Sunshine Animal Hospital has been my Vet for only a short time. I have taken my pets there for various things in that short time. Recently my new kitten, that they had never even seen as a patient yet, was seriously injured in a freak and very tragic accident. I rushed him in, knowing that they aren't even an emergency Vet. They immediately took him back. They tried everything. Including, but not limited to, intubating him. Sadly, by the time we got him to them he was too far gone and despite their heroic efforts his little heart just couldn't handle the trauma and he passed on. I can't say enough good things about how they handled it though. I know they went above and beyond for him even though they're likely not equipped for most emergencies. I suspect most primary Vets aren't. I am very grateful for their efforts and intend to remain a loyal client for the rest of my life. I can't imagine that most non-emergency vets would do something like that. They will. Highly recommend. read more

I called the office to inquire about the cost of microchipping and was told it was $25. When I went to check out they told me $53.95. I asked why it was much more than what I was quoted over the phone. I was told it must have been quoted in error and that was the cost. I called the next day to ask the office manager about the error and to see if the doctor would provide a courtesy credit on my account. I felt like that would be a reasonable solution. The next thing I know I receive a letter in the mail from the doctor with a $20 check and him telling me I am an unappreciative client and that I'm no longer welcome at his practice. Very strange! read more

I would like to update my review to a 5 star after receiving our remains today. I couldn't have asked for a better looking tribute for our fur princess. The extra package we purchased was well worth the cost. Our puppies ashes were in a silk bag, inside of a beautiful wooden box with her name plate. The box was inside a suede bag all presented in Pet Angel bag that was beautiful too. The card and coping with losing a dog documents from Pet Angel were wonderful but the custom written card from the ladies and veterinarian with our doggies paw print was absolutely amazing. Thank you all for helping us through this very hard process, we will be in with our baby boy for his next check up. read more

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Both stars are for the front desk staff and vet assistant. Only bring in your pet if they won't be nervous or resistant to new environments. Reading some of these reviews are a relief because I sensed something else. I believe this clinic caters to dying animals and/or white owners. If you don't fit that demographic, fuhgetaboutit! My four year old cat is admittedly nervous at the vet. I took her out of her carrier and she explored the exam room for a few minutes. When Dr. Fontenot came in, I learned that the clinic doesn't allow owners to handle or soothe their pet during the exam. Big mistake! They got as far as putting her on the exam table. In the hands of two strangers, she was terrified. 20 seconds and one cat hiss later, I was told they couldn't examine a cat that would "attack" them. I was stunned. But I also don't believe in being anywhere my presence or dollars aren't appreciated, so I left quickly. I've been a cat owner for over two decades (my first cat lived to 17, my current one is four and I fostered in between) and today was the first time my pet and I were labeled and rejected. Dr. Fontenot also rudely suggested that I "return to my previous clinic" which I would certainly do if I were still in that area. I look forward to discovering a clinic in my new locale that's more empathetic to the pet's experience and familiar with the variety of methods to help alleviate anxiety, like allowing the familiar and trusted owner to be more involved with the exam process. It's a partnership! This makes me appreciate my many prior positive experiences with our former clinics even more. S/O to Stevens Animal Hospital in Pompano and Riverview Veterinary Hospital in Atlanta. I know our next great clinic is out there. ‍ read more

Sunshine Animal Hospital - My "attack cat" in familiar surroundings with her bear. - Veterinarians Near Me - Melbourne, Florida

