35 Responses to “Vet recommendations?”

1. posted by Jon at July 21, 2008 1:04 pm :
   

   Stratford Hills Vet near Food Lion and Hardees. We have been going there for more than 30 years with all of our pets and they are great. Dr. Elliott and Dr. Minor are some of the best in the biz.

2. posted by David at July 21, 2008 1:13 pm :
   

   Dr. John Gray, Boulevard Animal Hospital, Belt Blvd at end of Westover hils BLVD>

3. posted by caitlin at July 21, 2008 4:06 pm :
   

   It’s a drive, but Dr. Nan Jack at Church Hill Animal Hospital is, in my esteemed opinion, the best vet in town.

   Marshall & 25th, 644-8200.

4. posted by Tim at July 21, 2008 7:18 pm :
   

   Well the Vet by the Food Lion will only get your dog a tattoo now. It was recently converted to a “Tattoo Parlor”.

5. posted by Lesley at July 21, 2008 7:18 pm :
   

   I agree with Caitlin. I know she’s not in our neighborhood, but the Nan is a saint. I could go on forever…

6. posted by Lesley at July 21, 2008 7:21 pm :
   

   Umm, I just meant Nan, not “the Nan”… hee

7. posted by Jane at July 21, 2008 8:21 pm :
   

   A correction Tim- Dr’s Minor & Elliot are still at Stratford Hills Veternary by Food Lion. The tattoo parlor is in the old dry cleaner building. We’ve used Stratford Hills vet for the past couple years & find them very good, caring, patient, & not overpriced….have recommended a number of friends who are also very happy there.

8. posted by Jennifer C. at July 21, 2008 8:22 pm :
   

   Re: post 4:
   Unless the new neighbor was planning to have his/her dog dry-cleaned, Stratford Hills is still an option. The vets’ office is still open.

9. posted by Dan at July 21, 2008 10:14 pm :
   

   Dr. Karen Manuel is a “mobile vet” who comes to your house. She’s one of the few vets in Richmond who didn’t treat our elderly Yorkie like a piece of meat. She’s very compassionate and gentle; I recommend her without reservations. Our dog has since passed away and I don’t have Dr. Manuel’s number anymore, but she has brochures at Crossroads.

   This is the first time I’ve encountered positive comments about the Stratford Hills vets. My only experience with them was when I was looking for a vet when I moved to Richmond. I visited their office to see what the place was like and ask a few questions, but they treated me like I was a waste of their time. Obviously, some others here have had better experiences than I did.

10. posted by Midori at July 21, 2008 10:23 pm :
    

    I haven’t been to the Stratford Hills Vet for over 30 years. Not since they duct taped my dog’s muzzle closed for a routine exam. He was a friendly yellow lab, not quite a year old. I would’ve appreciated their asking if that was OK or their using a typical leather muzzle. As you can imagine, it was pretty painful for him after the exam, having it ripped off. He developed a real mistrust of vets as a result. So did I.

11. posted by Tim at July 22, 2008 9:18 pm :
    

    My bad yes correct. I felt so clever with my response. Shoot. I will try again another time.

12. posted by SNF at July 23, 2008 11:23 am :
    

    Count us in as devoted Dr. Nan fans, too. We followed her from her previous practice. Her love of animals really shines through, and her staff is caring, too. We have tried a few different vets over the years, and Dr. Jack is the ‘keeper’ in our opinion. She has been wonderful with our cats and dogs, as is evidenced by their lower stress levels when around her.
    As a p.s., if you ever want to adopt a kitty, she usually has several available.

13. posted by Jennifer at July 23, 2008 3:57 pm :
    

    I heartily echo all pro-Nan Jack/Church Hill Animal Hospital recommendations. Our many kitties have been patients there for 5 years and we adore her. It is worth the relatively short trip across the river, but definitely be sure that you get an appointment with Dr. Jack.

14. posted by D Lilly at July 24, 2008 12:00 pm :
    

    I have to disagree about the Stratford Hills vet on Forest Hill. I think they are terrible. Went there once, and I will never go back. It was when I had just moved to Richmond with my 2 dogs who both came down with some kind of stomach bug. Not knowing where to go, I took the dogs there because it was the closest vet. They were very rude to me. Like someone else had mentions…it wa slike I was wasting their time. They performed tests without telling me what they were doing or asking my permission first. For a bug that only required some antibiotics to clear up, I left there with a huge bill. To me, getting my dogs healthy is more important than money, but I felt ripped off and poorly treated by Stratford Hills Vet. I now go to Banfield which is the vet in Petsmart and so far they have been great.

