100 Things Challenge - 005: Shanghai PAW Vet Clinic
Yes. Yes they are.
This is an important place for me to add and while I love the people inside it, it's definitely not my favorite place to go. Mainly because it means one of zoo members needs a doctor - AGAIN - and that means it's time to empty out my wallet. AGAIN.
SPVC was the first Western vet clinic to be thought of back in 1998. It took three years of planning and set-up before it became a reality, but SPVC opened in March 2001. A string of Australian vets ran the clinic until Dr James Holder arrived in October 2002 and never left! Dr James is probably the only vet I trust completely. When I lived in Canada, and we had Gizmo, and even Teddy, I remember vets always pushing for more - more treatments,more medication, more experiments. They would tell us that their way was right and anything else I'd heard was wrong.
<--Dr James Wendy
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Dae
Dr James was part of the pair that first worked on Ruthie when she was picked off the street by a volunteer, sometime in late 2003. He has been her vet from day 1. I have never been pressured to do additional treatments, and in fact, I have been encouraged to save my money on others while we waited to see how things would work out. Some clinics insist on sedating dogs for x-rays - Dr J allowed me to prove that Ru could hold still long enough for x-rays and didn't require sedation. He has worked with me on helping to control Yuki's Picos condition, using non-invasive hormone sprays and vitamins, Rescue Remedy and behavioural changes rather than going straight to Prozak and other medications. He doesn't tell me what I want to hear or useless platitudes or even the inane flattery a vet in Ontario tried to resort to - he tells me flat out what he thinks is best for Ru and I appreciate the honesty.
After Dr James, my two favorite people there are Dae and Wendy. Both friendly, with decent English skills, they are always in a good mood, they're happy to explain things to me and answer my questions, and help me as best they can. Robin is another GP who has handled Ru, Yuki and Sammy a couple of times now and is following in Dr James footsteps. Almost all of the staff ar PAW own their own adopted pets, so they know how pet owners feel.
PAW clinic has spayed and neutered Ru and the boys, treated Ru for eye injuries, skin infections, gastroenteritis, ear infections, ringworm, allergies and numerous other little ailments that have cropped up over the years.
If she only knew how much she's cost me... :)
SPVC works extensively with the Second Chance Animal Aid (SCAA) group in Shanghai, providing discounted treatments and help for animals in need. Every year, Dr J joins a troop of volunteers to visit the Cat-Man of Shanghai, administering vaxxes, Revolution treatment and a quick assessment for over 150 animals. LA, director of the SCAA, routinely brings animals to PAW for assessments and treatments.
PAW will also help you learn what you need to do to import / export your pets from other countries. They provide you with contact info and map to the Shanghai Government Vet Clinic (on Xu Jia Hui Rd, Xu Hui district) where you can get the rabies vax (PAW will do it but it won't count in the eyes of the government), a microchip and the checkup for your pets world health certificate.
How do you get there?
The clinic is located at No. 15, 722 Xin Hua Lu, near Kaixuan Lu. Take subway line 3 to West Yan'An Road Station. Cross the street under the overhead road by way of the airwalk and come down the right set of stairs. Turn left and go down Kauixuan Road. In about 2 minutes, you will see Xin Hua Rd (you can see the big, blue-green plastic overhang over the Xin Hua tunnel in the distance). Turn left on Xin Hua road, and the clinic is on the corner, right there. You can't miss it!
Follow the tiny pink road...
Very important place to know in Shanghai if you come over with your beloved furry friend, or if you happen to adopt one into your heart and home once you get here. :)