Ridgefield Park Animal

13-Apr-09
Em M

Awful doesn't even begin to describe my experience. Worse than awful. Let me first say I only brought my cat here because my regular vet, who is wonderful, pleasant, honest, forthcoming and amazing and located in Hackensack who I completely recommend wholeheartedly (Hackensack Animal Hospital), wasn't in his office and my cat was pretty sick. I brought my cat in because he swallowed a bone and needed to pass it, essentially. The vet did not obtain my consent for any treatment, demanded a $350 deposit, and presented an estimate of $700 after treatment had already begun. I went to the office to tell the staff not to allow any further treatments without consulting me first. Also note - not only did he not get permission, he didn't explain anything either - not even the medication he sent the cat home with. When my cat was ready to be picked up the next day, I was working and sent my dad but called ahead to say I didn't like that I was never asked for consent, I would not have agreed to the excessive and overpriced treatments performed, and therefore I wanted to dispute the invoice/balance and meet with the vet in person. He not only screamed at me on the phone and then dumped me on hold forever, but refused to release my cat to my dad without full payment, even after we indicated we knew that was illegal. Rude, overpriced, unethical, and unprofessional. I've filed complaints with both the Better Business Bureau and NJ Veterinary Lisensing Board. So disappointing. Oh, and on top of it all, the cat came home really really sick, sneezing like crazy. Pretty much the worst veterinary experience imaginable.