Hermitage Veterinary Hospital

Stay away from Dr. Leti Chow. I brought my Maine Coon in for a respiratory infection 03/2012. This is NOT our regular vet as I live in Calgary but I was visiting my mom and brought him along. All she wanted to focus on was his weight!!!!! She kept calling him obese. I had to keep pointing out he was a MAINE COON and that my regular vet has NEVER been concerned by his weight. He weighs 22 lbs and is far from fat! Anyway after she finally got past his size she told me Gus had herpes! I followed up with my regular vet the next week and was told Gus was NOT OBESE and DID NOT HAVE HERPES. All medication Dr Chow gave us was discarded and new meds prescribed. Read Less

Prices are too high compared to other vets. The staff lack compassion, and will not give the time of day unless your ready to pay up. I say that acknowledging that it is a business, that requires a profit. Today, I was forgotten after my pooch had a simple blood test. Which had me sitting in the waiting room for nothing. Read Less

Took our pet in for treatment with very obvious symptoms, they run this place like a car dealership, everything is over priced to the point of profiteering. Antibiotics were charged at $133,00, when I could have got them at G&E Pharmacy for $69.00, and remember good profit is already being made at $69.00. Unnecessary tests and follow ups used to run the bill up even higher. This industry needs to have their fees regulated, so consumers don't get burned. We definitely will not be returning. Read Less

Please do not take your animal there when they are unwell. The physicians do not obviously know the signs and symptoms of renal disease. My companion was taken to numerous appointments within a four week period. They focused primarily on the diagnosis of pancreatitis instead my dog was in renal failure. My dog was getting progressively worse during the four week period. When he was sent to a specialist, he was in stage 4 renal failure. Unfortunately he suffered dearly Read Less

Please do not take your animal there when they are unwell. The physicians do not obviously know the signs and symptoms of renal disease. My companion was taken to numerous appointments within a four week period. They focused primarily on the diagnosis of pancreatitis instead my dog was in renal failure. My dog was getting progressively worse during the four week period. When he was sent to a specialist, he was in stage 4 renal failure. Unfortunately he suffered dearly Read Less

Lovely open space, cat-only and dog-only spaces in the waiting room. Was looking at some cat toys while waiting, they were inexpensive and good quality. The employees were all friendly and funny, and the vet was incredible. Walked in at appointment time, got our kitten vaccines + dewormer, and got out in about 20 minutes. Very impressive. Edit: We took an older cat in for another appointment. They were absolutely fantastic with her despite her being a cranky old bat, and diagnosed her. They made us feel good about our options and seemed to genuinely care about the well-being of our animals. Read Less

The staff was very friendly and caring. I unfortunately had to put my beloved kitty down recently and the doctor and staff were very kind and accommodating. They let me and my family take all the time we needed to say goodbye to our dear furbaby. My only issue was how much it all cost. The bill was huge and there was no offer to make payments so that added to the obvious stress of losing our loved one. Besides the obvious stressful situation we were in that day, I have always been impressed with the treatment my pets and my family have been offered. Read Less

