Business ProfileforDeBary Animal Clinic

Well, I got the boot from this office after being a client for more than 20 years just because I got upset that I didn't want to drug my pet everytime I bring him in. I brought my fur baby in 2 weeks ago for an ear infection. He's very dramatic and will sometimes try to nip. Keep in mind he barely tries and he's not vicious. We saw Dr. Sam instead of our normal Dr. Joe. She muzzled him and all went well. She SUGGESTED that I drug him next time. So I bought the drugs. This time I go in for a recheck with Dr. Joe and I'm asked at the front desk if he was loopy from the drugs. I said no I did not give them. She proceeds to tell me she will go check to see if he will be seen. Comes back and says he will be seen today but in the future if he's not sedated you will have to reschedule. That upset me and I admit I raised my voice. But I don't want to drug my pet everytime I go in there. I'm all for sedating him for more comprehensive exams because it stresses him out. But for a 3 minute recheck...sorry no. I was told by the office manager that a few months ago they changed their protocol to drugging the animals if they are anxious. No one told me this. I didn't receive any notification to this. It was SUGGESTED I give him the drugs not a requirement. And yes I say drugged not sedated because that's what you are doing drugging them. And everyone who works that front desk (except for Tammy) is rude. I've always loved it here and everyone used to be so nice. Now nothing but rudeness and unfriendly. I have been a client for over 20 years and my mom as well. The front desk really needs to work on their customer service skills and Dr. Richie could learn some better bed side manner skills. I have spent a lot of money there but from now on my new vet will be getting my money. I guess I'm used to the old school vets that could handle animals better. They were tough. So if you have a pet who is anxious and you don't mind drugging them then this is the place for you.

I think the thing that surprised us the most about this was the client's reaction to the situation. If someone does not want to give their pet any calming medicine before an appointment, all they have to do is express that to us. We will try to do our best with the pet. We have many more clients who ask us for something to help their pets relax when they come to our office than react like this when we offer it.
My name is Joe ****** and I have been the practice owner and veterinarian at DeBary Animal Clinic since 1986. Fortunately, we don't handle dogs and cats like we used to. Many new anxiety treatments are available to help pets have less stress when they see us.
I would also like to say that Dr. Susan ******* at our clinic is one of the best vets in Central Florida. She cares about pets, and has more knowledge about their care than I have. I can say the same about Dr. Samantha *****, who also works here.
Ultimately, I am sorry this situation happened. For those clients who come to our clinic, you know that you can always reach me and express any concerns about your pet or the care they receive directly to me.
Dr. Joe ****** (***************************)

My reaction to the situation was because of the way the front desk person came at me about it. I pay a lot of money there and I don't like it when they are rude and unfriendly. Like I said it was suggested I give my pet meds. I was not told I had to sedate him each time I brought him in. The person at the front desk said he would not be seen next time if he wasn't sedated. I don't like being forced to give my pet drugs. The front desk people are rude and unfriendly. And I had had enough of it. I urge others to check out some of their reviews on front desk rudeness. That practice apparently does not care about their long time clients. Instead of booting the client the front desk people should get booted or get some training for better customer service. Like I said previously the only one who is friendly is Tammy. And she's been there a long time. I was born and raised in Sanford, I know a lot of people. And this practice will no longer get my vote or seal of approval. I always recommend them but no more. People will be made aware of how rude the front desk staff are and that they will push unnecessary drugs on your pet. And yes I raised my voice but I don't take too kindly to the assistant manager telling me next time my pet would not be seen if he's not drugged. And in my opinion Dr Joe should have reached out to find out exactly what happened. My daughter loves going there with our fur babies. And because I reacted to rudeness we get booted. Honestly, how do they think I would react to being told my pet will not be seen the next time if he is not drugged and being forced to drug him? Teach the front desk staff to not be so brunt and rude. You probably wouldn't have as many bad reviews as you do.