Alexandria Animal Hospital

Alexandria Animal Hospital is great. We have been goin to AAH for many years. Started going there when Dr. Witter started--that has been a long time ago. As time has progressed we have met many great doctors and find them very attentative to our little people. Their cost seems to be reasonable. Thanks Alexandria Animal Hospital.

The Perdues--Daisys parents
11-20-09

Posted 11/20/09 | Report Abuse

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I am shoked about how some of the reviewers complain about the prices. I have been a pet owner all my life and have done a bit of price shopping. Trust me- the prices are similar all over to northern VA area. I have always recieved quality care in this place, and have been a client since I was a little girl. I get better customer care here then when I go to my doctor. I sat in the Er with my little dog not too long ago and witnessed a very upset family and what they were going through. The receptionist treated them with compassion and respect, and although I ended up waiting longer because their cat was sicker than my dog, I was glad that I was going to get the same care and it was worth the wait. I would not take my pets anywhere else.

Posted 11/17/09 | Report Abuse

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All I have to say is NO THANKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I'll go back to my other vet. I tried them just cause a friend reccomended one of hte doctors. NEVER AGAIN!

Posted 11/06/09 | Report Abuse

0 out of 3 people found this review helpful.

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by far, the worst I have experienced in terms of attitude, process, and price. if you are looking for quality service, you might get lucky--some are happy. I never liked that they took the pet out of sight for everything. I had not experienced that until this vet, apparently it is because of a conveyor like approach. you can forget about the feel good approach at this place, hamburger in; hamburger out. always left a bit uneasy, wondering what was done. they were the closest, but after 4 visits decided that was it and they wanted $20 for 1 year's worth of history. NOTE: they can provide that on a cd for the same $20. 100 cds cost $17. no matter, the history has always been complimentary at the numerous vets I have seen over the past 10 years of many of moves, military. they charge $20 for a piece of paper with the service indicating all the money you gave them. I certainly cannot recommend this place; alexandria animal hospital has their priorities in one place, your wallet.

Posted 10/27/09 | Report Abuse

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I agree with the several individuals that posted that this hospital is WAY overpriced. I took my dog in several months ago because he had GI issues. They told me that he would have to stay overnight and that the bill would be $1900. I decided to take him home and see how he would do overnight. I ended up bringing him back the following morning and the price had gone up to $2500. They kept him there for 3 days and refused to let me take him any earlier. I was stuck with a $2500 bill! While the care for my dog was very good, I would definitely suggest looking around at other hospitals in the area before taking your pet here.

Posted 10/23/09 | Report Abuse

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I took my pets to Alexandria when I lived near there. I didn't know how good we had it there, because at the time I was blissfully ignorant about what goes into the practice of veterinary medicine. The years we went there, my cats were well cared for thanks to Drs. Terio and Suarez, and another person here or there. They helped me save a critically ill litter; provided basic care for my beloved dearest cat, and provided appropriate treatment for a cat that I lost to kidney failure.

Then I moved to Maryland, and the vet hospital I ended up going to left my favorite cat, who was there for a "medical board" and was diabetic, with an unlicensed relative (son of a vet) who had no formal veterinary training and was left TOTALLY unsupervised. He used the wrong syringe to give my cat his insulin, resulting in a huge overdose and irreversible, devastating dramatic brain damage to my beloved friend. Also, my cat was left there after this overdose, alone, for 10 and then nearly 13 hours at a time, presumably having seizures during much of that.

I began to learn the hard way about quality issues in veterinary medicine.

One important thing I learned is that the use of LICENSED, formally trained veterinary technicians is VERY IMPORTANT for quality care of our pets.

Most animal hospitals just call people "vet techs" but in fact, those individuals may have no training. They may even be high school kids, whoever will work for the least pay. They come out in scrubs, get called a "vet tech" and you think they know something? Not necessarily.

Alexandria Animal Hospital uses licensed techs. This means that the technicians have completed at least a 2 year degree program and passed a state licensing exam. They possess formal training in veterinary medicine.

Another thing is that the animals there are NEVER without a vet on the premises supervising, because they have 24 hour care. Even if a mistake like what happened to my cat did occur there, there will be vets right there to help deal with the consequences.

