Price: Elsewhere I was quoted $7,000 - $9,000 for ...

Price: Elsewhere I was quoted $7,000 - $9,000 for emergency care for my dog. Lort Smith quoted $1,200 for the same thing.

Care: I found them helpful, down to earth and knowledgeable with a real love of animals. My dog could not have been in better hands.

Attitude: Don't expect 'fluffy'. These are very busy, very practical people. They are agreeable people, caring and patient beyond what I would be able to endure (see below), and they spend all the time you and your pet need examining and explaining. They take their time with your animal and are gentle and thorough. But don't have the unrealistic expectation of being pampered, the hospital is just too busy for that. If you're there being rude and demanding, it's a different matter: expect to get what you give!

Wait times: I was blown away at how busy Lort Smith are. If you do not have an appointment and your pet is in no immediate danger you are in for a wait. In a real emergency you'll be seen quickly - we were. Unfortunately, when I was there I witnessed a number of very demanding and down-right rude people without appointment or emergencies trying to push for vet attention, which causes a lot of stress for the staff and does eat in to their time. I hear that this is the norm.

In all, I am keeping Lort Smith's number up on my fridge in case I ever need it again.