RIVER FOREST ANIMAL HOSPITAL LTD

They are our regular service.

unknown

They can only see you if there is an emergency, they are pretty flexible about appointments, you can easily end up on a Saturday, they are thorough and nice.

I called the River Forest Animal Hospital first thing Saturday morning as my kitten had been to the emergency vet on Friday night and had to be seen by a vet Saturday morning since he was still not eating. They refused to see him as they and quot;had no appointments availableand quot; even though it was a definite emergency. We ended up back at our old vet in the city who, as one would expect in this situation, immediately fit him in. The kitten had to have emergency surgery that same day.
I was appalled by the lack of professionalism that the facility showed by refusing to see an emergency case. Even though I did not see a vet here, under no circumstances would I ever try to do so or mention this place positively to my neighbors.

eMy dog was exhibiting symptoms of a bladder infection, and her regular vet is an hour away. I've been wanting to try to find someone locally for emergencies, so I decided to try River Forest Animal Hospital since I live close by. My neighbor takes her dog there, and warned me that they can be pricey, so I was aware of what I might expect.
Our appointment was for an issue I'm sure veterinarians deal with rather routinely, so I was expecting to get in and out within an hour and for approximately $100. I'm basing this on previous experiences with other vets. While the experience was overall good, I was a little disappointed with their pricing. I pay less for a visit to a doctor who we really like. A consultation, just to walk in and be seen with our regular vet is $30.00. Another vet that in the area was also $30.00 for a consult. River Forest Animal Hospital charged $58.85 for their consultation...a little pricey, but I guess we're paying River Forest prices. My dog required antibiotics and those cost $40.00. Antibiotics at my regular vet after a teeth cleaning were $12.40. I know there are different classes of drugs, so it's possible generic vs. brand comes into play, but again, more expensive than what I've experienced from our regular vet. Because my dog was a new patient the exam fee was waved with a First Time Client Free Exam coupon. Some clinics in the city will charge a fee to and quot;registerand quot; a new patient on top of the consult, so to have a fee waved rather than receiving additional fees is nice! Although, the cynic in me fees like the coupon fee is probably being recouped elsewhere (maybe meds), whether today or down the road.
At the end of the appointment the doctor asked that I bring my dog back to follow up once the medication was completed. When I brought her back for the follow up she was seen by another doctor, I'm not remembering his name at the moment. He asked what seemed were a few routine questions like, has she had an accidents inside the house, have you seen any blood during urination. I said no, and he said that she seemed to be fine, but they could run a test if I would like. I've had my regular vet treat my dog for a bladder infection in the past, and he's never asked that I bring her back once completing a course of antibiotics. I understand that RFAH is probably trying to be thorough, but they could have save me a trip and asked me these questions over the phone. My thought was they they would probably charge me for this quick Qand A session, but to my surprise they did not. However, they did charge for the nail trim that day, $17.50. While I know this is common service that vets do charge for, my regular vet does it for free.
My overall experience here was mostly good, but I will continue to use my regular vet for general check-ups and scheduled procedures. While the staff at RFAH is very friendly, and seems competent it has the feel like many other veterinarian hospitals in the area--chain like. There are too many veterinarian clinic/hospitals, AND even private hospitals that are run like franchises, with structured fee menus, that seem more concerned about financial targets and pushing vaccines, and do not offer any integrative practices or treatments. RFAH will be our a back-up when there is an emergency or an immediate concern where we can't make it to our regular vet.

They treated my 15-year-old cat for an unknown illness at the end of June. I had him into their office on 3 separate times within a few days at the end of June, and each time I brought him home, he seemed to get worse. The total charges for those 3 visits were approximately $650. However, each time, I had approved a written estimate of the possible charges. Finally, on July 3, I took him in for what I dreaded was the last time. He could no longer eat, walk or hold his bladder. A different vet saw him and I believed it was mutually understood that they would put my cat down and not try to administer additional treatment. I was not given a written estimate of possible charges for any treatment. I assumed I would only be charged for the euthanasia, which I authorized on July 4, and possibly boarding charges for the night of July 3. Later, however, I received another bill for $332.95, which included several charges for additional treatment. When I called the office to assert that I had not authorized any additional treatment -- only the euthanasia, they lowered the bill by $50. I have paid them $140. of the remaining $282.95 and have explained that money is tight and I would try to pay them what I can even though I don't believe I am responsible for any additional charges. However, they continue to send out bills every 2 or 3 days, demanding the rest. They stamp the front of envelope in red with "PAST DUE," as if to try to humiliate me into paying. Never again will I take a pet to this vet.

We have our own veterinarian that we use full time who isn't at this practice. I like their convenience and cost. There wasn't anything great or terrible about them. We like our veterinarian better. I don't think their price is better or worse than anybody else.

The doctor is very nice and competent. Their staff is kind of young and aren't quite as friendly and knowledgeable as some other vets that I have gone to. They are a bit more expensive than others as well.

I found RF Animal Hospital through a friend's referral after my prior vet informed me that there was "no hope" for my cat's health condition. He wanted me to wait passively for a tumor on her face to grow to the point that she couldn't eat anymore, then put her to sleep. I couldn't accept that, and I'm so glad I didn't -- RF Animal Hospital did a full-screen diagnostic, from which they recommended treatments and procedures that prolonged my cat's life by more than two years. When I did finally have to put her to sleep, they were compassionate, supportive, and even sent a sympathy card to my home. While the prices are higher than my previous vet, every dollar spent there has been well worth it for the love and affection that my pets have given me in return. I appreciate that they always provide me with an estimate of charges when I drop my pet off for procedures, so I can plan accordingly before picking them up.

Dr. Muehrcke and all of the staff was absolutely wonderful. She took excellent care of my puppies and answered all of my questions. She wasn't in a rush and went over all the care and shots that the dogs would need in the next couple of months and years.

The cost is per the weight of your dog. My dog weighs around 90lbs. The dog was comfortable and wasn't anxious at all. She's older, so she hasn't been boarded in awhile, everyone there took good care of her and were really nice. She was able to get exercise every day and they played with her as well.

They even called to check up on her. They provide really personal care, and are very compassionate with the animals. They are just great!

We have been taking our German Shepherd to the clinic for several years for both boarding and medical care. The staff is friendly and responsible. Their rates have went up a little over the years, whose hasn't, and they are very reliable. I don't recall what the last visit cost.

Dr. Mac is the best She is so incredibly caring and considerate. My cat does not take kindly to strangers and he never has a problem when we see her as she is fantastic with him. She always calls me with the test results and provides me with guidance on how she wants to proceed with his treatment. I highly recommend Dr. Mac to anyone who has pets. She has been so kind during the long ordeal we have endured.

We were expecting to have to put our dog down, especially because of his age and condition. However, the vet was very caring and said it would not happen under his watch. We were very happy with the care they provided our dog.

Very clean facilities. Very professional staff. Very friendly staff. Accommodating staff. Very caring staff.

I thought they treated my cat well, and the prices were relatively reasonable. We will use this vet again.

TOOK GREAT CARE OF OUR DOG WHEN HE WAS GOING THROUGH CANCER TREATMENTS. THEY EXTENDED HIS LIFE BY TWO YEARS AND EXPLAINED EVERYTHING TO US AS WE WERE GOING THROUGH IT. WE HAD BEEN BRINGING OUR DOG THERE FOR HIS ENTIRE LIFE AND THE PEOPLE THERE ARE FIRST CLASS.