I have yet to have a truly bad experience at Alexandria Animal Hospital, although I once did encounter a young ER vet there whose bedside manner was in the toilet. But then again, a different ER vet (Dr. Allen), more recently, saved one of my cat's lives when he ingested a thread. She personally stayed and did the long surgery at my request even though her shift was supposed to be over sooner. She did a great job, as far as I can tell. The thread could have killed him, she got it out, made no mistakes, and did a great job on the wound. He is a little sweet monster today, sitting right here. I really owe her a big "thank you."

If over all these years of dealing with them, I have had only one negative experience which is merely a complaint about the bedside manner of one ER vet, that's pretty good. Because I've never had a complaint about quality of care, and I've interacted with 8 vets there over the years.

Compared to what else is available, this is the best place you can go if you are looking for "regular" vet care. It is the only place I am willing to take my pets to for just regular care. There are other ER hospitals I think are good (Southpaws, VCA Gaithursberg) but they don't provide regular non-ER care.

People, get a clue. Stop complaining about price.

That place where my cat was OD'd was one of the more expensive clinics in my neighborhood. Price is no guarantee of quality, but GOOD QUALITY IS PRICELESS.

That is the reason why I now drive nearly an hour to take my pets to Alexandria Animal Hospital now, even though I still live in Maryland. I do not want to have to learn this heartbreaking lesson twice. I do not want you to have to learn it at all.

Please do not learn this the hard way. If you think the quality of care is good, like I do, please oh please shut up about the price, shut up about wait times, shut up about not so great interactions with front desk staff.

Please oh please do not make the mistake I made -- not knowing what you have here.

I am only making this ratng a 4 instead of a 5 because . . well, no one is perfect. And also, the last time I went there an unlicensed assistant introduced herself to me as the "vet tech" so I really have to hope they aren't backing off on their policy of using licensed techs.

Which is definitely one of the things I value most highly about this place.

Posted 10/06/09 | Report Abuse

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Very professional and compassionate. For those of you complaining about the prices, welcome to Northern Virginia! Alexandria saved my cat when 3 other places were too busy to see me. They now have my business for life!

Posted 07/21/09 | Report Abuse

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After many years of having our dog treated at this place, we've had enough of the condescension and shameless gouging that are its hallmarks. A visit for a slight leg sprain left me over $600 lighter in the wallet. Need an x-ray? It'll set you back an absurd $185. Questions about the blatant bill padding are met with rudeness by the front desk. To cap it off, if you want to pay with a check they demand your social security number -- that's right, not a driver's license number, but your personal social security number. The whole experience so disgusted me that I felt like I needed a shower after it was over. All this would hardly be tolerable if my pet were getting great care there, but I've always come away from this place feeling that the treating vet was mediocre at best. So, good riddance AAH, you won't be seeing us again. Do yourself, your pet and your wallet a favor and avoid this place.

Posted 06/28/09 | Report Abuse

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I have an extremely aggressive little dog (Spitz rescued from an abusive home), and we were nearly banned from our last two vets because he he would attack anyone who approached him. I picked Alexandria Animal Hospital to get my dogs shots renewed because they were close to my house--after reading the reviews, I was a bit nervous, but thought I'd give it a shot.

Dr. Baxter and her assistant were polite, professional, and had me and my dog taken care of very quickly. Nobody was hurt--including my dog--and I felt appreciated and respected through the entire visit. And no drugs were given to my dog to calm him, they just worked in a fast and professional matter, and he was fine! After seeing how my dog reacted when he was tranquilized by his previous vet visit (didn't go well) I was amazed at this. Count me in as a satisfied customer.

Finally, to those complaining about the costs: we live in one of the most expensive areas of the country here in Alexandria. Sure, the vet bill was twice what I used to pay, but considering I used to live in rural Virginia and in Chicago, it's not fair to compare the rates. My rent is twice as much now too! The rates charged by AAH seem reasonable in light of how much everything else costs here.

Posted 06/25/09 | Report Abuse

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I just had my first scare as a new pet owner. My lab got in to tons of chocolate. I took him to Alexandria and they were awesome. It was not cheap, but I was not expecting it to be, after all I went there at 2 am, and my dog needed to get his stomach pumped. I would definitely recommended to everyone. It is unfortunate that other reviewers had a different experience. Actually it is a bit hard to believe. There is probably something missing from their stories. I am switching my records to Alexandria Animal Hospital.

