West Liberty Animal Hospital

01/15/2008 Posted by mj_mj_mj

I recently took my cat in for a check-up. The Dr. on duty was fine, and I thought that the health care was adequate. I also felt they liked animals, and while that might sound like an odd thing to note, that isn't always the case. There was an older woman running the front desk who had a rather brusque demeanor. As much as the staff were animal people, this woman was not much of a people person. She greeted me stiffly, presumeably letting me know who was boss before returning to me and taking my information. When I checked out, there was a bit of disorganization that my wife, who waited for me out front for the 45 minutes while I was there, told me was probably due to a malfunctioning printer she had heard being discussed. I was eventually given a total and, after writing the check, was asked for my social security number. SS number?! I am used to supplying my driver's ID, but I don't believe I have ever been asked to supply my SS number for purposes of paying by check. In fact, I don't believe it is legal to use SS numbers for identification, or at least that is what I recall reading on the back of the SS card. When I politely declined to give my number, I was brusquely informed that this would be the LAST time she would accept a check from me. My wife, an adamant keeper of all things private, chimed in the bit about SS numbers not being allowed for identification purposes and the woman became defensive. I laughed and said that I would use my credit card time, and the woman lightened up and was actually fine afterwards. Once in the car, my wife told me that my experience with the woman was typical of what she had seen with other clients while she quietly observed from her waiting room seat during my absence. So, good pet care, somewhat dubious customer service. I suspect that I will return, but I'll be wary the next time around. Maybe I'll take in some brownies to help grease the way.

Pros: Nice staff

Cons: Parking, receptionist

10/29/2007 Posted by dmr_in_pgh

We've been going to Dr. Dorn for years with all of our pets - dogs, cats, birds. He is genuinely caring and treats all animals and their owners with respect. They feel like an old-fashioned family doctor. When my dog was dying from a heart ailment, they took us right away. Animal medicine is not any more exact than human medicine. In some cases, no matter how hard you try, you can't save their life. Every day they live with the results of bad breeding and puppy mills. My sister's shelter cat was recently very ill and they bent over backwards to try to diagnose and treat her. When all they tried failed and they determined she had a fatal virus common in shelter cats (undiagnosable except by eliminating everything else), they even encouraged her to take the cat for a second opinion before deciding to put her down. Other vets might have continued to take my sisters money, knowing she wasn't going to get better. They were ethical and kind every minute. We take our puppy there now and she loves him. He mentioned all of the weaknesses in the breed and what to look out for without me even asking. I highly recommend Dr. Dorn. P.S. A friend of ours took their Lab puppy to a different vet practice and he died from an overdose of anesthesia while being neutered. When they called to tell them, they said "we won't charge you for the surgery." What about their beloved pet? Things can happen no matter who you go to. Do your homework and go with your gut feeling.

Pros: Very loving, respectful, not rushed

Cons: Parking, hours, probably slightly higher cost than some