Granite City Pet Hospital

I have taken my three cats to Granite City for the last 8 years or so. A co-worker recommended them saying how clean their facility is. That sold me right away, as a hospital for anyone--including animals who are people too in their own special ways, need a clean hospital to get well in. I have been to other "cheaper" veterinarians in the area and I feel that Granite City is the most professional, even stepping up in defense of my poor kitty when over-controlling stupid me tried to take charge of my pet's health! (Why yes, they DO know A LOT MORE about animals than even us informed pet owners). They have NEVER pushed extra tests or treatments, but only explained their purpose and left me to decide if I thought it was best and could afford it. They only took control of my one pet's health because I was telling them what illness I thought my cat had and the meds for it when my poor cat hadn't even had the proper test to confirm a diagnosis (duh, no wonder my cat wasn't getting better!!!!). I HIGHLY recommend Granite City Pet Hospital because they really know what they are doing. However, like the staff at any place, they do have their "off" days like today March 5, 2013 since it snowed so heavy and I bet that threw EVERYONE in St. Cloud off this morning. I think the staff was maybe new, or just having an "off" day and forgot to tell me some things (not that I ever shut up to let anyone say anything to me, let alone take a deep breath to remember what they were to say before my verbal onslaught). They are ALWAYS kind and courteous on to me, but like today seem overburdened by extra phone calls that DO interrupt their busy schedules there. To those who lefta bad review to them, perhaps they have an "off" day, or you have an "off" day and get crabby. We are all human. But what does it do to help them by saying what needs improvement behind their backs instead of telling them so they can fix it, because we are all human and nobody is perfect. If you don't like Granite City, then I strongly suggest you visit another "cheaper" clinic in the area. Just the strong odor of cat or dog feces should give you a hint at the kind of care your pet will recieve--I did and learned the hard way. Ask yourself, would YOU want to be treated at this clinic? If no, then why would you put your beloved pet there?????

PS- MY CAT LOVED DR. NELSON, EVEN SICK she still came up to him purring and rubbed against his legs like cats do and he chuckled and pet her in return, so I know he really loves animals (hey why would you work all day around those you dislike-so in this profession you must really love animals!) My cat usually growls and hisses at vets, so there must be something good about Dr. Nelson!!!!!

ALSO: For those of you who gave bad reviews to Granite City, you are not very specific in exactly what went "wrong" to what seems your only "one" visit. When I went there the first time, I was upset with the staff for not following the diagnosis I thought my cat had had and why the medications weren't working. I was very frustrated with my cat's problems because the other vets before did not have a set policy with definite pricing for an office visit and diagnosis. I brought that frustration to Granite City and if the staff there thankfully did have the good sense to put their foot down with their policy of needing a correct diagnosis before medicating, and assuring me of their competence and not letting me railroad them (so to speak), otherwise even today I would still be floating out there, looking for a "cheap" vet, taking my pets to vet clinics that wreak of cat and dog feces and urine (we have all been to such places, perhaps with face masks, gloves and lemon scented lysol disinfectant). Had I left there that day frustrated and not listening to that wonderful staff person, then I would be the one giving the bad review based only on that ONE visit!!! So you really need to visit a place more than once (except the smelly ones of course), and don't get angry or frustrated with the staff because they are people too and you will make them upset and also frustrated, as they are there because they love animals and want to do the best they can for your pet. And some here complain about their "high" prices? Remember what human doctors, surgeons and pharmacists make for money? Yes, I think Granite City is the best value for what you pay. End of story(:

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Dr. Nelson and his staff are considerate, helpful, and professional in every way. We have also worked with the other vets on staff and have been equally pleased. To a person, they know and love animals!

I am stunned that some patrons are so dissatisfied; I have been to several other vet clinics in the area: Granite City is the best, hands down.

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1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

I have seen what others have written, and I have this response. Granite City Pet Hospital offers the very best in pet care. They have done procedures such as double hip joint ligament replacement on our dog, and she returned to hunting for several more years. Not everyone wishes to pay for this level of services for animals. Accordingly, you need to be an informed patient. If they subscribe more medication than your believe is reasonable for your pet, it is your decision to determine what level of care you feel is necessary and affordable for you. Do not be afraid to make your statement such as "I feel three kinds of antibiotics is too much. I would like to take the injection and the pills, but I will pass on the ointment today." However, not everyone is comfortable with being a strong personal advocate. You also have the right to ask for a written prescription for a medication that you know you can get cheaper elsewhere. I do it all the time.

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1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

WHAT A JOKE OF A PLACE!!!!! This place and the people that work for it are complete cons!!! They OVERCHARGE on EVERYTHING!!! They push tests and drugs on you that you don't even realize. They bill you for things that you haven't even had done yet. Then when you question it they become rude. They ordered my pet medicine that I didn't even tell them i wanted, medicine i had already gotten elsewhere for much cheaper. Then they got mad when I told them I didn't want or order it from them because they charge almost double for the exact same thing. I would NEVER go back here again and certainly would NOT recommend them.

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0 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

I feel granite city vet over diagnoses and then over charges. I feel they also pressure their patients with unnecessary procedures and drugs for pets. I was also wondering exactly what kind of Doctor is Dr. Nelson?

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1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

I think Granite City Pet Hospital is a great clinic. I feel their prices are very reasonable. I've been to other clinics that are much more costly. I don't know what Rebecca S. is talking about. They are always very kind and compassionate towards my pets too.

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0 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

I have taken my pets to a few of the pet hospitals in the area and I consider Granite City Pet Hospital and Dr. Jeff Nelson to be the most knowledgable and the most professional in the area. Contrary to Rebecca S. (who has reviewed all and other businesses too and she just can't seem to find any she likes. If every place she goes to is bad, maybe it is not the business, but her) I found the staff to be very knowledgable and caring. This also extended to the front office staff as well. If you expect to get quality care, it will not be free.

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High priced. Instead of that fancy building they should be spending their money on the training of their staff, equipment, education etc...
I used them once on 3 dogs I wanted tested. They were off on their tests and it made me angry that they could screw up and no recourse for it!

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2 out of 3 people found this review helpful.