I've been going to this vet for around 8 years, and I cannot express my gratitude enough. In August of 2024 my best friend had to be put to sleep just short of 16 years old, so I can now attest to their care from start to finish.
Funny how the reviews are either 0 or 5 here, right? I think that shows how much we care about our furbabies and the care they receive.
So, I am putting PROS and CONS in this review, and I'm going to try and leave as much detail so whoever reads this can make their own best decision.
I see Dr. Cullom, though I've worked with the other veterinarians in the clinic before. I've found her to be incredibly knowledgeable about current practices. (She's also now the owner! Congrats!)
-- Pros --
1. Costs and Knowledge:
Auburn Veterinary Hospital very good about not breaking my bank, prioritizing best patient practices, and doing so in a flexible manner.
There is no single "right answer" and I detest corporate veterinarian clinics that make you feel like the worst owner ever if you're not willing to put your pet through an invasive procedure that costs more than a car.
For instance, another clinic quoted me over $2,500 for a colonoscopy to rule out cancer, right after my cat had a complication with temperature under anesthesia (which I was already 5k in). Auburn Veterinary Hospital was able to rule this possibility out with a new series of blood work, with a reasonable degree of accuracy. -- Not 100%, which I would have loved, but I couldn't afford to pay nor risk her health like that for 100%. (I think it was like 95% accuracy?)
I was ALWAYS given multiple options, and those options were ALWAYS explained. Costs were clear, and so were risks.
They also would never do something that was unnecessarily invasive, and always opted for the least pain and suffering. Things that might make me, an owner, feel better at the cost of quality of life for my cat were never even on the table (like open ribcage chest compressions).
2. Understanding and Flexibility:
The clinic has gotten me in last minute over and over again as my cat's health declined in the year up to her passing. From my detailed reports and clear symptoms, to vague "I don't know how to say this, but her eyes just look weird."
They never needed to see us last minute, they're NOT an emergency vet, but I greatly appreciated that they made every effort to. It helped her have good continuity of care, made sure she was in a familiar place, and saved me money when I was needing to come in sometimes twice a week.
For the record, she passed of kidney failure and had significant struggles with nausea. So we were requiring a lot of IV fluid.
3. Kind and Compassionate
They loved my cat like she was their own, which is probably the most important thing about it. I was a nervous wreck when I wasn't near her, but I always knew that they would be doing everything they could.
They took very good care of us during our last appointment together. We had ample time, privacy, and I'm quite certain the tech was doing her best to hold back tears.
4. Privately owned and operated
I hate capitalism and I hate capitalism even more when its involved in health care. I'm really glad they were able to avoid going corporate, and they've stayed open throughout covid and everything else that's happened in our economic world.
I think staying local affords a lot of freedom and genuine care for pets, and avoids unnecessary profit seeking at the cost of an animal's wellfare.
-- Cons --
1) Lack of financing options:
They do not take pet insurance, so you do have to pay out of pocket and get reimbursed later. (But they're very good at sending records when needed)
They also don't accept CareCredit, or offer payment plans. (Totally get it)
Be upfront if you're having financial difficulties and what you can afford, because they absolutely will work with you to find something within range that's going to be the best for the pet.
2) No emergency services
You will need to go elsewhere for emergent services. Usually they refer out to Summit vet, which can be pricey. (But what emergency vet isn't)
I think you should shop around for an emergency veterinarian so you know where to go in an emergency, what the costs are, etc.
3) No grooming or boarding for cats
I think they used to offer this but its entirely up to the vet techs now. Which, they'll do their best, but all they have is a buzz shaver.
They only offer boarding if they're there for a medical procedure.
All very understandable not to have. I don't ask my doctor's office to be a hotel, so I think its a plus, but again something to be aware of.
4) Website could use some love
A little challenging to navigate, but once you get used to it its not a big deal. And there is an online pharmacy! read more