Harvey John B Dvm - Great Bridge Veterinary Hosp

I recommend Great Bridge Vet to individuals who want the most current care for their animals. GB is always implementing the newest technology from laser surgery to laparoscopy at their hospitals. This is the type of care that we, as humans, receive. Why shouldn't our pets?
This may also account for why their prices may be a little higher compared to other vets. But if it means better care for my animals, then I am willing to pay the price.
I also purchase all my pets medications through GB. The medications online are NOT guaranteed. I know people who thought they were getting the correct medication, but it ended up being fake.
And yes, if your pet sees the vet, then you need to pay for a vet visit. Honestly, if you visit the doctor, you are expected EACH time to PAY for that visit!
I admit waiting gets irritating, but that's life when you visit ANY doctor's office! Emergencies happen, and if it is your pet you'd want the immediate care.
Some of the staff could be a little more friendly, but I find that is true of everywhere you go.
The doctor's are fantastic and regularly attend classes to advance their knowledge, so they may provide the best care to your pet.

Posted 06/11/09 | Report Abuse

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I have been taking my animals to Great Bridge Vet for about 10 years. Upon waking up one Saturday morning and finding my "Mitzi" in a bad way, I rushed her in to see the doctor. I had never had to seek anything other than normal care services and was totally taken off guard. I arrived and they took the time to speak with others in their waiting area explaining that an emergency had presented and handled Mitzi with kid gloves. My initial reaction was of not ever having to experience this type situation and they performed like a professional triage team. Due to their immediate actions, Mitzi was tended to and free of pain. Thank you. I am happy to say that although Mitzi is up in age she has been much better since our visit. I thoroughly appreciated the quick attention.

Posted 07/27/08 | Report Abuse

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After visiting many veterinary hopsitals on my way in from the Eastern Shore (where I actually live) with a VERY sick pet...I actually had another veterinarian refer me to Great Bridge Veterinary Hospital. Well, I am happy to say that this happened a few years ago and my four legged family members have been at their best ever since. I realize the travel time could pose a problem in an extreme life or death situation, not to mention the price of gas, but I would certainly consult them before going anywhere else. The staff and the doctors are great. No more sending me to emergency clinics when a vet can't "handle" a situation. They did surgery in the middle of the day to take care of my "Princess". Never forgotten...much appreciated.

Posted 07/18/08 | Report Abuse

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I have never dealt with a veterinary hospital who is more interested in making money instead of taking care of animals. Every time I take my dogs in for grooming, I'm informed they need to have a booster shot to the previous"booster shot" or a fecal sample. The last time my 2 year old poodle mix had a fecal sample, he had blood in his feces for four days. After we first noticed the blood, my husband call the office immediately. He was informed blood in feces is normal after a fecal sample; dogs go into shock and it can be very painful, however, this is how their body deals with the trauma. What a crock! Needless to say my dog continued to pass blood and eventually became very ill. Of course this involved another trip back to vet which cost over $350.00; this was a cheap visit! Take my advice run to another vet who takes care of animals and doesn't create reasons for multiple visits. FYI, on the first visit you will receive a "goody" bag for your pet, this is a strategic tactic that will nail your wallet shut! Oh, if they want to offer the Lyme vaccination, please decline. For every shot sold, Great Bridge gets a kickback.

Posted 06/14/08 | Report Abuse

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My pet has several issues from ear infections to rashes to allergies. The doctors and staff have always given me information and guidance on what to do next or things to look for if something were to happen to my dog. I love my dog and I would do anything for her.
The doctors and staff have understood when I asked a lot of questions. I only wish that my human doctor and his staff would treat me as good as Great Bridge Veterinary Hospital does to my beloved dog.

