Downers Grove Animal Hospital

635 Ogden Ave, Downers Grove, IL 60515, USA

Category:	Veterinarian
Address:	635 Ogden Ave, Downers Grove, IL 60515, USA
Phone:	+1 630-968-2812
Site:	downersgroveanimalhospital.com
Rating:	4.6
Working:	8AM–12PM 8AM–12PM 8:30AM–12PM 8AM–12PM 8AM–12PM 8:30AM–1PM 3–5PM

Location

Photos 36

Reviews 8

neal vaughan

Ive been taking my 3 cats here for about 10 years. I was mostly satisfied - support staff is great, and you can usually get an appointment quickly the same day. They usually saw Graham (one of the sons). The prices seemed to be on the high end, perhaps exacerbated by requests for follow-ups that seemed to be of limited use at times. While I appreciated Grahams care, his "bedside manner" is a bit aloof and more than once I left feeling scolded or guilty (for not being a better owner). However, by chance his father Robert (Dr. Bob) saw my cats recently, I feel much more comfortable with him, and I now ask to see him. He helped my cat with thyroid issues by explaining there was a gel I could put in her ear instead of oral pills. His medical approach - less testing, more creative, and fewer follow-ups (unless needed) saves money. He does not rush exams and has gone into detail about the history and background of a medical treatment to help me understand it. I say all of this even though my favorite 17 year old cat died at the clinic while being prepared for routine teeth cleaning 6 weeks ago, after bloodwork that, in Dr. Roberts words, "could not be better for a 17 year old". All signs point to her death as a pretty uncommon event, despite precautions and attempts to save her. I think what really convinced me to keep going back was their response. All charges, including the upgraded urn, were waived (the accompanying fired clay heart containing her pawprints, hair, and name stamped in was lovely). They were very compassionate and seemed as distraught as I was. Receiving a card in the mail with handwritten notes from Dr. Robert and nine other staff members really meant a lot. tldr: We pick our vets based on prices and good medical care, yes. But once youve found one you can trust, who makes you feel like they care about your pets as much as they do their own, youve found a vet for life. For me, thats Dr. Robert Merkel.

A Private User

As a pet owner you find yourself in dependence on quality service for your animals. I have had little luck over the 7 years of owning my dog. I have visited numerous Clinics etc... I looked for the best reviews in my area and decided to bring my Australian Cattle Dog to Downers Grove Animal Hospital for his shots and diagnosis on a lameness that had worried me. Dr. Sharon was my initial Vet and she was amazing! She talked with my for a substantial amount of time listening to my questions, educating me on everything i was concerned about for my dog. I had limited financial funds at the time and they worked with me and made me feel like anyone in this time of economic pitfalls we have all encountered. I was amazed at the kindness and professionalism that all the staff had displayed. Dr. Robert came in and introduced himself, i was glad to see that they were interested in knowing me as much as i was about finding a Vet for my dog for his years to come. I will not bring my pets to anyone else but Downers Grove Animal Clinic/Hospital in the future for their outstanding support and knowledge of Veterinary procedure and skills. Awesome service with a tremendous amount of kindness!

Jen Davis

Our family has been bringing our dogs to the Downers Grove Animal Hospital for 15 years, actually more if you count husbands dog as a child for 30 years and will never change vets! Plus we have been owned by a difficult breed for the last 15 years - Bulldogs that tend to be special cases for everything and the vets and vet techs at DG Animal Hospital never skip a beat. Not only have we had the best vet care, we have boarded our dogs there, had them groomed and joined a training class and loved all the services. We are always recognized by the staff even when we cross paths outside the office (e.g. dog park). We have recommended anyone in the area to this practice. They explain things carefully, answer all your questions and give you prices up front. And they hold your hand when you have to make that decision. No better vet service in the area!

Sarah J

Terrible experience with our 9 wk old puppy. Vet tech, Jill, quoted me $3,400-5,000 for 48 hrs of hospital care and wanted $3,400 up front before any treatment. When I questionedthe cost she treated me extremely punitively and made me feel like a terrible person in what was already a vulnerable situation for us and our precious pup. When we mentioned taking our pup to a different hosp she exacperatedly said IF SHE EVEN SURVIVES the transport as if we were evil for not having 3400 to give them or consider a more cost effective practice. We ended up transporting our dog to Countryside Veterinary and it was a third of the cost and everyone was extremely kind. Most importantly we have a healthy puppy again and we arent bankrupt.

Cathy Nemecek

We have been taking our dogs to DGAH for the past 15yrs.Ive always felt I received the best care possible for them,the drs.are very informative and skilled.My current crew consists of 4 dogs,prior to them I had a wonderful dog that battled liver cancer,I received the best care and guidance in her treatment and we were able to have her a full year longer with quality health until the cancer finally took her.I like the fact that you can get your questions answered in terms the average person can understand. The staff at the front desk are outstanding,always ready to help w/a smile on their face and compassion in their hearts!I have piece of mind when I go there because I know they will get quality care. Cathy Nemecek

Oksana Shevtsova

Overall, everyone at this clinic has been friendly and they seem to really care about the animals that they treat. Our previous visits have all been pleasant, but our most recent visit with my kitty was an emergency visit for lily plant toxicity. She stayed at DGAH from a Monday night to a Wednesday afternoon (~48 hours) for treatment, but unfortunately she still didnt make it and passed away at home two days later on Friday. Although I still think that they probably should have kept her for at least a day longer for tests and observation, I know that they were doing their best and were ready to do whatever was necessary to help her. The doctor sent me a personal sympathy letter, which I appreciate.

Charles Sybert

Dr Max and has staff are nothing but amazing! I came to Dr. Max with my 3 year old Rotty Roxy who had a torn ACL for a second opinion. Dr. Max recommended a course of treatment that was within my budget and explained everything in easy to understand English in a no pressure way. I choose to board Roxy for 5 days after her surgery due needing to be out of town. The staff was wonderful in answering my daily calls, they took amazing care of her as though she was their own and she loved going there. The only word of caution is you will get spoiled by the staff there! They take such great care of the dogs and their human companions.

ndirishfan95

Our family has used Downers Grove Animal Hospital for the past 23 years for our dogs. Drs. Merkin and their staff have been professional, kind and informed in dealing with any health issues which have arisen. They have kept our pets healthy and safe. We have used the grooming services as well as boarding from time to time. Our current golden, Samantha, is always greeted warmly by staff. Our previous dogs, Ramone and Carlos, were well cared for. When each passed, the compassion shown by Downers Grove Animal Clinic was appreciated very much. We feel like family when taking our pets here. I highly recommend this business.