South Coastal Animal Health

you can’t make this up!!! i brought my 2 dogs in for nail trims and adrenal gland cleanse, the tech called my big dog up to the counter, 2 times when we went to sit down i saw a lot of blood on the ground my dog somehow sliced his toe when he jumped up, they said it was impossible it didn’t happen then, the blood went from the desk to where we sat, no blood to the entrance or my car, i said i wouldn’t bring my injured dog in and act like he was getting his nails done!!!@@#%@# everyone i dealt with was horrible, they charged me for the stitches I called several times for the office manager a few days later I spoke with him. he said he would look into it, by his comments to me he did know already… he said the good news is there won’t be any more charges for this… it happened there i shouldn’t be charged. so i brought him it to get his bandages changed and they wanted to charge me… so she called him and told me i misunderstood it was going to be 30.00 to change his bandage, the staff rolled their eyes snickered and i was humiliated again!!! I said i was not paying it and that it was there fault he got hurt in the first place, i said i wanted to talk to the office manger and this was a thursday they said «he said if you want to talk to him call monday» i said you just got off the phone with him… its such a great concept for an office its just terrible the way they have treated us… and now so many of my clients have said they have heard bad things about this place as well…

We’ve had fantastic experience at South Coastal. We’ve brought both our cats for their annual check-​ups and both of our pit bull mixes, Flower and Maxwell. Flower had a few issues after we rescued her, but Dr. Sophie was so awesome in getting Flower back to tip-​top shape. Flower had a bit of mange and some gas issues and sure enough, it was a quick prescription and a recommended diet change. Flower was back to her energetic self in no time!
Enter Maxwell, our newest pit bull mix. Max was hit by a car or terribly abused in his former dog life and has a bad hip. He’s having a hip replacement surgery in Grafton later in the year, but even when he went for a check up at South Coastal to see Dr. Sophie, she still wanted to check his leg out. We’ve worked with her in the past and we trust her that she will take care of Max after his surgery. Max was involved in a dog park scuffle before another vet appointment. We went to see Dr. Sophie to make sure his cuts and scrapes weren’t infected and what our next steps were. Rather than an expensive prescription, she told us that basic Neosporin would keep them clean and she would file paperwork with the state Department of Agriculture and Health in regards to quarantine. She explained the total process and answered all my questions.
Overall, we will continue to return to South Coastal to see Dr. Sophie. She is kind, compassionate, and very thorough. Your pet’s well-​being is her number one concern. Flower and Max are never timid of her.
The staff at South Coastal is great! It’s easy to call to set up an appointment for a checkup or vaccines.

I couldn’t recommend Dr. Sandra Tam more highly. She provides excellent care for your pet and at the same time really cares about both the animals and their families. I came to Dr. Tam at a hard time. My mom’s 19 year old cat was nearing the end of his life and needed to be euthanized. Dr. Tam suggested a home call which she said may be easier for both our cat and for my mom (one less trip to a vet’s office). She was respectful of the hard decision telling us to call her when we were ready. When the day came Dr. Tam came to the home and explained the process, told us what to expect, took the time to answer all our questions, and gave us the option of watching or not. Although it was a hard day, it was made a lot easier by the kindness and compassion of Dr. Tam.

