We brought our baby girl here over the weekend. 10/10/20. We knew she was sick. She had a uterine/cervical infection and would eventually need surgery, sooner rather than later. I wanted to bring her home, but they filled out heads with all these what ifs, so when we asked about leaving her there even overnight to get medicine and rehydration they said they would need $3500!!! Just to let her stay...just to let her stay? $3500. Obviously we didn't have that kind of money, how many people really do at the drop of a hat. My husband was to afraid to bring her home for fear she would worsen and suffer, so we had to make the most horrible impossible disgusting decision to have her euthenized. I feel like we failed our precious fur baby, but I feel even MORE strongly that this place, animal referral center failed us and most of all Piper. How can someone who is in the business of being there when there is an emergency with your loved one (my dog is/was my family!!) Be so inconsiderate. Barely allow you the time you need to try to come up with such a ridiculous sum of money for an unforeseen circumstance to save your family member. The staff was very gentle and sincere and I know they are only doing their jobs. I/we IMPLORE you!! If you have any other choice or option, please please please DO NOT use this horrible place. read more

This place will be getting referred to the BBB. Took our cocker there for evaluation of a skin tag on her lower eyelid. Took her from us while we waited. When they brought her back, they must have tried to pull it off as it was sticking straight out but still intact. Obviously was irritated as she was blinking and it was red. When we got home she could hardly keep it open. We called to question what went on, the doctor who was still in the building would not take our call as she was getting ready to go home for the day. I was able to coerce someone there in to at least send over the notes. Found out they had actuallystuck a needle in her eye. For what? WTF? Called back next day and questioned and still couldn't talk to doctor. Left message for someone. Some administrator called back and acted all concerned and was going to check into it and get back. Never did! This place is a joke. Strongly reccomend UW Madison. Oh...and the money side of it....another joke. $360 and they took her from us for not even 10 minutes and never was able to talk to the doctor that actually did this. 1 star is way too much for this joint! read more

We have had two TERRIBLE experiences with this center and will NOT be going back. We'll drive our dog to Milwaukee if need be, just to avoid the uneducated, inexperienced "vets" at this place. When our dog was 4 months old, he was urinating excessively in the house - as if he couldn't hold it at all (he was fully potty trained to go outside already). Our vet was closed so we called the Fox Valley Referral Center and the girl on the phone said "Yes, he's having kidney failure. Bring him in immediately." - We made the 45min drive in absolute fear that our new puppy was dying. $100 and 1 hour later, the vet saw us and let us know "he's totally fine - his kidneys aren't even developed yet." ......... Thanks, idiot on the phone. We just recently brought our dog in for what we suspected to be kennel cough; he had all of the symptoms and had gone to "doggy daycare" 4 days ago. The vet told my husband there was "no way" it could be kennel cough because he had thrown up upon arriving at the center. If he pulls on the leash because he's excited, he pukes. We usually have a harness on him for this exact reason, but in the rush my husband didn't put it on him. The vet then chose to do an x-ray which showed nothing but food, because he had eating 2 hours prior (why she didn't ask when he ate last, I don't know...). She told my husband he'd need to leave our puppy overnight for observation (which would be $1500, they estimated). We decided against it, since we knew the cause of his coughing was from kennel cough. Left with a $450 bill and no answers. The following day, our puppy woke up at 4am coughing uncontrollably. We called the vet who saw him the day before and asked if she could prescribe an antibiotic for kennel cough. The receptionist said the vet would call us back right away. An hour and a half later, and no call back, we called again. The receptionist said the vet was with someone and she would call us back right away. Finally, another hour later, she called, but refused to prescribe an antibiotic. She claimed a sore throat was the cause of the coughing, runny nose, and fever. She prescribed something to help with the irritation in his throat. I called the pharmacy when it opened at 10am and asked when our prescription would be ready; it hadn't even been called in yet (this was 2 hours after we spoke with the vet). My husband called FVARC and asked them to call it in again. Finally, the pharmacist called and said that she couldn't understand much of the message and had to listen to it twice before realizing which med and last name it was for. The vet prescribed that we "dissolve the pill in 1 tsp water." The pharmacist was confused as to how that was going to work, and thankfully gave us the recommendation to just cut it in half, feed it to him with some bread/chicken and encourage him to drink water (which worked perfectly). When his symptoms didn't get better by Monday, we called our normal vet for an appointment. Within a few minutes of talking and examining him, he was diagnosed with kennel cough and prescribed an antibiotic. read more

