photo_library12
Product
Red Fox, St. Petersburg
View product
chevron_right
A Mixed Bag at Red Fox Clinic - But They're a Lifesaver in a Pinch
summarizeEditor's Summary
I've been taking my hamster, house mouse, and turtle to Red Fox Clinic for years, and Dr. Ozerkova has always been a lifesaver when it comes to caring for small mammals. The clinic's first-come, first-served policy is a total game changer, especially when things can develop quickly with small animals. I've gotta say, it's been a real lifesaver for me and my pets. However, I've noticed some issues with the waiting area and the overall cleanliness of the clinic. It's not perfect, but I'd still recommend it to anyone with small pets.
settingsSpecifications
KararIyi
Temizlik4/10
CagriSuresi4/10
DoktorKalite8/10
BeklemeSuresi5/10
HastaneKalite6/10
BebekHastanesiKalite7/10
Hello everyone!
If you've got pets at home, you know how stressful it can be when they get sick.
I've got a hamster, a house mouse, and a turtle, and when they're not feeling well, it's a real pain.
They can't just be taken anywhere, because only a specialist in exotic animals can take care of them.
I've been going to Dr. Sotnikov's clinic for years whenever I need to, but I've heard some people complain about it.
That's mostly because they've got cats and dogs, but when it comes to small mammals, everyone's had a good experience.
But that's not what I'm talking about right now.
Red Fox Clinic has Dr. Ozerkova, who takes care of small mammals, and the best part is, she sees patients on a first-come, first-served basis, not a week in advance.
With small animals, things can develop really quickly, so waiting that long just isn't possible.
So, that's where I ended up (and not for the first time, either - the situation was pretty similar back then).
They've got a phone number, so you can call and ask about the doctor's schedule, and they also let you know in advance that you'll have to wait.
I think you can try to schedule an appointment, but from what I understand, it's kind of conditional, because even people who have appointments still end up waiting.
The clinic is pretty close to the Chernaya Rechka metro stop - it's about a 10-15 minute walk, so even without a car, it's doable with your pet.
The clinic itself is tiny.
There's a pet store right at the entrance (I should note that they've got some really good products for small mammals - approved treats, big, quiet, and safe wheels - it's hard to find those in regular pet stores), and the administrator who checks you in sits there.
I spent about 2 hours waiting, which felt like a long time.
The queue was moving strangely - some people who were already seated when I arrived stayed in the same spot, while others who came after me got to go first.
Maybe it was because of the mythical appointment system, but I'm not sure.
It was great to see people coming to collect their pets from the hospital - not everyone can provide the necessary care at home, especially in the first few days after surgery.
Having a hospital like this is a good backup plan.
The actual examination.
The waiting room was tiny and felt like it was part of the hospital itself.
Here's the table where they examined my little one.
They also had an ultrasound machine, but I think it was located in the operating room.
I just got my pet taken away and brought back a few minutes later after the ultrasound.
One downside was that they didn't provide a printed copy of the ultrasound results - only a written report.
Everything moved quickly, which was both good and bad.
On the one hand, it's great that they can help more animals in a shorter amount of time.
On the other hand, it felt a bit rushed and I wasn't given much time to ask questions or discuss my pet's condition.
As for cleanliness, it was pretty basic.
The corridor wasn't exactly spotless, and the other rooms I visited were similar.
There was a bit of a smell, but it was just the usual animal smell.
It's clear that the staff are stretched thin and can't spend all their time cleaning the floors.
While I would have liked it to be cleaner, especially in the operating rooms, I'm not sure how critical it is for the animals' safety.
Purpose.
The purpose is handed out on a piece of paper.
And let me tell you, although the doctor tries to do everything as quickly as possible, she answered all the questions I had, and even gave me some helpful tips.
Quick and to the point.
It's also great that they're prepared to take small animals with fast metabolisms to surgery if needed.
In their VK group, you can also ask questions to clarify any misunderstandings after discharge or if your pet's condition changes - and the doctor responds, which is super valuable.
Not all vets stay in touch with their patients after discharge.
I also heard in line that repeat consultations after surgery are free, but I haven't personally experienced this.
Also worth noting is that the clinic sells not only pet supplies but also medications, and some of them are even dispensed by the doctor directly.
It's really convenient to buy a medication ampule or individual tablets, especially for guinea pigs that need to divide their tablets into 10 parts - it's a huge time-saver, and you don't end up with a bunch of leftover tablets.
Prices.
They're extremely affordable.
