A while ago, I complained about the current Vet clinic. In November, I called about Marley having an abscess on his cheek (probably an infected mousie-bite) and they said "We are booked for 3 weeks, go to an emergency place". Then later, they sent an email that they were closed for a day due to "unforeseen circumstances". Meaning, I suppose, that they had no Vet available that day. But they had 3 vets last time I was there. Then they were closed for almost a full week with the same non-explanation.
So I decided they probably had a failing practice (I won't even speculate on possible reasons), so I decided to find a new vet before it failed completely and there was a flood of customers looking for a new vet. I do want to say that when I brought Iza to them for "the final visit", the main vet there was kind, competent, and understanding. But maybe the good ones left...
I did a Yelp search in November looking for a good nearby vet and decided the new one seems good. Today, the same search gives the previous clinic 2 stars and the new one 4 stars. And the newer comments about the previous vet were worse and those of the new one were better. So the old one is failing.
The new vet has the records from the old vet. Lori and I will be visiting the new vet for an afternoon appointment today. It is just regular annual shots which almost anyone can do properly. But it will give me an opportunity to see how they manage the place, treat the pets, and handle appointments and records.
The new place charges $92 for a 15 minute late arrival or totally missed appointment. That's a bit high, but I haven't been late or missed one like that ever, so it is probably not a problem. Still, I took a test drive to the new place yesterday. First, to make sure I could find it (I discovered I had passed the place dozens of times, so no problem there). Second, to measure the time it took. 13 minutes there and 12 minutes back home, so I'll count on 15 minutes driving time and plan to get there 10 minutes early.
The place's website has nice pictures of course. Whose wouldn't? But I loved this one...
Separate waiting rooms for dogs and cats? Cool! Cats come in in carriers; dogs come in on leashes (usually). In every other vet place I've ever visited, there were large dogs whom the owners won't control and they sniff at or bark at the cats. Who become seriously stressed even with my intervention and reassurance. I LIKE this idea!
I'll post about the experience with the new vet later today or tomorrow...