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3/7/25 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
4 |
I have taken my pets to Alta Vista for many years. The vets and vet techs there are very kind and compassionate. Long wait times do occur in the emergency department and no doubt tempers do get a bit short as staff get over whelmed on busy nights. Never the less I continue to count on the staff at Alta Vista to care for my 4 cats and 1 dog. Special mention goes to Dr.s Swatman and White and to vet assistant Lisa.
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12/6/24 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
It look as if the "moderator" had removed my comment. I was just trying to say don't take your pet here. They don't care about your pet. All they care about is your money. That's the truth. Our cats were warehoused instead of being diagnosed and treated right away according to their triage chart. They were "being treated next" . Hours later they were never treated. They didn't care but told us how important it was that they be treated right away. We had to demand our cats back for fear they were going to mistreat or neglect them. They should be ashamed, but they have no shame.
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7/19/24 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
Dr. Liptak lied on the medical records. I did NOT elect to euthanize our dog. I asked Dr. Liptak to amputate our dog's leg to save his life. Dr. Liptak lied and said that our dog's leg could not be amputated. Dr. Liptak yelled at me and ordered me to sign a consent form to allow him to kill our dog. So I signed the form under duress. Then we get the medical records which say that our dog's leg could have been amputated. Dr. Liptak is a liar.
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12/20/23 |
2 |
1 |
2 |
2 |
Wentto see a vet for my dog which ear was bleeding non stop.Technician came(Liam)took dog with him brought him back with dogs taped head and asked us to wait for the doctor in the room.We came tothe room, dog shake his head, ear pooped out from the tape and start bleeding again,floor of the room was bloody mess, i went to the girls sitting in front and asked them to call for technician,instead she brought me back to the room roll of bandage and gauze pads-kind of "you need it?do it yourself!".Later technician came to the room (no reaction from him on bleeding dog ear)he sits in front of PC and typing non stop.I mentioned to him that service was better here before on what he replied to me that:"I am rude and In this case I might to wait for doctor longer."I was shocked-this is not free of charge service and the only person who was rude was that guy-Liam,you can't be working in the place which you don't belong to.Should add that doctor was good though.Thereis nowater for dogs in thehall.
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5/21/23 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
This place should be shut down. Rude, condescending spineless staff with no compassion for animals or their well-being. Money is all that matters. Hypocritical and superficial compassion is like a prepared company spiel. The torment experienced by my dog and me was absolutely preventable, their " policies" are for the trashcan and their staff irritable and rude. Do not go there if you want what's best for your pet.
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10/31/21 |
1 |
2 |
1 |
1 |
a butcher shop. show me the money is there motto. My vet had to redo everything they did. My pups eyeball popped out and they didnt even clean his eye, they did a hack job stitching it up and caused an ulcer on his eye.My vet had to remove the stitches and tubing they put on and cleaned the eye out.Alta Vista sent him home when i brought him back after the surgery saying it looked fine.Thats when i went to my own vet.
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5/24/21 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
If I could give 0 stars, I would. This place is extremely unprofessional. We brought our puppy this morning and brought a stool sample. Our puppy had chronic diarrhea and vomited in the morning so we brought him in and gave the sample. We were told the sample would be tested. We were also told we would have to get him a parvo test and that he would then go in to be assessed. We were told the parvo test would be 8 minutes, it was 35. We were here for 2 hours. Our puppy then never went in to be assessed- instead we were called saying he had to wait 3-4 hours before his turn. We went home and they called us to come back about 3 hours later. We arrived, called and they took him in after about 10 minutes. We were told the doctor would call. One hour later, we get a call from Dr. Davenport who thought we were at home with our puppy. Communication was clearly poor since they had just taken him in. Where has he been all this time? She then did the quickest assessment I have ever heard of and
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8/17/20 |
2 |
3 |
1 |
3 |
Very disappointed. Took my cat in last evening. Told she would be seen by vet around 3-4a.m. Called at 6a.m. Told vet just picked up her chart and I’d get a call soon. Called back at 8:00. Cat had not seen vet & no offer of an estimate of wait time. I understand triage, but this was ridiculous. 11 hours and nothing done! .I chose to pick her up for vet care elsewhere, but wanted a report of her status. I picked her up, & the person had no idea of report.. I had cleaned her up before I took her there and although they could not say if her symptoms had continued, she was a sticky matted mess when I got her home. . Cat had been drooling and frothing, weak and looking bewildered. Did she have a seizure? Was it a bad reaction to new Rx medication? Home now. She’s voided and taken a few bits of kibble, but continues to lick her lips and swallow frequently.. Had I known there are at least 2 other 24 hour animal emergency clinics I could have gone to I certainly would have.