Dr. Graham and our surgeon Dr. Ryan were absolutely fantastic. They found that our sweet 3 year old yellow lab needed her left kidney removed. They answered all our questions and were extremely helpful. The other staff were so very helpful as well. Made us extremely comfortable during a very difficult time. Thank you! read more

It's been about a year since I posted my discontent with Fox Valley Animal Referral Center and am still just as angry as I was a year ago. I filed formal complaints with Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS) and the Better Business Bureau (who is unable to accept complaints regarding health) but unfortunately didn't get any further. FVARC said they had more extreme cases in the back and that is why it took them an hour to see us but there was only 1 other car in the parking lot and I'm most certain those owners walked out with their dog. Also, there were 2 vets on duty. I have decided to not get another dog at this time because I can't depend on their care. Interesting to read so many similar reviews. read more

Be Forewarned and Avoid the Fox Valley Animal Referral Center. My dearly beloved animal companion was grossly neglected by the FVARC, Appleton, Wi, and my dear animal suffered and died at the negligent FVARC. This is true Advice to the Wise or you may also Risk the Demise (Death) (or Negligent Damage) of your precious pet who may become another veterinary victim of the FVARC. Beware that the FVARC is also notorious for being mercenary money hungry. Prepare to take your precious sick animal to a much higher quality rated animal emergency center such as the Univ. of Wis. Vet Emergency Center. Don't be Fooled by the FVARC. Remember the Statement that says Forewarned is Forearmed!! . Many people have Lost Both Money and their Precious Pets at the Negligent Money Hungry FVARC, Appleton, WI!!!! read more

Recently my 2 yr old Yorkie had a luxating patella procedure at ARCFV. I could not have been more pleased with the service that was provided to my pet and myself. Everyone we saw (receptionists, vets, techs, and cashiers) were exceptionally knowledgeable, efficient, patient, kind and professional. We feel so fortunate to have been able to work with them. They truly care about pets and their people. We can't thank them enough for what they did! read more

I have been referred to FVARC on three separate occasions. Each time I have found them to be high skilled, compassionate and fair.

Even though everyone has a right to their own opinions and have their own perceptions, I would highly disagree with the above client review. I find it interesting that a bad review isn't signed with the real name, only anonymously. That says to me the story isn't totally accurate or they don't want to give FVARC the opportunity to make their situation better. I took my 13 year old furry family member Nestle to Fox Valley Animal Referral Center for many issues and have recieved nothing but top notch care, service and outstanding bed side manner starting from the front desk to the specialists. The hospital administrator even stopped by during the end of our visit to see if I understood all the Doctor's suggestions moving forward with Nestle. I am not sure how much more any place could do. Making me and my pet comfortable is their job and they did it. The word neglect would never be a consideration after my experiences there. I believe so much in this hospital I drive from Milwaukee to Appleton with all 3 of my dogs when they need more care then my local vet can handle. As a business owner myself, online reviews in my opinion are rarely used constructively. So many times important details are left out by the consumer to persuade others into believing the company is the problem when for the most part there are two sides to every story. I have recommended FVARC to every single person I know. Money hungry as the previous review states simply proves that this person doesn't understand how expensive medical treatment is...do they not go to their own doctor or watch one ounce of news coverage to see rising costs of everything in the world today? My bills from FVARC have been very fair considering the high level of expertise and the technology they have. Education, experience and equipment isn't cheap or free for them - why should it be to us? Lisa Smith Milwaukee, WI read more

