What happened to Aloha Vet?

[macuu222]

Does anyone know why Aloha Vet is closed for business until further notice? They still do pet grooming but there are no doctors for pet check ups and no way to get pet prescription medications.

[terracore]

If I'm not mistaken, one vet left to start the Pahoa clinic, and another vet there passed away. Maybe the remaining vet(s) can no longer service the community right now?

FWIW, I've heard the Pahoa clinic recently added a 3rd vet (not poached from Aloha Vet). And its a much nicer facility.

[kalianna]

Thatʻs correct, terracore. Dr. Bill is now at Pahoa Animal Hospital. I hadnʻt heard about other vets but weʻve taken our animals there and been very happy with them. Easier to reach than Kilauea Vet and available for emergencies, though itʻs expensive.

[terracore]

Aloha Vet sent an office girl to collect payment for a euthanasia during the procedure. She was crying. I don't know if it was because somebody made her do that or she was sharing in our grief. But either way it was very off putting and we never went back. We never stiffed them on a bill or owed them any money. They could have waited until after the procedure like every other vet visit we had there.

To this day I'm dumbfounded why any business would think that was a good idea.

[Ccat]

Aloha Vet sent an office girl to collect payment for a euthanasia during the procedure.  She was crying.  I don't know if it was because somebody made her do that or she was sharing in our grief.  But either way it was very off putting and we never went back.  We never stiffed them on a bill or owed them any money.  They could have waited until after the procedure like every other vet visit we had there. 

To this day I'm dumbfounded why any business would think that was a good idea.

 
Definitely bad customer relationship management.  

I share your grief.  I will always mourn for a long list of my best friends that I have done euthanasia on at the end of their natural lives.  It’s truly awful.

Ccat

[terracore]

Does anyone know why Aloha Vet is closed for business until further notice? They still do pet grooming but there are no doctors for pet check ups and no way to get pet prescription medications.

The story on social media is that the vet who died was the owner.  Ownership passed to two sons who fired their mother who also worked there.  The vet or two that were left quit because of the drama and new ownership.

So it's basically a vet clinic without any vets.  Unless they can hire one it will probably never come back.

The Pahoa clinic has 3 vets now.

[ChunksterK]

We got an email from our vet (Maika'i) apologizing for their phone lines being jammed. It seems all the other vets in Hilo are getting calls from panicked Aloha customers wanting care for their pets. We were told to use their phone app or to text to a specific number to get through.

[terracore]

We got an email from our vet (Maika'i) apologizing for their phone lines being jammed.  It seems all the other vets in Hilo are getting calls from panicked Aloha customers wanting care for their pets.  We were told to use their phone app or to text to a specific number to get through.

Most of the clinics will only see existing clients for emergencies.  People are desperate to have their animals seen so they have somewhere to turn if an emergency happens.

[HawaiiEV]

I’m sad to hear this as I was already sad about Dr. R. He was easily one of the best vets on island, his differential diagnosis was better then anyone on this or otherside, figuring out things no one else could. The clinic is brand new, they had long outgrown the other location and he had just finished building his dream hospital, better equipped then any other. We had been back once since and the new vet they had seemed like she was capable. Unfortunately Big Island has a serious vet shortage and for us with our animals we have to maintain relationships with all of them to get seen when emergency’s arrive. I miss the days when all we needed was Dr S at Kiluea with the help of the ladies and Dr R at aloha for more serious issues.

[macuu222]

Thank you all for your comments. I had to go to Pahoa vet to get my cats prescription med filled since there is no vet at Aloha to approve it. The vet at Aloha who saw my cat a month ago who prescribed the meds now works there so that's my new vet clinic.