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12/29/19 |
1 |
3 |
1 |
1 |
Was there yesterday for 9 hours. In the end, they didn't know what was wrong with my pet. Took a couple of pictures and gave me medication. Paid almost $600. What a ripoff. I asked them on the phone how much a consultation was and they charged me 30% more than what they said. I would suggest going to the Ottawa Veterinary Clinic next time. If I could give 0 stars, I would.
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8/1/19 |
3 |
4 |
1 |
3 |
The skill set seems fine, but the customer service is terrible.
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9/24/18 |
1 |
2 |
1 |
1 |
I took my little dog in in july and when we finally got in to see a dr he took the leash off and max dove off the table with a large cracking sound when he landed head first on the floor. The dr didnt seem to care less even when max couldnt stand. Luckily i dont think there were lasting problems. in august we were woken in the middle of the night by a yelp and there was blood all over the bathroom in the morning we decided to take him back there as we are unable to get an app with out regular vet. My son spent all day mopping up blood. We were told that a tech would look at him within an hour, we didnt see anyone until 430. Got there before 1030 ddn't leave until 530 the first time and 245am the second. We had taken our other dog as she had a skin issue but wasnt doing well in the waiting room so we took her home. They didnt call when they said they would with the results of the blood test and went ahead and sedated him without us being there. When they finally called they said he had
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*
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7/2/18 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
Our miniature poodle had a toy beef bone stuck behind his incisors. Totally unexpected accident that I have never seen before. We are from out of town, and went to the clinic on a busy July 1st. We were taken in immediately and despite many pets being there for hours, our little doggy needed urgent sedation to remove the bone. I thank the staff for triaging his care appropriately. We were out within 1 hour and have a Happy pet! The staff are truly compassionate.
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5/29/18 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
3 |
This clinic is not a place to bring a sick pet. Our clearly dehydrated cat was made to sit in her carrier for over five hours with no ability to get out. To top it off, no staff member provided water and when directly asked for water the request was ignored. After being continually bumped for emergencies we were told that we were indeed an "emergency" and we should not leave. We left, our cat is now sicker thanks to this hospital, but at least has access to water, food and a litter box. She will be seen by a responsible veterinarian.
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2/20/18 |
1 |
3 |
3 |
1 |
It is with deep sadness and regret that I write this review, 2 weeks after I lost my best friend and companion, an 8 1/2 year old yorkie-poo, Betsy. She was not at the animal clinic when she died, but events leading up to her death was what I would describe as confusing, caused difficulty in proper decision making, and an experience I hope no other pet owner would have.
I am not sure about the capabilities of other veterinarians in the hospital, so I will not comment on that, but if they are all of the same demeanor as Dr.Poppa I would strongly recommend taking your pet elsewhere.
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12/19/17 |
2 |
2 |
1 |
1 |
We got there at 10am and I told the technician that I am suspecting my dog has a urine infection. They took a sample and 3 hours later I asked how much longer we should wait and the receptionist said 5 more hours!!! We decided to leave and they said that they will send the results to my regular vet. 3 days later the results were not sent and my dog was still in pain. When I called to ask why the results were not sent in and the receptionist was not aware that they were supposed to be sent! They didn’t even call me to say that my dog has a bad infection that required antibiotics, they wanted me to go and see one of their vets to charge me more money on top of the expensive visit to them although to didn’t see a vet!! Very bad hospital, no conscious whatsoever to leave a dog in pain for 3 days! I would never go back and do not recommend this place to anyone. They are overpriced and do not care about the pets that are brought in. Very disappointing.
