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12/14/23 |
2 |
2 |
3 |
1 |
Dr. Zwamborn spoiled us for the 30 yrs we brought our champion German Shepherd Dogs there (all the way from Mission). The new residence are night and day from what it used to be. Sad to see Dr. Bill retire, very much missed by all his old clients, to be sure.
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7/16/22 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
Myself and my family previously used to see Dr. Z ,the owner of Albatross Veterinary Clinic for all our pets before he retired. Staff was always super helpful, until our visit a few weeks ago under the newer owner Dr. Christopher Wessell.
I called to make an appointment for my (very large cat) and requested some help,as I also have a 3yr old son who is adhd & asd and is super hyperactive. He also has Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) and is borderline immune compromised.The clinic is small and cannot accommodate a stroller. I can’t manage both the cat carrier and my hyperactive 3yr old on my own.
Reception said that it would not be problem to help with our cat. When I arrived she took the cat into the female veterinarian,who called me on my phone,so I didn’t have to bring my son inside the clinic.
The female veterinarian advised our cat needed some additional tests in which we would have to put the cat to sleep.I said I didn’t know when I could come back to the clinic,as I would
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9/10/20 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
As all good things come to pass, so was my 21 year old kitty's time. Jag was a integral part of our family and when he let us know it was his time to go we called on Dr. Chris Wessell. Dr. Chris was the most caring, professional and calm doctor we could have had in this sad situation. Thank you for your help and heart. We couldn't have asked for a better Doctor.
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6/21/20 |
5 |
4 |
5 |
5 |
I was referred to Albatross a few years ago for my cat. I had gone to other local vets to find a good fit. Briane was not happy locally. Albatross is a 20 minute drive and the first time arriving Brie was given excellent treatment and care. She loved Dr Chris and actually purred while he was 4checking her out. I've never had any issues or monetary concerns with the practice. Staff are nice and friendly. I do think as a small clinic they are quite busy. I was recently there and the parking lot was full of vehicles with numerous pets and owners waiting. They have Covid 19 procedures in effect. I was late for my appointment that day but they got me and Brie in as soon as we arrived. Brie was quite sick. Dr Lauren assisted us and took great care of Brie. I have always recommended Albatross to my friends and will continue to do so.
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9/25/19 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
I was shocked after 25 years of dedication to Albatross that no one told me as i walked in dr Zwamborn sold the business. But i continued on and i am sorry to say even though i like the people there im afraid they are not helping me with any options other than putting my 2 seniors down for different health issues, in desperation I went to my local closer weekend working vet and again paid for xrays but was given different complete diagnosis for both dogs and hope with medication for heart failure in one and the other has a narrow trachea. Neither one of these was diagnosed at Albatross. I have more stories of disappointment but i am now convinced that i wont be driving one hour out to my old vet site anymore . A very sad ending for us as i say very kind caring people there but im just not trusting their opinions anymore.
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3/21/19 |
4 |
4 |
5 |
4 |
I saw Dr Christopher Wessell. He was warm and caring, and very good with my new cat. I found the service to be excellent. A room was ready when I arrived for my appointment and the support staff were friendly. The only surprising thing to me is that they don't have a computer, so all records are paper files.
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1/29/19 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
Killed my dog Insurance report says there findings was that no surgery was needed they would not give one $ to them for what was owing because surgery was not necessary Wrong dignoces Vet killed my young dog
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4/12/18 |
2 |
1 |
3 |
2 |
Been a customer for 20 years. New staff who just seem unprofessional and rude and very much higher fees with absolutely no changes to the clinic mean Im moving on. If your charging city vet rates then the entire clinic needs a redo but its not happening so Im just seeing a money grab. My dog is 15 and will soon come to that time where I will have to put him down. I asked if they have a room built to provide a warm final place for my dog to be euthanized and all they have is a back very old back room with a steel table and old cages. I supposed to want this for the last moments of my pets life???? They need to change or Ill never recommend them again.
