Emergency Animal Hospital of Ellicott City

Reviews 7

JO

John Mick

I was very disappointed with this animal hospital. My cat was displaying odd motor functions and having issues walking. Im young, and on a budget, but needed him looked at immediately. I knew going in there was a base $108 fee (I think thats the amount, apologies if Im off). Ive discussed my cats issues with friends in the veterinary field, as well as my own veterinarian (who recommended I visit an emergency hospital) and they all were surprised at the behavior exhibited here. No blood work was taken, my cat simply had x-rays and his heart was listened to. Everyone was surprised bloodwork was not the first thing taken. So, after running me up a $500 bill, Im told to go to a different hospital and have my cat hooked up to a heart monitor for several days (at the cost of $4,000+). Once in the car, I decided against it and Im glad because my cat never exhibited that behavior again and I wouldve been out all the money for nothing. That being said, the vet said theyd check in on him later that day and the next...given I was never called to ask where he was or how he was doing...I assume that never happened. It seems like this place got my money, great, but it was at the expense of my cats health. I subsequently went to my personal vet, but since they cleaned me out $500 for some x-rays that has not gone on to tell the 2-3 vets Ive shown anything, I was not able to afford blood work. I really have a disdain for this place and it has put a distrust of vets in my mind, as I never quite know if theyre in it for the money or for helping my pet get better immediately... I also want to make it clear, I was not given an estimate of costs (aside from the entry fee) and I only ever recall giving the okay to monitor his heartbeat. When it comes to the x-ray, I was told your cat is in the back getting x-rayed and I was under the impression it was already happening and too late to stop. Otherwise, I think I wouldve asked for a quote on bloodwork and requested that be done instead.

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A

A Private User

I feel duty bound as a animal lover and lifelong dog owner to make known the dreadful experience I had with the Animal Emergency Hospital in Ellicott City. Specifically the unprofessional behavior of the veterinarian in charge, Connie Rhinesmith, which left no doubt in my mind that she lacks the skills to adequately evaluate much less provide treatment for a critically ill patient. At first she presents herself as quite confident and caring however this is soon revealed to be a cover for her lack of compassion and blatant incompetence. At the time of my visit with my dear critically ill Pomeranian Thelma, after a short consultation I was told to take her home by Dr Rhinesmith , despite my protest that she looked horrible. Against my better judgment I reluctantly returned home with Thelma. I called Dr Rhinesmith a short time later to tell her that Thelma was struggling to breath and that I felt Thelma was dying. Dr Rhinesmith offered no help whatsoever: Instead of having me come back to see her at the animal Emergency Hospital in Ellicott City, which is 10 minutes from my home, Dr Rhinesmith instructed me to take Thelma to another Emergency Hospital in Towson which is one hour away. Thelma died an agonizing en route to the other clinic. I will never forgive Dr Rhinesmith for her disregard for my dear pet Thelma. I feel that Dr Rhinesmith’s neglect or unwillingness to thoroughly evaluate Thelma initially, together with her inadequate and incompetent brief treatment contributed significantly to Thelmas agonizing death on the way to the other Emergency Hospital.

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KY

Kyla R

I have to say, (writing from my daughters account), we brought our French Bulldog in the other night who was having difficulty through her birthing experience. The vet we saw was more than patient with us, and did not immediately jump for a c-section, which would have been the most costly option. He patiently worked with our girl, Celia, and we felt comfortable within his hands. He really helped everything along, and we were able to bring home four of her puppies and our mother dog, with nothing going terribly wrong in the process. The veterinarian was the most kind and caring emergency vet I have EVER visited, and I would most definitely return here if I was in need of some kind of help ever again.They also see you based on the severity of your case, which assures that in dire medical emergencies your pet will be taken care of and treated as necessary. So pleased after the horrible experience I just had with another vet. USE THIS VET!

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MI

Miller Intel

They said that it was $108 base and if the cost was going to be much higher then they would give you an estimate first. I didnt get an estimate, but I did get a $600 bill treating a tiny bite mark that I probably couldve let go without treatment as the dog seemed totally fine. They demand payment all at once and charged tons of money for medicines like $20 for 100mg ibuprofen, which is the "pain medicine" (which they try to disguise under a different brand name so that you dont realize how bad youre getting ripped off). The dog was fine when she went in, but whatever they did traumatized her pretty bad and left her requiring a follow-up appointment with the vet in "2 or 3 days" which wont be affordable for 2 or 3 weeks. Take your pet there if theres a life and death emergency and you have plenty of cash. Otherwise, avoid it.

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EM

Emily Rippeon

Just want to thank everyone for taking such amazing care of our dog "Clyde"! Without the amazing doctors and technicians that night Clyde wouldnt be here today! When we left those two nights we felt so grateful, and relieved to know that he was in wonderful hands! I knew he would be okay thanks to all of you for your help! Dr Brewer Dr Weisburg and the technicians wonderful team! Thank you all so much for everything you did for us that night and for saving our Big boy! Dr Brewer knew right away he had a blockage emergency surgery the next day to remove a large sock! He is doing fantastic couldnt be happier! Wouldnt hesitate to bring any pet here! Wonderful, caring, amazing, staff!

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JO

John Biggs

My 12year old dog woke up at midnight in a panic. He was shaking, disoriented and could barely walk. I called the Ellicot City Emergency Vet and they told me to come right in. As I arrived they met me at the door and took my dog right to the back. After completing a simple form and waiting 5 minutes, the vet gave me the diagnosis. The vet also said he gave my dog something to help him sleep and gave me some pills to take home. The cost of all this was well under $200 and my dog is back to normal. The vet knew his stuff! Thank you for such great service in the middle of the night.

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DA

Dana Ingle

I cant recommend this hospital enough! My dog was sick and when I came in (a few times) I was boarderline hysterical. Each vet and tech recognized my feelings and helped calm me down. They were very understanding and compassionate through out the entire experience. They were also extremely professional, very informative, and would speak with my or my husband each time we called to check in and would patiently address all questions (even if it was literally in the middle of the night). It was very comforting to know our family member was in great hands!

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