Dr. Rykoff is compassionate and caring. My dogs love her. She cared for our dying cat like it was her own.

Really bad experience, sadly. I took my dog for a TEETH CLEANING and I picked her up and they mistakenly cut her open for a SPAY surgery. She has been spayed 3 years ago. -- the doctor was rude and neglectful when I picked her up and didn't give me any protocol to take care of her post operation or medication for her mistake. Within 24 hours she was in the ER with an infection (even though the doctor said she was fine). I spent $500 at VEG (lovely animal hospital, so great, in Buffalo Grove). -- the doctor did not reimburse for her mistake. I would not recommend this place. read more

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They neutered my foster dog without putting him under general anesthesia and didn't give any pain medications after. They also took out another dogs stitches in the waiting room. read more

Not sure what i would do without this vet office and doctor ! I have taken my pets here for years . I recently foster and rescue cats ! I have been doing so for 1.5 years now . Dr .Rykoff spays and neuters and gives all vaccines needed ! She is very affordable . I am happy she cares enough to helps animals in need when other vets charge and arm and an leg even when you say its an animal in need THANK YOU read more

Este es un lugar donde notas que la doctora lo da todo por amor a lo que hace. No por dinero. Ella atiende hasta sin cita. Cobra muy barato. Y es excelente veterinaria. Si tu expectativa es encontrar una oficina lujosa y nice. Este no es el lugar. Ella trabajaba prácticamente sola, rescata animales y trata a todos los animales con un amor inmenso. No te pone bonito nada y es bien franca. Llevo ya 5 años yendo aquí. No he encontrado ningún otro lugar donde no te cobren un ojo de la cara. Y siempre me han atendido mis perritas bien. Todas fueron esterilizadas aquí. Mi ultimo perrito fue esterilizado hace un mes, todo perfecto y lo mas que me gusta es la sensación de sentirte en familia en la oficina. Tienes a tu mascota en brazos hasta que la anestesia hace efecto y ya luego de dormido se lo llevan a hacer la cirugía. Las llamadas muchas veces no son contestadas pero si dejas un mensaje de voz siempre te devuelven la llamada y te acomodan. Adopte una gatita recientemente de su refugio y me la dieron esterilizadas con su microchip y con todas sus vacunas. Todo el proceso fue muy agradable y acomodador a mis necesidades. Igual ella tiene sus amigables acompañantes incluyendo un cerdito que te sigue por todos lados en la oficina. Ella es admirable por el trabajo que hace. No cambio este lugar por nada. No se dejen llevar por una mala impresión al inicio o los malos reviews de aquí que en realidad son gente que no conocen su trabajo. Para apreciar lo que hace la doctora debes de estar aquí tiempo y conocerla mas a fondo. Ella hace todo de corazón. Es como ir a una granja en tu vecindario donde sabes que la persona q te atiende es humana, sabe lo que esta haciendo y te sientes en familia. read more

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Monsters! Monsters they killed my cat and I am devastated! No stars!! My husband dropped off our sweet little stray we were going to keep and advised it just showed up at our door step. They first should have tested him for worms instead the fixed him and vaccinated him and no worm test which is what my husband asked for. We needed guidance and they steered us wrong and now we no longer have a pet. I have been crying for days. read more

I have been going to Dr. Rykoff for over 20 years. She is a caring and compassionate veterinarian. She has taken care of my cats and I couldn't ask for any better help than she provides. She is always willing to explain things to me and I do appreciate that. You will be in good hands if you bring your pets to see her. read more

Love dr rykoff. No frills, or unnecessary vaccination upsells! Taking my second pet to her first visit this week.

