Rocky Gorge Animal Hospital, Resort & Spa Laurel, Maryland

I've been bringing my pet's here since the 1980s. Their professionalism and commitment is top notch. From emergencies I've had in the middle of the night to routine visits Rocky Gorge Animal Hospital has always been there for us. Although …

I agree with the recent review posted. I've very much relied on RGAH to provide the best care for our numerous pets over the years. But, with Covid, it seems there has been a shortage and then a shift to leave a message and we'll call you with in 24 hours. No more answering of phones is a BIG deal to me. I'm hearing impaired and often miss the call. I can't watch my phone for 24 hours, nor should I. Its now been almost a month of trying to get through to a live person. And, I am leaving the review in hopes that while they may be "experiencing high call volumes" then designate a person to answer phones again, answer questions, and do so from home if space is the issue with Covid. You charge more, you should have adaquate staff to answer phones.

We had to take our rabbit here last week for an emergency and I cannot say enough great things about Dr. Bricker. While the wait was long, once they saw our rabbit he took plenty of time to check him over and answer all our questions. The doctor truly cares about his patients and we wish he took appointments during normal business hours because we would definitely switch vets. All the techs were wonderful, even when our angry bunny wasn’t too happy to see any of them.

I'll start by saying this veterinary clinic has saved my dog's life -- emergency hours, finding things no other vet did, and even recommending home remedies that saved me a ton of money and hassle. I've been going there for years and have had a pretty consistent experience: the vets and vet techs are PHENOMENAL. They're knowledgeable, great bed-side (table-side?) manner, and are always helpful. When you're in the room, whether you're stressed out or scared, they've done a good job of reading the room and explaining things. Unfortunately, the things surrounding that experience aren't great. I've always had trouble even getting someone to pick up the phone, and COVID seems to have only made that worse. Now they use an app, which I adore, because I don't have to sit on hold for 20 minutes. There are frequently times (I'd say almost half) where you check in and are just stuck waiting for a LONG time. The longest I clocked was 55 minutes, although 30-45 minute waits aren't uncommon. Every time I go in, it's a mixed bag at reception -- my 55 minute wait I received no apology or explanation, just a "We didn't forget about you, we'll get to you." I'm torn -- is it worth subjecting yourself to the hassle for the known quantity of good animal care? For me, it has been...with my animals having so many health issues and the hassles I've had with other vets, I just have to deal with it. I've made my peace that a 20 minute checkup will likely take 2 hours out of my day (even though I drive 30min each way to get there!). That may not be worth it for you though...bring a book.

So, I hate to speak ill of anyone, but these guys had one job….to look after our Puppy….and I was really unhappy with the services provided. We needed boarding for our puppy for 4 nights…Simple enough, right? Woke up the second morning, checked the webcam and there was a lovely puddle of pee (see picture 1) on her bed. I waited and watched for around 45 minutes, but nothing happened until I called and asked them to look in on her. Morning of day 3, checked the webcam (see picture 2) to find poop on her bed. Again, nothing happened until I called. But that was it…I went and collected her a day early and we will NOT be using this facility again. Also noteworthy was that we’d packaged individual meals for her, and the amount that was leftover when I picked her up indicates that they had missed a feeding at some point over the 3 days she was there.

We’ve been going to Rocky gorge ever since my dog who is now seven was a puppy over the past year every time I try to call and book an appointment they told me it’s a 1 to 2 month wait just for a check up or shots due or any reason you call. Last year he had a terrible allergic reaction - whole body broke out in hives try to call the next morning to book an appointment they told me they could not see him for exactly 8 weeks and that if it was an emergency I should call a vet ER. Luckily the vet that my mom‘s dog goes to had an appointment that morning that I could take him to. Same thing happened today (11/9/21) I called to make an appointment due to terrible allergies on the bottom of his Paws they told me they could not see him until the week of December 17. This was my last straw with Rocky gorge not being able to see their patients for a month out. Not sure if it’s due to lack of vets or they are just completely overbooked but having to wait a month just to see my dog who is limping around is completely unacceptable will be finding a new vet ASAP.

We took are dog to get seen after he had a gash in his upper paw. Sarah whoever she is secretary receptionist was super rude and unhelpful. They gave my dog liquid glue and sent him home. That day my brother asked can he give him a stitch or two the dr bricker said no this would be fine. After he didn’t heal they are telling us that we have to get charged a reexamination fee. To get him seen all these places are about is money not the well being of your animal. Almost a week later he is still bleeding when this could have been avoided had they stitched him up like we first asked. Take your animal to friendship heights animal hospital they care about your pets well being not how much money you have or are willing to spend.

