RAC is no longer owned by a family. This is now corporate and was bought out. They were the demise of my cat. They are more concerned with collecting money than the welfare of your animal. Cost is higher than any other clinic around. Avoid at all costs. read more

Have been taking my dog there for years. The staff is very friendly and very good with the animals.

I don't typically write Yelp reviews but the low overall score is wildly inaccurate. My family - parents included - have treated our pets at RAC for years. I no longer live in Reading, but my spouse and I drive 30 minutes, rather than take our 3 cats and dog somewhere closer. The vets, techs, and office staff are knowledgeable, helpful, and compassionate. We make a point to request Dr. Flynn for our cats, given her close attention to detail and willingness to follow-up. Recently, Dr. Bufe joined, and she's been a godsend for our extremely nervous dog. For the first time since she was a puppy, our dog didn't spend the entire exam shaking. I agree with the reviewers who commented on pricing. It's undeniably high. My spouse and I only have "fur babies," so it's manageable. However, I'd argue that you get what you pay for. Long way of saying: two big thumbs up for RAC. read more

I have been using Reading animal clinic for 3 years. Up until now it has just been vaccinations. My dog strained his back leg and was given anti-inflammatory medication. After a week of this I made an appointment for Saturday afternoon for an evaluation with Dr Moon and hopefully get something a little stronger for pain. Thinking a Tylenol or something along those lines. after the evaluation 2 techs gave him an injection of Ketamine and told me he would seem like he was drunk and would hallucinate seeing purple elephants. When I got outside, he had a seizure in front of the building. They took him out back and I waited in an exam room for a few minutes. The brought him in covered in urine and feces from the seizure. I asked them to clean him up and they handed me a towel. next they told me I had to leave they were closing, and I should go to Woburn, he needed to be monitored because of his seizure. They told me if he has another one in the car on the way just keep driving until I get there. Woburn's cost was $1000.00. After a few days went by I realized they were never going to call to see how he was doing. When things go a little sideways the true character of a business really shows itself. read more

Total rip off. I brought my cat in for a senior blood panel and was charged $276.00 along with $78.00 for a wellness exam - which by the way was nothing other than listening to his heart, checking his ears and eyes and squeezing his belly. I called to 2 other vets and the cost for the same blood work would have been $99.00 and the other said $133.00. and one with a $60.00 wellness exam. I use to go there years and got turned off but I thought I'd try them again. Needless to say I'll never go back and will surely let all my other friends that have pets know this. read more

On November 5, 2020 I dropped off my ~17 year old cat, Armand, to the Reading Animal Clinic for a dental cleaning. A few hours later Dr. Sterling called to inform me that while putting Armand under, they found a growth in his mouth and asked me if I wanted them to continue with the procedure, in light of the fact that this growth could be cancer. I agreed that the dental should be postponed and the growth should be tested. An hour or two later Dr. Sterling called again to inform me that they went ahead with the dental procedure anyway and that I could pick up Armand. That unauthorized dental procedure, plus testing for cancer, cost $1,257. They recommended I take Armand to the MSPCA for further evaluation and treatment. On November 14 I went back to the Reading Animal Clinic to pick up more pain killers for Armand as he was still clearly in pain, either from the procedure or the cancer. If you've been to the clinic you know that they have 2 small, awkward, parking lots, connected by a dirt road that looks as if it was bombed during World War II. As luck would have it, I drove into one of those potholes damaging my car. Reading Animal Clinic said they would submit the damage estimate for the car to their insurance. That was $695. But back to Armand... The MSPCA Angell Medical Center reviewed Armand's medical records and and said that although they could examine Armand, based on the test results they recommended against treatment and suggested that the Reading Animal Clinic take over end-of-life care. :( But Reading Animal Clinic didn't do that. They never got back to me about Armand's end-of-life care. They didn't submit the $695 bill for my car to their insurance company. They didn't stop the dental procedure after I withdrew consent. I have one voice mail from Dr. Sterling who was concerned after she apparently never heard back about Armand. I also have an e-mail from a "Kristin Simon, MBA" stating that their insurance company allegedly didn't find them at fault for the damage to my car. Last time I checked the question at issue is negligence for failure to maintain their property, not fault. There's no evidence that a claim was ever submitted. I had to send several e-mails to their office to get this response: Kristin offered to cover half the cost of the car repairs because I was such a good customer. I've restarted Armand's medical care, which meant a full exam with a new vet, for another $400 plus additional costs for monthly follow-up visits. It has been 4 months and Armand is still with us, although it may not be for much longer. Morally this entire episode just doesn't sit right with me. I'll leave it here for you to decide whether you want Reading Animal Clinic taking care of your pets. read more

