After building a relationship with the Belleville Animal Clinic for 4+ years, sadly I am forced to take my pets elsewhere. It is highly unlike me to voice opinions and write reviews, however this situation is a definite exception. I am highly DISSAPPOINTED and feel utterly DISRESPECTED.
CUTTING TO THE CHASE: Unprofessional, Dirty facility, Yearly price increases, Hidden costs, Rude staff (especially receptionists), Poor management, Unnecessary testing, & Varying fee’s for the same services (just different labeling/pricing on the receipt for the same service---ie. wellness exam vs. physical exam). In waiting area full of people BAC requested post-dated check when unable to pay full amount for office visit for diarrhea which ended up costing $273 (no account balance at this time).
BRIEF LOOK BACK- Between my mother & me, combined we have spent $2800+ at this location on our pets over the last few years. There has been many times we have carried a balance for a short period due to the high pricing and extensive treatments that were needed (we rescued a chained-up beagle from a nearby pub and discovered he had been critically infected with heartworm). In addition, my mother’s beagle was hit by a car, and the BAC gave my mother false hope in thinking he could “make it”, when really he should have been put down immediately; instead of racking up costs with diagnostics, overnight stays, and treatments for nearly 3 days costing over $1100.
ICING ON THE CAKE-My dog had diarrhea last month. I took her to the BAC in fear of any possible electrolyte imbalances. After the visit I go to pay the bill after to agreeing to an exam & basic lab work, in addition to some antibiotic ($20), special food ($16), and probiotics ($7). I also got her heartworm test ($30) as this was due 2 weeks later (I did not want them to draw blood any more than needed because they often had to needle-stick her numerous times before they successfully drew blood—even though I would tell the vet repeatedly that the back leg is the best). By the end of the 30 minute visit, my bill was $273—for a visit for diarrhea! I was gracious for their services. I told the receptionist I would pay $100 now and the rest in the near future. The receptionist, ‘Taylor’, rolled her eyes and quickly changed her attitude, “well, I will have to call my administrator to validate this”. I explained I have ran a balance in the past and there has never been any issues. There was no account balance at this time. Taylor quickly reached the administrator, ‘Cheryl’. In a waiting area full of clients, Taylor then asked me for a post-dated check. Completely unprofessional! I was mortified! I replied in utter shock that I did not have a check with me and that I was “good for it”. I never thought those words would ever come out of my mouth. I cannot remember the last time I was this embarrassed. IF it were not for this incident, I would have paid my bill and continue to return. Two weeks later I brought my dog in for her vaccines. An exam was done in which the cost was different from the exam done during the office visit, even though the vet repeated the same assessment (I am a registered nurse and would recognize if additional techniques were performed). At the close of this visit, I paid my entire balance and told them I would be changing vet and made a request for medical records. The receptionist’s said nothing, were completely uncaring and indifferent.
The BAC has now lost two very loyal clients. Not to mention lost another relative who was charged $100 for a phone call.
PRO's: Lots of vet's so easy to get appointment. Seemingly knowledgeable vets, however may over test/recommend due to instruction by management-?? (staff payroll has to be made up somewhere!)
by Adrienne
xxx.xxx.46.249
May 16, 2015