My pet was seen very fast which was great, but the diagnosis came even faster, which was not great, since there were no diagnostic tests done. Vet told me it was an inexplicable chronic disease and offered little to no explanation. Obviously emotional hearing this, I asked numerous questions to better understand possible treatment or the potential that the diagnosis was wrong, and the vet was extremely curt and apathetic. The conversation was 9 minutes in total over the phone. Come to find that vet wrote unnecessary and patronizing comments about our exchange in my pets’s treatment plan. Talk about unprofessional and inappropriate. Time to find a new vet ER.

The emergency vet was able to see both our dog and cat on the same day. Everyone was very polite and professional. They gave us a long wait time, but ended up seeing us within an hour. Dr. Weiler was wonderful, she talked us through everything happening with both our pets and was very reassuring. This office has been consistently amazing every time we visit them.

I have taken 3 animals to this vet and have been happy paying customer throughout the experience. I got a new dog in 2019 she is now almost two. To say RG has deteriorated as a facility is an understatement. My little one has been having digestive issues for several weeks - I was unable to get an appointment. I took her to the “ER”. Her issues were not resolved. She regurgitated earlier this week - knowing I can’t see a vet I’ve tried to take care of her myself with holding off food - rice water etc. she started vomiting at 3 am today and now it looks like there is blood, she’s lethargic and I jumped in my car to go to my vets er which they state is open 24 hours. I got there and was told the doctor on call said they would not see my dog. I was to call back and ask the manager to give me same day sick appt. This is inexcusable. This is a poorly managed facility. They can’t AND don’t take care of their patients but continue to add to their practice. It’s a clinic - not a hospital - you cannot establish a relationship with a doctor … it’s Terrible - I highly urge everyone to look elsewhere.

I feel confident with the knowledge and experience of the doctors, and appreciate the professionalism of their entire staff. The care is genuine, not only as displayed by the treatment and time (which doesn't feel rushed) but also in the commitment to answer questions and address concerns - ultimately easing my anxiety. Unlike other vets (particularly emergency care facilities), you know their main concern is treatment and care, and not how much money they can make on your tribulation. [Noting, however, an article stating those without monetary concerns consider their pets part of the family - as if the rest of us don't - had me feeling some kinda way.] The one negative is the wait time for emergencies and scheduled appointments. Wish they'd consider increasing the number of [ER] doctors to meet the demands their obviously huge client base.

We came to Rocky Gorge for an after-hours emergency visit when our rescue foster dog bit our dachshund mix. They took such good care of our little one and were so accommodating that we decided to start using them for routing veterinary care as well. Thank you!

The worker I dealt with was unprofessional and rude. Alona was unhelpful and made my already stressful experience uncomfortable for myself and my pet.

I've re-written this review a couple times, but decided it's best to just keep it short and sweet. Our dog was brought here through the emergency side several months ago, since Rocky Gorge was her primary vet at the time. During that visit, I was given a list of findings, which half could be attributed to specific breed anomalies. When I mentioned it to the vet working her case, I was dismissed and told that wasn't right. They believed they found metastasizing cancer, informed me she may not make it through the night, and mentioned euthanasia at least 3 times during our conversation. Thankfully I pushed back and insisted on more tests. Her apparent mass ended up just being one of her organs. I have switched vets and visited multiple specialists since our experience at Rocky Gorge, even pulling in one that specializes in her breed to ensure I do not run into this same situation again. Each one of these vets has treated us exponentially better. They answer my questions, they don't make hasty assumptions, and they treat my dog like a superstar: a standard I thought every veterinary practice would strive to uphold.

This place is a joke. Called in first thing in the morning on a Saturday about bringing our sick dog into the ER, was told it would be a 5-6 hour wait and to go elsewhere. Called back at about 10PM the same day as the problems did not get any better. Was basically told the same thing and they couldn’t help us. We have had our dog come here a few times, price gouged every time. I will never go back and recommend that you don’t take your pet here.

This place has become a complete scam. We have been coming here for years and have noticed a huge decline in the level of service. Our dog (who has been coming to this vet for 5 years) is sick and needs to be seen. We called first thing Monday morning for an appointment. When we try to make an appointment, they tell us they cannot see her any time this week, but we can bring her in for to their emergency vet for an extra charge. So they won't see their regular patients when they are sick, but they are happy to see other "emergencies" as long as they can upcharge. Do not come here. They will not take care of your pet.

