Insider Pages Reviews for American Animal Hospital

4 Stars: Efficient and Heartfelt Animal Care (by Jessica S.)

Jessica S. — Fri, 02 May 2008 18:10:00 GMT

I have had great experiences with this place. I keep (and breed, but just for pets!) rabbits and have had negative experiences at many local vets because rabbits are apparently not focused on so much in vet school. So it's always with trepidation that I take my babies to a new place. I was pleasantly surprised here because the vet knew a lot about bunnies and I know a lot too so I could tell how professional he was. I also think the prices here are really reasonable, I paid about 2/3 for the same services I've gotten elsewhere for more. The one time I had to leave a rabbit, the staff called me regularly to update me on the progress, I never had to call in to find out what was going on.

1 Stars: Unethical and undertrained staff (by Greg W.)

Greg W. — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 22:13:00 GMT

(Note this review was made on 6-2-2008 for American Animal Hospital 37177 Fremont Blvd. The information was swtched to Animal Shelter Fremont on 6-3-2008.) This has NOTHING to do with the Animal Shelter.

I decided to take one of my cats (against some of my friend's better wishes) to this veterinary clinic. I had no problems with them for about 6 months, which was when my cat received vaccinations and the occasional nail clipping services.

My cat had a full check-up the first time I took her about a year prior. Which means she got all of her shots from them. The last time I took her there (this past week), they had no record of her ever having been seen by the clinic. I assured them that I had taken her, and had even received ear cleaning medication from them.

During this latest trip to the vet, I received hairball dissolving medication from another receptionist. I asked how I should administer the medication, and was directed to look at the box for instructions.

Long story short, they took a blood test to check for any problems. I received a call about 3 days later from one of their receptionists stating that my cat had FIP (Feline Infectious Perionitis), and a build up of calcium indicating cancer was present. Which meant my cat had a 0% chance of surviving past 8 months. I found that out after she told me to look up FIP on the internet, because she didn't tell me anything else.

My Fiance and I were crushed until we found out through the internet that there is no blood test capable of diagnosing FIP. In fact, the only way to be sure it was FIP would be a test taken after she had died. My cat had none of the symptoms, and the test could have indicated that there was evidence of the (highly controversial) FIP vaccine. It also could have indicated that she had the common corona virus, or was just plain stressed. My friends have told me of other stories of their playing on pet owner's emotions, but I'll save those for someone else.

Needless to say, we won't be going back. After having a receptionist diagnose my cat to death based on only a blood test, I think anyone could do better.

http://www.yelp.com/biz/american-animal-hospital-fremont#hrid:F3PhmAT-rkbr_fOjo-ggyA for more info.

5 Stars: They Care.... (by Maya P.)

Maya P. — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 17:14:00 GMT

I have been taking my pets to AAH since they had a little facility on Peralta Blvd. Through the years my pets have experienced very good service from AAH.

Unfortunately, two weeks ago we had to put our 17 year old cat down. The compassion exhibited by the attending doctor (Dr. Sangha) and the front office stop made a terribly sad event beautiful. The doctor was crying and hugged us. I realized then that they (the vets) are here as much for the people as they are for the pets.

Am I irritated that I was asked to settle my bill after my cat was euthanized? NO! They offered me a chance to pre-pay (I had been in earlier but delayed the euthanizing so that some family members could say 'goodbye' to him) the bill, but I elected to pay at the end of the service, because life does go on. Bills have to be paid. The kid behind the desk winced when he mentioned the bill. Obviously they have been chastised in the past.

We have a dog and another cat and both will continue to receive their care from AAH unless or until we're forced to make a change.