My five year old lab mix, Duncan, was hit by a vehicle in the UP of Michigan. His snout/nose was busted into over 12 pieces, and he was missing multiple teeth. There was no seperation between his mouth and nose, and his nose was completely detached from his sinuses. I never dreamed anyone would be able to complete the surgery he would need to survive, let alone thrive. None of the vets in the UP would be able to do such a surgery, and I rushed him down to the referral center in Appleton. They were nothing short of AMAZING. They did Duncan's surgery immediately the following morning. Since it was four hours away from home, I was offered a list of hotels local to the center that offered discounts for parents of patients at the clinic. Every time I called or visiting Duncan during his stay at the clinic, I was always able to speak w/a doctor, most importantly the surgeon, Dr. Bruce, who did the surgery. Their knowledge and compassion, for both Duncan and myself, was truely remarkable. I would recommend them to anyone with a fur baby needing medical attention for the rest of my life. read more

Brought my French Bulldog puppy to be seen for Hip Dysplasia. It was a very good experience. Everyone was friendly and the doctor took time to explain the options I had. He did not push for surgery. I walked away thinking they have the best Vets in the area. read more

These people are the most insensitive bunch of crooks I have ever seen , bring in a poisoning patient and be made to wait over 2 hours before anyone would even see us meanwhile our poor boy was laying and soaking more and more poison into his system , then the money pressure starts , even though they knew our pet wasnt going to make it , they talked up his prognosis to us to make sure we stayed an extra couple days and another couple thousand dollars , after he inevitably passed , we got there and the front desk nurse just short of chasing us down for the bill , asks " would you like to settle the payment right away or go back to say your goodbyes to your pet " ......I was shocked could not believe someone could be so cold and stone faced money hungry person like that....we will never be back there with any other pet again , if you go here bring your wallet , cuz that will be the first thing they want to see , even if your pet is in dire need of attention , I hope those people sleep well knowing how they operate !!!!! read more

Very professional staff and facility. Highly recommend Ryan Demianiuk, Terri Cole, Piper and Ann. My cat's surgery went very well. Diagnosis and finding cause for my cat being there was swift and problem resolved in two days. As I'm very particular with my pets I was not impressed with how ICU is run. Fortunately, because surgery went so well I was able to have my cat discharged from ICU and brought him home. read more

Well, contrary to what these other individuals have commented above they saved our dogs life on Christmas eve. The staff was first class, the surgeon was in just after midnight on Christmas day and performed a very complicated surgery. My dog suffered a puncture wound center chest and traveled through the right lung and broke a rib on her right side. THEY ARE FIRST CLASS EMERGENCY CARE FACILITY. As far as the first comment goes above, it sounds like you are a vet. already so why did you bring your dog in? Sounds like you know or knew exactly what needed to happen and how to do it.......... typical ignorant ramblings. The second one is, no one forced you to bring your pet there. You don't even go on to explain what happened to your dog nor do you explain the medical procedures that were done or how the animal responded to the surgery...........They both sound fraudulent reviews by outside medical facilities. It really upsets me since I have seen none of these claims while my dog was there for a week, she got feed Turduckin, chicken pot pie, etc. type soft dog food while she was there. They allowed us to be with her after the operation in very spacious kennels filled with blankets and toys. read more

Six months ago our little dog Lotty, ruptured a disk in her back. Within a short amount time her back legs were paralyzed. If it wasn't for the excellent surgeon, the surgery and the quality care she received, Lotty wouldn't be walking and running today. So often you only hear about the bad things that happen so I felt obligated to mention our experience. read more

First time using these guys was tonight, but we had to put our cat down as the prognosis from vet visit the day prior wasn't very good and the poor guy wouldn't drink or eat after we got him home, nor would he take his medicine. The people we dealt with were professional and the facilities were clean and welcoming. With it being early on the Friday morning before Memorial Day weekend, them being able to help us was a great relief (didn't want the poor guy to suffer for 4 more days), and they didn't gouge us on the prices compared to other places. (...we had to put down his older brother the winter prior, and didn't pay much, if any less for doing that at a "regular" vet.) read more