Was once very happy with this vet centre. My cat had a surgery here that saved her life, Dr.Lam who used to work here was amazing. I have had very positive experiences with the vets over all as one of my French bulldogs has bad allergies and he has gone there MANY times for treatments and has seen almost all of them. I will be switching services because of the two most recent phone calls I have had with this place, or until I hear back with an apology and explanation. I called to try to book a same day appointment as cat was not breathing properly, and if not able to get in I planned to take her to emergency I just figured her home vet was closer and knew her better. Without asking any questions I was told to take her to emergency and was hung up on. I booked her in at another vet that was able to see her faster than she would have been at emerg due to travel time. Because she has a severe upper respiratory infection she will not eat, and I am concerned about her fluid intake, when I called today to inquire about “Nutri-cal” to see if it was in stock so I could purchase it to help her get calories, and to update her actual vet on her condition so she could be seen for an appointment, the receptionist responded by saying “Okay.” In a very rude tone when I tried to explain my situation and did not say another thing such as “Is your cat (our patient) okay?” When I tried to update them on her health as I planned to take her here for follow up. I felt cut off and didn’t quite know what to say. It’s difficult to explain but was very rude. Then I was told the product I was inquiring about (first she didn’t know what it was) and then “That product has been discontinued for years it does not exist anymore!” and was told goodbye and click. I called the vet located near Hermitage vet and a friendly individual told me that not only does it exist, but she offered to put it aside for me as it was the last one, and took the time to recommend another product if this one doesn’t work. I have purchased my pet food from Hermitage, paid for operations for my animals, paid for ongoing medication, and taken my animals here for years and recommended this place to many people. I will never hesitate to spend money on my animal’s best care and luckily have insurance. Because of the rude and false information given to me over the phone when dealing with the difficult situation of a sick animal, I will be taking my two cats and two French bulldogs (vet gold) elsewhere. In the past when my other animals have required emergency care the vet or their staff will call to see if they are okay this time I couldn’t even give them the information without being cut off. Read Less

Horrible service. Money hungry vets. I was a client for years which was ok for a regular check up. Still more than other clinics but close to my home. When something went wrong with my dog kept bringing him back trying different meds charging me along the way. That's ok. I'm fine with that. But when things worsen they refused to help him in a timely matter. For some of us our pets are our life. Our children. When we are left out to dry and told to come in to pay for another checkup because our vet isn't in, leaves us feeling used. They lead you to think they care. My experience is the opposite. Glad I found a different vet. Read Less

This is the worst vet in the world. This guy thinks he is a pet detective but he is not, he is supposed to help diagnose and treat your pet. The worst! better to just go throw your money in the North Saskatchewan River, it is about the same service you will get from that clown. Read Less

Brought in a lady with her dog that been hit by a car. I rushed her with the injured dog and her other 2 dogs that she had with her at the time into Hermitage. Upon arriving the nurse took the dog right away and started to work on the dog while the owner gave her information. They where kind, courteous and went out of their way to help this lady and her poor dog. We have continued to bring our dog here for many years and will continue to do so until time time that our wee one passes from this earth. Thank you for all that you do! Read Less

We have trusted Dr.Purcell and other veterinarians at this clinic. Over the years they gave our pets the absolute best love and care! When our beloved Standard Poodle, Kehiw Blue became very ill at 9 years; Dr. Purcell demonstrated empathy, and assisted my family while we had to make the hardest decision. These professionals care with their hearts as they truly understand that our fur babies are family members we love eternally! Read Less

***UPDATE*** I'm changing my review from 5 STARS to 3 STARS. Because when you enter the front door you're greeted with this lovely HUGE WINDOW PICTURE of a Kid and dog. My dog goes from calm to all nervous, growling and will try to retreat back out the entrance. Because she's still afraid of kids. I understand that the company paid them to place their ad there. But I feel until they decide to remove it I will leave it at a 3 Star rating. I moved here last year and my Significant Other has been bringing her pets to Hermitage for the last 6 years. Naturally after we got our new puppy in January we brought her to Hermitage. We went for a no fee puppy visit intro with our Vet Dr. Miller. Included a consultation, nail clipping and discussion about health care for our new puppy. Couple of weeks after we went back to get her second set of shots (first ones was given by the breeder). Everything was fine, price was within range of other vets (I had shopped around just to make sure). We scheduled our next vet visit before we left for her 3rd set of shots. 2 days prior to our 3rd vet visit we had a vet emergency. She had ingested something foreign that made her very lethargic, dopey and out of it. We walked into the vet office with her. They right away took her right to the back and had her get checked by a vet. She stayed there for a couple of hours, while they ran some test to diagnose the issue, gave her some charcoal. We took her home that night monitored her and the next day she was fine. The vet called us in the morning to see how she was doing and if we had any questions or concerns about her. We came back and got our 3rd set of shots 2 days after our emergency drop in visit. We were not charged for another visit just for the vaccination which was fantastic, cause they had just seen her 2 days prior. We scheduled our next vet visit for her to be spayed before we left. We dropped her off in the morning to get spayed. She went in for surgery. Picked her up in the afternoon. Went through some Q&A's, gave us some pain meds for her. They called us the next day in the afternoon to see how she was doing and asked if we had any questions. Having had prior experience with other vet clinics. I've found the staff awesome, well informed and caring. Dr. Miller takes the time to examine our pet. Doesn't rush through anything and takes the time to answer any questions or concerns we had. She gave us pros and cons about anything we asked. Helping us make a decision that we felt was best. Read Less