I i've been taking my two shepherds to this vet since August 2020. (One is 5 the other is 2 both from breeders) On this visit on June 27,2022 My five-year-old shepherd was due for a three-year rabies and a three-year DHPP shot. When my husband walked out with our shepherd they did NOT give her her 2 shots they wanted our shepherd knocked out on meds to give her these shots. I'm sorry but when she was in there at her last visit in January 2022 ( 6 months prior) she was given her shots no problem. there was and have not been any issues that she had to be SEDATED for anything in her life!!!! NEVER!!!They also charged my husband $113.00 for visit which I am trying to get back as I have pulled both my dogs from this vet practice. They do NOT seem like "dog" people. I was unsure about this place right from the start and didn't like how the vets are in there with my dogs. Do not take your dog here they are not dog friendly at all. Also I've waited for 4 days to get both my dogs records emailed to me and they have yet to do so!!!!!!!! Also would like to add 3 things 1- the owner Dr Elizabeth Shurland was so unprofessional she hung up on me while I was talking ....after I requested my dogs records 2- it is now 4 days later NO RECORDS SENT YET 3- I just called spoke to Jennifer who was extremely nice and said it's not a problem it'll just take 2 seconds she will send the records right over. Too bad all people that work there were not as nice as Jennifer.... read more

Reading Animal Clinic - This is our 5 year old - Veterinarians Near Me - Reading, Massachusetts

We had been looking for a new vet, because after 20 years with our current vet, we were unable to get routine vaccine appts. for our pups for 3 months out. They referred us to Petco the last 2 times we called. Instead, I called RAC, and within days had an appt. Dr. Shurland, Dr. Flynn, and the entire staff were so incredibly pleasant, professional, knowledgeable, and helpful. The cost was not ridiculous either. We've found our new vet! read more

Loved them! My pup & I are visiting family locally (we live in Nashville now) & after he started not feeling well I was super anxious about being away from his regular vet...that was until I found Reading Animal Clinic! They got us in same day, the staff was SO sweet, & Dr. Ning especially, was such a wonderful human that made me feel so at ease. It was clear my pup felt comfortable with her too. She was wicked thorough & first thing this morning I had a call from our Nash vet checking on my pup because Reading had already contacted them just to let them know the scoop, mind you we were just in there at 7PM last night. By this afternoon Dr. Ning called with good test results as well. I was really impressed with our first visit & I for sure will use Reading Animal Clinic as our primary care when on trips back to Boston. Thank you guys for being so lovely! read more

I have been bringing my dog here for 2 years, I really wanted a veterinarian were I could build a relationship with and trust. Every time I go there is a different veterinarian working but they have all been very nice and patient. My dog is aggressive for some odd reason and bringing her to the vet is very nerve racking . Luckily the Reading Animal Clinic have been great to accommodating myself and Kiyah . Our last visit we got to have it outside because Kiyah is so stubborn she won't even go into the vet rooms ! Luckily I don't take her often only when needed so pricing for me is okay read more

To start off with I have to say the doctors, vet techs, and door greeters are great. There is a lot of staff and a few I assume are administrative. The new office is very attractive. After reading some of the reviews I can see that some of the cons are unfair because in any practice of medicine there are protocols and to make a diagnosis you do need to perform test to rule out other probable causes and many people do not understand that. I brought my dog to the clinic and was satisfied with the care. I came only because it wasn't corporate, and the Middlesex Animal Hospital closed, and its great DMV referred me. I do believe the care is superior to corporate care BUT the costs are extremely high, but I guess if you want high end service you must pay high end prices. If you are a senior and on a fixed income this is not the place for you. To sum it up, docs, techs and door greeters are very friendly and caring. If you are on social security and a fixed income this place is not for you. I was lucky enough to return to my original vet because he reopened his practice, and he has an exceptional reputation around my area and pricing for those financially constrained is affordable. read more

