Pieper Veterinary Middletown, Connecticut

This was our first experience with Pieper and it was excellent. Our rat terrier developed hemorrhagic gastroenteritis suddenly on a weekend. I called to give a heads up we were coming. They listened carefully to our description and encouraged us to come right away (the other emergency vet, who was closer to us, cut us off, advised chicken and rice, and that we should stay home since no one would see us for 6hours...despite my husband trying to explain that "My kitchen looks like an ED trauma bay" is a bit beyond rice). We did have a wait of about 15min on arrival due to another emergency. Its an emergency room, some triage is expected. Since I was comfortable with it they let her wait with me, which I appreciated. Once she was inside, they communicated quickly and clearly that my dog needed emergent stabilization measures as well as the estimated cost to stabilize. There after communication was excellent. I was told when to expect an update phone call from her doctor but that I could check with staff as needed about her general condition. Discharge instructions were clear and concise. Everyone was very caring and I'm sure my beast was not the most pleasant patient. The doctors were knowledgeable and gave clear explanations about what we were treating and investigating. The staff was very kind and pleasant. Their billing was prompt and as specific as it could be with an evolving medical situation. My dog did better than anticipated and needed less care. I was provided a refund without even asking. I'm impressed with their billing; human medicine could take a page out of their book. As much as I hope to never repeat this experience if I do, it will be with Pieper. I know they will take care of us.

When two other ER clinics turned us away because they were at capacity, Pieper (also at capacity at 9am when I called) found a way for our dog to be seen at their Madison location. We're so thankful that we'll be able to get some sleep tonight, after many sleepless nights, and that our dog is (finally) on the mend! I saw a few less than stellar reviews that left me wanting to encourage those on the fence to definitely make the call to Pieper. A friendly PSA to folks that if there's a long wait, it means there are others with bigger emergencies ahead of you. No different than when a person goes to an ER. I didn't feel any pressure about money today, but it wouldn't have bothered me if they had asked me for a deposit because vet care is expensive and I took on that risk when I decided to get a pet (you can also research pet insurance). If we don't pay the vets we won't have anywhere to take our pets! Thankful for you, Pieper staff, especially during the most trying times for vet hospitals nationwide.

Sadly, this organization is about money first and your animal's health second. Lots of focus on payment and not much on the patient. You will need to call regularly to get follow up or results for your pet. The office staff show no consideration or empathy if your animal is unwell or terminal. Edit two months after initial posting -- Neurology department were very unhelpful. It was evident they did not properly examine our dog during a follow up visit as they just read the definition of the diagnosis and provided no specific examples of the dog's symptoms for monitoring. Since then, I've had to call twice to get test results, and I've been called back after 3 or 4 days by people who can't interpret the Dr's notes or make the necessary adjustments to the medication plan for the dog. Exceptional speed on requesting payment.

I took my dog Stella for a Neurology consult Wednesday 11/17/21. I was told it would take 48 hours for the records to be sent to our primary vet. A week later on the following Wednesday (11/23/21) I called to request my pets record because my primary vet never received them. ​Apparently, it can take vets up to 2 weeks to write their report. Which is ridiculous because how will they remember my pet and what was done for my pet after 2 weeks? And how could it take 2 weeks to write a report about a simple consult that took 2 minutes? He didn't even touch my dog. So I gave them another week because it's the holiday time. Today (12/1/21), I call and am told the Neurologist still has not touched his report so it's not done. I have a right to my dogs medical records in a timely fashion. I paid my vet bill at the time of service and all I am asking for are my pet's records. It's horrible when you have to submit the claims related to an injury to your pet's insurance within a certain amount of time and the vet hospital is working against you. I'm sure the veterinarians and specialists there are great at what they do but they need more time management. I even spoke to the manager and I was assured the records would be sent today and still nothing! It just leaves a bad taste in the mouth. They just don't do business well ???? they are willing to take your money, but do not do their end of the job. I wouldn't recommend bringing your pet here especially if you need continuing treatment for your pet; you will need medical records that they will not provide you.

Called numerous times to speak with manger and they don’t call back. They almost killed my dog

COVID protocols have wiped-out these people. They no longer know what the heck they're doing. Good luck contacting these people, you'll need it!

I recently got a kitten who was five weeks old and had a rectal prolapse. I live over an hour away and they were recommended to me by my regular vet. They were quick to get me in when all other ER vets near me said it wasn’t serious enough to take me due to their patient load. I arrived around 6:30pm and we were out of there with purse strings put in by 11pm (which if you’ve been around the block to ER vets that’s NOTHING) and it was less than $300 and the customer service and communication was far above what I have received from other vets. I mean, compared to a different ER vet who had manually put it in the rectal prolapse of my kitten and held her overnight doing nothing additional and charging me $1,400…. You can see the difference. Most ERA vets just make a quote with a low and high end, have you pay a deposit for the low end and ALWAYS end up going to the max or even above the original quote they gave you. It’s almost the standard. I couldn’t believe how difference this experience was. When my kitten got sick with neurological symptoms less than a week later they were incredibly fast, responsive and kind. The doctor who treated my kitten remembered me and helped to ease my kittens pain in her last moments, and I found out afterward they hadn’t even charged for that. It was a very genuine and transparent environment and I really value everything they did for us. They were so sweet to me and really helped me get through a difficult moment just vy being honest and kind. Now they we know where they are we will most definitely make the drive for our two dogs if it’s feasible for the situation, worth if!

