Animal Advocate Pet Hospital Chicago, Illinois

My dog had his first dental cleaning at Animal Advocate Pet Hospital last week. I was very nervous because it was his first time and there's always a risk with anesthesia. However, the technician working at the front desk was so understanding and assured me that my dog would be taken very well care of-- which he certainly was! I wish I remembered her name (strawberry-blonde, reddish hair with glasses)-- she was so great and even emailed me a photo of my dog being comforted in recovery. Not only did Dr. Clay-Smith do an amazing job at cleaning his teeth, but they also had someone stay with him throughout his entire recovery/waking up from anesthesia. Knowing my dog was being comforted throughout the whole process gave me so much comfort- I couldn't recommend this place enough! Oh and they're very open and transparent with pricing. They told me what they estimated cost would be beforehand- so no surprise charges.

Thank you to Dr.Clay-Smith and to the staff at Animal Advocate Pet Hospital. Our dog Hugo is very suspicious of strangers but for some reason, he is at ease with all the people there. Great staff and they will take care of your pet like it is their own.

The staff at Animal Advocate are incredibly kind and patient. I rushed in there last minute today in need of medication for my pup and they went out of their way to help. And with a smile. I’m sure I was a difficult client to deal with because I was a bit frazzled as I was already late to another appointment, so I genuinely appreciate their ability to stay calm while quickly helping me. Thank you so much! I was also able to make it to my appointment on time :-)

I Love Animal Advocate and Dr. Clay. She takes great care of my pet Joy and I highly recommend this hospital.

The staff here are so nice and welcoming! Dr. Clay-Smith was extremely nice and helpful! Would recommend 10/10

I like the facility a lot and the fact that really care about the animals there and are clean, responsive, and assuring of the dogs and cats health and safety

Great place, nice caring staff

My dogs love this place... and I do too.

I ABSOLUTELY LOVE ANIMAL ADVOCATE PET HOSPITAL IS GREAT! THE STAFF ARE GREAT! I CAN'T IMAGINE TAKING MY PETS ANY PLACE ELSE.

Dr. Clay-Smith and her team are excellent ! I highly recommend ! Her practice is welcoming , well organized , immaculate , and caring . My little labradoodle loves it there . If you’re looking for comprehensive care for your pet Dr. Clay-Smith is definitely the veterinarian for you . She’s knowledgeable and thoroughly explains treatment and procedures and makes you and your pet feel comfortable . I wouldn’t want to be any where else !

Today was my second visit but BOY did the quality of service go down BIG time. My experience here today was VERY different from the last time. I was told to leave my dog there to see a doctor, and the original estimated time to pick up my baby was 2 hours. However my dog ended up staying there for over 6hours. I had to call every 2hrs to check up on the status, they didn’t even have the decency to call me even after their closing time (I had to call them to see if I can pick-up my dog). Furthermore, my bill was unreasonably high for what they have done. They charged $25 for ‘wound prep clean, minor only nurse’. Thought they might have shaved the wound area or give a decent clean in the area but no, I had to wipe the area down some more when we finally got our poor dog home. Another $31 for doctor squeezing a zit ON TOP OF A $74 exam fee (it should have been quite clear what the issue was - if it wasn’t then our 5 minute phone call should have been suffice). Usually a high-spirited and energetic fur ball, our pup has since isolated herself into a corner of our room and is not responding to her favorite treats or toys since she came home.

We left our pup here because of a minor infection in the morning and the staff told us that we should be able to pick her up in 2 hours. We ended up getting her back after they closed (6+ hours later!) and only because we contacted them multiple times throughout the day to get a status. We got a second opinion from another vet and she told us that the procedure she went through shouldn’t have taken more than an hour. If you care about your pet and your wallet then avoid this place like the plague. Unprofessional and VERY unhelpful staff. Update: It was not about the procedure itself but the fact that we were kept in the dark about our pet (even after closing!). We understand that COVID-19 will keep pet parents out of the clinic, but having US call every couple hours to know how our dog is doing is unacceptable. Luckily we called and our dog didn’t have to be kept over the weekend.

Animal Advocate Pet Hospital exceeded my expectations. My dog, Claudette, is highly anxious at vet appointments and her previous vet had difficulty getting her blood drawn for her annual heartworm test. At Animal Advocate, Dr. Clay-Smith was incredibly patient, kind, and competent. She talked me through their plan for making Claudette comfortable and then made it happen! Claudette went from being huddled in a corner to literally eating out of the hand of the client attendant (thanks, Luis!). Dr. Clay-Smith was able to give her two vaccines and complete the blood draw quickly, and we were on our way with invites to drop by for treats (with a phone call first to allow for distancing). I highly recommend this practice.

Dr Clay-Smith and the staff are friendly and professional, and I appreciate how upfront the practice is with pricing. I switched vets and the experience is like night and day. I first brought my cat Moody in a little bit ago due to a concerning issue, and Animal Advocate was able to schedule an appointment to both establish care as a patient as well as address my concerns. It was a curbside appointment so I did stay in the car while they examined my cat. The appointment ran a little bit over due to running some tests same-day, but Dr Clay-Smith's friendliness and genuine care for her work more than made up for it. Moody's issue seems to be cleared up and I am excited to continue my relationship with this practice when I bring Moody and his brother in for their annual well visit and vaccines in December.

