My dog has been showing signs of something wrong and I wanted to have her seen immediately so I took her to this Vet ER VETSS. Enter the room and the vet tech I dealt with was rude and forceful from the beginning trying to overpower my 14 pound Shiba Inu. She nipped at him (she has never bit one person in her 2 years of life) and he freaked out saying that this is why he does not trust shiba Inus and he should have known with her breed. Upon his return he cranks a muzzle down on her to the point she began to fall over. I could not get any bit of space between her skin and the muzzle. She is not an aggressive dog or even close. I met with the actual vet at this point, I do not have any complaints about him. The tech returned then said he was taking her in the back for a blood draw and was appalled when I said I wanted to have it taken in front of me. I was so frustrated at this point I terminated the exam. They required me to pay the exam fee, and I left. I went to banfield hospital inside of petsmart their staff is incredible, took my dog right in and she is now on steroids, intense care, and several medications. She is potentially dying.. VETSS treated her with zero respect ultimately and thankfully banfield was there to help save my dog which I value as a daughter. I have also heard that greenbrier pet ER is a better alternative. 0/10 I will never return. They made little attempt to remedy the situation during and after. read more

Hollymead Veterinary Hospital - Veterinarians Near Me - Charlottesville, Virginia

Recently my male cat experienced a urinary blockage. Since it was a Sunday morning, and my regular veterinarian was closed, I rushed my pet into VETSS in Charlottesville, Virginia. I was informed that my cat needed to be unblocked which included anesthesia and a procedure to open the urinary tract. I assented to this, waited several hours for the procedure to be completed, which I was then told went well. A few hours later, as the facility was closing for the day, I was informed that my animal required monitoring overnight, and that I would need to take him to another emergency veterinarian to be watched through the night. Thus, my cat was packaged up with intravenous fluids and catheter attached, handed to me, and I put him in the car and drove him to the next facility called Greenbriar Emergency Veterinarians. First, it was extremely frightening to take a sick animal in the car with IV bag and catheter attached and hope that you're not doing something wrong as you're driving the animal to the next emergency room. My question: who in the world thought that this is a good way to take care of a very sick animal? Second: I did this routine for three days, back and forth twice a day, from one facility to another. Had I known better I would have simply taken my animal to a 24-hour emergency veterinarian in another nearby city. But, unfortunately, I wasn't thinking very clearly, and I agreed to this unbelievably stressful setup of transporting my cat twice daily from one emergency veterinarian to another. Third: each time, I was charged as a new admittance by VETSS, as though my cat was a new patient. This setup cost a fortune. You decide if this is organized by agreement between the two emergency veterinary facilities to make more money for both. Once I got my cat to the overnight emergency veterinarian facility, I was told that VETSS had botched the procedure, the catheter had come out, and that the entire procedure would have to be redone or my cat would die. So I agreed, my animal was anesthetized, and the catheter was reinserted. Several days later, once I'd taken my animal home, I noticed that it appeared that he was again suffering as though he still had a blockage. I rushed hm to my regular veterinarian, who informed me that he was once again blocked, this time because of scar tissue - a stricture - that likely resulted from the repeated unblocking and insertion of catheters. At that point, my regular vet advised a much more extensive procedure/ surgery in order to save the cat's life, and I agreed. A perineal urethrostomy is a very hard surgery, requires weeks of close monitoring and almost round the clock aftercare. It cost a fortune but it was the only way to keep my cat alive. In the end, I paid over $2000 to VETSS in Charlottesville. Another $2000 to the facility that VETSS uses to help VETSS provide their so-called emergency services on a 24-hour basis. And finally another approximately $2000 to my regular veterinarian, who ultimately saved my animal's life. VETSS botched a relatively simple procedure - I have this in writing -  which precipitated a much more difficult surgery that put my animal (and me) through huge trauma, and cost so much money it makes me dizzy to think about it. VETSS appears to be some kind of franchised operation, the veterinarians come and go on an ad hoc basis, and as a client you never talk to the same doctor twice. Once they have your animal in their hospital, If you call VETSS do not ever expect to talk to a veterinarian. The best I could do was talking with untrained front desk help who promise you'll get a call back from a veterinary technician. Furthermore, it is my observation that asking people to transport their own very sick animal across town from one emergency veterinarian to another in order to get 24-hour emergency care is not only dangerous and traumatizing, but also as a way for both facilities to charge more money and know they can probably get it from tremendously anxious pet owners. Did VETSS ever reach out to me to discuss my pet while he was in their care? No.I called them several times as I became very concerned about the condition of my animal, but I only heard from them (once my cat was released) when VETSS was contacted by my credit card company after I attempted to refute the VETSS charges. The above is only a description of what I went through. My animal survived, but not because of any service VETSS provided. I will never again even remotely consider taking an animal to VETSS. read more

