I too have taken my pets there, and have spent a pretty penny for it (not that I wouldn't have at other vets locally, as well)! I also noticed a huge turnover in staff, as well as next to never seeing dogs outside of the vet. It does make you wonder if the kenneled dogs are being toileted and walked, and I frequently pass the facility. Odd. And, yes, it is a business, just as healthcare is, but, pets are living beings as are we, and the bottom dollar isn't the bottom line. If you work in healthcare or pet care, you have the responsibility of doing what is right, whether you are well reimbursed or not. I have also wondered about the quality of vet care from some of the vets at Alex-Bell. I'm not sure if the facility employees experienced vets or new graduates, but, this may also be something experienced at various vet facilities. I have purchased food there, none of which appeared bad. Not sure about the owner's character, except to say that he did make time to see my pet at the last minute one afternoon, when we had not been scheduled. I have not seen the kennels, so, I would hope he is not involved in breeding or kenneling dogs without concern for their psychological wellbeing. I think everyone should be entilted to see the area their dog or cat will be kept while kenneled, after all, pets are our family members for most of us. I have heard good things about Suburban Vet Clinic and Airway Animal Clinic, if Alex-Bell is questionable for anyone out there. The wait at Airway can be extremely long, though, and the cost at Suburban can be as considerable as Alex-Bell. If your gut feeling tells you something is not right at a facility, LISTEN TO IT! And, if your pet seems particularly unhappy or nervous at the vet each time, but hasn't at other vets, RED FLAG!
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