Columbus Small Animal Hospital

I am compelled to share my deeply disturbing experience at this veterinarian's office. Yesterday, I had to make the heartbreaking decision to euthanize my 20-year-old cat. My familiarity with this process, having had pets for decades and working with rescue, made this visit stand out for all the wrong reasons. In all my years as a pet owner and animal advocate, I have never encountered such a staggering lack of compassion, skill, and professionalism. My cat's final moments were marked by errors, insensitivity, abuse, and incompetence that I can only describe as horrifying. From the outset, I felt bullied by the staff as they demanded to take my cat to the back for a simple IM injection. When they caved at my lack of consent, it became apparent why they feel the need to hide behind closed doors. It's now clear to me that they do not want owners to witness their actions due to their unskilled and botched procedures. The staff's inability to properly administer a sedative intramuscularly caused unnecessary distress for my cat. When I voiced my concerns over the botched injection, the staff became abusive towards me. Their unwillingness to address my distress demonstrated a complete lack of empathy. The staff's actions crossed ethical boundaries when they entered the room during the sedation process, pressuring me to pay the bill before my cat had even passed away. This lack of consideration was not only insensitive but also unprofessional. I repeatedly demanded to know the names of the licensed professionals administering a DEA-scheduled drug, as they screamed at me while my cat was dying. At this point, I picked up my phone and began recording the remainder of the encounter. The fact that I felt the need to record the experience speaks volumes about the unprofessionalism displayed. I had to call the State Board of Medicine to get the vet's name - Kelly Johnstone Epperly. While my cat was taking her last breaths, I watched as the barbaric veterinary technician choked her out and refused to let me hold her as she struggled. I watched as the vet's clumsy hands shook while she injected my cat. This only deepened the anguish of the situation. Our cat's euthanasia took an unbelievable 45 minutes. This is completely incompetent, remedial care. The vet didn't even check for a heartbeat before we left because she was too busy bullying me out of the office to prevent her own embarrassment and shame. The atmosphere in the office was nothing short of unsettling, with an odor that could only be described as a mixture of rotting flesh and feces. This environment added to the already traumatic experience. In a shocking turn of events, the staff threatened to call the police when I expressed my horror at their treatment of my dying cat and of me as a client. They also refused to bill or allow me to pay for the services rendered, an action that can only be interpreted as an admission of their guilt and negligence. I am writing this review to ensure that other pet owners are aware of the dangerous and belligerent practices employed by this facility. The level of disregard for an animal's dignity and an owner's concerns is beyond comprehension. This is not the same caring, competent veterinary care as it was under previous ownership. To say that I am deeply disappointed by this experience would be an understatement. If you are a pet owner seeking compassionate care, I implore you to look elsewhere. This place has left an indelible mark of distress on my memory, and I hope that sharing this account will prevent others from enduring the same. Be vigilant and never let your pets out of your view in this office.

posted: 08/10/2023

I do not recommend boarding your animal at this clinic!! Should've trusted my gut when they wouldn't even let me see where my dog was going to be staying while being boarded here. I dropped my dog off on a Tuesday night, only to find out on Saturday morning that she wasn't going to make it because of dehydration/starvation. No one from the clinic bothered to call me and tell me my dog was not eating until 2 hours before she died (by then it was too late). We lost our dog of 13 years because they let her starve to death. There was no extra care given to her to help keep her alive. No IV's, no supplements. Very cruel treatment!

posted: 07/13/2023

Doctor Ann was recommended to us for our ferrets! We were told she is the best for exotic babies! Our ferrets absolutely love going in to see all the nurses and doctors! The customer service is also amazing! We had an emergency one time and we didn’t get the chance to call before showing up! Let me tell you how amazing that experience was! They, without an hesitation, booked us in and got our baby seen immediately. They took good care of our baby girl! She was even snuggling the nurses and doctor that day! Our baby girl was fine thankfully! I recommend Columbus Small Animal Hospital to everyone that asks me! You guys are awesome!

posted: 04/02/2022

They are hands down the best vet in Columbus Nebraska you won't go wrong by going there they're very loving of the animals you can trust them and every that's expensive but you always end up getting your money's worth at Columbus Small animal hospital and is my vet and I love her to death. She has gotten me through so many rough spots with previous dogs and the dogs that I now have and just always is very compassionate and and desert everything she can to help you help your pet get better the entire staff is wonderful

posted: 10/20/2021

Columbus Small Animal Hospital has been taking care of my fur babies for years and I wouldn't take them anywhere else. Angie is great and Dr. Steph and Dr. Ann are wonderful!

posted: 06/01/2023