I was a client for many years until my dogs passed away and I no longer needed a vet. When I inherited a friend's dog I continued using their vet in Andover but felt I was getting ripped off and I had a very sick dog who wasn't getting proper care so I returned to Reading in 2020. After 30 minutes he was properly diagnosed with Cushing's. It was bittersweet. I was relieved to find out the problem because he had been undiagnosed for years but sadly there wasn't much to be done once he was diagnosed. Treatment was expensive and there was no guarantee because he was so far advanced in his illness. 3 months later he had to be put down because he was getting aggressive. I won't get into the trauma my son and I endured at the hands of a particular vet at Reading. Let's just say I'm a nurse and I had nightmares for weeks! I wrote to the owner once I could compose myself to put onto paper the nightmare endured at her clinic. She called and I found her to be very sincere and apologetic and she agreed that their protocol needed to be changed. I'm not sure if it did but she should have given me a refund. I continued using their clinic for my other dog and then our new puppy in 2021. I began to find there prices were becoming outrageous and of course covid was to blame. Even visits I had scheduled for weeks or months in advance were being charged as emergency visits at way more money than a routine visit. I was charged $400 to aspirate a lump on my dog and the sample wasn't usable. I was quoted $1500 to remove it all together. Looking back I should have refused to pay for any inadequate service. I know puppies are expensive because there's frequent vaccines and check ups but not to the degree I was paying. The final straw for me was when I was quoted over $1200 to have my 6 month old female pup fixed. All the surrounding vets I called were quoting $400-600! That was it for me. I found a new vet. It made sense recently when I saw their new building. They were price gauging to pay for their construction. I hope they name a room after my beloved dog they sent out of this world in fashion that was anything but humane or peaceful. If you like being ripped off and giving your pet incompetent care you'll be happy. read more

Can't say enough about this team of animal lovers. They cared for our Spooky who had to have an sore surgically removed. It was quite emergent and they got him in, fixed up and home in a matter of several hours. They provided thorough instructions for home care and called to check on him the next day. While "we" don't love going to the Vet, we do love this Vet team! read more

Reading Animal Clinic - Poor Spooker boy. Getting some TLC for a bad tooth. - Veterinarians Near Me - Reading, Massachusetts

I am extremely particular in who I choose to ensure the wellness of my cats. I absolutely LOVE RAC! They provide excellent customer service and the doctors are the best! Even after moving an hour away, I still drive there with no hesitation. Highly recommend! read more

I find Reading animal clinic to be very money-hungry. They put my dog on Apoquel for itching and biting. Very expensive medication. When I googled it at home I read that long-term use of this medication is very bad for the dog. Has many side effects including cancer. But they never told me that of course. They make plenty of money off prescriptions. All the vets do. That is why you should never buy any meds from a vet. Go to places online like pets Meds and Chewy. Much better prices. read more

Very unprofessional business staff. Vets are nice until your dog needs real care. They want to give shots and collect money. They should not be allowed to do any surgical procedures in their office not even routine procedures. Our dog was there for routine spay. We were called and told there were complications and the dog needed to get to an ER. When went to get her we asked to speak to the vet. Instead a "nurse" who according to their website hasn't even finished an associates degree program told us the dog might die on the 8 minute ride to the ER. When we again asked to speak to the vet to understand what happened and what we should tell ER Dr Moon came in and in a less than compassionate way said "what can I do for you?" It was like we were bothering her. We then asked for our dog and an oxygen tank and mask to try and keep her alive during the ride to the ER. The business manager then came in and said we had to pay first before we could leave with our dying dog. Seriously! One compassionate person gave us our dog and oxygen and fortunately we made it to ER in Woburn and they saved her life. According to ER She had suffered non cardiac pulmonary edema. All heart tests and blood tests came back normal so it was something the Vets or staff did wrong during the procedure. But read other reviews like this. They always blame the poor animal read more