5 Stars: Specific attention. (by Tran P.)

Tran P. — Thu, 08 May 2008 21:21:00 GMT

My cat Furbee was morbidly obese in kitty terms and I realized that I needed to do something about it. I looked at the website for American Animal Hospital and saw their weight control/education for cats section. I was impressed that they made this info available for free so made a consultation. The vet did screenings to make sure that my kitty didnt have metabolic or hormonal problems which is something no other vet had done, so I feel like these people are really thorough. They talked to me about her lifestyle and brainstormed ways I could help bring down her weight. I was impressed that a hospital that has so much emergency and surgical care would have so much information on preventive health. Good folks.

5 Stars: Best vets in town (by Jessica C.)

Jessica C. — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 17:14:00 GMT

The vets at this clinic are the best veterinarians Fremont could hope for. They are compassionate, wise, responsive, willing to discuss your concerns in depth, and deliver prompt, gentle loving care to your pet. The staff is also kind and courteous. Prices are very reasonable. Most importantly, the vets and staff realize that your pet is a beloved member of your family. When my dog had to be euthanized, I was sent a sympathy card from this clinic a few days later with a handwritten note expressing sincere condolences. I was deeply touched by that. I would highly recommend this clinic to anyone.

4 Stars: Impressive facilities and no-nonsense staff (by Beatrice M.)

Beatrice M. — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 16:23:00 GMT

This hospital has never let me down and Ive had some serious problems with my cats over the years. They have skilled surgeons as my cat survived a complex surgery with a very low survival rate. They give you the facts. They are willing to work with the frailest of animals. The staff are caring and thorough, and the hospital is very clean and new.

5 Stars: Excellent Option for people who care about their animals (by michele p.)

michele p. — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 16:35:00 GMT

I am not from the area but I have family in that area and they have always used this animal hospital. While I don't want to bash other hospital that they used before this, I will say that they have been more than professional with their pets and with their professionalism toward them (as owners of the pets).
They knew their stuff. They are a large organization and I guess they grew that big because they were horrible? I think not! I would highly recommend them and know for a fact (one relative works with rescue dogs) that they donate and do much for the greater good as well.

It's really as easy as visiting their facility; I was there with a cousin and it was super nice and everyone was friendly.

5 Stars: Truly caring care (by Debbie S.)

Debbie S. — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 21:05:00 GMT

I started using AAH when we had a rabbit: they knows a lot about rabbits, and most vets don't. We now bring my son's rescued cat to him, since they are the ones that did all the cats medical treatment from his rescue. The front desk staff is GREAT, the techs are awesome, and there is a good team of vets. They saved my son's cat's life: he had some funky anomaly in his urinary tract which became infected and nearly killed him. The doctor felt something just "doesn't feel right," and if he hadn't, we would have lost this awesome cat (whose owner is serving in the Army in Iraq.) The vet stayed in the office until midnight, PERSONALLY, to monitor this cat. Thanks to AAH and their wonderful staff, I don't have to tell my son that his cat died while he was serving our country. Thank you, thank you, thank you!

