In my experience, Dr. Hosek is a wonderful Vetrinarian! His bed side manner is filled with compassion, and his care is top notch. I can tell he really loves his profession by the way he handled my boy. My 6 year old Maltese had an extremely painful trip to the groomer. Although unintentional, his entire genital area was burned (razor burn). After voicing my concern to the shop, the owner felt awful and immediately got my boy an appointment to see Dr. Hosek. Dr. Hosek treated my pup with a tender hand, medicated him appropriately for pain, and put him on a topical treatment for the burn. Dr. Hosek also made himself available by phone for after hour emergencies (which I did utilize on a Sunday morning); he was pleasant and reassuring. He did not seem bothered by this early morning call on his day off. Again, another sign Dr.Hosek truly cares for his four legged friends. I believe the only good thing that happened out of this experience is finding our new Vetrinarian! My little guy is on the road to recovery, and feeling better everyday! read more

Thinking of going to this Animal Hospital THINK TWICE. First let me say that this review has nothing bad against Dr Nathan, we really liked him as a doctor. My one dog gets seizures and we had been working with Dr Nathan on his meds and unfortunately he broke through and was having seizures for an hour straight. We took him into Merrick as an emergency during their regular hours not after hours and was turned away even though we were an established patient there. Reasons given were "they are not an emergency hospital/vet", "their schedule was booked for the day and they could not see us",the doctor was not in yet running late". I had asked if we could wait if the doctor would be coming soon to at least give my dog something to calm the seizure and than find someone, answer no! This office lacks big time with very uncompassionate, unfriendly and very unhelpful front desk staff. No guidance to where to go along with no worries for my dog. Maybe I think different but I would have thought that we are a patient of this office and they would help with an emergency during regular office hours. Would have been nice to know they would not see my dog with an emregency. Sad, very sad and disappointing, thought I found a good office.....I found a good doctor but bad everything else. read more

Not on time even with nobody else in the place. Over priced with hidden "administration" fee's to nickel and dime you. Only have individual vaccines to be able to charge more too. And they don't let you back with your dog like we're still in Covid. Chose for convenience in the area but no reason to ever go back. read more

they will kill your pet being careless!!!! they will prescribe strong medicines without doing baseline lab tests!!!!!!!! the place is dusty and dirty!!! they tell you come at 8am for the earliest appointment but they dont come on time and will make you wait!!!!! read more

I decided to switch veterinarians because my veterinarian that I had was very expensive. I heard that Merrick Animal Hospital was inexpensive and I thought I would give it a try. Well, it turns out I was very disappointed in them whenever either one of my dogs had a problem, Dr Horowitz , would always tell me to just go to the ER vet. When all my dog needed was a blood test to find out what was wrong with her. With my other dog who has a congenital back disorder where her spine is fusing together, I noticed she was getting worse and the pain medicine that she was getting was not helping. I called Merrick Animal Hospital and told them that and I was told to take her to the ER. It's like they just did not want to help her, they didn't want to see her to do any x-rays, blood work, etc. to see what was going on. I took her back to my other vet and they did bloodwork, x-rays, and an ultrasound of her belly and found that she was in liver failure and had sludge in her gallbladder as well as her spine has fused together even more and her right hip was basically gone. We are trying to keep our dog alive until my daughter gets home from college on Saturday. Then on Monday night, a vet will come to the house and put her down. She is suffering and she is in a lot of pain. They put her on new pain meds that seem to be helping a lot. So I would not recommend Merrick Animal Hospital to anybody. At least to me I felt like they just didn't want to deal with me or my dogs and just immediately wanted to send me to the ER vet. Which is very very expensive to go. read more

Dr. Horowitz is the best vet I've ever dealt with. He is down to earth and his love of animals shows. Would highly recommend him and Merrick. read more

I have been going to Merrick for a long time and loved the Doctors. I went through 2 cats and for a long while my dog. My issue is the attitudes from some of the staff. The compassion level is low with this staff and I do not feel they care to take that extra step. I unfortunately move on for these reasons. read more