I have taken a number of dogs to Fox Valley Animal Referral Center over the years. This includes a dog with a ruptured salivary gland, a 12 week old puppy with an ectopic ureter, and a dog with a severe drug reaction which had dropped her platelets to ZERO. The first two required surgery, both of which were successful and without complication. I am a nurse and the surgeon was willing to work with me to get both dogs released a bit earlier than usual as I was able to pull drains etc (I have pulled too many on people to even count...so knew what I was doing and problems to watch for). The dog with the drug reaction needed to be hospitalized for 6 days. The vet called me every single day with updates. This was during the winter, the weather was bad, and it would have been over a 200 mile round trip to visit.. Additionally, I did not want to have to put the dog through the stress saying good bye multiple times...so I did not visit. The staff was great and while the dog was happy to see me, she was not frantic. It was obvious that they had taken good care of her. I also had an older dog with advanced cancer that we needed to euthanize. The staff was again very compassionate. The final arrangements were as easy as they could be given the circumstances. We elected cremation and received the ashes via UPS within a short time. There were no mix-ups or problems. I have been very happy over the past 10 or so years when I have needed the advanced or emergency care offered by FVARC read more

My dog was treated here 5/13/18. I will say she was treated quickly. But we were forced to wait in a small waiting area for hours with little updates on how our dog was. She received multiple stitches and they "closed" her wounds. the following day her wounds opened up 2 times leaving blood everywhere. Today her wound opened up again and I called to bring her back in and I was told it was going to be a few hundred dollars to repair their own mistakes. One of her wounds was even closed they just covered it up with a bandage to hide their poor work. DO NOT GO HERE they do not stand behind their work. and my poor dog is the one that is suffering. I will never bring an animal here again. read more

Our beloved lab/pit bull mix, Emily, was rushed to FVARC on July 2nd. She wasn't eating and wasn't getting up and walking around. It was determined that she was anemic and her blood was fighting off something. This something was not being detected on any tests. Her body stopped digesting her food and was solely fighting whatever infection she had. Rather than keep her in misery we desired to lay her to rest. The staff treated us with such dignity and kindness. I went and picked up Emily's cremains last night, July 9th. There was a lady there distraught over the fact that her dog had diarrhea. Which is understandable it was a mess and she had every right to be upset that her dog was ill. I guess they had to drive an hour and a half to the hospital. (My thought was at least you have a place to go!) However this lady was so rude to the staff. At one point she told this poor young lady that she was paying them thousands of dollars and she would not be cleaning any of her dogs poop up from outside. As she is putting soiled but wipes on the counter. She demanded to speak to a doctor. And was outraged when her dog was not a top priority. She was just rude. I finally lost my shit after she gave me a dirty look because they were trying to help me find Emily's collar. I went off on her. I called her rude, told her to clean up her own dogs shit and said at least your dogs going to walk out of here unlike mine that's being carried out in a box. Oh I let her have it. I'm sure the hole office heard me yelling at this lady. I was pissed. Now there is a swarm of people around her and she's telling them to get their customers in order. The lady at the desk thanked me for standing up for them. I had to give the girl at the desk my name and number because I couldn't stand there and listen to her any longer. I had to leave. Then I went to my car and cried. The messy kind. While I'm sitting in my car sobbing over my beloved pet resting in a box on my lap the girl from the desk ran out with Emily's collar and thanked me again. She said she was determined to find it for me. These people put up with some crap. I just can't believe she was treating these wonderful people like that. No one owes you anything. Treat people with kindness. They have rules for a reason. It's not because they don't want the best for your pet. read more

BluePearl Pet Hospital - The outstanding staff made sure I got a ceramic stamp of my dogs paw!! - Veterinarians Near Me - Appleton, Wisconsin

