UIUC Small Animal Clinic

Owen

2024-05

They put down a baby possum we brought to them because it was “too much work”. The nurse grabbed the baby possum and would not give it back saying “she couldn’t” that i would have to come tomorrow. well over night they euthanized it because they didn’t have enough volunteers to keep it fed for ONE NIGHT. The possum was not sick or injured just orphaned. We explicitly stated to contact us if they were just going to put it down but they killed it without a second thought. we saved the baby possum just for them to kill it with no remorse or accountability. They also misdiagnosed my dog about a year ago and tried to get me to pay over a grand for a procedure she didn’t need and after i took her to her normal vet she got on an antibiotic and she’s fine. Please do not take your animals here, as the other reviews have said there is a high chance they will put down your animal/pet. Also the nurses we have talked to have been nothing but rude and acted like they didn’t know anything, they wouldn’t tell us a single thing. please do not go here, and i hope the nurse who took the baby and staff who were there on may 13th 2024 at 12:30am gets fired and never let a newborn animal into their hands again.

jieyi mai

2023-09

I'm writing this review with a heavy heart to share my experience at UIUC Vet School. My beloved baby girl underwent a procedure that was marketed to have a 99% success rate. Regrettably, the outcome was devastating, and I feel compelled to share my story.In fact, I know of at least six babies that have died as a result of this procedure that he claims has a 99% success rate, and for which he offers no apology but a false and insincere apology. The lack of transparency and hidden surgical data is deeply concerning. Had I been aware of the actual risks, I would never have chosen to proceed with the surgery. The surgeon Dr.Ryan Fries was confident, repeatedly assuring me of minimal risk, and the benefits outweighing any potential drawbacks. Tragically, my baby’s surgery did not go as promised. The clamp that was guaranteed to stay in place came off, leading to her untimely passing.In my time of desperate need, the attending surgeon's Dr.Ryan Fries absence during the aftermath compounded my distress. I remained outside the hospital for 10 hours, whole night , waiting to speak with him, only to be met with an apology that felt insufficient for the weight of the loss. It's disheartening that promises were made without accountability or remorse when they were broken.As a pet parent who deeply loved and cared for my companion, I placed my trust in the expertise and transparency of the medical team. The lack of openness about potential outcomes has left me grappling with anger, sorrow, and a profound sense of betrayal.My intention in sharing this review is not to spread negativity, but to highlight the importance of transparency, accountability, and genuine compassion in veterinary care. Our pets are more than just possessions; they are beloved family members who deserve the utmost care and respect.If you're considering the UIUC Vet School for medical care, I encourage you to seek clarity about procedures, potential risks, and aftercare. It's my hope that this review serves as a reminder that every life in their hands deserves the truth, care, and respect that comes with the responsibility they hold.

Melody Craig

2024-02

Brought our dog in for a cardio workup after our vet wanted to get her checked out. As you can imagine, we were so nervous about how this would all go, and what it could potentially mean. Not to mention, my dog is an anxious girl in general so it generated a lot of worry on all sides.The staff here were so kind, compassionate, helpful, knowledgeable, and communicative. They broke down every step for us, gave us ample time to ask questions, didn't force my dog and let her go at her own pace to allow staff to touch her and approach her. Those things are hard to find, unfortunately- but UIUC Small Animal Clinic has it down!We got consistent updates about what was going on, the vet called us very quickly to discuss results, and you could tell she had a lot of love for her job.We endlessly appreciated this experience, and while I'm glad to not have to visit any time soon- I wouldn't hesitate with this practice.

Cristy McKeller

2024-03

Please take your animal anywhere else. I sat for more than 12 hours as my dog suffered and ultimately had to be put down. She was on fluids all night, only to realize when they said we needed to out her down that bee IV had not been working. Read the 1 star reviews to understand what is going on here.

Brock Angelo

2023-06

We are so grateful that this clinic exists here in town. We have had a couple of visits, and while you never really hope to need them, they are responsive and caring when you do need them. The staff is responsive to email when there are follow-ups needed, and they make refilling medications easy with online ordering and typically next day (or sometimes same-day) pickup.

Lucas Gilbert

2024-02

Absolutely amazing place for a horrible time in our lives. They took care of our lil pup in our time if need. The staff were compassionate and caring when explaining the procedure. We are home and she is healing because of the care the small animal clinic gave us.