Dr. Rykoff answered my call on a Sunday last minute while I trapped 3 Elgin stray cats...one pregnant ready to pop female...told me if I could wait that she would see take a look at them for me. So I went by her office. She was slammed. I brought the cats inside put traps on floor of waiting area while everyone and their pets were there too. No big deal...She waited on everyone and I was last to be seen about an hour and a half later. She gave them a little shot to make them sleepy, neutered a cat, dewormed two, vaccinated two and said take them all home for a few days to recover then set the two boys free. She actually performed a surgery at the end of her day right there. I was amazed and grateful. She was unfazed and steady the entire time. I mean I couldn't ask for a better service or person for that matter. I was a little rattled and I have been in rescue for many years. Most vets are more stiff and don't behave in this manner with regard to strays and trapping/TNR. I'm not a fan of it and she offered me rescue pricing...which was so gracious. Thank you to Fur Keeps and Dr. Rykoff for helping me in my hour of need when a rescue backed out of a commitment to me overnight. Devastated and frightened to relieved and hopeful in a matter of a couple of hours. Also a big thanks to Project Hope for their help with the pregnant female and kittens...and Dr. Rykoff for her help and assistance with the babies and their care once again. Forever grateful and indebted. If you ever need me for anything filing, cleaning, rearranging, organization, I'm your girl! Julie Kelsey Elgin Foster Mom read more

I LOVE Dr. Rycroft! She is a holistic vet, she is to the point, she does NOT over charge or suggest things that your pet does not really need. She also runs a rescue. I have gone to her for years and she has always taken great care of all my pets and I love my pets like children! She just recently opened a new location in Elgin on Weatherstone, check it out. It is a nicer facility then the downtown Elgin location. read more

Very unprofessional, & rude , walked in there was a dog laying with his tongue out saliva everywhere, there was a pig walking around & other dogs just wondering around too , my poor cat was scared one dog slipped on the saliva, cage full of cats hissing & some dogs barking in a room which the lady closed the door on their foot & one cried , then when I got up to leave the lady didn't say anything to me but why would I trust them with my cat after seeing all that? Ew read more

DO NOT SEND YOUR PET HERE! I visited her practice and could hear in the lobby that the vet was using derogatory language towards someone while on the phone. While waiting for a new puppy appointment, she gave my dog the vaccine in the LOBBY without doing a wellness check or anything. Worst establishment I have ever been in. If this is how she behaves in the lobby, I am worried about how behaves behind closed doors. She is completely unprofessional and does not care about your animal. read more

I took my cat to get neutered at their office last week! Debra Rykoff withheld information, didn't call me to tell me that my cats neuter was unique! She didn't give me ANY after care, no medication, no instructions. She even rolled her eyes at me when I asked her simple questions. She is extremely rude and disrespectful. This was a negligent situation and a total malpractice on her part! I came home and my cat bled out, I had to take him to the ER and pay lots of money! They said I almost lost my cat! He was hemorrhaging bad! They said that maybe she didn't close off his testicular cord correctly. He ended up having a blood clot due to poor neuter that was performed. I called to get my money back, Debra is now ignoring me, she's trying to sweep this situation under the rug! She won't send me the medical records of my cat, she won't even explain herself! Her license should be pulled! She doesn't care at all about her patients and if they live or die! If you bring your pet to this woman she will kill it and go on about her day like it means nothing! Read the rest of the bad reviews all over social media. This is a disgusting business and this vet doesn't care at all! She's dishonest and negligent! I cannot believe that she still has her license considering the amount of bad reviews and how many other people have been ripped off like me! Legal action is the way to go with this vet because she doesn't seem to have any kind of remorse for her actions! read more

Fox River Animal Wellness Center LLC - Veterinarians Near Me - Elgin, Illinois

After everything said and done there were also supposed to do rabies shots for the 2 kittens I adopted from Azraels place, they didn't even do that. So keep in mind if you adopt from here. Now I'm told the cats may just remove sutures themselves, which seems dangerous... and no one will answer calls. read more