I have been on hold for over 13 minutes to just get some one to transfer me to a department. Every-time I call, it is it as excessive amount of time to get ahold of anyone

The time and care that every individual we worked with was fantastic. My updates were responded to promptly, the advice/care gave us a lot of confidence we were doing everything we could do for our dog, prescriptions were filled promptly, and overall professionalism has been fantastic. What we appreciated the most was the consistent communication around on going care. Thank you for the work you do.

Be prepared to tell the same thing to each person you come across and still, no one is capable of getting the story straight. There is a huge lack of communication at Pieper regarding the status of your pet. Unfortunately we have limited options in CT if experiencing an emergency. Based off of the history given, the “diagnosis” was a broad assumption opposed to being based on history, clinical findings/and or lab work. No treatment was provided. My dog sat in a kennel for hours scared due to this clinic still using “Covid protocols” and not allowing owners to stay with them. The clinic is quick to collect money, but waited over 30min simply for someone to bring my dog out after paying. Will follow up with my regular trusted veterinarian to ensure proper and thorough care is being provided.

I hope people actually look at these reviews before bringing their pet here. My cat was killed by this place and the only thing they are concerned with is the money.

Today, my FB memories showed me a picture of my cat when she was there 6 years ago (we've been back many time since). I know how rough things have been for all of us in the veterinary industry, so I wanted to take time to give a shout-out to all the technicians, receptionists, and doctors who have provided care for my pets over the years. As a referring DVM, I often send my patients here, but I also bring my own pets when they need care more involved than what I am able to provide. The memory from FB was of my kitten with hydrocephalus who was decompensating quickly. Without the support of the emergency, neurology, and ICU departments she wouldn't be here today. Keep up the good work!

I can't really speak for the services here as I have been trying to establish care here with a specialist for over a week after a referral from my primary veterinarian. I have been on hold several times for over 30 minutes at a time noone ever answers.

My cat was hit by a car and died. I found him when I came home at night. My family was distraught as we had no idea what to do since it was late. We called Pieper since they are 24/7, who told us what services they offered. Bianca was so kind and caring as she took care of us and was there for us during our time of need. My family will never forget the kindness of Bianca and all of the Pieper employees.

we went here to have our cat halfatail checked out and unfortunately he had to be put to sleep. The veterinarian and the technicians we worked with were amazing. They let us spend time with our baby to say our goodbyes and they respected us and genuinely cared about him even when they just met him. I will highly recommend this office for anyone who has a pet who is sick or even for a regular check up. Thank you for making a rough situation easier and I don’t know how you guys can handle this on a daily basis but thank you. you all are heroes to us and to all animals.

My 3 year old indoor, chonky-cat jumped from our countertop and landed poorly on Tuesday night. She was limping, so I bought her in on Wednesday morning to the ER vets. With vet appointments hard to come by, I was expecting to be turned away OR wait a VERY long time to be seen. Arrived here @8am with telephone updates and exam/treatments completed, I was on my way with my cat & her medications in hand by 11am. I know every situation is different but I have nothing but high praises for the staff that helped me out by seeing me last minute, taking great care of my chonky-cat, and clearly communicating with me. I know the COVID-protocols can add to the anticipation of waiting, but they worked efficiently and effectively and for that, I am grateful! The Chonks is on her way to recovery, Thank you!!

In short: They didn't take our dogs breathing problem seriously after our vet, VESH ER in Greenfield, and Pieper themselves told us to get there asap. We couldn't convince them to do any diagnostics because his other vitals were good and they 'feel' like he's fine. A week later, he's at VESH dying with fluid, blood, and blood clots on his lungs. It’s been a week of pain, suffering, and preventative progression of his condition because Piper didn’t take us seriously. In long: We were told to come here by VESH in Greenfield because our dog was having breathing complications after an Addison's crisis and Pieper has an internal medicine specialist. We called Pieper and they told us to come in ASAP and a specialist would be in around 8am. We provided a detailed list of symptoms and I repeatedly highlighted we need to confirm there is no organ failure or fluid on the lungs. They didn't 'feel' like there was anything wrong. They 'felt' like his lungs and heart were fine. They would not let him see a specialist, said they can't test cortisol, were uncomfortable doing an X-ray, and told us there is nothing they can do, he is fine and probably just recovering from his Addison's attack, and we should go see a specialist in a few weeks. Having been turned down by two vet ERs we repeatedly told our primary vet how concerned we were. They got us in for an X-ray and blood work. Our dog is dying from fluid, blood and blood clots in his lungs and was just rushed to Vesh ER for immediate intervention and a multiple day stay. I was so frustrated Pieper did not take our concerns seriously and did not look further into the causes I highlighted as a top concern. Treatment was delayed a week and that took a massive toll on our dog and us as owners.

