My sisters cat had kittens, and one got poorly (he was struggling to breath and panting) so she went to emergency pdsa and the staff was very nasty. My sister was upset she was crying and the night staff on reception said that she could not have treatment because she was lying about being on benefits, she is off sick from work at the moment and getting housing and council tax benefit. and when the vet so buddy she said dont have pets if you cant afford them she should have kept her opinions to herself. she said fetch him down in the morning. so she did and the receptionist was horrible and nasty while she was talking about the kitten she had a mouth full of food and also held up personal info up to the window so everyone could see, my sister was so upset by this. i think that they are nasty and need a lesson in customer care.

Now because of PDSA neglect 2 kittens have died, they were really happy and healthy before this happend.

Sorry about the kittens but please dont tar them all with the same brush because of one bad apple.
Hope your sis is ok now:)

Sorry about the kittens but please dont tar them all with the same brush because of one bad apple.
Hope your sis is ok now:)

My sis still upset and her cats are her life she loves them like children to her they are her babies. Now she wont ever go back to PDSA, yesterday she took her cats to a private vet.

What they need to realise is that sometimes through no fault of their own people's circumstances can change after they have got pets.

I get really annoyed when I hear of charities turning people away when they should be helping.

What they need to realise is that sometimes through no fault of their own people's circumstances can change after they have got pets.

I get really annoyed when I hear of charities turning people away when they should be helping.

My sister was entitled the treatment and they did look at the kitten in the end but they made it so embarrassing that she broke down and cried in the waiting room. And also the vet said that if the kitten got worse over the weekend to bring him back to emergency clinic when my sister tried on sunday the receptionist said it could wait till the next day, the kitten died a couple our later

My sister was entitled the treatment and they did look at the kitten in the end but they made it so embarrassing that she broke down and cried in the waiting room. And also the vet said that if the kitten got worse over the weekend to bring him back to emergency clinic when my sister tried on sunday the receptionist said it could wait till the next day, the kitten died a couple our later

Id make an official complaint. This receptionist cleary doesnt have what it takes to do what shes doing.
Give your sister my best:thumbsup::)

My sister was entitled the treatment .........

Is this really the right word?

Is anybody actually 'entitled' to help from a charity?

'deserving' perhaps, but ...

having been to the pdsa previously most of the vets have been considerate and helpfull at times of upset however there was one oldish lady vet who was very abrupt and although obviously good at her job could definately benefit from some people skills lessons we eventually made a complaint about her attitude and now although use private vets whenever possible still donate monthly to pdsa and dogs trust
you cant judge the whole pdsa by one bad vet and receptionist
although i agree that i would have probably strangled them myself

My sister had a very similar experience not so long ago at the same place but it was the receptionist who was rude to her. She rang to make an appointment and asked what ID she would need, she took down with her exactly what they asked for only to be told that it wasn't good enough.
So, my normally hard as nails sis was in floods of tears because she had only just managed to get a german shepherd into her car, the dogs leg was pouring with blood and was whimpering in pain (turned out the dog needed an operation).
It was only when a vet came out to reception and asked what was going on that they actually saw her and the vet couldn't see a problem with the ID that she took with her in the first place!

you cant judge the whole pdsa by one bad vet and receptionist


being opinionated, abrupt or not a people person doesn't make them a bad vet.
i visit a vet because he is abrupt.i took my dog ,who turned out to have cancer,the vet said the best i can i can give YOU is 7-10 days, but the DOG doesn't deserve to have to wait to die.
i wept buckets and agreed.
i had to have two pets pts at the same time - i am still upset over a year later but i respect his "callous" attitude and opinion to this day more than any "we'll try this or that" vet - who gives a damn if the owner feels like crap it's the pet that's important.

when i said she was abrupt i maybe could have put it better i appreciate straight talking and when my old terrier reached the end the vet was straight to the point and i understood
but the attitude and way the vet i mentioned in the first post was more rude and offensive than straight talk

To be fair Willman, it's the way they make you feel at the PDSA (sometimes), like you are the lowest of the low for even daring to own a pet and not taking it to a private vet. Some people can't afford to see a dentist either but it doesn't mean that they should be made to feel like crap for going to somewhere like Charles Cliffords.
I admit that some people take the pee and put a strain on resources but they can't look at everyone in that way, there are genuine people who are in need of help by places like PDSA, yes they could "get rid of their pets" but to most pet owners this would be like giving up a child.
I have previously known people to take their pets to a private vet and get into debt with the fees rather than go to PDSA to be looked down on (as they have before).

