Chess Veterinary Clinic - Chorleywood

Caring, attentive and considerate

Chess Vet provided our pet with great care over the past 2 years, but I was severely disappointed in the billing and services conducted during the exportation of our pet from the UK. During a routine checkup to meet "safe to fly" requirements by the exportation airline as well as a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection, we were charged an additional 120.00 GBP in administrative charges that were on top of the previously provided estimate of 97.20 GBP. During both of these events, we met with the exportation specialist at Chess Vet to inform her of the import requirements for the country in question as well as what we needed from her to achieve a successfully importation. We were well aware of all requirements after careful research. During the initial meeting, she expressed concern over a "lack of standardized forms” for importation on the country’s official website. After informing her that standardized forms do not exist, she continued to research standardized forms on her own time (which was not required) AND billed the customer for that time! Her research was never requested from the customer nor did it EVER produce any additional documentation than was originally requested and provided by myself. When we questioned the practice over this bill, they claimed that the professional time she spent in research was necessary. Not it was not! I came to each meeting prepared and clearly explained exactly what was required and when it was required..including answers to all of her questions. If this is their philosophy, I should be billing them for my time! Not only do I question the legality of this bill, but it calls into question the integrity of their office. While I appreciate the professional care we always received at Chess Vet, this incident was enough to write a negative review to help further inform future consumers.

Very nice staff who took time with me.

Friendly reassuring staff

Recently had to take my elderly dog in to Chess Vets at Chorleywood with a bladder infection. On arrival the young lady vet decided to hold the consultation in the waiting room. Instead of just diagnosing the problem she decided to try and convince us that now may be the time to consider having him put down, due to his age and quality of life. As far as we were concerned he still had a quality of life as he enjoyed his walks and his food and being old does not constitute giving up on him for our convenience. The vet mentioned again about he merits of ending his life before we went into the treatment room for the consultation. A cystitus was diagnosed and antbiotics prescribed. Also urine samples were taken for testing (one from the floor of the vets) which I did not find very professional of her. The following day when we spoke to the same vet again she started on about the merits of euthanasia. All we wanted at this stage were the antibiotics for our pet. Now I am no expert on the merits of veterinary practice but as far as I know cystitis is a perfectly treatable condition and does not warrant having to have your dog put down. At this stage we were so annnoyed with the treatment from Chess Vets we decided to take him to Medivets in Watford. The vets there were brilliant and they were willing to provide him with the care he needed and with no suggestion of ending his days. Also they were far more professional and gave the impression that they actually cared for your pets wellbeing. Better antibiotics were prescribed which has subsequently cured the problem. Chess vets are now curently processing our last insurance claim with them for which they charge £9.30 per claim form, now what other vet charges for this service! I would suggest anyone out there with an elderly or seriously ill animal to who wants proper treatment for their loved pet to go elsewhere for their veterinary treatment.