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10/10/17 |
3 |
1 |
2 |
2 |
I had been going to see Dr. Zwamborn for 20 years (I discovered him by word of mouth, highly recommended!) I did experience his lack of integrity/care in the final year before retirement. The replacements are providing service that falls extremely short of what I had become accustomed from Albatross. Dr. Chris has been good/ok for a new vet, but the support staff not so much; one vet tech actually admitted to me that she always has problems finding veins to draw blood, plus she is getting very long-in-the-tooth to be working in that capacity! Sadly, the end of a great-vet era… and I’ve been looking for a new vet.
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8/11/17 |
1 |
3 |
5 |
1 |
After having used this clinic for 27years....2 pets....Dr. Zwamborn was awesome....Dr. Chris very nice man....office Manager and some staff have no communication skills...no return phone call after 1 day...had to call next day....requested x-ray as they had to call an ultrasound tech in not available to the Tuesday saying long weekend....told us we could use emergency clinic in Vancouver at a cost of around 2000 dollars...we found another clinic in Langley with ultrasound on site...for around 400 dollars ....requested x-ray my husband paid for to be e-mailed to clinic didnt happen...excuses when I talked to the office Manager...sounded made up...My son even offered to pick up said x-ray door locked...asked Dr. Chris to call us...didnt happen..the stress they put us under was phenominal . Lost our business...Not rude just not professional...Other reason given...very busy day and so on...Caring is Everything...in my book....demonstrated total oposite.
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4/25/17 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
I used this clinic for over 25 years and then it happened. Dr. B retired and now it is the most unprofessional expensive unfriendly clinic in the lower mainland. Dr. B must be appalled at his clinic being run into the ground. Good Bye!
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4/7/17 |
1 |
2 |
3 |
2 |
April 6/17 I was attending this clinic with my pets for years with excellent service overall by Mr.Zwamborn. Unfortunately though it seems their service (listening to client/caring) has taken a turn for the worse. Also, their fees have increased dramatically. I will not be going back again. They didn't even have the courtesy to let me know that he had retired even though I told them I was coming from considerable distance. The reason I was told is that they do not have a computer system that they can bring up my file on? What a disaster...after traveling so far and incurring considerable cost to do so. Very disappointing....need new vet...
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12/23/16 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
2 |
I don't know what to say, this clinic is terrible. Cranky staff, having to wait 45 minutes for a scheduled appointment to incompetent vets. How is this place still in business? They are not as cheap as people say on here. I will be going somewhere else.
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6/15/14 |
5 |
3 |
3 |
1 |
I wish that I would have had as great of an experience as the people on this page. The other 2 vets that helped me there were awesome but Dr Z was the one that lost my business. My cat had been constipated and after 2 enemas and 2 days she still hadn't pooped. He told me she's going to die and there's nothing they can do. Really?! Took all my money just to tell me that. All I had to do was a little research and take her off dry cat food. I didn't appreciate the fact that he couldn't be bothered to use his brain for 5 mins & would rather just tell me there's nothing that can be done. She's fine now by the way.. eating wet cat food and loving life. No thanks to DrZ.
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5/30/14 |
5 |
5 |
4 |
5 |
I have been going to see Dr. Bill Zwamborn for more than 22 years....he is the best! I love this clinic, they are very knowledgeable, caring and reasonably priced. It is not fancy, but I do not want to pay for decor. It has always been very clean when I have taken my pets to the clinic. The staff is friendly and considerate of the animals. Dr. Bill is the best, wouldn't go anywhere else. I do not know what I will do if he ever retires.
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2/6/14 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
Over the course of 20* years Dr. Zwanborn and his staff, temporary or permanent have been nothing short of amazing! Professional, caring, honest, knowledgeable, the list goes on. He saved our dog's life when he was two, and we're hoping he can do it again now.
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11/4/12 |
2 |
2 |
1 |
1 |
found this clinic has gone down hill ... new staff does not know what they are doing , have to wait long time even when have appointment..
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10/18/12 |
5 |
5 |
4 |
5 |
Best Vet yet and I have been with him 30 years or better
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10/15/12 |
5 |
4 |
5 |
5 |
Dr. Z and his staff are amazing - My still active nearly 16 year old Siberian Husky is with us because of his great surgical skills (removed a perianal cancerous tumor 2 years ago). It's a great country clinic, Dr. Z owns the property and has his house and clinic there - and I'm happy to pay their very reasonable prices for their skills - not for designer decor. They actually have large runs for dogs that are there recovering and are able to go outside. The best! You can't beat vets that are in their profession because of their love of animals not just $
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6/25/12 |
4 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
Very good and understanding of your pets needs. They are very caring and your pet comes first, everything is taken into consideration,the needs of your pet and your finances towork something out.