I tend to not trust vets but this place was pretty solid. First my cat hates carriers and i told them i needed a room like right now. One of the assistants got me a room that second. No hesitation, no glares, no nothing. Second i knew pretty much what was wrong with my cat. I told the vet what i needed and with no argument or up sales or anything she explained my few options and was pretty much set. Third, i explained how i distrust vets in a huge way and was offered a follow up exam. This place is amazing, they even remembered my cat my next visit and got me a room fairly quickly without having to ask. I never felt rushed. I never felt as my opinion was ignored I never felt as if i was just money. Id recommend this vet as my number 1 pick for people who dont like vets. Im sure they will quickly change your mind on what a vet is actually about. Im very satisfied.Read Less

I have to say WOW! Just walking in and seeing it all well organised, one side for dogs one side for cats in the waiting room, no animal smells either. The staff are all kind and Dr. Mann is amazing! My Baby usually isn't comfortable with strangers but they all grew in her right away. The last time I brought her to a Vet in Edmonton she hate him/her I have never heard her yell at anyone that bad!!!! They say animals can sence evil she did ( Thats a whole other story! ) At Hermitage the Dr. Showed love and spoke to her and made her at ease it was so nice to watch. Not only was he a great Dr. With her, he always made sure I understood and always asked if I had any questions.Read Less

We found Hermitage vet hospital by accident and are very glad that we did.  Both my dog and I are always greeted extremely warmly by everyone that works there.   It's as if they are happy to see us!  I always have a million questions (some that I ask more than once) and I always get an answer.  Everyone there is extremely knowledgeable.  When my dog was neutered, the vet (Dr. Boddington) took the time out of her day to call me directly and reassure me that my dog was ok and answer any questions that I had at the time. I also never feel like I am being "sold" treatment that my dog doesn't need.   My dog has always had good care and I never worry about him when he is there or when we come home!  Thank you!!! :) Read Less

Excellent Vets. What more to say?! They have always taken good care of our pets, & been kind to us. When we couldn't afford dental work for our pet 3 years ago, they gave a list of other resourses out of town. When I recently had to put down my dog, they were very good with me & my dog. Professionals for sure. As you may see, we have a new puppy, named Honey-Wind. We are truly blessed by God & the vet clinic. They are seeing to our dogs needs & have been very informative. Thanks Dr. Armstrong. Read Less

Have been taking our pets here for years. Have nothing bad at all to say about our vet Dr.Howard but the support staff is pretty hit and miss. Today my dog got bit at daycare and had a bloody wound. Called hermitage and they told me to bring her in. Once they looked at her I was told they couldn't help her due to being understaffed and that I need to take her elsewhere. Why not just say that on the phone call and not have people waste their time and cause the pet that much more discomfort? I love Dr Howard but we are most likely gonna be done with this place Read Less

Amazing vet clinic. Staff are fantastic, rates are reasonable (for a vet clinic). The vets are knowledgeable and don't try to sell you services you don't really need. They are open nights and weekends which is great for my busy work schedule. When my cat was sick and had to be put down, they didn't charge for the assessment and let us stay past closing to be with him until we were ready to let him go. They also gave us a Christmas ornament with his name on it to remember him by. I wouldn't trust my pets to any other vet clinic.Read Less

