Thamesmead PDSA Pet Hospital

First of all PDSA DO NOT even deserve a one star rating. I wish I could give them a zero star instead!

Our Yorkshire terrier Ben of 12 years sadly passed away on the 23rd February 2020. He was diagnosed with a collapse trachea. Although treatment of antibiotics was offered, this caused more issues for e.g. Sore/dry/red itching of the skin and the need to eat more than usual. The doctor did mention that this would be a side effect but thinking back now, I wish I did not put my poor baby through even more pain. :( I personally feel they should not even prescribe these types of medications that create more harm than good!

Our first experience of visiting Thamesmead PDSA Pet Hospital was absolutely disgusting! We had an appointment and waited half an hour to be seen after our original appointment time. A receptionist did apologize for the wait but this was still unacceptable as this was an emergency appointment! When were called in, we were in the room for about a minute or two. The doctor was a trainee but can not remember his name, unfortunately. Our dog Ben was given an injection as he was continuously vomiting and this helped to stop it.

Coming near to the end of his life our poor baby stopped eating, drinking and did not not even have the strength to stand! This was going on for about 2-3 days. He was refused further more treatment for e.g. The drip. We called numerous times asking for advice and requesting for him to be put on the drip but they responded in saying something on the lines of "we do not know how he will respond or if he will get through it."

At our second appointment, we were turned away because the staff did not know how to handle his behavior because when Ben was in a sensitive situation or stressful environment; he unfortunately became snappy when examined. For this reason they felt he was "well" but in actual fact he was very very ill and not taken seriously!

We feel the staff are very unprofessional and not enough training is given especially when dealing with certain types of behaviours and stressful situations with animals in their care.

Sadly our beautiful baby passed away around 10pm in my bedroom. Afterwards, we phoned Thamesmead Hospital and told them the very sad news and the receptionist literally replied in a light/happy tone of voice "Do you want to bring him in? And we'll have a look at him." We were all distraught! and I was very angry because they did not want to see Ben when he was alive and all of a sudden we get asked to "Bring him in and we'll have a look at him" after he passed. No words of sympathy and empathy were given and I find that absolutely terrible.

The night we brought Ben to the hospital, my mother asked if she can come back the next day to see our baby and was told no.

I would most definitely not recommend taking your pet to this hospital or any PDSA branch. I know this is a charity organisation but all they care about is your voluntary donations and if you decide not to donate, your pet will not be treated or seen by a doctor.

I feel all of these five star ratings are either people whom are loaded with cash to give a very good contribution everytime they hit the place or are just simply lucky to actually see a very professional doctor that actually cares about the animals welfare!

I will also like to complain about the waiting times. Customers are not seen to on time but I just find it strange that if a customer is late then they will get turned away or have to wait longer for your appointment especially the branch at New Cross.

Finally, we put forward a compliant (last year) in writing in very long/detailed email to customer service to the PDSA team and waited for quite some time due to the covid-19 pandemic. This I personally felt was an excuse and to keep us holding on. When we finally received a response they basically put the blame on our beautiful baby Ben as they were unable to treat him because he was "snappy." They did not take any responsibility what so ever!

I can not stress this enough but please do not register your pets with PDSA.

Really great and lucky to have this PDSA close to home although they do get very busy and sometimes hard to get an appointment so best to call early or put in a request. Some vets were more helpful than others so be aware of that too. Otherwise good service and all run on donations so I always think it’s best to leave a little something

Took a while for them to proceed my benefits application eventhough I stated I needed an emergency appointment within normal operating hours but ended up in the after hours. Reception was really nice and the vets were lovely, my cat is back to great health now.

Not impressed I'm currently on esa temporarily off sick from work due to health issues, I still pay even though its a slightly lower price I brought my 20yr old cat who doesnt travel well lets just say the vet concerned had the personality of a fingernail, when i bought my other old cat in an emergency was charged over 100, the vet told me off stating that sundays are emergency days more or less i was wasting time, at the time my poor cat had jumped a fence and injured itself so was given ibuprofen, bloody expensive injection that was! nothing is free, I do appreciate that but when you see people trotting in with designer pets and posh cars you do think how come I'm paying all this and they're not! Thankfully i lent the money, The phone lines are a joke you can't speak to anyone iv sent 3 emails left 2 messages because my cat needs a repeat scripts for thyroid issues, yet I'm struggling to get it. I'm tempted to get meds online which is slightly more but less aggro, I understand this is a voluntary situation but come on pdsa your meant to be in this job because you love animals so show some empathy and look as if your there to help!! Your contact situation is a joke I'm grateful you discovered my cats condition and gave a solution of medication but at least show people you care, not show disinterest, I would never ever leave my animals there overnight I'd rather get a loan and go private! I plan to retrieve the prescription and order online, after 20yrs of care Il know when my cat needs extra treatment and go private, I will get into debt but at least my animal will be cared for in peace not pulled in for check up looked at sent home stating bring back in a month (more charges than necessary) if you studied hard to be in pet medicine at least show an empathetic nature to animals of which iv witnessed none! Don't treat owners who sometimes through no fault of their own fall on hard times and rely on your help yet are treated like they're a lower class and using the system! In all of your advertising it's clearly stated donate donate donate, your all about donations more than animal love & care! Sort your staffs attitudes and show people their animals are in safe hands!

They helped in an emergency with my new pup. Can't thank them enough. The only issue I have is that it's hard to contact anyone unless it's an emergency and it gets so busy with the dogs and animals (some owners lack control with their pets). However, this is not the vets fault. They provide an essential service that needs extra funding and resources.

I could not be thankful enough, between the first contact and the dental surgery it took only 15 days (was not an emergency), they were all very helpful and professional. My cat is 100% better now.

I would to say they are wonderful people. They took great care of my dog in her last few minutes. Talked me through everything what was going to happen and supported me on this hard time. Thank you so much.

Had to.take my puppy there. She was looked after well there and treated. I was always kept in the loop as to what was happening which was good. I only gave two stars because the cost was very dear. My dog was in there for less than 24 hours and it costs us almost £600. Despite that the staff was friendly and they seemed to know what they were doing.