Fox Valley Animal Referral Center is run by a very unprofessional and rude staff. My dog underwent surgery to repair a compound fracture. Throughout the process, the staff lacked communication with us on his progress during the operation and post-op, and also made us feel like we inconvenienced their lives when we called for updates. Eventually, we picked up our dog, anticipating a great recovery. Fast forward a month and my dog was in absolute agony! We took him to a more local animal hospital, who x-rayed his leg. We found out that the surgeon at FVARC utilized an incredibly uncommon approach to the procedure, which by nature, assumed a higher risk for failure. The surgeon used a wire to wrap around our dog's broken bone, along with a plate that was not appropriately sized for his bone. The surgeon also utilized a minimal amount of screws, which created an unstable implant. Suffice to say, our dog's procedure was an absolute disaster. Our 2-year old dog went through an incredibly painful experience! We called FVARC to discuss some financial support, as we had now spent over $10,000 to repair our dog's leg between 2 surgeries. KRIS EGGLESTON (FVARC) only returned only 1 of my several phone calls, and it was only for her to request the x-rays from his second surgery. It was quite obvious that she was ONLY ensuring her office did not perform any malpractice. We refused to give her the x-rays, and even though she said she would work with us on working out a financial agreement, she never followed up with us. We have purposefully not reached out to her for a couple of months, to test her true integrity. It is obvious she has none. KRIS EGGLESTON was the perfect representation of every one of her staff members, who all lacked sincere care for their patients, as well as demonstrating incredibly poor customer service skills. My fiance and I are still searching for legal representation, but the surgeon appears to be friends with almost every animal lawyer in the area. FVARC is a joke, and if you absolutely can, take your animals for care elsewhere! This business just wants your money. read more

So I need to write this to bump up the ratings for this place. The service we received by Dr. McDonald and her tech, Julie, was amazing. I won't get into the whole story, but my dog has one eye. He is getting older in age and my husband and I agreed that if something happens to that eye, we would put him down. He recently got an ulcer on the eye, and our everyday vet was unable to treat it. We were referred to Dr. McDonald, and I was ready to hear that the eye was damaged and we would have to put our dog down. Dr. McDonald was so great with our dog, loving on him before she examined him and talked to him as if he were a human while she examined him. Luckily, his injury is on the surface and she feels she can fix him with a non-invasive laser surgery which will be performed in about 30 minutes. Obviously, I don't have a review on that yet, but her consultation alone made my dog and me so relaxed and at ease and she was so gentle with him. God brought us to her, I recommend her 100%. read more

Our chocolate lab is a hunting dog and tore his right CCL and we went to Fox Valley Animal Center and he had a TPLO. About a year and 1/2 later, he tore his left CCL so we took him back to Fox Valley Animal Center for a TPLO on his left CCL. Hands down the treatment was superb, from the customer service to the excellent surgery and care our dog got from Dr. Bruce. It makes me sad to read the negative reviews because our experience was 2nd to none! read more

My Chocolate Lab had to have two TPLO surgeries there. Tore her cruciate ligament in both knees. The two surgeries set us back over $7,000. The surgeon was very friendly and surgeries went well. After the first surgery I had a very ODD experience with a vet tech/assistant (don't recall her name). My Lab has NEVER growled at anything or anyone...till going to this place. When going in to have the stitches removed, my girl growled menacingly at the female vet tech/assistant. The woman looked at Tillie and barked at her something like "You remember me don't you!" Really scary...before I had a chance to ask her what she meant by that comment the doctor came in the room and I was distracted. Point being, this woman must have done something TERRIBLE to my baby for her to growl at the sight of her. When Tillie sees the front of the building, she shakes and I had to drag her into the place she is so afraid. Didn't have a choice because they are the only place in town to do this surgery...just glad it is over and hopefully I will never have to go back there :-( read more

