A Disappointing Experience with Petco’s Vetco Service: Cannot Recommend

As a pet owner, I want nothing but the best for my Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, who has been a part of my family since 2022. Like most pet owners, I believe regular veterinary checkups are crucial for maintaining my dog’s health. That’s why I chose Petco’s Vetco service for my dog’s annual checkup. Unfortunately, my experience turned out to be far from pleasant, leaving me frustrated and disappointed. In this blog post, I’ll share my experience and explain why I will no longer recommend or use Petco’s services.

The Initial Visit: Everything Seemed Fine – Until It Didn’t

I took my dog to Vetco for her annual checkup, expecting the usual routine of a quick examination to make sure everything was in order. The veterinarian was kind and thorough during the appointment, and everything seemed to go smoothly. My dog was checked over, and the vet informed me that she appeared to be in good health overall. This was a relief since, as any pet parent knows, it’s always a relief to hear that our furry friends are doing well.

However, there was one concern: the vet noticed an overgrowth of yeast and Cocci in my dog’s ears. This condition would need to be addressed, and the vet recommended a cleaning procedure to resolve the issue. I was told that the cleaning would cost around $200, and although it was an unexpected cost, I agreed to it. After all, I wanted to ensure my dog’s ears were free from infection or discomfort. Little did I know that this decision would mark the beginning of my disappointing experience with Vetco.

The Procedure: A Minor Issue Becomes a Larger Problem

The ear cleaning procedure was completed without any issues, and my dog seemed to handle it just fine. The vet reassured me that the cleaning should take care of the problem, and I was sent home with aftercare instructions. As a pet owner, I trusted that everything was taken care of, and I was relieved that the issue was resolved.

However, shortly after the procedure, I was informed that it would be necessary to schedule a follow-up appointment to ensure that the procedure had been successful and that my dog’s ears were healing well. While I understood the importance of a follow-up, I was never told that this would incur an additional charge.

The Follow-Up Appointment: Unexpected Fees and Frustration

Two weeks later, I took my dog back for the follow-up appointment, confident that everything would be fine. When I arrived at the front desk to check in, I was greeted with the unexpected news that I would be charged an additional $77 for the follow-up. I was taken aback by this charge, as no one had mentioned that there would be a fee for a simple check-up after the procedure. I asked the front desk staff why I was being charged for a follow-up appointment that seemed more like a routine checkup than a full visit. The response I received was that it was “normal” for follow-up appointments to be charged, and that the fee wasn’t a full charge, just a partial one.

This explanation left me feeling even more frustrated. I couldn’t understand why I was being charged for something that I thought was part of the original procedure I had paid for. It felt as though Petco was simply trying to extract more money from me without clear communication or transparency about their fees. I had already spent $200 on the ear cleaning, and now I was being asked to pay more for what I believed should have been included in the initial cost.

I expressed my dissatisfaction to the front desk, but unfortunately, I did not feel that my concerns were taken seriously. It seemed like the priority was simply collecting money rather than ensuring a positive customer experience. This lack of transparency and customer care was the tipping point for me, and I left the appointment feeling upset and disillusioned.

Writing a Review: Seeking Resolution and Getting Ignored

After my frustrating experience, I decided to share my thoughts on Yelp. I wrote a review explaining my situation in detail and expressing my disappointment with how Petco handled both the initial procedure and the unexpected follow-up charge. To my surprise, the business owner reached out to me shortly after the review was posted. The owner insisted that I email them directly to resolve the issue. I was hopeful that this would lead to a positive outcome, but unfortunately, that was not the case.

I followed the owner’s instructions and emailed them, explaining the situation once again. I was hoping to receive some sort of apology or at least an explanation for the charges, but to my dismay, I never received a response. It’s been weeks since I sent the email, and I’m left feeling ignored and disregarded by a company that I had once trusted with my pet’s care.

The Bottom Line: Why I Won’t Be Returning

My experience with Petco’s Vetco service has been incredibly disappointing. From the lack of clear communication about fees to the poor customer service during my follow-up visit, it’s clear to me that Petco is more concerned with profits than with providing quality care for pets and their owners. The initial visit and procedure were fine, but the lack of transparency about additional charges and the dismissive attitude I encountered during my follow-up appointment left a sour taste in my mouth.

I have always been a loyal customer of Petco, but after this experience, I will no longer promote or use their services. There are many other veterinary clinics that provide excellent care for pets without the hidden fees and lack of customer support. As a pet owner, I expect honesty, transparency, and care for my pet’s well-being, and Petco failed to deliver on all three.

If you’re considering using Vetco or any of Petco’s veterinary services, I urge you to proceed with caution. Be sure to clarify any potential additional charges before committing to any procedures, and don’t expect a prompt or satisfactory resolution if issues arise. Unfortunately, based on my experience, I cannot recommend Petco’s Vetco service to anyone.