VCA Ben White Animal Hospital

This animal hospital pulled a ""bait and switch"" to get me to bring my dog in for an examination. I contacted them about an examination, vaccinations and blood work to monitor my dog's thyroid condition. I told them up front I use Petmeds for medications. If they won't work with Petmeds I would use a different vet. I was told not only do they work with Petmeds they will price match through their office. I made an appointment to bring my dog in.

Once in the exam room the Vet Tech reviewed my dogs history and confirmed what I was there for, a basic exam and blood work to determine if my dog needed to remain on thyroid medication (he's been on the same medicine at the same dosage for 5 years. Annual bloodwork is required to verify his levels and renew his prescription).
The Vet Tech attempted to upsell me into a $450 ""senior wellness"" package. After again explaining what I was there for and agreeing to a price the exam was completed and blood sent to the lab. I was told the lab would take 48 hours. The Vet Tech again confirmed they match Petmeds pricing for my dog's specific medication.

48 hours later the vet calls and confirms my dog's blood levels haven't changed and they will have the prescription ready that afternoon. I again ask about pricing, they confirm they will match Petmeds price if I bring in a print out showing the cost from Petmeds.

I go to the vet with my print out. The receiptionist get my prescription, I present my Petmeds print out. I am told they will not price match, and they do not sell the generic medication my dog has been on for 5 years and want to change him to a non generic new medication. I decline and say I will place my order through Petmeds. The receptionist says that is fine.

I place my Petmeds order the next day, a Friday. Petmeds contact Ben White Animal Hospital on Tuesday and is told they will not confirm the prescription. Petmeds informs us of this Tuesday afternoon. My wife calls the office, explains the situation and is told a vet will call her back. The vet calls back, my wife explains the situation the vet confirms they will not deal with Petmeds. My wife asks that an exception be made considering the circumstances and that we are almost out of medication. The vet declined.

After the attempted upsell, the lying about the using Petmeds, and the refusal to use generic meds I'm left feeling VCA Ben White Animal Hospital doesn't care about pets, only money.

This animal hospital pulled a ""bait and switch"" to get me to bring my dog in for an examination. I contacted them about an examination, vaccinations and blood work to monitor my dog's thyroid condition. I told them up front I use Petmeds for medications. If they won't work with Petmeds I would use a different vet. I was told not only do they work with Petmeds they will price match through their office. I made an appointment to bring my dog in.

Once in the exam room the Vet Tech reviewed my dogs history and confirmed what I was there for, a basic exam and blood work to determine if my dog needed to remain on thyroid medication (he's been on the same medicine at the same dosage for 5 years. Annual bloodwork is required to verify his levels and renew his prescription).
The Vet Tech attempted to upsell me into a $450 ""senior wellness"" package. After again explaining what I was there for and agreeing to a price the exam was completed and blood sent to the lab. I was told the lab would take 48 hours. The Vet Tech again confirmed they match Petmeds pricing for my dog's specific medication.

48 hours later the vet calls and confirms my dog's blood levels haven't changed and they will have the prescription ready that afternoon. I again ask about pricing, they confirm they will match Petmeds price if I bring in a print out showing the cost from Petmeds.

I go to the vet with my print out. The receiptionist get my prescription, I present my Petmeds print out. I am told they will not price match, and they do not sell the generic medication my dog has been on for 5 years and want to change him to a non generic new medication. I decline and say I will place my order through Petmeds. The receptionist says that is fine.

I place my Petmeds order the next day, a Friday. Petmeds contact Ben White Animal Hospital on Tuesday and is told they will not confirm the prescription. Petmeds informs us of this Tuesday afternoon. My wife calls the office, explains the situation and is told a vet will call her back. The vet calls back, my wife explains the situation the vet confirms they will not deal with Petmeds. My wife asks that an exception be made considering the circumstances and that we are almost out of medication. The vet declined.

After the attempted upsell, the lying about the using Petmeds, and the refusal to use generic meds I'm left feeling VCA Ben White Animal Hospital doesn't care about pets, only money.

I'm surprised there aren't more (any!) reviews of this wonderful pet hospital. I've been taking my dog Maggie there for years and have always had good experiences. They were bought out recently by a chain called VCA so I was a little sceptical on my recent visit but I found that aside from the new name and some brochures the place and people were the same. Bill is a great doctor, relaxed and knowledgeable - not pushy. April the tech was really nice and went over my bill before hand to make sure I only got what I wanted and wasn't surprised later. I would highly recommend them for any check up or emergency.