I brought my cat in to get her checked out a few years ago and was prescribed a steroid. Within 24 hours my cat experienced congestive heart failure and I rushed her back in to see the doctor. I asked if it was possible the steroid caused it, he said no, and then suggested I put her to sleep. I went to Arbor Animal Hospital for a second opinion, where I was told the steroid could have caused the congestive heart failure. The vet at Arbor disagreed that euthanasia was the appropriate response and said she believed we could get her stable (she had kidney disease and hyperthyroidism). With medication she lived almost 3 more happy and healthy years, and when the medications were no longer able to keep her condition stable, we made the decision to put her down at the right time, not prematurely like Merrick advised. read more

I'd like to preface this by saying I used to really enjoy bringing my pets here. We have been bringing them here for close to 10 years and have had numerous pets visit almost every doctor that has worked there in that time. Dr. Sullivan and Dr. Horowitz were always lovely to work with and really took time during every visit to understand what was going on. This review is in no way trying to minimize their professional knowledge and care they personally offered my pets. The reason I am reviewing now is because, over the years, this place has really taken a turn. I understand the industry is chronically short staffed. I understand it is a physically demanding job. I also understand the stress that comes from this field and the compassion fatigue that tends to plague it. I've always tried to be as understanding as possible when exams were running behind or they were booked out for some time. Understanding their limitations, I've never faulted them for being unable to fit my pets in for any urgent issues and have sought urgent and emergency care at other facilities as needed when problems arose. They've always responded to my messages in a timely manner. I have even recommended this practice to family members and friends for wellness care in the past. One of my biggest issues is the attitude I have received from numerous members of the support staff. Again, I understand the stress with this job, and have brushed off ruder interactions before, but they seem to have become more frequent. I have had a number of occasions where the front desk will barely acknowledge my presence when checking in. When my oldest dog passed, I was barely consoled and was just given a pamphlet on cremation services. I have had staff members cut me off and talk over me. I have felt like I was being talked down to a handful of times. I have been in exam rooms and heard the staff making comments about other clients and patients through the walls. I have even had family members and friends I recommended there face the same issues. I have recommended one of my family members here with his first dog and he felt very underwhelmed at the interactions with staff. He always felt as if his questions or concerns were swept aside and he never fully understood what even occurred during his wellness visits. I've personally dealt and handled many animals that would be considered "reactive" or "aggressive" in my own job. I understand the stress associated with dealing with those types of patients. I personally own animals--and have owned--that visit this clinic that were not the friendliest or easiest to manage in a veterinary setting. I have made that blatantly aware whenever bringing them in. Unfortunately, I think the veterinary industry as a whole has this very outdated mentality regarding how to handle fearful or aggressive animals. I am all for keeping staff safe, but I am also an advocate for my animals and their feelings in stressful environments. I have never had a problem muzzling or medicating my pets if needed to keep them, and staff, comfortable during appointments. While I did occasionally run into a few staff members that seemed resistant to me speaking up for my pets, most interactions here were amicable. That is until the past few visits. I have felt like my comments on how to best handle my own pets have been dismissed. Over the past few years, I have assisted with holding a number of my own pets during their exams. I've even held for doctors here to administer vaccines. I've advocated for pre-visit medication for my pets that are more anxious and I've been very understanding if only limited examinations were possible. Now, depending on who is assisting, I am not as comfortable with my pets being taken to the back for treatments. While I can't speak for what is happening in the treatment area, the fact that I have had some of my pets urinate or anal gland on themselves when coming makes me concerned. This is not to accuse the staff of any wrong doing, but I feel that they're not as fear free as they could potentially be. I do not know their personal practices with regard to restraint, but it is incredibly frustrating to be attempting to accustom my pet to being in a high stress environment only for the staff to ignore the suggestions I have made regarding handling and further make their visits a negative experience. Having a reactive dog is stressful enough as it is, but having to continuously speak up as if this is a new fact to a practice they have been visiting for years is truly exhausting. I really wish the industry as a whole was open to change and this practice is no different. While I appreciate the care my pets have received in the past, the drastic interpersonal switch I have felt is just too much to handle at this point and will actively be seeking care at a more fear free practice. read more

