South Davis Veterinary Center - Davis Kimberly Elayyne: We never expected to hear the words your dog has throat cancer, but South Davis Vet helped us through one of the hardest moments of our lives with kindness and compassion.
My mom and I brought our beloved Annabelle in when we noticed she was bleeding while eating and showing troubling symptoms. From the moment we arrived, the front desk staff, vet techs, and veterinarian treated us with warmth, patience, and care. They took Annabelle back to examine her throat, and when they returned, they had to deliver the news no pet parent ever wants to hear—she had severe throat cancer, and it was progressing fast.
They didn’t just give us a diagnosis; they guided us through the hardest decision we’ve ever had to make. They spoke with honesty but also with empathy, making sure we understood what was happening while treating Annabelle with the love and dignity she deserved. They introduced us to Beloved Pet Vet, an at-home euthanasia service, and because of their guidance, Annabelle was able to pass away peacefully at home, wrapped in love, on February 17th at 8 p.m.
The hardest part of loving a pet is saying goodbye, but South Davis Vet made sure Annabelle’s last days were filled with comfort instead of suffering. For that, we will be forever grateful. Thank you for giving us the gift of a peaceful goodbye❤️
UC Davis Veterinary Hospital - Small Animal Clinic - Davis Ashley M: The good: They vet staff and students were wonderful. They were empathetic, caring, kinds, and supportive. Even though I knew my pet was most likely going to pass, they made me feel safe and heard. They answered all my questions and concerns to the best of their abilities and without hesitation. Reaching to them through email was a breeze and always had such quick response times. When my pet passed, I reached out to the vet & she offered to get my baby’s prints done, which I was so grateful for — to have some part of her with me. They worked with my schedule and still made sure my pet was treated as if she were alive. They made my incredibly sad experience easy and smooth!
The bad: They need new front desk people. Not even a “hi” or “welcome in” or a smile was given each time I visited. These people are the face of the building, and all they’re serving is their “I don’t care” faces and attitudes. I have not met one single receptionist who works there that is welcoming. One good reason why clients come is because our pets are sick. We don’t need strangers to look at us and treat us nastily. I only felt comfortable with the vets, vet techs, and students. When my pet passed away, I called the front desk to get in contact with my vet. The one thing that stuck to my head that the receptionist told me is “I don’t know how she can help” because my pet is dead… My vet sure did help by offering paw prints and services like group sessions. My vet made me feel heard in my time of grief. The thing the receptionists did was make me even more upset. This clinic needs to find better, more empathetic people. Even though they’re just receptionists, they’re still working as part of a medical field and need to act as such.
