I always have trouble finding a vet my dog will return to - we get in the door once and on the next visit he refuses to go in the door (and at 170lbs he only goes where he wants to). He loves going to see the staff and doctors at Porters Neck and they have been extremely compassionate and understanding of his advanced aged needs. They work with me to find medications that are reasonably priced and don't make me bring him unless it is necessary.

After 7 years of using this practice, we had in unforgivable experience. After explaining how our beloved cat of 15+ years was at end of life (not eating, barely drinking water, skin and bones), and needed a quality of life checkup to see if there is anything we can do to make her more comfortable in her last days, the receptionist said: "If it was an an emergency we would fit her in today, but since it is not an emergency, the soonest you can come is tomorrow afternoon". The person showed a complete lack of compassion. Ironically, when returning calls to the office manager (whom was never able to take my call, the desk refused to give her cell when she left at 2PM), the person answered the phone with "is this an emergency, or can you hold". Yet, when I called earlier they never asked if I felt it was important enough to be seen the same day after explaining our poor kitty was dying. Cold hearted.

I have taken my dog to this vet office for several years, and I believe he has had the best of care. During the ice storm, Dr. Ron came in when the office was closed to refill my dogs pain medication Rx. I have seen several of the vets and was very happy with my experience.

Our Yorkshire Terrier had an upset stomach and developed bloody diarrhea. The care she received at Porters Neck Vet was exceptional from the entire staff but especially Dr. Ron. He took time to come in on his day off to do xrays and give her fluids. He was compassionate, caring and patient with my panic. When we called to check on her each day, he took the time to give us a report and answer questions himself. This impressed us because medical doctors don't even do that much anymore. Lexie is well now and we feel that was due to the excellent care she received from Dr. Ron and his staff.

I do not care for the round robin system at Porter's Neck. With 5 or so vets and as many techs, most appointments were as tedious as a first time visit. It became clear over time that the staff did not always look at my animals' records - essential in such a system: In one instance, different techs asked the same question approximately 5 times over a period of 3 years. In another, critical time was lost in a life threatening situation - when one of the vets gave advice without knowledge of a preexisting condition. I now take my animals to a place where the same vet sees them every time. I think my animals get better care, and that it is important factor to consider when choosing a vet.