Galena Veterinary Hospital

I am new to the area and needed to select a vet for my cat. My selection would be based on 3 factors: distance from my home, reputation for high quality care and customer service, and cost relative to other vets in the area. This vet seemed to check the first two boxes, however when I contacted them to get even estimated costs for common procedures such as a urinalysis, just the test itself, or subcutaneous fluids, they replied that they don't give costs on those things before bringing your pet in because in part " Veterinary supplies, like our human counterparts are forever in flux and it makes it very difficult to give an accurate estimate ahead of time, or with an unknown time frame. Moreover, each procedure on it own varies by patient need." When asked if they could even give me a range on some common procedures they declined to provide that information. To be honest, the only other business I can think of that takes this approach is a Car Dealership in which they know if you get the customer in there and see that shiny new car, they have a better chance of selling it there and now without the customer shopping around over the phone. If you have to take a sick pet in, for many pet owners like myself I imagine they are anxious to do whatever is necessary without saying, wait, let me call around real quick and make sure you aren't overpriced. LOL. In fact, you have a pet that needs prescription meds, and you get them from your vet, I challenge you to contact Costco, Walgreens, or 1800PetMeds and see what the price is compared to what your vet charges you. I bet for most it is half or less than what the Vet charges and I'm sure this vet is no exception being that their basic exam fee is on the high side compared to other vets. I've been in the waiting area as I stopped in when I was in the area and it is smaller than some of the other vets but clean. It's in a fairly non-descript commercial building. It has more of a hospital waiting room feel than a homey feel that some vet places have. So while I can't rate and review the quality of care here, even if I were to assume it is very good (at least a 4-star), their non-customer centric non-transparent business practice regarding cost information is a 1 star, the waiting area a 3 and I'll even give them a benefit of the doubt and say the quality of care is 5. That's an average of 3 which I feel is generous considering their Car Dealership like practice regarding cost information. This in itself is a RED FLAG to me when considering doing business here.

posted: 03/21/2023

Our cat, Mando (a rescue from the Nevada Humane Society), received beautiful care from the entire staff of Galena Veterinary Hospital throughout his entire life with us. I wouldn't go anywhere else for pet care. Special thanks to Dr. Ford, Dr. Rock and their entire team!

posted: 06/27/2023

Extremely rude at the front desk by marcy, despite having "17 years" of customer service. Prices vary depending on who you ask. The front desk couldn't give me a price on a rabbies shot for my cat. Something like that you think would be a standard price. Should be zero stars but I have to give one. They do all procedures on your animal with you not present, and then they walk your pet back to you. I get major issues but basic shots? Edit: this is how oblivious the front desk is. Marcy called me again about my yearly check up for my cat. She had no idea how she spoke to me a week ago or that it was even me. Talk about clueless.

posted: 07/21/2023

We've been taking our two poodles to them for two years now and it takes a while to get appointments, but the vets have been good with us so far. We rescued another poodle with breathing issues and wounds and waited a week for an appointment. We got seen, but front office staff told us they couldn't finish the appointment because they are running late! Tried to tell us to come back two weeks later! They were rude and condescending with no empathy.

posted: 01/21/2023

I'm so thankful for the outstanding vets and wonderful staff here. With two Labs I've had my share of regular visits, and have always been taken care of professionally, and had my questions listened to and answered patiently. With the several emergencies I've had however, I was able to receive same-day surgeries, which is basically unheard of, and for which I'll be forever grateful. Doctor Ford and Doctor Graham are both world-class, and I'm so happy to be able to have them as a resource.

posted: 12/19/2019