Noah's Ark Veterinary Services - - Millersville, MD Review

My husband and I moved to Maryland about 3 years ago. Since then, we have been using the kennel at Noah's Ark for our golden retriever, Tanner. Recently, my husband and I adopted a rescue pup, Gracie. Around that same time, Noah's ark began offering veterinary services. We decided to change vets and use Noah's Ark. We loved the idea of the convenience. The dogs would go to the vet at the same place that they are kenneled and groomed.

The first thing we noticed about veterinary services in Maryland is that they were way more expensive than they were where we used to live. So, when we brought Gracie to Noah's Ark, we only assumed the high prices were standard in Maryland. After comparing prices with some of our friends (and spending $150 a month since October '08) we have realized that Noah's Ark is extremely expensive as far as veterinary services are concerned. We were dealing with the steep prices though, since our dogs love the staff there, we kennel and groom them there, and after the first year Gracie will only have to see the vet once a year.

So it has come time for Gracie to get spayed. We called Noah's Ark to inquire about prices and appointments. They told me that it would cost $500 typically, but they were running a special for $250, if we booked an appointment before May 31st. Before we did that, my husband and I called the local SPCA and Humane Society. These groups often run specials for parents of rescued animals. We have opted to get Gracie spayed at the Humane Society of Baltimore County. (Appointment is set for June 12). Before we can get Gracie spayed, she needed her last booster shot, and we needed to get her vet records to bring to the humane society for her appointment. So, we took Gracie to the vet yesterday afternoon.

While at her appointment, the vet asked about our intentions with spaying Gracie. We told the vet that we were planning on taking her to the Humane Society. This was the vet's reaction:

"I used to work there, and a lot of times they hire inexperienced veterinarians, who cannot get jobs elsewhere. They have an extremely high mortality rate, and the only reason why it was low before was because I was there. I have only had 2 animals die on me: an older cat that had an adverse reaction to the anesthesia, and an older dog that had a preexisting health issue. You should make sure that you aren't going to the man vet who works there, because he will neuter a male dog, and if both testicles haven't dropped, he will only remove the one that has dropped and not take out the second. I am not trying to scare you, but I would consider spaying her here. We are running specials right now."

Any animal lover and pet owner would be highly upset after hearing this. Of course we would never want to sacrifice the care of our dogs to save money. We would never do that. The vet's comments upset us because it made us worry that the Humane Society would treat Gracie inhumanely. We were also upset because of the presumptions that the vet made, making us feel like we were taking Gracie to a butcher.

This morning, I began to investigate the vet's allegations against the Humane Society of Baltimore County. I called the humane society and got the name of the vet that would be performing the procedure, and then I began googling. Turns out, the vet from the Humane Society of Baltimore County is quite distinguished. She formerly worked at Eastern Animal Hospital Maryland, and her former colleagues have nothing but praise and accolades from her work. Additionally, there are several great reviews about the Humane Society of Baltimore County and in particular the vet there.  It would appear that the vet had deviant intentions; she was just trying to get our money, and she was mad that we were going elsewhere.

We haven't brought Gracie to the Humane Society of Baltimore County yet; her appointment isn't until this Friday, the 12th. We are keeping her appointment though, and instead are trying to find a new vet, other than Noah's Ark for routine vaccinations and exams. I would strongly encourage anyone who is reading this to find a vet other than Noah's Ark as well. Hopefully my experience can spare you a similar displeasing experience.

Please look forward to a review about Gracie's experience with the Humane Society of Baltimore County after her appointment on the 12th.