Went in with my dog to get exam, blood test and two vaccines. Two more vaccines were due a couple of weeks later and I told the receptionist that I would schedule another visit to get the other two then. When I checked in I told assistant the same thing. Then when the doctor came into the room I also told him this. And what happened? They gave my dog all four shots anyway. It gets worse - by mid week her left mouth was irritated and red, by the weekend it was a full-blown infection. Either it was a reaction to the shots or she picked up something at the vet my NEW vet wasn't sure. She is getting better now. Don't take your pet to Merrick unless you want to torture it. read more

My dog was a patient of Dr. Sullivan for many years for routine checkups, vaccinations, etc.. One day I noticed my dog had paralysis on the left side of his face. This was the first serious issue I encountered with him. I called this vet and the staff rudely told me the Dr. is not available to see him and they wouldn't contact the dr. to see if she'd help out. No care, no compassion. Just the shaft when my dog was in serious need. Won't be going back here. read more

Great staff and veterinarians. Been coming here for years. Everyone is very friendly and professional.

I cannot stress enough to stay away from this clinic. I started going to this clinic Way back in 2004. I liked them then.....in 2011, I adopted a dog and she went to Merrick every year for her wellness exam. Then four years later she suddenly has stage four lymphoma and died within two weeks!! No one can tell me that if those vets knew what they were doing that they would've caught this. Additionally my current dog now has Lyme disease. He was to of gotten a preventative during his wellness visit so I was not concerned when I found the tick on him. His back legs stopped working, he couldn't bend his neck; that poor dog laid on the living room floor for three days whimpering. He could barely move and this is a 91 pound dog! I went back through his records and he was never given the preventative ! yep. My fault for trusting these negligent veterinarians at this clinic. And for going back. I'll give them one star ~ the techs are great. They are friendly and clip nails well. read more

I have been coming to this vet for over a decade because I just love them. Leeann is such a sweet administrator and a nice face to see when you walk in. All of their front desk staff are responsive and thorough and I appreciate that they really seem to care. I've consistently had wonderful doctors who have helped my little pupper, Percy, live his best life. I'm grateful for the care and attentiveness that they've consistently shown. When I moved from Brookfield to Chicago, I decided that it was worth the trek back and forth to keep coming to Merrick because I knew that they were wonderful. Highly recommended! read more

Decent care, terrible service. The receptionist is incredibly rude. I am always nervous calling up to make an appointment, so I'm taking my business elsewhere. I travel a bit for work, so I was roughly 2 weeks late to make an appointment for my dog, who goes in regularly. My mother called for me to ask a few questions about flea prevention, and the receptionist scolded my 60-year-old mother as if she was her child. She raised her voice about me being "very late" on an appointment even though it was a few weeks. When things get busy, even my health gets put to the side sometimes. I was upset to hear they treated my mom like that, but not surprised. Only the Vet is friendly. Unfortunately I talk to the receptionist more. read more

Best doctors, fabulous staff; kicking myself I didn't find them sooner; everyone here is so kind and are so loving to animals. Love Dr A, LeeAnn, Brittany and the other techs- everyone's so knowledgeable and lovely to our dog too read more

The best experience - great care and wonderful staff. I was so worried about my cat and they were so considerate and caring, explaining everything to me. I felt so comfortable trusting Dr. Sullivan and the whole staff with the care of my cat. read more

Sweetest vet that respects animals & people. Has the best interest for you & your animal friend. Very comfortable environment for everybody involved no matter the circumstances. Not one of those vets that take advantage of you under shaky circumstances to rack up the bill, very trustworthy. read more

