Punta Gorda Animal Hospital

Dr Winters and staff just helped my little dog cross the rainbow bridge. All of us pet owners know how difficult that time is. All involved were so caring and understanding that it made the journey for all of us very comfortable. Thank you to all.
Apr 5th, 2024

Mar 31st, 2024

We were clients at PGAH for about two years. For the first 18 months, we were very happy with our pup's care. Then we began seeing Dr. Vernet, PGAHs newest vet, and were not happy. We are now seeing a different vet. On leaving PGAH, we received our dogs medical chart, which contained some unpleasant surprises. When we first saw Dr. Vernet, she came into the exam room not as a veterinarian but as a technician before a vet visit. She did not identify herself. Immediately, without even going near our dog, she suggested muzzling him. She also recommended neutering him (he is a gentle, 3-year-old unaltered male Aussie). We made it clear that a muzzle was not needed, that we emphatically disagreed, and felt she wasnt in a position to make recommendations since she didnt even know our dog. We next saw Dr. Vernet as a veterinarian. Unfortunately, I didnt recognize her, or I would have avoided going to her. Over the course of our visits with Dr. Vernet, our dog became terrified of going into the treatment area and ultimately refused. We couldnt understand why he suddenly became fearful until we read Dr. Vernets notes: she was muzzling him for routine procedures after taking him out of the exam room. Dr. Vernet should have discussed this with us. Instead, knowing we opposed the use of a muzzle, she actively concealed it. Her notes refer to our dog as aggressive, which was also never discussed with us. To be clear, none of the other PGAH vets had any difficulty handling this dog, and there was nothing in their clinical notes to suggest they found him aggressive. He loved seeing Drs. Winter and Daly. I have taken this dog to about 30 visits at three different veterinary hospitals, seeing multiple vets for medical care, nails, or AG expression. I am present during his exams and, often, treatment. He is well-behaved. No veterinarian, groomer, dog walker, or pet sitter has ever noticed any aggressive behavior. On our visit to our new vet, our boy stood patiently, without any restraint at all, for a manual fecal swab and AG expression and cooperated happily (smiling) during his pedicure. If Dr. Vernet felt she needed a muzzle to handle him, the problem was not the dog. She herself created a problem of fear and refusal. Not only was there a lack of transparency concerning muzzling and no communication about any concern over aggression, but Dr. Vernets clinical notes contained significant misstatements and omissions. I wish I had reviewed the chart sooner. PGAH offers high-quality care, and our dog really benefited from seeing Dr. Daly and Dr. Winter. I gave only three stars because of the inconsistency in the treatment quality and the communication failures.
Mar 31st, 2024

I have never witnessed a better customer service and veterinary tech staff and doctors in my life. Punta Gorda is lucky to have you.
Mar 27th, 2024

Worst animal hospital EVER! I have taken my 4 yr old Golden Doodle to this place for the past 3 years. We have not seen the same vet there twice. The last straw was today. We had an appointment for 3 pm. She was there for a vaccine. Unfortunately, she came down with an ear infection this past weekend (they are not open on weekends). They gave her the vaccine and told me there was no way she could be seen for an ear infection, they offered me an appointment for a drop off on Thursday . I did not want to wait any more days, since she had not eaten today, and was not herself at all. Some animal HOSPITAL. They also mentioned that she was due for all sorts of other shots and blood tests in April, June and September (well dog things). Incredible, after 3 years of going there!! Needless to say we will not be back. My advice is to find a real vet, who at least CARES!
Mar 22nd, 2024