Is this really the right word?

Is anybody actually 'entitled' to help from a charity?

'deserving' perhaps, but ...

Do you really need to nit pick about the OP's choice of words?...her sister met the requirements to qualify for the treatment is that not good enough for you?
My own experience of the PDSA was last year when my cat had to be put to sleep she was sick and old and it was expected but none the less devastating, the cat went up to the vet friendly, happy and purring then came to me, all i asked was that i be allowed to cuddle my cat while they gave her the injection, the vet abruptly said no and got a nurse to come and hold her, the vet was very abrupt and uncaring... no this does not make him a bad vet but does it have to be as bad as it can be just because a person cannot afford full vet fees? the nurse obviously embarrassed said sometimes it was best for them to deal with it, well i am more than capable of holding my own animal as i have always done so before, i feel it is my role as my animals love and trust me, because of this my cat struggled and cried she ended her life being afraid and upset, and i will never forget her last moments i cant say they were either nice nor peaceful :(

First of all may i tell you that the pdsa was set up circa 1917 for the purpose of providing veterinary care for animals whose owners could not afford private care.This worked very well for around 80 year's but then around the early nineties the pdsa began to notice that many people were abusing the system so a stringent veting of custermers was introduced.(abuse included people bringing other peoples pets,people turning up in £50,000 cars and others turning up with animals that cost well over £1000)all saying they could not afford private care.So if anyone does use the pdsa and have all the correct benifits you have no problem, however when they give you a mock receipt for the cost that it would have cost private(many of these run to thousands of pounds) and you dont put a penny in, please think why the staff are somtimes a little less than plesant.

A lot of vets do their bit for PDSA but in reality its for their own conscience. One thing vets really do care for is money. Of course if you get a caring vet then its a bonus for both you and your pet.

A lot of vets do their bit for PDSA but in reality its for their own conscience. One thing vets really do care for is money. Of course if you get a caring vet then its a bonus for both you and your pet.

Trust me they would'nt work at the pdsa if they were in it for the cash

I know what you mean with the money people taking people on benefits to the PDSA to get their animals treated, its disgusting. The last thing a vet wants is to treat a pet who's owner has a Range Rover Vogue with a higher spec than their own.

Do you really need to nit pick about the OP's choice of words?...her sister met the requirements to qualify for the treatment is that not good enough for you?


No. I wasn't nitpicking.

I was raising the, very, relevant issue that some people regard themselves as being 'entitled' to something that is being provided and paid for by someone else.
Has the sister raised a complaint with the PDSA?

In your own case, have you considered that they have strict guidelines to avoid accidents such as injuring you?
Have you raised a complaint with the PDSA?

I know what you mean with the money people taking people on benefits to the PDSA to get their animals treated, its disgusting. The last thing a vet wants is to treat a pet who's owner has a Range Rover Vogue with a higher spec than their own.
Dont think theycan afford a rover metro never mind a rr on the pay they get

No. I wasn't nitpicking.

I was raising the, very, relevant issue that some people regard themselves as being 'entitled' to something that is being provided and paid for by someone else.
Has the sister raised a complaint with the PDSA?

In your own case, have you considered that they have strict guidelines to avoid accidents such as injuring you?
Have you raised a complaint with the PDSA?

Well unfortunately i do think you are nit picking as many often do on here, just because a person uses different words does not mean that they don't understand the issues around charities etc does it?
I understand about the risks etc but would have happily signed something to clear them of that,and its never ever been a problem in the past.
No i didn't raise a complaint although i did think about it, i was very upset and hurt about how my cat died, and i wish it had been handled better but no matter how i complain it won't make what happened any better will it? and i do know not all staff at the PDSA are like that and they provide a good service in general...perhaps people do need to tell them when things go wrong, but i'm not entirely sure it will make any difference!