NOT RECOMMENDED! I AGREE WITH ALL 5 NEGATIVE REVIEWS ABOUT THIS VET! Based on the way this bully abuses disabled humans, he should not be allowed near defenseless animals! I am reporting this vet to the Florida Professional Licensing Board, the BBB and the AAHA, for fraud, misconduct and disability discrimination. I just had a surreal, shocking, bizarre experience with this horrible man! I am literally blind. I have been taking my 3 dogs there for several months. I have a perfect payment record. You'll be appalled at what this petty bully did over a $17 error (on HIS part) over a bottle of lost pills for my service animal. He called the Sheriff and lied, trying to have me, a BLIND SENIOR, falsely arrested! Last Friday, I forgot to take the pills home after I checked out with my vomiting service dog. An Uber was waiting and I left the bottle on the counter accidentally, when I carried my sick dog out into the rain. So I emailed him when I got home, asked for another bottle and said that I would pick it up the next morning. At 9 am the next day, I stopped by in a Lyft, to pick up the replacement pills. Note: Due to their lack of masks, unvaccinated status and their lack of sanitizer, I try to spend as little time as possible inside this facility, and usually wait outside for my appointment. I do not touch anything, and I do not let anyone touch my credit cards, so I have pre- arranged to leave immediately after my appointment, and to call him with my credit card as soon as I return home. I have ALWAYS done it this way, as I also require a 15x magnifier to read the card. (ADA Title 3 grants this right to be reasonably accommodated.) The pills were not ready, and this vet refused to replace them without charging me again, which was typically cheap of him. NBD. I can easily afford the $3.40 co-pay! I waited outside as HATE being inside that COVID ridden place! Twenty minutes later, I finally left with the new bottle As promised, the minute that I got outside into the Lyft car, I called him with my credit card number. A staff member took the information and hung up. Nobody called back, so I assumed that the card was processed successfully, as always. Apparently, they got the number wrong, and instead of calling me back to confirm the number, they called the Sheriff and accused me of stealing the pills! HUH? WTF! Sheriff Deputy Mark Ryan called me an hour after I left this vet, accused me of theft, and threatened to arrest me the next morning if I did not pay this vet $17. HANDCUFFS!! JAIL!! OMG!! FOR $17!! From what the Deputy said, I understood that they had actually LIED, claiming that I had never called in with my card number! As proof that I did call, I have uploaded a screen shot of my iPhone call log along with the Lyft driver's witness statement. There is an obvious reason that I have never seen another client, or another animal, in this seedy little place. This vet was clearly ABUSIVE and exhibited an innate LACK OF COMPASSION for the disabled, as well as a shocking, ugly willingness to LIE TO LAW ENFORCEMENT, to harass and bully a perfectly innocent disabled client, with a flawless payment record. What a stupid, aggressive, obnoxious action to take. Obviously, this man enjoys drama, bad publicity, legal action and making provably false statements to law enforcement (a felony). All over $17! His poor judgment and troubling behavior compelled me to share this experience as a preventive warning to others. STAY AWAY! A reasonable, intelligent person would have simply called me back to verify that they wrote the number down correctly. Instead, he chose to be an abusive, lying bully . So unnecessary - but some people crave attention and love to flaunt their irrational self-importance. I pity these bullies, because their narcissism has no cure. But, I don't want to be around them, and I certainly don't want them near my dogs! Hey Fontenot - I sent you a check for $17 because I don't trust your ethics. I have now paid you twice for the same 5 pills, which my dog didn't even need. Cha-ching! I also sent back your 5 pills. For protection, I have uploaded a photo of the USPS label so you can't try to create more drama with your toxic fabrications. Keep my money, and keep the pills. It's all very small change to me. SHOVE THEM UP WHERE THE SUN DON'T SHINE, FONTENOT. PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT: If you are disabled, a senior, or any type of "protected class" and have experienced discrimination, threats, bullying, false accusations, professional misconduct, fraud or any other actionable problem with this vet or his staff, please contact me. I advocate for disadvantaged victims who suffer violations of their civil rights, similar to what I just experienced. There is no charge for this assistance, as it is my passion to stop these despicable acts. You can also seek free assistance from the attorneys at Disability Rights of Florida by calling 800 342 0823. read more

Sunshine Animal Hospital - Sending this petty jerk $17 and sending his 5 pills back. He accused me of theft and tried to have me arrested. Return is now PUBLIC. - Veterinarians Near Me - Melbourne, Florida

This place is a money pit. They will keep charging you for doctor's visits even if it's the same problem. Was charged for a visit they took a stool sample and was told to come back for a blood sample. We called to come in for the blood sample and they told us they will charge us for another exam again when they told us to come back. The staff was rude and lazy, then they denied us service as my pets primary caregiver! Places like this should be shut down. THESE PEOPLE DO NOT CARE ABOUT YOUR FUR BABY, LOOK FOR BETTER OPTIONS unless you have money to throw away and don't care who treats your animal. EDIT: STAFF RUDE AS HELL they don't care about your budget and just want your money, as you can see in the reply comment. Waste of time and money wish I never went here! read more