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2/9/12 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
I absolutely love this vet clinic. The staff and vet cares so much about animals that it is incredible. I owe them so much for taking care of my beloved kitty the last few days she lived until she passed. I will never bring any of my animals to any other place but this! I will keep recommending this vet clinic to anyone if they truly care about their animals! No other vet clinic I went in lower mainland cares so much like this place. Thank you so much for your support on my kitty and my dog. I cannot express in words how great this place is!
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2/4/12 |
5 |
4 |
5 |
5 |
A big thank you to Dr. Bill for his incredible care and attention to our pet and us. After having an incredibly bad experience with one of his competitors, Albatross was such a breath of fresh air. No one wants to put their dog to sleep but their professionalism, authentic care and support got us thru! Thank you everyone at Albatross.
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SYSTEM: 2 negative duplicate or disallowed ratings automatically removed |
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6/24/11 |
5 |
4 |
5 |
5 |
Older equipment is paled by good old fashioned care and doctoring. One of the best clinics on the planet. This vet respects your rights and your pocket book. Unlike many clinics that take full advantage and rip people off for tens of thousands of dollars, this clinic is beyond compare. While bedside manner may not be a strong suit, the best treatment for a fair price is... i STRONGLY recommend this clinic. Dr. Z is the best.
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6/13/11 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
After bad experiences with a vets that claim to care for animals I asked one of my friends if she could recommend me a vet that will really care for the animals and not for the $$$ She with out a hesitation send me to see Dr. Z he check our bully that was suffering from a cherry eye condition and told us that he will need to have a surgery after setting up the day of it i asked him how much was for the visit and he answer me that he hasn't do anything yet and send me on my way. We were really impressed with this since we experienced other vet that just for telling us about something we already knew and give us an estimate charge us for it and his estimate was 4 times higher than the one Dr.Z give to us. We will recommend and had recommended Albatross Vet Clinic to anyone who asked us about who is our Vet. Our English bully is a happy and if he suffer of any illness or is time for his vaccination we will drive the 45 minutes for Dr. Z to take care of him.Pets are animals not persons
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2/22/11 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
Clean and calm facilities,amazing staff, concerned, caring and knowledgeable vets. Appreciatively to the point as well. We have taken our cats and dogs there for over 20 years and have never had any issue or concern. Once or twice, the distance and situation meant I had to go elsewhere but if at all possible, I would only go to Albatross. I would trust them over any other. Small to large concerns all dealt with the same attention and compassion. We have had the misfortune to encounter issues that required major surgery (spleen removal on geriatric dog),miniscal surgery,hematomas, spaying/neutering, and diagnosis-treatment of disease to mention a few. Dr.Z anesthetized one of our dogs in the car with such care for the animal as well as us. Truly recommend them.
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1/9/11 |
3 |
1 |
3 |
3 |
Very dirty and smelly place. I have used it a few times in a pinch, but the lack of cleanliness makes me reluctant to go back. Dr. Z. pleasant but very old school and doesn't seem up to date. I think if your pet has something complicated or serious this clinic should be avoided.
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11/13/10 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
Fantastic vet!! Very accomodating to our dog that has anxiety issues. The dr. has even done exams in the back of my vehical. Would highly reccommend this vet to everyone!!
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9/15/10 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
We have never had such thorough examinations, and affordable vet bills. These people do what they do out of passion, not the almighty dollar. The vet takes his time, gets to know us, and does his best for each patient. The facilities are just fine...we aren't paying for leather couches etc in our bill. We would recommend this clinic to anyone!
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9/4/10 |
5 |
4 |
5 |
5 |
I have used this vet for many years and found their care of animals wonderful. I recently had to put down my dog and the staff were so compassionate and caring. It made the experience a little easier for our family. They are willing to go the extra for each family pet. I wouldn't hesitate to recomend them.