Well unfortunately i do think you are nit picking as many often do on here, just because a person uses different words does not mean that they don't understand the issues around charities etc does it?


'many' often 'nitpick? or 'many' often think as you do?

Anyway, you ask a question.

Without using the correct words, we have no other, reliable, way of making any judgement as to what a poster may or may not believe.
The OP describes a worthwhile charity as 'a joke' in the title. Would it be 'nitpicking' to decry this, as well?

'many' often 'nitpick? or 'many' often think as you do?

Anyway, you ask a question.

Without using the correct words, we have no other, reliable, way of making any judgement as to what a poster may or may not believe.
The OP describes a worthwhile charity as 'a joke' in the title. Would it be 'nitpicking' to decry this, as well?

I have said all i want or need to say, and do not wish to spend my evening debating with you about things that to me do not matter, the issue here is how people are treated at the PDSA i am happy to stick to that!

One of our cats developed an allergic reaction last night so at 8.30pm I found myself ringing around the emergency vet numbers. I came accross one called Peak Vets just off Chesterfield Road. They quoted me a cheaper price than the PDSA! I realise that different vets all utilise the PDSA after hours but surely the rates should be consistent.

Anyway, we had a vet called Steven who was great and seemed very genuine, we are going back tomorrow for a check up and if no further meds needed there is no extra charge for seeing us. The fee hurt the wallet a bit but after the injections he gave her she has perked up a lot so well worth it.

This must be a wind up,have 2 dogs and 2 cats and all have at some time been to the pdsa and the staff and vets have always been fantastic to us and our pets,and no way are the vets in it for the money,they are in it because they love what they do,have the utmost respect for all of the staff at pdsa

This must be a wind up,have 2 dogs and 2 cats and all have at some time been to the pdsa and the staff and vets have always been fantastic to us and our pets,and no way are the vets in it for the money,they are in it because they love what they do,have the utmost respect for all of the staff at pdsa

Well i don't think anyone actually infered that the vets were in it for the money, that is obviously not the case, just that they and some of the reception staff could be a bit more polite and caring where people are concerned, i know a lot of people have the same experience not just a few.

The PDSA do a great job and their staff have to deal with people on a daily basis who would let their pets suffer rather than spend money at a private vet, they can't and don't refuse treatment - because they care about the animals - but you can't expect them to enjoy dealing with some of these people.
What about those who breed (usually pedigree) dogs and cats, turning up fro free treatment when the animal has difficulties with the pregnacy or birth, if they paid for the treatment it would lessen the profit on the litter - because they are scroungers on housing benefit they are 'entitled' to steal charity money? Then there are those with pedigree pets that have cost sometimes hundreds of pounds - turning up for Free treatment, they are on housing benefit to 'entitled' to take money volunteers have worked hard to raise.
Visit the PDSA centre - quite normally the value of the cars in the car park would pay the staff wages for many months, but the owners of these vehicles are on housing benefit so 'entitled' etc..etc...etc..
The staff at the PDSA not only care v ery much for the animals they were founded to protect but they have a DUTY towards those who work relentlessly to raise funds to provide service for those who actually need it. If anyone wishes to obtain charitable help they should expect a grilling. If people do not provide the necessary proofs they should be questioned, if they are indeed genuine they wont have a problem.
I do sympathise however with the person who experienced problems at the end of their pets life, maybe there was a reason in this case, usually they will do their best to accomadate peoples wishes and feelings at this sad time.
Over all I think most of the genuine people who use the PDSA will applaud their efforts and dedication. It is usually (not always!) the individuals who shouldn't really be using the service at all who do the most complaining.

First of all i would like to say that i have noticed a lot of people with pedigree animals at the PDSA and i know that a few years ago the PDSA would not treat a pedigree animal, i can see the point on this but sometimes circumstances change for people... redundancy, illness and just because they once had money once does not mean that they still have it, and the same could be said about the cars, i cannot defend everyone as i do not know their cases any more than you do,and it has to be said that yes some do look like they would have money, it is wrong to use a charity when really you can afford private treatment i don't think anyone would argue with that.
I do feel however that you are extremely judgemental of others in your wording... "housing benefit scroungers" not everyone can work full time, not everyone has a good wage, i would like to point out lots of people on HB do work and work hard, yes people should expect to show proof of bens but i don't think that gives the receptionist a cause to talk down to them if there is a problem, manners cost nothing even if we are saying something unpopular, i do not think reducing people to tears and publicly humiliating them is the way forward at all.
I am complaining about the treatment of my cat and i am genuinely entitled (waits to be pounced on) to use the PDSA why would you imagine that most of the people who complain are not?

