Charleston Veterinary Referral Center (CVRC)

The staff were SO caring for Penelope, it made me feel good that from the front desk, to the vet techs, to the doctor, everyone was so nice and understanding. I was a crying mess fearing the worst (sorry I'm a crier!) but they were accommodating and the doctor did not rush even though he was so busy. Took Penelope straight back, checked in when waiting was long, gave estimates for everything additional, gave me an opportunity to voice concerns and ask questions. I never felt like I was a bother.

posted: 09/27/2023

I really appreciated how quickly CVRC was able to work in my pup, Chipper. During my introduction with Karrie, I felt like she did a great job explaining to me the process of the initial visit and what I could expect. Once the first session was over, Karrie came out to discuss the results and talk through her recommended treatment plan for my dog. She answered all of my questions and I feel like she really listened to my concerns without ever making me feel rushed. I love that I got a video of Chipper doing the exercises since I wasn't able to be in the room with him. Karrie also was fantastic about getting me all of the documentation that I needed for insurance purposes and in a super timely manner! Overall, just a fantastic experience and I can't wait to see how well my dog is doing once he finishes his program!

posted: 12/05/2022

The staff here is amazing. I honestly cannot stress that enough. They are attentive, caring, and sympathetic. After a horrific event, they assisted me and my beloved dog, Rube. And I will always think positively of them for that. But I will say I'm a bit disappointed with one of the services they mentioned/offered. Due to situations I couldn't control I was forced to put my dog, Rube, down. As I was filling out the necessary forms, a technician asked me if I would like a nose print, paw print, and/or clip of hair. I say yes to the nose and paw print. He ticks some boxes off on the sheet in front of him. A few minutes later I paid the bill. Because I opted for a group cremation I had to pay 134 ish dollars. Overall the bill totaled over 500 hundred dollars. As this is an emergency vet, I wasn't totally shell shocked. Fast forward to Monday, two days after Rube was put down, I get an email from the crematorium asking if I wanted a paw print, nose print, and/or hair clippings. Due to the nature of the business, per them, I had to respond immediately to receive any of the above. I called at once and told them the same information I told the vet technician - I wanted the nose and paw print. The rep said sure. She noted what I wanted and then proceeded to tell me it would be 35 dollars and that once it was done they would send it to the vet and the vet in turn would notify me that it was ready for pick up. Unfortunately, this isn't the first pet I've had to put down. In the past, paw and nose prints were not an additional charge. The last time I put down a dog, they did the imprint then and there. Given the time that I brought Rube in, I understood how it might be too late in the day for that to have been an option. The fact that I had to remake the request, pay for the prints, and have to drive over to West Ashley to pick up the prints is a little disheartening. They need to streamline the process better. They should have informed me that the crematorium would be doing the prints, that I would have to contact them to know what I want, and that there would be an additional charge. I don't hold the staff for this oversight but if management is reading this review, please do better. The process was a bit deceptive.

posted: 09/11/2023

What a wonderful vet. We were very satisfied with our visit. After multiple vets and specialist visits, it was nice finding someone who could give us answers. Dr. Saunders was very knowledgeable and took the time to explain every detail of Big Boi's diagnosis and answer any questions we had. It is very reassuring knowing that our baby is in good hands. They took care of our cat and did so with knowledge and generosity. We left feeling relieved and secure knowing what to expect in the future. There was not a single step in the process we were dissatisfied with, from the doctor down to the support staff. We are very thankful to have this vet as a resource and would recommend them to all.

posted: 07/16/2023

We recently lost our two Labs Nolan and Dalton. Both were 15 1/2 years old. The staff at CVRC could not have done more to make the passing of our pups as humane and comfortable as possible. While very difficult for our family, the caring and empathy of the CVRC staff was notable and greatly appreciated. We would also like to specifically thank Tracy Pejsa and Kerrie Clark for their physical therapy work with our Black Lab Dalton over the last six months, their efforts prolonged his life in a very positive way. Doreen and Mike Chapman

posted: 06/10/2023