I recently brought my doxie to VETSS for a digestive bleed. My primary vet had no openings for the day. I upfront realize that this facility is designed for emergency care. Hence the name. I was given every opportunity to select treatment with full knowledge of pricing and reasoning behind the treatment plan. Everything seems expensive whether it is the normal vet or not. But absolutely the staff was professional, caring and friendly. Hands down was impressed with Dr Ryan McKenna. read more

Excellent service. I walked away at peace knowing that my dog was going to feel better soon; veterinarian explained everything in detail and provided the medications. She told me I could refill prescriptions at Walmart or COSTCO. read more

The whole staff are wonderful! My dog Magnolia gets excited when we pull in the driveway and hates to leave the office... everyone is very knowledgeable and treat my animals and me with respect. I love that they take the time to do follow up calls to check in on their pts. I have been a vet tech for over 30 years and highly recommend this clinic! Donna Foley read more

The vets here are very inconsistent- I use VETSS as my primary vet for my dog and every single time I go there are a new set of veterinarians here. Also, this is more of a business than an animal care hospital- EVERY SINGLE TIME I go in with a simple problem with my dog, they completely blow it out of proportion and try to sell me a bunch of completely unnecessary procedures, tests, medications ect. Sad when you think about a person who has no animal care knowledge coming in and walking out with a 1500 bill because they trust the vet to do the right thing when it should have been a simple 150-250 dollar bill but they want to get as much money out of you as possible. I do not let them do this to me and don't let them do it to you either. I will be looking for a new vets office- do not waste your time here. read more

I had gone to this emergency Room quite a few times while my dog was battling lymphoma for some stuff like nausea, diarreah, just generally not feeling good after chemo and the staff was great then. Also my other dog copper had to get stitches in his paw and it was a Sunday and I took him there and shelled out 600 dollars no problem they did a good job. But the last time with My lymphoma dog Marley I noticed that her gums were pale and I phoned my primary vet and he said shes severly anemic and needs blood. I immediately called Vetts and Spoke to them and told them its an emergency that my dog is anemic and needs a blood transfusion. I live five minutes from Vetts I said I am on the way. I got in the parking lot and phoned them and told them I was outside waiting because of CoVID I couldnt just walk in. Meanwhile it felt like eternity for them to come get Marley. Meanwhile Marley repositioned herself in the front seat and put her headd on the head rest and looked into my eyes and passed away. I didnt notice that she had passed yet and called back and then they Finally came and got her! WTF! Then I get the phone call saying its too late Marley passed. I blame their neglegence partially for my dogs passing, they knew it was an emergency situation. I will NEVER go back there again. I will kindly take my dogs to the other Emergency room from now on . read more

I recently had to put my 15 year old dog to sleep. It was such a difficult decision and we are absolutely heartbroken. The staff at VETSS were all so patient with me. They comforted me and reassured me that we were making the right decision, which is what I really needed to hear. They made paw prints for each of by daughters. I received a hand written note a few days later that was really touching and unexpected. I really appreciate all they have done for us over the years and for helping us through this very difficult time. read more

In the past we've taken all our animals to VETSS. Unfortunately the staff has changed over the years and I'm no longer as comfortable with them as I was. We've had to put two cats to sleep in the past 6 months, both at VETSS. The experience with the first one left us with some concerns, so when we brought the second in, we tried to address them with the Vet and Vet tech. If anything, the second experience was worse. My boy's last memories were of fear and strangers, and for this I cannot forgive them. When we are eventually ready for more pets, I will not be taking them to VETSS unless they are my only option. read more

With 6 of my own and usually a foster dog with puppies, this practice has saved me so many times I love that they are open 24/7 This means someone is always attending my sick or injured pet nohaving topick up in the wee hours to take toyour regular vet . Experienceand compasdion! read more

I visited this vet with my dog when she ate a large amount of grapes, which can be toxic to canines. The staff were attentive, compassionate and very capable. I'm writing this review tonight because we found a terribly injured stray cat in our neighborhood. When we called, the Vet on staff tonight at VETSS said they would care for the animal if we could capture it and bring it in. It turns out they run a charity in order to provide care for injured strays. By going to this vet, you'll be supporting people who provide care to those who need it the most. I think that's important. :-) read more

Dr. Oliver was amazing! She diagnosed my dog within 10 minutes of being there, and had her taken care of very quickly! And the cost was very reasonable! I will continue to take my Sophie there, and will start taking my Chihuahua there also. read more

