Northview Veterinary Hospital System

I went there with my dog. They do not ask you if you want to buy the prescribed medicine , they just sell it to you. Cons: their medicines -the cheapest ones- start at 50% more than in any other place. They bill you for the smile and not so very nice people. Very over rated. Very disappointed as I trusted the other reviews. Found a nicer clinic same services at fair prices and very close to this one.

Pros: Complete

Cons: They bill you for the smile, not so nice people

Posted 08/15/09

I have been taking my birds to Northview for over 10 years, my mother took her cat there and my sister takes her dog and cat there. They are the best vets around. Caring, compassionate, interested in your animal. They have evening and weekend hours, emergency hours, and are the best vets in the city. You never feel rushed, vets are extremely patient (with both pets and owners) and give clear, easy to understand explanations. The never try to run unnecessary tests and directions for medication or care are very precise and clear. They even send sympathy cards when you pet dies. When my birds have had to stay at the hospital, the vet has called me every day, even up to 9:30 PM to give me reports on their condition and bring me up to date on tests. When we had to have my mother's cat euthanized due to kidney failure they gave us time to say goodbye, the vet was compassionate and caring, the entire procedure was made as tolerable as possible. This is a great animal hospital, no matter what kind of animal you have. I've seen dogs, cats, ferrets, rabbits, chinchillas, birds, even a 6 foot iguana in the waiting room. Rates are reasonable, care is incredible, people are wonderful. What more could you want? If I could give it 10 stars, I would.

Pros: Too many to mention -- care, service, professionalism are just a few

Cons: As stated, can be hard to make a left turn on to Siebert Road

Posted 02/16/09

I lost my job nearly two months ago and had been calling all over to find a vet hospital that would take my very sick cat in. While Northview did require payment, and I was fortuante enough to fall upon a organization (www.fveap dot organization's abrivation they will help you!) to grant me money to take my cat to the vets.

I called and brought my cat with a urniary bloackage into the vets office. I had a budget of $420; and he was very ill. His temp wouldn't even recognize on a thermoitor. They were able to drain his bladder and make him comfortable. The doctor was extremely compasionate and realistic. Sargent Tibb's health was in grave danger and he assured me that he was doing all he could. Unfortunately my little lion didn't make it through the night. That was by no means their fault--he was just too ill. They did all they could for him. I arrived in the morning, never checking my voicemail. The put me in an exam room and informed me that he had passed peacfully. They allowed me to see his body and gave me privacy while I said my goodbyes.

It is truly sad that he didn't make it--but I will be taking all of my animals there. The practice is focused on animals--not humans. They are all very compasionate. I highly suggest bringing your animal to their facilities right off McKnight Road. They did absolutely everything they could; and they were understanding and compasionate. I highly highly highly reccommend Northview Animal Hospital.

Ian Syphard
North Side, Pittsburgh

Posted 09/08/08

One of my chinchillas developed a strange growth near his arm. These were actually my son's chinchillas, whose care I inherited when he went to college. I had never taken them to a vet, and quickly learned that few vets treat chinchillas. I asked a friend who has guinea pigs and she highly recommended Northview.
Even though it was a long distance from my home (I live in Washington County, it's north of Pittsburgh) I decided to try it.
First, they agreed to see Simon (the chinchilla) right away. They had evening hours that made it possible. It was easy to get to, so the trip didn't take me long. It's just off McKnight Road, which is a major thoroughfare.
The veterinarian was very compassionate, and good with Simon. She explained that another vet was their top chinchilla expert, but wasn't there. So she called that vet for a consult. This is sort of embarrassing, but they agreed that what Simon had was a huge fat deposit because I had been overindulging him in dried fruit. Simon got put on a diet and he's doing just fine.
I can't remember exactly what the bill was, but I remember taht it was a lot less than I expected. It might have been $40, but don't hold me to that. I'm bad with numbers. If I had another problem with a chinchilla or any other rodent, I would absolutely take him back there. (They obviously see lots of dogs, too, because the waiting room was full of them). If you've got chinchillas, its absolutely worth a drive.

Pros: They treat "exotic" animals that other vets won't.

Cons: It's a long way from my house.

Posted 07/13/08

I know a lot of ferret owners in the area, and Northview does not have a very good track record with them. Okay for vaccinations and routine stuff, but not so great for surgeries or complicated problems. Too many deaths from surgeries, in my opinion. Post-surgical care not sufficient for ferrets, IMO. Staff is great, vets are kind and sincere, but need to do some serious studying on ferrets.

Pros: Has some after-hours care if you're a patient

Cons: Not knowledgeable enough on ferrets

Posted 01/02/08

My cat was (is) experiencing urinary problems and being unsatisfied with the current vet service, I looked for another vet. I first checked out reviews of Northview and then went to their website. I was please with their website and also their variety of animal care services. I called to schedule an appointment on a semi emergency basis and was greeted by a very friendly receptionist and was able to get in within a few hours. The hospital is very nice and the waiting room is comfortable and spacious. The staff was helpful, attentive and friendly. I went during the early afternoon so the wait wasn't long at all (not sure how things run during peak after work hours). The vet we saw was also very nice and friendly. She offered helpful suggestions and was realistic about tests needed. I also found the cost for an exam to be lower than what I paid for a city clinic. I even received a phone call from the vet the next day to explain the results of some tests done and she answered a question I had about my other cat. I will have Northview as my cats' care center and would recommend their services to other pet owners.

Pros: Large center and variety of services, reasonable cost

Cons: Trying to pull out onto Siebert Rd.

Posted 10/22/07

Northview Animal Hospital is absolutely the BEST place to take your animals for veterinary care. I have literally tried several other clinics in Pittsburgh before discovering Northview, so I have a large basis for comparison. No other clinic in Pittsburgh even comes close to Northview:

1. The veterinarians and staff are very friendly and very professional. They care about the animals AND the owners. They understand that our animals are our family members, so they will patiently answer all of your questions and address all of your concerns about your pet's health.

2. You'll never feel like the vets are rushing you out the door because they'll never do that. They'll spend as much time with you as you need during your appointments.

3. The vets here are also specialists. So, you'll never have to be referred out to other specialists. At Northview, they are equipped and skilled to handle any medical emergency. There are dental specialists, orthopedic specialists, and all kinds of specialists.

4. They're a 24 hour emergency hospital in addition to a regular clinic. Other clinics like Pt Breeze and Greenfield do not have emergency services. In my prior experiences with these clinics, they did not even have the capacity to squeeze my dog in for an appointment in an emergency situation during regular office hours. Northview is available 24/7, and it feels so good to know that.

5. Aesthetically, it's a very pleasing environment. There's a whole entire building for this hospital, and there are additions being made as well. There is a large waiting room with a tv...everything about it is very comfortable and welcoming.

Definitely take your pet here! It's so worth it! You'll be glad you did.

Posted 05/15/07