Great animal care for all animals. They care more about the animals than your purse string. The front desk is also helpful. It took me two weeks of searching. Once I found them, I've been with them for several years read more

I wish there were more stars to give! I take both of my poodle mix fur babies here and cannot say enough positive things to fully illustrate the kind, compassionate, professional care and treatment we get every time we walk in the door! Every member of the staff, from Dr. Fontenot to each tech, nurse, receptionist, etc. are friendly, patient, kind AND know my babies by their names! I've had dogs my entire life, but have never had a Doc or assistant love on my babies while treating them to calm and reassure them (calms me down as well!!). If you adore your pet, you will understand how reassuring and touching this little action is! Their prices are incredibly fair. They provide a written estimate each time. The best part: they make you comfortable enough that you ask questions - and they answer them patiently and fully! Yep, no more feeling like you are asking a dumb question! Monumental! If you are looking for the BEST care for your furry baby, these folks will not let you down! I am eternally grateful to each and every one of them! read more

I have been a customer for over 2 years. Two weeks ago I booked an appointment. We were very clear on the date and time... I had to take time off work so I was very sure of my appointment! They placed appointment in the computer on wrong day. When I came in for appointment I was told that I had missed my appointment. And that my phone number was not in service. (They have my e-mail and phone number for years) very disappointed in how they handled the situation, especially since it was their error. Lots of vets in town. How you treat people is important. I will be finding another vet. read more

I don't know how as anyone could give this vet a bad review, he has taken such great care of both my dogs, and as they grew older he was honest and treated them only for what was necessary. Everyone here was so sweet when it was time to send my little dog to heaven. He may not be warm and fuzzy, but he is direct and honest. read more

We recently moved here from SC. I brought my dog to this vet 4 or 5 months ago for a follow up from my vet in SC. I found him helpful with my dog and the staff was friendly. However my dog is on 3 different heart meds and he had a bad night. I tried to call Sunshine three times the next morning I keep getting the answering machine. I went to another vet that has seen my dog before but they were out of the meds he needed. I went to Sunshine to see if they had the meds he needed. They could not give them to me unless he saw my dog again or I had his records from another vet. I went back to the other vet got his records and brought them back. Now to my point. This same prescription from two other vets was $50 Sunshine price was $76. It was late Friday he needed his heart meds so I paid it. I felt I was over charged as I did mention to them what I had paid to two other vets. read more

No other animal clinic I would use, Rex our yellow Lab is always happy to see the veterinarian. Clean, friendly and helpful. Can also board your family pet to if your heading out of town. read more

This reason I am writing this review is that this is NOT the first time this has happened to me at this animal hospital. I have phoned ahead to ask for a price on a service provided and I am given a price. But after the service is complete the price increases!!!! Today the price was 50% more than what I was told over the phone. That is a BIG difference. I was given a lame excuse like "Oh, I'm sorry I made an error in the original price I told you". What is the consumer to do when they have already received the service? I was stuck to pay the difference. When I asked the girl at the front counter what would I have done if all I had was the price I was told originally, she said, "I don't know". When I asked to speak with the vet, she said he had just left. There is an old saying, "First time, shame on you. Second time shame on me". This will be the last time I ever use their services. read more

Had to bring our dogs in a few times. They always do a great job. They are very friendly. And pretty much pilot everything. So you don't have have to control your animal-- they will make sure they're are comfortable and will ensure you don't spend on unnecessary test/items. Also give great advice!! read more

Do not leave your dog or cat here for boarding! I left my dog here for one week and when I came to pick her up she was completely full of urine. SOCKED! I called and spoke to Dr. Fontenot and he did absolutely nothing. I will never use this vet again. Very unsatisfied! read more

You could not find a more compassionate, professional, friendly and caring...so very dedicated to his patients and to their owners. Dr. Fontenot thank you so much for your patience, you are truly a very patient man. My two cockerpoodles adore you. He was their Vet from the start at 8 weeks old and he will be our Vet until he retires or moves ( I pray he doesn't)!! His fees are reasonable and he is so honest he will not let you spend on unnecessary tests he is not about making money he is so honest and my first time owning dogs, I had him and his wonderful and hard working assistants (Heather and Samantha) on redial. They gave me great advice and still do. Thank you Heather and Sam. read more

