We’ve trusted Mill Pond Vet with our family’s pets for over 10 years, and they’ve always been an important part of our pets’ care. Over the past few years, however, the experience started to feel a bit inconsistent with new faces at nearly every visit, which made it harder to feel that same level of continuity and confidence.
That completely changed during our recent visits with Dr. Jackson. Seeing her for the second time really reaffirmed our trust in the practice. It was clear she took the time to thoroughly review our pet’s history beforehand, which made our appointment efficient and focused. Even more importantly, she took the time to clearly explain terminology, treatment options, and next steps—something I personally find incredibly important.
With the recent ownership changes, I genuinely hope the practice recognizes the value Dr. Jackson brings. She made a lasting impression and restored our confidence in continuing care here.
My baby pom and blind calico both saw Dr. Jackson yesterday, it was our first time meeting her and I knew immediately that I would like her to be our vet from now on. I had been anxious with questions swirling in my mind but within seconds of Dr. Jackson entering the room, I felt at ease. Dr. Jackson not only answered all my questions but she also clearly explained everything she was doing and everything I would need to do at home. I now have an organized plan for each of my pets and she even took time to tell me what a great home I’m giving them both and I really needed that affirmation. Seeing my baby pom limping was scary and knowing my kitty needed more bloodwork had felt ominous. Dr. Jackson warmly welcomed my animals and cared for them as if she had known and loved them all their lives. I’m so reassured. I even feel more confident as a pet parent now that we see Dr. Jackson.
I would first like to acknowledge the many positive experiences I had at this practice in the past. Dr. Lang, Dr. Marotta, and several technicians cared for my dogs from 2020 through early 2026, and during those years my visits were consistently professional, calm, and respectful.
Unfortunately, my visit on February 19, 2026, was completely different.
I brought my healthy dog in for a routine checkup, fecal exam, and vaccines required for boarding. What should have been a straightforward preventive appointment quickly became uncomfortable and confrontational.
During the visit, Technician Laura Kelly repeatedly spoke over me, raised her voice, and addressed me in a way that felt accusatory rather than informative. Each time I attempted to respond or ask a question, I was interrupted and not allowed to finish a sentence. The tone was not educational or collaborative. It felt adversarial.
When she stepped out of the room, I could hear her speaking about me behind the door. Shortly after, Dr. Ashley Jackson, whom I had never met before, entered the room. Rather than asking about my dog’s routine, training, or overall health, the conversation immediately turned critical.
The entire interaction also felt rushed. Dr. Jackson repeatedly mentioned that she had a lot to say but might be pulled out of the room soon. She spoke at length, delivering a stream of general advice without first taking the time to understand my dog or my experience as an owner. I have had German Shepherds for six years, yet I was spoken to as if I had just adopted my first dog, receiving very basic instructions such as not exercising a dog immediately before or after eating. There was no attempt to ask what I already knew or what I was already doing.
Most concerning, while we were still in the room and without discussing it with me first, Dr. Jackson instructed the technician to administer an anti-parasitic medication before any fecal test results were available and without asking for my consent. Decisions were being made between the two of them as though I were not present. In the moment I was shocked and frozen. Looking back, I wish I had stopped the situation and left.
This was a routine visit involving a healthy dog. The escalation into a hostile exchange, combined with medical decisions made without discussion or approval, was deeply concerning.
No client should feel spoken over, dismissed, or excluded from medical decisions during a preventive appointment.
The experience left me deeply upset, and it took nearly a month to recover emotionally from what should have been a simple routine visit. I hope the practice reflects on what occurred so that no other client has a similar experience.
