VCA Chicago North Animal Hospital

Reviews 4

NO

Noelle Rogers

This afternoon we had an emergency with our dog Clive. We came home to what must have been a fight between our two dogs, that left Clive with the tip of his ear dangling. We quickly checked our other dog for injuries (she was fine) then hurried him into the car and raced the 10minutes to our Vet of 9 years, VCA North on Elston. We got there at 4:14, was asked if we had an appointment? My husband proceeded to explain why we were there and that we have been taking our dogs here for many years. While they were looking up Clives records, one receptionist said "Let me ask the Dr". After about a minute, she came out of the doctors office and stated the Dr. is leaving at 5, and only waiting for the last appointment so they would NOT be able to see Clive for his emergency visit and that we should take him to the ER vet! They then gave us pamphlets with the ER vets and their addresses in the area! (We are very aware of all the ER locations in our area, but did not feel the need to go there first because our Vet, VCA North was open and it was during normal office hours. Of course your first thought is to go to the place that knows your pet best, as they have been your vet for over 9 years. They have Clives records, and would surely be able to treat him more efficiently)! So I thought. Now, keep in mind the tip of my dogs ear is dangling. We are there at our Vet during business hours for an emergency. Clive is clearly in pain and panting. And the Dr. Couldnt even take a moment to come out and look at Clive to make sure that he was okay enough to even make the trip to the ER. Just turned us away with no regard to the pain, confusion or duress he may have been under. Not to mention, just to ease my panic over his injury. Dr. Whistler should have at least come out to explain to us why she/he wasnt able to handle the situation, and relieve me of my panic for his safety and at the very least taken his pulse or made a quick examination, before sending us to the ER...I would have accepted that. And, I would not be writing this review. We raced Clive to the ER vet, where they shook their head after hearing what happened at VCA. Clives heart rate was abnormal, they took an EKG. Their feelings were that he was in obvious pain, and their thoughts were to proceed with putting him under to repair the ear. That his heart irregularities and fever were most likely due to his pain. I volunteer all of my extra time with a local rescue, and my two pups rescued us over 9 years ago. I deal with many people in the animal rescue community and have met many Veterinarians on a regular basis. I have NEVER had a dog or myself treated this badly in all of my years. I will NEVER in good faith bring my dogs back to VCA as I do NOT trust that they have the best welfare of my dogs in mind. Who turns away a dog or any animal in an emergency without even a quick evaluation? Well VCA North on Elston and Dr. Whistler do.

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MA

Marianne Deacon

7 years ago I needed to have my dog put down. This is one of the hardest things to do but the people at VCA were so kind and compassionate. I decided to change the animal hospital I went to because of the service I received. I still had another dog who I needed to put down 4.5 years ago and although the vet tech gave me a guilt trip the vet was understanding and told me it was time (as Sadie was already ill and now suffering). The vet tech is no longer there and I did adopt another dog from PAWS. The dog had been being treated for kennel cough and I brought her to VCA. The care was exceptional and they have been dealing with my little Bella ever since. Just 3 weeks ago she had the doggie influenza and the vet always called me back and reassured me that Bella would be ok and that it just needed to run its course and to continue to give her the antibiotics and cough tabs. Bella is doing great after 2.5 weeks of being a very sick little doggie. The cost......I have always paid around the same amount at other vet offices. Banfield stinks and I feel my pets are not care for properly there. How much do we care about our pets? One shouldnt have a pet unless they have someone of paying for their care. There are organizations that defray some of the cost like the Anit Cruelty and PAWS clinic on 26th street. I put money away every month for my best friends yearly visit and it is always well worth the cost. I agree with many of the other posters. VCA gives you other options and lets you decide the treatment. GO VCA, my Bella (difficult Terrier) loves you lots. Very satisfied pet owner

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K

K Wachala

I rarely write reviews, but noticed quite a few negative ones and thought I could add a bit of perception. Ive been going to VCA for the last 4 years before recently moving overseas. I would say there were times I waited quite awhile-which can be frustrating-because you cant make appointments. But as my dog aged, I became a bit concerned with his legs and health, just to ensure I keep him happy for a few years longer. And this team was great! The front desk has a few key team members who have been there for a long time that are very knowledgeable-give the others time as theyre learning, and I just felt like if I was patient, they would eventually get you all the info you needed. I never felt they werent transparent with the bills. In fact, they usually showed me the bill or let me see it if I asked prior to paying. I dont have much comparison in terms of costs because as my dog increases in age, so, too, do the bills! My priority is to make sure hes comfortable with his arthritis, so I do put quite a bit of investment in him and dont mind. Ive sought others ideas of vets, but nothing trumped enough to leave, so, I stayed with them. I saw each of the vets, and overall I thought they were great, but Dr. Hunt is truly my favorite. My dog loves her, and I just clicked with her. Overall, I think everyone is very friendly and nice there-it just might take a bit more time than if you could make an appointment.

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A

A Private User

I have 2 pugs, well one boston / pug mix & one pug. I recently brought my pug in for a check up and to set up a teeth cleanin and some extractions. I was told that because my dog had a seizure once that I would need to pay an additional $170 for bloodwork first in case the seizure was something serious. Other vets at different locations and online searches show it is VERY common and I shouldnt hurry to throw away $160. I explained to the vet that I would be back in 2 weeks for the bloodwork. I called today to say I was ready to come in. When I called the vet told me they would have to examine him again for $60 dollars in case something changed in 2 weeks. ( now Im skeptical) The vet them started to instill fear in and worse case scenarios in my head to get me and my money in ASAP. I already knew otherwise. I then looked at their reviews and noticed how the only REAL reviews on here were about them ripping people off with fear and unneccesary charges. I see the 2 five star reviews which were obviously written by the same biased person. Most likely an employee / associate. I will not be returning here for any more of their fear mongering expensive crap. BTW, they dont return phone calls. I do not reccomend this place to anyone who is not a millionaire or dosnt care about being swindled.

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