Gold Coast Animal Hospital

225 W Division St, Chicago, IL 60610, USA

Category:	Animal Hospital
Address:	225 W Division St, Chicago, IL 60610, USA
Phone:	+1 312-337-7387
Site:	goldcoastah.com
Rating:	4.2
Working:	8AM–7PM 8AM–7PM 8AM–6PM 8AM–7PM 8AM–6PM 9AM–4PM Closed

Location

Photos 19

Reviews 10

Andrew Smith

Be careful with boarding older pets. My dog died a day after picking her up after a long weekend staying at GCAH. I recently moved to the neighborhood with my 9 year old German Shepherd Lexy. I chose to bring her to Gold Coast Animal Hospital based on the location and decent reviews. My initial experiences were positive. A little pricier then vets Ive gone to in the past but considering the downtown Chicago location it was understandable. The service was professional and I felt comfortable with Lexy being cared for by them. Last weekend I needed to go out of town and chose to try using GCAH for boarding. I figured shed be in good hands with plenty of friendly people spending time with her and taking her out. Im guessing my dog isnt the only dog that gets a little stress and anxiety when their owner isnt there. Due to this, Lexy doesnt always eat that well when Im gone, therefore she doesnt poop all that well either. Dr Reece felt that because of her pooping habits that she needed to receive a steroid injection for enteritis to help. They also put her on 2 medications (metronidazole & sucralfate). This was all done without my consent. I know the intentions were to help her but she was an older dog that shouldnt have been pumped full of meds for a little diarrhea without my consent. A simple phone call to notify me and I wouldve re-explained that this was somewhat normal when I was away from her. I signed a waiver that they explained would allow them to provide medical attention if something severe happened and they needed to save their lives. Obviously Id be okay with that. Im not okay with 3 meds being given to my dog without my consent for her poop being a little soft. I picked her up Monday morning. Within an hour she began vomiting (10+ times by the afternoon). I took her back to the vet. Some very casual recommendations were made by the vet (could do blood work, could do an x-ray, could give her some nausea medicine) but there didnt seem to be any urgency that something might really be wrong. Based on that they seemed okay with the idea of monitoring her a little longer at home after getting some medicine for the nausea. I know its my decision but Im not a doctor. I really need a doctor who can identify when something is severe and will strongly suggest to me that more is done. Ive spent plenty of money with GCAH the past 6 months. Another 500 to potentially save her life wouldnt have been an issue. She seemed to be getting a little better and not vomiting very much but still seemed lethargic. The next day day she seemed like she was continuing to come around a little. That afternoon I found her in the bathtub where she took her last breath in my arms. My dog is gone now and an autoposy would help provide some answers but it wont bring her back. She was getting older but Tuesday afternoon was not supposed to be her last day. When I dropped her off at GCAH last Thursday she was full of energy. 5 days later shes gone. I cant prove these medications killed her but obviously something happened during her stay there over the weekend that ultimately lead to her health deteriorating and her death. My issue with GCAH is that they did not contact me over the weekend to get my consent to provide her with these medications. I know my dog better than anyone and wouldve been against this and maybe shed still be here with me today.

A Private User

My dog is nine. Shes in good shape, very healthy, but I still get her blood taken at the annual exams just to be safe, the same way I would do with my daughter. We had a routine visit, our second at this vet, and their first time taking her blood. I waited in the exam room as they took her away; I heard over the loud speaker "any available technicians to the operating room" and got a little scared, maybe there was a problem, I didnt know. After a bit of waiting and worrying, again a loud speaker announcement, "ALL ADDITIONAL TECHNICIANS TO THE OPERATING ROOM!" This was my dogs ninth time giving blood, shes not new, shes never had an issue in the past with prior vets. When the vet returned with her, she exclaimed "This dog knows her strength and knows how to use it..." I cannot even imagine what sort of trauma my dog experienced while back there giving blood. It shouldnt be that hard, and force shouldnt have to be used. Ive watched it be done in the past with NO ISSUES. My only guess is that this place has inexperienced techs performing tasks that theyre not capable of performing. Perhaps they have inexperienced techs or doctors that do not possess the correct mindset for working on sensing animals; Im not sure. I have no other means to explain why after NINE YEARS of successful blood donation, they would suddenly have to compile an increased numbers armed attack against my struggling dog. The trauma is already done. You couldnt pay me to take her back there. I already feel so bad for having exposed her to such carelessness in the first place. Please heed my warning, gambling on your pets well being is not worth it.

Margaret Garner

Gold Coast Animal Hospital has been caring for our Majik, a boxer, since we adopted him six years ago. The entire Gold Coast team led by the leadership of Dr. Reese are very caring and attentive to your pets every need. Majik utilizes all of the services which Gold Coast offers. First all of his annual check ups and accidents during the year, boarding, swimming and grooming. If you like Gold Coast care and love for your pet family at affordable pricing I suggest you visit Gold Coast Animal Hospital.

Kimberly Allen

The veterinarians were wonderful with my dog. However when we were in the exam room, I could hear the tech who did my intake call me a crazy lady just because I was seeking light sedation for my dog. She dispensed her thoughts on what should happen and how there is no way my plan could work. She is a tech and I was talking about a surgical problem. I do not think that is her place. So great veterinarians but horrible techs that cannot keep their mouths shut.

Pam Gray

Best service weve ever received for our pets. They are thorough, caring and are available always for questions and assistance. They keep a personal relationship with all their clients. Weve been going there for 15 years and the vets and vet techs weve encountered have been outstanding. I wouldnt consider going anywhere else. They have all the latest technology. A++++++

A Private User

WE have always been totally happy with Gold Coast. They take great care of our dog. She recently had her teeth cleaned and everything went perfectly. They are on time and know how to not only deal with current issues but look ahead to prevent future ones.

A Private User

They were wonderful. Great service. I am new to Chicago and needed someone who would take care of my pet like he was family. Dr. Gilbertson was awesome! So happy I went there and they will continue to get my business.

María Manchado de Ruitenberg

Dr. Reece is great with Mikey, our Chinchilla! The only Vet in the area that treats exotic animals.

Derrick Bigham

The staff is very friendly and knowledge. They care about your pet and provide excellent service.

Janice Johnson

They are wonderful, took care of my dog after he was hit by a car. Now hes 100 % better