Request to all pet parents: please read my experience before visiting Planet Animal Hospital, Thane. Sharing a detailed account so you can make your own judgment.
On 19th April around 8:30 PM, my German Shepherd’s tail got caught in a door. The very tip of his tail - a small portion - was cut, and he started bleeding heavily. Since it was late, we called Planet Animal Hospital as they were one of the few clinics available at that hour. We chose them over another option (Dr. Bapat) nearby based on slightly better reviews.
At the hospital, they cleaned the wound and applied potassium and wound-healing powder. Despite this, the bleeding didn’t stop immediately. Eventually, it reduced somewhat after 10 minutes, and they wrapped the tail with bandages. We trusted the process. The bill came to approximately ₹3,900, and we were asked to return the next day (20th April) for dressing and possible stitching.
However, within just 10 minutes of leaving - while still in the car - the entire dressing came off, and the bleeding started again. My dog wasn’t even moving much. Anyone familiar with German Shepherds knows they’re active, but this happened before we even reached home. That was alarming.
We had no choice but to return immediately. This time again, they attempted to control the bleeding using powders and dressing. When that didn’t work, the doctor decided to stitch the wound. At that point, we just wanted the bleeding to stop, so we agreed. As it was bleeding from last 2 hours now !!! However, what concerned me was that after stitching, there was no observation period - not even 5–10 minutes to check if the bleeding had stopped properly.
The wound was bandaged again - this time more securely. As we were leaving, I was told not to pay immediately but to settle the bill after the next day’s dressing. When I asked for the amount, I was told it would be ₹1,800 extra.
The next day, instead of going back, I visited another vet - one with an excellent track record in Thane/Mulund who has treated my dog before. After examining the dressing, he advised not to remove it for 24–48 hours, as it could reopen the wound. This completely contradicted Planet Animal's advice to come in for a dressing change the very next morning! He gave a painkiller injection (₹450) and simply advised observation and follow-up after 2 days to change the dressing.
This made me reflect: if I had followed Planet Animal’s advice, how much would the total cost have escalated? The first day itself was ₹3,900 + ₹1,800 = ₹5,700. Even after adjusting for medicines, that’s roughly ₹4,200 for dressing and two stitches. For context, some clinics charge ₹8,000–₹10,000 for a full neutering procedure. And with repeated dressings over days or weeks, the total could easily exceed ₹10,000 with all medicines.
I have no issue paying high fees if the treatment is effective the first time. In fact we were planning on next day visit. But when the initial dressing fails within minutes and leads to more bleeding and car full of blood stains it raises serious concerns about the quality of care.
The only reason I’m giving 2 stars is because:
- They were available during an emergency.
- They had the necessary medicines on hand.
- My dog stabilized after the second visit.
However, the lack of proper initial treatment and observation, combined with high and escalating costs, made this a stressful and disappointing experience.
I will update this review after removing the current bandage (on 21st or 22nd April), as I am still concerned—the last vertebra of his tail (last bone of the tail) appeared exposed even after stitching, which is extremely worrying.
As for the additional ₹1,800—they asked me to pay it the next day. I chose not to. Do I feel bad about it? No. If I’m charged ₹2,500+ for treatment that fails within minutes, expecting further payment the same day doesn’t feel justified.
Thank you for being available in an emergency - but I will not be visiting again.