Oh boy do I have complaints. A few months ago my Boxer dog got a hold of a Brillo pad. Brillo pads have metal and they said they saw some in her stomach that hadn't come out naturally. They said they should do surgery. What they didn't say is it was one tiny piece and they couldn't see it during surgery. They cut my dog open and left that piece of metal. It was still there after surgery. So, now months later, my dog thought it was a good idea to chew up several metal cans. I called and was told to go somewhere else because the vet was in surgery. I live two hours away and didn't know where she was telling me to go. I think this is a money grubbing nasty place that does not care about my pet at all. I do not recommend them. A vet that is supposed to be there in an emergency should have the staff necessary and not cut a dog open just to get more money. That's what I feel they did and they still charged me full price after leaving the piece of metal in there. I'm just got a sorry our vet was in surgery. She obviously didn't read my whole message. 1. They cut my dog open for no reason and 2. I live two hours away. The vet would have been out of surgery and the person who answered the phone showed no concern at all. I do not suggest going to such a place that had not put my animals before money. It was a lot for that surgery and this last time when they didn't ask questions and said go somewhere else, it turned out I got a vet by phone who don't worry. Too bad this office chose nastiness instead. read more

One day about a few months ago, my mom's cat was sick and we took it over to VETSS. I first heard about this vet through a commercial and found out that they are open 24/7/365. The people over there are very caring and the prices were more reasonable than the competition. If your pet is sick and it's an emergency, then I highly suggest going to this vet. read more

The vets and vet technicians here are the best. I have a 15yo arthritic Pekingese with anxiety issues. He has received regular veterinary treatment since I adopted him as a 6mo puppy. This is the first clinic I have ever taken him to (2 visits in 2 weeks) where the vet technicians were able to check his heart without an E-collar. They just take the time to relax him and make him feel at ease. Dr Miller was fantastic. She took the time to explain about his arthritis medication and other supplements I could use to ease his pain. There was no hurrying me out like I have seen at previous veterinary clinics. And this is an emergency clinic!! Of course I am likely to see different vets since they are a 24/7 operation, but both the veterinarians and the veterinary technicians are outstanding. This is definitely my new routine clinic for my dog and cat. read more

Amazing vets! Amazing prices! They took wonderful care of my dog and has they most affordable price I've seen in Charlottesville. They even called a few days later to check on him. I couldn't be more happy with the service we were provided. They will most definitely be out regular vet as well as emergency. read more

We had a very good experience at this clinic. We called late on a Sunday afternoon as our dog was experiencing extreme pain in her leg. They saw us quickly, and treated her gently. they could not find an answer but treated her with pain medicine until we could get to a specialist (who also could not find the cause). read more

I have used this emergency clinic many times over the years, for many animals. I have found their prices reasonable, and every vet I have seen was top notch. I was in last night at 4 am, Dr Dicarlo was amazing with my most recent rescue dog. She has been a problem in the past due to her extreme fear of vets. Dr. Dicarlo took the time with her, was very sensitive to her behavioral clues, and was the first to ever look in her ears. I am thrilled to see that they are now offering general vet care and will probably start coming here for my care even though its almost an hour drive. I loved the high tech soup ladle..good job guys, much less trouble for the dog than trying to 'express' her bladder. They are amazing here. read more

Hands down the best veterinarian clinic I have ever been to. Wonderful people willing to explain everything and design the best treatment plan for your pet. I could not say enough about how truly kind everyone was in treating my thirteen-year-old kitty. I highly recommend VETSS to anyone. read more

Great experience in a difficult situation. Felt very confident in the diagnosis and the alternatives presented to consider.

I use VETSS as my primary and the staff is always friendly. Dr. McKenna has always let me know all my options and is always friendly. He even came in on his day off to comfort our family when we had our cat put down. Would highly recommended them . read more

I just took my Rat Terrier there because he had stomach pain. They told me it might be Pancreatitis or a stomach mass. They kept him there overnight and gave him 2 ultrasounds. I paid the $2161.13. I went for him the following morning thinking they would know which it was. WRONG!! They said their ultrasound couldn't tell what was wrong because of "reflections". They gave me 2 bottles of pills and said for me to make an appointment with "Virginia Veterinary Specialists (VVS) of Charlottesville, VA to have ANOTHER ultrasound done, which I imagine won't be free! I have just paid over $2000.00 for nothing. I asked for a refund but said I would have to talk with the manager "Debbie Blosser." VETSS used to be owned privately but now is run by an uncaring corporation. Avoid this extremely expensive, unprofessional and unqualified Veterinary Office. One would have thought that VETTS because of what their VETTS initials stand for: " Veterinary Emergency Services Specialty" would be a place I could take my dog to for a diagnosis. read more

The vet here was a sales lady. Totally tried to rip me off. Use greenbrier.

