West Flint Animal Hosptial

Was visiting family and had my cat with me who came down with an upper respiratory infection. Took him here — vet was extremely nice and got him in right away. Medication worked like a charm and he is doing fine now. Prices were also very reasonable compared to most other places.

I have been going to West Flint Animal Hospital for years a friend recommended me to Dr baes. He has always taking exceptional care of my animals and went above and beyond the call of duty of a veterinarian. Today is another prime example… my sons dog was very very sick Dr bays took him in even after he was closed. This is not something doctors or any other veterinarians would do but it was Saturday afternoon he knew we would not be able to see anyone until Monday. My family my grand babies are so thankful for West Flint Animal Hospital yet another prime example of why I will never use another veterinarian other than you! Thank you so much. Marie T.

They are only in it for the money. A poor, sick dog was taken in… they wouldn’t treat without payment. Wouldn’t take phone donations. Wouldn’t offer a payment plan. Sent the dog home to die a painful death.

I am the world’s fussiest veterinary client. I don’t look for the cheapest vet, the most conveniently located vet, or the one with the warmest bedside manner. I look for one who practices excellent veterinary medicine, as well as one who has a good enough bedside manner to examine my pet without unnecessary stress and to communicate clearly and effectively with me.
Over my decades of pet ownership, I think my vets have learned that if they can deliver that, I’m going to be one of their most loyal, compliant, and ready-​to-​spend clients. I want what’s best for my pets, period.
Vets who have not been able to give me that often think I’m excessivly demanding or a, I have to admit it, a bitch. I always try to be professional, but when my pets are at stake, I can get pretty protective.
I moved to Michigan 13 months ago, and have been through a number of vets looking for «the one.» I resisted going up to West Flint for a while, despite a glowing recommendation from a client of theirs, because of a prejudice I had: I was afraid that being located in a town with economic woes the magnitude of Flint’s, they wouldn’t be practicing medicine at a high standard.
I finally went, and am so glad I did. I’ve been seeing Dr. Shaker for several months now. He does appear to keep up well on veterinary developments, is able to offer a wide range of options at all price points, communicates as well as any vet I’ve ever had (and I’ve had some great ones), really listens to me but is able to articulate his own viewpoint even if it’s different from mine, and once told me he didn’t know the answer to a question I had, but would find out — one of my litmus tests for a great healthcare provider, to know what you don’t know and not have ego problems about admitting it, and also knowing how to find the answers.
Additionally, they return my calls promptly if I have a question, and are very accepting of my frequent desire to get referred to a specialist or get a second opinion. The hospital, including waiting areas and landscaping, is very clean and in great condition.
Negatives: Located on a VERY busy road, which makes me nervous getting the dogs in and out of the car. And when the waiting room is crowded, it’s quite stressful for a sensitive dog.
I have also not used them for anything high-​tech, so don’t know what their anesthesia protocols are, what equipment they have, etc. I can’t assess things I haven’t experienced yet.
I was also taken aback at first by their «walk-​ins only» system — no scheduled appointments (although I believe they schedule surgery). However, no matter when I’ve gone, I’ve never had to wait any longer than I often have to wait at practices where I DO have an appointment.
All in all, Dr. Shaker and West Flint are a great fit for me and my pets, who by the way are Greyhounds, Deerhounds, and a Borzoi — not the easiest of breeds to treat, as they have some medical anomalies that some veterinarians deny exist or are not comfortable with. Dr. Shaker has other sighthound patients, and seemed both informed and ready and willing to investigate their idiosyncrasies of lab work, etc.
As to cost, they’re extremely reasonable. For me, coming from California, all the vets I’ve seen here seem relatively inexpensive, but West Flint is a great choice for someone who has a need to keep a tight grip on cost, but still wants excellent care for their pet.