Benarda Veterinary Hospital

My sweet dog had surgery at this facility yesterday (and had prior appointments leading up to surgery). The front desk staff and vet techs were compassionate, understanding and professional. Everything one could ask for during such a stressful time.I had a hard time dropping him off yesterday, but when I checked out and picked him up, he was a happy little guy.Thank you from the bottom of my heart for treating Rocco so well. All of you made us feel at home.

My various animals have been patients at Benarda Animal Hospital for over 20 years. This is a compassionate animal-centered practice. No exams on hard steel tables. Everyone gets on the floor in the exam room and sits on padded mats. This is for the comfort of your animal. All the technicians, staff and vets at Bernard are fantastic. I can't recommend them highly enough.

Chico (my senior chihuahua's) troubles at Benarda Veterinary Hospital began in November of '21 with what I thought was going to be a prescription renewal for dental antibiotics, and to check on a chronic cough. He had badly decayed teeth and a heart murmur-- so surgery had always been discouraged. Dr. Daroowalla however, declared with certainty by phone that Chico was not as old as thought, and was in good health. She continued (by phone) that he had a good chance to flourish for at least a couple more years after a full set of tooth extractions. She said his cough would go away with the extractions, too. I was shocked but elated-- and then made it clear that I am indigent poor. The staff was supportive, and the office manager said they have a great payment program to help people like me.It was an emotionally charged decision. Even though I knew I should insist on continuing with antibiotics for the rest of his natural life, I wanted dearly to give Chico a stab at healthy longevity and I trusted Dr. D's assessment, as I had known her for many years. I caved and said yes, with high hopes. It would be the worst "yes" I ever said.Post-surgery was rough, and he spent his 1st night lying in his urine in the unheated laundry room because he was disoriented. But always the trooper, he pulled through and we enjoyed our last Xmas together. In a few weeks he started coughing again, and panting heavily. Back to Benarda we went. Up, up, climbed the vet bills. He coughed and panted as his lungs filled with fluid. When I knew he was dying, I called Benarda again. "Chico's really miserable and I'm broke. Can you please put him down for me?" No, we're not a blank check, said the staff person. "Oh. Well he can die at home." No! they said, get him to a vet ASAP! They gave me a list to call. They all charged at least $100 except for PACC, and that wasn't an option.So Chico died in my arms. He was comfortable as he was able, he was in his home, and he was with his Mom. Feb. 10, he died of congestive heart failure. He passed peacefully, and I buried him in my yard under my pomegranate tree. Tears were beyond my control for weeks.A couple of weeks later, not a word from Benarda and I had questions. I asked to meet with both Dr. D. and Aynsley, the office manager, to talk about what happened with my deceased dog, her choice of treatment and the bills that incurred. Only Anysley was available - the Dr. remained frustratingly out of sight. Aynsley was polite but defensive, and made a reference to crap shoots. I guess it's the lack of conscience at Benarda that lingers every month as that $63 payment saps my small Social Security check (my only source of income). As a former business owner myself, I ponder how someone like Dr. Daroowalla especially, did not reach out to me. An acknowledgement, a condolence, even a goodwill financial gesture, anything-- to help heal my grief around the circumstances of my beloved dog's demise would have been so appreciated... I will be paying for Chico's death until February 2025. I am wiser now about standing by my intuition. Intuition is what people of limited means depend on in lieu of financial backup. Sadly, we who need the love of 4-legged companionship the most are often those who can least afford them.

I tried to schedule an appointment for a stray that is the sweetest dog. He isn't eating much, even though there's always food near him. He gets along with all dogs and people and didn't deserve to be homeless and hungry.I tried taking him to the vet for a checkup and to get his shots and a microchip. They turned me away because I was a new customer. Their excuse was that they only have two doctors and were overwhelmed. I don't care about excuses. If you are a service business, you are there to provide a service. Figure it out or close down your business and allow someone else to figure it out. Hire more vets. If you are "overwhelmed", that means there's money to be made. You are basically scoffing at that money because you can't figure out how to provide the service you are there to provide. Garbage business.

I'm a highly anxious dog mom, I am quick to move vets if I think the vet doesn't have my dogs' best interests at heart. Dr. D was recommended to me and I liked her but wasn't 100% sold on her being my vet. I saw Dr. Maillard and I really liked her calm, patient energy and willingness to listen to my concerns. What initial brought me to her was my dog's incontinence and two other vets, three other veterinarians all wanted to run a urinary analysis and came up empty. I did research on my own, I came up with a diagnosis and I did not tell her what I thought it was but she came to the same conclusion I did. Her willingness to look beyond a urinary test, and really get to the heart of the matter showed me how much she cared and what a great vet she is. Recently I had to put my dog down, and despite being overworked, understaffed, they squeezed me in. Beth, and all the staff were so caring and warm. Dr. Maillard did not rush me, did not make me feel like I was eating up her time even though I knew I was. I feel very fortunate to have found this veterinary office. For those complaining about not getting in and having trouble with them getting back to you, please keep in mind when COVID happened the influx of dog owners to the number of certified vets has created a huge disadvantage and overwhelming crisis among vets. Please be kind and patient.

4.5 Due to not being open on the weekends.Benarda has provided quality care for our two cats and two dogs. The staff is friendly and the facilities are modern and clean. In terms of care, I really appreciate how they have yet to recommend procedures that seem extreme or extremely expensive, which is a rare find in my opinion. They also havre provided with lists of treatments for medications that can be purchased over the counter to let us comparison shop.At the end of each visit they review a follow up plan with written instructions. They are also happy to fill pet medications in house. Overall they seems to truly love your furry family members.

This is the first time I have had to do this, but I am going to give your clinic a "BAD REVIEW" If there were a negative star, This clinic earned it.On 11/5/19, I brought Autumn into your clinic.  The veterinarian suggest a Senior Wellness blood test be done, saying the results would be back the following Thursday 11/7.  I called on 11/7, but they said the results were not back yet. I called the next day and was told the veterinarian would call me before the end of the day. I got no call.On Monday, the dog stopped eating and was quickly declining. I phoned Bernarda, again and was told the veterinarian was not in that day. I phoned on Tuesday morning 11/12 and was told they would look into it and get back to me shortly.  NO return call, so I phoned at 4:45pm.  I was told that either the test was not back yet or the veterinarian had not gotten a chance to look at it.  I will not be back to your clinic, nor will I recommend it to anyone else.

I have been going to Benarda for 20 yrs & have had numerous issues with the staff over charging me for medication i never received & not telling me what they were charging me before check out after repeated conversations with them about this concern! of needing to know before medication was adminstered Dr Daroowalla is great but the staff leaves a lot to be desired!!! some of them are down right RUDE & incompetent (was told if you don't like go somewhere else)

Dr D is undeniably smart about veterinarian medicine, but she also has a "sixth" sense that she brings to the care of your pet. On top of this, she has great respect and care for animals.

Wonderful with our one eyed deaf dog who is very nervous. Everyone was great. We had to go back for extra labs and they were very professional and gentle with him