I cannot say enough about the VETSS staff. They were amazing and we feel so lucky that we found them when our dog became violently sick. His regular vet sent us home and dismissed our concerns.. knowing in our gut something was wrong we took him to VETSS. We were honestly scared that he wasn't going to make it, but the staff was able to diagnose him, treat him, and comfort us until he was good as new in 72 hours. I feel their prices were fair considering we used them as an emergency service. The staff called us twice a day to update us on his condition, and offered support whenever we had questions or concerns. If we didn't live so far away we would no doubt make them our permanent vet. read more

The Doctors here are wonderful. Very Professional , Excellent Doctors and Understanding...Unfortunately I have seen them twice over the last couple months and was 100 % satisfied with everything the whole office did for me and my pets. Dr DiCarlo was one of the kindess Veterinarians I have ever met.. I hope to see him another time with a healthy pet. read more

Beware of this Veterinary Emergency Clinic! Not to be Trusted! I took my 6-month-old kitten here on a weekend because the incision from her spaying two days previously had opened up in two small places, due to her being too active, and appeared to have some pus in it. When I arrived, they took my cat away in her carrier. About 15 minutes later the vet (Dr. McKenna) came into the waiting room and told me that my kitten's incision was badly infected and that he would have to open her up to tell how bad the infection was and to redo the incision to be sure her intestines would not pop out. He wanted to do the surgery right away. Of course I panicked. I was presented with paperwork to authorize the surgery for a cost of $850 to $1,300. I signed. But as I became calmer I realized that something did not seem right. I asked to have the vet show me exactly what he saw to warrant the surgery. They took me to an exam room and brought my kitten to me. When the vet came in he offered a completely different option that he had not mentioned previously. He could clean the incision and I could take her home, give her antibiotics and a sedative, keep her confined, and put a collar on her so she could not lick the wound. (This all made sense.) But he also said that there was about a 50% chance that the incision would open up and her intestines protrude. He told me to check her by squeezing the pink tissue alongside the wound three times a day to see if it had increased in size. I decided to take this second option and I took my kitten home. BTW every time I squeezed the incision as I had been instructed, the wound reopened and bled - stupid advice that I stopped following! On Monday, we took her to our primary vet who said that what appeared to be swelling was just belly fat and that there was no way her intestines would come out. The incision that had come open a bit had been glued together with surgical glue and was just a way to secure the skin and fat layer. Beneath that are actual surgical sutures that do the job of holding it all together and keeping her insides inside. Dr. McKenna was either ripping me off or incompetent or both! Initially he did not give me a choice between immediate surgery or antibiotics. The proposed extremely expensive surgery would have endangered my kitten by possibly spreading the infection and exposing her to another round of anesthesia. WHY DID HE OFFER THIS AS THE ONLY OPTION AT FIRST? I have used this emergency clinic twice previously, with different vets treating my cats than Dr. McKenna, and found the service good and appropriate. However, I will NEVER go back there again. I CAN NO LONGER TRUST VETSS! read more

I took my precious little senior Chihuahua to VETSS in emergency on 9-22-16. She was having an extremely difficult time breathing. From our first step into the office, everyone there was totally wonderful. The entire staff was very helpful, kind, caring and legitimately concerned about Char. She was immediately taken from me and put into oxygen. After the vet checked her out, he came out and told me what her prognosis was and it was not good. They would of course do everything they could but it did not look good for her. Char was going to stay there for as long as necessary. I received several phone calls telling me how she was doing. They were very thoughtful, very thorough. When we got back over there the next day, Dr. Jagger had been treating Char. Sadly, she had not improved at all. Even as aggressively as she was being treated, nothing was working. Dr. Jagger was sooo kind and so very sympathetic. She sat in the exam room with me for a long time crying right along with me as I held Char in my arms. What a wonderful, compassionate veterinarian she is. With a broken, broken heart, my sweet, precious Char did not make it. It was certainly not for the the lack of trying, the vet care there was first class, l could not have asked for any better. Anyone in that area looking for a vet clinic that truly goes that extra mile and genuinely cares, try VETSS, you will not be disappointed. read more

I brought my cat here in the middle of the night after he had been struck by a car. They took the cat back immediately and started him on fluids to prevent further shock. They x-rayed him and diagnosed him with a few broken bones but nothing he couldn't get through. My mother was a clinical manager and told me to bring him home so that we could nurse him back to health now that we knew what was wrong. The VETSS staff wouldn't give him back. The tech was rude and insensitive, talking to me as if I was a complete moron. I will never forget when she looked at me an said "If you don't let him stay the night I just can't guarantee you will have a kitty in the morning". She didn't care about my cat. They wanted the cat to stay as long as possible so they could tack on an extra grand to my already $700 bill (for what? still not sure). I finally was able to get my cat back and take him home. The next day we brought him to our normal vet and were told that aside from the broken bone, he was perfectly healthy and that overnight care at VETSS was medically unnecessary. Do yourselves a favor and bring any of your emergency vet needs to Greenbrier Emergency Animal Hospital. We have. Oh and VETSS, my "kitty" was just fine. He made a full recovery and is stronger than ever. In case you cared. read more