I have unfortunately been to several emergency vet clinics that are closer to my home but go to FV. The staff never expects you to wait and is very engaging. Every person that I have come in contact with has a general love of animals and has been very professional. While it would be wonderful if their services was free, everyone needs to understand the cost of operating a facility that has access to every specialty and piece of equipment. I have been to FV for emergencies and for a non emergency consult and can't praise them enough. read more

I thank the previous 3 1-star reviewers for their heart felt comments and they should know that they made a difference in our lives! We took our dog to FVARC because he was vomiting and had diarrhea. I was fearing bloat. We took him in at 2 AM in the morning. The receptionist was very nice and professional. We were not comforted by another couple coming in without an animal, and with the girl crying. There was another lady in the waiting room who was not very happy, but at least was not crying. We waited for minutes (which seemed like a long time) for someone to look at him (I'm thinking at the time our dog's stomach could be dying). The med techs were very nice and seemed competent. We then waited an hour to see a vet. The doctor was also nice, but seemed like she was in a hurry and not very decisive. Should we test first or give him liquids first? I had her draw blood and x-ray before giving fluids. I needed to know what was wrong! They then gave our dog an IV as he would throw up after drinking and was dehydrated. He did not like that experience (we heard him vocalize his displeasure from the waiting room). I was not comfortable with the care, partly because of the waiting and because I had not read any reviews about them. We went home and got there at 5 AM. I woke up after 2 hours of sleep to call my boss to ask for the day off. I then went looking for a review... and read these reviews. In less than 1 hour we left to get our dog and take him to a vet in Madison. My wife thought I was nuts, but my guts were rolling. We got to the clinic a little after 9 AM. When we got there, two girls were walking out, one of them cradling something that looked like a body bag. A nice tech had us take our dog out for a pee. Our dog had been sedated, but he could get around slowly OK. He pooped blood for us. Being as polite as I could, I told them that I wanted my dog to be discharged right away and that I was taking him to Madison. I promptly reminded them to hurry when time felt like it was slipping away. The day shift receptionist was very helpful and even got a copy of our dogs x-rays for us to give to the UW vets. They asked if we wanted his catheter left in or taken out. I did not know so we had them take it out. We then drove our dog to the UW School of Veterinary Medicine in Madison using highways 41, 26, and 151. Our dog slept comfortably almost the whole way with his head on my wife's lap. We were at the UW clinic before noon. The vet in Madison said that our dog was given the correct care at FVARC, hence the 2 stars. I owe the UW 5 stars. When the day shift FVARC vet said that our dog had colitis and that pooping blood was normal, I had already lost faith in them. When the doctor at the UW said that it only takes a small amount of blood to make a lot of coloration, and that in his 15 years he has only seen two dogs with colitis need a transfusion, I was relieved! When he said the odds were good, I was happy! When I called the UW the next morning at 4:30 AM to ask them to let our dog out to pee because we let him out at that time normally, a vet answered the phone. A doctor of veterinarian medicine mind you! Not a random receptionist! The doctor knew my dog and his condition! When a dog is on IV at the UW, they take him out every 4 hours automatically. I knew my dog was in the best of care!! We showed up twice at each clinic. The customers at the UW were generally happy. The customers at FV were generally not happy. Its a small sample and not statistically significant...yet. It would be interesting to know what the mortality rates are at all Wisconsin veterinary clinics. FVARC: $900+ for one night with x-rays, etc. UW: $700+ for one night stay and expert explanations. Healthy dog: $Priceless. By chance, the critical care doctor that saw Echo at the UW was Dr. Todd Duffy who practices at Animal Emergency & Treatment Centers, Chicago, IL. He is not intimidated by trauma. He had the presence of mind to notice that Echo had an enlarged lymph node near his left jaw and that it was unrelated to his colitis. Echo had lymphoma. With chemo, he is in partial remission. After being at the UW multiple times, I know that the animals going to the UW have serious issues and the UW is well equipped to provide the best outcomes. FVARC - two stars is accurate. read more

