Went here because my dog ate a mushroom on a walk. It did not seem they cared about animals in…read moregeneral and offered us no care. Walking in costs $300 and we were told they can't do anything other than have us call poison control or look up on a Facebook group. We also were told it would be a 4+ hour wait. Do not recommend whatsoever

Staff was really great and I was happy with the care BUT prices were astronomical. It's very…read moreunlikely that anyone will walk out paying less than around $500. I also found out after our visit that Blue pearl is owned by the Mars corporation. Corporations buying up vet practices is part of why vet costs are so high and people are having to make the heartbreaking decision to give up their pets or not own one at all. If the staff ever decide to open up their own practice I would be happy to support them, but will be taking our pup to MSPCA in the future for any care that can wait through the 20 minute drive.

Great experience all around staff was wonderful vets are amazing. Our dog had surgery and…read moreeverything went very smoothly.

My friend and I were on our way to run a 5k. We had just gotten off the train and walked a couple…read moreblocks when we noticed a fluff ball on the ground. Initially we thought the bird was dead, but it wasn't. However, it was very lethargic. We tried to provide it some heat and thought it might be a good idea to bring it to Boston commons. On our way there, we stumbled upon VEG ER for pets which was open 24 hours and had images of birds and other animals displaying on their TV (it can be care to find vets that care for avians). They let us in, we explained the situation, and they gave us two fair options - let the vet check it out and if they determine there is little hope for recovery, ethically euthanize it, or, if it does show signs of recovery after 30 min - 1 hr, they'd bring it to Boston Commons. We didn't have time to stick around for the final decision, but I do hope it did recover. The staff there was really friendly, thanked us for being good Samaritans, and had us fill out a form. They also did offer us complimentary snacks and beverages. I was satisfied with my unexpected visit here.

As a first time experience, I could not have been more pleased and impressed with your staff,…read moretreatment & facility. From the first call to the ER to the discharge, everything was professional, caring and timely. Dr. Toal was simply amazing and my cat Glenn is fully recovered. She was so kind, knowledgeable and compassionate, and took time to explain everything in a way that was easy to understand. Patrick & Willow from the overnight team were also terrific and their communication was helpful at a stressful time. Thank you for everything, I am so grateful for your team. What I appreciated most about Angell is the coordinated communication, level of care, and the staff's kindness and professionalism.

MSPCA IS HORRIBLE. I WILL NEVER REFER, ADOPT, OR TAKE AN ANIMAL TO THEM…read more WORSE ORGANIZATION FOR ANIMALS. THEY DO NOT CARE ABOUT THE ANIMALS. SAVE YOURSELF THE HEARTACHE. I will NEVER adopt from the MSPAC again. I adopted a frenchie from Nevins Farm a year ago. They told me that her salary gland was leaking into a pouch on her neck but that she was fine. That if it turns hard it will need surgery. But assured me it was not a "real" problem. Now its hard. Causing discomfort. Affecting her eating. Current vet can't do Sialadenectomy surgery because to close to juggler and judging by his shaking I think he has Parkinsons. Other vet wants deposit of over $7300 just to schedule Sialadenectomy and price to increase during surgery. Called MSPC Angell in JP to ask if they could help and do Sialadenectomy for less since their doctor at Nevins Farm caused the issue pulling teeth before her adoption. (Problem is not on her intake form but is on adoption forms so injury happened w them.) I was told no. They need to $265 for evaluate to see if she needs Sialadenectomy even though 2 other vets said she does. Surgery will be well over $6500. Told me I am to pay full price but they accept financing or I can put it on a card because its so expensive. The woman literally laughed at me. Audibly laughed at me. This poor dog will probably be put down because pet insurance wont cover it. (pre- existing condition). Her current vet can't do it. Can't find a vet who actually cares. MSPCA won't help even though they caused it. And I dont have thousands to pay for what she needs. Heartbroken. My poor girl.