Fox River Animal Wellness Center LLC - Veterinarians Near Me - Elgin, Illinois

I have known Dr. Rykoff for YEARS. I have taken my pets to her & adopted a dog from her. She is direct, blunt, pulls no punches and will do everything she can to help. I have been to the Farm in Barrington, the office in Hoffman Estates & Elgin clinic. You have to understand one thing if you're going to see this Vet, she's not there to coddle you or handhold your personality. She does an amazing job & is stretched very thin every single day at her various offices. I know it's been difficult to find good help so don't complain if you have to leave a voicemail or wait for a call back or sit in the waiting room that's just how it is. She is constantly juggling. if you want to be babied go pay a hell of a lot more with often times unnecessary tests at other Vet practices there's plenty out there. If you're on a tight schedule, and need to get in and out. This is not the place for you. She's always been a one woman show and she's ran the ship primarily by herself with the lack of good help around her. She needs the support of good people. In a world of everybody having the ability to easily leave a review regarding your first time visit to her it's unfortunate because if things don't go your way or you have an expectation, that's not met then you leave a bad review which is not fair to her ! Another thing people don't understand Farm vets. !!!!She was raised on a farm. Things are not always meticulously pretty ! She's not a gigantic conglomerate, but she is a hell of a vet and she knows her stuff. I've always appreciated her, she's an animal person. What you see is what you get she is focused on the ANIMALS NOT you! She doesn't have time for small talk or frills so don't be offended by her candid quick witted replies. If you have a question be direct and ask, she'll answer it. What really gets me some people that have visited Elgin complain about the smell ?!?!? These are animals. She does everything she can to keep her offices clean she's a rescue vet as well. If you're offended, offer to help her clean the office instead of sitting on your ass! I have done this !!! She does amazing things that so many people don't know anything about but they're so quick to pull the trigger it makes me sick in a world of keyboard warriors with no thought in their damn head on what leaving a bad review can do to a business. She doesn't deserve it. You might wanna remember she's human and she can make a mistake as well. You should hold her to the same standard. You hold yourself ! read more

When we picked up our puppy, my husband heard her crying in the next room. He asked to get her. The vet rudely said no. Then said "oh doesn't that screaming sound familiar? She hasn't quit." My husband was so upset. They said "fine, go get the dog." He found her with a fresh surgical wound laying in grime and urine on top of newspaper. They provided no after care, nothing. We drove straight to ou vet in Palatine who gave us pain meds and took the staples out a few days later. This place should be shut down and rescues should be ashamed they send people here. Oh, and nobody there wears a mask during a pandemic. Unbelievable. read more

I like the vet very much I can tell she loves the job. She treats all the animals pretty well.

If I could give zero stars, I would! My son took his dog here after she hadn't eaten in 3-4 days. The dog lost 21% of her body weight. This vet took bloodwork and said she would call him with results the next day. The next day... no call and when he drove by there and they were closed! He had to go to another vet, who treated the dog and did not do the bloodwork because they said they would wait for the results that were taken at this horrible facility. SIX DAYS LATER! they finally called with the results! Had he waited and not went to a second vet, the dog most certainly would have died. What kind of vet treats her patients like this?!? Kudos to Elgin Animal Clinic for saving my sons dog! 1380 E. Chicago St, Elgin (224) 535-8837 read more

If I could give 0 starts I would. After calling about 10 vets and clinics with no luck getting in, this was my only option. I wish I would have read the reviews before scheduling my appointment. When I walked in, I was shocked at what the place looked and smelled like. There was a puddle of pee right in front of the reception desk, and the place just smelled like a petting zoo. The doctor asked me at least 3 times what the purpose of my visit was. The front desk was covered with piles of paper all over the place. So disgusting an unorganized! When she was finally done taking notes on the purpose of my visit, she brought me back to the "room". It wasn't even a room.. It was an open space in the hallway with a bunch of newspapers on the vet table. Everyone in the waiting room can see and hear our conversation. It was awkward. The reason for my visit was because my cat had tick bites and the wound was getting bigger. My cat had also stopped eating for a couple of days, and was secluding himself in the basement- none of which was normal. She didn't even look at the tick bites. Instead, she CRACKED HIS NECK and gave him acupuncture??? I'm sorry but what?? All she kept saying was "this isn't normal behavior for a cat, he must be really sick". I was like ok... what do you think is wrong with him? she told me she was concerned that he drank antifreeze..... I was so confused and didn't know why she would suggest that. She also mentioned something about his liver failing, but gave no explanation as to why. Just because he is an indoor/outdoor cat she was jumping to conclusions it seemed. I proceeded to ask about the tick bites and all she said was "cats don't usually get Lyme disease, he should be fine." I asked her if his growing scabs from the bite were an infection or something more serious and she said "a tick bite is the least of your worries right now". She drew his blood and told ME to call HER back the next day for results. I was taken back by that, as I would hope that as a vet, she would call me with the results but that's neither here nor there. Sure enough, I called the next day and both times I called I was sent to VM. I called for a third time and got a receptionist. She was nice. She told me the Dr. is busy and that she will call me back later. I was annoyed but waited for her call. After 3 hours of no call, I called again. She finally gave me the results which were just his white blood count being low. I said ok what does that mean and is that a concern? She said " no, not really", just monitor him for the next couple of days and we can give him antibiotics if you want." She said she would follow up in a couple days. She of course, never followed up. I am left with a vet bill for acupuncture and a cracked neck and NO answers. What a waste of time! Do your research and find a good, qualified vet. read more

