Snelgrove Hank DVM

Snelgrove Hank DVM is a veterinary professional operating in Port Hadlock-Irondale, WA, located at 975 Oak Bay Rd, Port Hadlock-Irondale, WA 98339, USA. Dr. Hank Snelgrove can be reached at (360) 385-7297 or via mobile at +1 360-385-7297. Dr. Snelgrove is a seasoned veterinarian, having graduated from the University of California, Davis (UCD) School of Veterinary Medicine in 1981. His career began on the Olympic Peninsula of Washington, where he practiced as a mixed animal veterinarian, attending to a diverse range of animals including dogs, cats, horses, beef and dairy cattle, sheep, goats, pigs, and pocket pets. He previously built and operated a full-service practice offering surgery, dentistry, medicine, and dairy herd health, which he subsequently sold in 2013.

Dr. Snelgrove has a notable background in Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine (TCVM), having studied the discipline extensively since 2007, with 12 trips to China and Taiwan for immersive learning. He holds a certificate as a Certified Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine Practitioner from the Chi Institute of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine. His expertise in TCVM encompasses acupuncture, herbal medicine, Chinese Food Therapy, and Tui Na massage therapy. Currently, Dr. Snelgrove primarily focuses on small animal medicine, often working as a relief veterinarian for various animal hospitals, lending his extensive experience and specialized skills where needed.

While specific details about the physical environment at 975 Oak Bay Rd are not extensively available, generally, veterinary practices aim to provide a clean, safe, and functional space for both animals and their owners. Given Dr. Snelgrove's long career and experience in building a "state-of-the-art full-service practice" in the past, it can be inferred that any facility he operates or is associated with would strive for professional standards in terms of equipment and hygiene necessary for veterinary care. The focus on relief work suggests he might operate in various clinical settings, which would each have their own specific environment. When he was operating his own clinic, it would have been designed to facilitate comprehensive medical, surgical, and dental procedures.

The core of any veterinary practice, including one overseen by a DVM with such extensive experience, revolves around maintaining a professional and caring atmosphere. This involves an environment conducive to accurate diagnostics, effective treatments, and compassionate patient care. Aspects such as a well-organized reception area, clean examination rooms, and appropriate facilities for diagnostic imaging and surgery are standard for a professional veterinary setting. The personal interaction between the veterinary staff and clients is also a crucial part of the environment, shaping the overall experience for pet owners.

As an experienced DVM with a comprehensive background, Dr. Hank Snelgrove's services would generally fall under the category of Pet Hospital services, focusing primarily on small animal medicine in his current capacity. Based on information regarding his professional background and current practices, the services typically offered would include:

• Integrative Small Animal Practice: This is a key focus, combining conventional Western veterinary medicine with elements of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine.
• General Medicine: Diagnosis and treatment of common illnesses, management of chronic conditions, and general health assessments for small animals.
• Preventive Care: This would encompass routine wellness exams, vaccinations tailored to the pet's needs and lifestyle, parasite control, and nutritional counseling.
• Dentistry: Basic dental care services, which are crucial for a pet's overall health and well-being.
• Surgery: Performance of various surgical procedures, including soft tissue surgeries.
• Acupuncture: As a certified practitioner, Dr. Snelgrove offers acupuncture for a range of conditions, often used for pain management, chronic diseases, and rehabilitation.
• TCVM Herbal Therapy: Utilization of Chinese herbal medicine to complement conventional treatments, addressing imbalances and promoting healing from a holistic perspective.
• Chinese Food Therapy: Guidance on dietary adjustments based on TCVM principles to support specific health conditions.
• Tui Na Massage Therapy: A form of therapeutic massage from TCVM, used to promote circulation, relieve pain, and improve mobility.

His background as a mixed practitioner also suggests a broad understanding of various animal species, although his current focus is on small animals. This depth of knowledge would benefit clients with a wide range of pet health concerns.

A significant feature of Dr. Snelgrove's practice is his specialization in Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine (TCVM). This integrative approach offers pet owners alternative or complementary treatment options beyond conventional Western medicine, which can be particularly beneficial for chronic conditions, pain management, and older pets. The ability to offer acupuncture, herbal medicine, and other TCVM modalities positions him as a unique resource in the Port Hadlock-Irondale area.

However, it is important to address the customer review provided, which raises serious concerns about the practice's operation and client interactions. The review describes an incident where a client's son felt injections were given without permission, followed by a threat to call the police over an unpaid bill. The client also questions the necessity and cost of the diagnostic procedures ($623.00 for X-rays and examination for back pain), suggesting the vet "wanted to find something." The secretary's reported response, "She said she felt bad but was put in a spot," indicates an awareness of the client's distress within the clinic. This feedback implies potential issues with communication, transparency in billing, and client consent procedures, which are critical for building trust in a veterinary practice. This specific review highlights a concern about the approach to young pet owners and the handling of billing and consent for services.

Conversely, Dr. Snelgrove's personal website and professional listings often highlight his extensive experience and dedication to the veterinary field, including his advanced training in TCVM. These aspects would typically be seen as positive features, indicating a high level of expertise and a commitment to diverse treatment options. The fact that he works as a relief veterinarian also suggests that his skills are in demand by other clinics. However, the isolated negative review underscores the importance of clear communication and ethical financial practices in veterinary care.

Based on the provided information, there are no specific promotional offers detailed for Snelgrove Hank DVM. The public perception, as indicated by the single review, is mixed. While a professional veterinarian's experience and specialized skills, such as TCVM, are significant assets, a negative client experience, particularly one involving allegations of unauthorized treatment and aggressive billing practices, can severely impact reputation. In the absence of a broader range of reviews, it is challenging to form a comprehensive picture of consistent client experiences. However, a single highly critical review can carry significant weight, particularly when it touches upon core ethical considerations like consent and transparent pricing.

For any veterinary practice, effective promotion relies heavily on a strong reputation, built on consistent positive client experiences, clear communication, and compassionate care. Addressing client concerns proactively and ensuring transparency in all aspects of service delivery, especially regarding treatment plans and costs, are paramount. While the provided review suggests areas for improvement in client communication and financial transparency, Dr. Snelgrove's long-standing career and specialized knowledge in TCVM remain valuable professional attributes. Potential clients might be drawn to his unique integrative approach, but clear and consensual engagement would be essential for a positive experience.

In summary, Snelgrove Hank DVM, located in Port Hadlock-Irondale, WA, offers a range of small animal veterinary services, significantly enhanced by Dr. Snelgrove's extensive expertise in Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine, including acupuncture and herbal therapies. His long career in diverse animal practice speaks to a broad base of knowledge. However, the singular critical review highlights areas for improvement regarding client consent, billing transparency, and interpersonal communication. While Dr. Snelgrove's specialized skills offer unique treatment avenues for pets, prospective clients should prioritize open communication and clear understanding of treatment plans and costs.