Village Gate Animal Hospital

Playing with my dog in a Saturday night I found out on him a lump with no more than 5mm, below of his rib. Right away I started to look for a vet clinic that could be open on Sunday. Village Gate was the closest place that i could found and as you can read, there is a lot of good reviews. It seemed reliable to me and I decided to bring my dog there. The vet did some examination and decided to do a biopsy, but the lump was a little hard and the vet had to tried 4 times. "80% chance of success," he said and I believed. Next day he called me: "About the cytology... this is something that I would not ignore, I'm a little bit afraid. We have to check it out what could be...if it's something aggressive, I have to remove a big part. The result of cytology was indefinite. You have two option... wait to grow it to try another biopsy or do a surgery, get this lump and send to a new exam" I asked him what could be the best option. He said: "surgery". At this moment I was about to cry. My dog is very healthy, 4 years old. I booked to the next Monday... he suggested to bring my dog a day before the surgery. "He can not drink water or eat any food. It's better he stay here one night before, and you can pick him up Tuesday noon". I agreed. The total price: 1200$. At home, I was devastated and when we are so emotional, it's hard to think minimally rational. Few hours after of spoke with the vet, I was calling to my brother, who is a vet in Brazil - yes, how could I forget this? He said: "I believe that this is nothing to worry about it. Check another vet." But "if is it a cancer as the vet suspected? The vet told me that could be aggressive." My brother answered: "If aggressive, your dog could have an inflammation, but he does not feel nothing, right? So, there is nothing to worry. But just in case, bring him to another vet". That's what I did, but before do that, my neighbour, who volunteer to an dog rescue organization, told me that would never be nervous with this. "All the time we see dogs with lumps. It's pretty common, specially in Labs." I told her that the vet from Village Gate would suggest to do a surgery. "Surgery? This would be only a procedure. When we remove some, takes no more than 20 min". I told her that the vet would like stay with my dog over 2 nights. She laughed, but I still decided to bring my dog to another vet. In another clinic during any moment cancer was a possibility. The vet from Dundas West Hospital told me: "I really don't believe that this lump can be something dangerous. Surgery is too extreme. It's not necessary at all. Let's wait a moment and if grow up, bring him back and we can get x-ray." So, it was an unanimity: the lump may be nothing and the vet of Village Gate could be wrong. Two weeks later, I tried to touch the lump again and I could not see nothing. I spoke again with my brother and he said: "if it was a tumor, would not disappear. I don't know what could be, but I'm sure that was not cancer". So, there is not any doubt. Today I'm happy that all those people saved my dog from an useless surgery. And would never come back to Village Gate after this traumatic experience. Good luck to who goes. Read Less

Finally getting around to writing this. We are very grateful for the high level of care and professionalism provided by Dr. Toole and his team. He is always honest, constructive, helpful and sensitive -- never pushy. We have a pug who is not the most cooperative patient and Dr. Toole and his team are always professional and straightforward (which is appreciated). It is clear that Dr. Toole cares about his profession and his patients. Very lucky to have him so close to home. Veterinary expenses are never low without pet insurance, but having such good care makes it much easier to pay the bills. Read Less

Dr. Toole had our cat's health as his top priority and went well above and beyond to make sure he got back to us happy, healthy and back to his snuggly self. We are grateful to Village Gate animal hospital and highly recommend them Read Less

Wow!  Not our regular vet but called 2 hours before closing on a Sunday night since they were open. They couldn't see us but Dr Toole came right on the line to give us complimentary phone advice. After some questions, gave us two numbers for urgent care. Clearly this vet, team, practice care deeply about animal welfare. Really touched our hearts. Read Less

This Vet is like part of our family. When we first came to Dr. Toole it was because a different vet had made a big mistake and we almost lost our little kitten. He saved his life. He saved our dog too. He has treated 8 of our pets with dedication that I have yet to find elsewhere. He helped me find a good oncologist when one of my guys had cancer. And when my cat fell out of remission he did everything to keep him comfortable. I've had several vets and nothing compares to the treatment of all the staff. He is thorough. No stone unturned. Which makes for a proper diagnosis and in turn proper treatment. This is key to any recovery. We have moved further away but still travel to stay with them. When a team helps as many pets as we have, they become part of the family. Read Less

This weekend my dog got very sick and Dr. Toole was the closest vet open on Sunday. He was fully booked but was able to squeeze us in during his lunch hour. It is very obvious that Dr. Toole loves animals and he was very patient with Moose the entire exam. When it was determined that Moose needed to stay overnight a few days for an IV drip, I was concerned about leaving Moose alone overnight but Dr. Toole reassured me that he would be there overnight as well. He also made clear that we were very welcome to visit Moose while he was staying over (which we did). Though I agree with the other reviewers that Dr. Toole's rates are higher than our previous vet ($85 for consultation and $1200 for our overall bill - we had searched what this would have cost with another vet and were quoted $980), I would say it is worth it because of the exceptional service and peace of mind. Dr. Toole also provides very good follow-up and when I called for an update while Moose stayed over, he personally provided the update instead of having his staff answer my calls. I also really appreciated how he did not try to sell me on any of the products or food his clinic carried or tried to get me to do any additional tests that would have been pricey. We are very satisfied with our experience with Dr. Toole and his staff. Read Less

This was the first time we visited Village Gate and I can confidently say that they were one of the best vets I've ever been to. It was a delicate experience for us, as we ended up losing our cat but mostly because he was old and had many underlying problems. Dr. Toole and all the staff at Village Gate went above and beyond the call of duty in my family's opinion. They really reached out and tried their best to help us through the process of trying to get our cat better both professionally and emotionally. They were accommodating and understanding. In addition to all that, we had come in early on a Sunday morning as an emergency that unfortunately pushed back their preexisting appointments but not once did they express impatience or frustration. After the fact, they even took the time to mail us a condolence card expressing their grief for our loss as well. Their professionalism and caring attitude has really earned this 5* review. Thank you again to the amazing people that work here, our family has truly appreciated the support. Read Less

