Girard Veterinary Clinic

Dr. Belzer and the staff are dedicated to the rescue and care for animals...and it shows! I had my pup neutered here and would definitely recommend Girard Veterinary Clinic for routine care and minor issues.

Posted 11/05/09 | Report Abuse

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what a breath of fresh air!!! great customer service...well organized, clean, caring. wow...top on my list of all the vets I have ever been to. I took our kitten here for spay. they were cheerful, helpful, efficient. I would go back there again and again.

Posted 09/30/09 | Report Abuse

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i would recommend people or anyone to this vet, but just make sure you go to your schedule appointment. they charge you a $35 fee if you don't go to the appointment. other than that they are reasonable and very convenient.

Posted 09/23/09 | Report Abuse

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THE WORST EVER!!We took our 6 year old pit bull to this vet because he was bleeding while going to bathroom as well as having trouble going. The vet kept asking if he was poisoned then did tests said he had gall stones and needed surgery. They did the surgery kept him overnight and then let us bring him home. Told us other than that he was in perfect health. Before he went to the vet he was barely eating and was doing the same this time came home and wasn't eating or drinking at all. While home, all he did was yelp and cry and wouldn't eat or drink. He went outside to try and relief himself and all that came out was blood. A lot of it!! We called the vet they said if it's that bad take him to University of Penn Vet Hospital. They were great with him. They examined him ran tests and then told us devastating news that there were so many things wrong that we could proceed with surgery and not have the same old dog or decide to put him to sleep. We thought about it and he had to put him to sleep and we spoke to the Doctor that took care of him and she told us that that would probably be the best. She was very compassionate and let us have all the time we wanted with him. This could have all been prevented if Girard Vet Clinic did more then what they did. Thanks to them we no longer have our dog!!! WE DO NOT RECOMMEND THIS PLACE AT ALL! Took them all day to return a phone call and then continue to think it was something we did! PATHETIC AND HARSH!

Posted 06/22/09 | Report Abuse

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Dr. Balzer and her staff are fine for neutering/spaying and taking care if minor things like shots and ear mites but I would *NOT* recommend Girard Animal Hospital for serious illness or infections.

I brought my sick cat there who had a high fever and was not eating. Without any testing or much concern, she gave us an antibiotic for 7 days. Ten days later she was eating again but now she was throwing up constantly.

I brought her in again and Dr. Balzer *seriously* asked if there were ghosts in the house and said maybe she's upset over them. Then -AGAIN- without any tests or blood work to see why she was still so sick gave us a pill for 7 days. She was fine while on the pill but yesterday was her first day off it and she's been throwing up ever since.

I am taking her somewhere where she will be properly treated.

Posted 03/01/09 | Report Abuse

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I can not recommend Girard Vet highly enough. The services are affordable and well explained, the staff is friendly and competent, and one gets the sense that everyone in the building truly loves animals. When I moved to Philadelphia, I took my two cats to Queen Village Vet for check-ups and vaccinations because it was close to our home. When I was told that one of my cats needed a dental cleaning, and given an estimate upwards of $600 (with no cap), I decided to price shop for the service. Girard Vet did the cleaning, charged me exactly what they previously quoted (which was far less than Queen Village), saved me hundreds of dollars, and I was so happy with their office, their staff, the doctor, and their services that I changed vets. Later, when my husband and I found out that we would have to move to London for his job, they preformed all of the many necessary blood tests, vaccinations and paperwork needed for entry into the UK. They even sent one of their own to a USDA certification course to make sure they were current on all of the new rules and regulations. Throughout the process, they were easy to contact and always let us know what was going on. I can honestly say that they are the only vet I have dealt with in five years that charge the prices they quote (and tell you their prices in advance), give personal attention to both you and your animal, and truly listen to your concerns during the consultation. I would highly recommend them to anyone in Philadelphia and only wish that I still lived in the area so that I could continue to use their services. Plus, the "office cats" are lovely little fellows that keep your lap and shoulders warm while you wait. We love Girard Vet!