I have been very pleased with this vet clinic. Staff is always nice and accommodating. I've seen both Dr. Shurland and Dr. Thistle, but Dr. Shurland treated my cat while we were trying to figure out what was causing his GI issues. One thing that stands out in my mind with this vet was that we needed help getting my cat to take parasite medicine for giardia. You would think two able bodied adults could manage to get a 12 lb cat to take a pill and liquid. But no. Reading Animal Clinic told us that we could bring the cat in every morning for a week so the vet techs could pill him. They didn't recharge for the medicine, they only charged $25 for the week - which is so worth it to me and my sanity! With the vet techs pilling my cat, they were fast and efficient and got my cat out of there fast. They are cheaper than some of the other area vets, I think a visit was about $50. I've recommended them to another cat owner and they also loved them. read more

Had previously given a 5 star review because of their responsiveness but I have changed my mind over this summer. I do like the Drs there and the vet techs but there has been a lot of staff turnover lately and it seems that every time I call I get different responses from the office staff than I used to. Also, twice now, I have not gotten a call back when I called in regarding an issue my pet was having. My puppy has conjunctivitis which she was treated for on 8/18. She has it again, now, and I think it is reasonable to treat her without an appointment seeing as I explained that she and my daughter's dog both had it a week apart and seem to have passed it back an forth because they have been together at my house during the past few weeks. Their prices seem very high, feels like they are taking advantage of people and price gouging. Unfortunately it may be time to find a different veteranary clinic. I am disappointed because I was very happy with them and they are so close to where I live. read more

We have been going to RAC for over 8 years. EVERYONE has always been so kind, accommodating and wonderful. My dogs have received extraordinary care. I appreciate all that they do for us. Always recommend them whenever I have a chance! read more

After my vet had been bought out by a bigger hospital, I ran into an emergency problem with my daughters cat, Eugene. After a not so great experience at the new location, I decided to try somewhere else and happened across Reading Animal Clinic. I honestly can't rave enough about how amazing our experience was with the facility and staff! Melanie was more than helpful on not only making sure I understood everything that was happening and why, but also made it very clear what I would be paying before taking action, eliminating any surprises at check out. Given the surprise insane bill from the other vet, I was super appreciative that she took the time to explain each charge and each option to help my pocket without making me feel like a horrible owner for not be able to spend a crazy amount again on the same problem. My cat spent time being treated by Melanie and Jenna, both of which treated Eugene as their own. Super loving and compassionate! Then upon checkout I met the two amazing ladies at the desk that I also must say where so nice, personable, considerate and helpful. I realize how long winded this review is, but I honestly couldn't say enough of how happy I am with this change of offices, it's a blessing to find a Vet that obviously cares about your animals above all else. Thank you so much to the entire staff that took the time to make us feel heard, helped and truly cared for in such a hard time with our amazing Eugene! Our animals will never go anywhere else, we found the secondary "family" to help in our times of need, and we couldn't appreciate it more! read more

I took my dog to Reading Animal Clinic to be neutered. He does not like going to the vet but he is not aggressive. The day I took him Dr. Flynn was doing the neutering and she called the house totally agitated because my dog kept pulling her up and down the hallway and she was having a hard time knocking him out. She called a second time again totally agitated telling us she finally knocked him out. She told us from now on we would have to sedate him before we brought him in or they would not take care of him anymore. Anyway, on the second call, she told us she finally knocked him out. Our beloved dog died during the neutering procedure. We could not prove anything but our suspicions made us believe Dr. Flynn might have had something to do with it. We were totally heartbroken when we got the news about our beautiful dog. We can only hope and pray that if in fact Dr. Flynn did have something to do with this, that she one day suffers the way she made my family suffer when we lost our beautiful dog. They say God works in mysterious ways so let's hope so. read more

Been going here for a couple years now after bringing my dog to other vets for countless visits for an ear infection they seemed to get it in just one visit. They gave us detailed instructions for his medication and it worked my dog hasn't had any reoccurring problems at all. Any bad reviews on this office seemed to be towards pricey nail trims which is a groomers job I thought....these reviewers want it for free that says enough about them. BIG THANK YOU to the Reading animal clinic staff!! read more

