Will never return. Found a fantastic vet elsewhere and office staff who can examine, be right on task and really takes an interest in the pet and not the buck

I can't say enough about the staff at VAH. Our male and female mini Schnauzers, got together, before we knew she was in season. Needless to say, that while we had hoped to have a litter, by them, on her next season, she wound up unexpectedly pregnant. The staff was very helpful, prices were fair, and they gave our girl, and her pups great care. The staff are affectionate, and good with the dogs, and our girl, even seems happy to be going there, when we get out of the car, in their parking lot. I recommend them highly, and believe you will be very satisfied with the care they give your pet, and the prices they charge.

I want to like this place, but they have some serious problems. First of all, the receptionists and nurses are great. They seemed to really care about my dog and getting her treated. Dr. Ernheart was ok, but she spent like 3 minutes with me and then left and I only saw the nurse after that. I had to wait a long time to see the doctor, too. I don't know what she was doing, but I was the only one in the lobby area when I went for my appointment. I liked that my visit was free (new clients get a free exam for their pet), but then I got 2 horrendous estimates for stuff I didn't even ask for. One estimate was for a teeth cleaning. My dog does need one, but don't hand me a $1200 est for cleaning her teeth with no explanation from the doctor except "she needs a dental". The other was for cleaning her ears and sending me home with drops for her. That estimate was almost $300. I really liked the staff, but I cannot afford their prices. I got quotes from other places in the area for a cleaning with xrays and pulling some of her teeth and it was half of what they charge. The hospital appeared clean but was very outdated. I don't know where they are spending their $, but it isn't on the lobby or exam rooms. They preach about "quality care" when I asked why their prices were so high. The estimate I got was ridiculous and I don't know a place around there that is even close. And I don't think they are the only place that offers quality vet care. Unless you have lots of extra $ for your pets, don't go there.

So I just got my dog neutered on Friday (19lb dog). It was quite a change from my other veterinarians, as I do have 2 other dogs. First off, they are MUCH MORE EXPENSIVE. It cost $250 to get my dog neutered, as opposed to $100, but I thought hey, my pup is worth it; greater cost=greater care right? They are always sure to act as though your dog is the main concern; calling them by name, and calling to check up on them. So when they called yesterday, I explained to them that I was meaning to speak to them, and that my dog appeared to still have one testicle intact. She politely said bring him in tomorrow if you can at 9am, and we'll take a look at it (no mention of money). Then I took him receptionist was there to have the Vet aide take me right into the exam room (so far so good; no est., no money discussed). Dr. Musa came in, and we had a short discussion; she looked at my dog, and said that it was just swelling from possible fluid buildup. She told me to keep him calm so that he heals naturally, and that was the extent of the visit (5minutes flat; literally). On my way out I thanked the receptionist, she acknowledged, and I walked out the door (good so far). Then the worst part of my time came; she came out to call for me as I was loading my dog into my car, "The visit today is actually going to cost $45." I thought you got to be kidding me, for 5 minutes, for the fact that I was there to check up on THIER WORK, and for the fact that I already paid $250. She had me come back inside, and I discussed the disappointment I felt going to a vet that is more expensive for peace of mind, and that I didn't get it. I also discussed how is was an unethical business practice to blindside their clients into thinking that they only had the best intention for your pet, but as I found out today, it is all about dollars. The fee ended up getting "waived" after she went to speak with the doctor (doctor never came out). Receptionist explained how the person who told me to come in was not a "trained" receptionist (she was a technician), and a receptionist would have told me that I was going to be charged. I reminded her that it was her who I saw this morning, it was her who had me see the doctor without informing me of charges, and that it was Village Animal Hospital's work which I was concerned about as the factor for my visit. Since my dog needs to get his stitched removed, I asked how much money should I bring for that since it was never discussed, “Don’t worry there is no charge for that, it was already included when you paid to get him neutered;” guess that having sound and accountable business practice is something that is too much to ask for. Good faith/good business would have my concerns checked without any reservations. They appear to be about money; if there are any problems that arise from their operations, it is not any fault of theirs, and you will be charged handsomely for any follow-ups. Hopefully my dog is doing just fine, and I will take him to another vet for a follow-up. You pay for the best care, but you still only get the basics; I suggest that you go elsewhere. Your pet's life is not about dollars, and I'm convinced that the concern they show is fake; they are good at letting you think they care. It is a shame, I remember speaking to Dr. Earnhardt on my first visit; discussed that I had to get one of my other dogs checked for a concern I had (seizure type of thing), but now I must inquire around for another vet. 5 minutes for $45 cost good business relations, and also an opportunity for bigger business from me; I'm sure they don't care, and that they have enough customers fooled into paying them a premium. For the record, as soon as I was summoned from my vehicle, I turned my phone to record, and recorded most of the conversation which show that I was blindsided by the charge. BE WEARY OF HOW NICE THEY ARE, IT'S STILL ABOUT MONEY.

Dr. Earnheart, Dr Musa, and Dr. Phillips are awesome vets. They care a lot about the welfare of your pets and emphasize on client education and preventative medicine. And the support staff are some of the friendliest people around. However, working there is a different story. Under this regime, you will have a manager constantly looking over your back and questioning your every tech move even though she has no teching experience. Beware new hires.