E-mails and Comments
The following are actual e-mails and letters we've received concerning the veterinarians listed above.
If you would like to send us your comments about particular veterinarians, please click here!

Dr. Wayne Svoboda - Palm Glen Animal Hospital

Sent: Thursday, November 06, 2003 8:53 PM
Subject: Ferret Vet Recommendation

 I am very pleased with your recommendation for my ferret to be operated on by Dr. Svoboda.  I let him know you sent me.  Please include me in your ratings for him with my highest praise.  Two months later and all seems well.  Surgery fees, quality of care, knowledge of ferrets by Dr. Svoboda, time he took to explain procedures, overall cleanliness of facility  and of
course successful surgery all impressed me!

Regards!

Sent: Tuesday, February 17, 2004 5:42 AM
Subject: Ferret Veterinarian Recommendations

Dear Kevin & Julie,

Please pass along our recommendations for Dr. Svoboda at Palm Glen Animal Hospital. The office is very clean and organized. The staff is friendly
and helpful. And the overall impression is just wonderful!

We took one of our ferrets there last year at your recommendation. Since then, neither one of our little fuzz-butts has seen anyone else. Dr. S is very knowledgeable, caring, and always takes time to answer all of our questions. I don't think even my family doctor takes as much time! We recently took one of our ferrets to Dr. S, suspecting an ulcer. Dr. S was very thorough in going over all the possibilities and courses of treatment, but also took the time to share some other information with us. But one of the things that really impressed me was several days later, we received a phone call from Palm Glen, just to check up on our little one. I am pleased to say that everything is going well, and I have full trust and confidence in Dr. Svoboda and the veterinary staff at Palm Glen.

We have several other animals apart from our two ferrets. Rest assured, we will take them to Palm Glen for all their veterinary needs.

Sincerely,
Josh & Amanda

Sent: Sunday, March 07, 2004 3:17 PM
Subject:

Dr. Wayne Svoboda at Palm Glen Animal Hospital near 43rd & Ave Northern is Great !! Twiggy my 6 1/2 year old ferret has Fibrosarcoma.  Dr. S. removed her tumor but it came back in less than a month. He has since done some research for me and has suggested a vet in Scottsdale that has been doing some experimental cancer treatment using some new drugs. Any vet that would care enough to do this without any extra cost to me is number one in my book.

Sent: Sunday, March 07, 2004 5:06 PM
Subject: Re: Wuzzle News 03/07/2004 - Home for Junior

Hi, guys. Just a few comments. I too agree that Dr. Svoboda is an A+ ferret vet. He's so well informed and personable, and his clinic is run like none other. He's a smart businessman, but he's an even better vet.

Sent: Wednesday, April 21, 2004 6:21 AM
Subject: More Praise for Dr. Svoboda

Dr. Svoboda has got to be the best vet in the Valley.

We took our little Jeep to see him yesterday. He had lost over half of his body mass and was almost completely unresponsive. He wasn't eating or drinking, and most likely, his kidneys had completely failed. We also suspected he may have had an ulcer since his stool had become black. Dr. S. explained the possible courses of treatment, but the prognosis was not very good. We knew it was time to make a final decision. It was a very hard decision to make, but we knew it was for the best and Dr. S. assured us that
regardless of whether anyone would consider it to be right or wrong, it was a kind decision. So at about 2:30 yesterday afternoon, with the help of Dr. Svoboda, our little creeper passed over the rainbow bridge. We were able to take him home, where we buried him in the garden. His suffering has been eased, and he can finally rest peacefully.

Dr. Svoboda displayed a level of kindness and reassurance that is greatly appreciated by both of us, and we know Jeep appreciated it too. He truly understands what it is like to go through an ordeal like this, and it shows. We will never take another animal anywhere other than Palm Glen. Many thanks and praise to Dr. S. and the wonderful staff there.

-Josh, Amanda, Archimedes, & Jeep (R.I.P.)

Sent: Thursday, January 20, 2005 5:12 AM
Subject: Ferret Veterinarian Recommendations

I live in Cottonwood and drove over an hour and half to visit Dr. Svoboda because of the information that I found on this website.

My first impression was on the phone, when Lidia helped me. She was very concerned with my needs and very eager to help me. I had a very sick fuzzy and knew that there was something very wrong with him, but I didn't have any idea what it was. I faxed all of the information to Dr. Svoboda and he called me right away and got me in right away.

