We have used VCA Albany for several years for both our dogs. Recently, the front desk staff changes have left a void in the care. Additionally, one of our dogs has Addison's Disease and required injectable medication every 25 days to the tune of $150+ per dose. Last month, they informed me that they wanted me to bring him in for a check up and stated that they would fill the prescription until June. My dogs are living in Sacramento right now, so I had planned to bring him in prior to refilling in June. His last check up was June 1, 2006 and his health is stable. \r
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This week, when I attempted to fill the prescription, they refused to honor the agreement and refused the meds for him. It would be a long stretch to characterize me as a negligent pet owner given the amount of money ($3K+ per year) we spend on his care. I explained that he is not local and I could not ""just bring him in"" as directed. Then the doctor instructed his staff to tell me that they could not fill the prescription for ""legal issues"" which was a flat out lie! Up until that day, they had only done regular check up on him annually.\r
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Ultimately, I believe that not refilling this important prescription raised serious ethical questions about the doctor's motivation in this case. I left that day with my dogs' medical records and had to find a new vet on short notice in Sacramento and take a day off from work to attend the appointment. Hardly client-centered care (I am referring to both of us)!\r
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I would not recommend the VCA Albany Vets under any circumstances.
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