MT
Michelle Thomas
Jun 23, 2026
I am leaving two stars only because the scheduling process. Unfortunately, the actual veterinary visit was extremely disappointing, and I am requesting that someone in management contact me.
I brought my two Goldendoodles in for ear infections, which they have experienced before have successfully treated with a different veterinarian at this location in the past. I explained what had previously worked for them, but my concerns were dismissed, and I was essentially told that the treatment plan had already been decided. As a pet owner, I expect to have a meaningful voice in the care my dogs receive, especially when I am familiar with their history and prior treatment outcomes.
Instead of focusing on the reason for the visit their ear infections I felt that the appointment shifted toward unrelated concerns such as their weight and tartar buildup. While I understand those topics may be relevant to overall health, they were not the urgent issue we came in for, and the way they were presented made me feel uncomfortable rather than supported.
I was also very upset by how the cuts on one of my dogs’ ears were discussed. I explained that my husband had given them a haircut, which accidentally caused the cuts, and that we had tried to care for the areas at home with over-the-counter products, bandages, and tape. Rather than approaching the situation with professionalism and compassion, the repeated comment that “we caused our dog severe trauma” felt accusatory and unnecessary. I already felt terrible about the situation, and the interaction made it worse.
I was also concerned by several aspects of the medical guidance and handling during the visit. I was told it was uncommon for a dog to have this many ear infections, despite Goldendoodles being well known for ear issues, especially when allergies are involved. I was then told their ears would not be cleaned, plucked, or trimmed, yet I was charged for ear-related packages. That was confusing and frustrating because the previous veterinarian we saw provided a more complete ear treatment plan that was more effective, did not require a follow-up visit so quickly, and caused far less stress for my dogs.
The instructions I received for at-home ear cleaning were also concerning. I was told to use Q-tips deep in the ear canal and to continue cleaning until I saw blood, and that’s just superficial. After the appointment, I researched this and found multiple veterinary sources, publications, and the AKC advising against inserting Q-tips deep into a dog’s ears. I do not feel comfortable following instructions that appear to contradict standard safety guidance.
I was also told to share one medication between both dogs, even though I did not request that option. I was then told that because the medication was being shared, I would likely need another prescription sooner than seven days and would need to return before two weeks, incurring another visit charge plus additional medication costs. That does not seem like the “cheaper” option I was told it would be, especially when it is already more expensive than the treatment we previously received.
There were also sanitation concerns during the appointment. Q-tips were dropped on the floor and then used in my dogs’ ears. The sample collection pallet was also dropped multiple times and still used.
Additionally, I was told my dogs’ eardrums could potentially be ruptured, but they were not checked. I also asked about nail trimming and was told it was not offered, even though we have had it done there before.
Overall, I left feeling that my dogs did not receive the thorough, competent care they needed. I also felt that the treatment plan was more likely to require us to return and pay more. My dogs experience stress and anxiety during vet visits, so unnecessary follow-up appointments are not a minor issue.
I am extremely dissatisfied with this visit and will not be returning to Vetco. I am also requesting a refund. I would appreciate a call from someone above the veterinarian and vet tech involved in this visit.