Roncesvalles Animal Hospital

Egotistic and argumentive , technician told me she already something to me after after a blood test when no one even called me, she wouldnt leave it alone when I asked for info recently after months, I had to say "I forgot" what she said just to get the detailed results of my pets downfall in health recently. Meanwhile in the 20 minutes I sat there, people came in to pay totally over $2,500 and another time $1,700 and I paid for 2 examinations when all could have been known in one, Would not go back but I'm guessing they are all the same Read Less

Worse vet clinic we've been. They are not about loving animals.... It's all about making the most money with a client. We were clients there for a long time because we didn't know better. Will never set foot there again and will not recommend them to anyone I know. Save yourself time, stress and money go elsewhere! Read Less

The doctor left a misguided response to my review that showed he didn't even understand my complaint. Again, he pulled my dog's leg very hard to try to move him while I was holding the dog as he asked me to. He is rough with dogs and treats them like objects. You are a vet, not a car mechanic. He is callous with people as well and should not be in a customer facing position, and certainly shouldn't be trusted with personally responding to reviews. Read Less

Dr. Skutelsky is one of those rare vets who is truly driven with the animals' best interests in mind. Will always look for the least invasive and least traumatic approaches in helping your babies and has little interest in looking for ways to gouge you. I've lost track as to how many times now he's been there for us, our fur babies, and for our bank accounts. He also happens to have a pretty salty sense of humor so be prepared! Read Less

Our vet for the past 15 years. I highly recommend Dr Sketulsky and staff. They provide compassionate animal care, and won’t empty your pocketbook. Treatment options are thoroughly explained and unnecessary procedures avoided. Read Less

Not very empathetic to a mom with 3 kids in the car and a guide dog. Arrived too early (8am) so parked and went to relieve dog and get snacks. Backed at 8:30am and car was blocked in (within a few inches of driver side door). Bought treats and was going to inquire about regular visits but didn’t like the vibe (mind you I was early so it was nice of the lady at the desk to let me in to inquire). Asked that they move their car to let me out. Kid having meltdown in car so I managed to go in the passenger side. As I was pulling out, got the finger from a women in scrubs (not the lady at the desk) exiting the vet. Nice. I will take our guide dog elsewhere. Read Less

I was not impressed by the Vet. He treated my dog for an anal glad issue but instead of trying to do and internal extraction. He squeezed it and it bursted out the side of her butt. I never heard he make that sound. I cryed. Aloso the antibiotic he gave me are in big plastic capsules. So hard to administer. Read Less

The old male doctor was too rough with my six month old 7.6lb puppy. He grabbed his leg hard and pulled down while I was holding the dog for inspection. Unacceptable. I took my dog and walked out so I wouldn’t have to punch the guy. Read Less

I'd taken each of my dogs to Dr Skutelsky a number of times for minor issues, able to overlook his inappropriate jokes, dismissive attitude, and general and poor bedside manner. The prices are on the cheaper side and it was the closest vet to me, my dogs didn't mind him and ultimately I never had a bad experience with him that outweighed the convenience. In 2016 I took my senior schnauzer here after he was bit on the neck in Sorauren Park and it had quickly become infected. The brunette vet tech - who I believe is his daughter - was trying to inspect the wound but my dog was freaked out, in pain, and snapping at her. She became clearly irritated and impatient and got a muzzle for him. Because of the location of the bite (behind/under his right ear) the muzzle could not be tightened on that side, as it would only go directly into the 2 inch wound, so I was trying to hold the strap taut away from it, but as she became more stressed and he kept struggling, it wasn't staying in place. Out of nowhere, as if she'd had enough, she announced "Okay" grabbing the strap of the muzzle, tightening it right into his wound and he sharply screamed in pain. I immediately took the muzzle off, picked up my dog, asked her what the f*** is wrong with her and left. I was horrified, just in complete shock. Imagine how she might treat these poor frightened animals when their owners aren't there to look out for them?! I've spoken to a number of vets and vet techs about this experience and it seems like there are many other options they are trained to do in a situation like this that do not involve further harming an injured animal. It seems like she picked up the "piece of meat" attitude towards animals Dr Skutelsky has. Just disgusting - never leave your pets alone there or better yet don't take them at all!*** Don't be fooled by all the positive reviews, the reviews that "aren't recommended" are all similarly negative! *** Read Less

