VCA Aurora Animal Hospital Aurora, Illinois

My dog Dawn was diagnosed with an inoperable cancerous mass growing in her bladder in February 2021. I was told the condition was fatal and treatment was available, but only to prolong her life, not cure her. There aren’t a lot of veterinary oncologists to choose from, but there are several in the area. I did my research and decided on contacting VCA Aurora for her treatment. VCA didn’t sugarcoat her condition. I was made aware of treatment options, and the limitations of the treatments. I decided on a specific chemotherapy regimen and we began an 8 treatment program in Aurora. Dawn began her chemotherapy on Monday April 6 under the care of Dr. Alison Book. She and her staff kept me informed of Dawn’s condition and answered all of my questions. They were wonderful. I called with questions many, many times. My questions were always answered in a timely manner by text or by phone call. I was never left in the dark. Dawn typically put on her brakes when I took her to her Vet’s office. She never did that at VCA Aurora. She’d walk right in. That’s how I determined she was being treated well. After her 8 treatments were completed, Dr. Book called to inform me of Dawn’s condition. An ultrasound determined that the mass had continued to grow. I was disappointed, but I knew that was a possibility before we started her treatments. I accepted it. We had tried. Dawn lost her battle with cancer at midnight October 1. She was put to sleep by Dr. Sterner at VCA Aurora, the veterinarian on duty in the emergency room that night. Dr. Sterner completed a thorough examination and confirmed the cancerous mass was causing her extreme pain. I couldn’t bear to see her in pain, it was my decision. I hugged Dawn while she closed her eyes for the last time. The following day I got a call from a social worker who was checking on my condition. She helped me cope with my grief. This was from VCA also. VCA didn’t just care for Dawn, they also cared for me. If I could give VCA Aurora 10 stars, I would. Even the receptionists at the front desk were always polite and helpful. VCA Aurora made a bad situation manageable and bearable, and I thank them.

I'd leave a lengthy review, but it would pretty much say the same as the other reviews. I'll add that IMO, I did not receive qualified (or maybe any) medical advice. The vet that I spoke to could not answer basic questions without having to check with colleagues. All I saw was a waste of time and an attempt to run up the bill followed by scare tactics and recommendations that couldn't be justified (put your dog down) and didn't stand up to even the simplest of sniff checks, which thankfully turned out to be bad advice after speaking with other veterinary professionals. Will be exploring our options for filling complaints and getting our money back

So thankful for the doctors and staff at VCA Aurora. We usually take our Frenchie to the Berwyn location, but after rupturing a disk in her back and losing control of her back legs Dr Cochran and the neurology team took great care of our tough little nugget and communicated with us the entire way, always giving us a chance to ask questions. We thankfully have insurance for her, and blessed enough to come up with the upfront cost. I could not imagine the horror of being unable to afford the high cost of service, especially at such a stressful time. Thank you for helping our little one in her time of need and answering all of our questions along the road of recovery. ♥️????????

I still feel the internist that treated my dog in 2013 was a liar, told me all the right things, did all the wrong things and just took me for over 10k. He told me jovially to pick up my dog. Got there and received a dying dog.

We have seen the surgery (Dr. Peacock) and radiation oncology department (Dr. Sowder) here for our dog. Yes they are busy, but they provide not only emergency care but a lot of specialized services for pets. Personally, I am very happy with the care we have received and feel fortunate to have this veterinary center near us. The staff is busy and working very hard but still cares greatly about your pet. Thank you!

I have been taking my dogs here for over six years, all the vets have been great and the specialty vets are truly amazing! I would be lost without them.

We just returned from our first visit here. Our Vet recommended VCA when our little dog became lame. Although we had to wait for about 3 months for a consultation appointment we were exceptionally pleased with our visit. Since I had time to read the reviews, I had some concern about the large number of "one star" ratings, even though there were a larger number of "five star" ratings. In my opinion, a large number of low ratings are as a result of fiscal issues and situations of high stress and anxiety. We all know how much we live out fur babies. Conflicts result when we can't get help quickly enough to suit our expectations. Conflicts also result when our fur babies can only be saved with expensive medical procedures that may be unaffordable to many. We were fortunate in that our baby did not have to have surgery. Every person we met at VCA was caring, friendly, and competent. Dr.Able took ample time to explain her condition, our options and answer out questions. We couldn't have been more pleased.