15. posted by Chevy at July 27, 2008 8:16 am :
    

    I know you said this side of town… but if you take the Nickel Bridge, Carytown is just a few minutes away. This is the best vet place in the area. It’s not cheap, but not a rip-off, and they will always tell you the truth, treat you with the best service and your pets with the best care. None of these vets will run tests without your knowledge or permission, as you will be part of the process of your pet’s care. The vets are super friendly, and all experts. The facility is clean and state-of-the art. There is no place else in the city that I will take my dog.
    I can also whole-heartedly un-recommend Banfield, and that isn’t close anyway.

    Cary Street Veterinary Hospital
    carystreetvet@hotmail.com
    3210 West Cary Street
    Richmond, VA 23221
    United States
    Phone: 804-355-9144
    Fax: 358-5501

16. posted by Common Sense Mom at July 27, 2008 9:19 am :
    

    I’ve heard the same about Stratford Hills Vet, we go to Brook Run to see Dr. Zuccharo and we couldn’t be happier. They have an extremely friendly staff and they explain all tests and involve you in the decision making process- there’s no surprises. I’ve always been able to get a same day visit for emergencies and that’s rare. Plus, I know that they give away lots of free or reduced care to rescue groups so I’m happy to spend my vet care dollars there. I highly recommend that vet care group!

17. posted by Emily at July 27, 2008 2:50 pm :
    

    We have taken our dog and two cats to Stratford Hills for three years now and have been very happy. All three doctors are extremely knowledgeable and treat the animals with care. We have been especially impressed with Dr. Minor who has helped us through a recent serious ailment with diligence and respect. He has been open and honest about good news and bad, is easy to reach and quick to return calls, doesn’t rush us through appointments, and has a way with our animals that puts them (and us) at ease. We recommend the center.

18. posted by Abigail at July 27, 2008 11:20 pm :
    

    We’ve been taking our dog to Stratford Hills for almost 3 years, but just boarded her there for the second time last Wednesday while we went to the beach for a long weekend. By Friday we had neighbors taking her to Carytown ER. She almost died and we are still not sure what is going on. She was healthy going in and now we don’t know if our 3 year old “baby” will make it. May not be anything that happened at Stratford Hills but they have not even bothered to call us to see how she is doing! She went in for her yearly last month and was fine and we got all of the required things done and she was healthy. The first time we took her to board a couple of years ago she came home with a wound, but not serious and we usually have a neighbor tend to her while we are gone, but she happened to be out of town this time. If our “baby” makes it through she will never go back there for anything. We liked them for vet services and they seemed nice enough but since they have not called to check up on her we feel that they don’t care! I’m not sure where Brook Run is, but I’d like to know. We would appreciate recommendations around Stratford Hills and Janke Road area. Thanks!

19. posted by Foust at July 28, 2008 11:21 am :
    

    Have to add my 2 cents about Stratford Hills vet. I’ve had nothing but good experiences from them. They can be a bit businesslike in their approach, but I’ve always felt it was because they were more interested in my dogs than in “pet-side manner.” They’ve always been very clear and upfront about my dogs’ medical needs and happy to explain what’s going on. When my dog Flood had to be put to sleep (he had a bad mitral valve, which Dr. Minor helped us with for many months), Dr. Minor came to our house. I didn’t have to ask for this, he just told me to let him know when we were ready. He was very compassionate about the situation.

20. posted by Jamie at July 28, 2008 2:25 pm :
    

    I would NOT recommend Dr. Nan Jack. When she worked at Fan Vet on Robinson, she conducted an entire examination of my dog (45 lbs, seated the entire time, and incredibly friendly) without even touching him. In fact, she kept the exam table between her and my dog. When I complained at the front desk about her lack of attentiveness and dog handling skills, the receptionist told me that Dr. Jack “was better with cats.” Although I have to admit, it was humorous to see “Jack Off” written on the clinic schedule, I would NEVER recommend her for a dog owner.