Loci stayed in their office for five days along with my other ferret Ashton who was to be a blood donor for Loci. Loci was severely anemic, and had lost a lot of weight. Dr. Wilson and her wonderful staff fed Loci, gave him his medicine, a blood transfusion, removed some bone marrow and loved him the whole time he was there.

Whenever I would call with questions, I was put right through to speak with the doctor, as if I was the only patient that existed. They always put my needs first.

Both Dr. Svoboda and Dr. Wilson answered my questions with great knowledge. It is evident that they know their ferrets. I never felt more at ease and comfortable in a veterinarian's office as I did at Palm Glen.

Unfortunately, Loci lost his battle with anemia, but I can rest assured that I did everything possible to help him and that he was in the best care that anyone could ever ask for.

My suggestions to all of you is that you do your homework on a vet. who has a thorough understanding of ferrets. I know it sounds crazy driving 90 miles for my ferret, but I can assure you you will not find the kind of care that Palm Glen offers anywhere else. They are the best.

I referred a friend who has a dog and she went down with me to have her big fella looked at. She is now going to make the 90 mile trek to visit Dr Svoboda regularly. Our pets are worth it, they deserve the best!

Thank you Dr. Svoboda, Dr. Wilson and all of your wonderful staff!

Kelli Rhoda
Cottonwood, Arizona
 

Dr. Erica Wilson - Palm Glen Animal Hospital

Sent: Monday, January 03, 2005 5:15 PM
Subject: Dr. Wilson recommendation

We would just like to send our recommendation for Dr. Wilson at Palm Glen Animal Hospital.  Sampson being our first ferret we love him and after 3 weeks of having him we took him for a general exam not knowing where to go we took our chances with Palm Glen seeing that it had a very high rating and we loved the place.  It's clean, the staff is so nice and informative, they gave us tons of info on ferrets and we were saddened to learn that Sampson may have adrenal glad disease which comes along with a very costly surgery that may be out of range.  We will see what goes on in the next few weeks.  But we do recommend Palm Glen Animal Hospital, Dr. Wilson, and the whole staff.

thanks! ~HEATHER, CHRIS, and Sampson!
 

Dr. Jeremy Grossbard - Companion Pet Clinic

Sent: Wednesday, June 18, 2003 8:37 PM
Subject: Fw: Ferret Veterinarian Recommendations

 While we are discussing the topic of veterinarians . . .  I unfortunately came home last night to find my three year old female ferret with enlarged lymph nodes in her neck and under her arms.  I did not have any luck with the emergency facilities in our area . . .none had exotic vets on duty.  Luckily my girl is tough and stuck it out through the night.  This morning I made an appointment with Dr. Jeremy Grossbard at Companion Pet Clinic (who is on your site and who I used to neuter my two boy ferrets).  Anyway, I wanted you to add another plus for him because he is caring, patient, compassionate . . .and is a darn good vet.  My girl had a biopsy this afternoon and seems to be doing well.  Dr. Grossbard's professionalism and sincerity helped me to make it through the day.

Please let everyone know!

Dr. Funk - Mesa Veterinary Hospital

Sent: Tuesday, June 17, 2003 9:43 PM
Subject: Ferret Veterinarian Recommendations

 We were recommended to Dr. Funk for our ferret who had ECE, (we did not check your website at the time!) and they were horrible. The technician's and even Dr. Funk were rude and didn't really seem to care about our concerns and questions. I just wanted to add my recommendations.

Sent: Saturday, August 23, 2003 7:27 AM
Subject: Ferret Veterinarian Recommendations

Please for the love of God do NOT let anyone take their ferret to see Dr. Funk at Mesa Veterinarian hospital.  We lost our little gift from God "Baby" there in just one day.  I have since learned that it appeared to be a bout of ECE but they didn't even mention this and I didn't even know what it was until after her death.  They actually brought out our little Ferret dead to us (they thought she was still alive)!!!!!!!  These people are complete idiots!  Please stay away!!!!!!!!!!