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9/8/17 |
3 |
5 |
1 |
1 |
I don't have anything bad to say about the care and services received by the specialist at that hospital. However, I am not impressed one bit with the staff's punctuality in getting to your case, calling when they say they will or the long wait at the reception when you come in and wait to be seen, apointment or not. Prices are extremely high as well and I sometimes felt more tests were done than necessary. I do recommend them in case of an emergency, but otherwise I don't .
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5/29/17 |
1 |
2 |
1 |
1 |
My next door neighbours had a little dog who had two masses removed from her stomach. The incision was huge and they sent this little dog home far too soon. When she got home she was lifeless, had a high fever, hadn't eaten anything for days, wasn't drinking, and unresponsive... and there was absolutely no follow...no one contacted these people at any time to see how she was doing after extensive surgery like that. It wasn't until she was rushed back in and put on IV fluids did they call them to advise that she actually had a leak in her stomach and that it was time to say goodbye...and of course offer the other "treatment" options to a dog with cancer who was 13 years old and was unresponsive...That little dog should NEVER have been allowed to come back home. I am appalled at the treatment this little girl and their owners received.
I would strongly recommend Lola Street Emergency Hospital as an alternative in the City.
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3/10/17 |
4 |
5 |
4 |
5 |
An emerg clinic with specialists in numerous fields. I feel my pet was cared for by the members of this team.
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11/2/16 |
1 |
3 |
1 |
1 |
What has happened to AVAH!! I made an appointment with them on Nov 1st for 2:15 on the 2nd. On arrival they told me they couldn't find the appointment on the computer but had a opening for 2:15 so I should just take a seat. After a 35 min.I was told Dr. Bamberger had back to back appointments and what was I there for anyway?....DUH.After a discussion lacking in any effort to resolve the problem ,I left and will not return. If they can't manage to make an appointment and honour it, I certainly will not trust them with my dogs. Their loss. as my 2 dogs have several medical issues which cost me many $$$ per year.
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3/31/16 |
2 |
5 |
1 |
1 |
I am truly saddened by AVAH as it is now. We first were clients when the original vets, truly animal devotees, opened in the late 60s; Alas, now, AVAH is an enterprise, with a CEO. Yes, they have high end equipment for critical cases, but the vets are no longer compassionate; they seem pushed to 'sell' services and products. I was urged to have a blood test done on an aging dog in Emergency, with the young vet telling me the results would be good for 6 months. Really? I left AVAH when each visit ended with what we would do on the next visit which should be 'soon'. I felt uncaring towards my dogs, because I couldn't afford their services, which are over-priced and often un-necessary. Vet techs travel in pairs, and duplicate much work which is done by the vet. The AVAH of 'now' is totally insulting to the original vets. I am so sorry.
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2/25/16 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
We have also had a very devastating experience at Alta Vista. Almost a year ago our dachshund Miesha was showing signs of IVDD. We quickly brought her to Alta Vista where they let her suffer for hours before seeing her and with IVDD timing is everything to give them the best chance to walk again. The surgery that could have left her not paralyzed and ultimately saved her life didn't happen until late morning/early afternoon the NEXT day. We sadly had to say goodbye to Miesha on Tuesday. Enough is enough of this hospital, something should be done. Animals are being let to suffer unnecessarily, and are not given timely treatment that could save their lives. I am looking to make this go public, get it in the news etc... please contact me with your story. I plan to send everything to CBC's Go Public. Contact me at inlovingmemoryofmiesha@hotmail.com
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2/19/16 |
4 |
5 |
1 |
1 |
Found this clinic VERY OVERPRICED. Took our cat here because he had become very dehydrated, had vomiting, no appetite, and it was the only place open at night. After waiting for 5 hours, they prescribed bloodwork, x-rays, antibiotics, injections, for a total of $1500. Tests were inconclusive so they then prescribed ultrasound (no very reliable in this situation) and surgery for another $2600 at which point we took our cat out of there and went elsewhere. Felt they were taking advantage of us at Alta Vista and the price for the same procedure double the cost of other clinics. Don't go here unless you have to and only accept procédures that are absolutely necessary until you can get to another clinic, unless you have money to burn.
