Mt Tabor Veterinary Care

When my family moved here in 2015, we did a comprehensive search for the best primary vet for our beloved dogs. For more than ten years, and for four different dogs, Mt. Tabor has provided the best vet care that I've ever seen or heard about for regular care and specialist referrals. I see some reviews complain their prices are a bit higher than the vet chains, but like anything else under capitalism, you get what you pay for. I have every indication that the entire staff at Mt. Tabor is paid a living wage, as there is *very little turnover* in staff. This has the added bonus that everyone, from the front desk, to the techs, to the vets, get to *know* your pets. Dr. Williams in particular has really enjoyed our dogs, and when one of ours was ready for end of life, Dr. Williams was glad to handle his end-of-life care, and cried along with us as we lost him. This is the kind of excellent care that Mt. Tabor delivers for everyone. I also see other reviews complaining that the vets tend to talk through worst-case scenarios for minor conditions. Yes, that's true, they've always done that at Mt Tabor but it is not a pressure sales tactic for unnecessary care. They are thorough and always encourage a "wait and see" approach with reasonable treatment when it's not an emergency. Serious pet owners, who understand the complexity of caring for someone who can't use words to explain their symptoms, understand why it's important to think through all the scenarios ahead of time. Mt Tabor always does this! I do see some reviews talking about complications about complex procedures. This is not my experience at *all* with Mt Tabor. In fact, the vets always have frank conversations with us about whether or not it's better to see a specialist for a procedure. In one case, Dr. Williams actually *talked us out* of doing a procedure at Mt Tabor and going to a specialist because of certain breed complications with our dog. Finally, the office is also extremely well run. We have pet insurance and of course they run us through hoops to on our claims, and the front desk is always there to help to regenerate paperwork or get letters from the vets when the insurance company is arguing with us. Don't believe the hate in some of these reviews. Take it from someone who has been with Mt Tabor for the *entire lives* of multiple dogs that this is absolutely the best regular-care vet in Portland, OR.

The vet techs that work here are all great and have great attitudes, the front desk staff seem to not like their jobs much, however, your experience here will strongly depend on the doctor you get and what kind of pets THEY prefer treating. I will say overall that this business SEEMS to favor and prefer dogs to cats, that was my feeling from the beginning of my first visit. Also, make sure to come correct on how "Portland" you are, ie if you're a passive, supplicant male, you can expect to be understood by one very emotionally fragile and misandric doctor that works here. Also don't think about getting upset or show the slightest emotional disappointment at the upscale, "luxury", exploratory pricing, or you'll be met with musings of making them "uncomfortable" by your "attitude". No, you just have to suck it up and pay and be super pleasant about it.. after all, you're probably not a veterinarian and so you are relegated to a lesser class of human. No, don't come in being honest, make sure to hold back any emotions, and make sure to appreciate everyone's bedside manner regardless of how toxic. Lest we forget, it takes two to have any conversation, so if you don't like someone's attitude, - chances are they don't like yours either. Maybe don't take yourself so seriously and maybe take stock of the energy YOU are putting out at the same time. I don't think anyone would/should be thrilled about paying multiple thousands of dollars for NO DEFINITIVE ANSWER.

Not great… kind of a used car sales feel at times and they are often careless about details.