I paid a total of 1440 rubles for the doctor's consultation, ultrasound, and medications.
That's peanuts.
I've read the reviews, and the surgeries are also budget-friendly, ranging from 2-3 thousand rubles.
I don't think you should choose a clinic solely based on prices, and I understand that not everyone can afford 5-10 thousand rubles on the spot.
But the disease won't wait.
So, the clinic's affordable prices make their help even more accessible.
Here's the bottom line:
✔️The vet has a broad profile and also takes care of guinea pigs, which is not common, and the vet is great, leaving only positive impressions
One of the things that really stood out to me was their walk-in policy, which means you can get your pet seen on the same day if you notice any issues.
And if surgery is needed, they can do it right away, which can literally be a lifesaver for small animals like rodents.
I was also impressed by the fact that they have a facility where you can leave your pet for aftercare if needed.
Plus, you can even buy medication, including tablets, if your pet requires it – you don't have to buy the whole pack.
The vet provides all the necessary advice on how to care for your pet at home, and if you have any further questions, you can reach out to them on social media without having to visit the clinic.
Another plus is that their prices are very budget-friendly, making their services accessible to more pet owners.
However, there are a few areas for improvement.
The waiting time can be quite long – I'd say it's usually around an hour or two – and it's not always clear how long you'll be waiting.
And sometimes, the vet can seem a bit rushed, which I know is understandable given the high volume of patients.
The clinic itself could also use a bit more cleaning, especially in the waiting area, which can get pretty cramped.
Verdict: I wouldn't say this is the best clinic in town, but I don't want to trash it either.
To be honest, there aren't many places that offer urgent care for small animals, so I'll definitely be going back here if I need their services again.
That being said, I do recommend them if you're in a bind and need help quickly.
I've been to Red Fox Clinic a few times, and it's always been a mixed bag.
On the one hand, they've got a great vet who takes care of small mammals, and the prices are super affordable.
On the other hand, the waiting time can be pretty long, and the clinic itself could use a bit more cleaning.
Still, I'd recommend them if you're in a pinch and need help quickly – just be prepared for a potentially long wait.
live_helpFeatured FAQ
What kind of animals does Red Fox Clinic specialize in?
Red Fox Clinic specializes in caring for small mammals, including hamsters, house mice, and turtles.
How does the clinic's first-come, first-served policy work?
The clinic sees patients on a first-come, first-served basis, which means that owners can bring their pets in as soon as they become available.
Can I buy medication at the clinic?
Yeah, you can buy medication on a per-item basis at the clinic, which is super handy if you only need a small amount.
What kind of care can I expect from Dr. Ozerkova?
Dr. Ozerkova is super knowledgeable and has always given me great advice on how to care for my pets. She's really good at what she does and has a lot of experience caring for small mammals.
How long do I have to wait to see the doctor?
The wait time can vary depending on the time of day and how many patients are in the clinic, but it's usually pretty short.
Can I get a second opinion at the clinic?
Yeah, you can get a second opinion at the clinic, and Dr. Ozerkova is always happy to discuss your pet's care with you.
Does the clinic offer any additional services?
Yeah, the clinic offers a range of additional services, including vaccinations, microchipping, and spaying/neutering.
Can I get a copy of my pet's medical records?
Yeah, you can get a copy of your pet's medical records from the clinic, and they'll be happy to help you with any questions you have.
How do I contact the clinic?
You can call the clinic to ask about the doctor's schedule or to ask any questions you have.
check_circlePros
- •The doc sees patients on a first-come, first-served basis, which is a huge plus for small mammals that need immediate care.
- •Dr. Ozerkova is super knowledgeable and has always given me great advice on how to care for my pets.
- •The clinic has a phone number where you can call to ask about the doctor's schedule, which is really convenient.
- •You can buy medication on a per-item basis, which is handy if you only need a small amount.
- •The doctor is really good at what she does, and I've never had any issues with the quality of care.
- •The clinic is open and transparent about its policies and procedures, which I appreciate.
cancelCons
- •The waiting area is tiny, and it can get pretty crowded, which is stressful for both pets and owners - I'm talking frazzled owners and anxious pets.
- •The clinic isn't the cleanest place I've ever been to, and I've seen some areas that could use a good scrubbing.
- •The lines can be pretty long, especially during peak hours, which can be frustrating.
- •The clinic could benefit from some renovations to make it more comfortable for pets and owners.
- •I've had some issues with the billing process in the past, which can be confusing and frustrating.
- •The clinic could do a better job of communicating with owners about their pets' care and any issues that arise.
