Menzies Steve

I've had good and bad experiences with this office/hospital most of the bad had to do with receptionists though I was treated badly by a doc once also. I've had 5 kitties fixed there so one bad run in with a doc on my way out isn't so bad I guess. The office staff is another story incompetent to say the least. As for the treatment of my animals I think that's what will get them the fourth star always treat my animals like their own. Hope I helped somebody with this.

We have been using the Alvarado Vet Clinic for 5 years for our Warlock Doberman. He has had a couple of surgeries and we have also used them for boarding. The staff has always been exceptional remmebering our dog and us. He loves the attention he gets there from everyone.

I've been to the Alvarado Vet Clinic four times with horses and each time has been a bad/disappointing experience. From receptionists with terrible attitudes and apparent frequent memory loss, to techs who seem to not have a clue what is happening in their clinic, to the disdainful looks from the veterinarians themselves, each appointment has left me feeling like I wasted my time and money at this clinic. I've spoken with five friends in the horse industry who have had similar experiences - so at least I know it's not just me. The latest experience was the worst by far. After calling several clinics around the area to price a surgery, I chose Alvarado based on the price and proximity to where I live. Even though Alvarado is usually walk-in only, they told me I would need to schedule this particular surgery (cryptorcid stud colt). I called the following day and booked the surgery. They called me the next day to confirm the surgery. I called to say I was running late the morning of the surgery. I walk in the door and they act like they have never heard of me in their life. After unloading the scared colt, I got another speech about needing to book an appointment. I explained again that I had. Then the vet comes out, takes one look at my admittedly muddy (it was raining) and bleeding (banged his head in the trailer) and unruly horse (duh- he's a 3 year old stud) and I could see it in his face that he wanted nothing to do with me. Within 10 minutes he tripled the price they had quoted over the phone and offered to load him back up for me. All this after I had waited a week for the appointment time to arrive, spent an hour pulling my trailer out of the mud, spent another hour loading the colt, wasted an hour driving there, and spent $30 in diesel. They wasted me time, money and effort and my colt desperately needs to be "fixed." This clinic seriously needs an overhaul in attitude and a few classes in the treating of their customers. I've tried them four times. They will not get another chance. I have people ask me every week if I have any suggestions of where to take their horses. I will not ever recommend them again.