21. posted by Common Sense Mom at July 29, 2008 9:18 am :
    

    Brook Run Animal Hospital is located on Brook Road (near the Dump Furniture store). I have always been greeted warmly on the phone and in person and treated with kindness (something that is important to me as I watch my 13 year old border collie start to decline). Their staff has had little or no turn over in the 10 years I have been going there (that says alot!). Dr. Z. is skillful and kind and has called me to follow-up on several concerns I have had with both my dogs, rather than charging an office visit. He has also offered a home visit if/when my old buddy needs a peaceful exit to the big dogpark in the sky. Highly worth the minimal extra drive across the river.

22. posted by SNF at July 30, 2008 9:32 am :
    

    Wow, Jamie, that’s too bad. Dr. Jack has been fantastic with all four our dogs for the 10 or so years that we’ve been taking our animals to her (both when she was at Fan Vet and now at her own practice).

23. posted by JFW at August 3, 2008 12:00 pm :
    

    I moved here 2 years ago and go to Fan Vet. I really like them because they really like my dogs and are always excited to see them which makes them excited as well. I HATE the carytown vet, do not go there. And VEC is even worse. If your dog has an emergency try to find somewhere else. The staff are unfriendly and uncaring, which is horrible when your pet is in a life or death crisis.

24. posted by Richard Sebastian at August 4, 2008 1:25 pm :
    

    I am looking for a new vet, as well, having been to both Stratford Hills(SH) and Cary Street (CS) Vet. I have also taken some feral cats to Nan Jack in Churchill. I didn’t like SH. I felt they were impersonal and often lacked compassion with my animals. CS is our current vet, but they are too expensive. They quoted me $500 to get my dog neutered (I went to PAL). We can’t afford them any longer. We are considering Boulevard Vet because they are so close to us in Forest Hill. The comments in this thread are helpful.

25. posted by Caitlin at August 5, 2008 5:03 pm :
    

    There’s an Emergency Vet in Manakin-Sabot that is much more affordable than the one in carytown, for emergency visits.
    http://www.vrccvet.com/contactus.asp

    Great vets. Worth the drive.

26. posted by Ron at August 6, 2008 8:40 am :
    

    I’ve used Boulevard for more than 20 years. Usually John Grey, but sometimes another vet when more convenient. Thoughtful, compasionate, diligent. When my lab dioed several years ago from cancer…about a month lster, we received a letter from the School of Vet Medicine at VT, thanking us for the donation made in our dog’s name by Boulevard Animal Hospital.

27. posted by Richard at August 6, 2008 8:50 pm :
    

    It’s interesting to see the differences in opinion from one person to another AND from one practice to another. My own experience with Stratford Hills has been entirely good. I’ve NEVER gotten the impression that anyone there was out to take my money or take advantage of me. Indeed, my doctor was very careful to make me aware of costs for services and gave me options for treatment where possible. As for the staff being rude, I’ve not had that experience either, but you may have caught a person on a bad day too. For me, I’m not willing to walk away from a good vet because of a single staff member any more than I’d switch my own doctor based on one nurse or receptionist.

28. posted by Bookish Angel at August 7, 2008 8:47 am :
    

    Another vote for Dr. Nan Jack at Church Hill Animal Hospital. SHe’s great as is her staff.

    A definite NO to Stratford Hills Veterinary! I don’t like the attitude of the vets and I get the definite impression that cats are less important than dogs.

29. posted by Bookish Angel at August 7, 2008 8:51 am :
    

    I like Dr. Nan Jack and the other staff at Church Hill Animal Hospita. I have taken my cats there for about 5 years and avoid the vets in the Forest Hill area.

30. posted by Abigail at August 7, 2008 11:14 pm :
    

    Our Molly passed away last Wednesday at the age of 3. I know Stratford Hills and Cary Street did all they could for her, but I question the “bedside” manner of SH. Today we received a condolence card with a one page typed letter from them stating various things and this is the first time since Friday the 25th of July that we have heard a peep from them. They basically said we could have contacted them about the dogs progress because they assumed everything was okay–guess they read the blog, because neither me or my husband told them anything about them not calling to check on her. We were on vacation and stressed and trying to protect our 8 year old child–why would we call our vet when the dog was somewhere else? I expected a call from them to check on her or at least to say, “we’ve been in contact with Cary Street vet and we are pulling for Molly”. Something, anything! Uhhhggg.