A E

2023-05

Sweetie received the best care on a Sunday from Dr. Mara Vernier whom created a 36 hour stitched on bandage. Our local vet was impressed and it magically healed perfectly in less than two weeks.Many thanks to the entire team! Even under a partial remodel, the busy staff members were kind and efficient. We're so fortunate to have access to this emergency clinic, and it's great news knowing they're expanding. A+

Ricky Kwit

2023-12

Brought our baby Teddy to the hospital last week and we are so happy with the care and attention that out Teddy got. She is home now recovering not at all happy with her cone of shame but is healing up very well.

FloWithThePages

2022-05

I absolutely love this place. Let me start by saying that UIUC is probably not the best choice for everyone. If you're just looking for regular vet care for your pet, I'd look around to see what works for your budget.But if you have a pet that has a rare or sensitive condition, this is THE place. My dog has Sebaceous Adenitis, which is a pretty rare genetic immune-mediated disorder. It took months to finally get a diagnosis for my dog before I came here. I had seen 3 separate vets and called around to a few others. None of them had ever seen a dog with this condition. But this place? Absolutely amazing. They have experienced dermatologists, and I don't mind that it is also a learning experience for students.My dog's condition has improved so so much just from regular bi-monthly visits. My local vet recently told me he almost looks a different dog, that's how much better he looks. I also want to stress that the cost for visits is surprisingly low, considering every visit we meet with the dermatologist and they do a detailed physical of my dog. It has never gone over $300. Compare that to the thousands I spent at other vets before finally getting a diagnosis. Medication is also significantly cheaper here than at my local vet. They are also responsive via email, but can sometimes be a bit slow due to the volume of emails they get.All in all, I would never dream of visiting a different clinic for his condition if I didn't have to. I live an hour away, so unfortunately this can't be the only vet we see. They also can be hard to get an appointment with, due to the demand to be seen here. The staff is always pleseant, and there seems to be a comradary between owners while sitting in the waiting room. This is the one vet that I am never stressed to see. I highly recommend this place for anyone that owns a pet with a special or sensitive condition.

Jan G

2023-07

Very disappointed. Many positive review, so I decided to make the 3 hour drive and take my pup here. Just to find out someone messed up their appointment schedule and I was not on it. 3 people come to view my confirmation email. I end up waiting for 4 hour!!!!!!!!! 4 HOURS!!!!! I would leave if I would not live 3 hours away, but I was hopeless. My sick pup waiting with me for the whole time. We spend 9 hours there. For scheduled appointment!!!!!!! I swear the distance held me hostage there and they knew it. Anyway, I was promised discounted price by manager Emily Volk ( I had to pay full price right there and then) I was also promised she will contact me after meeting they will have about this mishap. 3 weeks pass by, I called Emily multiple times, left 3 voicemail, even sent an email. Received no callback, no email, no form of communication attempt. Office people becoming more rude every time I call. Basically once bill payed they don't care. Very disappointed. Not how I imagine University clinic to be run. Also, please do not comment "Contact us to talk about it" as you read above I tried.

Elise McCarren

2023-05

My 9.5 year old miniature poodle was here earlier today for a cardiology consult to diagnose the cause of his heart murmur. We did have to schedule the consult about three months out because they were very busy, however, I was very satisfied with the level of service at our appointment today. Staff was able to accommodate his dog reactivity upon entering. Then, he was greeted by a senior vet student who was very attentive to him and his medical history (and admired his good looks), who accompanied him for the duration of the visit. The vet who did the diagnosis was thorough, professional, and prompt with service. It was an expensive visit, but I expected this given that he received a full cardiology evaluation, an electrocardiogram, and chest x-rays. I would recommend for anyone who requires similar diagnostic services and felt that everything was very reasonable.

Terry Ryan

2023-05

Extremely disrespectful of clients time. When you schedule an appointment you do not expect to be left for an hour and a half in a waiting room with zero communication. Maybe my time does not matter to them but it certainly does to me and I could get a lot done in an extra hour and a half in my day. Still no one here who knows how long I will sit and wait before I get so frustrated I leave.

