Greene III W O, DVM - Greene Animal Hospital

05/09/2007 Posted by tesscarlsen

We took our cat in to be neutered and get a distemper shot. We were told that the total cost would be $90. When we got there, we were told he needed additional shots. We agreed he could have the shots--should have cost a little over $100 according to what we were told. We received a bill for $260+. They had performed exams we had not authorized. We let it slide. They told us to come back in three weeks for a lukemia booster--$20. I did and when I arrived, I was told he also needed a distemper booster--$15. I agreed. When I got the bill, it was over $70. We had also been charged for an exam--even though his last invoice, from just under three weeks ago, listed an annual exam. While in the office, I said that I should not have to pay for an exam since he just had one, and I did not authorize the service. The receptionist said she couldn't do anything about it. I was told to call the office manager. I did, and my husband did. The office manager said I would have to speak with the vet. My husband and I both spoke with the vet. I started the conversation as sweet as sugar. From the beginning, she was rude and condescending--I will admit, after being repeatedly interrupted, I did raise my voice--only after provocation and I said nothing profane. I explained that I had not authorized the exam and likened it to going to a restaurant and being charged for food I did not order. She told me that was the "dumbest thing she had ever heard"; she was talking about medicine not food. Bottom line he had an exam less than three weeks before. She told me that an exam charge was standard any time I brought my pet in. I asked if that was in writing; she said it didn't have to be. The point is I was charged (more than once) for services I did not authorize. I will never take my pets back, and I suggest you don't either. The services they did provide were fine but no better than services I have paid much less for!

Pros: My cat was treated fine

Cons: I was charged a lot more than I was told I would be for services that I did not authorize.

06/12/2006 Posted by ndvidu8

The earlier reviewer had it right -- Dr. Rigney IS God's gift to animals but she has left. Dr. Greene IS gruff and not very gentle with the animals. The care IS expensive. All that's true. BUT . . . I've had my dog at other vets and they just aren't the same. The staff at Greene remembers me every single time I call and they're unfailingly respectful and cheerful. The vet techs are wonderful. As for the medication -- yes, it's high there. But if you ask them for a written Rx they will give it to you, and you can order the medication online or buy it at PetSmart/Banfield. And yes, they DO charge you for an office visit every time you go in -- just like a human doctor charges you every time you go in -- at least mine does. That said, Dr. Greene DOES charge more than Dr. Rigney did. She seemed to understand I wasn't the typical Belle Meade matron. And the big thing that keeps me so loyal: I was in a terrible car accident leaving their office one day. The folks from the office came running out, took my dog, took him into emergency surgery, and saved the eye the air bag had damaged. They kept him until I got out of the hospital and could go get him, and they did all this without asking payment up front. Yes, I had to pay for all the care, but it really was reasonable in that instance. You just don't get that kind of extra care and kindness from many people these days -- certainly not from most "merchants." So as long as I can save $$ with the medication and manage the fees, I'll keep going there. The only thing that will make me leave is if for some reason I can't pay the fees (which, since Dr. Rigney is gone now, Dr. Greene will be setting . . . yikes). If you want the absolute best care for your pet and money isn't an object, go to Greene's. If you just can't swing it and know of another great vet, let me know!

Pros: incredible care, friendly staff, accommodating

Cons: Expensive, expensive, expensive