. He gave me the whole "Well you don't just walk out of a place of business without paying."
Don't get me wrong, I understand his position. Like I said, I deal with the same problems (mind you with customers owing thousands, not $55). However, the issue was handled very unprofessionally and cold heartedly. A simple message that I forgot to pay would suffice, and then followed by mailing a bill to me and eventually putting me into collections. Standard operation procedure is what it's called.
I would not recommend this vet based on lack of professionalism and compassion. To me, those are far more valuable than whatever a visit may cost. I told him (through tears) that I would bring his money in the morning, but feel that I must find a new vet to which he responded, "That's fine."
If you want a vet that sees dollar signs when you walk in, Dr. Bertoldo is your guy. I think he sucks up to those who appear wealthy (multiple purebreds) from the other reviews I see online.
by Tiffany
xxx.xxx.184.82
May 05, 2014