Veterinary Clinic-Mineral Area: Swinford John DVM

Jul 2024

While the medical staff is great, the office staff are *horrific*. Lazy, slightly nasty, universally uninterested. Area Vet is one of the most expensive animal clinics I have ever used (I've used 2 in New York Ciy, 3 in Saint Louis, and 2 in the Arnold area). A moderate physical exam, plus xray was almost $500! Also, they have not really been interested in working with trying to schedule a an uinexpected urgent care call (I.e, they wont try and squeeze you in for an emergency, they will only refer you to ACS, the WORST clinic in 100 miles of Saint Louis, as well as the most expensive by far! They just want to do their 9-5 and be done, period. TLDR: The care is great, if it's a routinely scheduled visit, but useless for unplanned emergencies. Also, on the very high side of affordability. The office staff is bordering illiterate, and is often unfriendly, but the actual vets and techs are high quality.

Aug 2023

I always feel rushed when I bring my dog, like they aren't really listening to my concerns. It also is difficult to get an appointment for issues that arise, like I don't want to wait a week when my dog is sick or injured.

Jun 2023

Pros: * Staff are nice * They provide knowledgeable options * Appointment fee is reasonable ($50 flat fee) Cons: * Scheduled my appointment for 10:30, arrived at 10:25. Did not see vet until 11:10 * Vet was not gentle with my cat. My cat responded accordingly (jerked and hissed), and Dr. Oberle (the co-owner) called him a "bad patient" * They did not have the allergy medicine my cat needed on hand * Vet was not nice to me or my cat Although my experience was not great, I rate this place 2 stars because the front staff were nice, and the vet reassured me he has 37 years of experience. The vet was aggressive with my cat. If you don't mind that, then this place is for you. However, I have a sensitive pet who responds well to gentle caregivers. Not ones who only rely on pulling the cat's tuff and using force to control them. In all, what was most disappointing was that Dr. Oberle had no regard for the psychology of the pet or the owner. Vets should be considerate of the pet and the owner. I will not be returning.