I've been going to Dr. Toole for many years for my cats and dog.  He is expensive, as some have mentioned, but the expense reflects the level of care.  He always has the latest and best in equipment, tests offered, treatments, etc.  Plus, he has a great support staff.  So, I'd say you get what you pay for.The availability is unbeatable - which for me is really important, because pets don't always get sick at convenient times.  They have always managed to work me in at short notice.  Also, Dr. Toole himself will always take the time to explain things thoroughly, which is much appreciated. Read Less

Dr. Toole is a truly excellent vet. He clearly loves animals and his work. It seems he is there all the time! He shows real compassion and integrity, and we know our pet was always getting the best care possible from him. During unavoidable overnight stays for our pet's serious medical problem, we were always made to feel welcome for visits. Whenever we had questions, Dr. Toole was patient and engaging in providing answers. His prices were appropriate for the high level of care provided. And we found Dr. Toole's hours of availability to be nothing short of amazing.I wish all veterinarians could be as wonderful as Dr. Toole. Read Less

When a neighbour found my cat after he ran out 3 weeks before, my boy was dehydrated, malnourished, dirty, and just not looking well at all. I took him to the emergency vet, where he got subcutaneous fluid and was warmed up, but a few hours later decided he needed to go back to a vet since he was looking worse. When I called Village Gate, they were understanding of the urgency and managed to squeeze me in even though they were pretty booked. Once I got there, Dr. Toole was very honest about my cat's condition but remained hopeful and immediately hooked him up to oxygen and fluids. I spent over 7 hours next to him, and there wasn't a moment when there wasn't someone with me, making sure he wasn't deteriorating and just that he was as comfortable as possible. Unfortunately, he passed away about five minutes after I left, but there was nothing more they could do for him. Hid organs had started to fail, and I'm just very grateful that they made him as comfortable as possible at the end. Regarding price, I had voiced my concerns as soon as I came in and Dr. Toole explained what I should expect and told me he'd try to keep it reasonable. While pet care is always expensive, I definitely didn't feel cheated at all. He made a point to waive a few fees- which I'm eternally grateful for. When I came back in the next day to pay, everyone there was very kind and Dr. Toole made sure I knew there was nothing more I could do. It was a very difficult time, but everyone at Village Gate made sure both Tuli (my cat) and I were comfortable and at ease as possible. I highly recommend it. Read Less

I left this vet after 2 years.  I had started to educate myself on things such as raw diet, holistic approaches to a dogs health, non invasive means of keeping my dogs teeth clean.Dr Toole quoted me $900 for a dental for a 5lb dog that was two years old and had plaque on his top two back teeth or use some crap filled specialty medical food.He also gives all vaccinations at the same time, hello, that doesn't even follow standard vaccination protocol.A thing that truly bothered me was the way he put pull and snap my dogs legs checking for LP.  Keep that up pal and of course he's gonna have LP.  He even listed that my dogs LP has increased over two years.  Can I say my dog actually doesn't have knee issues and he's now 4.And feeding them with a constant barrage of liver treats can't be that good either.  My dogs don't get that many treats in a week.He may love animals, but I'm sorry it wouldn't hurt to be a bit more open minded and do some research.  I had mentioned a couple of things to him and he'd actually never even heard of them.I have moved on to a holistic vet I'm very happy with, have discovered healthy mouth, Leba III and Petzlife as options for teeth cleaning, oh and the raw diet, amazing what the chewing motion will do to clean a dogs teeth. Read Less

I came home from a 2 week vacay and noticed our little buddy Shizh-poo  was itching and scabing and realized it was fleas.  Dr. Geoff was able to fit me in same day on a Sunday.  He was very kind and though rough in his examination and the meds recommended were a little much, but we went through and got what we thought were essential.  The front desk was pleasant but I felt we didn't get the warmest reception.  Overall price was a little expensive $80 for exam but for the service, and hours available it was worth it for the peace of mind. Read Less

My two cats have been patients of Dr. Toole for 7-8 years now - they are both seniors with some medical issues, so we have had quite a few visits for various reasons during that time.  Dr. Toole and his staff are very caring, committed and professional. I trust them to give my two guys the best care possible. Read Less

I have never been more impressed with a veterinarian hospital than I was today with Village Gate Animal Hospital.I've been looking for a new vet for a while now. Right under my nose was Village Gate and I didn't realize it.My pet was not even a patient yet, but I explained my situation to Kayla. She understood that it would take me a while to get my cat in the crate. Could be days. She was willing to accommodate me with a last minute appointment.  Alas 3 days later I was able to crate Kitty.I arrived and was greeted my such an incredible staff. They immediately put me in another room so not to stress out my cat.  Petra and Tara were so gentle with Kitty. Talking to her to ease her and not just grabbing her out of the crate. Showing me how to handle the cat. Answering all my questions.The friendliest, most accommodating staff. So much love at this vets office that they even have a small collection of animals.The icing on the cake is their hours. Open 7 days a wekk.This office is worth the drive for your beloved animal family members! Read Less

Dr. Geoff Toole has been so wonderful with my 13 year old dog, Blazer, going to the vet is no longer a traumatic experience for both of us!  After years of switching vets I've finally found someone who knows how to handle my 'problem child', and clearly has a genuine love for animals, not as common among vets as you'd think! Read Less