Lifetime Veterinary Care

I recently moved and during that process got a new puppy (5 mos old). I was looking for a vet closer to the new home and had scheduled an appointment with Lifetime Veterinary Care. During the first appointment (in Aug) they said my pup was no longer a puppy and advised on purchasing an annual dog wellness program. It was $350/yr and included all of the booster shots she would need as well as heart worm pills. Then a discount for all other vaccines and free standard office visits for the remainder of the year.

She received her first set up shots and was scheduled for her next set and a heart worm test. Two of my other dogs got sick around the very time I was supposed to bring my pup in and the office advised they could not see both and since my others were older, we swapped out appointments and took the sick dogs in. This was in Sept. I then rescheduled the appointment for November. I am pregnant and had an emergency appointment come up on the day of her rescheduled appointment so it was rescheduled yet again for December 6 at 10:30.

I show up (10:25) and call as I was instructed to do and someone says they'll be right out as soon as a room opens up. As I wait, TWO others pull up and almost immediately go in. Finally, after about 15 mins of waiting, a person comes out and says that the doctor had a couple of emergencies so there still wasn't a room open but she could draw blood for the heart work test in the car or take my pup in and do it inside but I wouldn't be able to go in with her. I asked about how long the doctor would be as I could wait if I had too. I COMPLETELY understand that emergencies arise and was trying to be understanding. She went back in to check and then called and said because I was only scheduled for a heart worm test, I wouldn't be seeing the doctor at all that day! 1) I was wondering why I had to wait 15 mins because the doctor had emergency appointments when I was even supposedly supposed to see him and 2) why my pup was not scheduled for her remaining boosters she was to get! She put me on hold again (now it's 10:50 and the appt was supposed to be at 10:30) and then it hung up. So I got out of my car and went to the door to find out what was going on.

I was "greeted" at the door by a woman named Anita, who told me that I would NOT be seeing the doctor that day and that my pup would NOT be getting her booster shots because I was the one who only requested a heart worm test I let her know I didn't even request that! That I didn't request anything other than to reschedule her initial appointment, which was for booster shots. She blatantly told me that it was up to ME to schedule was was needed and I was the one who canceled twice, so it was on me that the appointment was not correct and that my pup didn't have her boosters! I could not believe what I was hearing. I explained that I have no idea what my pup would need and that's WHY I bring her to a vet! That is their job. To recommend and guide me on what is needed. She was dead set on this being my fault. At that time I realized this was not the office for me and let her know that I would not be returning and wanted a refund for the package I purchased that they could not fulfill their commitment on. She told me she was not able to do that. Again, I could not believe it. I said unpaid for services they were not able to provide and I shouldn't have to pay for it. She advised it was my choice to leave. After more back and forth, she finally agreed to refund the difference of the charges I would have paid without the package and what I actually paid. She then proceeded to take another 15 mins just to process my refund. Nothing for my inconvenience and the time of mine they had wasted that day. Not to mention she charged me for pills I never received and I STILL had to call back after leaving to get that corrected.

I have NEVER in my life been treated so rudely. I own 4 dogs and had one pass away 5 years ago so I have had A LOT of dealings with different veterinarians and their offices. And I could just not believe the treatment I received from this office. I asked to speak with the doctor and she refused to let me do so. I asked for her name and then asked for a pen to write it down and she told me they did not have public pens and I would have to find one in my purse! It was beyond ridiculous. I ended up just taking a picture of her so I could recall which she was since I was not able to write her name down as I did not have a pen in my purse. I know others will say they've had great experiences here and that may be. But that was not MY case and I feel like I want people to know what I personally experienced and hopefully help them avoid what might turn into a horrible experience for others if they waste their time with this office. There are FAR better ones out there. And I will now be making the longer drive back to the vet they originally went to because I would have NEVER been treated that way there.

We have been happy with Dr Jackson and his staff. The price seems reasonable, scheduling is easy enough, and their thoughtful service is appreciated. Though full qualified in 'traditional' vet med, the Dr is open to more holistic treatments and non-traditional diets.