I am a pet owner and veterinarian and took our pup in for an emergency while we were in town visiting family. I called around 6am to see what the wait time would be as most other ERs that I called were either at capacity and not receiving emergencies or had a wait time of at least 4-6 hours. We were told to expect a 2 hour wait, which ended up being half that time to be seen! We had a wonderful experience from beginning to end with a very caring and hardworking team. Given the veterinarian and veterinary staff shortages in the nation, we were so thankful they could help our boy in a speedy and efficient manner. I even got photo updates of our boy once he was settled in at the hospital. I could not speak more highly of the entire team, from the client services representatives to technicians and doctors - everything went as smoothly as possible and we are so grateful!!! Highly recommend!!!

Very rude receptionist and no compassion to a man losing there buddy it was all about how much money u have

The second time we’ve been here for an emergency - our pitbull has had bloody stool for about three days. We were prompted to show up today because of the amount of blood. It was scary amount. Our regular vet is closed on Sundays. We went to VCA and waited 2+ hours which we understood upon checking her in but after watching them take others and inform the folks next to us that they were next in line though we arrived before them, we were told we’d have to wait another 2 hrs. Never mind that the other staff member told us less than five mins before that we were next. Frustrating! Twice we’ve come to this VCA and they do nothing to help us. First time around was for two other furkids a couple yrs back. This time, I’m convinced it’s because our Lily is a pitbull — a 10 yr old. We’ll never come here again. Unfortunate because you expect and hope for more. We want the best for our girl and this VCA is not it. SMDH.

I live in Chicago but was struggling to get my cat into a local emergency vet. My parents live in Aurora so I called this vet to see what the wait was, I was told no more than 2 hrs. I made the drive out. It was Halloween night so sadly a lot of imminent patients came in which made my non-imminent kitty be triaged to the end of the line. While in the waiting room I was kept well informed that my wait was getting longer and longer, plus they offered that I go to a different emergency vet. They did not refuse me service, but instead informed me that the wait would be awhile, which I understood since there were way more severe cases coming in. I asked to be put on a wait list for a scheduled visit with the internist so that we could go home instead of waiting 6 more hours. The receptionist was very apologetic for the inconvenience (even though it wasn’t her fault at all!); I wish I knew her name as she was so very nice! Good luck came around and the internist was able to see my cat two days later. She saw the internist and a surgeon in the same visit. The internist (Dr. Medinger) was fantastic! Because I was at work, my mom took my cat in for me and then had me on speaker phone. He was incredibly thorough and very inquisitive of my cat’s history. He gave us his undivided attention and was so incredibly knowledgeable. I felt that he truly cared about my cat. He presented all of the options for my cat and explained everything clearly. My cat was seen for over an hour. I was very impressed with this clinic. The charge for this visit was not much more than my usual vet visit in Chicago where she is only seen for 15 minutes. If I lived closer I would take her to this clinic for her annual check ups (well, and if they didn’t have a policy of not allowing normal vet visits for a certain period after a specialty visit). My sister has also taken her cat here for emergency visits and also feels this is a great clinic. I highly recommend!!

We took our kitty in for emergency care. She was licking a shaved spot raw where a glucose disc had been attached. The person there helped us figure out a plan for her, gave us a soft cone and a baby shirt for her, as well as instructions to get the last of the adhesive off. Thank you so much! It took about a half hour total. Very helpful and professional.

I brought my dog in very early this morning and they were very kind and compassionate during this difficult time. Although I have never had my dog here before they really helped ease my pain of losing her. Big thanks to the Veterinarian who helped with her and the Vet Technicians also. You guys are amazing people.

From the receptionist to the doctor were very kind during me and my fiancé's circumstances with our kitten. All of you work so hard and care about each case that comes in. Thank you for all the help and care you did for our loving kitten Princess Tia Beanie. Thank you so much.

VCA website clearly states that they accept and see Exotic animal (hedgehog), but they hour I took to drive there to tell me that they Do Not accept Exotic Animals.