Daisy Liu

2023-09

My friend’s dog was murdered here by Dr Ryan Fries. Her dog was 12 years old and has been coughing for a while. Ryan Fries persuaded her to do the Transcatheter Edge-to-Edge Mitral Valve Repair (TEER) surgery and promised her the surgery would be 99% successful. My friend asked if any incident would happen after the surgery like the clamp dropping, he said it only happened to earlier surgeries and now the surgery was very matured, it wouldn’t happen. Even if it happens they will perform a second surgery to put the clamp back or take it out. My friend trusted him and let her dog have the surgery. After the surgery, the doctor told her the surgery was very successful and her dog stayed here for recovery. But after 12 hours, they told her that her dog has gone. Later my friend acknowledged the clamp dropped after the surgery, the doctor was not prepared and didn’t operate a second surgery on her dog, her dog was suffered for two hours and eventually passed away. During these two hours they only gave her dog diuretic and no further actions.

Emma Huls

2023-05

Pricing is outrageous. $4000 to keep our potentially dying dog overnight and $2000 deposit required up front the day of. How are normal people expected to pay for that in an emergency situation? How does that pricing even break down? Taking a chance on the dogs life by taking him home to administer medications ourselves because we cannot afford thousands of dollars for an overnight stay. Every one that talked to us and checked out our dog was kind and helpful. That I can say confidently. But to actually get our dog help, is simply out of our means as average working people.Edited 5 hours later- our dog died on the couch

Kelley Burnett

2022-05

My 2 pound Pomchi had something caught in his teeth. It was pretty big and he can get rather testy. The vet, the students & all employees were professional, quick, knowledgeable and resolved my pet emergency. Thank you. 🐾

K Christie

2023-05

I brought my hamster in yesterday for an emergency and he had to be put down. The staff was so beyond kind and didn’t make me feel like a burden or feel gross for crying. Everyone was so caring and understanding. The doctor we saw was so kind and explained everything to me. I was so distraught I didn’t notice his name but he was an average height Indian man - he made it a lot easier. If I have another pet emergency I’ll definitely come back here.

Courtney Welch

2023-05

I have very mixed feelings about my visit here. I brought my cat in on a Sunday night scared for him. They didn't seem like it was anything too serious but kept him overnight, got a call the next day with still no answers. He ended up staying 3 nights. It ended with my poor cat being euthanized and I got a hefty bill of over $3,000. I wish they would have been upfront about his condition I could have saved him so much hurt and the bill wouldn't be so bad, but now I'm heartbroken missing my cat and have some debt.

Ryan Philyaw

2019-05

I’ve only been once to visit an internal medicine specialist so I can’t speak to any other specialties. The wait was a bit long because they were quite busy, but the student who saw me and my cat was apologetic and I didn’t mind. They answered all of my questions and laid out options very well and I felt like I was about to make informed decisions about my cats health. I would recommend them based off compassion and care of the veterinarian I saw.

Diana Noble (Dee)

2023-05

I can’t go without thanking everyone at the Emergency Dept at the University Small Animal Clinic that helped my beautiful Lilly. She was a 90 pound Chesapeake Bay Retriever. She was a sweetheart.I had 2 aids help me get her in the building, the receptionist and aids kept me updated on her condition, the intern, Dr Joseph Frame was incredible. He was thorough, professional, & compassionate. He took extra time to go over the choices we had to make with respect to Lilly’s care. He could tell it was extremely hard for me. The entire staff was so caring to Lilly and myself.Thank you everyone for making a horrible night better for me with your kindness and for making Lilly’s journey and suffering less anxious for her.God Bless 🙏🏻

Jody W

2023-05

We just moved locally a few weeks ago, and one of our doxies started experiencing severe back pain. They treated her quickly, even on a Sunday afternoon. The emergency visit prices were very reasonable and less then other emergency clinics we have visited in other locations. We hope to return for routine visits for both of our dachshunds, and have peace of mind for a caring staff in case of emergencies.

Julie Griffith

2023-05

We recently took our dog, Miko, here to be assessed on whether or not it was his time. Everyone was so caring and understanding. Unfortunately, it ended up being in his best interest to let him go. They were compassionate through the entire process, even down to the person checking us out at the end. It was the hardest thing we have ever done, however, their compassion and kind words helped us get through this situation. A few days after, we received a clay paw print with his name along with a card. Inside the card was a handwritten note from both of the women who helped us that day. It was unexpected and much appreciated! We are so thankful for their kindness.