I made one of the hardest decisions of my life today. I adopted my dog from a shelter in Southern…read moreCalifornia on March 10th, 2010 and they estimated he was 1-2 years old at the time. He saved my life many times over, I adopted him when I was still active duty in the Marine Corps. The last few months were tough, I'd equate it to hospice for a dog. I dreaded making the decision, and I came close at least 6 times but every time I said give it one more day he would bounce back, go for a walk, do his business, eat, drink, ask for treats. This morning I woke up and I felt something was different. He wasn't moving well, he didn't finish his food, and then his head was stuck turning to the left at almost a 90 degree angle and he fell on the floor like that. I picked him up and laid him down on his other side on my lap hoping he just had a bad cramp, but after an hour I tried putting him down in front of his water and he collapsed. I held him for another 30 minutes and then he had an intense seizure for at least a minute, his whole body was tensed and stretched out, and his mouth was wide open gasping for air. He came through the seizure but he had no strength in any of his legs - even at his worst in the months prior when he bounced back he could at least support himself on his front legs, but he had no strength and his breaths were long and slow. I dreaded making this decision, but I couldn't allow him to suffer. I called a few vets in the area and no one could take us. One of the last vets I called recommended I reach out to VEG. I called them, they said they could help. I walked in and was immediately brought into a private room with my dog. The receptionist, the nurses, and the doctor were so comforting during one of the hardest times of my life. I'm going to bed tonight without my best friend for the first time in 16 years, but the compassion that the staff shared with me knowing it had to happen was above and beyond. I don't know if I'll ever have another dog, but if I do this would be my go to veterinarian for any issues. And I hope no one has to make the decision for your animal, but if you do, I give the VEG staff the highest recommendation I possibly could. Thank you and your team for your compassion on one of the worst days of my life. God bless you all.

My 1st time here and all I can say is wow, what a great place,great care,great service, everyone is…read moreso nice and welcoming, they were so great with my willow tx again

I'm trying to find the right words to adequately praise Massachusetts Veterinary Referral Hospital…read more(MVRH), its staff, and Dr. Kelly Larabee, an Emergency Physician whose compassion and professionalism made an extraordinarily difficult day more bearable. While traveling from northern New Hampshire to Boston, we stopped in Woburn and discovered that one of our very elderly dogs could no longer get out of the car on her own. When she finally did, her rear legs collapsed beneath her. In addition to the weakness in her hind legs, she was breathing rapidly and drooling excessively. As a longtime dog owner, I recognized the look in her eyes immediately--the look that says, "It's time." Fortunately, we were less than a mile from Massachusetts Veterinary Referral Hospital, a Level 1, 24-hour emergency and specialty veterinary hospital. We arrived without an appointment and were met by a team that was immediately welcoming, compassionate, and remarkably efficient. It was clear from the moment we walked through the door that MVRH has built a system of care designed to deliver expert treatment with both urgency and empathy. Our dog was promptly brought into the treatment area and made comfortable. Shortly thereafter, we met Dr. Kelly Larabee, whose kindness, professionalism, and genuine concern were evident from our first conversation. Dr. Larabee confirmed what we had feared but already suspected--that the time had come for our beloved companion to cross the rainbow bridge peacefully. Dr. Larabee and her team brought an extraordinary degree of humanity to veterinary emergency medicine. They treated our dog with dignity, tenderness, and respect, as though she were a member of their own family. During one of the most difficult moments a pet owner can experience, they provided not only exceptional medical care but also comfort and compassion for us. I am not sure the average pet owner--or member of the public--fully appreciates the expertise, systems of care, and operational excellence that make an institution like Massachusetts Veterinary Referral Hospital function so effectively. Having spent much of my career in process engineering, I was deeply impressed by both the efficiency of their operations and the quality of care they delivered. Every aspect of our experience reflected a well-designed system staffed by highly skilled professionals who never lost sight of the human and emotional side of their work. Dr. Larabee and the entire MVRH team were as compassionate as they were capable, and as caring as they were efficient. Their professionalism and humanity turned a heartbreaking day into one marked by dignity, peace, and gratitude. We would all be fortunate to receive the same standard of care in human medicine.