Looking for a vet who's extremely rude, unprofessional, doesn't answer the phone and has a full mailbox, doesn't keep accurate medical records, and only cares about her pet pig? Then Dr. Rycroft is for you! read more

Dr. Rykoff should not be practicing. We purchased a puppy that was filthy and full of ring worm and was incredibly itchy. This dog also was very under weight, which infuriates me. We had also purchased dog with the understanding she had all her shots. Well trusting that the paper work had the proper shot record was complete and filled out, to find out through our vet that it wasn't and we contacted Rykoff many times to send the proper paperwork but to be lied too over and over again by Rykoff. Rykoffs home is filthy and full of animals that I'm convinced have ring worm. She even denied that it was ring worm and was scratching it and telling us it was from other dogs. She was yelling and cussing at other dogs that are at her house. It's incredible to us to still see her in business. ASPCA should check out her house. read more

This place is not even worth one star. I am so disappointed with this place. Our cat was missing for days, we had fliers out we contacted shelters all over and posted all over Facebook. We got a call last night that someone found our cat and he was sent here. The place was closed at the time so we planned on getting him back today. We now have found out that they neutered him and gave him up for adoption. They claimed we weren't looking for him and we called to see who adopted him and they said they don't have the information. He was only there for 4 days and they still didn't have time to realize we have been looking for him. Our family and kids are so sad without our kitty and we will not be supporting this facility. :( read more

Fox River Animal Wellness Center LLC - Veterinarians Near Me - Elgin, Illinois

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I've been going here for 9 yrs. She's hollistic which is important to me.Most vets over medicate.She's very reasonable and great with animals. I rescue seniors and she's wonderful with them. I rescued a street dog .Chihuahua who was 12 y at the time. They bred her and threw her out. I didn't think she was fixed..While she removed her rotten teeth,she went inside and redid whatever the monsters tried to do to fix her. She lived a long healthy life 19/20 years.. became frail . All my dogs had the best care from her read more

Excellent veterinary care. Chiropractic, acupuncture, homeopathy, essential oils, and more.

Someone had informed us of this center to get our dogs spayed and when we went it was super unprofessional because there was a pig walking around. The pig was not my concern, my concern was that our dog got spayed and was dripping blood and the doctor said it was normal. We trusted the doctor and later on that night our dog was dripping and wouldn't stop bleeding from her injury. The next day we went to an animal hospital and there for they told us that the surgery was done very poorly and was not clean. This resulted in the new doctor telling us that we need to do the surgery all over again on my poor dog. I do not recommend coming here because they will leave your pets worse then when they walked in. read more

Took my dog here for the first time ever. I left this place SOBBING. First off, I'm a new pet parent and have never had a dog neutered before. The doctor injected my dog with something and I still don't know what even though I asked. While I watched him repeated slam his face on the floor of the waiting room (they didn't even take us to a room), another client told me that was normal. Not the doctor, another client. While the client was trying to console me, I heard the doctor call someone an "ignorant bitch" on the phone. The doctor and the receptionist then carried my dog's body to a back room. No one explained anything to me and any time I asked a question I was treated as if I were an inconvenience. After I picked him up, they gave me no aftercare instructions. I had to ask. No pain meds. I don't even know if they gave him anything for the pain at all. This place is terrible and so are the people. read more