We started with Dr. Murningham and now have Dr. Kelly and have been happy with both of the doctors. Dr. Kelly recently performed surgery on our [now] $900 cat and he's back to his 5am wake up calls. What gets me is the office staff. (Seems to be a theme in my reviews today.) The doctors have always seemed to care, the techs for the most part are very friendly and professional, but the office staff seem to hate their lives. The surgery, while done seemingly successfully, will probably be our last visit there. They made us wait 30 minutes before seeing a doctor during the diagnostic exam because of "emergencies"... I understand this happens, but I didn't feel any sort of urgency and the reason sounded more like an excuse. Day of surgery we were told to drop off our cat at 8am. Surgery wasn't performed until 3:30pm. If we had known this we would have dropped him off later in the day. Then there was the fiasco of picking him up. Long story short... I had to wait over 30 min to see my cat who I could plainly hear was upset and meowing in the back. I asked three different employees and each of them refused. One said not until I paid my bill. (Wow... And admittedly that set me off a bit, but I held my cool pretty well according to my neighbor who came with to help.) One seemingly ignored me. A third refused until she went thru care instructions that I didn't hear a damn word of and didn't ask any follow up questions to cause I was tired of their little game and distracted by the cries from the back. At one point, my neighbor made up a reason to go out to her car but actually wanted to tell the front office staff that they might want to bring me my cat. She was rebuffed saying that I was "early" (Not really.), they weren't ready for me, and I'll just have to wait. (Really?) My wife talked to Dr. Kelly about the incident, she apologized and said she'd talk to the staff and owner, but I didn't really see any difference in the staff on our visit to have the stitches removed. In fact, we felt animosity instead of apology. It's a shame, cause we like Dr. Kelly, but apparently Profit and Procedure come before the animal and the concerned owner. Makes me wonder why Dr. Murningham left... but I won't speculate. One of the techs mentioned that the owner isn't there much more and perhaps there's a lack of institutional control... I don't know. I don't care... we're going to investigate other options. read more

I started going to Merrick Animal Hospital six years ago when I adopted a twelve year old dog. They never ran up my bill for the sake of it or over-charged me. I had to put that dog down two years later, and they were pretty supportive and helpful. I felt the vet at the time needed to work on his communication. He has since left Merrick Animal Hospital. Over the past week, my husband and I struggled with an ailing thirteen year old cat. We, of course, returned to Merrick Animal Hospital with our cat Rocky who is horrible at the vet. Dr. Kelly and our tech were great with Rocky. They were able to handle him with some ease (as much as you can when he's kicking and hissing). She was thorough with her tests, and took the time to really explain what all of the results meant. Dr. Kelly told us all of the next appropriate steps. However, when we asked what she would do, she really opened up. She helped us make the right decision for our cat. After two serious vet visits, multiple blood draws, and a wheezing cat, we made the decision to put our cat down. Sylvia, Dr. Kelly, and our tech were so sympathetic. They set it up so we could pay the bill prior to the procedure so at the end we could just leave. We received lots of hugs and words of encouragement. I was extremely grateful to be surrounded by such warm and welcoming individuals when having to make one of the hardest decisions of my life. You will be happy with Merrick Animal Hospital. read more

The doctors and tech staff have always been excellent. However, the front desk receptionist Sylvia is awfully rude. She asked me to sit and wait while she figured out my total. After waiting 40 minutes to pay them, I told Sylvia I needed to get back to work. In return, I received an onslaught of snarky, condescending, and passive-aggressive commentary. I should've walked out without paying. It was completely uncalled for and I now realize why our community has a dislike for that place. Unfortunately, this experience has left me wanting to take our business elsewhere. read more

For the little time I was with Merrick, first impression is everything. Front Desk is a nightmare. They scheduled my sick diabetic cat who was not eating or drinking and throwing up an appointment for over a week out. I was told to go to emergency care if i could not wait. I kindly asked if they would call me if anyone cancelled and they stated "we don't do that but you could call us everyday". That was the last draw. Now I'm finding out with the New Vet I was being charged $40 MORE $136 vs $95 for insulin and needles were cheaper also. read more

Driving by Merrick Animal Hospital one may not think much of the unassuming outside... Although they did put up a new sign in front. But one does not judge a book by the cover and nor should one judge this place that way. I've read some of the other reviews and after multiple visits - I did have one experience in which the receptionist (the other reviewer called them the Office Staff) seemed less than thrilled that I was there. If that had been my first visit or a regular thing at my other visits I would have knocked them for it. But I myself have had a bad day or two, and I'm sure it's shown through at times that I did not really mean, want, or intend it to. The nurses, that's what I'll call them, are all great. After weighing my puppy, she is not good at standing on that scale, they put you in a room. In the room the nurses ask some general questions and take some notes for the Doctor about what the problem(s) is/are. I've had several nurses that while in the room get down on all fours and play/pet Penny puppy. The rooms are old and may be dingy but have never been dirty! Lastly, the Doctors... Well, for me just one Doctor - Stacy Kostiuk, DVM. She is great. After my first appointment, in which she also sat on the floor and played with Penny, I knew this person genuinely cares for animals. In this first appointment she took the time to cover a lot of common puppy issues. She was very knowledgeable and I left that day feeling very confident in caring for my pup. In that appointment and subsequent ones I never felt rushed and that she has the time for me to ask anything or talk about any problems or concerns about Penny puppy. I have no reason to look anywhere else. If you live close this is the only choice, but even if you don't - it's worth the ride for some of the most caring and knowledgeable treatment for the animal-love in your life! read more