Posted 01/21/08 | Report Abuse

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I had many problems with this vet from the beginning. We adopted a dog in March 2007, and decided to go to GB Vet because that's where my mom has always gone. What a surprise I was in for!!! The money I paid them was insane. From shots to medications. At first, I thought maybe this was just how expensive pet care was supposed to be. Then I asked around, and it is not normal to pay $50 for a doctor visit or $40 for heartworm tests. Then they insisted that my dog was too "violent" without sedation, because she wouldn't hold still. I asked if she had tried to bite? They said no.But I still had to sedate her for being violent??? So every time we went I had to give her a pill that would leave her dopey for days.
We adopted her from a shelter, she had lost a leg in a car accident before! Of coarse she hates the vet. The vet we have now has no problem with her, and we don't need to sedate her anymore. The vets at GB just didn't seem to even like their jobs. My husband said they act like they're people doctors, and just do this on the side or something. And the front desk girls, for the most part, are very rude. I stood there at the desk on more than one occassion and waited to pay my bill for almost 30 minutes each time. They pretend like you're not even standing there. Not to mention all the times they messed up appts, and told me we didn't "hug" our dog enough. What?! And they were never happy that we got our dogs medications elsewhere. (CHEAPER!!!) If it wasn't for the doctors' poor 'bedside' manner and the over-the-top prices, I would go back. To be fair, some good things about them were:
Never had to wait too long. Some of the girls up front were nice. :) Availability for appt times. Location. Print out records of every visit and what was done, and what needs to be done in the future at the bottom. Magnets and pens, always good. Nice nurses.

Posted 01/02/08 | Report Abuse

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My pet was there for a grooming appointment and the staff said she need a rabies shot. So I agreed not realizing I had to pay for a Dr. visit also. I pay of course, but I'm thinking that I could go anywhere else and just pay for a rabies shot. Then I took my dog back in December for a grooming appointment and the staff informs me that my pet needs another shot and I would have to see the Dr. again and pay for another Dr. visit. I complained and they refuse to listen. The vet gave my pet an exam only 4 months ago. I have been using this vet for years and they treated my very unkindly. I would not recommend this practice to anyone. Save your money and go to another vet.

Posted 12/14/07 | Report Abuse

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Great Bridge Veterinary Hospital treated our dog for years. The veterinarians were wonderful. They were patient and knowledgeable. I would recommend them to others.

Posted 11/23/07 | Report Abuse

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When my dog became extremely ill, the doctors resorted to the trial and error method of treatment (which quickly added up to thousands of dollars). They finally decided that it was either inflammatory bowel disease or cancer; the difference is that IBD can be treated. The vet had us come back every couple days for follow up. She felt our pet was at a critical stage and stressed the need to closely monitor the situation. As we approached a long holiday weekend, we were instructed to call Friday morning and update her. We called and left a message but she never called back. The office was closed on Saturday, Sunday, and Monday. Our pet was starving to death in front of us and we didn't know what to do. We left a number of after hours messages but the doctor on duty never called.

Posted 08/13/07 | Report Abuse

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

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I've been to clinics like this before. More concerned about the bottom line than your pets. Not all the staff is this way, just those with an owners stake. Don't waste your money. Try Dr. Klemm at Hickory Veterinary Hospital, the absolute best.

Posted 06/06/07 | Report Abuse

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

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My family has been a customer of Great Bridge Vet for over a decade but in the past few years they have become very expensive. I took my dog there for a routine physical, and after waiting for 50-mintues to be brought back into a room, another 45-55 for the doctor to see me, and another 20-25 to pay my bill (for a total of over two hours) I walked away paying over $200 after she had undergone all the tests they wanted (and I had actually refused a couple of "tests"). I went to a different vet in town and paid much less without needing a bunch of tests. The vet at Great Bridge had even suggested that I have my dog put through a series of (very expensive and stressful) tests for a heart condition I have learned my dog doesn't even have! The vet was pushy and didn't take a lot of time to answer my questions. The other staff members are friendly, but don't make up for the pushy doctors or extremely high prices.

PROS: Friendly Staff, Nice Facilities
CONS: WAY over-priced, pushy doctors, misdiagnosis, Slow service

Posted 07/07/06 | Report Abuse

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Great Bridge Veterninary Hospital provides excellent care for your pets. When we first moved to Chesapeake, our dog fell sick and we took her in and she received the most special, thorough care imaginable! The vets and vet assistants are just wonderful here. If you love your pet, give them the best, which is why I recommed Great Bridge Veterinary.

Posted 11/23/05 | Report Abuse

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