If I could give this place zero starts I would, very unprofessional. Minus the pig they had roaming around when I walked into the place. This place STINKS, smells like it hasn't been cleaned in months; dirt all along the floor broads. I made an appointment to get my dog spayed and that's when I saw the "operating table". The table was cardboard and newspaper. The "doctor" advised me to close my dog in between the door and door frame to give her the shot because she was to reactive. Which she is, she's just not used to other people. But yet god forbidden she let her calm down for more than 10 minutes. Go here if you want a half ass job. You're welcome. read more

THIS SHOULD BE 0 STARS! I don't even know where to start with this review. I called around looking for a place to sedate my cat for a haircut because it was recommended the last time at another place since he really freaks out with the hair clippers. I found fox river and called them they sounded nice enough on the phone with a reasonable pricing. I guess the price should have been the first red flag. I showed up surprised to see absolutely no covid protocols in place no masks no gloves and everyone was wearing whatever they wanted. The lady who administered the strange sedative to my cat put the top of the needle in my mouth while she chased my scared cat around with the long needle. He was not having this so they threw a towel over his head and shoved him down to poke him. Did I mention this lady NEVER introduced herself didn't explain anything to me and I did not sign any consent waivers whatsoever. I was so upset leaving my cat but Billy was so nice and he was the one to cut my cats hair. When I came back my cat was super out of it and hissing at everyone so I left him in his crate. When I got home I realized the blanket he went there with was not in the crate anymore and it was replaced with newspaper! I drove 30 min there and back 2 tolls each way and they kept my blanket. I still was going to let everything slide until it GOT WORSE!!! I noticed my cats hair was extremely patchy which I knew it wasn't going to be a pretty haircut but I thought a smooth one at the bare minimum. He has cuts on two different areas of his belly and many of his knots were still there. He didn't get a bath no nails trimmed but they put lavender oil on him where he was cut so he smelled like an incense burner. Believe it or not it GETS WORSE! 4am I wake up to my cat throwing up only to find that he threw up in 8 other places and pooped himself. He has never had an accident in his 2 years of life. I decided to go back the and get my blanket so I can talk to them about everything in person. When I told Billy how I felt he was extremely sympathetic and kind he asked the vet lady who never introduced herself if she had a minute and she looked at me rolled her eyes and said if my cat wasn't there to see she can't talk to me about anything. As if I would EVER let her touch my cat again! Their excuse for putting a needle tip her mouth was that "it's animals" I work at a medical facility and told them we would never to that and they said "well that's humans". I'm sorry but my animals are my family and just as important as humans and I have never had another vet be so careless and unsanitary. I asked for a refund and of course they said no so I called my bank for one and I actually am taking my cat somewhere else now to see if he's okay because he still hasn't improved over 24 hours later now. Please see my pictures of my cats cuts, patchy haircut and of him before and after his visit with this place. He was bright eyed alert and healthy and now he is all tangled up depressed and incoherent. He is not responsive to his favorite treats or toys, not even to his name. I am so heartbroken that I put him through this I wish I could take it all back. Everyone I've told this story has basically begged me to write this review and save anyone else from ever going through this. I saw a review where a lady had a similar experience with the needle to sedate her puppy and that it was just traumatic. THIS PLACE IS NOT SAFE!!! read more

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Dr. Rykoff is great she is not only a vet she is a holistic vet too. Our Cairn Terrier tore her ligament and my mom's Yorkie-poo, Shea, was in excruciating pain and could barely walk. We saw Dr. Rycoff in Elgin and she recommended water therapy and laser therapy for both of them. About a month later my mom's Yorkie-poo is doing awesome and didn't need $1500 surgery afterall. Our Cairn, Roxy, is doing much better too. She had actually torn her ligament. We put up gates at both houses so that the girls cannot run up and down the stairs. After several weeks they started the girls on swimming. By seeing Dr. Rykoff and Jose they saved my mom and us from expensive surgeries, and the girls from a lot of unnecessary pain! read more