I typically do not ever write reviews, but I thought sharing my poor experience may help others avoid the same frustrations.
I had brought my cat for an eye exam after a cataract like film began to grow over his eye. The growth was spreading rapidly and clearing causing him discomfort and pain as his eye reddened was always squinting.
I was able to get an appointment quickly, the facility was clean, and the desk staff was friendly. Things only went downhill when I met with Dr. Tam.
The doctor did not seem terribly concerned or knowledgeable at all. She first suggested it could be an ulcer, which she ruled out after taking a scraping of his eye.
After this point, her diagnosis process seemed to be a guessing game. She suggested it could be a viral infection, or possibly cancer and offered to refer me to veterinary oncologist. I opted for the cheaper of her guesses and she prescribed ant viral eye drops and pain drops.
After two weeks of eye drops the infection persisted. The drops helped, and I was told at the vet office that it confirms its viral if the anti viral drops helped. I went back and received a refill.
More time spent administering drops and it had subsided some, but still there. I went back a third time to ask for more medicine and ask questions about his condition. The front desk clerk was helpful and patient while she went back and forth to the back room to relay my questions to the vet on duty.
She refused to prescribe more drops and wanted to see him again. I asked if the vet could please step out and speak with me so I could ask her opinion. I didn’t want to pay for another guessing game when they can’t confirm a diagnosis.
Dr. Tam coincidentally was the vet who stepped out to speak with me, a piece of pizza in hand which she ate during our brief conversation. She suggested it could possibly be an ulcer and she did not want to prescribe more drops. I explained that she personally had ruled out an ulcer and had also personally told me that because the drops were effective that it must be viral. I reluctantly made another appointment and left.
After some I discovered animal optomologists exist and made an appointment. I was baffled that I was not referred to an eye specialist to begin with. This particular doctor used several instruments to examine the eye, took a culture and returned minutes later with an actual concrete diagnosis. After having this problem for months my cats eye is back to normal after only 4 days of this new course of meds and a proper diagnosis.
I would recommend anyone who cares for their pet find another veterinary practice. I found my experience with Dr. Tam to be frustrating, her lack of knowledge or concern could have cost my pet it’s eye. Relaying messages back and forth through the poor receptionist was rude, and she couldn’t even be bothered to put down her piece of pizza for a 2 minute conversation! Take your pets somewhere else. Dr. Tam loves pizza and hates cats.

Like many people, my dog is my life. My boyfriend and I picked up our German Shepherd from a kennel (he had been there for a few days while we were away) and he had a terrible and painful rash on his belly area. We called South Coastal Animal Health and they had us in there within 2 hours that same day.
This wasn’t our normal vet but they were the only place we had called who could squeeze us in. When we got there, the entire staff was so accomidating and friendly towards our dog. It felt like we had been going there for years– and weren’t just another patient they were trying to drain money out of like our old vet.
Very happy to call South Coastal Animal Health our new vet! Highly recommend this place. Couldn’t be happier with the service my dog received and happy to say he’s doing great!

Love, love love this place. My Boston Terrier is very nervous and they are always so good to him. The staff is great and I always get a quick appointment. Highly recommend.

South Coastal has been treating my pup for about two years now. Everyone is very nice, and I’ve never had a problem getting an appointment. I appreciate their flexible hours. I’ve found all the techs and doctors to be wonderful. Thankfully, we’ve never had a true emergency to deal with, but they did take great, quick care of my dog after he came down with kennel cough. They also didn’t ban him for life when, after his neuter, he basically bulldozed the recovery room with his silly cone. Regarding price, yes it can be a bit expensive, but are vet bills ever cheap?

I discovered South Coastal about 4 years ago when my longtime vet couldn’t see my rottie, Rocky, who was sick. This was the 2^nd time this happened with this vet and it was the best thing that could have happened to us! On that emergency visit, we met Dr. Liz and even though they are not a 24 hour hospital, Peter the technician stayed overnight with Rocky and Dr. Liz assured us that she lived 5 minutes away if there were any problems during the night. Rocky ended up staying for a few nights because he had to be stabilized (turned out to be diabetic). He had to be seen several times a week at first then dropped to once a week. Everyone at South Coastal treated Rocky like he was the star every single time we went in. He would get so excited in the car when he realized where we were going. We have a new Rottie, named Adrian and when she got sick, Dr. Strake new exactly what was wrong with her even though her disease is hard to detect. She has Addison’s Disease and has to go in every month for a shot and like Rocky, she loves the place and is treated like royalty. We just adopted a rescue who we pick on on Feb 8, 2014 and I have no doubt he will get the best care available from the South Coastal Team! They Rock.