31. posted by Richard at August 8, 2008 2:08 pm :
    

    I can understand where the miscommunication between Stratford Hills and you regarding the status of your pet would cause you concern. It’s terrible to lose a pet so young, and I was saddened to read about Molly. I have aging parents, and often I’ve had to wait for calls to come from their own doctors. There were times that I thought that no one cared. I would sit around and be upset about the situation, complaining to anyone and everyone about the problem. Then one day I realized that while these were my parents, they were not my doctor’s only patients, that sometimes communication breakdowns occur, and that the phone works in two directions. With this in mind, I’m not sure I completely understand why you thought it unreasonable to call in check in with Stratford Hills to make sure a communication error had not unintentionally occurred while making them completely responsible to maintain communication with you. As is always the case when these misunderstandings occur, communication is a two way street. Perhaps both parties could have done a better job.

32. posted by James at August 8, 2008 2:18 pm :
    

    I had a similar experience to Foust with Dr. Minor. Dr. Minor had been taking care of our aged and beloved dog for many years. When the time came to let her go, there was never a question of if he would come to our home and put her to sleep. He just would. He came after work one night, bringing a very kind assistant with him. He knew when to say the right thing, and when to say nothing at all. He made a very difficult time as easy as he could for us. I’m always grateful for what he did, and I’m bringing our new pet to him now.

33. posted by Common Sense Mom at August 9, 2008 11:01 am :
    

    Wait a minute Richard. Let me clarify a point you made above. When you say “communication is a two way street” and “perhaps both parties could have done a better job” do you mean that Stratford Hills should have communicated with the Fan Vet better OR do you mean that Abigail should have initiated communication with Stratford Hills?

    If you feel that Stratford Hills should have given decent customer service and followed up with the Fan Vet and Abigail then I agree with you 100%. Stratford Hills should have taken the initiative to check up on their patient, and also express concern to Abigail. If you mean that Abigail, on vacation and trying to coordinate care of her pet with Fan Vet, should have picked up the phone and “filled in” Stratford Hills then I completely disagree with you. Abigail had no obligation to call Stratford Hills. They should have called her.

    I am certain that my vet at Brook Run would have called me to follow up on a situation like this.

34. posted by SEW at August 21, 2008 1:49 pm :
    

    I actually live in Church Hill (around the corner from Dr. Jack, however, we have taken out pets to Carytown for years. Dr. Kuhn is wonderful and a gem work with.
    We lost our 10 year old mini dachshund last October after taking her to the VEC. Cary Street had just closed and was unable to take care of her. She was in really bad shape anyway. To make a long story short, the VEC called Dr. Kuhn at home and she ended up calling us at almost midnight that evening to talk about what had happened and how she could help the following day when Cary street vet opened up. Unfortunately, she didn’t make it through the night despite the efforts (and overwhelming bill from) of the VEC. After Dr. Kuhn’s call, we knew that Cary Street was the best vet for us.
    I have never used Dr. Jack so I wouldn’t be able to offer an opinion (although I have heard nothing but wonderful things about her and cats).
    You did mention that you were looking for something close and Cary Street would foot the bill better than Church Hill for you. In any case, this is your pet and a little bit more of a drive is worth it for them I think…

35. posted by Abigail at August 25, 2008 10:15 pm :
    

    Richard, yes, perhaps if we were not freaking out we would have thought to be in touch with S.H, but it seemed like we were on the phone all the days with Cary St. Not until after we got home and had visited Molly did we wonder why they had not contacted us. If Molly was still being boarded at SH she was to be picked up Sunday–she died the Wednesday after and they claimed not to hear about her death until almost a week later? I know some people don’t have issues with them, but we did. Yes, they have other patients, so does our pediatrician, but he calls the next day if my child sees him sick the day before. Just a difference of opinions. I may love our next vet and someone else won’t. Don’t even get me started on elderly parents as I’ve only got one sick one left! :) I type a smile, but it is true. Healing all the losses and dream about Molly and mom and I still expect my doggie to be around every corner and I get disappointed every time but we have decided it’s time to find another baby, as we can’t stand this “void”. I’m anxious to see if any baby puppy can fill Molly’s paws! Thanks Common Sense Mom for understanding my view. Anybody got any mutt puppies? :)
    Thanks guys for hearing me out and it’s all about time and healing the best way we can as painful as it may be.

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