My 8 month old dog was being boarded for 9 days, he is a small 13 pound Shih Tzu that has been groomed several times and boarded before as well. I dropped him off and told them it takes him a couple days to get comfortable with new people. I was called on my second day of vacation saying he was vicious and they could not take care of him. He is far from aggressive I have 2 children he plays with as well as plays with many people in my neighborhood . They told me he was not going to be walked and when he went to the bathroom they would hose him off. I was so upset, I felt as though I was paying them for a service and they did not provide him with any proper care. I picked him up today and he is covered in matted hair, I'm going to have to have him shaved, he already had a short hair cut, but all the hair on his face is matted, and his tail is matted, I was brushing him and could not get the brush through any of his hair. I started unpacking his bag and at the bottom there was a lovely surprise, his favorite toy was wrapped in a plastic bag and it was covered in poo, i had to throw it in the trash. So not only did I get charged a premium price but my dog was given subpar treatment, I will never take him there again and I would not recommend this place for boarding to anyone else. read more

I will never return to sunshine animal hospital ever again, nor will I send anyone who has a pet. I went in there with my severly sick cat. They went back to take a stool sample, after I had told them that there was no stool left to sample, (it was literally all water that was coming out). The vet. came out to me and said that I either need to sedate him or take him somewhere else. Since I can not afford sedation, I opted to take him somewhere else. As I was taking my carrier, they informed me that I would still be charged for everything, even though they did nothing but hurt my cat. When I brought him home, he was bleeding. They were rude, the woman at the counter did not know anything, and my cat and I were treated unfairly. I will NOT be returning. read more

BAIT and SWITCH! Do not leave your pets here for boarding! My bill doubled from what was agreed on. 1) When I left my 2 pets off on Saturday, 12/19, they told me my friend could pick up my pets for me on Saturday, 12/26, but they said they would put the contract date to 12/28 "just in case your friend doesn't come to get them," and I stupidly agreed. And then they neglected to tell me they would be closed that Saturday! They even took my credit card number "so that they could charge it when my friend arrived on Saturday." Their sign says they are open until noon. So my friend arrived at 10 am: to a closed office! No notice on the door, nothing on their internet site, just closed, and a phone number that would not take messages. 2) When I arrived on Monday to pick them up, I was charged for 10 days, including charges for a 2-cage cat suite, when I had specifically asked for a single cage. I was told when I dropped them off that IF they "had" to move the cat to a (need I add significantly more expensive) suite, I would be informed. Billing time pickup is hardly the time to tell me that did that ---on Day 1. 3) When I contested the charges, they said I could get my pets --- when I paid the bill. DO NOT LEAVE YOUR PETS HERE! read more

A neighbor referred us to Dr. Fontenot because Sophie's limp wouldn't go away. Our previous vet just kept giving us pills which only helped for a little while. Dr. Fontenot gave Sophie the most thorough exam she's ever had. The x-rays showed a problem in her leg bone. The doctor said it was suspicous for cancer but could also be an infection. We agreed to a biopsy & tests which confirmed it was a infection not cancer. The doctor even had to send us to Walgreens for her drugs because the vet drugs wouldn't work. Dr. Fontenot saved Sophie's leg. My only complaint is that now, we can't keep up with her on her walks. read more

After getting evaluated at a nearby specialty clinic for a tumor removal that was attached to the anal glands, my dogs surgery was estimated at $3,000. I called 2 other veterinarians who would not do the surgery due to the risk of incontinence and the skill needed to perform the surgery. After finding a vet in Fort Lauderdale who specializes in laser anal gland removal for $2,000, we found Dr. Fontenot who estimated surgery at $1,100. The tumor ended up growing into the muscle of the anal tissue and growing twice the size in 2 wks. Because of this the surgery cost $1,500 instead of the $1,100 which I happily paid. Dr. Fontenot could not have been more informative, kind and patient. Even though the risk of incontinence was high due to the tumor, because of Dr. Fontenot's expertise my dog is fully continent and has many more happy years to come. I cannot say enough good things about him. If you think the prices are outrageous, then believe me, you may want to get other estimates. If you need to be coddled and get warm and fuzzy from your vet visit you may want to go elsewhere. For those who appreciate professionalism, skill, expertise, and the best care possible, well we will continue going to Dr. Fontenot! read more