1 Stars: A HORROR EXPERIENCE (by L B.)

L B. — Tue, 22 May 2007 19:37:00 GMT

This place does not deserve even one star. I give it a total negative rating. From my experience here it is known to me that they care more about the money they make than the animals that come in. Yes, I'm sure they put on their smiles and "act" like they care but if they did they would not be so incompetent in diagnosing your pet or keeping you informed while your pet is under their care. When I needed answers from the vet, no one called me back even after leaving several messages. I think they can handle basic care for your pet but anything a bit more complicated you may not want to risk your pets health by going here. In my case, they said my dog had scabies. This is how they determined that. I told them that one of his litter mates may have scabies. They said they had to scrape his skin to find out so they took him to the back and did just that. I'm sure it was painful for my puppy. They said yes. He's positive for scabies and had us leave him there for several hours for a medicated bath. Turns out, his litter mate did NOT have scabies and that my dog just has very dry skin. They were suppose to call me when my puppy was ready to be picked up. Approx. 4 hours. 5 hours later I had to be the one to call them to find out if my puppy was ready to be picked up. They did not call me. After picking up my pet I asked to speak to the vet because I had questions but she was not available (big surprise) so they said they would have the vet call me. She never called me. NO communication. I tried to call the other vets at that clinic and no one wanted to speak to me because I'm sure they knew I was going to complain. So, they had their front desk people talk to me. Staff is irresponsible. Except for one, I think his name is Toma? Anyway, he seems kind enough and he could do so much better working for a reputable vet clinic. This clinic only keeps track of the reviews left on this site, yelp.com and yahoo reviews. If you write negative comments they call you, mail letters to you threatening you and for what? We live in the US where we have the freedom of speech. Maybe that's something they are not used to where they come from? hmmm...FYI, you CANNOT SUE for giving people your opinions. I'm sure AAH is trying really hard to prove they are anything but horrible but you are what you are. Consistency is the key and I don't see them as being consistent in the care of their patients. It's very obvious in the reviews I've read. OR could it be that some of these 5 star reviews are written by staff, family or friends of these vets and not unbiased customers? Maybe some....
AAH is in the BBB website. Look them up for yourself. They are under American Animal Care Center, Fremont Ca. 6 complaints about this company in the last 36 months. Of the total of 6 complaints closed in 36 months, 2 were closed in the last year. They are quick to either close or resolve most but having to go this far to force them to make things right makes you question how they do business.

2 Stars: I would not recommend this place (by Kristi G.)

Kristi G. — Mon, 05 Sep 2005 18:09:00 GMT

We had an emergency with our cat and this happened to be the only place open. My sister and brother brought her here..she had an abess. and they told my brother and sister that she had had it for at least 3 days..No..she did not.. we would have noticed.. anyway they did surgery on her.. My sister picked her up the next day..they gave my sister the medicine.. and no instructions. did not explain how to use all the 3 diff med..and when my sister asked they just told her to read the bottle..and then my lil runaway cat got out the next day and when she came back her tubes were out..so we called vet and they said bring her in for us to check her and my brother brought her in and they took her back came back and said here..and went on to next "patient" my brother brougth her home and we discovered that they had removed her stitches..after 2 days... they did not seem like they were too smart and we decided that we would not bring her back there..or recommend this place.

PROS: clean
CONS: not very helpful and seemed like they did not know what they doing.

5 Stars: Capable and caring. (by Plenty F.)

Plenty F. — Fri, 09 May 2008 22:03:00 GMT

This is a great place, and full of wonderful people, and very caring and capable vets. They have taken care of our dogs and cats through the years. Our cat is a mean little bugger at the vet and they are very good with him. And they have ALWAYS followed up with me, however small the problem. Recently theyve had a lot of expansion and Im really impressed with the evolution theyre clean, state-of-the-art, and have all the new technology and training.

5 Stars: world class animal hospital (by Jaymon S.)

Jaymon S. — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 14:51:00 GMT

The different veterinarians at the animal hospital are qualified and their backgrounds are available on their informative website. The 2 kittens we adopted were seen right away. Great advice was given for the first time pets from food to examinations that were not necessary until they were ready. We were not rushed by anyone and any and all questions were answered. Staff follows up with calls for upcoming appointment the day before and call after appointments with any results for tests done on the animals. The vets are available for emergencies. If this is your first visit ever to a vet and you're concerned about a full physical on a first visit, even if the pets "don't need it", then you're probably not very serious about your pet. I would recommend them 100%!!

5 Stars: Good vets (by Damora S.)

Damora S. — Mon, 05 May 2008 00:25:00 GMT

Took cat here for treatment of abscess, they lanced it, put a cone on her, gave me meds, and the price was really good. I thought the place was great - and I learned something from the vet here - you're not supposed to get stitches on your cat for an abscess because the wound is supposed to be allowed to drain. Guess the vet before was incompetent because they sewed close the wound even though it was really small and I felt good this new vet took the time to explain to me why it isn't a good idea so now I know better if I have to take her somewhere else.