Sent: Saturday, January 31, 2004 10:45 PM
Subject: Ferret Veterinarian Recommendations

Please do not use Dr. Funk for your ferrets! Aside from the office being totally disorganized, he is very uncaring and money hungry. Our ferret Brandy was put on Lupron a year ago and was doing well. We moved out of state so had to find a new vet. Dr. Funk was recommended on another site, so we took Brandy to him for her Lupron injection, unfortunately. He pretty much said she had to have adrenal surgery or she wouldn't live much longer so we agreed to let him perform the surgery. The next day she died from unknown causes. He charged $500 for 24 hrs. of post-op care (in addition to the surgery and initial sonogram), which included another sonogram he performed to make sure he didn't screw up the surgery and cause her to have internal bleeding. When I asked what the rate of fatality is with adrenal surgery, his said that he's never lost any ferrets, not quite a straight answer. He didn't check her blood before surgery to see if she was healthy enough to withstand the surgery. They sent her home a few hours after surgery when her temperature had been fluctuating (but supposedly was normal when released). The next morning her temperature was 7 degrees below normal and she was dying. In his defense, he consulted with another vet because he didn't know what went wrong. He never used her name, called her "him" for quite a while until he realized she was a female, then she became "her" or "this animal". I thought he would want to do a necropsy so other ferrets wouldn't have to go through this but he didn't. I suppose because I wasn't paying for it.

Sent: Monday, April 05, 2004 10:23 AM
Subject: Veterinarian Recommendations

Dr Funk treated our Rottweiler, Rosie, for a snake bite and I just want to express my disappointment and sadness at the way we were treated by him. In my opinion Dr. Funk seems to be a very insensitive doctor and like someone else mentioned on their review very money hungry. It was very difficult to take our dying pet who we consider a member of our family to a Doctor who did not seem to care about the pain we were going through. I also felt he was very misleading and evasive with his answers. When we asked him if our puppy was in pain he said: "of course he's not in pain. He's a dog". That night we took our dog home and it was obvious to us that he was in excruciating pain. The next day we had to see him go.

 

Dr. Parva - Baseline Animal Clinic

Sent: Tuesday, June 17, 2003 9:43 PM
Subject: Ferret Veterinarian Recommendations

 Also, our ferret vet is Dr. Parva at Baseline Animal Hospital on Baseline Rd in Tempe, AZ.  My wife and I have been using her for 4 years for our four ferrets, and she is wonderful! I would recommend her to everyone!  Sorry I do not have the actual address or phone with me. Please add her to your list.

Dr. Westhoff, Dr. Bishop - Acacia Cat Clinic

Sent: Saturday, June 28, 2003 1:32 PM
Subject: Distemper shot and spay ....

  I thought I'd get you a little more info on the Acacia Cat Clinic.   They have 2 vets who will examine ferrets.  Dr. Westhoff will be doing Mina's spay and gave her her second distemper.  We saw Dr. Robert Bishop, who seemed very knowledgeable about ferrets.  He didn't even need to scruff Mina to examine or give her her shot.   Both vets are very willing to answer questions and the clinic's hours are very compatible with work schedules (they're open 7:30am to 6:00pm Mon-Fri and have some Saturday hours.)  Also, they gave me a $10 off coupon for her next visit after our initial visit.  Overall, a very good experience.

Sent: Monday, August 25, 2003 1:53 PM
Subject: Dr. Westhoff/Dr. Bishop

I'd like to add a good word for these two Vets at Acacia.  I have enjoyed good ferret care from both of them.  They are very knowledgeable about ferrets, they call my Lupron in to a pharmacy that mails it directly to me to help save me money on the injections, they have a great manner with the ferrets as well and we've always been happy with their care.  Thanks!

Dr. Saunders/Dr. Jill Bronz - Mesa Animal Medical Hospital

Sent: Sunday, September 07, 2003 9:14 PM
Subject: Ferret Veterinarian Recommendations

These people were great!!!  Dr. Saunders was very knowledgeable.  The staff is very friendly.  I highly recommend this place.

Sent: Wednesday, October 26, 2005 7:31 AM
Subject: Ferret Veterinarian Recommendations

  I have a *wonderful* vet in Mesa - Animal Medical Hospital at the corner of Gilbert and Southern (1901 E Southern Ave Mesa, AZ 85204 - 5238)
  The staff here, especially Dr. Jill Bronz, is delightful. One of our ferrets is a rescue who had never been vaccinated. On our way home from his first vet visit, he began having an allergic reaction to his shots. We called the clinic and sped back, they gave us their full attention the minute we arrived. They put half of their staff on this little guy just to make sure they could take care of things quickly. They didn't even charge us! I've never had such wonderful service at *any* place I've visited. Check them out!