A one star rating is even far too high for this vet! This is the worst vet I have ever met and will NEVER EVER step foot in this practise again. He is rude, a complete liar, does not care about you or your pet at all and will make it very apparent. I am shocked he still has any customers. I brought my Husky puppy in because I woke up to find his left eye swollen, red and the normally bright blue iris was a dingy yellow. After waiting over an hour for our appointment, which we scheduled and took time off work for, we finally were let into the examination room. When he came in, the VERY FIRST words out of his mouth were 'I hate huskies!' and did not care to elaborate or even say it jokingly. I was shocked to say the least. Then he gave us a once over and eluded to the fact that he assumed we had money as we were dressed too nice (Which by the way, we dont). My jaw was on the floor at this point considering I had never met him before. Without even looking at our dog (He was off sniffing something in the corner with his head hidden) the vet immediately tells us that our dog most likely has glaucoma and there is nothing he can do for us. He then told us we have to call one of 2 DOG OPHTHALMOLOGISTS in the area right away and started writing down their numbers - a Dr WOLFSBERGER or a Dr GOLDSTEIN. Are you kidding me? He didn't even LOOK at our dog yet! What a crook! He then went on to say it should be about a minimum of $2000 just for the appt for one of them to look at our dog without running any tests yet. Obviously I had a look of horror and surprise on my face by this ludicris diagnosis. When he noticed, he gave us another once over and said 'You obviously have the money so it shouldn't be a concern." At this point neither of us had even said a single word yet and all I wanted to do was slap his across the face and march out of his practise, but we had come for a reason so I tried to remain calm. I pointed out politely that he had not even looked at our dog and recommended he AT LEAST put him up on his table and physically look at his eye. I asked if there could possibly be any other explanation for a red swollen eye, other than glaucoma (IN A 1 YR OLD PUPPY). He said with certainty that it is most likely glaucoma (did not answer my question). So I dug further and asked if glaucoma would cause his eye to be swollen and puffy? He answered no (interesting). I then asked if glaucoma would change the colour of his iris? He answered no (VERY interesting). Well, considering those were the only 2 symptoms my dog has, why the hell would he jump to the conclusion of glaucoma!!! At this point he could clearly tell we were sceptical. He told us that if the pupil is non-responsive then we have big issues. With us carefully watching, he shined a light into his good eye and said the pupil is responsive and then shined it in his other eye and said that it was still responding (which it was) but that it was not as bright and clear as the good eye (UMM DUH, that's why we brought him in - idiot!). So after doing basically nothing for us except insulting both us and our dog, he starts writing his report. In his analysis he writes 'Left eye NOT RESPONSIVE.' HOLD ON A MINUTE - we JUST watched him shine his light into his left eye and SAY that it was still responsive. This vet must think we are complete morons if he thinks he can pull that off IN FRONT of us. We continued to ask him questions and he looked up at the clock and told us that HE HAS OTHER PATIENTS WAITING. I cannot believe the nerve if this guy. we paid $200 for him to insult us basically. We went out and picked up over the counter eye drops - Within a week our dog's eye was perfectly back to normal. Oh and in case you were wondering, we never got a follow up call asking if he was okay. Take my word of advice and STAY AWAY FROM THIS VET AT ALL COST. He is a crook who is rude and talks down to people and makes all his money off fear mongering customers and getting kick-backs from expensive specialists that he is in cahoots with! I wouldn't be surprised if his degree is fake too! Read Less

As I write this, Dr. Skutelsky is coming in on his planned day off to operate on my cat for 1/4 the price of the emergency clinic. He and his staff provide wisdom and expertise to families whose pets are beloved and essential members; for people who see their pets as nothing more than extensions of themselves, this might not be such a good fit. I don't know the outcome of my cat's surgery yet, but 9 years of experience with Dr. S and his team, recommended by another satisfied family, has made me confident that this clinic has done due diligence to provide what is best for our pets and our family. Read Less

As I write this,  Dr. Skutelsky is coming in on his planned day off to operate on my cat for 1/4 the price of the emergency clinic. He and his staff provide wisdom and expertise to families whose pets are beloved and essential  members; for people who see their pets as nothing more than extensions of themselves, this might not be such a good fit. I don't know the outcome of my cat's surgery yet, but 9 years of experience with Dr. S and his team, recommended by another satisfied family, has made me confident that this clinic has done due diligence to provide what is best for our pets and our family. Read Less

