Girard Veterinary Clinic

 

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Matthew S.

Philadelphia, PA

I can't say enough GOOD things about Dr. Balzer and this clinic. We recently moved to the area, and took our dog there because they were close and, we heard, very affordable. The people are friendly and very respectful of us and our dog.

They helped us through a very difficult time as our dog had developed Cushings disease. We discussed treatment alternatives, how to keep him comfortable, and finally, they were very compassionate as we made the painful decision to have him euthanised.

Overall, they are kind, knowledgeable, compassionate people.

My one complaint is that it is sometimes hard to coordinate a return call. They are a nonprofit, I believe, and a bit understaffed. We found it was easier to just stop in for feedback on test results and such.

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Elite '08

15

133

veronika p.

Philadelphia, PA

I was really, really disappointed by Girard Vet Clinic. I had high hopes for this place and I was really let down. I took my puppy, Henry, here for a check up for a lump he had on his stomach. The vet grabbed him and put him on the table, didn't give him a chance to sniff her or anything, and started roughly grabbing at him and poking and prodding. She told me that the lump on his stomach wasn't serious (an umbilical hernia). She then started looking at his ears and started grilling me about how often I clean them and I told her I just did it - I used a special solution I got at a pet store and was very careful about cleaning his ears. She grabbed Q-tips and solution and started cleaning his ears - without asking me if it's okay (I don't like using q-tips with my dogs. Any slight movement and they can puncture their eardrum, plus, another vet told me that q-tips can compact the wax further in the ear and cause ear infections). Henry didn't like this, and squirmed (probably because she was being so rough) and she pulled his lead so tight that his tongue became blue. She then started grilling me about how often I wash him (about every 2-3 weeks) because apparently his coat looks dry. I told her that I use moisturizing dog shampoo and dry food with lots of protein so his hair will be nice and she didn't believe me. When she was done examining him - if you can call it that - I asked if it was okay if I can give him one of the treats I brought for him now. She said, "Why are you giving him a treat? He wasn't behaving well at all." I said that she wasn't handling him correctly, and he was scared (besides the fact that he hates being groomed). This was actually pretty good for him. She then starts lecturing me about how I'm doing him and her a disservice. I told her that I didn't come in for her to instruct me on training my dog, and she wouldn't take that as a sign to stop. I was very, very appalled at the way she treated my dog and me. Anyone who knows me knows that I take very good care of my dogs and they are extremely important to me - the vet at this clinic implied that I didn't know what I was doing and was in some way harming them. Even though I'm a college student and can't afford it, I'm going to start taking my dogs to Queen Village where I know I'm treated respectfully and more importantly, my dogs are well taken care of.

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66

Rickina C.

Philadelphia, PA

EDITED: They seem to have developed an attitude problem. Unfortunately, I'm going to have to keep going due to their prices or else I would take my business elsewhere.
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My little kitty went in about a month ago to get spayed and we had a wonderful experience. Everyone was kind and made us feel comfortable leaving her there. After dropping her off at 8am, she was able to come home a little before 5pm. We were told what to do, little things to make her feel at ease, and given medication ($18). An added bonus is that she was one of the few, or what seemed like the only, place that took Morris' voucher for getting your pet fixed. Though far from me, I plan on using this VET again.

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7

16

Marlene E.

San Francisco, CA

Dr. Cindy Balzer is an excellent veterinarian.  She possesses true empathy and love for all animals.  She has set the bar that I compare all other veterinarians to.  

Several years ago I was found by two stray kittens and they decided to keep me.  At the time, I was a full-time grad student and on a tight budget.  The Morris Animal Refuge referred me to Dr. Balzer.  She accepts Morris' neuter/spay vouchers and also administered all the necessary shots and tests for a reasonable fee.

Girard Veterinary Clinic is situated in a low income neighborhood and provides a tremendous service to the local community while remaining affordable.  Only walk-in appointments are available.  Sometimes the wait is long, but Dr. Balzer is worth it.  

Dr. Cindy Balzer is also one of the few veterinarians in Philadelphia who handles and treats ferals.  

I was awakened one night  by frantic sounds outside my apartment.  I ran outside to sadly discovered that a possum had attacked and killed a tiny kitten.  Here a feral cat had recently given birth and was she was nesting nearby.  I immediately became very attached to "Mama Kitty".  I fed and made a shelter for her and her brood.  Once she weened the remaining litter --  I was able to find homes for all of them.  Unfortunately "Mama Kitty" was too feral to tame and bring indoors.

With Dr. Balzer's guidance I was able to trap "Mama Kitty" and brought her in to be spayed and vaccinated.  I felt relief to be able to release her back into urban wilds knowing she'd now have a better chance of survival.  

Dr. Balzer's compassion enabled me to help this poor creature and play a small part in controlling the local feral population.  

We need more vets like her.

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