Sent: Monday, May 15, 2006 6:51 PM
Subject: Ferret Veterinarian Recommendations

Hello,
I have one recommendation and one warning. I will start with our warning, PLEASE under no circumstance DO NOT take your ferret to Dr. Saunders at Animal Medical Hospital in Mesa Arizona. Our poor little ferret Chubs was moderately sick with diarrhea when we took her in to him. Of course he was our current vet at the time and as many ferret owners will say you cannot tell the ability or the competency of a vet until your baby gets sick. Well for 6 months he said to keep an eye on her (i.e. change the diet) without doing any tests. We took her in several times telling him she was not getting better when we gave up. Also when we did get our three ferrets shots there we were never told of the possibility of allergic reactions. This leads me to my recommendation. Dr. Driggers at Foothills Mobile Exotic DVM was our next step in the vet search. After two years of fighting for our little chubs, we sadly lost her. He performed many tests and didn't charge us for many things that a normal vet would since at one point we were there several times a month. I truly believe that had we found Dr. Driggers sooner we would still have our baby with us. Both him and his vet tech are great at what they do and truly care about the animals that come into their clinic.
 

Dr. Molina - Family Pet Hospital

Sent: Thursday, December 18, 2003 1:59 PM
Subject: Dr. Molina

Dear Kevin and Julie,

I am sorry it has taken me a while to write to you regarding my experience with Dr. Molina. Please add a big positive mark to your chart from me. She is wonderful. Her staff gives such a nice impression with their attire and sincere attitudes. Although the office is hectic, they keep things moving and take the time needed to answer questions and to be thorough with the pets. Dr. Molina was so refreshing. To have a Vet actually WANT to hold my ferret and pet her and give her some Tone :). She did an excellent job on removing the chordoma. The stitches held, the bandages even stayed on. She was so good to Eva - so sweet - as was all the staff. Eva felt like a little princess. We were very impressed and will definitely see Dr. Molina again if we need any other surgeries for our ferrets and will definitely be referring her to others.

Sent: Tuesday, January 03, 2006 12:50 PM
Subject: My baby Ferret Boo and Buddy!


Dr. Molina has been there for my family so much. My family and I had lost our baby boy boo about a year ago November 6th after having surgery to remove a tumor and his surgery didn't go so well. We brought him home that night and he was doing fine. The next morning my mother and I found him and he had past away while we were sleeping.  It was the hardest time for me and my mother but Dr. Molina helped us take care of him, he's now in heaven. We Miss You Boo. Now for my other ferret Buddy he is now sick and Dr. Molina is doing everything she can for him and My Family and I are hoping she can be a miracle worker and make him stay around longer. My Mother and Dr. Molina have become friends and Dr. Molina I have to say is the best Vet you will ever meet. She will love your ferret just like she loves her own. Every time she sees our ferrets she just gets the biggest smile on her face, and I want to say THANK YOU SO MUCH for everything you have done for my ferrets. Boo, Buddy and Digger.

Thank you again Dr. Molina.
 

Dr. Driggers - Foothills Mobile Exotics

Sent: Tuesday, February 03, 2004 5:44 PM
Subject: vet recommendations

I would like to say I HIGHLY recommend Dr. Todd Driggers and his wonderful assistant from Foothills Mobile Exotic.
My ferret is very sick and he was able to see me the same day, gave me detailed information , instructions, and offered ways to make my ferret more comfortable while the antibiotics kicked in. He also did not suggest any invasive test which may not be needed at all.

Although, I am not into "vet or facility bashing" and I realize that overnight services from Emergency care may not provide the detailed information one would get from an exotic specialist, I was (in general) unhappy with Mesa Veterinary Hospital emergency services. WHY? The on call vet told me that a normal ferret's temperature was 104 (my ferrets temperature was over 105 at the time of the visit). I found out this was not the correct number I was provided for a normal temperature.
I was Not told I could give my ferret a small amount of aspirin, or cool her down by placing rubbing alcohol on her paws and ears. I SPECIFICALLY ASKED if there was anything I could do to make her more comfortable.
When your baby is so sick.......you just want to help them......in ANY way possible.
Also, in my opinion, I was led to believe there was a STRONG possibility of cancer (which left me crying and upset all morning) ......and that she needed to have several test done right away (as in RIGHT AWAY)
That is all I'll say about that..........
ON the positive side, I have to say they did recommend Foothills Exotics (as well as their own doctor) as an option when I told them I wanted to see a specialist. Luckily, I decided to do my own Google (snaps for Google) search RE recommended VETS and came across your site, which pointed me in the right direction. Thank You SO MUCH.