Dr. Rykoff is a no frills doctor who truly cares about treating your pets and not digging into your wallet. I have been bringing my pets to the doctor for 14 years now and wouldn't trust anyone else. She gets straight to the point, doesn't order unnecessary tests and my pets are happy and healthy for it. I highly recommend. read more

We got a puppy from fortunate pooches and lab rescue. If we would have known this is the vet whose services would be included in our adoption fee, we would have thought twice. When you call her office you are lucky if anyone answers the phone, and if you want to leave a message the voicemail box is usually full. You will have to repeatedly call until someone answers the phone. When I first arrived at her Hoffman Estates location, two women were sitting at the front desk and one woman was on the phone using explicit and derogatory language. She said on the phone "I want to strangle you, you don't understand me". I thought "wow what a crazy receptionist", until I realized THAT WAS THE VET. I sat in her waiting room for 45 minutes while she rambled on her ex-husband who she has multiple lawsuits with (which I am pretty confident is why the phone number comes back with a couple named veterinary practices), and her pet pig. Not once during this time did she actually look at an animal or practice veterinary medicine while she had multiple animals in her waiting room. Finally, she comes from behind the counter and administers vaccines to my dog in the waiting room around other animals. Luckily our puppy did not have a bad reaction. She never once weighed him, asked how he was doing, examined him, or asked if I had any follow up questions. Fast forward a couple of weeks and we are trying to get our puppy enrolled in puppy training class, daycare, and make an appointment for grooming services. We show off our printed vaccination records and a local trainer notes that the records are incomplete or inaccurate because they show a second puppy vaccination, but not a first. I called over 48 business hours ago to get the complete records and with multiple follow ups, and unreturned voicemails, I still do not have an answer if they are incomplete or inaccurate. Today when I called, and the Vet called me "the b**** who is calling about the vaccine records". It should not be that hard to get a complete and accurate vaccination record so we can properly care for our pet. read more

If I could not give even 1 star... I would not. My family decided to use this veterinary clinic for a rescued kitten that was found. The kitten was recently neutered by this vet and suddenly fell ill. Visited this vet on and off after the neutering and he received poor care. Vets offices were dirty and vet even expressed anal glands of a dog out in the waiting room. Finally, this vet drew blood and reported the blood sample was unremarkable. This was after we called to find out results because the kitten did not get better. Not even 24 hours later we sought a second opinion and the kitten showed distemper. Unfortunately after all heroic efforts the kitten did not make it. Made several calls during this time to try and tell this vet that the blood work was positive for distemper and we never received a phone call back. read more

my family and I adopted a dog from Fortunate Pooches lab rescue, before we could fully adopt him we had to take him to their vet to get him neutered. When you walk in you get hit in the face with the smell of ammonia. My appointment was at 11:30, the vet didn't get there until 12:30. While waiting there was a cat that was loose walking around hissing and swatting at my dog, while the receptionist was upstairs. She came back down and said that it was in a cardboard box. when I ask a receptionist when the vet was going to get there she responded by saying what do you have to go to work or something. at this point I was already annoyed. Then the vet walked in with three dogs one off leash. My dog has some aggression problems toward other dogs. When I told her that she brushed it off and said he's too small and young to have those problems. Meanwhile I was holding him back from her collie. She finally put them behind the reception desk, she went into a room came back out with a needle. She told me to put him on my lap and hold onto him because it was going to hurt. She gave him anesthetics on my lap in the waiting room not even in a different room. Then she left him there for about 10 minutes until he was completely asleep again in the waiting room. When she came over to take him she scruffed him and grabbed him with her other arm and took him into a room. She didn't say another word to me so I asked the receptionist how long it was going to be. She said maybe two hours. I left shaking because I was so upset and I didn't want to leave my dog there alone. When I came back after getting a call at 3:30 there were other dogs there and she decided to announce to everyone that my dog was aggressive toward other dogs so he couldn't be released out of the room yet. She then proceeded to say that what I named him didn't "fit" him And that it was a stupid name. She gave me no after instructions on how to take care of him. When we got home I got to look at his stitches and one was untied. this was not even 30 minutes after we left the vet. I would never even dream of bringing any of my other animals here. if you are not forced to come here by an adoption center,.. don't. read more