I’ve been taking my dogs here for about 6 years and I’ve had nothing but great experiences. The staff is so great and the place is very clean. All the doctors I’ve met are very nice and the front is always able to get me in right when I call. It is a little pricey, but I don’t mind paying a little more for great treatment.

Went here with our new little Lhasa Apso Lucy for the first time. Everyone was super nice, it was incredibly clean and in a really beautiful building. Don’t think we got the name of our tech but she was incredibly nice and even clipped Lucy’s hair so that it wouldn’t get in her eyes. Dr. Liz was amazing, extremely knowledgeable, really nice and when Lucy wasn’t eligible to get her shots yet, only charged for the office visit and the next time we’ll only pay for the shots. Extremely great experience, we left and were so happy that we chose to bring her there as opposed to any other vet. Highly recommended! I’ve read reviews that say that they’re more expensive than other offices and I’m not sure whether or not that’s the case, the pricing seemed reasonable and they gave us free samples of things to try with Lucy. That being said I would definitely agree to pay more in order to have amazing staff members, great service (we got in the day after we called) and a really nice, clean building.

Ive been taking my animals here since 2009 or so. I use to LOVE going to the Abington Animal Hospital, but appointments were always booked solid almost 2 months out, administrative staff was snippy and wait times to see the vet ran over 60 min. Anyway, I digress. I’ve never had a bad experience at SCAA. I love the big spacious waiting room, cleanliness, and pleasant appearance of the entire building. Administrative staff are always nice. And best of all, they always have an available appointment whether its last minute or weeks away.
The reason I give this vet only 4 stars is for two reasons: 1. The cost of bringing your pet here is not as reasonable as it should be. 2. I’ve never been a fan of Dr. Harvey’s manner when dealing with me. For example. she delivered a diagnosis to me about my dog. By the way she was telling me, it sounded like he would have to be put to sleep. She stood there looking at me for a solid 10 seconds looking solemn and regretful before she finally let me know that it was treatable. Sorry if you end up reading this Dr. Harvey. :(She is very knowledgeable but always seems to deliver information and news to you as if someone died. And despite bringing my pets in several times a year and my obvious concern for them by the amount of $$ I shell out to this vet, I still walk out of this place being made to feel like I’m a bad pet owner. Either I’m not cleaning their teeth enough or cleaning their ears thoroughly, or refusing to vaccinate them with unnecessary shots (even though I routinely make sure all these things are done).
Overall, good pleasant experience. Would highly recommend.

I’d like to recommend South Coastal Animal Health. I’ve been bringing my 2 boys (dogs) there for years and have always received excellent care. Dr. Strake and her staff are professional, caring people. Dr. Strake and Dr. Liz are outstanding, skilled Veterinarians.
South Coastal is small enough that you get to know everyone yet big enough that they can handle just about any issue my pets may have. The people who work there have been with them for years. They seem to be right in the middle of the small town vet and the new Mega-​Vets. Recently they completed construction of a brand new state of the art facility. I’m very confident my pets receive the best of care.
Please accept this endorsement from someone who has used them and will continue to use them.
Thanks,
Joe

My rescued cat was 6 months old when he came home with me. He was sporty, like other cats, saw things that weren’t there, and had boundless energy. He was always a ‘indoor cat’ because they are known to have a longer life. «Shirlock» became I’ll with the onset of a suspicious looking growth on his lower lip. mWe were lucky to have connected with DR. LORI HARVEY at the hospital. After some tests, now at the age of 18, it was determined that his heart could withstand the anesthesia to surgically remove the tumor. The news was no good for malignancy never is! Shirlock was also in kidney failure, had thyroid problems and something bothering his bowel. Medications were administered, tests were done, meds adjusted, more tests. Shirlock, with the expertise of Dr. Harvey, celebrated his 19^th birthday. It became apparent one month after his 19^th birthday, that it was time to let him rest in peace. With the help, guidance, tolerance, time, devotion, education, attitude of Dr. Harvey, I am unsure that I could have been able to make this difficult decision.
I shall be indebted to Dr. Harvey, the Staff of the hospital, and to my family and friends; but most of all to my friend, SHIRLOCK. He is resting, next to his litter mate, Watson, and his Great Aunt Lucy.