Sent: Tuesday, August 23, 2005 8:20 AM
Subject: Ferret Veterinarian Recommendations

Dr. Driggers has been taking care of our fuzzies for many years. He has saved us from the loss of 2 babies miraculously. he is very knowledgeable and constantly learning more. Not only does he have an office, but he also makes house calls when the babies are too sick to travel! This Dr. loves what he does and it shows! I trust him completely with our precious babies. There is no one better!

Sent: Monday, May 15, 2006 6:51 PM
Subject: Ferret Veterinarian Recommendations

Hello,
I have one recommendation and one warning. I will start with our warning, PLEASE under no circumstance DO NOT take your ferret to Dr. Saunders at Animal Medical Hospital in Mesa Arizona. Our poor little ferret Chubs was moderately sick with diarrhea when we took her in to him. Of course he was our current vet at the time and as many ferret owners will say you cannot tell the ability or the competency of a vet until your baby gets sick. Well for 6 months he said to keep an eye on her (i.e. change the diet) without doing any tests. We took her in several times telling him she was not getting better when we gave up. Also when we did get our three ferrets shots there we were never told of the possibility of allergic reactions. This leads me to my recommendation. Dr. Driggers at Foothills Mobile Exotic DVM was our next step in the vet search. After two years of fighting for our little chubs, we sadly lost her. He performed many tests and didn't charge us for many things that a normal vet would since at one point we were there several times a month. I truly believe that had we found Dr. Driggers sooner we would still have our baby with us. Both him and his vet tech are great at what they do and truly care about the animals that come into their clinic.
 

Dr. Vagnetti - Valley Animal Clinic

Sent: Sunday, March 07, 2004 1:11 PM
Subject: Re: Vet Recommendation for Tucson

Hi there, I have five furries in the little valley down here and I have found two great vet clinics that cater to the carpet sharks quite well.

Our ER Vet is Valley Animal Clinic and they have a Dr. named Vagnetti who is a ferret specialist. If I ever have an emergency with one of my ferts, he's the man. Their number is 520 748 0331 and is on Speedway and Craycroft - they board ferrets also.
 

Dr. Strickland & Dr. Lindes - Strickland Animal Clinic

Sent: Sunday, March 07, 2004 1:11 PM
Subject: Re: Vet Recommendation for Tucson

Hi there, I have five furries in the little valley down here and I have found two great vet clinics that cater to the carpet sharks quite well.

Our regular vet, "Strickland Animal Clinic" with Dr. Strickland and Dr. Lindes- both women are awesome. Dr. Strickland Specializes in the little 'uns and she is so sweet and I have really loved going to her with not only our ferrets, but our dog and two cats too! Their number is 520 881 4797 and they are on Tucson and Blacklidge across from Cragin elementary school and they board ferrets too!
 

Dr. Langhoffer - First Regional Animal Hospital

Sent: Sunday, March 07, 2004 2:18 PM
Subject: ferret doc

I’d like to recommend Dr. Langhoffer (and his nurse Debbie) at First Regional Animal Hospital (Warner & Alma School). He is the “exotic” doctor there, and he and his nurses know a LOT about ferrets. It’s a friendly atmosphere; they understand when a fuzzy excavates the Kleenex box or has to pee in the corner before getting her belly palpated. I have three very elderly girl ferrets. He correctly diagnosed Yolka’s seizures as due to a tumor near her heart, and prescribed not only Prednisone but also some homeopathic potions designed to support heart function. He saved Mica’s life with adrenal surgery. He really likes and understands ferrets...even Lucy tolerates cuddles from him.

The only downside to First Regional is one of their front staff is pretty brusque, even mean, and I have NEVER been seen on time or gotten out of there in a reasonable time. They probably need to re-organize their record-keeping and computer system so you don’t have to wait for 25 minutes just to pay for your prescription. But I put up with it because Dr. Langhoffer is so good.

I hope this will be a helpful addition to your list of ferret doctors in the east valley!