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8/30/10 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
Have been using Albatross vet services for both my small breed dogs for a year now. Excellent care all around. People comment about the "look" of the facility. It's a country vet people. Appears clean for all intents & purposes. Like another poster said, the dogs aren't really fussy about the decor. Highly recommend this vet for all your pet health needs.
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8/18/10 |
5 |
4 |
5 |
5 |
We've been using Dr. Z and Dr. H. for years now. We've always had excellent, compassionate service. It's not a glitzy place, but dogs usually don't care now nice the curtains are. I've always appreciated how both doctors were able to answer the rather technical and constant questions I would ask about medications and treatments when one of my dogs was diagnosed with Addison's Disease. I would recommend this vet in a heartbeat.
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4/16/10 |
5 |
3 |
5 |
5 |
Had this vet recommended to us when we relocated from AB. and have not looked back! Dr. and staff are very friendly and we never have to wait very long. Prices are very reasonable. Only thing I would change is the facilities.(could use an update) But still great care and compassion!
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2/8/10 |
2 |
3 |
5 |
4 |
Dr Z was great. He was compassionate and answered all questions fully. However, the staff was another story. We brought our dog in to get neutered, vaccinated, and microchipped. When we came to pick him up, we were doing the paperwork and going over his rabies certificate when my wife noticed they had his breed was marked down wrong. No big deal, right? I brought it to their attention and they were dumbfounded. The vet assistant was standing there going ' umm... uh... umm', until my wife and I told her to make us a new certificate. We left, kind of laughing at the situation, when we noticed a smell in the car. We got home and took a closer look at our dog, and he's COVERED HEAD TO TOE in DRIED DOG DOO. We don't know if it's our dogs crap, or another dogs crap, but we do know that the vet assistant told us not to get him wet for 2 weeks. I didn't even bother going back to complain, because if she got that confused over what breed our dog is, this would have surely given her an aneurism.
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1/12/10 |
5 |
4 |
5 |
5 |
Compasionate care reasonably priced. I would recommend Dr. Zwamborn and Dr Hiltz. W just had our little angel dog put to sleep, and I am fully content with the level of care and compassion which we received from Dr. Zwamborn and his staff. Thank you
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11/14/09 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
Dr.Z and employees are awesome, have been going there for 15yrs. I know the clinic is not the greatest looking, but treament of animals and owners is superb. Will, always keep going, unless he retires.
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10/29/09 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
We have been going to DR Z. for just over a year now and have been more than impressed by the service and the care that these individuals provide. We have a golden retriever that struggles with his health. Dr Z. always takes the time to do an examine even if that means for him to come out to our vehical to see our dog. His staff are fantastic. Always friendly and helpful. I have never been to a vet with any of our animals where the vet takes time out of his long and busy day to call us personally to see how our dog is doing. He is a fantasic vet all around and we are so thank-ful that we have him as our vet. Also a big thanks to his great staff that do an amazing job to make everyone feel welcome and fit us in when your day is already fully booked. I would reccommend this vet to everyone out there. Truely amazing!!!
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8/22/09 |
3 |
1 |
4 |
3 |
The facilities are what you would expect of a vet practice in some tiny town in the 70's. Very old, worn and dirty. My allergies went nuts in there. Dr. Z is okay, but I found his communication lousy. He gave our dog a shot, but didn't tell me what it was for, among other things. Everything, the bill & pills, etc, is handwritten in doctor's writing, in other words, Good luck trying to tell what you're paying for. On the cheap side, but given his facilities, I'd be choked if he was expensive. I don't doubt his passion or his ability, but the only thing keeping me from walking out of the exam room was the reviews on this site.
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8/18/09 |
5 |
4 |
5 |
5 |
My family has been bringing our pets here for years. We wouldn't take them anywhere else. Even though, I moved about 45 minutes away, I ALWAYS travel back so I can bring my cat to this clinic. They are so reasonably priced. They give you your options clearly, do not try to get a ton of money out of you, and always give maximum care. Dr. Z is certainly not the "warm and fuzzy" type, but he treats animals with utmost care. I highly recommend this vet.