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2/9/16 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
I rated this vet clinic yesterday and they seemed to have removed it. I dealt with Dr. Tinsley for an eye problem with my cat and he changed his diagnosis twice and in the end, he was not able to help my cat recover. Spent over $1000 without any results. I also found that the vet staff were not very courteous to me, my wife and my cat.
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1/29/16 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
Horrible place! After having survived three bouts of cancer, my dog died as a result of a botched dental procedure at this hospital. I have heard many nightmare stories from other pet owners. My new dog will never see the inside of AVAH. They monopolize the Ottawa area because they have specialized physicians and expensive equipment that no one else has in the region. I urge people to take their pets to Cornell University Veterinary Hospital. Awesome place, and charge less than AVAH. I regret not getting my dog there in time.
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12/15/15 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
ABSOLUTELY HORRIBLE!!! NON-SERVICE!!!
On December 11,2015,this past Friday,in the evening,I rushed my beloved Coton de Tulear to the Ottawa, Ontario, Alta Vista Animal Hospital's Emergency Unit,in panic,with my pet's back paralyzed.I waited for hours,without receiving even the slightest bit of attention,let alone compassion!We have been dr PUKAY's clients for many years.Unfortunately since he retired,the place has turned into a heartless,careless institution.In complete helpless frustration,I left the place after waiting uselessly for help,at 11:30 PM,in sobbing fits.TOBI,my beautiful little partner,only 3 years old,had to be euthanized Saturday morning.If you need compassion,understanding not only for your pet,but your self as well, Alta Vista Animal Hospital is not the place to go!!!Go to the Ottawa Veterinary Hospital on Boyd Street,where you'll be treated with humanity,sadly missing at Alta Vista.Maria Turner
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3/3/14 |
1 |
2 |
1 |
1 |
My son and his wife took their dog to alta vista 2 nights ago because the dog was very ill, they told the vet that they were living on welfare and that they could not afford to pay up front but could make payment arrangements but these greedy, money grubbing thieves care only about payment. Now this poor 9 month old female puppy is going to die because of these heartless quacks. They claim she may have meningitis somy son has been trying to borrow the money to help his dog and while he is trying to do this they are basically giving her pain killers and saline until a decision is made on whether to treat her or put her down. I find this absolutely appaulling that animals have to die because vets don't care until their pockets are full of your money. I think its time that we put together a petition against the veterinarians of ontario to become regulated by the government so that animals will have a fair chance at life instead of dying due to doctor negligence. How do they sleep at nig
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7/26/13 |
3 |
4 |
2 |
1 |
Allergic reaction started Friday, no idea to what, by 2 am Sunday, no sleep, covered in hives, lethargic & not breathing reg. Brought him to AV. Vet read note in file stating "owner believes pet is allergic to antibiotic cephalexin...pet vomits while taking it" (previous visit). Vet disagreed dog was made ill by cephalexin & prescribed it anyway. Dog became very ill. Cost me extra; another visit, re-hydration (from vomiting profusely), new antibiotics, etc. Worst Part? My dog was made ill for absolutely no reason. Why prescribe antibiotic I said makes him ill when the current one works fine. Very negligent of emerg vet to not follow file, to make me fell stupid & incompetent. Great place for folk with lots of $, free time and willingness to experiment on their pet. For $160 for emerg visit (not including meds, etc.) why did I have to wait 3 hrs for service only to have my pet made MORE ill. Oh, and no refunds on the meds that made him ill. Currently looking for new emerg pet facility.
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2/6/13 |
4 |
5 |
5 |
4 |
Dr. Julius Liptak did a fantastic job with my dog. He was misdiagnosed by Blair Animal Hospital and was transferred by recommendation of the Ottawa Veterinary Hospital (via ER service) as they had a specialist for my dog's problem. They fixed him up and though still pricey were on the low side of their estimate. Their facilities are the best you can ask for and they do use air conditioning in the summer to keep the place cool for the animals.