Posted 06/19/09 | Report Abuse

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I'm seeing a pattern here. They take a sick animal, particularly one with vomiting or diarrhea, and treat the condition as a emergency so they can push up the bill. They took our dog with diarehha and scared my wife (a first-time dog owner) into letting them house him overnight. We paid $1300.00 only to have him sick again within two weeks. The next vet we went to cured him with a new diet and some common gastrointestinal medications.

Posted 06/12/09 | Report Abuse

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Never again will the doctors or staff at Alexandria Animal hospital touch any of my dogs! I guarantee it! I will go to my regular vet or the ER in Springfield. That's it. Need I say more!!!

Posted 06/11/09 | Report Abuse

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I've been taking all of my 3 cats there for the past 16 years. For the most part I have encountered compassionate, caring vets and office staff, with VERY few negative experiences.

It would be helpful if they established some kind of payment schedule to pay a bill (for example, I paid almost $1,000 for a dental bill for one of my cats) -- it's hard to fork up four figures to pay a bill -- in the mid 90's they DID have a payment schedule-- in this day and age it would be GREAT if they re-instituted it.

Posted 05/18/09 | Report Abuse

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Do not let the poor reviews discourage you from going to Alexandria. It is unfortunate that some of these people do not realize the responsibilities that come with being a pet owner. Medicine is not cheap. I have gone to other hospitals in the area and even in Maryland and the prices are the same, but the quality of medical care is not like Alexandria. Emergencies are a bit more expensive, but isn't it like that in human medicine too? Besides we should all be glad that if your pet gets sick in the middle of the night you have a place that you can go to. I have had to visit the ER service a few times and always had a good experience. The staff was great in working with me as I was an emotional wreck and was willing to also keep in mind my financial concerns, and in the end everything worked out and my puppy was saved. Alexandria Animal Hospital is the best I am sure glad that they are here for the community

Posted 04/09/09 | Report Abuse

2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

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I took my dog here one night when she was vomiting over and over again for almost 24 hours. I am from out of town and this was the closest vet that was open all night. I wanted simple blood work, maybe an x ray to make sure she didn't swallow anything crazy, and some medicine to help ease her suffering. The original estimate was 1800$. I told them I could not do that so they said they could just do some blood work and starred the items they would charge me for. Long story short- they did a bunch of other unnecessary things and charged me over 700$ in the end. They continually told me it would be 15-20 minutes longer and I ended up there almost the entire night. If I had just known that it would take this long I could have prepared but I kept thinking we were almost done which was frustrating.

The staff was not very professional and in the end was rude about the bill- stating this was less than the original estimate of 1800$ so I should be happy. I find it hard to trust a place that was dishonest and trying to pull one over me to get my money. They take advantage of the situation- people are attached to their animals and will do pretty much anything at that point to make sure they are ok.

I've had the exact same procedures (including an ultra sound) done at my local vet without an appointment and it took one hour and cost less than 200$.

This place is insane and does not exist to help animals but to take advantage of unsuspecting humans who love their animals.

Posted 04/09/09 | Report Abuse

0 out of 3 people found this review helpful.

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I brought my dog here twice, hoping the service would be better. No such luck. Horrible wait, even with an appt. and super expensive. I'm going elsewhere.

Posted 04/08/09 | Report Abuse

1 out of 3 people found this review helpful.

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I have been a client of the Alexandria Animal Hospital for years. I completely disagree with several of the reviews posted here. They are a top notch facility with pleasant friendly and extremely competent staff. They have cared for my three cats who are all in the senior years of their life now, and I could not have asked for better care. I have had to go through serious illnesses with two of my cats. On both occasions the doctors diagnosed the problem quickly and have provided excellent care. They have both been hospitalized - one had a diabetic crisis and needed intesive and complicated nursing care which they provided with expertise. The cost of good medicine can be high, but I believe you get what you pay for with this hospital. They are there twenty four hours a day and have excellent doctors and highly skilled technicians on their staff. Other hospitals in the area are comparable in regards to prices and the care at this hospital exceeds any other that I have had experience with. I would not go anywhere else.

Posted 03/28/09 | Report Abuse

3 out of 4 people found this review helpful.