Our local vet recommended that we take our chihuahua to FVARC after diagnosing a heart murmur and a collapsing trachia. We were quite concerned about quality of care after reading some of the reviews. Our vet had the highest praise for them but suggested that we could go to Milwaukee. We did decide to go to Appleton. The staff was so caring,and concerned that they made us feel at ease immediately. The doctor that cared for our dog, an internist, explained the test that Blue was going to have. Afterwards, she explained her findings completely. She was also so caring and compassionate. The cost was just what our vet had told us that it would probably cost. We saw quite a few dogs go in and out while we were there. Every pet owner seemed quite happy when leaving. Each time the nurse, lab tech or receptionist was so friendly and caring to each animal. read more

Our experience at this center was exceptional. Our vet, Ryan, showed the kind of caring you would hope for in a human hospital, and in fact, the entire staff beat any human hospital experience we have ever had. Our cat was grabbed by a coyote and suffered from a jaw broken in two places. He is sitting next to me now, completely healed and healthier than ever. We had called ahead to say we were bringing him, and when we got there, the staff literally jumped from their seats to get him in right away. It was wonderful. The compassion was complete and sincere. They were organized, responsive in phone calls, the best possible care. We highly recommend them to anyone. read more

We brought our dog in after being sent there from Fond du Lac vet. She was hit by a truck and needed surgery on her leg and x-rays. It took the vet two minutes to tell us this when we got there. He absolutely would not help out dog unless we paid $4,000 right now. He gave us no time, we had to have the money that day. Obviously we did not have that kind of money but we would have got a loan or some way to pay for it had the banks been open that day to save our baby. He said if we did not pay he would re-bandage her up and we could take her home knowing very well she would not make it at home. We asked why he couldn't just save her and he said "I will give you my boss's business card and you can call on Monday and ask her." Seriously?? I was devastated, balling my eyes out, begging if there was anything else or somewhere else we could go. We did not get a straight answer. He asked if we had made a choice. I said "This is not my choice! You are not helping me and won't give me any other choice!" No remark from the so called Vet that is suppose to have love and compassion for animals. I said this is sick you people are taking my dog and money to kill my dog that you could have saved. I still two days later can not stop crying and I had to walk out with her blood on me still and drive home trying to think of a way to tell our three kids that the doctors would not save her. NEVER EVER would I recommend taking your pet here! You are suppose to save animals not take their lives over money! We lost our baby, a piece of our hearts because of the inconsiderate actions of these people. read more

