Jean-Marc Marie
FEE CENTRIC NOT CLIENT CNTRIC I contacted this practice on the recommendation of a family member to book my Siberian Husky in for a routine booster shot. This is an alpha breed that can be jumpy but is not aggressive. I have owned this breed for over 15 years and understand they require assertive, calm handling—not aggression. At the first visit, the dog became unsettled and was taken out the back. I was told the vaccination was aborted due to OHS concerns after the dog showed his teeth. I accepted this on safety grounds. However, I strongly suspect an attempt was made to muzzle him, despite the fact he has never been muzzled and regularly interacts safely with children. I was sent home with sedative medication for a second visit. At visit two, the vet was standoffish rather than confident or assertive. She again attempted to muzzle the dog, which caused a reaction, and the procedure was aborted for a second time—this time with additional medication dispensed. I was also advised to muzzle train the dog and sold a muzzle by the practice. What concerns me most is that every qualified veterinary tutorial on muzzle training clearly states: do not attempt to muzzle a dog that has never been introduced to one. Proper muzzle training is gradual and reward‑based. Once introduced correctly at home, my dog accepted the muzzle without issue. My feedback is simple: be client‑centric, not fee‑centric. If you lack confidence or experience with a particular breed, be upfront. That honesty earns respect. Multiple aborted visits, escalating medication, and then blaming the animal leaves a poor impression. For five years, Sage Vets Booragoon handled this same dog without incident. The senior vet built rapport, offered a treat, administered the vaccine, and it was done in seconds. That is what client‑centric service looks like.