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Having been a vet tech for over 8 yrs I must say this hospital's prices are way over the top. For a vomiting cat they wanted $2000 deposit for fluids, anti nausea medicine's, and 2 x-rays. Upfront!I experienced one mistake after another here. I was told the liver and kidney functions were normal, the x-rays were normal,and they wanted to do exploratory surgery to the tune of another $3,000 without even doing an ultrasound, only to find out three days later with the cat still vomiting the blood work was never even done, the x-rays were not normal. WE saw three different vets and each one told us a different story except the the estimates kept going up. I was told the ct would be discharged with medicines but wasn't given any and was told there weren't any ordered. I had to go back and was told oh yes here they are. Called about the cat vomiting fore days later and was told to go ahead and give the medicines. But having experience with this medication I questioned giving t as the cat was vomiting and was told after three calls and insisting on speaking to a vet tech at least no, no no, don't give it it will make the cat worse. I could go on and on but the bottom line incompetent money hungry and disorganized. I ended up driving to another state 3 hours away to save my cats life where they immediately ultrasound and no surgery was necessary. Cat had inflamed gall bladder and small intestine and was treated and doing fine. If I had listened to this hospital the cat would have gone through a very risky surgery for no reason. Really people find another hospital if you love your pets. This vomiting ordeal cost us over $3000 thanks to Alexandria Animal Hospital which we would gladly pay if they had at least done what they should have.

Posted 03/26/09 | Report Abuse

1 out of 3 people found this review helpful.

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I had to euthanize my cat of five and a half years, Chloe. Dr. Gies explained that Chloe was possibly as old as 13 years old (Chloe was a Trapped/Spayed/Adopted stray and her age was unknown), that a feeding tube would cruelly extend her life when her body systems were shutting down from old age, and personally was there to administer the humane euthanasia. She followed up with a card, and mailed Chloe's free clay paw print when I forgot to take it. WAY TO GO KATHY. I couldn't keep fighting to keep Chloe alive, it was cruel to her to keep her alive just for my need for her, and it is was expensive....

The fight to keep Chloe alive was $2,350 (that included medicines, but mostly tests to know what the heck was wrong, plus treatment to stabliize her). The instructions were not written clearly enough that I understand a. to refrigerate one medicine and b. to give her Pepcid AC, not on the prescription list because it is an over the counter drug (for humans). Chloe showed mild interest in food (suspected liver disease) and only briefly. Surrendering Chloe cost $385 more.

Honestly Bill #1 on October 6 did not motivate me to go back until October 30, even though I was told to come back if she didn't eat, and though Chloe's appetite was poor for weeks despite fighting to get the medicine into her (cat keepers you understand).

If you have been there before, their bills can frighten you into delaying or worse denying treatment for your pet!!!! I would not recommend that any pet keeper go there.

They did not meet my expectations. Chloe died, I was not expecting that.

Anecdotally, the night I euthanized Chloe, I helped a mother with her kids' math homework. As she was leaving I heard her exclaim, "$800 for some pills!!??" You don't need to know math to know that is outrageous. Who needs that in this economy? Except the McCain/Palin voters in those McMansions up on Arlington Ridge Road. BAD DEAL. Look, maybe Chloe's care WAS still expensive (over $1,000) anywhere, but $800 for pills?

Also anectdotally, my best friend's wife in Shepherdstown WV said their vet put their dog to sleep for only $25 (with burial in the yard).

If I have a veterinary emergency requiring overnight care, I will consider THEIR emergency animal hospital, even considering the 75 mile drive and the price of gas.

Someone's getting rich.

They should offer you anesthetic before they give you your bill, because the bottom line might hurt.

Your apartment will take advantage of your income advantage over other tenants. Your employer might not pay you a large enough part of what you're worth. Your investment broker might stiff you. If your animal hospital is taking advantage of your love for your little darling how much can you take?

See also, below: Euthanizing My Kitty Kitty, he or she paid $165 (in 2007) to put down his or her cat. Talk about billing department taking advantage! (Maybe it was the "free" paw print.)

I have joined Consumers' Checkbook. I am looking for another local round-the-clock emergency animal hospital before I adopt another cat, and might need it. The experience with CATastrophic veterinary bills has left me momentarily financially traumatized, and longer term, emotionally traumatized, and I am grieving the loss of Chloe for quite a while.

