Created: 9/4/2009 6:06:42 PM 
JACKSONVILLE, FL -- A First Coast woman has her dog back after it was held by her veterinarian's office because she had not paid her bill
The Ark Animal Hospital returned "Sprite" to Dawn Surrency and her children Saturday morning after she brought a Humane Society credit card to them to pay for the care. The animal hospital refused to accept the credit card. The Humane Society brought over cash to pay for treatment and boarding.
The Society had volunteered to pay the bill, but instead teamed up with Jacksonville No More Homeless Pets to cover the expenses.
Three weeks ago, Surrency took her Sprite, a Husky, to Ark because she thought something was in her throat.
"They called me and said she was done, and they couldn't find anything wrong with her and the bill was $465," says Surrency.
She says she has used the hospital for the past year more than once, and has always paid in full. But this time, she did not have the full payment.
The office refused to let her make payments on her bill because it is not office policy. Then the clinic threatened to 'dispose' of her family pet.
"They told me to pawn things to get the money to pay them," says , who is still upset with her veterinary service.
A receptionist of the Ark Animal Hospital said Dr. Anna Maxwell is the owner and would have to make the decision.
Maxwell refused to comment, except to say, "Because of the doctor-patient confidentiality rule, to comment would be a violation."
The receptionist pointed to the hospital intake form which states, "...work up can be as little as $150...as high as $350."
It also states the customer,"...assumes full responsibility for all services rendered and that payment is due on the date services are rendered."
"I asked if I could pay a partial payment and they refused, she said that is not our policy you have to pay in full or the dog stays," says Surrency.
She says she also tried to pay with a pet health insurance card, but they did not accept that card. Eventually, the vet bill reached $817 because it charged Surrency for boarding the pet. They also told her that if she didn't pay, the office would send an abandonment letter, and 10 days after that the office would "dispose" of the dog.
"I don't mind paying them, I just want someone to work with me because I want my dog, my kids want the dog. I can't imagine it is good for him to sit in a crate for three weeks," Surrency said earlier this week.
Before the Humane Society intervened, Rick Duchrme of First Coast No More Homeless Pets tried to assist in a resolution. He contacted the Ark Animal Hospital and offered to pay the medical bill, if the vet would forgive the boarding fees. He said they refused.
The Florida Board of Veterinary Medicine said that non-payment is a civil matter, but if Surrency feels there has been unethical behavior she can file a complaint with the state.
Click here for the address and phone number to the Ark Animal Hospital, where, according to the web site, "Your Pets Are Our Passion."
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