Posted 01/05/09 | Report Abuse

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Our Relationship with Dr. Balzer goes back over 20 yrs. to her days at the women's humane society on Clearfield ave. She has cared for my cats with a compassion that is rarely seen. Shots, spaying, neutering, she has cared for my adult cats and their kittens. And a few strays I have picked up along the way. She provided excellent emergency care for my kitten Thor, and cried with us upon the passing of his mother Jetasia. and kept my Leo healthy until his passing last year at the age of 20! Moved to Jersey 13 years ago and travel to see her because All of the Vets I've been referred to have paled in comparison to her in the care, compassion and personal relationship with my pets.

Posted 12/28/08 | Report Abuse

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I'd been recommended to try this place for by a local animal shelter when we got our new additions to the home. I've had pets all my life and am quite familiar with the veterinary experience in general, but felt extremely uncomfortable here. Though the staff that we interacted with at the desk was very friendly with us, the vet was rude and made comments that made me feel very uncomfortable and quite reluctant to go back. It is time for our doggie's yearly checkups now and I am searching for a new place.

Posted 12/07/08 | Report Abuse

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This vet clinic is the best around. Both of the receptionists are very knowledgeable and very kind. The vet techs are very thorough and Dr. Balzer herself is a one-woman show. The only complaint I have is that there is ALWAYS a wait. But other than that, kudos GVC. Keep up the good work!!!

Posted 11/24/08 | Report Abuse

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The staff is kind, the prices can't be beat and the vet is compassionate and professional. They are very busy but there is good reason. I would recommend this place in a heartbeat!

Posted 10/29/08 | Report Abuse

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I love Dr Balzer. She saved my dog's life. She is professional, honest and very reasonable. I was happly surprised by her and her staff. I know at least 2 other people that bring their animals to her and they are very satisfied with their services.I recommend her to anyone looking for a good veterinarian.

Posted 05/14/08 | Report Abuse

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

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Dr. Balzer's real commitment to animals and their caretakers shows up every time I see her. Not only is she very rescue-friendly, with cheap prices for quality care, she will also work with feral cats. Her compassion is unparalleled.

I highly recommend Dr. Balzer to anyone who asks about vets in Philly, especially anyone with a limited income. She is one of the most ethical vets I've met!

Posted 05/07/08 | Report Abuse

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

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They are very friendly and very kind to your pets. They provide great service at a resonable price, and I trust them more with my pets than any other veterinary office around. The Girard clinic is a busy place (b/c people like them so much), so get your appointment in early. They have walk-in hours!

Posted 02/12/08 | Report Abuse

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

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Dr. Balzer takes care of my two dogs and my endless rotation of foster kittens from PACCA/PAWS. She is so good with all animals and is insanely reasonably priced. She works very hard to keep prices low and quality of care very very high. Her staff is gentle and kind. I will always bring my animals to Dr. Balzer!

Posted 10/25/07 | Report Abuse

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

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I had just got a puppy and she had broke her leg, falling from a chair from getting a burst of energy playing with other dogs. I had went to three different vets, PACCA, who didn't do xrays. They had sent me to another vet who was closed. The SPCA was not available, I had to make an appoinment. I didn't have time to wait to get my puppy help, Univ of Penn wanted $3500.00 for the xrays and the surgery and that was money that I did not have.

Finally I went to Girard Vet. They did her xrays and splinted her, all for $135.00. I was so happy, it hurt my pockets, but I paid it in full. She kept her splint on for six weeks, changing it twice and she was fine, her last changing was only $35.00. The tech, Jessica was the best, she loved my pup, took care of her, was very gentle and respectful and professional. I will continue to go to this vet. Yes the prices are very affordable, the staff is great and Dr. Baldzer is amazing and she loves her patients.