P.S. I still feel a cat jumping on my bed. I felt the same sensation after I gave Chop Chop away.

Note: For routine, non-emergency care, Caring Hands Animal Hospital on South Glebe Road by comparison is reasonable. It is simply that it is not equipped for round the clock care, despite its name, for such conditions as suspected liver disease.

Posted 11/13/08 | Report Abuse

1 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

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I will never, EVER go to this place again. Not only was the vet rude and had a major attitude, the prices were insane! I was literally charged 75.00$ for a phone call they made to Poisen Control! I asked if I could make the call myself and the Vet told me that they would charge me anyway, so she would just do it. She FAILED to tell me SHE would charge 75.00 for that call. The staff was obnoxious and the care for my dog was not even minimally up to par. The Vet acted like she could care less about my dog. Please, DO NOT WASTE YOUR TIME or MONEY at this place. They have zero respect for you as a customer and (At least the vet I had) did not even seem to care about animals at all...just money.

Posted 09/30/08 | Report Abuse

1 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

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I have brought two ferrets to Alexandria Animal Hospital for emergency visits and was very pleased with their care. My vet, who specializes in ferret care, also recommends this hospital for after-hour emergencies. The staff were very kind and the technicians appeared to be knowledgeable about handling ferrets. One ferret was very ill from a delayed vaccine reaction (administered by a vet that was not knowledgeable about ferrets) and he rapidly and fully recovered after they treated him. Their prices are similar to another emergency vet I have used in Rockville, MD (that does not treat exotics) and they were happy to complete my VPI insurance forms so that I could get reimbursed for the cost of care.

Posted 07/18/08 | Report Abuse

1 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

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My old Greyhound needed to be put down. I had no history with Alexandria Hospital, but it was closest to where I live. I made an appointment for the next evening.

The techs who helped my old guy onto a stretcher were beautiful. They went through the prep procedure with professional manner and ability, kindly. I felt that, considering they didn't know this dog, they were wonderfully sympathetic to the old guy's plight.

The Doctor Chang who administered the dose was compassionate and gentle. The woman in charge of finance was not unnecessarily intrusive, given her difficult job at this time. Since I was blubbering the whole time, I think she was very patient about explaining certain facts of cremation and charges since I really couldn't comprehend what she was saying, no fault of hers.

The staff in this difficult time accomplished what needed to be done in a gentle manner, and I have no regrets for going there. My old dog was treated gently. I did not feel rushed.

I mention this not to recommend Alexandria Animal Hospital for euthanasia serves. I mention it simply recount an experience I had with them about 3 hours ago, to express my gratitude for their kind behavior, and to put aside my previous fears that they were a bunch of officious jerks trying to make a buck.

I'm was impressed by the whole thing and, considering my difficult situation and the fact that I had no established relationship with them, terribly grateful for their care.

The charges were not out of line with this area. $131 for what they all did. It's fine with me. Not unreasonable considering the care they put in.

Thanks, people.

Posted 05/16/08 | Report Abuse

3 out of 4 people found this review helpful.

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I have to concur with the people who comment that AAHA is too busy and feels like a "mill." I've considered several times telling them that I would change hospitals if I called one more time and found myself on hold without being able to utter a word. And at busy times, having my cats' carrier a few feet away from HUGE dogs is very nerve-racking for both of us -- I wish they would think through a way to keep some space between the two species.

However, the question is, compared to what? I have taken three cats to several other area clinics and every one has eventually confronted me with a deal-breaker -- obvious shakedowns for unnecessary lab work, outright rudeness from the vets themselves, simple incompetence. I've found AAHA vets very reasonable about not promoting unnecessary treatments, and though I've had long waits the time with the vet was unrushed, which makes up for it. I have only had to euthanize one animal since I started going there, and the vet stayed after hours to meet me and treated me as if I were the only patient she had seen all day, as did the staff. My kitty was surgically relieved of his FUS at the Alexandria clinic through an option that his previous vet hadn't seen fit to discuss with me through two expensive hospitalizations for blockage.

I really don't understand why the office staff seems so unable to keep up with the phones and checkout -- the whole front desk operation seems to need rethinking. A lot could be solved by having one assigned person who just answers phones and finds out why you are calling before putting you on hold. When it's an "emergency yes or no?" question, that is maddening. But I'll take it over the experiences I've had elsewhere.

