This has been posted to Google as well. I am adding to this page that I would not recommend this office, as there are a lot of options in the Bel Air area. I too had a very similar experience as other reviewers - Homeward Bound won't communicate professionally and doesn't do thorough exams. I provided this feedback to the office directly as well, but have not received comments or a response back.
Reasons I did not like this office:
-You can't go into the building to check in for an appointment or pick up medications, you need to call from a designated parking space. This would be a good option for clientele that would like to utilize it, but I would have preferred to be in the waiting room and that option is not available. My recommendation would be to make it an option for clients to wait in their car, but not an overall business method.
-You can't go into the building for tech appointments, you wait in the car and the tech takes only the animal in. I would prefer to be in the room which would allow for conversations/questions or general concerns about my pet's health/wellbeing. Instead, this made me feel insignificant and irrelevant to the process, and that if I went in, then I was just taking up space. My recommendation would be to make it an option for clients to wait in their car, but not an overall business method for those that requested to go in and be part of the process.
-For these types of appointments mentioned above (when you need to stay in your car), you don't get to see the invoice or charges unless you ask for them. My recommendation would be to always have a copy of the invoice/charges when a total bill is presented to the client.
-Most of the time there were staffing issues, which means appointments had to be set way in advance. Since I knew this, I just called a month or two before the necessary appointment, so I wasn't late with my pets' exams.
-Staffing issues mean that more than often I would be scheduled with a rotating or temp vet. I would have preferred to build a consistent relationship with the permanent staff, ones that could track my pet's health over time rather than always in a snapshot. You feel like to you need to "start at the beginning" or "fill in gaps of their knowledge" especially with an animal that may have a history.
-When my dog needed emergency surgery, the conversations were only with the tech. It took a lot of effort to speak to the vet, and I feel that the tech did not accurately relay my questions accurately with the vet, or vice versa. Therefore, communication breaks down fast, especially with emergencies. My recommendation would be for the vet to be the one that handles those "serious" or "emergency" calls, and the tech handles the routine communications, examples follow ups after appointments or negative test results.
-When there was a miscommunication about a service provided, I called the office and left +7 messages with either the office manager, pharmacy tech, vet, etc. to resolve it with no response or communication except a letter saying that I verbally abused a staff member and was unprofessional. I never did get an opportunity to understand what prompted the letter or the accusation. My recommendation for the business is to communicate in person with the clients when there are concerns - either by the staff or the client - rather than shutting all communications down.
Reasons I liked this office:
-Dr Sorum was caring to our animals and an experienced and knowledgeable vet. Had a good experience with her when my dog needed surgery.
-They offer mobile vet service, which is convenient, but it is more expensive. After one mobile visit, I opted to take my pets in. read more