I have nothing but good things to say about the Fox Valley Animal Referral Center! About a week ago, one of my dogs experienced an injury (source unknown) to his lumbar vertebrae that caused him to become paralyzed. My regular vet in Wausau saw him on an emergency basis, and she said that he had two options. I could either take Toby to the FVARC in Appleton or the UW in Madison for emergency surgery which would give him the best chance of regaining some mobility, or I could take him home and keep him confined and cross my fingers and pray that his spine would decompress on it's own knowing that he would most likely be permanently paralyzed as a result. I called the FVARC to schedule an appointment, and their first question to me after obtaining my information was "What time can you be here?". They made sure that a vet would be available to see Toby as soon as we got there. Once we arrived, they gave him a physical examination followed by a CT scan and then an emergency lumbar laminectomy for spinal decompression. Someone was available before and after everything that was done to him, to explain to me what was going to happen and what the potential outcomes were. The costs were discussed with me upfront, as well as the deposit amount needed before they would begin surgery, and I made the decision to go ahead with the surgery. You can't put a price on the love you get from a good dog. Dr. Bruce was the vet that performed the surgery, and he was very honest with me that the chance of my dog regaining some mobility after the surgery was 85-90%, but not guaranteed, and that it might take as much as 6-8 months to see him recovered as much as he would be. He went over the CT scan with me, to show me exactly where and what the problem was that was causing the paralysis. He also explained what I should expect with Toby's postoperative care, and just how involved it would be for me. After the surgery, when Toby had been in the recovery area for a while, I was allowed back to see him. I had already been told that the operation had gone well, but nothing really prepared me for how he would look. He was completely unresponsive, with eyes that were half lidded and unfocused, and his tongue was hanging out of his mouth. The staff at the FVARC allowed me to stay next to him as long as I needed to before I left for the night to begin the long drive home. While I was at the FVARC, the staff was very accommodating. They offered me a private room to wait in until the CT scan and subsequent surgery were completed, but I did not take them up on this preferring to wait in my car instead. I had my other dog along with me when I went to the FVARC, since I wasn't planning on making the drive to Appleton when I first left the house to go to my regular veterinary clinic. She was welcomed into the FVARC, and allowed to come with me and wait with me everywhere I went without being treated like an imposition. I was extremely distraught, and very teary-eyed until after the surgery was done. I was given the number to call where I could check on how Toby was doing, and told that I could call at any time, and that there would be someone that would take my call. I called to check on him when I returned home, before I went to bed, and was told that he had come to enough to eat a little bit. In the morning, Dr. Bruce called me as he had promised to update me on Toby's progress, and he told me that he had already seen some motion in Toby's back legs. I had initially been told that they would keep Toby for 2-5 days, but he was doing well enough that they let me take him home with me when I drove back the evening after the surgery to visit. When I picked him up, all that I was able to see was the 6" scar extending halfway down the back of my 14 lb dog, and the fact that his back half was held up by a sling. I took Toby home, and the next morning had some questions and concerns already, so I placed a call to the FVARC. They had someone answer my questions immediately. I didn't have to leave a message and wait for a call back. Flashing forward: it is now almost a week after Toby's surgery. I still want to cry every time I look at the huge gash running down most of the length of his back, but I am already starting to see improvements. Toby has regained a little bladder control, seems to be able to support a little bit of weight on his back legs, and appears to be swinging his back legs a bit when we go for our "waddles" outside with his back end supported by a sling. Prior to the surgery, he was only able to drag his back legs behind him, and able to support no weight at all. He still has a very long road to follow before we will get to whatever level his recovery will be at, but seeing his improvements already affirm that I absolutely made the right decision to take him to the FVARC for surgery! Thanks to Dr. Bruce and the rest of the staff at the FVARC for helping Toby and I through this difficult time! read more

It's now been FIVE whole years since our nightmare experience with this horror shop by the airport. And we feel ever so strongly about it still. It's awfully important for us to restate that you must RUN from this place as fast as you can. The entire mentality of the staff, and corporate dis-connect is abysmal to put it ultra mildly. Any positive reviews you see on here? Rest assured they are shills of the corporation, and not real at all. There is NO way any positive reports can be remotely true. There is nothing positive or redemptive about this place at all. They do NOT have the heart and affection they claim in their ads, which is such a huge insult to animal lovers everywhere. If your animal is suffering, please, oh my gosh we beg of you for sanity sake, PLEASE go anywhere but this place. There is rampant, widespread mental illness in this facility. You will know what we mean if you go there, but please, PLEASE choose someplace else. Our hearts go out to you if you end up trapped in this place with your beloved pet. It doesn't take a lot of reviews about a place, just a few well-placed ones for you to know. We need to add one other thought about the mental illness of this group. For instance: note that there's a response from the Referral people to the poor lady who had an emergency and was turned away because of the 4000 dollars that they wanted to extort immediately (i dunno... might be not so difficult to understand that someone may not have 4000 to drop suddenly on the spot in an emergency). Much later the hospital person wrote a reply to the review that the hospital will set up a credit for an emergency. Now if that ain't some pretty unsound thinking i don't know what is. Hey! Einstein! The lady was turned away in an emergency. She sure doesn't want to set up a credit line with you now, months after the fact. Do you see what we mean? A TOTAL DISCONNECT with reality. You have ZERO bedside manner and concern in the moment of crisis, and the entire convoluted thought process at that place can only be termed mentally deficient (put mildly). There is a LOT of mental illness at this place. read more