I believe that it’s been about 4 to 5 years that I’ve brought my Service Dog, a Doberman pincher to RGAH. I am a disabled veteran living on a fixed income that in the past have had the good fortune of receiving assistance with Ranger’s care from a nonprofit organization out of state. Prior to Ranger’s most recent annual checkup I requested that I be permitted to be billed for the visit and then have the appropriate RGAH employee connect with the director of the nonprofit, Feed the Dog, Inc, a nationally recognized and well respected nonprofit, as they agreed to pay for his appointment by check. This was approved by RGAH and it seemed to me that there was clear communication on the issue. Some time after this appointment I called to make a grooming appointment for Ranger and what occurred during that phone call was that I was spoken to in a threatening and discourteous way with regard to the bill from the most recent annual checkup. The individual who spoke to me basically told me that if I didn’t make payment for this appointment that my account would be handed over to collections. I responded that, “this matter has been discussed and payment for the services received is on the way from, Feed the Dog in the form of an organizational check!” The individual again told me that payment had not been received, that I needed to pay the bill and if not paid within the next week, that it would go to collections. The individual then said, “you need to pay your bill on time.” I felt that the best thing for me to do was just stop trying to explain the agreement which RGAH and I agreed to with regard to my bill and calmly end the call, which I did. I felt then and feel now that there is a lack of communication amongst staff at RGAH and as a result of this lacking communication, I was treated unfairly without kindness. I immediately contacted Feed the Dog to find out the status on payment and discovered that the check sent to pay Ranger’s bill had never been deposited. I explained to the director at Feed the Dog that I had just gotten off the phone with a individual from RGAH whom identified themselves as a manager and was threatened with having my bill referred to collections. The director from Feed the Dog took action by making payment by I believe organizational credit card shortly thereafter. Since then I’ve continued to take Ranger there for care. Currently Ranger has been ill with Gastrointestinal illness which has not resolved with common simple solutions. When I called RGAH initially I left a voicemail early, did not receive a return call and decided to call back and was lucky enough to have someone at RGAH answer, explain that scheduling was now into early September, but that I could come in as an emergency, for roughly double the regular office visit where somebody from RGAH, it wasn’t clearly stated who, would triage Ranger5 and that based upon this triage I could expect to wait up to 6 hours for Ranger to be seen. In conclusion, I realize that It is highly likely that this review will not be read or if read probably ignored; however, I certainly feel that now is the time to research and locate a new veterinarian clinic/hospital for Ranger’s care. Their facilities are excellent and relatively new. The veterinarians I’ve encountered at RGAH have been greatly helpful yet I still feel it is time to locate a veterinarian clinic where I am not treated like a second class client because I am financially disadvantaged.

EVERYONE I spoke to and interacted with was amazing!!! The staff is very caring, empathetic, professional and friendly! If I could give 10 stars I would. My daughter’s fur baby Dallas was well taken care of and I am a so happy he’s going to be ok! Thanks again!!!! xoxo

The Rocky Gorge vets have taken excellent care of my dogs for many years. They have always been nit only professional but exceptionally compassionate during some very difficult times. I highly recommend this clinic to anyone seeking quality care for their pets.

Very professional and saw my dog Mackie right away. I have total confidence in Rocky Gorge Animal Hospital.

UPDATED: I still love this place.

Had to take my Beagle who was suffering from kidney issues to their ER. The staff here was respectful and worked hard to figure out the issue and provide treatment options. Even though I had to put down my lovable pup, they were empathic and worked to comfort me during this difficult time. They even did not charge me for certain items because they understood the situation. This is the type of service you need when you lose someone special and trying to process a lot of information. I highly recommend them to anyone.

I've taken one of my cats here for emergency services a couple of times, and would not recommend them unless they are truly your last option. The first time we brought in our cat, he was just a kitten with an upper respiratory infection and the visit went smoothly. Got some antibiotics for him and he cleared up with no issues. The next visit a few years later is where the problems started. Brought the same cat in for an intestinal blockage, surgery ended up being $2600. Surgery went well, but he developed a wound on his side with his hair falling out (you could literally peel it off of him), so we bring him back and are told that during surgery he had not been placed on the heating pad correctly and it had BURNED HIM. They gave my cat a THIRD DEGREE BURN, threw some burn cream at me and told me to "put him in a baby onesie". The surgery wound itself healed wonderfully, but what should have been a week of downtime ended up being a 2 month nightmare of having to keep him wrapped in ace bandages so he wouldn't dig into his burn. He still has scars and hair loss from this. His last visit I brought him in for a vomiting and weightloss issue, they never sent out his bloodwork so I had to bring him back for them to redo it. The vet I eventually spoke to basically just told me she didn't know what was wrong and didn't know what to do. I ended up taking him to my regular vet because she actually knows what she is doing. I will no longer be wasting my money on them when I have other options.