I am so impressed with the level of care and concern at Reading Animal Clinic! They truly care about your pet as if it were their own. I've dealt with them through 3 cats, and they are excellent diagnosticians, and provide excellent care. Everyone there is willing to work with you, listen to you, and see that your pet is well taken care of. Their fees are reasonable and fair, and they do not upsell! These are good 'animal' people. Just ask my terrible cat tyrant - Tiny Tiger. With her, they earn more than their fees, and never make me feel like a bad Mom!! Regards, Helen F. read more

I have only been once so far, but I brought my two cats in for a checkup and it was great. The staff couldnt be nicer and the building was really nice. Prices were reasonable. 5/2/2011 update- I've been back many times and I'm still a fan. Dr. Thistle is great with our dog and cat (s). The staff is very accomodating and even came outside and gave my wimp of a dog his kennel cough vaccine in the parking lot when I couldnt drag him in the door! read more

Dr. Shurland is one of the best! When my 8 year old golden stopped eating and was having trouble getting up I was given a same day urgent appointment. Dr. Shurland knew immediately that something was wrong. After finding a big mass on her x-ray she not only took the time to calm me down but also very clearly explained what my next steps should be. Dr Shurland was checking in with me the very next morning to make sure that I was doing OK and did not have any questions. She even gave me her private cell phone number in case I needed her advice. When I told her that we decided on Angel Memorial Dr. Shurland called over to a colleague to let them know that we were coming. Mia underwent surgery to remove a mass from her spleen that was the size of a basketball and I am happy to report that she did great! I am so very grateful to Dr Shurland for her expertise and compassion. A big thank you from Mia to Dr. Shurland and her amazing staff!!! read more

I've brought my cat here regularly since I've had him (about 3 years). Dr. Thistle and the other technicians are so good! When my cat was having an issue digesting and defacating, they had great suggestions and care which helped him get better. With the diet and food that was recommended, he's been a healthy boy ever since! I will trust them to take care of my cat from here on out. I'd recommend this vet to anyone who wants a good one. read more

We have used this clinic for almost 10 years now. We love Dr. Thistle. She is very compassionate, knowledgable and helps to make your visit as pleasant as possible. Would highly recommend her as a vet for your pet. read more

I cannot praise Reading Animal Clinic enough. We had to put our beloved lab down and the staff surpassed any expectations I could have had. They treated him and my entire family with such respect, care and compassion. I am so grateful to them for making a truly heartbreaking day just a little bit easier. Thank you Reading Animal Clinic. read more

I'd like to start by saying Dr. Linda Thistle is a phenomenal vet and we have trusted her with our pets for over 15 years. With that being said, the pricing is simply outrageous. Charging $15 to trim cats nails, $79 to DROP OFF blood work, teeth cleaning estimates of $2,000.... Needless to say I am in the process of finding a new veterinarian office. They make it unaffordable to care for my animals. read more

We are happy customers! We have been seeing Dr.Thistle for a little over two years now. She was recommended to us by a family member. She answers all my questions thoroughly. The office always responds quickly to telephone calls and scheduling is super easy. Hopefully we will be going here for many years to come! read more

I have been doing business here for over 6 years - and this is an amazing practice. Every single person is there to improve the lives of companion animals - and their people. Every vet is awesome - each visit is an opportunity to learn more about how best to care for my dog because they are at the front of all the new products and treatments. Dr Shurland, Dr Thistle and everyone are amazing caring professionals! read more

I've taken my animals to this clinic for several years. It is true that the vets and staff are kind and compassionate and very accommodating. This does not always mean that the medical staff are skilled enough to manage non-routine medical issues. This is where they fall short. If you pet has medical needs beyond the routine, I would look elsewhere. I have had to seek specialized treatments at the Mass Vet Referral Hospital in Woburn, Angell Mem in Boston for problems that were misdiagnosed by Dr. Thistle and staff. I switched most of my pets over to Dr. Zannotti in Winchester, except for one cat, which still goes to Reading Animal. She is old and lucky enough, so far, to have had no medical issues whatsoever. So for now, I keep her there. read more