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1/30/13 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
Keep your beloved pets OUT of this place! This is solely a money-grabbing scam business that preys on the love of pet owners. We brought our dog in for EMERGENCY care. After numerous tests, some of which were redundant and very costly, we decided to take our poor dog OUT OF THERE. Our dog stayed over night in preparation for emergency surgery and when we saw our dog in the morning it was dirty and nearly dead (dog was in much worse condition than prior to bringing it there). The careless Dr. Tyler Dearden ONLY had MONEY on his mind and just talked vaguely about the test results and the recommended treatment (to confuse the client and scam the maximum money possible). Seems all he knew was how to charge lots of money! Oh, he offered us a "Desjardins Credit Card" to help pay the expensive vet bill. Needless to say, our beloved dog died and we're devastated. We feel our dog's life could have been saved if we had gone somewhere else that actually cares about animals and their well-being.
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9/28/12 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
DR. Peckham only interested in $$$. She killed my dog by giving injections that were NOT requested or approved by me.
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7/23/12 |
3 |
5 |
4 |
1 |
A vet at Alta Vista recommended I undertake a $1400 procedure to remove a growth from my dog's chin. The Alta Vista vet told me the only way to remove the growth would be to have it surgically removed. Part of this fee included a $300 charge to do a biopsy to find out if the growth was a dangerous tumor. I decided to get a second opinion. The other vet I saw told me the growth would go away on its own in a couple of weeks. It did. Glad I didn't get utterly fleeced by Alta Vista vets that provided me with over the top quotes ($800 for neuter) and potentially unnecessary surgery. It is too bad I had to post this, I had a good overall impression until these latest quotes.
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6/6/12 |
3 |
5 |
3 |
1 |
They charge extremely high prices for the work they do. For an eye exam the charge was $300. You might think a biopsy was done or laser surgery. All they did was look into her eyes and check the pressure. It's much less than the work I have done to my own eyes and I pay $60 for my exams. Why would a cat or dog cost $300 for a 15 minute exam? How do they come up with such figures? I've very disheartened to see this sort of thing. Animals are suffering and in pain and dying. These greedy vets could care less. It's very obvious to me that money is the biggest concern. Alta-Vista has got to be one of the more expensive animal hospitals around. I don't know how these people sleep at night knowing the money in their pockets is not well earned and animals are going untreated like mine because I cannot afford the payment required to have my cat looked after. This loving animal will die in agony in a short period of time due to this greed for money. Should be govt regulated.
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5/30/12 |
3 |
4 |
1 |
1 |
Had an appointment at 9:30 in the morning for my dog to be looked at and have Xrays on his leg. The vet was really nice, explained everything it could be, and then when it came time to do Xrays, I was told there weren't enough staff at the moment and could I come back in an hour? I did, they took him, and I was told to come back in two hours. When I did, I sat in an empty waiting room for 45 minutes waiting to be seen, was totally ignored by the front desk staff, and then, after seeing the vet, who explained to me that nothing came up in the Xrays, I was told that my dog would be brought out to me. I waited ANOTHER 45 minutes for my dog (I actually had to go up to the desk and ask, "Is my dog going to be brought out soon?), some anti-inflammatories, and a $700 dollar bill! For a 9:30 AM appointment and some Xrays, I left there at 3:50 PM!
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5/23/12 |
2 |
5 |
3 |
2 |
Brought my pets here for checkups when I first moved to Ottawa & hadn't heard how expensive it was. Yes, it's pricey. They have good facilities. But I wasn't happy with the vet - pushed dental procedures on both my pets saying that they were necessary. Went ahead with it for 1 pet, but for the other we decided to wait due to cost & later found out from another vet that it absolutely wasn't necessary. I'm angry to think of the money I spent & pain my pet went through. Would go here for an emergency but nothing else.
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5/13/12 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
Took my dog there after she was diagnosed with cancer. Yes it cost me more than it would have if my regular vet had done the surgery but it was a specialist in cancer surgery who took care of my girl and removed her cancer. Dr. Liptak was absolutely incredible and my dog is doing amazingly well 7 months after her surgery. I would strongly recommend this clinic to anyone who needs to see a specialist.
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4/20/12 |
1 |
3 |
1 |
1 |
I spent hundreds of dollors for a visit to Alta Vista to be treated condisendingly by the veterinarian who examined my dog. She had not pooped for more than 2 days, and I was assuming she had some kind of obstruction. The diagnosis from the vet was arthritis and the claim was she was too sore to squat to do her business. The dog was not even 4 years old at the time and in fantastic shape. She certainly does not have arthritis. The vet was already pushing very expensive tests including a CT scan. After paying an outrageous bill, we visited another vet the next day who within moments diagnosed a partial obstruction and was able to quickly fix the problem with a simple rectal exam. I would also point out this vet was a fraction of the price. I was not impressed at all and would only return if my pet required mergency after hrs attention.