Sent: Monday, December 05, 2005 1:51 PM
Subject: Ferret Veterinarian Recommendations

I’d like to give an addition to my earlier comments about First Regional Animal Hospital. Dr. Langhoffer is still amazing, and his new nurse, Amber, not only is very knowledgeable but sympathetic and intuitive as well. Two of my ferrets got ill in October and I had to put them down. I was so glad to have Dr. Langhoffer’s support & advice—he really knows ferrets and what works.

As far as the front office goes, it seems that some changes have been made in both personnel and operating procedures. Everyone there is super welcoming now, and the process of checking in, checking out, and getting prescriptions filled is much smoother and quicker.

Dr. Langhoffer also has an office in Scottsdale, not 24-hour like First Regional. I have taken my girls up there to be seen—he kindly fitted me in as it was an emergency. He is there about 3 days a week. It is the Scottsdale Veterinary Clinic, 6835 E Thomas Rd., Scottsdale, AZ 85251. (480) 945-8484.

 

Dr. Eric Cohen - Queen Creek Veterinary Clinic

Sent: Sunday, March 07, 2004 3:52 PM
Subject: RE: Looking for ferret vet in the East Valley

Our current vet is Dr Eric Cohen at Queen Creek Veterinary Clinic. Not very impressed with him at all. He isn't very gently and doesn't seem to care much for animals. Once we were there with a neighbor and her dog. He was examining its mouth and the dog kept moving away, as one would expect. He pulled his hand back, made a fist and looked like he was going to hit the dog. He didn't, but just the action was enough to prompt us for a new vet. Thanks for the info and we will look up the ones you suggested.
 

Dr. Higgins - Deer Creek Animal Hospital

Sent: Monday, March 08, 2004 6:36 PM
Subject: Ferret Veterinarian Recommendations

My name is Erin Evans and I work at Deer Creek Animal Hospital in Phoenix. I have only been working with Dr. Higgins for about two months and every day I look forward to coming to work because I learn so much from her. When I watch her take care of her patients, I feel that she is so smart and knows a lot. She cares so much about the way the animals are treated. The other week a family came in with a fairly young cat. It obviously had a severely broken leg and also gangrene. The family didnt have enough money to care for it so Dr. Higgins brought the cat to the back and cared for it anyway, free of charge. We tried several times to contact the owner and inform them that their feline was going to have to have imediate surgery to amputate its hind leg because the leg was literally sloughing. The owners didnt want to spend any money on the cat so they wanted to come pick it up from the hospital. Dr. Higgins felt that the animal needed serious attention. The owners finally decided to give the cat up. They signed over there rights as owners. I am now the owner of this wonderful kitten. Even though it is lacking a leg, it still runs, jumps, and plays as normal. I thank Dr. Higgins for being so kind to animals. I am not just saying this because she is my doctor.  She is truly a kind and caring person.....Thank you for reading my letter and I hope people could come to Deer Creek to see just what I am talking about.
 

Dr. Oyan - Ingleside Animal Hospital

Sent: Tuesday, March 09, 2004 8:18 PM
Subject: Ferret Veterinarian Recommendations

I would also like to recommend a very good vet. Her name is Dr. Oyan at Ingleside Animal Hospital at 5130 E. Thomas Rd. (602) 840-3446
Dr. Oyan is an awesome caring Dr. and loves ferrets!
 

Dr. Brice Smith - Mile-Hi Animal Hospital

Sent: Wednesday, March 17, 2004 3:04 PM
Subject: Veterinarians

I just visited your website and wanted to let you know about another vet who is very knowledgeable about ferrets. His name is Dr. Brice Smith and he is with the Mile-Hi Animal Clinic in Prescott, Arizona. I moved here from Phoenix 3 years ago and Dr. Brice was recommended to me by a ferret vet in Phoenix whose name I cannot remember at this time. Just yesterday I had to put my 7 year old ferret Koda to sleep after a very long, hard fought (both of us) battle with cancer. Dr. Smith did everything possible to help during that time. Most vets will not do “at-home” euthanasia, but Dr. Smith did, without hesitation. It meant the world to me for Koda to be at home where he felt loved, comfortable and safe. Dr. Smith was extremely kind, supportive and patient. The address and phone number are: Mile-Hi Animal Clinic, 1205 White Spar Road/Prescott, AZ 86303. Phone 928/445-4581.
 