Lisa Chantry

2023-07

The staff were great and caring. They went above and beyond because of us losing a bestie to others they are just pets to us he was our family our beloved son he wasnt mean to any other amimals he in fact saved another his little brother. Junior you will be missed and the staff we great Ty for ur kindness

Julie

2023-12

I went there some months ago, and they were very clear, kind, and even followed up with a card. I wish them all the best. Thank you!

NICOLE Y

2023-09

Plz won’t go to this hospital!!!Plz won’t go to this hospital!!!My friend's dog had a heart surgery here. Before the surgery, the doctor said there was a 99% chance of success. However, due to a surgical error, the dog's heart stent came loose, and shortly after the surgery, the dog passed away.

Nancy Anderson

2023-05

My dog was attacked by a pitbull had two holes in her neck and one in her chest took her to the emergency and they told me it'd be $175 I was fine with that then they came in and wanted more money. I told them I didn't have any more until the first of the month.They return my Lucy to me, NO bandages nothing still bleeding still dripping blood not even one Band-Aid charged me $296 and all they did was give her a shot of methadone for the pain. The most unhumane place I've ever been to.

Kathryn Eichen

2021-05

I wanted to write a review telling people about our experience and urging them to think twice about bringing their pet to the University of Illinois Small Pet Clinic. Today was a heartbreaking day for our family. We had our pet cat for 15 years and she became a part of our family. Today we had to make the choice to put her to sleep because she was ill. This is a very difficult situation for anyone to experience and having the situation we did with the clinic made things that much harder.When I thought about the first place to bring my cat, I thought about the University of Illinois Small Pet Clinic. The clinic is a place where students attend school to become vets because most of them love and care about animals. Unfortunately, this was not our experience.This afternoon I made a phone call to the clinic to discuss this procedure and the most humane way to go about this procedure. During the phone call, the receptionist told us the price would be $139.00. When we arrived at the clinic we were taken into a room. There was never a point when anyone told us that what the price for this procedure would cost except on the phone. When I went to pay the bill I was told it would cost $333.00 twice the amount I was told on the phone and prepared to pay. I attempted to tell the front desk individual that this was the amount I was told I would have to pay. She made a phone call and eventually a tech came out to discuss this situation. She told me that it was going to cost $333.00 and that if I did not pay it immediately then it would be turned over to collections.My entire family was emotional and my son was in tears after having gone through this situation. It just did not seem like the time nor the place to be having this type of discussion. We had also made the decision to allow the students to use the cat to learn or "for science". My bill had a fee for the cremation of our pet. Since we had given the school the cat this charge seemed a little confusing.It just felt to me that the clinic placed more emphasis and priority on being paid than on our family and cat. I was really disappointed with the way we were treated and that being told we would be turned over to collection immediately if we did not pay the bill seemed rather unprofessional. I wanted to share my story because this is not the experience I would want for anyone.

Eliz K

2023-05

Extremely compassionate euthanasia for our sweet beagle. I am so glad we went to UIUC when it was time. They have a lovely private room for your last moments and the staff was so caring.

Jordynn Schumacher

2023-05

This place is just money hungry. Don't come here. Drove 2 hours for our cat who was narrowly breathing and vomiting. They made us sign paper work that charged us $500 for the visit. We had to wait 5 hours before we got any results back. They said he wasn't in critical condition and that he likely has cancer but they wouldn't help us. Now it is just a matter of time before he passes. Screw this place.

Becky Meyer

2019-05

We needed emergency ophthalmology services for our Great Pyrenees dog. From the moment I contacted the clinic, to the start of the visit (when our 105 lb dog refused to walk into the clinic and a gurney was needed to wheel him in), to the excellent care he was given we were totally impressed by the clinic. Not only was the care excellent and the staff extremely friendly, but they were upfront with us at every step about viable options and comparative costs of all the options. We would highly recommend the clinic. We drove two hours to go there but it was worth every mile!

Angela Boehler

2023-05

I had to bring my little chihuahua Pippa here at 4 AM while I was on vacation. While visiting from Florida, she fell off the bed and hurt her spine. This place is outstanding. The staff were so kind, it was affordable, and I felt she was in very good hands! Highly recommened.