I had an appointment to have some tests run for my cat at 11:00 AM. He had to be fasting for 12 hours prior. When I got to his appointment I was told things were very backed up. They said to leave my cat and go home and they would call me. They estimated it would be 2 hours. I got a call after 3 hours and was told he still hadn’t gone in for his tests. They said they had been busy with emergencies. I was very upset because he had gone so long without food and water and they told me to be patient. I called an hour later and was told yet again that he still hadn’t gone in for his tests. Finally at the 5 hour mark I called again in tears and they finally got him in. I should also mention that every time I called I was on hold for a very long time. I needed the results of the tests for another appointment at a specialty clinic. I was told their normal policy was 48 hours for medical records. I explained the situation and that I needed them ASAP and was told they would do what they could. 24 hours later I called and asked again. They said they would escalate my request and said I’d have the records by end of day. At 5:30 PM I still hadn’t received the records so I called again. I was assured that my request was next in line and that I would have my records within half an hour. It is now after 9:00 PM and I have not received them. I have no doubt that this hospital has great veterinarians and state of the art equipment but I am disgusted at how terrible their service is. Dealing with a sick pet is stressful enough without having to deal with unreasonable wait times, long phone holds and ignored requests for records.

After our dog ate a corn cob, we took her here, it was 9:30 in the evening, they were prompt and professional, within a couple hours we were on our way home with our dog, and it didn’t break the bank!

Visited Pieper twice over the weekend for an issue that got worse in my dog. While the wait was long, I have never been more happy with the attention and care they gave my dog. Dr. Gardner was beyond helpful and really showed true compassion and clear communication with me the entire time. I can tell the staff work their absolute butts off based on how busy this place was and besides the bit of a wait, the service and care never faltered. Thank you all so so much for everything you do.

My husband and I took our dog, Mozzie, in the day after he decided to eat most of the leather cover off a chair cushion. The staff were friendly and helpful and Dr. Robinette was fantastic—professional and also friendly and reassuring. He went through all of our options, carefully detailing the benefits and risks, and was incredibly kind to Mozzie during a stressful time. He also accommodated my request to take photos of Mozzie’s X-rays to show to my kindergarten class. (No one loves a good story about induced vomiting more than a bunch of five-year-olds!) Bottom line: I highly recommend Pieper and will certainly take Mozzie there again if he ever needs emergency care. (Let’s hope not...)

Brought my dog in with a broken leg sat in the parking lot for 3hours and still waiting

I can't express enough gratitude towards the staff at Pieper after my very recent experience. I was referred by my vet to bring my 8 month old puppy to see a neurology specialist for some gait concerns. He had to stay overnight, but they called after his MRI to communicate how well he did as soon as he was waking up from anesthesia, which was a big relief for me waiting at home. I received a phone call a while later from Dr. Perkins who gave me the results in detail and together we discussed a plan of care moving forward. Everyone I made contact with was pleasant, professional and did not hold back on showing their love for animals. Alex will be back!

This was our first visit to Pieper Vet Primary Care . We have two young rescues that are very anxious and quite a handful . A friend vet tech came out to help me get them both inside and was wonderful with them throughout the visit . Dr. Ligoure equally wonderful and attentive . He took the time to address my concerns and answer all my questions . The front desk staff was extremely nice as well .

I have been a client at Pieper Olsen for nearly 20 years. The Dr.s and staff are knowledgeable, concerned and caring. I normally visit the East Haddam location since it is close to home; but have used the main office for special needs. I highly recommend them for your pets care.

Had an appointment for 9 o'clock, check in at 9 and was on hold for 15 minutes. Waited over an hour, then left and took my cat somewhere else Only to receive a call over an hour and a 1/2 later saying that I never checked in or brought my cat. Non responsive and unorganized!

The staff were very adamant on saving my furbaby, they done everything they could to save him. Done CPR for 20 minutes. After he passed, they were so compassionate and provided great options for his xrematuon. Will be back for appointments for my current dogs. Thank you

They have left me hanging for months. Ive called, sent messages waited on hold forever and they dont get back to me. My cat has a condition that likely is putting her in excruciating pain and neurology wont call me back. At this point im waiting on hold to ask them to send me so someone completely separate from this practice that actually will help. This place is very over burdened and likely wont help. Go somewhere else.

Very unprofessional when it comes to payment situation , there's no post that payment is due at time of service. all of the staff rude and border line disrespectful. Avoid this place .

You take a long time to be attended in person and over the phone too. By phone you wait 20 to 30 minutes to speak to the specialist department. It's a lot of respect for the customer.