Fox River Animal Wellness Center LLC - shes did a horrible and messy job with his stitches and one came untied not even 30 minutes after leaving the office. - Veterinarians Near Me - Elgin, Illinois

I took my dogs and a cat to get fixed here. At first I thought it was a nice place but after surgery she informed me that she did dental work but didn't ask for permission. A day after surgery my one dog got kennel cough and spread to all my other animals. I was dog sitting for my daughter and her dogs got it. I was at her office with my dog getting her stitches removed and said I think my dogs got kennel cough and when my dog starting coughing she said yes kennel cough and walked away. Never did nothing about had to go to another vet cost 1600.00 in treatment my male had seizures which he never had before. Also left stitches in my female when called about the stitches and the other issue she never returned any call or will she issue a refund. When putting the animals to sleep for surgery she has you hold them but never warns you what she is doing and trust me it was pretty scary. read more

This review is long overdue, and I quite honestly debated posting this because I am not the type of person that feels the need to poorly review establishments. However, if this helps save an animal in need, it is worth it. I adopted a dog from Fortunate Pooches and Lab rescue that my partner and I absolutely fell in love with. She was in heat when she was open for adoption, so we were required to get her spayed (which was included in the cost of adoption). We were referred to Dr. Rykoff, and since she is close to our home we thought, why not. Boy, should we have reconsidered. When we initially called to get an appointment, we did not notice any red flags. The day of the appointment, my partner and I got there and realized the waiting room was quite small. No big deal, right? After waiting in the waiting room twenty minutes past our appointment time, the doctor showed up (from the outside, as in she just got there). No introductions occurred as she chatted with the receptionist before coming over to us. She proceeded to sedate our dog in the middle of the floor and required US to hold her down. As a first time dog owner I was extremely confused and later, after thinking about it, considered how ridiculous that is. The lack of cleanliness perturbed us, but we didn't say anything. We should have. The doctor took her back, completely sedated, and told us we would get a call back when she was ready to go home. We brought our dog home with no pain meds, no cone, and no printed instructions (just verbal directions, after I asked for aftercare procedures, and I was talked to as if I should know this information). Overall, the way Dr. Rykoff was speaking to my partner and I felt as though we were inconveniencing her. We brushed it off. On the day of stitch removal (2 weeks after), I brought our dog by myself. This time, we were not the only ones in the waiting room. Our dog was a little scared by the other dogs and being in the environment but nothing I couldn't handle. When it was my turn, Dr. Rykoff again cut the stitches in the MIDDLE of the waiting room! Excuse me? That is extremely unsanitary. Additionally, I had my dog sitting but again, she was a little scared. Her response? "If she continues to act like a squirrel, I will not take her stitches out." Excuse me? I was so embarrassed, devalued, and dissatisfied. I definitely should have read the reviews before taking my dog here. The amount of unprofessionalism, cleanliness issues, and overall rudeness should be an obvious deterrent. I was asked if I wanted to make any other appointments and I declined. I now take my dog to a vet that TRULY cares about the wellbeing of my dog, is amazing at communicating, and actually answers questions I have instead of treating me like an idiot. The feeling I had in the pit of my stomach being in that environment was extremely discomforting so there is absolutely no way I would put my dog at that kind of care again. I'm happy to say she loves going to the vet now, and greets all of the staff with kind eyes and a wagging tail. Please learn from my mistakes. If Fortunate Pooches and Lab Rescue insists on using Dr. Rykoff, PLEASE DECLINE. read more