Dr. Brazil - Ocotillo Animal Clinic

Sent: Wednesday, March 17, 2004 8:48 PM
Subject: Ferret Veterinarian Recommendations

Ocotillo Animal Clinic - Queen Creek and Alma School Rd. - Dr. Brazil

I highly recommend this doctor and office. Dr. Brazil and her staff are very courteous and knowledgeable. She has owned ferrets for many years and knows how to work with them and how to treat their illnesses. She went as far as taking one of our babies home with her so she could care for him over the weekend. I have to travel about 20 miles to see her but confident in knowing that I'm getting the best service possible.
 

Dr. Pollard - Union Hills Animal Hospital

Sent: Sunday, April 04, 2004 11:30 AM
Subject: Ferret Veterinarian Recommendations

I would like to add my kudos for Union Hills Animal Hospital. I took my first 2 ferrets there last year for their vaccinations and regular check-ups.  Dr. Pollard and the other ladies (vets and staff) were wonderful. They liked to handle ferrets and one of the vets even owned some ferrets. Do you know how encouraging that was!?!

We have now moved to the far east valley and must find a new vet. But we highly recommend the ladies at Union Hills Animal Hospital to anyone in the west valley. We lived in Surprise and those U.H. vets were well worth the drive!!!
 

Dr. Doster - Buckeye Emergency Animal Clinic

Sent: Friday, April 23, 2004 4:32 AM
Subject: Ferret Veterinarian Recommendations

Hello,  I live in Buckeye and one of my babies got VERY sick and I took her to the Buckeye Emergency Animal Clinic. The doctor looked at her briefly and knew exactly what was wrong and described her condition to me in full detail. She had an intestinal infection that is found mostly in just ferrets. He gave me the medicine to assist her and gave me very detail and helpful instructions on how to give it to her. I would like to recommend the doctors and staff of the Buckeye Emergency Animal Clinic on MC-85 in Buckeye AZ for a raving review. They saved my babies life. Also the visit was VERY low cost!!!
 

Dr. Dougherty - Emergency Animal Clinic (Peoria)

Sent: Friday, October 01, 2004 2:02 AM
Subject: Ferret Veterinarian Recommendations

I want to give a mixed review of the Emergency Animal Clinic in Peoria. Dr. Dougherty and the staff were very friendly and did what they could to be of assistance. Unfortunately it was very obvious they were not familiar with ferrets and their treatment and diagnosis. They wanted to treat my little one overnight and give multiple tests without knowing really what they were looking for. They also wanted A LOT of money for doing so. If you have a cat or dog and NEED help then I feel they are competent and caring but be ready for a hefty fee. If you have a fuzzy, stay away.
 

Dr. Weldy - Emergency Animal & Bird Hospital

Sent: Friday, September 24, 2004 12:46 PM
Subject: Hi Guys!

Once upon a time, (I believe it was nearly four years ago), we had emailed back and forth a bit as I had lost my Marshall baby (1.5 years old) to what four separate vets in three different states had called "severe inbreeding".  From the get-go Panic would 'gain' allergies to every food we tried to feed him, and in the end his little organs just couldn't handle all the stress and we had to euthanize him.  We spared no expense and loved that carpet shark to death.  I mourned for months and right when I started looking to adopt a needy fuzz, one came to me.

An abandoned 2 year old was found and turned in to my old (pre-Serrano) vet.  He had posters up for a while and finally decided to give me a call (hence, the search for a new one was called off).  I'm so very glad he did. The Fuzz was with me for 5 years and just passed Tuesday.

She had a splenectomy in December (Her spleen was HUGE!) and came back in a big way (was acting like a kit!), we thought she'd be with us forever. . .  Then, she started losing weight at the end of August, and seemed to acquire a sinus problem (constant congestion) that would not stay away.  Our doc exhausted every option with her this month.  He ran her blood, X-rays, an ultrasound, exploratory surgery. . . (perhaps there was a blockage that wasn't showing on the film), antibiotics, gall bladder meds (maybe she had gall stones. . .although he thought that was a stretch). Her organs all seemed to be functioning fine, but she just couldn't seem to get better.  It became a quality of life issue, she was sleeping all day and wheezing, at the end she couldn't even sleep comfortably (she slept on my chest for the last week and a half). She never appeared to be in pain, but she stopped eating. . .even passed on peanut butter and Cheerios (her favorite!).  Docs only guess (the only thing he couldn't confirm or deny) was a brain tumor.