Posted 08/22/07 | Report Abuse

2 out of 3 people found this review helpful.

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I have had a completely different experience than some of the other reviewers. I find that the vets here strive to be as thorough and complete as possible, because they truly care about the pets. I came to Alexandria Animal Hospital for a second opinion after I could not get the answers elsewhere. Other places weren't willing to spend the time and energy to come to a diagnosis. I think the vets are incredibly compassionate and will do what they can to improve the quality of life of the animals in their care. I actually think it speaks volumes that they would try to make sure they were not putting down an animal without making sure they had made every attempt to provide it with a decent life first - especially if this wasn't a pet they see on a regular basis.
I agree that it has become more difficult to get an appointment, but I think that also reflects the demand for their services. And I know if I really have an issue that can't wait, I can call my vet or be seen by the emergency service. And if it really can't wait, then it's an emergency anyway! Overall, I still love this hospital, and recommend it to all my friends.

Posted 06/11/07 | Report Abuse

2 out of 3 people found this review helpful.

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I called ahead of time when my 16+ year old cat needed to be put to sleep because he could no longer control his kidneys. I adopted him when he was 12 and used special food the shelter gave me for this. It worked until now and he couldn't make it to the box For two days during the week earlier I went to grief therapy and was as ready as I could be. When I got there they could see
I was crying and took me to another room. They couldn't find any record of my being there before and that took up some time but when they brought in a vet and an assistant to talk to me I felt pressured by the vet to run more tests and I knew I could not afford this but didn't want to say it. They then gave up with that after leaving me alone with my kitty. My poor cat endured way too much time there. He became frightened as I was crying so hard. I thought I couldn't take anymore. I was then seen by an assistant who wanted to talk about what to do with the remains. I had choices. Cemetary plots at 2 different places, take my cat home, and finally a communal burial. I said I don't want to even think about that I just want this over with.
Final cost $165.00

Office examination $40.00
Humane Euthanasia 75.00
Internment 50.00

I have used this place with other animals I have had and went there almost monthly with my dog. My previous cat was euthanized without all of this back and forth talk with the vet and I was not charged this kind of money. I feel they thought they could make some money from my grief and they did. What options did I have when I was already there and as prepared as I could be. I can tell the local shelter not to recommend them and that will help. Don't go there. It is too expensive. Go if you have an emergency at night.

Posted 05/12/07 | Report Abuse

1 out of 3 people found this review helpful.

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I have to concur with the last post re Alexandria Animal Hospital. The vet I've used, Dr. Terrio, is terrific. But, the support staff are either undertrained, inattentive, or overworked. I've had blood samples for two dogs confused, the wrong medications dispensed, and incorrect information from a Vet Tech re the purpose of a prescribed medication. Try calling at any time during normal business hours and I bet you're asked by staff to hold - for at least five minutes, and possibly more. This happens 90% of the time when I call. Checking out is equally as laborious and time-intensive.

Also, the standard "treatment plans" for most illnesses seem to be pre-set, designed to maximize the bill. For example - and this is just one -- my cat had a urinary tract blockage with a proposed course of treatment estimated at $3000 (non-emergency rates), which I managed to negotiate down to $1500 after questioning the medical necessity of some of the items. The vets are honest and will discuss the plans, but you have to ask them to. If you have a nontraditional illness, this is when the treatment plans are more reasonable and the vets' talents really show.

Also, forget walking in when Fido seems a little ill during business hours. They still want to charge emergency rates for walk-ins, even during the middle of a Tuesday!

All in all, you will get good vet care, poor staff support (and you will need to double-check their work), and you will pay through the nose.