Just wanted send a big thank you for staying late yesterday as we rushed our sweet Zoey in right at closing as she was dying. The care and attention you gave my mom and our dog was amazing. Thank you so much for everything. I know it is not easy to stay open after hours when you have worked a full day and want to get home to your family. It is very much appreciated and your action yesterday prove that your clinic is compassionate and caring. Thank you again for waiting for me to come and say good bye to my dog. Read Less

Just wanted send a big thank you for staying late yesterday as we rushed our sweet Zoey in right at closing as she was dying. The care and attention you gave my mom and our dog was amazing. Thank you so much for everything. I know it is not easy to stay open after hours when you have worked a full day and want to get home to your family. It is very much appreciated and your action yesterday prove that your clinic is compassionate and caring. Thank you again for waiting for me to come and say good bye to my dog. Read Less

This place should close their doors. They are a bunch of crooks, and it does make me sad because I, as well as friends and family members of mine had trusted them with our animals care. A friend brought her sick, dying dog in to be euthanized and the vet assistant who put the needle the arm didn't put it in a vein, but just simply under the skin. When they injected the dog it caused her to roll around in pain, crying and did not put her to sleep! They asked her traumatized owner to hold the dog down while they put a new needle in the arm. After the procedure was finally done, they still made the woman pay for the bill! I'm disgusted at their work ethic, or lack there of. I could go on for days about multiple other stories from friends and family members who also had horrible experiences here, but that one alone should turn anyone away from this place. Read Less

Misdiagnosed my guinea pig with a skin infection when she really had ovarian cysts!! Was also told that they don't take guinea pigs AFTER I had gone here TWICE! They knew that they weren't qualified to treat pocket/exotic pets but didn't tell me and took my money anyways... Gave her meds she didn't need and left her sick! If you have any animal besides the basic dog or cat, be sure to find somewhere else... They have no idea what they're doing otherwise sadly. Read Less

If I could award fewer than one star to this hospital, I would. However that is apparently not an option. First of, this review is not a negative review of the doctors and other specialists who work at this hospital. In particular, we have over the years seen Dr. Heather Lam, and she is a wonderful, patient practitioner who puts our anxious pet at ease.My issue is with the support staff at this hospital. They are all entirely incompetent. They are continuously incapable of making appointments (apparently, they don't have access to their doctor's schedules, which is absolutely ridiculous). And, once you do make an appointment, they apparently believe it is acceptable to call one hour before the appointment time to let you know there was a "mix up" and that the doctor is not actually available at that time.If this were a one time issue, I wouldn't be taking an effort to write this review. Quite frankly, this lack of professionalism is troubling. The lack of respect for the other party's time and schedule is insulting and should not be tolerated. I will never recommend this hospital to my friends and I certainly hope that the owners wake up to the reality they are facing. If they do not, they will go out of business. This is Alberta - replace your useless support staff with competent, compassionate people, who understand what it is means to work at a veterinary hospital. Read Less

Our Jack Russell has been struggling with allergies and the symptoms associated with that for a few months. A hot spot on his tail, an ear infection and the like. Our previous vet just kept treating each as an individual ailment, not telling us it was probably allergies. Now with both of his ears infected again and his skin so itchy he was rubbing his eyes raw, we decided to switch vet clinics. Well, we have no regrets! They got us in on a Saturday, last minute. All the girls behind the counter were so delightful and Dr. Boddington was the sweetest Vet I've ever met! She confirmed its likely allergies, but recommended against doing the allergy test because it's expensive and almost always comes back that they're allergic to grass. I appreciated the honesty (because as a worried dog owner, I would pay anything to make him feel better!) My friend came with me for the appointment and even she agreed that she would travel across the city for the service we got yesterday!  Will be going here for the foreseeable future! Read Less

Took our pets here for 30+yrs. Out oldest dog was in distress so called to get him in and was told to take him to an emergency vet cause no clinic would take him in on such short notice. He needed to be put down and his regular vet wouldn't help him after being their patient for 15+ years. Read Less

