VCA Ark Animal Hospital

Reviews 7

ST

Stephanie Schroeder

They pretend to like your pet so youll cough up more money, and prey on your emotions that your pet is worth it. Im rather disappointed in the treatment I received when I brought my pet in for the second time in the middle of an injury she has just recently been going through, though I wasnt too thrilled about the first time, either. On Saturday, three days ago, I took my pet in for a leg injury that she started biting at, which became infected. After everything was said and done, the bill was rather pricey. Knowing that places will hide behind the rigidity of medicinal costs, the staff long-story-short said "Im sorry, but there is nothing we can do to reduce cost or help you in any manner", until suddenly they were able to break down costs into biweekly payments on a credit card they had on store, which would have had me paying them in full in under two months for the first visit. Today I had a second visit, which required her procedure to be redone, which I understood. This time, under no circumstance was I allowed to pay anything less than full cost before I walked out the door, for a still rather expensive cost. I asked that since they had my card on file from three days prior, that I continue to pay the agreed sum biweekly until it was paid in full. They had me wait for over a half hour, (very sales tactic feeling) before taking me into a private room saying that they would accept a portion of todays visit, but that I was not allowed back there until everything is paid in full. At this point, they have lost me as a customer anyway. I have had pets all my life; some of these pets with special needs, and I know what it feels like to have a vet who knows you and your pets, and a place who is willing to work with you beyond caring for your pet. Before this, I had paid Animal Ark for every single visit in full and on time, and I had a record for being consistent, but this is a sudden injury that is costing nearly $1,000 in less than 72 hours. For Animal Ark to stop treatment while I still have a sick cat, even after we came up with an agreement so recently before, really got me thinking once and for all that it is time for me to find a better hospital for my pet. Fortunately I already know exactly who that is. Once I finish paying off this bill, my business with Animal Ark will be complete .

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Blake David

Recently went to Animal Ark for my pups (12 weeks old) routine check-up. First impressions as I walked up to reception were very good. The building was clean with plenty of seating in case you need to keep your pet away from others waiting for their appointment. Also, the receptionists were outstanding. They answered my general questions and were very professional as I arrived for the appointment and checked out. The first tech (similar to nurse for us humans?) did a great job asking questions about my dogs medical history and what Ive been doing as his caretaker. Dr. Singleton soon arrived with another tech after her she finished up her earlier appointment. Dr. Singleton was fantastic and thorough with the pup. She reached out to the pups previous vet to inquire about vaccinations and took her time while she did the examination. Dr. Singleton and the tech did a remarkable job administering vaccinations and going over every question I had as I am a first time puppy owner. Ive been to many other vets while taking care of previous family dogs and I can honestly say this is best. The thoroughness, honesty, and great staff will keep me coming back (hopefully not too often).

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A Private User

1. Boarded dog there for 1 night and he was returned bleeding and smelling badly of must. I would never again use this service. My pet deserves better. 2. Never received rabies tag in spite of inoculation and was told by the receptionist that he would "do me a favor" and give me one. This was after I produced the cert. from them with no tag attached to it. No apology from him, just repeated, sarcastic thanks like, "thank you VERY much" or "I really hope you have the greatest day." Yes, I know the difference between sincerity and sarcasm. 3. 4 visits and about $600 later, my dog still has irritated skin, despite every product under the sun. I was told to wash my dog every other day with anti fungal shampoo despite the fact that he tested negative for ringworm. Oh, and he was repeatedly subscribed a steroid spray, which the doctor did not know had steroids in it. Dont be impressed by their granite countertops and private waiting room. Additionally, they are not the "absolute best in Chicago" and only 1 of their doctors could be described as "incredibly knowledgeable." The others leave much to be desired.

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A Private User

Ive had a consistently poor experience at Animal Ark. I have waited 20 minutes or more at each visit. One of the Vets was accually rude and condescending (a first for me in 18 years of vet visits). If thats not enough, having visited with BOTH doctors my dogs common ailment was still over-looked...costing me loads of time, money and frustration. The doctors neglicted to perform the first course of action with a skin infection (a simple skin scraping) and instead put my dog on anti-biotics. As a result my dog suffered for an entire year while we were baffled about the persistnece of the problem! (the dog had comon mange, which is easily remedied with the same meds for heartworm). Verternarians dont make much, if any, money on a simple skin scraping...but undoubtedly make good money (my money in this case) from the drugs/meds they sell. Could they possibly be so shallow? Regardless, they are either greedy or stupid...and my dog and I paid dearly. GO ELSWHERE!

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t santo

To whom it may concern, If you did not know Dr. Landini no longer owns animal arc V.C.A. I have a 17yo dog who is perfectly health except for arthritis. He was receiving cold laser treatment at the arc witch Dr. Landini generously gave to us for free. It changed our lives. Since corporation with no soul has taken over, they will not honor our previous agreement.They did how ever offer me a deal 200 for three treatments. The treatment takes 5 to 7 minutes and is administered by a technician and not a vet. Wow what compassion. Make sure you know who you are taking your pets to. I am telling you health of your pets is no longer a priority The bottom line is!!!! TAKE YOUR PETS TO HEAL!!!!

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Kyle Coulter

I brought my cat in after he was acting different and was in obvious pain. Unfortunately I ended up losing my cat after discovering a tumor. The doctor was very clear about my different options, and was very sympathetic when I made my final decision. Everyone, from the front desk to the doctor, was very kind and caring through the whole process. They even sent me a sympathy card in the mail a few days later. I do not have plans to get another cat right meow, but I would recommend VCA Ark Animal Hospital to anyone in the area. Thank you guys for taking care of my little guy while you had him.

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Adrian Ramos

We have an aggressive dog so it is difficult to find a vet with a staff that can calmly handle our situation. When we found VCA and explained our situation they assured us they were completely capable of handling out dog. To our pleasant surprise they were amazing. They made us and our dog feel really comfortable that our first visit was one of his best visits. We have been there since and They do an amazing job. They Are over priced which is the reason I wont give them a 5 star but as of now this is the only place we will take our pets.

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