Hamilton Region Emergency Veterinary Clinic

We used this clinic when our small dog developed sudden, inexplicable pain. All the staff were so kind and helpful, and I believe they did everything they could to provide a comprehensive diagnosis and to comfort our old dog as well as us. Sadly, the decision was made to euthanize as her back was severely compromised. The support we got from at least three clinic vets, to reach the proper decision, was both professional and compassionate, and very much appreciated. The techs went out of their way so we could say a proper goodbye. Yes, it was expensive, but all costs were explained in advance and a detailed invoice broke down where every penny was spent. Many thanks for top notch care! Read Less

Excellent staff! Thorough and very knowledgeable Vets. Their Technicians, Reception, and Assistants clearly LOVE their jobs, are knowledgeable, kind, and so great with animals!! Having worked in a clinic myself, this Team is wonderful. Thank you for loving our babies like they were your own :) Read Less

Absolutely disgusting. My mother and I were given this location as the only one available. We had to drive down the mountain where my cat passed away in my arms. The vet insisted still on checking his pulse for 10 seconds, maximum, before announcing he was indeed dead and charging us for his hard work. It's hard enough to have your pet pass. It's just a kick in the teeth to be forced to pay a vet to announce the obvious. Read Less

Terrible place to take a pet and the first vet I have been to that made my pet worse then he was coming in.Overpriced and they try justifying it because they are a 24 hour emergency clinic but the service is unprofessional with no communication . The cost wouldnt be an issue if they helped your pet but they charged me extra for an anal gland impression that wasnt even done . Then when they told me he had renal failure they wanted to keep him 24 hours to hydrate him for another $1,000 . Hes had chronic renal failure for 5 years though and there is nothing that can cure it but they had no problem asking me to fork over $1,000 to put him on I.v. Biggest mistake I ever made going here and if my regular vet could have seen him I wouldnt have brought him in here . Nothing but a cash grab taking advantage of you when your at your most vulnerable . Read Less

M cockatiel injured a flight feather during the evening hours and was turned away from other vets as they did not service birds. I brought him to Hamilton emerg vet and the vet there also was not a avivian vet but she helped us anyway. She phoned a avivian vet in guelph for assistance and helped my cockatiel. I just want to express my sincere thanks to the vet here for not turning us away and finding a solution. Chewy my cockatiel is on the mend and we are very grateful... Read Less

Today I brought in my cat that had a very small scrape, and almost 3 hrs later ended up with a $650 bill. She had to be sedated because the vet and technicians are extemely afraid of animals. Please find a more suited proffession! Would not even look at her with sedating her. Please don't let yourself get taken advantage of, go to literally any other vet! Awful experience! Read Less

I took my dog into this clinic after being attacked by another dog. My experience was very disappointing as I have been at this clinic before and received exceptional service for my son's dog. This time was not at all close to the last time. The doctor was terrified of my dog. My dog is old and very very friendly. He was not thoroughly examined where the bites were. I was was given meds and sent on my way. I feel that if you are a vet, you should not be afraid as this would make the animal very uncomfortable is he would feel that. My boy did not show any signs of aggression for anything for anyone to be afraid of him. This particular vet should only work on cats or small dogs since he cannot handle larger breeds. Read Less

Last night was the 3rd time we've used this place over the last few years and we have nothing but great things to say about Dr. Gilbert and his staff. The last 2 times we were there were sad occassions. The first time our dog needed to be put down and then a year later our cat. Both times Dr. Gilbert was there and showed nothing but respect and compassion for them. Their last moments couldn't have been any better. Last night our dingbat dog had a ran in with our chain link fence and need a bunch of stiches in his face. We didn't hesitate to take him there. We were so happy to see Dr. Gilbert because we knew that we were in good hands. Is it a little pricey? Sure but it's an emergency vet clinic. They explain everything up front. There are no surprises. We will continue to use this after hours clinic because of how great they are! Thanks gain Dr. Gilbert and Jasmine for everything :) Read Less

Took my cat in for an injury he sustained to his back leg. He was seen by Dr. Zaytoun, a very personable doctor with great bedside manner. Dr. Zaytoun was quite thorough in his examination, and even expressed my cat's bladder after discovering that it was full and wasn't being released naturally because of the stress my cat endured from his injury. We received some medicine and after care tips, and were sent on our way feeling much better. The entire staff was very helpful and had my boy's best interest at heart, so we didn't mind waiting for the time we did. Thank you Dr. Zaytoun and the Hamilton Regional Emergency Vet staff! Read Less

They took really good care of my pup :) a lot of the bad reviews complain about paying in advance but that's standard for any vet you go to and EVERY vet charges you a consult fee. Dont listen to the negative reviews from cheap pet parents. This place was great. Thanks Dr Zaki and Ashlee for taking great care of my fur baby :) Read Less