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3/16/12 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
my dog was hit by a car, yes they saved her, but she was never the same, It cost me a fortune, at a time when I was paying university costs for our children and could not afford this. I would have preferred to have our dog who was already 13 put down, but they never gave that option, they went ahead with the treatment of nearly 4000. on my credit card. took my years to pay it off. I was angry and they were mean.
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1/25/12 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
3 |
Brought my dog in emerg. was taken immediately, staff were super friendly, vet was great. I could tell right away they were pushing for my pup to stay over night (really wasnt necessary)...I opted out. Very happy to have them in an emergency situation. Granted my bill was not as high as others (350$) but I felt comfortable with that bill in relation to the service my pup and i had. Thanks guys!
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1/18/12 |
2 |
4 |
3 |
1 |
Took my dog there for a checkup. Their rates are very high. Like 3 times more expensive than my regular vet.
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12/13/11 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
The first time I went to this clinic, I had an amazing experience. The staff were amazing and the vets were really nice. There was one paticular vet technician (Aran,I think that was her name)she went out of the way to help us out. Every time I left a message they called me back right away and helped me with any questions I had. I got very sick (cancer) I had to stop working for a while. I had a problem with my dog. I called them and Arran asked me to come in. They helped my dog and I didn`t have to pay for the exam. All I had to pay was for the meds, which it was about $25. They helped me so much. They do care about peolpe and their best friends (pets).Yes, the prices are a little higher tham other places but if you want the best you got to pay a little extra. I will strongly recommend Alta vista Animal hospital. It`s clean,spacious and they care for you pets.
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7/29/11 |
5 |
5 |
4 |
3 |
Great service and care from Ophthalmology Dept. Loved the techs and the doctor explained everything very clearly.
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4/3/11 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
overpriced.they are like financial advisors only interested in making themselves rich. staff is friendly like vampires ready to bleed you out.
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3/29/11 |
1 |
2 |
1 |
1 |
I visited this hospital when my small cat swallowed a large elastic band. I arrived 40 minutes after my cat ingested the elastic-when it was still possible to do an endoscopy (this is what my vet said should happen-not risking it getting stuck in the intestines). Unfortunately I waited 2.5 hours so it was too late do that and I was told there was NO SPECIALISTS ON SITE TO DO IT! Instead they gave him a drug that "could" make him vomit but it didn't work either. They suggested another drug which could damage the heart (a drug for which the reversible drug was expired)There were 3 or 4 "receptionists" at the front fetching coffee and trying to look busy. After waiting for almost 2 hours I had to ask someone what was going on as no one kept me informed of what was happening in the back and how much longer I would have to wait. The bill was $230-way too expensive! I left with laxatives and a drugged up cat. I will never go back to this hospital.
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2/21/11 |
2 |
4 |
5 |
1 |
I think this veterinarian is more focus to maximize their revenues -- The vet kept on pushing for the most expensive treatment before even running the basic tests (e.g. blood test). They are friendly but i dont think they are honest. I rather drive 100k for a good honest carying vet
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10/21/10 |
1 |
3 |
2 |
1 |
I was clearing my late father's house when my cat went off her food and seemed ill. A friend rec'd Alta Vista. They gave my poor cat extensive tests, X-rays and ultrasounds (all negative). They diagnosed pancreatitis or ingestion of a foreign object, but when they opened her up, they found nothing - and her pancreas was normal. Miraculously she survived all this. We ended up paying a bill for $6800 without the vets finding ANYTHING wrong. This month her symptoms recurred. What was wrong? She was constipated!! An enema and she was back to 100% health. We feel we were fleeced for nearly $7000 for a constipated cat Was Alta Vista greedy and scheming, preying on our emotions after losing my dad, or merely richly rewarded for incompetence? You decide.
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10/19/10 |
3 |
3 |
3 |
1 |
I went to take my cat there for a procedure. I was given an estimate of $1400 (put 1800 on my master card). The day of the procedure they upped it to $2200. Took my cat and walked out.
