Meet the Other Phone. Only the apps you allow.

Meet the Other Phone.
Only the apps you allow.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

I moved to a different vets.

2 replies

Narniaprincess · 21/08/2025 19:03

Please tell me if I am unreasonable!

My dog is 1.5 years old. I registered him at the vets that my partner's mum works at. She has been the receptionist there for over 15 years. She's been able to get him a few favours there - he's been allowed to stay in their kennels whilst she works there until one of us can pick him up, he's had a free vet check when he hurt his paw and got free antibiotics. They all love him there. It's a 45 minute walk away though and I don't drive. It's also more expensive than other local vets.

I've been deliberating getting my dog neutered for the last year, had prices from various vets etc. I've finally decided to do it, before I go back to work in a week, and before my partner gets new carpets and sofas in a few weeks time (my dog marks a lot and Im hoping the neutering will stop him ruining the new things!)

I got a new quote from the vets for the castration - £380. Up from £300 in January when I got a price previously. So I called around the other local vets and there's one that will do it for £216. So I've signed him up there, not just because of the price but because it is much closer to me as well - think 10 minutes walk away compared to 45 minutes. It is so much more convenient and they were really lovely.

However, my partners mum has hit the roof. Really, really upset that I've abandoned her vets, especially after "all the freebies I've been given". She said I am valuing money over my dog's care and wellbeing (the new vets sounds lovely and has a good reputation?!). She is taking it really personally.

Was I really terrible to move vets for a cheaper price and closer location? Or should I have stayed loyal and paid the higher price and really inconvenient location?

My partner's mum is retiring next year so i was planning to move vets then anyway to a closer one...

OP posts:
BeltaLodaLife · 21/08/2025 19:09

What do you use the kennelling for? Is that daily for work? Or just after a treatment?

If it’s daily while you’re at work then poor dog, stuck in a kennel every day.

I think maybe you got the freebies because they expected a loyal customer. They showed loyalty to their employee and maybe expected some paid services from you. Leaving for a cheaper vet doesn’t look great, and makes her look not that great to her employers but, not really anything anyone can say. You’re entitled to go where you want, and they gave freebies willingly. It doesn’t guarantee customer loyalty. It’s just a bit awkward really, isn’t it? And she probably lashed out as she has been made to feel a bit embarrassed at work. Seems like the distance was fine when you got stuff for free, but now it’s a problem cause you need to pay for something.

tsmainsqueeze · 21/08/2025 19:11

I work in a vets.
I totally understand why you have shopped around you have every right too ,but i can also see her point , i know how loyal my team is to each other and how proud we are of our skills and care shown to all the animals that pass through our door - i think she probably feels the same after doing her job for a long time and she's taken it personally.

New posts on this thread. Refresh page
Swipe left for the next trending thread