We brought our baby girl maddie who's a chow chow and who just had her 1st bday! No thanks to this clinic ... she died !!!! A vet at this clinic diagnosed her incorrectly and we paid for an injection and oral fluid that didn't HELP her AT All! Why become a vet?! Our Maddie died due to this inhumane doctor from this clinic. DO NOT BRING A LOVED ONE HERE! The heartache is indescribable... she died in my arms ruining to our jeep to rush her to another emerge vet from home. She suffered as we believed what we were told. Disgusted with this clinic. Makes me sick to my stomach. Go somewhere where they actually care about your furry family member as you do and not just making money. Filth. Read Less

We brought in our cat twice after he started displaying unexplained pain and inability to move. Both times the staff were wonderful and considerate. Some other reviews mentioned a high price point but I found it to only be a little above average which, in my opinion, is to be expected from an emergency practice. I would definitely recommend this clinic! Read Less

Unfortunately my 7 month pup swallowed a 200mg Advil liquid gel. I called and told me to bring her in even though it's been 30 minutes. $411 later I was told for her weight she would if been ok. That they induced vomiting, though they knew her stomach would of already absorb it. Gave her charcoal to absorb what Advil they can and $185.00 of that bill was keeping her locked up in a kettle for two ours and said you can take her home now. No, there must be a better place in the city during after hours. The staff wasn't friendly, Dr. Gilbert was lying and they only care about money. Read Less

All of the staff were so friendly, caring and amazing with my dog. They treated him right away and spent the time to discuss the exam and what they found. They were very knowledgeable and great with animals! I definitely recommend them. Read Less

Thanks so much to the staff for taking care of our cat when he was sick. We really appreciated the honest advice and care they showed when we were in a scary situation. The higher price is to be expected in an urgent care scenario in my opinion. After all, the vet and technicians have to be there after regular hours. My only issue was that a lack of permanent front desk staff meant that another family who came in with an urgent medical emergency waited 5 or more for someone to come to the front desk, and by that point their pet had already passed. I’m not sure if those five minutes would have made a difference but it was pretty upsetting to watch. Read Less

Rushed our sickly Bengal cat here multiple times for a week in November. They were great! Cannot say anything negative. I understand people upset about the fees, treatment, etc but its an emergency vet, you're going to pay a lot. I feel if they're treating you negatively, perhaps its BC of something you could or should be doing to better your animal. A pet that relies on you for the necessities of life, for love and wonderful treatment, etc. Read Less

We've visited this clinic a few times over the years, and always received great service. The staff is professional and through. They explained the procedures to us step by step and answered all our questions patiently and thoroughly. Our most recent visit was a very sad one, having to put a pet down, after hours. The staff was compassionate and kind, and gave us as much time as we needed to say goodbye. They were very gentle and careful with our pet, and very empathic with us. I'm grateful we have a great after hours emergency veterinary service available to us in Hamilton. Read Less

This was my first experience with having to take my dog to an emergency vet and I was very grateful for their treatment of her. I was concerned that the cost would be exorbitant, but it was fine, and the staff moved us in and out as quickly as they could while making sure that my dog was well and truly taken care of. Read Less

January 2nd, 2017. ONE vet...!?. This is not good service. I waited 50 minutes. Charged $111.00 just for walking through the door. If it's not an emergency... don't come here...(even if it's an emergency, don't come here) your pet could die while waiting. If your home vet suggests to call this location, go elsewhere. I just returned home and found that there are lots of other emergency vet clinics. Staff was very pleasant and really wanted to help. But due to inexperience and relying on book knowledge and training knowledge customers are left to resort to more costly tests for diagnoses. I felt the vet really had no idea what was causing my pet's illness? I understand young vets need to learn too, but when a pet owner has a crises with their pet they want experience. Not someone who is still learning. I walked out with a bill of nearly $700 only to have to take my pet back to my home vet tomorrow. Don't go here, call around. Read Less

January 2nd, 2017. ONE vet...!?. This is not good service. I waited 50 minutes. Charged $111.00 just for walking through the door. If it's not an emergency... don't come here...(even if it's an emergency, don't come here) your pet could die while waiting. If your home vet suggests to call this location, go elsewhere. I just returned home and found that there are lots of other emergency vet clinics. Staff was very pleasant and really wanted to help. But due to inexperience and relying on book knowledge and training knowledge customers are left to resort to more costly tests for diagnoses. I felt the vet really had no idea what was causing my pet's illness? I understand young vets need to learn too, but when a pet owner has a crises with their pet they want experience. Not someone who is still learning. I walked out with a bill of nearly $700 only to have to take my pet back to my home vet tomorrow. Don't go here, call around.Read Less

Claire Morris. An employee at this workplace. Please do not bring your loved pets around her. Many disgusting comments and jokes she has made about animal cruelty on Facebook. She does not deserve to work with animals. Read Less

Charge too much for services. However, being in an emergency, I feel that these places like to take advantage of you because of the level of care most pet owners have. I had to take in one of my pets because of a neck infection. To drain, give basic antibiotics and anesthetic, was in the range of $550. Read Less

