Oakland Veterinary Hospital

My experience with the doctors of Oakland Veterinary Hospital was unpleasant. There were communication problems from the beginning. The nursing staff was amicable but not very informed. They continually needed to refer to the doctors regarding basic questions. I question the quality of training the doctors establish with their nursing and reception staff. On the day of my dog's neuter, I was told that I would receive a call between 12-3pm. I received no call as of 2:30, and decided to just go there since I really wanted to speak to the operating doctor (Dr. Hart) and possibly see my pup. At that time, they still couldn't give me an answer about whether he was going to go home on that day or need to stay overnight. They asked if I could check in again after 4:30. I gave them an extra hour and returned at 5:30 (closing time) to get the status. The nursing staff wasn't given information yet regarding my dog's status and I was asked to wait to speak to the doctor. I waited about 10 minutes and then was told by a nurse that I needed to come back in the morning. The problem, however, was that I asked to speak to the doctor regarding the procedure and other unrelated, yet short questions. This was clearly conveyed. Finally, an impatient receptionist, muttered that if I wanted to speak to the doctor, I would need to wait outside in the parking lot. I think she was hoping I would take the bait. I didn't! I waited about 15 more minutes to simply get a doctor's pleasant and soothing reassurance that my dog is okay and that he needs to stay the night. No doctor, I begin to knock a few times over a twenty minute time frame. Surprisingly, Dr. Dorsey, who performed my dog's physical exam (not very thoroughly) shows up in her car. She comes at me with a very strong demeanor and commanded me to leave the premises. I was trying to be patient with her tirade, but she wasn't going to have any of it. She refused to listen to my concerns and how the interactions took place. She proceeded to threaten me by calling the police. I told her to please go right ahead since maybe they'll listen and see her unpleasant disposition. I spoke to the police and really wanted to file a formal complaint, but felt it a waste for an Oakland officer. She told me to take my dog and get off the property. I told her that I would only take my dog if it was appropriate, and since I knew it wasn't based on what I was told earlier, she was now not keeping the health and safety of my dog first. Furthermore, she said that I don't need to pay for the operation. Does this pardon her of any further medical complications with my dog? I stated that I would of course pay for the service which I still had confidence was performed well. This was quite the strange occurance of events, but I learned that doctors should not be given immediate immunity regarding ethics. I was aghasted from this experience. I obviously will not be returning to the Oakland Veterinary Hospital, except to drop off my neuter bill and nothing else. Use caution when going and don't expect them to show much affection for your pet or you for that matter!!

What a terrible place--the vets rush you through the appointment that they show up late to themselves and allow no time to answer your questions; they give medication that is unneeded and costs plenty; and offer no diagnosis but instead a recommendation for a battery of costly tests. After taking our very ill cat there and enduring Dr. Hart's lousy behavior, I brought our cat to Lake Vet Hospital where the vet there found the cancer immediately. It was like night and day--Oakland Vet being the dark of night. Stay away from this place if you don't want to suffer any more heartbreak and trauma than is necessary when caring for your ill or dying pet.