I took my 2 yr old frenchie here today through the ER because I was concerned about early stage IVDD. He was walking poorly on his back legs so I had gotten a referral from my vet to see a neurologist. First of all, I called VCA late at night to inquire about appts with their neurologist. They answered on the first ring and were very informative about what would be best and quickest to get my dog seen by a neurologist. I brought him the next day via ER and Patty was extremely attentive, caring, and respectful. I appreciated her quickness and eagerness to help. Doctor Wong checked out my pup and agreed he probably has early stage of IVDD but said he’s doing well enough that he most likely will do okay with kennel rest and meds. This leads me to the other thing I appreciated. They didn’t push expensive diagnostics or procedures when they totally could’ve taken advantage. I was completely willing to go in debt for my puppy if they said he needed surgery. But they were honest and said he’s doing well enough that it would be overkill to do anything more. I appreciated that so much. They also squeezed him in for a neurologist consult and Dr. Cochran said the same thing. I checked in at 10:40 a.m. and left at 3 p.m. when it was all said and done. They were very honest with the wait times and didn’t require me to stay in the waiting room or even in the parking lot. Very accommodating staff! Will be back if we have any other issues with my frenchie!

My husband bought me flowers. I didn't realize there was a lily in the bouquet. We came home from dinner, I saw the flower had been messed with, and freaked out. We called VCA and they suggested we come in which we did. Dr. Wall was incredibly understanding. She went over everything before doing anything. She didn't rush me when I asked questions to understand. I'm grateful for Dr. Wall & the team at VCA. The care was for my cat.

I would not recommend this place. My experience was disappointing, to say the least. Here are my issues - 1) I left my wallet there and they let the customer who found it leave the premises with it, instead of keeping it there in their office. I don't care where he said he was taking it, it should never have left the office. 2) They sent me home with antibiotics but did not provide the necessary tools to re-constitute it (no... I don't just 'have syringes' at my house). 3) We were told by one of the receptionists that it would be fine to pick up a refill of antibiotics without a recheck appointment, we go there today and are told otherwise. This is the absolute last place I would go for an emergency in the future. I'll try anywhere else but here.

When I went it initially started well, they got me in quickly but as I asked about how much things would cost I was told to not worry until the end of the visit, this was around 8:15am, at 11:15am after asking to see my cat and to know what was going on I was told to wait, I was takin back to a exam room where they gave me a bill for a bunch of recommended treatments I had not asked for, and when I asked if they were necessary I was told not at all but they recommend I pay for the treatments even if my car didn’t need them. I continued to wait for another 30 minutes when I declined and said I’d just like to pay for my visit and leave. They were insisting I pay for the non necessary and additional treatments any way, even tho I said I did not want to. Overall, I was there for almost 4 hours and was almost charged an additional 600 dollars than was necessary, all I can say is they were able to respond quickly when I had to get my animal into the hospital

I feel like no one takes time to write a pleasant review, only when they want to complain; so I want to share my wonderful experience. My dog tore his CCL and ruptured his meniscus January 2021. We were recommended to the VCA. Unfortunately due to covid I couldn't go in with my dog for his consultation.. but Dr. Peacock called me right after meeting my boy and answered my list of questions. He made me feel confident and comfortable in my decision to go through with surgery. They kept him and performed the surgery that same day. He called me as soon as my guy made it out of surgery and into recovery. Dr. Peacock is so knowledgeable and you can tell he truly cares about you and your animal. I also have to give praise to Abby who works along side Dr. Peacock. If it wasn't for her I probably would have lost my mind during his recovery. She was so helpful and always an email away no matter how small or big my question. I have read a lot of reviews complaining about price... honestly this is an ANIMAL HOSPITAL. They preform surgeries, chemotherapy, diagnostic testing.. For my dog's surgery they had a board certified surgeon, scrub nurse, anesthesiologist, and not to mention radiology for pre and post xrays... the surgery cost $4900. That included overnight stay with a staff watching him 24/7, surgery, post op medication, and cone. I would of gladly paid double that for the quality and care we received. I don't understand why you would expect these doctors and nurses to work for next to nothing just because they are caring for an animal rather than a human. I do and will continue to recommend the VCA to anyone that I can, especially Dr. Peacock. He went above and beyond for us. My guy had to be neutered a couple of months post op for his knee for an unrelated enlarged prostate. Dr. Peacock preformed his neuter at the time of his 12 week post op check because I was so worried about his knee. My dog is now 7.5 months post op and you would never even know he was ever hurt. I am forever grateful for the VCA of Aurora! And so is my big lug Thor :)

Dr. Peacock and the surgery team did an amazing job treating our young dogs hip dysplasia. Caring and professional from day one through recovery. Would highly recommend to friends and family.

