Hyde Park Animal Clinic -53rd Street

We typically take our cat to VCA, but they were full when we needed a pretty last minute appointment. We called around and HP animal hospital had an opening soonest so we booked it. We saw Kat Baker and she had terrible bedside manner. Whenever a question was asked she would scoff and wouldn’t talk you through any of what would happen next or potential scenarios. She slammed doors and I could hear her talking badly about me to staff in the room next door. If you have options, I’d choose another provider at this location or another vet hospital altogether.

I went to this clinic on a Saturday afternoon after finding that my dog had eaten chocolate and needed to be seen by a vet urgently. I explained this to the receptionist and even showed the type of chocolate (dark), told her the amount he ate, and the timeline (2h) but got turned away immediately as they were fully booked, and was suggested to go to a emergency vet 30 minutes away by car. I later found out that I should've made him vomit as soon as possible, and waiting that extra 30-40 minutes to get to the other vet could be the difference between him starting to absorb a potentially lethal amount of toxins or preventing it. Even if this clinic could not take us (and I understand that), I resent that they didn't inform me this much before sending me to an emergency vet 30 minutes away not knowing if I had a car or the means to get an Uber instead of trying to take a bus and taking much longer to get my dog to care. Side note: the experience at the emergency vet (VEG) was the complete opposite -- the staff was super responsive and had my dog throw up within less than 5 minutes that we were there to make sure he had as little as possible of the toxic substance absorbed. They then kept him for observation for 12h and administered charcoal and sedatives, and even allowed me to be there with him as long as I wanted to reassure him (and me).

We've brought our cat here for a few years, but it seems like they have had some changes in staff, and our most recent experience was terrible. We took our cat in because she was sick--throwing up and not eating. The vet and her assistant were very rough in handling her from the start. They took her into a different room to get a blood sample. When they brought her back, she was hissing and growling. Our cat does get anxious going to the vet, but I have never seen her this worked up before. I noticed a crusty red patch on her chin that hadn't been there before, and asked about it and if something had happened. They basically shrugged and said they didn't know. Furthermore, they said they were unable to get the blood test done and gave me a sedative to give her, telling me to bring her back in a week after giving it to her. I have never had to give my cat a sedative for a vet exam in the past as this had never been an issue before, but agreed, and returned a week later after giving her the sedative. The second visit (with this same vet and assistant) was unfortunately not any better. They were still unable to get a blood test done. They didn't bother to ask about her health or if she was still throwing up. They were extremely unhelpful with our questions. They brought her back out from the attempted blood test, and she was again extremely agitated. I asked if I could go back with her to calm her down and the vet assistant simply yelled "absolutely not!" as she walked back down the hall. They rushed us out of the office and told us to schedule another appointment. I'm not sure if they are understaffed or have management issues, but they do not seem to handle cats with care, and caused my cat a lot of unnecessary stress. While I understand that cats can be notoriously uncooperative, other vets seem to know how to handle cats and keep them relatively calm while performing an exam. I do not recommend this place and will not be bringing my cat here again.

Taking a pet to the vet - even a healthy one coming in for an annual exam - can be a stressful experience for both animal and owner. That's why I'm always grateful for the kindness, professionalism, and humor of the staff at Hyde Park Animal Clinic. Even though I've moved out of the neighborhood, I continue to take my cat there and receive excellent care each and every time. As long as I'm in Chicago, I will take my pets to Hyde Park Animal Clinic! Image description: a cat meows with his mouth wide open inside an exam room at the vet

This is the best animal hospital i have taken my "little" friend to. I used a couple before and can only say that if you chose to go there you will not regret. They are excellent in all respects, staff, doctors, environment, ease of making appointments and prices!