Sarasota Veterinary Emergency Hospital Dr. James Spiezio Rude Veterinarian Sarasota Florida

This client was rude and inconsiderate when they called, and the receptionist called me at home very upset after receiving this call. The staff had to deal with this clients profanity and apparent incoherency, and they tried to speak to this owner unsuccessfully about the options they might consider. I understand that this person was upset, but payment plans are not accepted at most veterinary emergency hospitals because unfortunately we rarely have anyone that follows through. I have learned this the hard way. The Port Charlotte emergency hospital (whom they also filed a complaint about) told them the same thing. The only emergency hospital that I know of that will consider any sort of payment plan is an emergency hospital in Tampa (although just recently they made changes to their policy). This Tampa hospital is where Dr. Spezio referred this client. If I had a pet that was extremely ill and I didn't have any money, I'd drive just about anywhere to get treatment. Also, being kind and courteous is definitely the way to go if you are looking for help.

Eemergency veterinary care is a very sensitive issue because it involves the life of a pet. However, veterinary emergency hospitals are privately owned businesses that need payment from clients (just like any other business) to stay open. We have to pay our bills too. I don't know any business where a customer can walk in and get free services. Part of the responsibility of owning a pet is also being sure you can pay for it's care. There are many pet insurance programs out there now that can help. It's also a good idea to apply for Care Credit ahead of time (www.carecredit.com). This is a credit card that can only be used in medical offices (veterinary, dentistry, etc). It's good to have on hand when times like this arise.

Also, in this clients specific situation, he stated his cat had a history of urinary blockage. When a male cat "blocks" multiple times, there is a surgery that can be performed which significantly decreases the chance of repeated blockage by 90-95%. I would highly recommend this surgery which is called a perineal urethrostomy. This can be planned at any time, and prevents repeated urinary obstruction. The surgery itself is probably only as expensive as one or two trips to the ER, and will prevent you from being in this situation again.

Best of luck.

Since the OP filed two separate reports in two locations, and since the OP got pretty much the same response from the vet, I am inclined to believe the vet.

I had an emergency with my cat over two years ago, and the staff and vet in Mississippi were very polite, but clear, that cash, debit and credit cards were the only accepted forms of payment.

Given the choice of having my beloved cat die or racking up $300.00 on a credit card, I did what I had to.

Best $300.00 I ever spent, even with the interest I had to pay.

Since the OP filed two separate reports in two locations, and since the OP got pretty much the same response from the vet, I am inclined to believe the vet.

I had an emergency with my cat over two years ago, and the staff and vet in Mississippi were very polite, but clear, that cash, debit and credit cards were the only accepted forms of payment.

Given the choice of having my beloved cat die or racking up $300.00 on a credit card, I did what I had to.

Best $300.00 I ever spent, even with the interest I had to pay.

Since the OP filed two separate reports in two locations, and since the OP got pretty much the same response from the vet, I am inclined to believe the vet.

I had an emergency with my cat over two years ago, and the staff and vet in Mississippi were very polite, but clear, that cash, debit and credit cards were the only accepted forms of payment.

Given the choice of having my beloved cat die or racking up $300.00 on a credit card, I did what I had to.

Best $300.00 I ever spent, even with the interest I had to pay.

This is a great story but what the writer forgets to tell everyone is that she was swearing at the people she spoke to and was barely coherent(IE she sounded VERY intoxicted). So she probably has forgotten those key bits of information in her fictional account!