VCA Aurora and Dr. Sheila McCullough saved our dog’s life. We feel lucky and blessed that our dog was treated at this hospital because Dr. McCullough literally wrote part of the book on our dog’s specific illness (IMHA). We don’t even live in the area but our dog was there to compete in a dog show. The critical care (3 blood transfusions) hospital staff and stay and post discharge care have all been first rate.

Labor day weekend 2021- our family dog had developed a heart condition and no other Vet Hospital in Northern Illinois Southern Wisconsin, had an opening with a cardiologist due to Covid and the holiday weekend-Except for a hospital in Buffalo Grove or Aurora (we were coming from the Rockford area). We decided to go with Aurora. They were able to save our dog's life. Thank God for the professional staff and support from this facility. The continued care with communication and professional diagnosis with the state of the art equipment and technology, Aurora has our confidence now and in the future. Plus they gave us an estimate of the cost and they stayed within the estimate.

This places saved my dogs life multiple times over. She was born with a heart murmur and given 1-3 years to live. She had heart failure on 4 separate occasions and each time they took her in, nursed her back to health, and got her stable and back to us. Unfortunately yesterday Bailey lost her battle and we had to put her down. But I am eternally grateful to the staff here for the extra time they gave our family with our dog. If anyone who worked on her is reading this, thankyou for everything you have done. RIP Bailey.

They go above and beyond caring for your pet and pet parents!! Excellent care!! Very heart felt staff! Highly recommend especially in a emergency!!!

We’re visiting from texas and our dog ate a foreign object that they were able to induce vomiting quickly and let us back on the road quickly! They were awesome and courteous! Also the pricing was great! I didn’t have to pay an arm and a leg like i thought i’d have to.

They came right out and took Stella in back to evaluate her! They seem very organized!

I had A LOT of anxiety going into my appointment today because all of the very negative reviews I've read on here. I am so relieved to say my experience was nothing less than stellar and I think it's important to share my experience for others who may be hesitant to take their pet here as I was. They took Bella and I back at our exact appointment time (no wait) and were treated with extreme kindness by all staff members. Yes this place is more expensive than your normal vet's office but you don't come here for run of the mill treatment, you come here for a specialist under extenuating circumstances and you get what you pay for in spades. Dr. Middleton is INCREDIBLE. If you need an internist you need to ask for her! She is beyond knowledgeable, took a lot of time clearly explaining things to me to be sure I was agreeable to her approach and I feel very confident in her and her team's ability to properly diagnose and treat Bella. Each time Bella goes to the vet her fear and anxiety gets worse and for whatever reason, today she was way better than she's ever been before. I believe it was their kind and gentle demeanor with her. Thank you so much Dr. Middleton, Rachel and the rest of the team for a wonderful experience and we look forward to Bella's continued care with you.

Absolutely love VCA aurora came here as we were recommended for radiation treatment. They have top specialty radiation equipment not found anywhere else at this time. The radiation specialist is super kind, patient, and cares, I have not meet anyone this kind near the city. This customer care you don’t find in a city culture. Staff was also very kind and respectful, I can say nothing but good things about them.

Honestly everyone, listen to these negative reviews about them only caring about money. We brought our cat in because he had issues going on with his eyes, we brought him to different vets and specialists and it was determined that he either had an abscess in his head or a tumor. So we were advised to go get MRI imaging for his brain. We were fine with that, we knew it would cost around $2,000. The neurologist came in to examine him and everything seemed good in the beginning, but then Erica came back in with the neurologist with a list of other tests they wanted to give him, which had nothing to do with what was going on. They wanted to give him a chest x-ray, a stomach ultra sound, A spinal tap, they wanted to do more blood work, even though he had blood work twice in the last two months. All of these other tests equaling up to $6,000 just to "hopefully" find out what was wrong with him. When we asked if we could get just the MRI imaging alone on his head, they refused. They would only work on him if we agreed to all of those tests and $6,000. The very second we questioned the amounts, Erica, the vet tech got very rude and unprofessional with us and stormed out of the room. She said I will not be arguing money issues with you! Following this incident,we had an agreement that we would try different antibiotics on our cat to try and rule out an abscess. When we called back to try a different antibiotic, they said they needed to have another exam. We said ok,but it has to be immediately because he is not doing well. Erica, AGAIN was rude and unprofessional,would not let us speak to the neurologist, and said it would be a month before we could schedule the appointment. We told her he wouldn't survive a month,and she said sorry,then bring him into emergency. Erica alone is possibly the worst human being I've ever met to be working with animals. Whatever you do, stay far away from this place if you love your animals