Posted 08/16/07 | Report Abuse

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

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I generally take my cats to a holistic practice in Yardley, but stumbled on this practice because it is on my way to work and I had an emergency with a cat I rescued.

Don't let the area cause you to pass this gem of a vet by. My rescued cat was in critical condition and received TWO days of emergency hospitalization, meds and care for under $300!!! Let me tell you that is a bargain. It is very hard to find a general practictioner who will provide hospitalization anymore. They typically send you to an emergency and critical care facility where you can EASILY (and fairly) pay $500 per night.. Myra, the tech with the glasses, impressed me the most, caring, knowledgeable and genuine, she is a treasure to this practice.

Yea, I still love my holistic vet, but for those times when I can't trek all the way to Yardley, it's good to know Dr. Balzer and her staff are there on my way to work.

Kudos!

BTW--I took "uni booney" back there to be spayed and they offer pain management for a fee, which I gladly paid. Also, I would like to mention, that it is not unusual for a receptionist to be focused entirely on administrative duties like booking appointments, etc. Typically, the protocol is for a vet tech to retrieve and return your animal to you, so I would try not to take offense. It is to your benefit to have an experienced, trained certified veterinary technician do the "intake" on your animal, not the receptionist.

Posted 02/13/07 | Report Abuse

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I took my very sick cat to the clinic and received wonderful care for such a busy place. The rates are incredibly reasonable and Dr Balzer and her staff seem to love their work. I so appreciate being able to walk in as needed. You may have to wait but it's worth the service and attention you'll receive. I have to give Dr Balzer so much credit for her dedication and commitment to providing a quality service to the pets of owners who may not have the resources to pay for expensive animal care. Thank you.

Posted 01/03/07 | Report Abuse

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

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I like this clinic very much. i especially like the fact that it is walk-in and does not require an appointment during the week. It is, unfortunately, very busy and you can wind up waiting for hours. So check with them first for the times they are open and be prepared to wait even if you come early.

Posted 12/26/06 | Report Abuse

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

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I became familiar with the clinic through a rescue in South Philadelphia. Not being from the Brewery Town area of Philadelphia I was unsure of the ability of the clinic due to the unsavory neighborhood. Dr. Balzer should thank God every day for the amazingly talented staff of technicians that she has working there and one gentleman in particular (by the name of Albert) who has been there for approx. 10 years) and another technician, Myra who even though has only been there for only a few years is truely talented. With their professionalism, expertise of animal knowledge, quality of care, and bright/cheerful personalities that Albert and the other techs. possess, I am certain that my animal is receiving the best care even when Dr. Balzer is unable to spend adequate time to assess some problems with my rescue animals.

PROS: Not only is the Tech. TEAM AMAZING, the fees are affordable
CONS: The waits would be unbareable if not for the tech. team

Posted 05/30/06 | Report Abuse

2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

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Open most mornings for walkins and also appointments are easy to come by. Laid back waiting room with friendly staff. She is pragmatic--doesn't do unnecessary tests and bloodwork. She is very good with animals, thorough in her exam and offers many useful suggestions from overweight cats, better litter pans etc. I have previously used society hill vets (very ice, but a bit pricey) and the Cat Hosp on 20th st (not very nice and ridiculously expensive). This is the best, most affordable vet in Phily!

PROS: walkin hours, easy parking, personable vet
CONS:

Posted 03/30/06 | Report Abuse

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

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This lady is an excellent vet who works side by side with a great and caring male technician. She does a great job at reasonable prices for spaying and neutering. She also does take some low cost spay neuter program The place is clean and well attended too. It is obvious to me that she really likes animals, a plus for any vet.

PROS: Very gentle.
CONS:

Posted 11/01/05 | Report Abuse

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

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The vet at Girard Vet Clinic is awesome. She's great with my cat, and offers great care for a very low price. She also offers discount rates for neutering and spaying stray cats. Hours are really flexible - walk ins accepted on most days.

Posted 07/16/05 | Report Abuse

2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

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