This past Saturday, December 19th was a very difficult day for me. At approximately 9:45am I call your clinic because my best friend Dexter was in distress. He has been a patient of your clinic for 12+ years. I really needed him to see a vet ASAP, I thought something was serious was wrong with him and describe the symptoms to the person who answered the phone. They told me they were booked solid and could not see him. They suggested an emergency animal hospital. Due to the fact that he has been a patient of your clinic for so many years, it was first thing in the morning, and how urgent I felt the situation was, I was terribly disappointed with your clinic not being able to see him. I was willing to take a taxi and be there in minutes. Sadly, a few hours later he was put down, not at your clinic where I have been extremely loyal and I have praised your clinic to everyone I know telling them how compassionate and caring you are. RIP Dexter Wilson 2003-2015 Extremely disappointed former customer, Shelley WilsonRead Less

I have had nothing but great experience's dealing with the Roncesvalles Animal Hospital, Dr Skutelsky & all of his staff in often not so pleasant circumstances with some of my dogs.Going to the Vet can oftentimes be a formidable & unforeseen financial burden and I've found that at the Roncesvalles Animal Hospital I am not oversold on costly (sometimes unnecessary) treatments and all of the various options available are presented to me as well as the Dr's recommendations. I think it is very important to trust & respect & your Vet & their staff & feel I have found both here. Read Less

This is the best Animal Hospital I know of. Everyone is very caring and competent. Dr. Henry is knowledgable and he takes the time to make sure you understand the diagnosis and all the options. I have never felt uncomfortable, pressured or rushed in the slightest, which is not the case for other clinics I have been to. Highly recommended. Read Less

Worst vet I have ever met. Just a heads up to you guys with pets who have serious illnesses, this vet is not for you. He will run down why he doesn't care and why he doesn't need to care, mostly because he has never met your animal before. Then he will give you no options to help your pet through whatever terminal illness there is for your friend. He'll talk about how your pet is an "investment" rather than family. He'll talk you out of most options that might cure your pet because of the cost. Then just after he's made you feel like you've lost another important part of your life, he'll instruct his people to escort you out before you burn his practice to the ground. Sure, he's cheap, but with low cost comes with low care. It makes sense since he does his practice in a very shady area of town. He will also talk down to you like you can't comprehend what anyone would know concerning basic science. This is not the vet for you. You have better luck asking a Physical Trainer for medical advice than this guy. He can't even read a radiology report let alone understand what each part is, go ahead and ask him what each mass is on your pet. He won't even know how to answer without insulting you. If you do visit him, do us a favor and tweet his degree because now I'm starting to wonder if he got his education in an actual university or through Barbie Pet Doctor. Read Less

Strange set up. My cat was examined in a room right behind reception. The window looking out on reception was open and Dr. Skutelsky was chit-chatting away and cracking jokes with another client in the waiting room as he was giving me some bad news about my senior cat's health. He kept interrupting the conversation to make another zinger, and then go back to telling me my cat might die in a few months. When I refused to board my cat for three days for treatment because he's super old, Dr. S tried to insinuate it was for financial reasons, like shaming us, basically. He and his staff also try to push prescription foods and other supplements and imply that you're too cheap to care about your cat if you refuse them. Just an uncomfortable and strange experience overall. I'm looking for a new vet now. Top tip - if you want a more balanced set of reviews, please also see the section below - "reviews that are not currently recommended." Read Less

The staff here are magnificent.  There was no pressure to run a battery of tests during a routine check up.  Dr.  Skutelsky was friendly, informative and reassuring.   As an added bonus they are very affordable. Read Less

Dr. Skutelsky and his staff are the best! Thorough & honest vet  medical services without  over charging & unnecessary tests,  as well as a knowledgeable & caring staff to greet & assist you....a vet Clinic you can trust.  .As a long time dog breeder I have had a lot of experience with vets & i would highly recommend the Roncesvalles Animal Hospital without hesitation. Read Less

