Merecroft Veterinary Clinic

I understand that people have bad days, but I feel as though that's my only experience with this woman. I was charged over $700 yesterday for the poorest quality and professionalism I have experienced here. My dog was injured and I contacted the emergency line for advice on what to do, and she recommended stitches in the morning. I completely understand the cost of the medications, the cone, the bandage, and the time doing the procedure - keep in mind it was documented as only ten minutes. I was told it would be around four to five hours before he could be picked up and that I had to leave the premises during that time. In less than an hour I was told to come back, drove the ten minutes to the clinic, and charged another $60 for a day time hospitalization fee. On top of that, I was charged just under $100 for a clinic consultation that never happened, unless they consider our three and a half minute phone call and her asking me in the parking lot if I want his nails trimmed as our "consultation". I questioned these charges and was met by another senior front desk member who was also very rude and didn't provide a legitimate answer. Her assistant; however, was very nice (I want that to be clear) and brought me in to get him. She left the back door open for him to see me, as he was clearly distressed but stopped once I was visible. The vet immediately slammed it shut and never came out to talk to me about the procedure, home care, side effects of the medications - nothing. Her assistant did her best to explain when to take them, but nothing further. I cannot excuse greediness, poor behaviour and lack of professionalism from someone who's job is to take care of our special family members, and I sincerely hope that no one else has to experience this kind of treatment, though it is a consistent theme.

The vet is kind and caring overall. But in the last year of my dog's life I felt somewhat disappointed in the care provided. We brought our elderly dog in because she was collapsing and with only a very cursory exam the vet produced an estimate of over $600 for tests she wanted to run, with no real explanation. We wanted to know what she thought it was, whether there was treatment available for the various things it could be. She just told us that she had spent over $1,000 on tests for her elderly cat, the implication being that if we actually cared, we would simply fork over the money without all these questions. We did go ahead with the tests and the final bill was over $680, only to be told she didn't know what was wrong. She prescribed some medicine, sort of as a wild guess on what it could be. We paid for the medication and gave it to our dog, and the side effect was that she was up almost all night anxiously pacing. It was very upsetting. When I called the next morning, I received no empathy, and no clue as to what to do next. I did research and called back to suggest a different direction we could take. The receptionist was rude, and said this approach was already in the vet's notes. We got the new medication and there was no follow-up on our dog's condition, which unfortunately only deteriorated. We made the difficult decision to euthanize our dog and called the vet to see if she would come to our house, to do this in our backyard, maintaining distancing and remaining outdoors for COVID. We were told flatly NO. After years of care and us spending thousands of dollars with them, they were not interested in helping us with end of life care. Fortunately we found another vet - Tsolum Vet in Merville, and the lady that came to our house was very kind and helpful.

This woman is horrible and rude. Strings you along to get more money out of you. Several family members have had the same experience here. They care about your cash, not your animals.

The staff are always wonderful and they genuinely care about you and your animal. Helen is concise and genuine and puts you at ease. Her locums are always amazing as well and they follow up with you regularly to make sure your pet - and yourself - are doing okay. The only veterinarian my family and I have ever been to in Campbell River and we will never change. Thank you Merecroft Veterinary Clinic for all you do!

The staff, vet technicians and doctors are simply amazing. Thanks once again for looking after Hook.