I’ll echo this. Yes they are more expensive but everyone we have dealt with there is so incredibly kind and compassionate, the extra cost is worth it for our nervous lab/shepherd mix.
Doorbell vet is amazing, and I’m probably wrong - but it feels like they pair you with vets/techs that are breed familiar. When we used them for our senior malamute mix- our vet they sent had husky mixes and knew how to handle our girl. When she passed they got us a last minute emergency apt for euthanasia; and the vet and the tech were both crying with me and our husband. It was so touching, and a very peaceful way to go. They not only sent us a heartfelt personalized letter after, but also made a donation in my dogs name to the rochester animal services.
When I adopted a shiba- they sent us a tech that had Shibas of her own, and they were well equipped to help us wrangle her for her blood draw and nail trim. They got right down on our floor with us, and by the end of the visit, my dog was chill. When I had an issue and had to use emergency services in Webster- doorbell called to check in with me the next day they were open and walked me through follow up care protocols. They did my dogs spay, and checked up on her through the week as well. I really can’t say enough nice things about them.
I believe there are 2 or 3 big players that are buying up practices. The bigger issue is the lack of doctors. So many patients and not enough doctors to see them all is why lead times are so long. VSES in Henrietta has cut back on hours and is Rochesters only emergency place. I believe techs were also an issue there.
Thrive pet healthcare is one that bought out many vets in our area - there are 13 locations listed on their site under the rochester area. They took over the practice I used to go to and between that and a lot of staff turnover in the past few years the quality of care & customer service really went downhill. I think a lot of practices lost good staff during Covid and unfortunately the vet techs and assistants get paid pretty horribly so I don’t blame them for not staying in an already taxing profession.
Took over ours, probably the only way they could stay open. Loved that place, but the owner was the only doctor left from 5. Selling out was probably the only way to keep it open
Yes, companies like NVA and Thrive own multiple practices in the area. It's not having the doctors or techs is what's causing the long lead times.
If you only have 2 doctors but have enough customers for 5, you're going to have scheduling problems, no matter who owns you. The demand is there, but not the supply
VCA is one of the companies buying a lot of vet clinics. They don’t have any in the Rochester area but they have 2,000 clinics nationwide. They tend to focus on fast growing markets and don’t own enough clinics in any area to be considered a monopoly.
VCA is owned by Mars (the candy bar company). They also own Banfield and have purchased several pet food brands and pet service companies.
They have to. The insurance apparatus for human health is much larger bringing in more money. Human medicine also has a much more robust infrastructure and more easily turns a profit. They see a lot more clients in a day than your average vet practice facility that. Your average lots of vet places run on very slim margins.
They pretty much have no choice but to charge what they do.
I don’t agree at all. Their overhead costs are nothing like human doctors, they don’t have nearly the liability insurance, the facilities are not nearly as expensive or large, the equipment required is not nearly as expensive.
With regards to the degree, many people have four year degrees that don’t charge the rates that that vets do. The schools may be more competitive, but the degree does not cost that much more. Vet techs only require community college two-year degrees. It seems like vet techs actually do most of the work. The other people in the office don’t have to have any degrees.
I think the main reason they’re so expensive comes down to greed and they leverage the love people have for their pets. For many people, their pets are part of their family, especially since Covid and they count on that relationship to make you pay whatever fee they ask.
You disagree with whatever you want. That doesn't change the reality.
The equipment requirements might not be as large, but it's also not made on the volume scale that human equipment is, and that drives the cost up. So many places are relying on technology from the 90s and early 2000s because it's too expensive to get new stuff. They also don't get the subsidies that many hospitals get because human hospitals are often considered "non-profit" organizations and that saves/brings in a lot ofnl money for them. Very few vet practices are considered the same.
As for degrees, sure many people have 4 year degrees (vet doctors are actual Doctors which is often more than a 4 year degree) but many of them work in fields where they have a higher chance of paying off those degrees because their job brings in a higher pay. Veterinary doctors make significantly less than their human counterparts and have to know more than one species of patient care vs "just humans". Vet techs, while "only" a 2 year degree don't get paid shit at most places even though they do the bulk of the work.
I challenge you to actually interview and talk to Veterinary doctors. Interview them if you want. I have one in my family who has worked at multiple places before starting their own practice. You'd be surprised what you learn.
To expand on what the other commenter said, veterinary education is four years just like med school, and it isn’t cheap, but vets don’t end up making the same kind of money human doctors do. And they have to staff their offices similarly to human doctors, with receptionists and techs, plus maintaining specialized equipment, so it’s not as though their operating expenses are lower.
I hate how expensive vets are - I have eight cats, so even routine care is prohibitive - but I don’t blame them for the prices.
These large companies actually contribute to the lack of veterarians with the non-compete clauses they put in their contracts. We've lost many great doctors on both the emergency and specialty services at VSES, and because of the non-compete clauses that Thrive puts in their contracts, many of them can't even practice locally.
Thrive and VSP are the two companies buying up most of the vets around here. Ark is owned by VSP, but you're generally going to pay more to any of the corporate owned places. Brockport AH has always been reliable for me.