Our dog just got home after a terrible night at king street emerg. He was so distressed he pawed and chewed at the cage, breaking off part of two canine teeth and completely pulling another out. His gums and tongue were raw, paws are ragged and I picked him up with blood still running out of his mouth and down his face; plus he was soaked in urine. I had to pick out shards of metal from between his teeth. The night vet downplayed it, came out with a spray bottle when I pointed out the blood, and was unclear about the report from day shift. Since my dog was admitted for vomiting, I would expect that there would be a clear record about any bowel movements while in their care. I though the day vet (dr sperry) was efficient, professional and performed an excellent assessment and gave us clear instructions and prognosis. The night vet was nothing less than neglectful if not downright abusive. An emergency service should know how to deal compassionately with anxious animals and should have clear and accurate observations and monitoring of their patients. This is an unacceptable experience among a few that we've otherwise been satisfied with at King Street. Our boy is home now, and I'm giving him reiki treatments to soothe the pain, speed healing and release trauma. We will be following up on this abusive treatment.Read Less

We visited this clinic on 08/30/15. Our two cats had potentially ingested a poisonous substance and after searching online we knew that time was of the essence for our pets to be treated. When we entered the clinic it took approximately 15 minutes to see the vet although there were no other animals at the clinic. Once we met him we found his manner to be very rude and intolerant. We were very upset and he constantly told us not to interrupt or say anything. I had the feeling that he really didn't know how to treat our cats. He insisted that we call the pet poison control center for which we had to pay $49 + tax. He immediately called them on the phone and spent over half an hour receiving instructions for the care of our animals. This proved that he really didn't know what he was doing. He seemed very panicky and repeatedly told us that this would definitely cause irreversible kidney failure. When he had finally decided on a plan of care (over an hour after we got there) we told him that we wouldn't leave until treatment on our cats had started. He told us that he wouldn't be treating our cats immediately because there was another emergency on the phone that he needed to attend to. We explained to him that if they had ingested a poisonous substance he had to start treatment immediately. After he had wasted so much time on the phone and writing up a bill for us for over $2800 dollars he said he didn't have the time to treat the cats right now. At that point we were so frantic that we decided to leave the clinic and went to Beattie Pet Hospital in Burlington. On the way out we had to pay a bill for $225 +tax plus the $50 fee for poison control. When we took them to Beattie, the vet who saw them immediately disagreed with his examination results. Also both of their weights were off by over 1kg each - a substantial amount for two 8 month kittens. We will NEVER go to this clinic again or recommend it to anybody. Our family has a very negative impression of Dr. Gilbert Buenviaje. His behaviour was very unproffesional. Our cats received exceptional treatment at Beattie Pet Hospital in Burlington. If you have an emergency keep driving!!!Read Less

The Hamilton Region Emergency Vet Clinic should be ashamed of their conduct; in my opinion, they run their practice like salesman and not people who care about animals. I came in there distraught because my cat wasnt eating, she was throwing up and had a fever. It was the holiday Monday and nobody else was open, I was at their mercy. Upon arrival they ask you to fill out an application that asks how you found out about the place. I wrote down other and the receptionist asked for more information so I told her that I had heard about them from another vets answering machine. Once in the examination room, within the first five minutes, the vet was grilling us about which vet locations we had heard their number from on the answering machine and even went on to tell us about how he likes to know how to attract more people. I felt this whole sales lead conversation was in poor taste and it was inappropriate timing. I suggested my cat could be sick due to a blockage or an infection, but the doctor insisted that it was probably cancer or pancreatitis. They gave us invoice after invoice, baiting us with more and more tests, the doctor saying to us what is there to decide? The only wrong thing to do is nothing at all. I am almost 6 months pregnant and I was crying every time he came to my husband and I with more invoices, not really explaining the tests or his reasoning. We finally left with no answers, after spending over $700, leaving with only a prescription to give my cat 2 x 5mg pills/day of prednisolone. She did not get better, not even a tiny bit. We took her to another vet and they immediately thought that it was a virus, possibly caused by a blockage and prescribed her some anti-nausea and an antibiotic, their number one goal being to make her feel better and get her eating and drinking again. They looked over the tests that were conducted by Hamilton Region Emergency Vet Clinic and were baffled as to why they would run such tests. Some of the tests, they told us, would definitely come back positive due to her current condition of throwing up, so they were completely pointless. Other tests, he said, were for illnesses that she didnt have the main symptoms for. The vet seemed uninterested in the any results for tests that were conducted by Hamilton Region Emergency Vet Clinic and helped my cat for under $100. She is completely better now. In my opinion, the Hamilton Region Emergency Vet Clinic took us for a ride and they saw us coming from a mile away. I was an emotional, pregnant woman with her cat on a statutory holiday when we had no other choice and nobody else to turn to. PS Thanks for spamming my email suggesting we leave you feedback, great idea!Read Less

We had an emergency early this morning. Sadly our cat passed away on our way to emerg. Great care was given to Lily we were left to say our goodbyes. We were comforted by Dawn and Hunter. Thank you so much. Read Less