[QUOTE=Moonbird;2385890] sometimes circumstances change for people... redundancy, illness and just because they once had money once does not mean that they still have it, and the same could be said about the cars,

It costs more to tax, insure and run a car than the cost of at least 2 pet insurance plans - it's about getting the priorities right! I always wonder how someone who can afford to run a nice new 4 x 4 can receive housing benefit anyway.
I hope other people who have had dealings with the PDSA and other charities for that matter will use this issue to give these dedicated people their total support. Unless you have worked there you can never appreciate the kind of pressure they have to work under.The rude, insulting and often abusive behaviour displayed by the people they are forced to tolerate in order that the animals get the treatment they need. Of course not everyone behaves in this way (I'm sure you wounldn't) but if humans have had a bad day it tends to show in their general attitude!
It was the title of this issue " PDSA are a joke" that upset me not your comments on the problems you experienced with your cat.
The PDSA treat hundreds of animals every day, many would suffer or die if they were not there. They provide care for many pets who's owners are in genuine need, the original 'joke' entry is absolutely outrageous and offensive, shame on you!

Lily Lupin i do see your point on many things but the OP was obviously upset because her sisters kitten died, and to be fair that did sound like it could have been avoided, surely people can see that would have been upsetting and a little slack be cut? a little kitten is a helpless little thing and it must have hurt, it would seem to me the OP was letting off steam... rightly or wrongly it is perhaps understandable.

The PDSA do a great job and their staff have to deal with people on a daily basis who would let their pets suffer rather than spend money at a private vet, they can't and don't refuse treatment - because they care about the animals - but you can't expect them to enjoy dealing with some of these people.
What about those who breed (usually pedigree) dogs and cats, turning up fro free treatment when the animal has difficulties with the pregnacy or birth, if they paid for the treatment it would lessen the profit on the litter - because they are scroungers on housing benefit they are 'entitled' to steal charity money? Then there are those with pedigree pets that have cost sometimes hundreds of pounds - turning up for Free treatment, they are on housing benefit to 'entitled' to take money volunteers have worked hard to raise.
Visit the PDSA centre - quite normally the value of the cars in the car park would pay the staff wages for many months, but the owners of these vehicles are on housing benefit so 'entitled' etc..etc...etc..
The staff at the PDSA not only care v ery much for the animals they were founded to protect but they have a DUTY towards those who work relentlessly to raise funds to provide service for those who actually need it. If anyone wishes to obtain charitable help they should expect a grilling. If people do not provide the necessary proofs they should be questioned, if they are indeed genuine they wont have a problem.
I do sympathise however with the person who experienced problems at the end of their pets life, maybe there was a reason in this case, usually they will do their best to accomadate peoples wishes and feelings at this sad time.
Over all I think most of the genuine people who use the PDSA will applaud their efforts and dedication. It is usually (not always!) the individuals who shouldn't really be using the service at all who do the most complaining.

Im sorry love but you are wrong if pdsa loved pets so much why did they turn away 2 kittens who the died the following morning.

I am a scrounger. Well, I'm not actually, I claim housing benefit due to genuine ill health. If I were able to drive, I couldn't afford to run any sort of car - people in 4x4s certainly won't be entitled to HB. People's circumstances do change if they lose their jobs/fall ill etc and that's maybe why some have pedigree pets. I am going to adopt an older pedigree cat who needs rehoming, and she won't cost me anything beyond a donation that all rescue centres ask people to make. (see the relevant pedigree cat clubs on line) If I go the pdsa I'll make sure I wear a badge saying that so I won't be sneered at. I imagine there are some people who don't think I should have a cat at all but she will be good for my health and I will be good for her.