Great staff, Not always what you want to hear about your…read moresick pet. They are great with giving estimates on the recommended tests. Better than everywhere else.

Boston West is amazing! We had to bring our dog for something that seemed simple and turned out to…read morebe very serious and the whole team has given us their undivided attention and support. They are timely with their responses and meet every expectation they set. I trust every single person in that hospital with my dog's life.

My regular vet sent a referral for my dog to be seen here for an outpatient abdominal ultrasound. I…read morereceived a call the same day to schedule the ultrasound and was told I could bring my dog anytime on Friday - I chose 9am and was told the internal medicine doctor would be doing the ultrasound herself as no radiology techs were in that day. I arrived shortly after 9a and I wanted to wait with my dog as he is nervous and I wanted to be able to minimize his time there vs. dropping him off and leaving him for the day. The very nice front desk person brought him a quilt to rest on - I was prepared to wait and expected to do so. I understand there is not a set appointment time but they get these procedures done as they are able. At some point mid morning, an ER doctor came in to say that things may have been booked incorrectly and if I wanted a consult with internal medicine I would have to schedule that and it would be a couple weeks before an appointment would be available. The ER doctor offered that I could see her instead, she examined my dog and in addition to the ultrasound she recommended a chest X-ray 700$ and an expensive advanced GI lab panel including resting cortisol for 500$. I declined and wanted to be sure the internal medicine doctor was doing the ultrasound- she said they would be working together which made no sense, why would you need two veterinarians to do the ultrasound? Maybe I misunderstood. My concern was that I wanted my dog to get the abdominal ultrasound he was referred for not a "point of care" ultrasound that you would typically get in an ER setting. I never saw the internal medicine doctor. I waited until 1230p and never received an update on timeline. I thought it was strange that by that time it hadn't been worked out when the ultrasound would take place. I think they wrap up these outpatient tests by 4p? I needed to leave by a certain time because I had my own appointment that afternoon - I could have left my dog if I knew they would be ready to do his test soon, but after three and a half hours and no communication about timing I was ready to leave. And I was charged $118 for the "brief physical exam" despite nothing really being accomplished. I'm sharing this for whatever benefit it may have - with the acknowledgment that veterinary medicine can be a very challenging field and vets are some of the best people - hate to be negative.

I've taken two cats to VEG in the past 3 years and have had consistently positive experiences. I…read morelove that you can speak to a vet before you come in and that you can stay with your pet the whole time. Staff are kind and compassionate. I also really appreciate that they offer free snacks and beverages. They have a basket of coloring books for kids and feminine hygiene supplies in the bathroom. It feels like they took a thoughtful approach to providing things to make the visit a little easier, knowing that urgent care visits are often sudden and stressful. I'll always bring my pets here for emergencies!

My cat was in distress, not eating and unable to hold down his food. I was greeted by a very…read morefriendly receptionist for a quick intake as I had taken my pet here before. I was whisked to a room to await the vet. The vet tech came in and was very gentle with my cat as he took the weight and gathered more information. My vet Dr. Risch was excellent in diagnosing my cat and making recommendations. She was very accommodating especially when communicating to myself and wife over the phone. I really appreciate the care the showed my pet and breaking down all the options we had to help him. He is doing great and eating like a champ. Thanks VEG!! You guys ROCK!!

I can't say enough good things about Tufts. My 20 yo cat was dying & in pain. From the person…read moretaking my call, Michelle at the front desk, the technicians and the Vet; nothing can compare to their kindness and compassion shown to me and my Sasha. Their end-of-life care is outstanding at a heart wrenching time, professionalism at best. Thank you for easing our burden.