The Covid vaccine has been out for a while and our vet still doesn't allow dog owners to come in so I tried to find a vet that does allow dog owners to come in. Reviews for Animal Advocate Pet Hospital said they would and that's also what they told me on the phone when I made the appointment. So I went in and we had the in person conversation in a small room with Dr. Clay Smith her technician and I. They both were super nice and everything was great until they said that I couldn't come in with my dog for the examination. The whole purpose of me coming in was that I could comfort my dog when the needle stuff happens. Dr. Clay Smith refused to let me be with my dog for the examination so we left without it.

Unfortunately had to move away from Chicago recently but my two pups were with Animal Advocate from day 1. Dr. Clay-smith is amazing! She loves animals and is really knowledgeable, takes time to explain anything you don't understand etc. The clinic is small, so you see the same staff every time and they remember you which is a plus for us. They also have a great programme where you can sign up to pay monthly which covers the cost of your pup's vaccines, vet visits etc. This is great esp. for new puppies that are seeing the vet a lot in their first year.

I highly recommend this place. Everyone is very friendly and professional. Amazing vet and staff!

We had a great experience with Dr. Clay-Smith and her team! We were immediately placed in a private room and they followed all social distancing guidelines. They were extremely helpful in addressing our concerns and they took such great care of our pup. Her office called a few days after our appointment to make sure our pup was doing well after her vaccinations, which was very considerate. They were also transparent and upfront about their prices before rendering any services. We’re really glad to have found such a great place for our pup!

Really friend doctor and staff. Felt very comfortable to be there. Answered all questions I had with thorough explanations. Also very friendly with my dog.

SUCH a personable staff and Dr. Clay Smith is so knowledgable and friendly. Also, cheaper than any other vet I've used in the city!

Amazing vet! Everyone is super nice and accommodating. Prices are very reasonable considering they are located downtown.

Being a veterinarian or working in a vet hospital has to be a labor of love. My beloved dog has been to several practices over the years and we recently came upon the team at Animal Advocate Pet Hospital. Dr. Clay-Smith and her team have exceeded my expectations with a willingness to make time to see our dog either in person or virtually. Dr. Clay-Smith is very well informed of industry trends and keeps things in perspective including how our dog may be feeling at the moment. My only regret is we did not go to this practice from day one as our dog is sixteen years old and her time here on earth is limited.

Super friendly staff with great enthusiasm for their work. They treated myself and my pup very well and made sure to answer all my questions in detail. I was provided with a quote of all the fees prior to them going forward with the services, which I appreciated. The office also has a convenient parking lot in the back of the building.

This team is the best! I brought my pup Sidney here for her spay surgery, check-ups and more- she actually loves going to the vet because the team is so kind. They truly care ❤️

Caring, attentive service from professionals who make you feel comfortable and confident!

As an animal welfare professional and cat rescuer, I have looked for years for a private vet who understands the unique needs of rescue cats and feral cats who need both basic and critical care. Dr Smith and Dr Navatta are well-known in the Chicago animal welfare community for their experience, depth of knowledge, keen instincts, incredible client support and rapport, and conscientious treatment plans. Highly recommended!

I brought my baby here after he hurt his leg, and boy am I glad we came here! From the moment you walk in, the staff are friendly and just ready to take care of you and your baby. Everyone was all smiles and very attentive. I've been to vets where they try to pressure you into some crazy expensive care package, but hereat Animal Advocate, they work with YOU and YOUR budget! They really made me feel heard and cared for, and my baby, though he's a nervous boy, he was well taken care of! I am so pleased with Animal Advocate, and wholeheartedly trust them with my and my furbabies' needs!

Amazing staff!!! Came here with my little girl (caramel) and they treated her amazing! Went above and beyond. Thank you again so much for the help Dr. Jesse Navatta and vet assistant for information that was much needed. Will be returning with our other fur babies. Very clean and welcoming facility. Than you again ????

this review is long overdue. Dr Clay Smith was my cat's doctor since we had her. I followed Dr Clay Smith from Banfield on Canal! Well, that tells you she is the BESTEST!! Last trauma I had with my cat was she could not poop. Somehow my cat was really smart and we figured it out. Dr Clay Smith did wonders! Gave her something for her constipation! All came out! Then on way home my cat had leftovers in her cage. OMG! I said I cannot clean her myself so I turned around back to the vet. All the Vet technicians and Dr Clay Smith right away cleaned her up and even gave me pads in case it happens again! You cannot imagine how grateful I was!! I am so glad Dr Clay Smith has such excellent reviews! She deserves it all! Dr Stephanie,, if you read this .. you are AMAZING!!!

My kitty, Doris, was in excellent hands at Animal Advocate. I felt very secure leaving her in the safety of the doctors and nurses at the hospital, who were friendly and knowledgable in every area. Our situation with her teeth extractions was very stressful, but Dr. Clay-Smith in particular was gentle and reassuring, leading with ease and care!