Companion Animal Hospital Vernon Hills

Reviews 3

SA

Sandy Kamen Wisniewski

I am the founder and director of a non-profit humane society called Animal Education and Rescue (AEAR). I started AEAR back in 2003. Since that time I have had first hand experience with dozens of veterinarians, many on a regular basis. When Companion animal hospital in Vernon Hills opened they reached out to us offering us their services at a discount. We were working with three other animal hospitals at the time but based on location we decided to give them a try. If my memory is correct that was maybe a year and a half ago or two years ago. Since that time we have literally taken dozens, if not hundreds, of animals there for routine things such as exams, kennel cough, illnesses, vaccines and spay and neuters. We have also taken animals there for consults or for second opinions. Being a business owner of numerous businesses since 1987 I feel a deep sense of responsibility to be transparent and honest in any review I give on any fellow business and individuals. I would want people to be that way with me when I was researching businesses. Heres my assessment of Companion animal hospital. 1. Their staff is VERY professional. They are courteous, kind, compassionate and helpful. They return calls promptly, answer the phones professionally and never keep me on hold for any length of time (which is a pet peeve of mine). Having a good experience from the very beginning of my interaction with an animal hospital is very important to me and the staff provides that. 2. There have been a few times where I have had minor complaints. Mostly it was just communication style of a few of their staff. It was addressed seriously, courteously and handled promptly and appropriately. I am realistic in knowing that with the high volume I am using their services that issues will happen and no one is perfect. But when I have a issue its vital that it is handled well and it has been. 3. I NEVER have to wait any length of time for my appointment. I am a busy person and that is very important to me. 4. The staff and doctor routinely has to communicate with my volunteers and foster families. I know it can get confusing. They have been excellent at keeping things straight and clear. The few times I have had issues they have corrected it and taken it seriously. 5. Dr. Derek Williamson is a gem. He has the right combination of professionalism and compassion. He is a GREAT teacher (he explains things in a way a "regular person" can understand) but is also respectful of my knowledge as a seasoned animal "rescuer and owner." He makes me feel like we are a "team" for the betterment of the animals. He understands "the world of rescue" and is realistic in his recommendations to us on the overall care of the animals. All those qualities are hugely important to me. He has earned top spot in placement of all the veterinarians I have worked with...AND I know I have high expectations...which I believe are also realistic. 6. Their rescue prices for routine procedures is VERY good and they are a HUGE supporter of rescue. We need those discounts to keep doing what we do. We couldnt rescue half of what we do without the discounts they give us. 7. I am so happy with their services I now take all my personal animals to them. That says a lot. 8. Their regular prices are on the high side. The prices for teeth cleaning is very high. I wish that was lower and more realistic. (Even the rescue rate is high.) But I trust Dr. Williamson so much that although I do think the dental care is too high I still use them. For my own pets I just deal with the higher prices. Their not "over the top" higher and my thoughts are..."you get what you pay for." 9. Companion animal hospital supports rescue. Anyone who believes in rescuing unwanted, abused or abandoned animals needs to consider going to an animal hospital that supports rescue. When we utilize their services we are then supporting rescue! Well, thats it. Thank you Dr. Derek Williamson and staff. I am very grateful to have you "part of our team."

BR

Brandon Ho

Let me start off by saying Im pretty sure everyone wants the best for their little babies, I included am no different. Unfortunate for me however, money is a little tight, so I had to do a lot research to make sure I was still getting a quality vet but within my budget range. I must have called at least 6 other places before I ultimately chose to go with CAH and heres why: 1. The total price was more or less the same, with a few individual things being cheaper here while a few individual things were cheaper elsewhere. However, every animal hospital I called gave me a price on the exam fee, and how much shots were going to cost. At CAH I was able to get my exam + shot + stool sample screening for the same price as other animal hospitals and they were only offering exam + shot. At the time, I figured if Im going to be spending $100, I might as well try to get the most out of it. 2. Out of every place that I called, CAH probably had one of the nicest staff members that you could talk to. I believe it was Amanda, super nice lady, I told her about being a first time cat owner and my financial issue, she helped me with everything I needed to know about what kind of shots Ill be needing to give to my little guy from the first set of boosters to his last, along with all the prices. Whats great is that I scheduled an appointment last minute for today and it was suppose to be near the end when they close, Amanda had the courtesy to call me to let me know that someone else had cancelled their appointment and if I would like to come in earlier. Heck yeah I would. Upon arriving there, I was immediately greeted by the staff, and taken in instantly. They were super gentle with my kitten and they did everything they could to make sure he was in a comfortable setting still. 3. Open on Sunday. I would really, really prefer to stick to one vet, and Im definitely going to after today. The last thing I want is for my little guy to get sick and then finding out that my usual go-to-vet is closed... because its Sunday... Which would probably result in the emergency room which would ultimately cost more money. 4. This probably isnt relevant to you, but it was pretty close to where I lived, so its super convenient that the vets only 15 mins away if I ever need them. I personally highly recommend CAH, Dr. Williamson was great. He walked me through with what he was doing and why it was so important. He continued to feed me information about future vaccines and why those were important as well. Overall Im extremely happy I chose to take my little Neme here, and will continue to do so in the future.

PA

Pam Senduy

We brought our 10 yr. old lab to Companion because of a cough, not eating and low energy. They performed blood work and chest x-Ray along with a physical exam. They told us to take her immediately to a cardiologist due to her heart rate and recommended an ultra sound of her stomach. Companion recommended Blue Pearl in Northfield. On that same day Coco saw a Cardiologist who told us the test results were negative and to come back in two weeks for an ultra sound. Because coco was still not eating we returned in one week for the ultra sound which resulted in nothing remarkable. Again we took her home with no real diagnosis after spending $3,000.00. A week later and significant weakness we took coco to another vet in Highland Park. We were not going to return to Companion. Within a few hours our dog was diagnosed with Blastomycosis and died within the hour. The Doctor told us this area is known for this disease and her symptoms were consistent with this disease. We are just sick with Cocos passing. Based on her symptoms Companion should have tested her for this disease. Obviously this clinics doctors are not qualified to treat animals. I would never bring a pet to Companion.