I will never return to Dr. Rykoff ever again. My almost, one-year-old Goldendoodle was just neutered and I m appalled by the lack of care he received. It started with me calling the day before to confirm when Samson needed to start fasting. I never heard back from anyone; not even a confirmation call for this appointment I scheduled over a month ago. Since I didn't know the correct time, I was hesitant to feed him so he went without dinner and breakfast before the surgery. I finally was called back, while I was walking in the door with him, to find out it wasn't until midnight, that he had to stop eating. His stomach was so empty, that he threw up fluid for most of the night, from what I'm guessing was from the anesthesia. Samson was neutered on a Friday and by Sunday, he was severely infected. I brought him to another vet (my new vet) to find out that blood work should have been done, prior to his surgery. This was never mentioned or done. Dr. Rykoff also discouraged the use of a cone, post-surgery, which I found bizarre and was also incorrect. No antibiotics or anti-inflammatories were given; nothing. Just the advice to not allow him to run or play for 10 days. Oh and the "emergency number" to call, will get you NOWHERE! After a week of Samson's new treatment plan, he is as good and new and is healing WONDERFULLY!! Do your animals a favor and go somewhere else! read more

This place is amazing. I've seen the other reviews. It is no frills. It isn't pretty but this doctor is straight to the point. My dog is a 13 year old golden who's back legs stopped working. My friend told me to take her there. First to Jose who did hydrotreadmill, laser, and electric stimulation. Then I went to the Elgin office to see the doctor. Amazing. Again no frills but no massive tests that are unnecessary too. Less than 24 hours later my dog was attempting to walk with 1 of her back legs (with a harness). Less than 48 hours she was back using both legs. She can stand on her own (although we don't let her go with out the harness to make sure we are there in case she needs us). My dog is doing amazing. She leads us all over the yard. Goes to the bathroom outside again (BC she had no feeling she was just going without knowing). I will forever be grateful to these amazing people. The saved my dog and are giving her a better quality of life in her later years. If you want to pay for lots of unnecessary tests abs a fancy waiting room - go elsewhere. If you want help fo you animals - go to them. read more

First off they sedated my dog in the waiting room. He drooled excessively and it was not cleaned up. Told to come back and pick him up in 3 hours. When we picked up our puppy after being neutered today, there was another male dog that was neutered right before mine. This dog was pooping in the waiting area and blood was coming out of his rectum. They wiped up the floor with towel. No sanitizing. No one wore masks. Our dog was in a crate with a fresh surgical wound m. He was very wet and was sitting on top of newspaper soaked in urine. They provided no after care, in writing. No post surgery instructions. Verbally told his pain meds will last until tomorrow. Easy activity next 7-10 days. Don't let it get wet. No FU care. We called our friend (retired vet) and was told to call our new vet for some pain meds and drove straight to Des Plaines who prescribed some pain meds to start tonight. This place should be shut down and rescue companies should be ashamed they send people there. So unhappy! Made me nauseous to see how this place is run. Will not go back!! read more

Dr. Rykoff will give it to you straight, and that's got to be one of the most important yet still-too-rare qualities of a professional service provider. She thinks out of the box, but also knows why the box is there and when it makes sense to be in it. I never knew I would by the owner of two chihuahuas, but I always knew I'd want to have a vet like Dr. Rykoff if I did. read more

Dr Rykoff is a wonderful Holistic Vet. She knows her stuff. I have been using her for many yrs. For my own kitties, fosters and my dogs. Also taken my Mom's dogs to see her too. Here are Just a few examples: Former foster kitty that the rescue I was with deemed him unadoptable. He has mild CH (wobbles) with painful joints. Went to many different vets and even Specialists. No one came with a plan to help him. Took him to see Dr Rykoff, she came up with a plan to help with his painful joints that included Chiropractic/Acupuncture care, laser and hydrotherapy. He is happy boy there days no more painful joints and wobbles around enjoying life. My dog was not himself. His regular Traditional vet was at a loss in how to help him and referred me to a Specialist. I skipped the Specialist this time and went directly to Dr Rykoff. He was suffering from pancreatitis at the time he first was seen. Not only did she treat that, she also came up with a plan to manage his seizures. And discovered in bloodwork that I brought along to share with her that he had Cushings disease. He sees her regularly for Chiropractic/Acupuncture care, sees Jose (Rehab Specialist) for hydrotherapy. My Mom's 3 dogs also see Dr Rykoff. Abby was aging not so gracefully, having arthritis (history of Lyme disease). She benefited from Chiropractic/Acupuncture care, hydrotherapy with Jose. She left us at 17+ yrs old. The two Cavaliers have benefited from Dr Rykoff's care. read more