Arlington Heights Animal Hospital

Horrible experience. Scary! The wait time was short, the reception staff nice and friendly as usual. When I saw the vet, she gave no introduction or greetings to me or my dog. I've never seen her before, but okay. I informed her that last time Astro/Ash got his shots, they gave him the shots in the room with me because he was scared. No muzzle, no restraints of any type, with no problem. She said Ash should've been medicated, that I'd have to bring him back for the physical. I bought medication for Ash last year since I was told he needed it for his exam. I apologetically told the vet I forgot about giving Ash the med. That I worked nights, just woke up from a short nap, and rushed to bring Ash in. I was at fault, so I felt bad, and I was fine with bringing Ash back for his exam. The vet then left the room saying she'll be back with an assistant for the shots. Last time, Ash wouldn't let them near him without me there. Ash's file had nothing written about his behavior last year. I did tell the vet Ash may have growled or more, but I didn't see, so I wasn't sure. During Covid, he went in several times by himself, no meds, no muzzle. No one told us of him being a problem. When she and the assistant came in, the vet said to put a muzzle on Ash for safety. I understood, so I did as she asked. I felt horrible! My poor baby silently suffered. With his tail tucked in and his head down near the floor, he tried to take the muzzle off with his front paw. That's when the vet reached out and tightened the muzzle. Ash shook his head and came closer to me to get away from her hand. He didn't growl (which the vet wrote in Ash's file) or made any aggressive move. Not at all! If anything, it was the vet that became scary, at least to my fur baby. She clapped Ash's file shut or slapped it on the counter; I'm not sure since my attention was on Ash. But the sound startled me into looking at her, and I saw the file. Even more startling and offensive was that she loudly--not yelling--but very loudly said, "This is not going to happen! He's not getting his shots! He's too afraid...." I agreed with what she was saying, but she was verbally attacking me with her loud voice and accusive, angry tone. Plus she was scaring the hell out of Ash who was petrified of being there, muzzled. Side note: Ash came from a shelter, with a history of being abused. Loud voices scare him. After 3 years with me and my husband, he's happy and relaxed, and no longer ducks for cover when we raise our hands up to stretch or reach for the cupboard. But loud voices still make him shake in fear. The vet's accusive tone made me feel like I had to defend myself and Ash, so I again told her Ash got his shots last time with me in the room with no problem. I wasn't sure what else she said. I toned her out, and left the back room, saying softly while grinding my teeth, "Don't talk to me like that." As I left the building, I did say loudly that I didn't mind bringing Ash back, so why were we treated that way? I didn't insist for Ash to get his shots. Heck, I didn't even ask for it to be done today while she and I spoke. If she told me to come back for the shots too, I would've left with no complaints. I took Ash to the car, and went back inside to request for his records. No way would I ever bring him back there. Back inside, the front desk staff was nice like before. I was so upset, I didn't buy the Heartguard I'd planned on buying. When asked if I'm taking Ash elsewhere, I said yes, that I treat people with respect and I expect them to do the same. We've been taking our fur babies to this hospital for years. Our last baby was with us for almost 18 years, and before he went to heaven, we brought him here for the care he needed. We've had no complaints, until I met this vet. She didn't even say a word to Ash the entire visit. Not one word. Healthcare workers, regardless of what their patients are, humans or animals, should be caring, easy to talk to, and professional. This vet was not. Her behavior was shocking and inexcusable.

posted: 08/02/2023

This place is understaffed. I tried calling this morning and was put on hold for 5 minutes I hung up called back later and was put on hold for 15 minutes so I hung up again and call the emergency line I was put on hold for another 6 minutes until someone came on and said please and I was on hold for another 3 minutes what a joke! I was calling because I got an email saying my pet's rabies expired a month earlier! Now why would you not get an email the month before it expired? The last time I brought one of my three dogs in for a procedure, I was told to drop them off at 9:00. My dog was in a cage for 6 hours before they did anything. I've just about had it with this place and we really like our doctor but if your staff can't handle basic things what's the point?

posted: 07/10/2023

I’m new to the area and wanted to change vets. I called around 4:30pm just to be told in order to get information or set up a visit , that I should call the next day after 9am. Now if you close at 6pm why am I being told to call you back the next day. Gave me a complete bad vibe and just changed my mind on this animal hospital. I would have understood if the person said she’s short staff or there’s a process that requires me to come in. But to rush me off the phone and not helping set something up was clearly a sign you don’t need me and my dog as a client. #AboveAndBeyond is key!

posted: 07/28/2023

See Dr Flaska, he is professional, and has empathy, it shows that he loves animals and cares about them, and it's not just a job for him, you can tell the difference. Have been coming here for a long time about 40 years, with many cats and dogs when my kids were young, now have grandkids, time goes by fast, it's important to love one another, as the dogs do, they give us such unconditional Love, we can learn from them.

posted: 07/01/2023

The doctors and techs are so good with my dogs! They take the time to understand what’s going on and to answer all questions.

posted: 08/17/2023