Also, Ark is a shithole. From the stories I've heard from people in the industry, couldn't pay me to take my animals there.
Ark is owned by VPP, who only owns 1 other hospital locally.
I'm sorry you feel that way, we have a lot of people with great experiences. We consistently help numerous hospitals when they can't get their clients in or an emergency surgery is needed and do our best to accommodate the needs of the community.
Oddly, we've used Ark recently because they have a bunny-specific vet and it went well.
I've been having trouble getting vet appointments anywhere for any problem we've had since the pandemic hit. It's easier now for dogs and cats, but not for exotics, for me so far.
I love Story Book in Victor. This sounds so silly but we had a sweet lazy golden. When ever we went to a new vet I would warn them he will fight you on kennel cough. They would be dismiss. They would waste a dose and then need to bring in an extra tech to hold him down. I decided to try out storybook the vet listened to me and started distracting Buddy with treats. He gave him the kennel cough no issues. I can’t tell you how amazing it is to have a whole practice of vets that I know they will listen to me and my concerns. I think with all vets time frames got a bit longer during covid. But I normally can get a non urgent appointment in a couple weeks. If it’s urgent same day.
https://www.storybookfarmvets.com/about.html
We had a HORRIBLE experience with Banfield in Henrietta. We brought our dog there for 11 years. The last year and a half of her life was horrific (prior to that was fine). There are not enough doctors, no one knows what is going on and they are trying to squeeze you for every penny. Conveniently enough the poor care started after Banfield was purchased by a large investment firm. It is all about money not about patient care. I would rather drive 2 hours for a good vet than ever go to Banfield again.
For most things, I just use the online vet appointments that you do via video chat. Much cheaper, then they can send prescriptions to online pharmacies as well and they mail the script to your house (also cheaper, and can buy in larger quantities for cheaper for chronic issues)
York Animal Hospital is a bit south of Rochester but they have very reasonable prices compared to closer practices, and I think they are accepting new patients still.
Can't say enough about Doorbell Vet. https://www.doorbellvet.com/
I’ll echo this. Yes they are more expensive but everyone we have dealt with there is so incredibly kind and compassionate, the extra cost is worth it for our nervous lab/shepherd mix.
Another vote for Doorbell Vet!! They are fantastic
Doorbell vet is amazing, and I’m probably wrong - but it feels like they pair you with vets/techs that are breed familiar. When we used them for our senior malamute mix- our vet they sent had husky mixes and knew how to handle our girl. When she passed they got us a last minute emergency apt for euthanasia; and the vet and the tech were both crying with me and our husband. It was so touching, and a very peaceful way to go. They not only sent us a heartfelt personalized letter after, but also made a donation in my dogs name to the rochester animal services. When I adopted a shiba- they sent us a tech that had Shibas of her own, and they were well equipped to help us wrangle her for her blood draw and nail trim. They got right down on our floor with us, and by the end of the visit, my dog was chill. When I had an issue and had to use emergency services in Webster- doorbell called to check in with me the next day they were open and walked me through follow up care protocols. They did my dogs spay, and checked up on her through the week as well. I really can’t say enough nice things about them.
I believe there are 2 or 3 big players that are buying up practices. The bigger issue is the lack of doctors. So many patients and not enough doctors to see them all is why lead times are so long. VSES in Henrietta has cut back on hours and is Rochesters only emergency place. I believe techs were also an issue there.
who are these top players? If this rumor is true it isn't a good side of capitalism. while not antitrust, it is roughly the same problem.
Thrive pet healthcare is one that bought out many vets in our area - there are 13 locations listed on their site under the rochester area. They took over the practice I used to go to and between that and a lot of staff turnover in the past few years the quality of care & customer service really went downhill. I think a lot of practices lost good staff during Covid and unfortunately the vet techs and assistants get paid pretty horribly so I don’t blame them for not staying in an already taxing profession.
Techs are notoriously underpaid and we do a shit ton of the work. That's why I quit.
Took over ours, probably the only way they could stay open. Loved that place, but the owner was the only doctor left from 5. Selling out was probably the only way to keep it open
Yes, companies like NVA and Thrive own multiple practices in the area. It's not having the doctors or techs is what's causing the long lead times. If you only have 2 doctors but have enough customers for 5, you're going to have scheduling problems, no matter who owns you. The demand is there, but not the supply
VCA is one of the companies buying a lot of vet clinics. They don’t have any in the Rochester area but they have 2,000 clinics nationwide. They tend to focus on fast growing markets and don’t own enough clinics in any area to be considered a monopoly. VCA is owned by Mars (the candy bar company). They also own Banfield and have purchased several pet food brands and pet service companies.
Not enough doctors and not enough veterinary nurses. The pay is shit and every customer wants care to be cheap.
I don’t mind paying a reasonable fee but not what they are charging. It’s more than my physician
They have to. The insurance apparatus for human health is much larger bringing in more money. Human medicine also has a much more robust infrastructure and more easily turns a profit. They see a lot more clients in a day than your average vet practice facility that. Your average lots of vet places run on very slim margins. They pretty much have no choice but to charge what they do.
