Bayleaf Veterinary Hospital

"Bayleaf was great for me and my dog for about 10 years. They were up front and honest about costs while also providing great care. Even though I lived 30 minutes away, I made a point to clear my schedule to go there. Unfortunately, they've changed. I don't think those working at Bayleaf have ill intent, but they're overbooked and stretched too thin to provide anywhere near the care they once did. I was so disappointed with the care my elderly dog received that I went to get a second opinion and got better care, diagnosis, and understanding from a completely new vet. In my hour of need, I had to run to a stranger instead of the Bayleaf vets that had known my dog for years. This all happened in August 2023. I have struggled with how much better my dog's care could have been if I had just taken him to this new vet first. Instead of one week of pampering he could've had two, and that's in Bayleaf's hands. It has been hard for me to deal with that grief. I should've been a jerk, a "bad" customer, but I don't have that in my nature. I was nice and patient, and my dog suffered because of it. Here are some details on my experience, if you're interested: My toy poodle Napoleon was acting odd (low appetite, seemingly painful, hiding from me) so I called and asked if I could get an urgent appointment. They scheduled me for a late appointment with Dr. Florian within a day or two, which I appreciated. Dr. Florian didn't seem concerned at all and took a blood sample. It took about four days for Dr Florian to call and said everything looked fine. I told him that my dog was definitely not fine, and I wanted to pursue other diagnostics. I took him in and Bayleaf said they'd squeeze in diagnostics when they got the chance throughout the day. They called back and told me his blood was still fine, and if anything, even better than last time. I asked for x-rays or an ultrasound or something, because there is definitely something wrong. They called me back a few minutes before closing and told me that he had inoperable liver cancer that would likely kill him within a few weeks. I asked if there was anything I could do for him, any specific diagnostics or treatment to make him comfortable. They told me I could take him to an emergency vet tonight if I wanted, but they were closing for the day so I needed to come get him right now. Of course it took me 30 minutes to get there, by which point there were only two or so people at the front who unlocked the door for me and looked very annoyed. They gave me 2/3 of the medications he had been prescribed and told me to come back tomorrow to get the third. That night, my dog had a short seizure in my arms. Two days later I had an appointment with a smaller vet. She told me she'd ask a favor of an ultrasonologist to come check Napoleon out that day, and scheduled me to come back again in a few hours. The ultrasonologist came out of the treatment room and told me the liver cancer enveloped my dog's abdomen, and he was surprised he was still walking and being generally pleasant. The vet told me that there wasn't much left to do, but that we could monitor his pain and discomfort, give him everything he wanted, and that she would make themselves available for euthanasia should/when I choose to go that route. She gave me details on medication that might help his comfort (one of the medications Bayleaf had prescribed was tough on the liver, apparently, so she gave me a new painkiller) and gave me some things to look out for as it progressed that might be signs of a poor quality of life. A week later he woke up panting hard and seeming very painful, and I ended up taking him into this new vet for euthanasia. The Dr. was so kind and gentle about the process, squeezed me into the schedule within 30 minutes, and was generally so understanding. It was awful, of course, but she did everything she could. In the end, my dog passed three weeks after I noticed symptoms, two after Bayleaf saw him, and one after I received a real diagnosis. A word to the wise: if your dog is seriously sick, don't go here."

"We have been bringing our various pets to Bayleaf since we moved here in 2001 and will continue to choose them up until we no longer have pets! After all this time, the quality of service as you walk in the door continues to impress from the desk staff to technicians to the veterinarians! Many thanks to them for keeping our little life partners healthy and the compassion and care with which they do it."

"My dog has to be bribed or carried out. Not only the fact that they give you the info that you need but they don't force you into insurance you don't need. They give you the facts and treat your pet as you would. Bayleaf is reasonable and good on the budget. And they have fun with our animals! My dog loves going to the vet AND being boarded. We also get a free wash and checkup. Stop buying these insurance programs. Bayleaf gives you what you need for that moment. Pay for what need and not for future things that may never be an issue."

"The perfect pair: Dr. Florian and Christine (vet tech) have been responsible for the veterinary care of my cats and have established a caring relationship with all of them; in the forefront of my mind is my one-eyed fur baby who they cared for till the end. Christine took her blood many times to check her thyroid levels all by herself. She was very professional, she knows animals. My cat was a talker, a bit of a grump, but not mean spirited and Christine knew this and worked with her to calm down and give her a moment. It worked out beautifully. If I had a question, I called and asked for Christine. When necessary, she checked with Dr. Florian and gave feedback. They represent what I have come to know is the culture of Bayleaf. The first time I met Dr. Florian he talked to me and just petted my fur baby while we chatted before examining her. I mentioned to him that he had just volunteered to be my vet! I recently had to face an event that is traumatizing to true lovers of cats, the heart wrenching decision to put her to sleep. Christine scheduled my appointment at the end of the appointments for that day. It was heartbreaking; but Dr. Florian and Christine worked with me so that my fur baby did not leave my side. I was able to tell her I loved her up until the end. I miss my one-eyed fur baby, but I will never forget how compassionate and caring Christine and Dr. Florian were at that moment. They even sent me a sympathy card (the only card I received). I have always loved Bayleaf! I have been going to Bayleaf for a very long time. Back in the day Dr. Wilson was my contact for my diabetic kitty (she lived to be 17, 10 years as a diabetic) and her sister."