Dr. Miller and staff took great care of my adopted senior dog, Dozer. (Including putting up with me at times). After Dozer was diagnosed with terminal cancer, they supported our family through Dozer's passing. The cards and paw prints taken of our beloved pet made us feel comforted. Also, the clinic has fantastic hours and is reasonalbly priced given the options in Edmonton. Read Less

I have been taking my dog here for as long as I can remember but when I called today to get a minor cut on my dogs ear checked out by a vet the receptionist claimed that they didn't handle that sort of thing and that I had to take him to and emergency clinic that ended up costing me over $500.00. I looked on their website and it said that they perform surgeries in house but they can't handle a cut? This place is great for check ups but isn't there when you really need them. Read Less

They rock! First of all it's clean and front admin are friendly and organized. Secondly the vets the two I have seen are spectacular! Answered all questions, in no rush, and not pushy shovy- which is hard to find!!! They genuinely care about your animal :) love it here!!! Read Less

I brought my dog in today I was very concerned I came in as a walk in and got in right away. They answered all my questions and referred me to the emergency vet. I did not have to pay much at all for the visit and the doctor called ahead to let the emergency vet know we were coming and what was going on. I have always brought my pets here and will continue to. Thank you hermitage vet! Read Less

SUCH AN AMAZING VET. HOSPITALWe moved around until we found a place that cares for my pets they way they would care for people. Maybe better  LOL.  This place just feels right. Professional but so caring. They take the time to listen, to understand and to help and teach me.My Lucy has had too many problems for such a wonderful dog, Chipper also, who left us last year,  I would recommend this place to everyone!!! Read Less

This place is so so amazing, nothing but the best. Every single person there adores your animals. My dogs love this place and all the workers there. I would recommend this clinic to anyone, have always gone here. Had two traumatic incidents and they were amazing in both. Seen a few vets here and they all have taken such good care of my dogs and myself. I can't say enough good things. Read Less

Nothing but the best.I can't say enough good things about this veterinary hospital!Growing up, we always took our family dogs here, so it was just a natural course of action that when I had a dog of my own, this was the place; I had no idea that compared to other Edmonton vets, this place EXCELS so much.Dr. Purcell has so much care and knowledgeDr. Mann is a young go-getter, new (that I'm aware of?) to this Vet; he is respectful of your knowledge base as an owner and asks for your insight.But, Kerry (the nutritionist) is the main reason we keep coming back. She is one of the most down-to-earth and call-it-like-she-sees it people I have ever met. She has great suggestions for weight management, training options, and general dog-related information. Every time we go in, everyone we encounter remembers our dog by name... my own family doctor can't even do that for me...This Vet also is also building its own community though a dog-walking club (which may sound awkward, but is actually a total hoot!)YAY HERMITAGE VET! Read Less

Nothing but the best.I can't say enough good things about this veterinary hospital!Growing up, we always took our family dogs here, so it was just a natural course of action that when I had a dog of my own, this was the place; I had no idea that compared to other Edmonton vets, this place EXCELS so much.Dr. Purcell has so much care and knowledgeDr. Mann is a young go-getter, new (that I'm aware of?) to this Vet; he is respectful of your knowledge base as an owner and asks for your insight.But, Kerry (the nutritionist) is the main reason we keep coming back. She is one of the most down-to-earth and call-it-like-she-sees it people I have ever met. She has great suggestions for weight management, training options, and general dog-related information. Every time we go in, everyone we encounter remembers our dog by name... my own family doctor can't even do that for me...This Vet also is also building its own community though a dog-walking club (which may sound awkward, but is actually a total hoot!)YAY HERMITAGE VET! Read Less