Money grab--or at minimum, a system that made it feel that way…read more Our first visit was professional. We discussed my dog's condition and agreed on a medically reasonable plan: supportive outpatient care while we waited for an ultrasound to become available. The next day, my dog initially improved but then declined enough that I brought her back. The lobby was busy, and she was triaged quickly. After that, however, we sat in an exam room for more than four hours waiting for a veterinarian. My dog was already known to be dehydrated, yet no water was offered during that wait. When the veterinary team eventually entered, there were comments about having missed lunch. I understand that emergency hospitals get overwhelmed, but from a client's perspective, that suggested an understaffed service struggling to manage its caseload. The veterinarian then recommended hospitalization almost immediately. The physical examination was extremely limited because my dog had moved under the bench and the veterinarian was unable to get her out. I saw very little effort from the technician to assist with handling or positioning her so that a more complete examination could occur. My dog was muzzled as a precaution and has never bitten anyone. Nevertheless, the technician appeared fearful of handling her and referenced having recently experienced an incident with another animal. I certainly do not want anyone placed at risk, but that prior experience should not determine the quality of care provided to the next patient. What troubled me most was the shift from the treatment plan we had discussed the previous day to an insistence on hospitalization. I was not refusing diagnostic imaging. I specifically wanted the ultrasound. What I would not agree to was hospitalizing my dog--and paying an estimate approaching $5,000--while still waiting for the ultrasound to actually become available. Pet owners should be able to ask questions, understand the clinical reasoning, and participate in decisions about their animals. Instead, I felt that once I questioned hospitalization, collaboration essentially stopped. Then came the final frustration. Because this occurred over a holiday weekend, we had not yet been able to obtain a urinalysis. Once we finally collected a urine sample, I called Tufts to ask whether they could evaluate it. The response was essentially no because Tufts had not ordered the test. After two recent visits for the same illness, that answer was difficult to understand. I recognize that emergency veterinary medicine is demanding and that staffing, triage, and patient safety are real issues. But there is a significant difference between recommending hospitalization because it is medically necessary and making hospitalization feel like the only pathway to diagnostics. Based on our second visit, I left feeling that the system prioritized an expensive hospitalization model over the outpatient diagnostic plan we had already discussed.

I am sure VEG Shrewsbury sees hundreds of sick pets through their door every week. They are the one…read moreof the go-to vets in the area open 24/7 for big emergencies, the real heart breakers. They helped diagnose my beloved cat Achilles with a shockingly advanced cancer. It took multiple tests and procedures in under 24-hours, and they had to deliver a result no one wants to hear. Throughout the process the staff treated me and my cat with such care and dignity. After the initial x-rays, the head vet took the time to acknowledge how painful and shocking it was. Every member of their staff was so genuine. One of the nurses told me she loved that my cat had a mix of black and pink toe pads. Another shared stories of the puppy who would be the last overnight neighbor my cat had. When we went to say goodbye to Achilles, he had a pink paint mark on his forehead that another staff member explained was lipstick from an overnight nurse who kisses all her patients. Our euthanasia nurse made him a plate of cheese, mousse pate, and little crunch treats before he had to go. I am so glad he was so loved in his last hours. Was it expensive, yes. There's a wider conversation here about prices that staff don't set themselves, and pet care in America. But for anyone in dire straits with a pet that needs help, no one here judged me. If he had recovered, I think they would have been cheering right alongside me.

They helped us big time with my cat that i adopted that didn't know he would need to be seen by…read morespecialist that he getting done now and thankful for the help and then i know I did all I can.

Above and Beyond are just that! We've had amazing service. The staff are friendly and…read moreprofessional and communication is top notch. We really appreciate the care they've given our boy over the years.

Above & Beyond surpassed our expectations. I recently had surgery and was unable to walk our two…read moreDogs. They were referred to me by Belmont Pet store. All the staff are warm and friendly. they came when they said they would, each walker was kind , warm and friendly. I had to add an extra day of walking on short notice and they accomadated me. In short they were great. Will use them exclusively going forward