Hong Kong Vets

[appletree1]

Hi,
I am relatively new to Hk vets so Im not so sure what to expect.

The vet we're going to right now, I had forgotten to ask if there were any side effects to the meds so I gave them a call, the nurse picked up but didnt let me speak to the vet asking me to make another appointment for a simple question.

Vets in HK, will they talk to you on the phone if you want to ask them a few questions to follow up after an appointment? If this is not what usually happens, can someone please recomend a good vet to me.

thanks

[sandyduncan]

there are some great vets in Hong Kong and i have never had a problem with asking the vets by phone if I haven't understood their instructions etc properly. Sometimes it is hard to get past the receptionists though due to the 'by the book' mentality here. Valley vets, happy Valley, Hong Kong Vet Centre, Wanchai and Chris and Nicola's in tin hau I have had personal experience with and they are all very good. If you liked your vet but just couldn't get through to them for clarification try and email them. good luck

[carang]

dr mike at pets central is very good too!

we were driving to sai kung one day and saw a dog hit by a taxi (didn't even stop!). i knew the dog wouldn't live, but i didn't want it to suffer. i called him and he told me to bring it right in and he would put it down. however, it died before we were able to get someone to help us get it there...

[hello_there]

Your experience with the vet nurse sounds bad and isn't the norm in HK, at least based on my experience. The two vets we have used here are always more than happy to answer questions over the phone (and one even prescribs meds for a pet's recurrent condition with a phone call and no vet visit). If the vet is with a patient sometimes they have had to call me back, but its never been an issue speaking with them over the phone regarding follow up questions or questions about whether I need to bring the pet in. If you like the vet, I would tell him about his nurse's unacceptable behavior. Local support staff in HK often runs amok. If you don't like your current vet enough to stay, there are a number of great vets in HK.

Three good vets to check out are: The Ark, Pets Central (any of the branches) and Creature Comforts (they will come to you).

[sunkissed]

I really like The Ark Vet Hospital. It is located in Sai Ying Pun, Hong Kong side. Plus it is a 24 hours vet hospital and they are very friendly. The atmosphere is nice and comforting too.

[hkbecky]

My 6-year old cat died suddenly yesterday at Pets Central in Mongkok. I must say I was quite disappointed with the treatment I received from the support staff.

I know vetrinary clinics are businesses, but it wouldn't kill them to be a little more sensitive to a grieving owner. At any chance they got, they tried to add hidden charges (which I then disputed, eyes swollen) and even tried to make an extra buck by making me pre-pay for my cat's cremation.

Their insensitivity and also their useless and confusing accounting system made the grieving process even worse by having to dispute charges I didn't understand on my bill!

To make matters worse, when I tried to ask a few more follow-up questions about my cat (who died within 2 days of being hospitalised), the impatient nurse answered me with annoyance saying, "your cat has passed anyway, does it really make a difference what your test results were?"

I was too upset to complain at that time, but I will NEVER return to Pets Central. I have 6 cats (now) and they have just lost my business forever.

[carang]

i am sorry to hear about your cat. but i am VERY surprised to hear your comments about the vet. as we deal regularly with pets central in sai kung... dr mike is FANTASTIC and we've never had any problems with any of the support staff.

we are currently considering getting another animal to add to our household and dr mike patiently answered all of my questions (he took about 30 minutes to do so) at no charge to us.

[walkingcarpet]

Sorry for your loss HKbecky, though I've never had any problem with Pet Central myself. I understand why you wouldn't want to go back there yourself, but perhaps it was just some bad staff members or just a bad branch, I don't know.

[dropdedfwed]

i am sorry to hear about your loss. It is a shame you also felt you had no support for your grief. Vet bills can be a little confusing, and even such things as cremations are outsourced, so they must be charged as well. It all sounds a little heartless, but as you say, they are a business. It is always hard to have to confront people over finances etc when you are upset, and i do feel for you.

I am suprised at the treatment you mention here. I have not personally dealt with PC at MongKok, however I do know a few people who work there, and have worked there. They do have some of the best vets in HK there, however there are obviously other alternatives for you now too.

Condolences again,

DDF

[emmie]

I've bought stuff from Pet Central Mong Kok several times, and one friend's dog goes there but for grooming - sorry to hear the impression you got of a particular receptionist/"nurse" perhaps just moments after news of your loss. Can imagine how it felt. This 24-hr branch can also seem more than the usual busy. The 'bedside manner' at some other vet clinics may be a lot better... Best wishes.