We have been clients here for 4 yrs. We have seen been seen by Drs Strake & Liz. Have been nothing but very happy. We have had some very sick dogs at times and have felt tremendous support.
I must admit though I miss the smallness and friendliness and intimacy of their previous location

This is the only place I will bring my two dogs.
The staff here is professional, intelligent and friendly!
Their exam rooms are always clean, they are great with my dogs, and they take their time during appointments.
I understand some people may complain about «high prices» but you are paying for quality pet care and its well deserved. I had my small male dog nuetered here two years ago, and my new puppy is in for a spay this month– is it more expensive than other vets? yes.
Are they doing a full blood work, iv pain meds, etc that most places don’t? yes.
Is it worth it to ensure my pet is well taken care of?
you betcha!
Another vet in weymouth screwed me over once when my pet broke his leg on a sunday. They tried to force me into an uncessary surgery, and botched the splint on my little guy. I brought him to my regular vet (here) and they corrected everything for a FRACTION of the cost.
very surprised at the low star rating here– this office is amazing. :-)

I will NEVER send my pets here again! The only reason they even got one star from me is because the staff at the time was very nice, but you can be nice and a terrible vet!
I took my kitten there to get spayed and she died the day after she got home! The vet said it was congestive heart failure, but I think they botched the spay! She was a very healthy kitten before! It cost us $$$ to have all the tests done and then put to her to sleep!
Overall WORST experience I have ever had to deal with!

I have been going to Dr. Strake since she moved to Weymouth. I have always found her to be very helpful even calling me from her cell phone after hours to return a phone call I put in earlier that day. She always answers all my questions (and I have a lot of questions) and never once has made me feel stupid for asking them. I feel my dogs get the best vet care from them which is the most important thing for me when it comes to my boys. I would highly recommend her practice if you are looking for quality care.

Never again!
While all the vets (particularly Grace, Lori and Liz), and techs (all great but particularly Nikki, the practice manager) and staff (particularly Jill, the front end manager extraordinaire) are absolutely superb (considering the many spectacular kindnesses and excellent care they have shown to me and our pets over the past several years), I made the mistake of trying their grooming today based on my experience with the clinic.
My two beautiful long puppy-​cut adult Maltese now look as though they have been literally shaved. Where their hair is longer than ¼ INCH it has been CHOPPED unevenly; their gentle pink skin is actually bare in sections?! Their nails are not only uneven and rough-​edged but have been cut into the nail quick. One dog’s ear hairs are not plucked — in fact, neither were my sister’s dog’s ears even cleaned (the only request she made for her extra-​large mastiff mix) who accompanied me there today.
I have notified the staff though the groomer was gone when I picked up the dogs. I will NEVER return to this groomer. At least now I know why the groomer «has not been busy lately» and was able to take the dogs on short notice… I thought it was because of the recent snow storms! Baha!

Back in November, one of my pet rat’s (Reeba) teeth became misaligned and grew excessively, causing her pain, making it difficult for her to eat. As no matter how I tried, I could not get her to sit still to have her tooth trimmed, I decided to find a verterinarian willing to cut her teeth.
After calling around to several different places in the area, I finally got in contact with South Costal Animal Health, and they had somone on hand willing and able to trim the tooth. I set up an appointment, they gave a short first-​time examination of the rat (seemed superflouous to me – was simply a weighing of the rat), and then tried to trim the tooth without sedating her. Reeba is the calmer of my too rats, but I don’t imagine any animal would have stood still eaisly with a dremel in its face.
After sedating her with nitrous oxide, they were able to cleanly cut the tooth and gave care instructions. Overall, I was satisfied, but I though that the prices were a bit high.
Also: On google maps, South Coastal Animal Health is listed as being at 1597 Main Street, but this is their old building. They have recenly moved to 1389 Main St in Waymouth.