North Center Animal Hospital

Reviews 7

TA

Tara Tingley

After reading a couple unfavorable reviews of North Center Animal Hospital I felt the need to post a review. I have been a client of NCAH since I moved to Chicago in 1996. My pets have always seen Dr. Castillo and I would never go anywhere else or have anyone else see my pets. Dr. Castillo (along with the rest of the staff at NCAH) has always been respectful, helpful, and compassionate toward my cats. He has always taken the time to explain procedures, options, and answer all of my questions. Over the years, Dr. Castillo has been through many situations with my pets. The most difficult being the decision to euthanize my elderly ailing feline. After many medical procedures, medications, amoung other efforts- he helped me make one of the most difficult decisions that a pet owner has to make, which I truly believe was the best thing to do. He spent a lot of time talking me through everything, explaining what was happening with my beloved cat. He never rushed me through conversations or made me feel like I was wasting his time. In the end, he even sent me a hand written card expressing his condolences. I sincerely believe that Dr. Castillo cares for all his patients as if they were his own. We just added a dog to our family and we skipped the free vet visit the shelter gave us and went straight to Dr. Castillo for her first check up. The only thing is that he doesnt see exotics, although Dr. Ellwood was great with our ball python. Through all of my visits to the office, I have NEVER felt disrespected or that my pet was not cared for. I feel I have always been given superior pet care. I dont think that NCAH is over priced, but I will say that you get what you pay for, I would never go to a cheap vet. As for people complaining about how much care costs- if you cant afford to pay for proper vet care, then maybe you shouldnt own pets. I have spent thousands of dollars over the years to make sure my pets are happy and healthy and have never complained or regreted it once. Anyway....Dr. Castillo and everyone at NCAH are awesome! Thank you for years of wonderful care and service! I cant tell you how greatful I am to have you as my vet!!

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Jenna Govostes

I totally lucked out living across the street from this place! When I got my puppy, I originally started taking him to a super modern veterinarian office that was about a 15 minute drive away. The only problem with that was that my dog gets carsick after about 5 minutes in the car. I couldnt handle the stress of getting him to the vet for all of his puppy shots (we had appointments every 2-4 weeks). I decided to switch to North Center Animal Hospital, even though the store front wasnt quite as pretty. It was close, I could walk the puppy there, and I wouldnt have to spend all afternoon cleaning up my car. Yeah its a little outdated, but NCAH is amazing!! My dog has seen all of the vets there (they recommended switching up staff to better socialize him) and I love them all. The best thing about switching to NCAH... I have probably saved thousands of dollars. I have always been told about alternative treatments that work just as well as the pricey pet meds, and no one has ever tried to sell me on anything I dont need. While a more modern office would be nice, Im perfectly happy knowing that Im paying for the services and not the facility. And last but not least, my dog is obsessed with this place. We pass it on walks and he cries because he cant go inside. Whose dog does that? Who else can say that their dog loves to go to the vet?

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Bill Kurland

We had a great experience with Dr. Elwood and the rest of the staff at North Center Animal Hospital. The office is clean, the staff are friendly and helpful, and most importantly Dr. Elwood provided care that went above and beyond for our cat Norm. Whereas other vets weve dealt with in the area have been adequate in their treatment, Dr. Elwood gave us a clear diagnosis, explanation of the disease and continuing care plan for Norm, which is something we have not gotten at other facilities. Yes, the treatment was expensive, but in my experience emergency veterinary services are always expensive and I never felt like the doctor was trying to take advantage of our sick pet to make some extra money. In fact, she understood our monetary concerns and worked to manage the cost without compromising Norms care. We know that Norm is in good hands and that we stand a much better chance of avoiding long and expensive stays at hospitals for his disease moving forward. Thank you, North Center Animal Hospital.

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Eric Wozny

Awesome! We went here as a referral from our neighbor. When we walked in the door we were greeted by the person at the desk. Sorry, cant remember her name. We were seen by Dr. Castillo he was the best part of the experience. I dont know about most people but I dont want a "wishy washy" doctor that talks to me in medical jargon. Dr. Castillo is a straight talking doctor that gave us realistic expectations about our bulldogs skin condition in understandable terms. He took time to get to know our dog and understand us as parents/owners. He was gentle and used great care handling our newest family member. The bottom line is we felt very safe and confident in the care she received. I can t comment on cost my wife actually payed the bill. I really wasnt all that concerned about that. Its hard to find a doctor that makes me feel at ease and Dr. Castillo did. Thanks North Center

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Sarah Lin Baxter

The veterinarians, technicians and other employees who work here are such a great group of people. I woke up one morning to my cat (Aphex) all wiggly-legged and (I thought) close to death, I spent the better part of 20 minutes sobbing because I thought I was going to have to put him down. I called on a whim asking if NCAH could see him that morning, they told me "Come in ASAP, well make time for you" In a world where Emergency vet care (*cough*MedVet*cough*) is treated as a for-profit industry this was a HUGE relief. The doctor was super sympathetic and Aphex went on to fight another day. I would have been in a much worse state if the awesome people here hadnt been there to help out.

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k murdock

APB for all bunny owners as this is the best vet office! Why? I just got a call from the vet before she left on vacation to check and see how things were going with my Lychee. When does that ever happen?! Plus, really no wait time at all in the office and getting an appointment with an emergency was thankfully fast! I want to express my gratitude and appreciation! Many might not understand my love for my bun, or not understand why anyone would choose a bunny. Yet overall, love is love! And I Iove this vet office!

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A Private User

Even though Ive moved away, I still take my cats to North Center. The staff are so friendly and professional. And you can see that they honestly care about your pet. One of my cats had to stay overnight for a procedure and the next day when he left, all the staff were stopping to say goodbye and how much they enjoyed his sweet personality. It meant a lot to know that they were that involved with my cat while he was away from home. They were also very flexible with payment options for my cats procedure.

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