I was told they are now matching prices for Frontline (not sure about Heart guard) from online. So next time I need to stock up, I'll be supporting the local business and buying from them. Before, it was WAY cheaper to buy online so I had no choice. Out annual visit went smoothly and everyone was super friendly as usual! read more

I've been taking my two rescue dogs to Merrick Animal Hospital for the past 7 months or so and have had nothing but great experiences. The staff is not only very friendly, but utterly compassionate and genuine people who truly care about your pets. I feel absolutely confident entrusting the doctors there with our dogs' care. They are also reasonably priced and even have a loyalty program that offers substantial discounts. read more

We have had nothing but exceptional service and care here. Every time we bring our two pit bulls in they're greeted with open arms. When our little girl needed emergency surgery to remove debris from her stomach, Dr. Hosek took her home with him for the night and cared for her so we wouldn't have to transfer her to the Berwyn Animal Hospital. He recently repaired a torn ACL in her rear leg and the pre and post-op care she's received has been great. We took her in yesterday to have her cast (which was falling off) changed and the vet techs all crooned over her. When they brought her out we saw how much they loved her. They had put a heart right on the outside of her cast! We've never had a problem with the office staff either. They've been nothing but friendly and patient with us. My mother recently took her elderly lab in for further tests on some fatty tumors. The vet was so sweet and kind to her. Because it was a re-do of tests they had previously done, the vet didn't charge her for the visit! This is the kind of care and service we've come to expect from Merrick and they have never disappointed! read more

We started going here when we moved to area. Exceptional in every way. We had an emergency today as an aggressive pit bull grabbed our maltipoo...they could not be more helpful and attentive. Strongly recommend this team read more

We had to say goodbye to our beloved cat Abby yesterday and as painful as it was, the staff and doctors at Merrick Animal hospital were extremely respectful and compassionate. Dr. Antonicic had been treating her for the past year and was always willing to be thorough and patient with her intense personality. We feel fortunate to have recently moved to the area and found an animal hospital that values kindness and respect central to their business model. We couldn't recommend Merrick enough. read more

These people really care about pets. I called on a Thursday with a dental emergency for my dog after calling a few others who couldnt get him in till the following Wednesday, the office manager was super kind and squeezed us in the same day within two hours... it must have been the sheer panic in my voice or just their kindness. Dr. Wilson was wonderful with Raja, who was in severe pain and had stopped eating. He coaxed him into a full exam and even got him to eat a little bit. He had to do surgery, but he made sure Raja was on antibiotics for a week and steriods to alleviate the pain. They even wanted to keep him overnight at no charge to watch him after surgery because of his depressed breathing. But we brought him home. We had two follow ups and were not charged. The pricing for everything was comparable to other facilities and it came in below the original facility i was looking at taking him to. The PAs are wonderful in general and with Raja and always kept me in the loop. The facility is clean and friendly. They also offer regular veterinary services. read more

I switched my pet's care to Merrick animal hospital about 6 months back. I explained that I was having trouble getting in to see my vet when my dog was sick. They were happy to make a first time appointment in advance, and charge me close to $500.00 to update his vaccines and provide heart worm meds. After that appointment, I had two serious health scares with my dog. The first time they couldn't see him for days and referred me to an animal hospital where I waited for 4 hours. I gave them the benefit of the doubt. On Friday I called pleading to get in because my dog had a seizure. I was again, told they couldn't see him until next week and was referred to an animal hospital. What is the point of having a vet if when you have a sick animal you are spending hours in an animal hospital?? At least other vets in the area refused me as a new patient because they must feel some obligation to see their patients when they are sick! I might have felt a little better if they had bothered to simply follow up with a call to see how he was or request records of the emergency. They clearly don't care about my animal. I can make an appointment anywhere if I have weeks notice and 500.00 to spend! Very disappointing. read more