Posted 05/02/07 | Report Abuse

2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

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About 3 years ago Alexandria Animal Hospital was my first cat's regular vet. After relocating, then coming back to the area, I brought my other cat into the emergency clinic for a problem he has had intermittitently over the years. Sadly, I have been very disappointed with the results. One $700+ bill later (the original estimate was $1600+), my cat came home with a diagnosis and treatment that does not seem in line (at all!) with either the problem as I described it or my cat's symptoms. When I called with some follow-up questions/concerns, the vet tech who took my call was unfamiliar with my cat's symptoms (even though she had the chart in front of her) and, again, gave advice that seemed incongruous with my cat's symptoms. (The advice also seemed to lean heavily in the direction of "Bring him back in"- presumably for another VERY expensive "diagnosis".) This is not the first time I've been to the vet emergency room (why do these problems only happen after 5 and before 9?) so I like to think I'm accustomed to emergency-hours fees, although I will admit that my previous trips have been in a less urban environment. Still, I can't remember a time I've paid more than a fraction of the cost I owe this time around, and at least the other times the treatment seemed to track my cat's symptoms (and the vet seemed to listen to me). I'm happy (and hoping) to be proven wrong and will remove this comment if that happens. At this point, however, I'm going to try a second opinion from someone else.

Posted 03/20/07 | Report Abuse

1 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

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After nearly 40 years of taking our family pets to Alexandria Animal Hospital, I've had it. It used to be a wonderful place, where you knew the staff and they knew you, and if you needed an appointment quickly, they'd fit you in. But it's become a typical HMO--you can get an appointment if you don't care whom you see, but it now takes a solid week to get an appointment with "our" doctor. And if your pet needs to be seen quickly, be prepared to pay a higher fee because they're overbooked and the only appointments available are usually emergency.

Sorry, but that's not okay with me--and it's bad business. When a particular doctor is so backed up that getting an appointment takes a week, the schedulers should stop booking new patients for that vet. I want continuity, especially as several of my pets are older, but Alexandria has made that too difficult. And since they computerized everything, checking out takes forever.

Yes, the care is good and the emergency facilities are state-of-the-art. But there's more to medicine than that, and it seems Alexandria has lost touch with anything but being cutting-edge and the bottom line--they've forgotten the "care" in "medical care." My seven pets and I will look elsewhere.

Posted 03/05/07 | Report Abuse

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

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The bright-eyed veterinarians stay at Alexandria 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, knowing your pet could become suddenly ill at any time. They take instant care as soon as you bring your pet in and have all the equipment, medications, and shots on hand to make a diagnosis and take action quickly to save your pet. They're quick, yet very precise and skilled, to help your pets. They took such good care of my dog when she needed emergency service.

Posted 11/30/05 | Report Abuse

1 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

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Alexandria Animal Hospital on Duke street has always been wonderful when I was there for emergencies. The regular clinic have lower rates and if your puppies need emergency care, they already have their records. If it's convenient for you and you are in Alexandria I would highly recommend them. Their prices are expensive but their location and services are excellent.

Posted 10/30/05 | Report Abuse

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After some problems with our old vet, we decided to give Alexandria Animal Hospital a try. The staff is knowledgable and friendly and you usually don't have to wait long. People say that it is expensive, but we didn't find it any more expensive than other vets in the area.

PROS: Staff
CONS: Difficult to access

Posted 08/29/05 | Report Abuse

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We took our dog Flea to Alexandria Animal Hospital last fall when he started throwing up blood in the middle of the night. Alexandria Animal Hospital is open 24 hours a day and handles emergencies. My husband was very impressed with the staff and the very pleasant environment at Alexandria Animal Hospital. We did find the services to be expensive, but again, we saw these vets on an emergency basis. The only drawback I can think of is that the hospital is located on a service road, which makes it a little hard to get to.

PROS: Emergency hospital, great staff and pleasant environment.
CONS: Hospital is hard to access from main road.

Posted 05/31/05 | Report Abuse

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We have been very happy with the care provided by Alexandria Animal Hospital until lately. Our bills have been high and each vet seems to have a different view from the other, which can cause a problem when you're trying to diagnose a dog's illness. They recommend lots of tests, but don't always give you conclusive results. However, the staff is friendly and they love animals here. If you don't mind the $200 vet bills each visit, I would recommend this vet.

PROS:
CONS: Prices

Posted 05/27/05 | Report Abuse

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Alexandria Animal Hospital seems to really have a good grip on taking care of pets. It has a long list of clientele, which can be typically noticed from the number of pets that are brought in daily.

The vets are very gentle with the pets, and try to take care of them best as possible.

The only problem that seems to be is the price. I'm sure it's pretty standard, but you can come out paying $100 for a check-up.

Parking can be an issue on busy days, as the lot is pretty small.

Posted 05/26/05 | Report Abuse

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