I love Dr. Skutelsky! When my fiancee and I first moved in together, our mutual cats got into a few fights and my cat was on the receiving end of a nasty bite on his arse. It opened up into a giant, oozing would (it was big enough to put a finger in, so upsetting!) and I wasn't sure what to do.  My fiancee suggested going to his vet as mine was across town and very costly, and I'm glad he did!!!Dr. S gave my boy a good exam, and was very patient with him, as the cat was clearly freaking out. We was upfront about the situation and gave me all the options on the table: operation to fix it, let it heal with antibiotics, or just let it heal, as well as their costs. He was straight up about how it would heal normally, and that the costs of the surgery weren't necessary, and that the money would be better spent elsewhere. I have never had a vet refuse my money like that!!! hahahaHe and his staff were very kind and empathetic. He didn't charge me for half the appointment and even gave me some free products to try and calm the cats so we wouldn't go through the same situation again and again.Yes, he likes to talk, but I don't see that as a bad thing. I WANT a doctor who takes his time and gives a thorough exam, and gets to know me as a pet owner. I DO NOT want a doctor who over books and rushes through everything so quickly. And he's funny as hell! It's about taking care of the owner as much as the animal, and he's the first doc I've seen practice that. I'll be going here for the rest of my life. Read Less

I brought my Boston Terrier here for the first time today - she has a terrible eye infection. (A quick note: there is a nice little parkette and community garden across the street from the clinic - perfect for a before-and-after appointment walk!) After reading other reviews I wasn't sure what to expect from Dr. Skutelsky himself and felt a little nervous - but I was pleasantly surprised, especially considering that I haven't been able to keep up with her shots or anything for several years (my finances tanked with the economy and I've been struggling ever since). I was honest and upfront about my situation: very sick and very beloved dog, very little money to work with. He was extremely, extremely kind. He told me he was too concerned about the swelling in her eye to just prescribe antibiotics so he referred us to Forrest Hill Animal Clinic to see a canine ophthalmologist and gave her eye drops for her discomfort. His nurse even called them for us to find out how much it would cost, what kinds of payment they take, when they could see us, etc. We're doing a walk-in with her in the morning.Kindest of all, they refused to allow us to pay for this visit. "You'll need it tomorrow," they said, and I nearly cried with relief. This is a clinic that truly puts the needs of their animals first. As soon as I'm able I will be taking my other pets to see him. What a kind, classy man. I can't recommend him enough; he was worth the (short) wait and his receptionist and his nurse were both incredibly kind and welcoming, and my dog loved them all, even though she was ill. Thank you, Dr. S., so much. Read Less

I love Dr. Skutelsky. I took both of my cats there for years. Due to terrible treatment at past vets,  they became absolute nightmares with all vets but Dr. Skutelsky handled them with firm, gentle skill. They bit him, they pooped on him and were generally little Tasmanian Devils but he was not phased one bit. (Note: they were quiet, loving well-behaved kitties when not at the vet). When they became ill, I truly appreciated his empathetic yet pragmatic approach to dealing with the inevitable. And yes, he likes to talk. And talk. And talk. But he is hilarious, in a very dry, sarcastic way, so it's very entertaining (when you are the one being entertained, not the one sitting in the waiting room, waiting, waiting, waiting...). I don't think that he is the vet for people who dress their dogs up in silly outfits and carry them around like accessories. In fact, if you brought your dog in wearing an outfit, he would give you a "are you serious?" look right before he started laughing in your face. He is a practical, no BS, old-school awesome guy. Read Less

Dr. Skutelsky and his staff and good people. They take care of your animals and don't try to push unnecessary treatments. He will give you both sides of every coin when it comes to your animals health and the various treatments options. Be prepared, he loves to talk! I find him to be very knowledgable, he cares about the pets, prices are decent and he's got a good dry sense of humour. Be prepared to wait, they rarely run on time....it's likely due to all the chatting. ;) Read Less

Henry Skutelsky is, bar none, the best vet I have had the fortune to deal with. He is not a cuddly fellow who will gush over your kitties but he will give you a fair deal and keep your pet healthy. He is an old-school vet who is very hands-on. There are cat breeders who only go to this clinic because Henry is a straight-talking, no nonsense kind of guy who knows his stuff. Read Less

The doctor has a wry sense of humour.  He actually loves cats and dogs and all animals. He has saved my animals so many times and helped them live good long lives.  His rates are reasonable compared to other vets that my friends have been to.  He is an excellent surgeon.  The doctor does not like people, however, who are not tuned in to their pets' complaints and wait too long to get treatment.  I have had animals around me for all of my 63 years and I have always found that the best animal doctors have a bias for the animal over the human.  He has a huge heart  for the animals and is very dedicated to his profession. Read Less

I used to take my cat to Dr. Skutelsky and I didn not like the way he man-handled my poor cat.  An animal at a vet clinic  is already stressed out enough, without being handled in a rough manner.  Being gentle might take a little longer, but it's only fair to the animal. Read Less