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8/16/09 |
5 |
4 |
4 |
5 |
I have been bringing my animals here since the 80's and have recommended them to many others. Wonderful doctor's and staff. They tell you the truth and do their best for your animal.
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8/9/09 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
I only take my pets to Dr.Z and Dr.hilts. they are both caring men who love there jobs and aren't just in it for the money. all the girls in the front are very kind and helpful. the drive is very nice as well. prices are very responable!!
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2/22/09 |
5 |
3 |
4 |
5 |
I travel over an hour to see the vets. They never exclude me on anything and I'm treated like part of the team. Vet techs and receptionists are kind, helpful and friendly. Excellent care and highly recommended.
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1/15/09 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
Very knowledgeable, approachable staff. No frills but caring and practical. There is never a sense one is being overcharged or "soldup" on treatment or procedures. Good diagnosticians. Highly recommended.
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12/16/08 |
5 |
4 |
5 |
5 |
We took our family Pitbull to Dr. Z when he was a puppy, but then we moved and ended up going through a number of vets who were really useless. We have since moved back and see Dr.Z again. He is probably the most down to earth, no nonsense vets I have ever met. Like others already have mentioned, he's not in it for the money, he really cares about his clients and their animals.
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12/8/08 |
5 |
4 |
5 |
5 |
This is the best vet in the Valley. I have been taking my dogs to Dr. Z for over 15 years. They have done surgeries, neuter, cancerous tumor removal etc and also 2 euthanasias. They are truly caring and realistic about what they do. I had a rescue dog that needed some serious attention and he did not charge me (even after the dog bit him!) because I rescued the dog from a horrible situation. When I put the dog down after 8 years with us, he was truly moved and sorry. I have used other vets on occasion, emergency etc, no one is even close! He can even advise on types of dog for your family and will warn you about the kind of medical problems associated with different breeds. These guys (and girls) are great!
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11/4/08 |
2 |
1 |
5 |
1 |
The people I dealt with were friendly and Dr. Z handled my cat well. However, he totally messed up treatment for diabetes. After the initial bloodwork to determine glucose levels, he did little else to evaluate how bad the condition was. Simply told me to dose the cat once a day with a high dose of insulin, which turned out to be a bad insulin for a cat, at much too high of a dose. Then he told me to read on the internet how to care for a diabetic cat and sent me on my way. The cat nearly went comatose after a few days. I took him to another vet, took him off of the insulin completely to try to stabilize him, and discovered that all he really needed was to change to a high protein low carb food. He is fine now and does not require any shots.
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6/8/08 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
Ihave been going to Dr. Zwanborne and Dr. Hiltz for 10 yrs now. I will go nowhere else!!! They are very caring and compassionate and knowledgeable vets without breaking you!!! The girls from Laurie and Pam (vet techs) and all the others are incredible. I have been apart of witnessing a c-section to which I was put to work and to be apart of watching each dog being cradled in their arms after surgery until they woke up, just to monitor them! The big dogs would be laid on a big fluffy blanket on the floor with their heads being stroked until they woke up! If you don't call that caring I don't know what is???? They deal with alot of reputable breeders, so doing OFA'S and required testing is not an unusual procedure. I could go on about this vet clinic, but I give them all 5 stars!!!!
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10/19/07 |
5 |
4 |
5 |
5 |
Will treat you fairly in terms of money for sure. No extras, just what you and your pet need. Very caring of pets, no frills. Totally recommended.
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7/7/07 |
5 |
4 |
5 |
5 |
The folks at the Albatross are fantastic. They are genuinly interested in the animal and not in your money. The are more focused on healing your pet naturally then quickly jumping into surgery and medicine like other vets. They always are pleasant and helpful when emergencies arrive. Plus getting there is nice drive.
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5/27/07 |
5 |
3 |
5 |
5 |
Have been bringing my pets to Dr. Zwamborn's practice for 3 1/2 years. Although it is out in the country in Langley, it is worth the beautiful drive. Staff is wonderful and caring. Vet care is very good. And they do not gouge you like some vet businesses do.
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4/7/07 |
5 |
4 |
3 |
5 |
Very honest, do not just want your money.reasonable prices.genuinely care about your pet as well as what's best for your whole family.
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