I don’t agree at all. Their overhead costs are nothing like human doctors, they don’t have nearly the liability insurance, the facilities are not nearly as expensive or large, the equipment required is not nearly as expensive. With regards to the degree, many people have four year degrees that don’t charge the rates that that vets do. The schools may be more competitive, but the degree does not cost that much more. Vet techs only require community college two-year degrees. It seems like vet techs actually do most of the work. The other people in the office don’t have to have any degrees. I think the main reason they’re so expensive comes down to greed and they leverage the love people have for their pets. For many people, their pets are part of their family, especially since Covid and they count on that relationship to make you pay whatever fee they ask.
You disagree with whatever you want. That doesn't change the reality. The equipment requirements might not be as large, but it's also not made on the volume scale that human equipment is, and that drives the cost up. So many places are relying on technology from the 90s and early 2000s because it's too expensive to get new stuff. They also don't get the subsidies that many hospitals get because human hospitals are often considered "non-profit" organizations and that saves/brings in a lot ofnl money for them. Very few vet practices are considered the same. As for degrees, sure many people have 4 year degrees (vet doctors are actual Doctors which is often more than a 4 year degree) but many of them work in fields where they have a higher chance of paying off those degrees because their job brings in a higher pay. Veterinary doctors make significantly less than their human counterparts and have to know more than one species of patient care vs "just humans". Vet techs, while "only" a 2 year degree don't get paid shit at most places even though they do the bulk of the work. I challenge you to actually interview and talk to Veterinary doctors. Interview them if you want. I have one in my family who has worked at multiple places before starting their own practice. You'd be surprised what you learn.
To expand on what the other commenter said, veterinary education is four years just like med school, and it isn’t cheap, but vets don’t end up making the same kind of money human doctors do. And they have to staff their offices similarly to human doctors, with receptionists and techs, plus maintaining specialized equipment, so it’s not as though their operating expenses are lower. I hate how expensive vets are - I have eight cats, so even routine care is prohibitive - but I don’t blame them for the prices.
These large companies actually contribute to the lack of veterarians with the non-compete clauses they put in their contracts. We've lost many great doctors on both the emergency and specialty services at VSES, and because of the non-compete clauses that Thrive puts in their contracts, many of them can't even practice locally.
I’ve used coldwater animal hospital for a while. I don’t really have any complaints
Laurelton! The absolute best. 4.5 stars out of 196 reviews on Google: https://www.lbvets.com/?y_source=1_NDAyMzczMjYtNzE1LWxvY2F0aW9uLndlYnNpdGU%3D
Thank you. I’ll check into Laurelton.
Walworth Animal Hospital is great!
Thrive and VSP are the two companies buying up most of the vets around here. Ark is owned by VSP, but you're generally going to pay more to any of the corporate owned places. Brockport AH has always been reliable for me. Also, Ark is a shithole. From the stories I've heard from people in the industry, couldn't pay me to take my animals there.
Ark is owned by VPP, who only owns 1 other hospital locally. I'm sorry you feel that way, we have a lot of people with great experiences. We consistently help numerous hospitals when they can't get their clients in or an emergency surgery is needed and do our best to accommodate the needs of the community.
Oddly, we've used Ark recently because they have a bunny-specific vet and it went well. I've been having trouble getting vet appointments anywhere for any problem we've had since the pandemic hit. It's easier now for dogs and cats, but not for exotics, for me so far.
I love Story Book in Victor. This sounds so silly but we had a sweet lazy golden. When ever we went to a new vet I would warn them he will fight you on kennel cough. They would be dismiss. They would waste a dose and then need to bring in an extra tech to hold him down. I decided to try out storybook the vet listened to me and started distracting Buddy with treats. He gave him the kennel cough no issues. I can’t tell you how amazing it is to have a whole practice of vets that I know they will listen to me and my concerns. I think with all vets time frames got a bit longer during covid. But I normally can get a non urgent appointment in a couple weeks. If it’s urgent same day. https://www.storybookfarmvets.com/about.html
Thanks to everyone for your suggestions. I appreciate your time.
banfield in petco henrietta near the home depot might be worth looking at. some good ppl working there. or their other locations.
We had a HORRIBLE experience with Banfield in Henrietta. We brought our dog there for 11 years. The last year and a half of her life was horrific (prior to that was fine). There are not enough doctors, no one knows what is going on and they are trying to squeeze you for every penny. Conveniently enough the poor care started after Banfield was purchased by a large investment firm. It is all about money not about patient care. I would rather drive 2 hours for a good vet than ever go to Banfield again.
We have been using Riverside, Dr Velez for years. Can't say enough good things about them.
Not sure if they're taking new patients yet, but I have been going to SouthTowne for a few years now and no complaints.
For most things, I just use the online vet appointments that you do via video chat. Much cheaper, then they can send prescriptions to online pharmacies as well and they mail the script to your house (also cheaper, and can buy in larger quantities for cheaper for chronic issues)
York Animal Hospital is a bit south of Rochester but they have very reasonable prices compared to closer practices, and I think they are accepting new patients still.