The vet, Dr Maan seemed very hyper and rushed when I brought my cat in to be checked. He definitely did not have a calming presence for my already terrified cat. Turns out my cat is diabetic and I was sold a tiny vial of insulin (2.5 mL) for $68. I later searched online for the same insulin and found it sold by a Canadian pet pharmacy for $27 and $3 shipping for a 10 mL vial. That is a total rip off what this clinic is charging for it! They also recommended purina D/M cat food. That cat food may be ok, but it still has grains in it which diabetic cats shouldn't have. There are better foods out there similar in cost that have a slightly higher level of protein and are grain free and potato free so the level of carbs is minimal which is better for a cat with diabetes- they are not meant to eat grains and even in small amounts it is unnecessary. I am unimpressed as the vets should have this knowledge already but maybe it pays for them to prescribe cat foods with grains to ensure your pet remains on their expensive insulin shots forever? Either it seems that is the case or they need to do a little research since their last lessons in vet school and update their knowledge. In addition to that I had charges that they added on to my bill which I paid at the clinic then sent me another bill in the mail for the same charges I already paid. The bill indicated "amount owing" for something I paid for the last time I was at the clinic. Not cool.It's really unfortunate there are clinics or vets like this because it seems they may become vets because they love animals but then allow the almighty dollar to take over and charge people ridiculous prices, allowing the animal's well-being to take a back seat to that. And to think there are some people who end up giving up (or putting down) their pets because the treatment is too expensive and unaffordable for them...but it doesn't always need to be.I recommend anyone paying for medications for their pets to check out pet pharmacies online before paying exorbitant prices for medications at the vet clinic. On a positive note, the receptionists are great and the vet tech was also very helpful, but I won't be coming back. Read Less

Stay away from Dr. Leti Chow. I brought my Maine Coon in for a respiratory infection 03/2012. This is NOT our regular vet as I live in Calgary but I was visiting my mom and brought him along. All she wanted to focus on was his weight!!!!! She kept calling him obese. I had to keep pointing out he was a MAINE COON and that my regular vet has NEVER been concerned by his weight. He weighs 22 lbs and is far from fat! Anyway after she finally got past his size she told me Gus had herpes! I followed up with my regular vet the next week and was told Gus was NOT OBESE and DID NOT HAVE HERPES. All medication Dr Chow gave us was discarded and new meds prescribed. Read Less

Sending your pet here is a death sentence.  This is the second time a cat of mine has become critically ill due to the neglect of the staff.  The first cat had to be put down and the second is in critical condition at the emergency pet hospital right now.  If the vet wouldn't have told me that my cat wasn't sick when I took her in when I was suspicious of her weight loss then she will be this ill right now.  She has liver failure and I'm not sure how the staff didn't see it because she has yellowing of her ears and mouth.  Due to their neglect, I am now paying thousands of dollars to the emergency clinic to try to keep my cat alive, and there is no guarantee she will make it.  Do yourselves and your pets a favour and don't send them here otherwise it may end in a irreconcilable way. Read Less

I'm so glad someone else loves this place, too!  My husband has been taking his animals here for 35 years and when I married into the family, I started bringing our pets here, too.They take the time to get to know you and your pet!  We have 4 cats - 3 with special needs that are rescue cats that require special diets and medication.Dr. Romanafu and Dr. Purcell are phenomenal cat whisperers and have helped us through many problems when many others told us to give up!  Last year we made the tough decision to put down one of our cats - and while the whole process of paying to have your cat put down was painful they really did some touching things in the months that followed to help!The place we had the ashes spread (advertised through the vet) is a farm just outside the city with acres and acres of trees and hills so you know your animal is resting in a place they would have loved to run through!After the passing of our cat, we received a card from all the staff and a packet of seeds to plant in memory of our pet.At Christmas we received a card signed from all the staff letting us know our pet wasn't forgotten and that a special ornament with our cat's name was put on the tree for all to see and that we could come and pick it up anytime or they could put it up year after year on their trees.It's these little things that really helped us through this difficult time.  Now we live across the city and still make the 45 minute trek to visit Hermitage Vet! Read Less