Independence Veterinary Hospital | Virginia Beach

Reviews 6

A

A Private User

I boarded my little Miniature Dashchund with this place and she was fine when I dropped her off. I boarded her for 4 days. When we returned I got a piece of paper that I thought was cute, listing all the things she did while she was there and her new friends etc. etc. etc. I was very pleased with the pleasantness of the staff, the office was clean, I could see nothing out of place and had no initial complaints. On her paper it stated that she had eaten well, and that she had done very well during her stay there. I did notice that there was a small remark about her rubbing her nose under her blanket but that is normal for her because she loves to bury under the laundry. Once I got her home and let her out of the carrier, I noticed the entire end of her nose was bloody and missing all the color and hair. I immediately called the vet office about it and they told me that happened from her rubbing her nose under the blanket. I also noticed that I could see my dogs backbone and all her ribs. I took her to my regular vet as an emergency appointment, which of course cost me more money, but it did not really matter. They said that it was highly unlikely that the damage done to her nose was from a blanket, and that she no food whatsoever in her stomach. They gave her some prescription food that she would be able to hold in her stomach and suggested that I not take her back to that boarding facility. No kidding, I would not board a rat with them at this point. They did finally admit that she did not eat very well and that she picked at her food. Had they called me I would have come home and gotten her. This place is the worst boarding kennel ever and I hate to see what the vetrinary services entail. They even gave my dog a bath without asking my consent for that. She has special shampoo due to sensitive skin and she now has chunks of what look like dandruff all in her hair, or what is left of it I should say. She got so stressed there that a lot of her hair has shed, which for a short haired Dashchund is unusual. Take care when choosing a boarding facility for her your pets, they are just like children and do not deserve to be treated as if they are wild animals.

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Megs Rive

The first and only time I took my dog here I think he saw a Dr. Johnson(?). Older guy with salt and pepper hair and glasses, fairly tall. Anyway, I brought my sweet, little nervous, 12 lb, non-aggressive chihuahua for a routine exam and shots. This guy used excessive force restraining my poor dog, grabbing the scruff on the back of his neck so tightly he was wrapping it around his fist and my dog was completely immobilized being held by the throat. I was worried as I looked on but thinking the guy knew what he was doing. I saw my dogs eyes begin to turn red and when he finally released him from the death grip my dog started coughing, as one would after having their windpipe cut off with force. I asked if my dog was okay and said he looked like he was being choked and pointed out that he was coughing. After a moment of hesitation, the "doctor" said, "Oh hes just excited." Ive had my dog for almost four years and he has never reacted that way due to "excitement". It was a couple of months ago but every time I think of it I get really pissed and I think people should be certain they are present if still choosing to use this guy. I never returned and I never will. Aside from that awful experience, the appearance of the clinic looks like it hasnt been updated in 30 years. It looks like its minimally maintained just to meet whatever codes vet clinics are supposed to uphold and thats it. The blonde lady at the front was very nice and pleasant but seemed like she was given more than her share of work dealing with phones, clients, and whatever else. This place is gross. I go to Sajo Farm now which is okay so far. Still seeking a classy, non-dog-choking-then-lying-about-it veterinarian who treats animals like more than "just animals" and like what they are: family members. Two thumbs down.

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liz v

Dr Hastings, Kim Hastings, Dustin Hastings and the whole ENTIRE staff are the BEST!!! Been going to him from day one. Even my dog Milo enjoys going, they treat him like a king. They really are the most kind hearted and compassionate people I have ever met in this field. They authentically care about you and your pets, and this is quite obvious when an animal has to be put down. Which is never easy, but when you see tears in the docs eyes or the staff, that is real emotion...from the heart. Love em all as does Milo.......... !! Thank you all for always taking such great care of all my pets. If anyone is looking around for a new vet, or new to the area and needs to find a vet, Indepedence Venterinaty Hospital really is the best place start...Give them a call...you will hear thier compassion from the very first phone call.

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Cheryl Williams

During a check-up at Independence Veterinary Hospital, my husband and I were informed that our cat needed some dental work done. The vet explained what the situation was and made sure that we understood everything. We made an appointment for him to have the dental work done, and the vet gave us clear instructions on how to prep our cat for the procedure and what to do afterwords. After bringing him in on the day of the appointment, the vet called me a few times during the procedure to let me know how everything was going. After the procedure was over, I picked him up and the vet said that he did great. I was given some medicine for him to take at home for the post-procedure pain and the vet said to call if we had any questions. My cat is doing well and we will absolutely continue to take him to Independence Veterinary Hospital.

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Lauren Ashley

It kills me to give this vet even ONE star. WORST experience at a vets office. DO NOT SUBJECT YOUR PET TO SUBPAR CARE!!!!! The lack of care at this office is enough to make me sick. I am new to the area and I took my kitty here for her new patient exam and her vaccines that she was due for. ....she has been SICK ever since, sneezing and watery/red/blood shot eyes. Dr. Smith has blamed it on the vaccines ever since! I spoke to another vet, and I was told that the she shouldnt be feeling any symptoms from the vaccines anymore. THEY ARE LIARS, AND THEY WILL TAKE YOUR $$$ AND SELL YOU EXPIRED PRODUCTS. BIG MISTAKE, TOTAL WASTE OF TIME. TAKE IT FROM ME, AND SAVE YOURSELF FROM THE HEADACHE AND THE CONSTANT RUN-AROUND THAT THEY WILL SURELY GIVE YOU!!!!!!!!!!

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Kina Y

Vet, who was not my usual Dr. Hastings, did sort of a very quick whirlwind exam on my cat and finished it off by using a ballpoint pen to "examine" my cats teeth and my cat, understandably so, went ballistic. It was so strange and very unprofessional and I could hardly believe what I was seeing. I have worked with numerous vets and no one does that. If I hadnt been there to see it, I would never have believed a vet would do that. Prices are high and service quality has dropped since I started going there four years ago; it is no longer worth it. My recent visit ensures I will be looking for another vet hospital come next check up; I dont need my cat being more stressed out than usual for a vet check up!!!

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