This place is the worst vet I have ever gone to. I brought my dog in here for the first time not only was it over priced they charged me 15$ for nail clipping. No vet ever has charged me especially since my dog is a teacup I mean her nails are smaller than my fingernails. Also the vet I had was so focused on just making sales and giving my dog all these shots when no vet ever gave my dog 5 shots in one day especially when she is so small and will not be able to walk. Then she pushed on my dogs trachea 3 times where she kept choking and ever since she did that she has not been breathing the same rushed her to the ER in Woburn on Saturday night. The vets here even said NO VET SHOULD EVER PUSH ON A DOGS TRACHEA. I will never ever go to this place again or ever refer them to anyone read more

This is a terrible place to bring your pet. Took my pug mix puppy here and initially thought they were great. After he turned a year old he was itching his ears like crazy for a few months. After doing some research I figured it was probably allergies, tried home remedies that didn't work for long, and finally decided that he needed medicine for it. We met with Dr. Thistle who tried to tell me it was scabies and that she needed to take a sample of skin from his ear to look at it under a microscope. Mind you I was six months pregnant at the time and sleep with the dog every night, so I was looking at her like she was crazy. I asked her if it was just allergies and she was adamant it was scabies. I knew she was playing me for a fool and felt I had no choice but to let her take a sample of skin from his ear otherwise she wasn't going to give me any Rx for his allergies. She "cut" a small sample of skin from his ear, which was all done in front me and and I could see she barely took anything. We waited 5 minutes as she looked at the sample under a microscope from another room. She came back and sure enough, it wasn't scabies! Now she was able to admit that it probably is allergies and gave me the Rx my dog so desperately needed. Needless to say I felt she was dishonest and just looking to upcharge me for a bull shit procedure. The medicine she prescribed Apoquel worked wonders for my dog and he continues to be on it. I now tried to order a refill for the Rx on 1800 pet meds because I refuse to give reading animal clinic any more of my business as I am still so upset about my last visit with Dr. Thistle. Well the website required a written Rx from her to fulfill to order. So I called and the front desk staff said she would fill it out and I could pick it up. Well I did, and sure enough she filled it out for the wrong dose she had originally put my dog on, which could be dangerous I imagine, and for only 15 pills which we won't get far with. At this point I'm so done with her and reading animal clinic. I was referred here by a friend who brings her dog here. I will now be telling her and everyone else I now in the area never to go here with their pets, and now I will be bringing my dog elsewhere. read more

Unfortunately last month I brought my sweet cat who was having labored breathing to Dr. Thistle at Reading Animal Clinic who misdiagnosed him and he died at home the following day. Prior to that, he was seeing Dr. Flynn at the same place because he was scratching himself bloody and excessively grooming due to itching and she prescribed a steroid to help control the itch which didn't work at all, so Dr. Flynn suggested that I take him to a dermatologist in Westford MA. The dermatologist ran several tests and determined that he had a severe allergy and said we should begin by treating him with a steroid to calm it and prevent infection asap . The dermatologist also informed me that the steroid Dr Flynn had previously prescribed is completely ineffective in cats so she prescribed the correct one which did the trick. Of course that was after my poor cat suffered for another month unnecessarily and costing me about $1,200. The staff is super friendly and accommodating however the medical care my cat received was absolutely shameful. read more

Our dog has been a patient at Reading Animal Clinic all his life, and he is now 9. We mostly see Dr. Thistle, (who we love!), but the last two visits we have seen Dr. Flynn. Dr. Flynn is an excellent veterinarian, and very caring and compassionate. Our dog developed stomach issues (vomiting) this past week and then on Friday afternoon we noted some lethargy and green mucous from his nose. I called but they were already closed, so we cared for him overnight and called first thing in the am. They were already fully booked but Dr. Flynn squeezed us into the schedule, treated our dog with fluids and antibiotics and saved us a very expensive trip to the ER on a weekend. The instructions she gave us for caring for him at home were thorough and practical and a day later our dog is much improved and more like his old self. I cannot recommend Reading Animal Clinic too highly, if there were 10 stars that is what I would rate them! read more