After having a negative experience at a different local vet, I asked on a Berwyn Group FB page for recommendations for a quality vet at a decent cost. Merrick had the most positive feedback from everyone so I went ahead and booked an appointment for my 7 year old dog for his annuals. Very happy with my experience. We were welcomed right in by the friendly, front staff, the waiting area was clean and bright, and the exam room was also clean. The doctor came in shortly after we sat in the exam room so no delay at all. Dr Sullivan was very thorough and gentle with her hands on physical and her questions about eating habits and general health. I was not pressured into add on services, medications, or products. The prices were very reasonable for everything. Overall, I would highly recommend Merrick's and we will be returning for his teeth cleaning in a couple of months. read more

I decided to bring my dog to Merrick because it was within walking distance from the house we just purchased. When we arrived we were greeted and checked in, and then had to sit in the waiting room for a while. I had to keep in mind we were the last appointment for the day so things may have been running behind a bit, no one addressed us about the wait time. When we went into the room we met with the doctor right away and she was very, very nice. The exam was short (which is what the pup likes!) and we discussed the pros/cons of different vaccines. The staff seems very friendly, and we got a free bag of treats when we checked out. The office itself is very dated, with wood paneling and the H in Hospital is falling off the building outside. Other than minor things, all went well and we will be back again (in 3 weeks for a booster!) read more

I should have written a review a few years back about my experience here but at the time it was hard to. This hospital treats every pet like it was their own. When my dog was put down they made the process easy. Everyone in the room was upset and it made us as a family feel they felt the same was as we did. They laid towels and blankets down and sent us to a private room. All the nurses knew what was going on and felt horrible. The people at the facility are amazing. I love this office and those who work there are amazing. read more

I moved recently and needed to establish a relationship with a vet because I have a dog with an illness. Cindy had me come in and submit copies of all the medical history of two dogs which was very convenient for me. The office staff was very friendly and the were wonderful with my dogs. Thank you ! read more

This place is great. We have Dr. Murninghan and he's so good with our dog, Chloe. They're very down to earth and she doesn't even notice when she's getting shots (I do and I try very hard not to cry! I hafta be strong for my baby!!). The whole staff seems to be her aunts and uncles and just shower her with treats. I find it hilarious. They're also very accommodating and whenever I have any questions for Dr. Murninghan, they are pretty prompt with letting me get a hold of him somehow. I appreciate it very much! read more

I have been aware of this hospital for some time, as a number of my family and friends come here and love it. Today was my first trip with our two cats. Disclaimer. I am a vet tech, and I work a distance from where I live, so my hospital is not an option since both of the cats would have to be drugged to make the drive. I had a great experience. The staff was great, the tech staff were very professional and personable. I saw Dr Dowd today, and she blew me away. She was very awesome, explained everything well, and discussed our girls care with me exactly how I'd want to be treated as a client. I am very pleased. Our kitten is being spayed a week from now, so I'll update my review then :) read more

Been going there since 1978. They have always been very good to all of our pets. Past & present. Honest & caring people work there. I would recommend them to any one in in the area. read more

I had brought both my dogs here for years, and my last dog, Gus, sadly had to be put down in March 2015. I received not 1 call nor any contact after, other than a call to pick up his remains. This after spending months trying to help keep him alive via medication and an IV. Front office and tech staff were the best thing about this office. read more

I Was given a full refund from Merrick in July for the credit I had for the heart worm treatment. I wish they would have offered it in the 1st place so I would not had to give the negative review. read more

I had been taking my 6 dogs here for years and was always happy. The turnover of the doctors though was very concerning and there were several problems with health issues being diagnosed or mistreated. I decided to go to a different vet and when I asked for my records I was charged $10 per dog. This is ridiculous considering I had spent thousands of dollars over the years and had been going there so long. I think this was a vindictive move on their part. Glad I'm gone. read more