Companion Animal Clinic

We adopted a little cat from the Oklahoma City Animal Shelter. The companion Clinic is listed as a Vet clinic offering a free check up of pets acquired through the shelter. We took the cat in to the Companion clinic and she passed with seemingly flying colors other than having fleas from the Shelter.

On Tuesday the following week, we brought the cat back to the clinic because we noted she was not eating. Three and a half days later, and after we spent over $600.00 with the clinic to find out what's wrong, we know almost nothing.(What they've told us boils down to: the cat's sick and getting worse. We don't know why.) Dr. Bixler is usually not there, as he seems to split his time amongst other locations in Oklahoma City, and the staff is unwilling/unable to discuss options with clients who are trying to make a decision about their pets.

My wife and I are not affluent. We have one other cat, and we don't feel it is unreasonable to expect that we can afford to take care of two cats without going bankrupt.

I contacted another veterinarian that was recommended by a friend, and they told me to contact the OVMA ( http://www.okvma.org/ ) to speak with an investigator. The Companion Clinic argued with me about releasing my cat even though my bill was current, and played coy with releasing the cat's documents to the new vet. The new vet told me the prognosis is bad, that a jaundiced cat is unlikely to survive, which makes me feel better. Getting a straight answer out of the Companion Clinic is impossible.

Most everyone I've spoken with about their charges has been shocked, including other Vets and the investigator with the OVMA. I hope this place goes out of business post-haste.

I can't be strident enough about how awful my experience here was. Avoid this place if you love your pets.

I was very disappointed at the unprofessional and medical incomptencey displayed by Companion Animal Clinic. Upon making an appointment for grooming of my cat, I was advised to bring in the rabbies vacination documenation. Two days later when my cat presented for grooming services my cat was revacinnated by this clinic after documentation was provided that he was vacinnated by his regular vet (Neel Vet which I highly recommend) only 3 weeks prior. When I picked up my cat it took 58 minutes, despite there only being 2 patients and from what I counted 6 staff. I was presented a bill for $153 which did not match the quoted fee of $45 to shave my cat.

After voicing my concerns at the charges and obvious displeasure- the office manager came to speak with me (Kelsey). She advised that they (Companion Animal Clinic) "don't confirm information from other vets" and that the official "rabbies vaccination certificate that Neel Vet presented to me didn't mean anything." (It had the lot number, DVM Licensure #, Rabbies Tag#, etc). In addition, Kelsey indicated "that owners tell us all the time and the shots are there and it turns out they are not." I inquired why they did not verify information when Companion Animal Clinic was provided a copy of the Rabbies Certificate with Neel Vet's phone number in large print at the top of the document. She further retorted, "that is not our responsibility."

I called Neel Vet to confirm if in-fact Companion Animal Clinic had verified any information. Our regular vet was surprised as it is "professional courtesy and common practice to verify vaccination records" which was not done by Animal Companion Animal Clinic. Needless to say, working in an in-patient hospital setting as a licensed professional, it is not only common practice but a requirement for us to confirm medications/prior treatments/DX to act in good faith in treatment of the patients we serve.

Lastly, I was even more disappointed that no licensed staff came to speak with me upon pick-up, because I was charged for a complete physical exam, complete vaccinations, etc. Generally the treating or examining professional speaks with the guardian and provideds feed back. The poor receptionist (Tori) was left to speak with me and to deal with me on her own. Upon leaving I requested a copy of documentation of the alledged vaccinations my cat received since the invoice from Companion Animal Clinic did not certify that the services were performed or even state that this was a legal document certifying. I was noly presented with an invoice. Atleast Neel Vet actually stated on the Rabbies Vaccination Certificate that this was to serve as a legal document and actually had the lot/serial numbers of the vaccinations. Companion Animal Clinic did not and when I requested this informaiton it took another 15 minutes and appeared to be a burden. I would have expected this basic state required/documented information to have already been in my cat's chart.

Needless to say, I would never recommend this facility.

DO NOT GO HERE! BY ALL MEANS DO NOT GO HERE! I was told over the phone to come in and get a $50 exam in order for my pet to get her medicine. Companion Vet gave me an estimate, of $374.38 When I looked at the estimate I questioned the amount for the tests they were insistent my dog had to have them before she could get her med. I had never been charged this amount ever etc...Eventually I agreed to the heart worm test but the other blood test was close to $175 The Vet seemed quite knowledgeable, she took her time with my pet and answered every question I had. The tech that was assisting her was very pleasant. When I was leaving I asked for the estimation and they gave me a sheet with the full amount without the itemization! When I asked for it again I had to go through 3 employees one who was quite rude. They refused to do an itemization! Why do you want to keep it a secret if you're not trying to hide anything? I needed those figures to go over it with my husband who was out of town. Again, she was quite rude and I left knowing I was going to stop at Neel's Veterinary Hospital and never bring my pet back. I got the blood test done at Neel's within minutes for $71.14 remember Companion Clinic wanted a price close to$ 175.00 I called the following Monday to get a copy of the negative test results from the heart-worm and told them what happened. Kim apologized and said I could pick up an itemized estimation, which I did although they left the cost of the med off the sheet. When I asked again, they refused to put it on. I am still waiting for the paperwork of the general check up since I was told it has to be approved by the vet before they could give it to me. Too many secrets, not wanting to put information into writing! DO NOT GO HERE! THEY CHARGE WAY TO MUCH MONEY IN MY OPINION!

appointment scheduled @12.40 this sat. for exam and will go from there.

For Benji.

I will not take my dog any where else but to companion they have been the best I have ever seen they where willing to stay after he's to take care of my dog ( Lacey) and her doc has told us if we ever need to take her after he's to give him a call and he would meet us up there and if u ask me u can't ask for a better doc then that

I've never been one to write reviews but after my experience at Companion Animal Clinic, I feel compelled to. The Dr. and staff at this clinic are top notch. My dogs are not just animals to me, they are my children and my best friends. I would not trust their care to anyone else. I have compared prices in the area also and for the level of service they offer, I would have to say that they undercharge. The service is just exceptional! The staff treats my pets ike they are their own and I never have to worry when they are there. That's worth everything to me. Thank you Dr. Bixler

Dr. Bixler obviously cares about animals. I have never been more satisfied with a vet before. He takes the time to listen to your concerns and is avaliable anytime that I've called with questions. I woud recommend this veterinarian to anyone!

Dr. Bixler and his staff are amazing! They are very attentive to the needs of the animals and the clients. DR. Bixler and his nurses are the best in their field! You can tell they love the animals and their jobs. I wouldnt recommend anyone to take care of my animals! Thanks DR.B for all you do!!!!!!!!!!!!

We took our dog in for a minor surgery. Staff was so busy, when we called to see if our pet was ready to be picked up, they told me they were running behind because they "lost" a dog. Little did we know that it was ours. Blamed it on paperwork that we did not sign to pay an extra hundred dollars for a different anesthesia.