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9/27/10 |
2 |
3 |
2 |
1 |
alta vista is over priced and I always end up leaving with SEVERAL persriptions. I feel they push pills and are more of a sales center than an animal clinic.
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6/3/10 |
2 |
4 |
3 |
1 |
Knicknamed this hospital "Alta VISA" . . . be prepared to put a hefty bill on your charge card. Am now going to the States for my vet treatments - only an hour away and a fraction the price of Canadian vets. Compare the price of rabies shots . .. $105 in Ottawa, $10.50 in the States. Spaying my 50 pound female - at LEAST $400 here - in the States it is $80 (INCLUDING a 24 hour pain shot). I'm SO done with Canadian vets and their prices.
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5/11/10 |
2 |
3 |
2 |
2 |
Push you do to ever more expensive procedures. I sought a second option on treatment options and was advised to go with medication rather than 3rd surgical intervention. Then, I was issued 2 prescriptions for a cat when it was my dog being treated - 1.5 hours to sort out, after receptionists just changed the labels. Then special prescription issued by Glebe Pharmacy turned out to have a 40% markup - no mention made of this when I was offered the choice to collect from Glebe or with the other two drugs (see above), but I complained so mark-up will be refunded.There is a difference between profit and profiteering, AVAH specialises in the latter, IMHO. Another time, rather take my pets to OVC in Guelph, even all the way from Ottawa.Know your rights - check Ontario College of Veterinarians - you can complain-officially!!
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10/13/09 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
3 |
There is no doubt that a trip to Alta Vista is going to cost more than you would probably pay elsewhere, but the vet, surgeon, and staff were all incredibly kind, caring, and attentive to the needs of our cat. Our surgeon had wonderful 'bedside' manner with our cat, really got to know him, and was genuinely concerned for his well-being. Yes, it was pricey, but we had total confidence in their work.
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6/23/09 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
COunter to what others have said, this is an awesome animal. It is one of the most progressive hospitals and has the most talented staff around. I have had 2 dogs cared for and treated here for 25 years. Each of them had surgeries, one had several, and while they were enormously expensive, the care and compassion was alway wonderful. My second dog used to like to go to the vet, becasue she got to see so many people who knew her, and treated her as an old friend. I recently had to put dog #2 down, and my vet was wonderful. My 22 year old daughter was obviously very upset, and he hugged her like a daughter. If you want the best, you pay for it, and my family deserves the best.
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5/13/09 |
1 |
4 |
4 |
1 |
I nearly fell off my chair when i saw the bill for a simple dog ear infection. My biggest problem was with the veterinarian who had absolutely zero compassion. I wondered the whole time if he actually liked animals. They ahve a LOT to learn from Dr. Seto and Gilmour at the Animal Health Clinic in Montreal!!!
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3/5/09 |
2 |
4 |
2 |
1 |
Nearly bbankrupt after visiting this hospital with a sick cat. Did not get a definitive diagnosis after full emergency exploratory surgery to remove an obstruction which didn't exist. Staff took forever to return my calls once it was clear I was upset. Regular vet indicated afterward that this treatment was most likely not required and more conservative treatment might have yielded the same results.
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10/14/08 |
2 |
5 |
1 |
1 |
They lost my animal's records even though we have been to them for more than 10 years. They are extrememly pushy, expensive, and diagnose your cat with fake medical conditions. Overall I would never go back!
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9/16/08 |
4 |
4 |
4 |
4 |
The rating is by word of mouth. I am a veterinary technician and I have been told that Alta Vista is a fantastic hospital. We have adopted some of their efficiency models and safety standards at our hospital. Do not believe everything you read. The veterinary world is very catty (LOL) and if I have not heard anything but good things, there must be something going for them.
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9/4/08 |
2 |
5 |
2 |
1 |
Worst place operating of the century. They charge to much money for nothing, for your animal to get even sicker and if you pet really isn't sick, they will make something up.
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7/29/08 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
Very bad place, very expensive has the latest technologies and believe you me the bill comes with it and the bedside manner don't. Will never ever go back again the vets care about your pets and your wallet
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