Community Update

If you care about your pet, STAY AWAY. Dr. Kumar made it very clear that he doesn't care about animals if he's not getting a paycheck and, to be honest, I question his veterinary experience.
I recently adopted a small terrier from the animal shelter and - living right around the corner - I took my boy into Sunset Animal Hospital with his voucher from the shelter for a free physical exam. Dr. Kumar's "exam" basically involved moving his head around to see my dog from different angles. I asked about my dog's food since he seemed to have trouble eating hard foods and Dr. Kumar's response was that he doesn't believe in natural dog food because "dogs in this country eat like kings compared to other countries" as if that justifies feeding my dog an unhealthy diet. He even went as far as to say that "all dog food is the same." I brushed off that ignorance and mentioned my dog, Milo was periodically scratching and chewing around his legs and tail. He immediately grabbed the flea comb, brushed through my dogs fur maybe twice, and said he couldn't find fleas but to purchase some Front Line for $50 at the front desk. (I declined and walked across the street to purchase flea and tick medicine at Unleashed by PetCo.)
Fast forward to today (about a week later), I noticed Milo's skin near his tail was bright pink and he had a couple of tiny scabs where he has been irritated. I can only assume he had this irritation when we went in for a his exam. Called up the animal hospital and asked if we could please consider this as a follow up to the free voucher since he did not bother to take care of it the first time. The man at the desk said, "You have to talk to the doctor, I can't answer that." I made an appointment and headed over not even knowing if this would cost me. I explained my situation to Dr. Kumar, and he rudely went on an uninterrupted monologue about how he can't just "give out" free exams because he needs to pay his bills and run a business. He then explained how he's been trying to get his name off the city's list that honors the free shelter vouchers because "when dogs leave the shelters, they already have their vaccines and are neutered so there is no reason for them to visit a vet." I tried to explain to him the reason for the free checkup is to prevent issues like the skin infection my dog has right now but he didn't want to hear it - just continued to talk over me. I explained I'm not sure it is fleas considering that I washed him with a flee shampoo and he has only been irritated in that one area since I brought him home - maybe he has some sort of allergy? Dr. Kumar went on and on about how its PROBABLY flees without even considering other possibilities. He took out the flee comb ONCE AGAIN and repeatedly said that he doesn't see any flees. I left with FrontLine (surprise) and antibiotics not even positive this is the solution to my dog's problem.
This man does not care about helping your animals unless your credit card is dangling from your hand. He made it extremely clear that he's not making any effort with my dog if I can't pay for the visit. I WISH I DID NOT WASTE MY DOG'S FREE EXAM ON THIS QUACK.