Been going here for years for wellness visits, immunizations, etc. When things are normal they are ok. However, when you actually need a vet for something not normal they say they dont appointments for the entire month and go to their ER. Their ER absolutely insists that you wait in your car until the doc talks to you. The wait time is always 3-4+ just for the doc to see the pet (they do a quick triage before the doc sees them and leave them inside, but they still say you have to stay in the parking lot). The doc is only going to call your phone but yet they still want you to wait. When asked why they said say policy. PET ER in Columbia has essentially the same wait time except when they take the pet in for triage they say you can leave and they will go you back. Again, this place is acceptable for routine stuff but except to go somewhere else if you need/want a vet appointment quickly

Took my cat in for an emergency and they told me he had water in his lungs. Then they started to try and rip me off by sending me a bill that ranges between $1800 and $3000 and they told me that they cannot give me an exact price range because they don’t know how much treatment he needs. No explanations on test results whatsoever they said he needed to be hospitalized he needed to be on an oxygen tube otherwise he would not survive. Its a 1 year old cat.....???! Told them that I will take them to another vet. Then the doctor decided to call me because everybody else that I talk to before was nurses only. Doctor told me if I pick him up and take him away he might die. Scared the hell out of me and they were so worried about him but when I went to pick him up the discharge took 45+ minutes even though they knew that I had an appointment with another vet that covers my insurance. Basically all they care about is money and they rip people off in their moments of need. I will never ever come back to this place.

My cat went in on an emergency basis with loose stool and blood in her urine. Scheduled with Dr. Morris to operate for bladder stones. She did an excellent job. The cat has healed nicely. The cat normally comes home from the vet just really upset and angry. After the last couple of visits to Rocky Gorge, she's come home very peacefully and tranquil. The care at Rocky Gorge shows!

I wish I could give them 10 stars. We have come twice in the past 6months with different cats and every experience has been excellent. First time: Our 19 years old cat was receiving laser treatment for a wound on his leg that was not healing. The bandage done during a visit started to slip and the wound was being rubbed and irritated. We were told by the vet supervising the treatment that it was an emergency if the wound was exposed or irritated by it. We came to this ER after a horrible experience in another one, and we were so lucky that this whole experience here was fantastic. The technician understood the nature of the emergency, the doctor was able to re wrap the wound fast and we were delighted that the poor cat was not suffering for hours waiting for it. We would like to thank them for an outstanding service and for caring so much for our old boy. We highly recommend them !! Second time: our recently adopted rescue kitty had a hernia repaired at the same time she was spayed by the ASPC of Anne Arundel County. A day later, we noticed a lump on top of her spay incision, not knowing if it was normal or not (with Covid I couldn’t see the incision nor the hernia in person with the vet at the time I picked her up from the shelter) so we rushed her to this ER where compassionate, knowledgeable and time efficient team triaged her upon arrival. They assured us it was normal for a healing hernia to feel and look like that. We were so relieved and again we want to commend them for their skills and more than anything for their patient care !!! Thank you guys we recommend you all over again!!!

Our dog Marvin had a bit of a... skirmish with a raccoon yesterday evening. We noticed he had some scratches on his nose and also wanted to get him a rabies booster, so after we met with animal control, we took Marvin to the ER at Rocky Gorge. Pursuant to COVID protocols, the wonderful staff picked him up from our car and checked him in right away. The vet was super friendly, thorough and reassuring, and Marvin was treated excellently! He got a 3-year rabies booster, antibiotics and anti-inflammatory medicine, and is doing great. Their price was also extremely reasonable. We hope Marvin avoids similar encounters with raccoons in the future, but if he doesn't, we would not send Marvin anywhere else!

I can't say enough how grateful we are for the staff at Rocky Gorge ER. Our Black Capped Conure had an emergency and finding an avian vet in our area is impossible. We drove the 1.5 hours to them and it was well worth the trip. They were readily available even though they were clearly busy, kind and compassionate, and took the time to answer our questions. The Dr. called us personally to provide an update and was very patient with requests for information and questioning (as well as with how emotional I was). I hope we don't have to go back, but its nice to know they're there.

I want to say that I do recommend Rocky Gorge as a veterinarian hospital. But I don’t think I recommend it as a regular check up facility anymore. I have been bringing my pets to a Rocky Gorge for close to 15 years for various pets visits: emergency, illness, and wellness. Over the years I have recommended friends and family to come here because the doctors and other workers really do seem to show love to our pets. However, over the last couple of years it has been harder to get a hold of somebody on the phone and it has gotten even harder since Covid. With COVID restrictions in place I understand that things will not move as smoothly or timely. Unfortunately it has become near impossible to get an appointment for an illness, you are told to call at 7:30am in hopes to make a same day appointment (which don’t seem to exist) or come as an emergency and pay $110 just to be seen. I understand that what used to be 20 minute appointments are now 30 minute appointments, so there are fewer appointments. But you can never get an appointment within the month. At times it is still extremely difficult to get someone on the phone or to return your voicemail. It is extremely frustrating and I am looking for other options at this time. I am sad to go but I need to do what is best for my for baby and myself. If my dog cannot be seen within the month for an ear infection or UTI that’s just unreasonable.