Anyway, the entire reason I was emailing was to recommend Serrano Animal and Bird Hospital in Lake Forest, CA (Doc Weldy has cared for both Panic and The Fuzz.) Doc works with the Raptor Program a Tortoise Program and a Giant Cats Program in his spare time.  He is a man that truly loves animals. He is very thorough and has always been very gentle with my critters.  The Fuzz loved him dearly, she'd climb up his lab coat and snuggle his neck.  She (who was the Queen of Mellow) hissed at the vet that filled in for him while he was out sick. His staff is fabulous and understand how endearing the critters are. . .
 

Dr. Rick Wells - Tempe Veterinary Hospital

Sent: Friday, July 01, 2005 2:15 PM
Subject: Ferret Veterinarian Recommendations


I wanted you to add my new ferret vet to your list. I went to Tempe Veterinary Hospital with my new ferret kit and saw Dr. Rick Wells. Dr Wells was recommended to me by the pet store that I bought my ferret kit from, and two of the girls that work there take their own ferrets to Dr. Wells. I'm a first time ferret owner and Dr. Wells took the time to talk to me about common health concerns of ferrets and what to watch for with my kit. That meant a lot to me. He spent much more time with us than I thought he would and answered all my questions. He requested we stay there at his office for half an hour after Tycie's distemper shot in case she had a reaction. Dr. Wells told me of some of the ferret surgeries he has done and seem genuinely pleased that he was able to extend the lives of so many ferrets. I was surprised not to find him on your list of ferret vets since he seems to be so knowledgeable about ferrets and has done successful ferret surgeries. He was very kind to my kit and spent the time to talk to me and answer all my questions (despite a full waiting room). Dr. Wells gets a thumbs up from me!

Sent: Saturday, June 25, 2005 11:55 AM
Subject: Ferret Veterinarian Recommendations

I would like to concur on the recommendation for Dr. Rick Wells at Tempe Veterinary hospital. He was my first ferret’s vet back in the early 90’s. Dr. Wells gave him all his shots, neutered/descented him (Goober was rescued as a street urchin, not of Marshall Farms origin), and provided general care for him throughout his life. In his later years, Goober developed insulinoma in 1997, and Dr. Wells performed surgery to remove the tumors on his pancreas. Before the surgery, he did his research, told me the risks, and explained all the available options. The cancer eventually came back about a year later, but Dr. Wells allowed me another happy year with my little guy. Dr. Wells saw how sad I was at the passing, knew that I was a ferret lover, and a couple of months later he went out of his way to call me and ask him if I was interested in adopting a couple of ferrets that a family friend had. I declined, but a couple of years later when I could finally bring myself to adopt two new baby ferrets, I brought them to Dr. Wells for their shots. He still remembered me, and Goober. He’s a good vet, does his research, and is a good guy.  I don’t want to say anything bad about this practice, but there is another vet there that is not as good with ferrets as Dr. Wells (or maybe I just didn’t find him as personable), so make sure you ask for Dr. Wells specifically when you bring your fuzzies in.
 

Dr. Ruehs - Bell Ridge Animal Hospital

Sent: Monday, October 24, 2005 5:54 PM
Subject: Ferret Veterinarian Recommendations

The reason we continue to bring our pets to Bell Ridge Animal Hospital is the care that Dr. Ruehs provides.  He is without a doubt the most concerned and caring veterinarian we've encountered in the 16 years we've had our dogs.  A+ rating!

Steve Sharp

Sent: Tuesday, November 15, 2005 11:51 PM
Subject: Ferret Veterinarian Recommendations

I highly recommend Dr. Ruehs at Bell Ridge Animal Hospital. After horrible experiences with various vets who claimed to know how to treat rats but in reality were completely clueless, I came across Dr. Ruehs. He is by far the most knowledgeable small animal vet I have come across and always takes the time to answer all my questions and really cares for the animals he treats. He has pulled several of my rats through very tough illnesses. He was so wonderful with all my rats that when I got ferrets I took them to him as well. Dr. Ruehs has proven to be just as knowledgeable and caring with my 3 ferrets and I wouldn’t trust them with anyone else.
 

Dr. Burke - Cornerstone Animal Hospital

Sent: Wednesday, December 28, 2005 10:41 AM
Subject: Ferret Veterinarian Recommendations

Dr. Burke at Cornerstone Animal Hospital is wonderful! He used to have ferrets in college. Here is his phone number.
480-857-9229
He is in Gilbert AZ.