Vca Blum Animal Hospital

I love taking my cat to Blum Animal Hospital. They really add a lot of extra touches to make the experience as calming as possible for pets, including separate entrances and waiting areas for cats and dogs. I also liked that they add calming scents to the towels used on the exam table, and offer treats - although my cat could not care less about that, I'm sure most appreciate it. Thanks for being awesome, Blum! Read Less

The most valuable asset for a vet is trust, and Dr. Baker has earned my trust completely. She is always thoughtful, kind and thorough. She's responsive to all my inquiries and always ready to do what is best for my dogs (even if that means staying late on a Friday when I messed up and let my pup pull out one of her stitches.) The staff is also equally kind and professional. Blum is not the cheapest animal hospital in the city, but as long as Dr. Baker is there I'm happy to pay the premium to rest easy knowing my dogs receive the best possible care. Read Less

Reasons I love Blum: 1) The vets and all staff are so nice! 2) They provide your pet with Feliway, pet friendly music, and treats to calm them during their visit. 3) They send your pet home with a new toy sometimes. 4) They don’t judge your cat for being fat. Also, they offer referrals so if you end up there tell them I sent you! 😝 Read Less

After 26 years of taking my pets to Blum Animal Hospital my opinion of their excellent service is higher than ever. From the greeting when we come in the door until we leave they are unfailingly polite and professional. The vets and staff will explain things in as much detail as I need and are always supportive, providing options and recommendations for care. The practice is constantly evolving to reduce stress and raise the comfort level of both patients and their people. I cannot recommend them too highly. Read Less

We love Blum! They were so helpful and sympathetic when our previous pet passed away. We recently got two new cats and we brought them to Blum right away. Everyone is welcoming, professional, and knowledgeable. We always feel certain that our pets will get the best care and that we can ask as many questions as we have! We see Dr. Baker, who is awesome and very accessible! Read Less

Stay far away from this place! When I found out they blind stick the jugular( keep sticking till they hit a vein) to draw blood I made it very clear I do not want that done to my cat. To shave a small patch of fur from her back inside leg and draw from there! When I got home they did not do this they blind stuck her back leg. When I complained that my instructions were not followed Dr Marks said she and her staff don't take demands that her staff do what they need to do in the back. First this is MY pet and If they don't want to follow my instructions or include me in the decision process then that does not give them the right to do what they want anyways. We all have every right to make reasonable "demands" in the care of our fur babies. Most pet owners would feel uncomfortable knowing that their fur baby is being stuck in the throat with a needle over and over till they hit blood and would feel more comfortable with shaving a small patch of fur so they can see the vein before sticking them with a needle. It's a shame Dr Evans left because she was everything this place has now lost! This place is considerably over priced compared to other Animal Hospitals and now it their way or you can take you business elsewhere. You have been warned 1. You WILL pay far more here 2. If you voice your concerns or give specific instructions, you will be brushed off and suggested you go somewhere else. If you don't mind paying way more and keeping your concerns to yourself then this is a good fit for you. Read Less

Greatest office around. I specifically love Dr. Marks and now Dr. Yohanna but everyone they have on staff there(vets, vet techs and care coordinators)are just top notch. Thanks for taking great care of all of my littles! Read Less

This has been the best vet experience I have ever had! My cat Hazel has terrible anxiety, and this office began calming her nerves (and mine!) before we even had our appointment. I received a call about confirming my appointment and the person I spoke with also gave me some great tips about how to calm down Hazel for the car ride and visit. We got to the visit and only waited about 5 minutes. The reception staff were very accommodating, and even gave Hazel a pheromone blanket... to put over her carrier, which instantly seemed to calm her down. They then took us into her room, which was very clean and had another pheromone blanket on the exam table. Our veterinary assistant, Daniel, was awesome at getting Hazel out of her carrier without stressing her out. He even gave her some tuna and let her explore her area. After collecting information about Hazel and weighing her, he went and got Dr. Yohanna who was absolutely phenomenal! He suggested giving Hazel a 3 year rabies shot so she wouldn't have to come back as often, gave me some tips on how to calm her anxiety, and really just took care of her overall. I spoke to the Doctor about dog breeds that would work with Hazel, because we are considering adopting. He was very knowledgeable about the subject and gave us some great suggestions. Then they took Hazel back and clipped her back nails. Then i went to the waiting room and Daniel brought her out to me. I asked him if she was difficult to get back into her carrier (she usually fights!) and he said she went right back in after her nail trim! Then I checked out, the price was reasonable for her checkup and rabies shot, and they even discounted me the nail trim! I was highly impressed by this visit and was planning to come back for her senior wellness exam. But then they really blew me away when i received a hand written letter from Dr. Yohanna about a week later, thanking me for coming in and letting me know I could contact him about any questions with Hazel or our future dog we may be adopting. Needless to say, this vet really impressed me and I'm actually excited to return with Hazel! thank you to the wonderful staff at Blum for making Hazel and myself feel welcome and comfortable! See More Read Less

We've been going to Blum for several years now and I've yet to have a bad experience. The vets and techs are all wonderful - caring, patient, and well-informed. Everything about the experience is easy, from scheduling to the actual appointment itself. They've got an online portal that's very useful and their waiting room is split for cats and dogs. The appointments are pricey ($100-300 depending on vaccines), but I still think it's worth it. Top notch, a practice that I'd recommend to anyone 👍 Read Less

We have been taking our dog here for over 4 years to see Dr. Baker. This place is absolutely amazing. They are true professionals who really care about your animal. Dr. Baker is so great with our dog Ghost and I can tell she really cares and wants what is best for her. There is no where else in Chicago that has better patient and customer care for your pet! Read Less

I love Blum and Dr. Baker. They are hands down the best. I was going to Higgins Animal Clinic for about six years when I decided to give Blum a try in an emergency situation. I was so impressed by their care, follow-up and prices I switched vets. They are the absolute best, hands down and go above and beyond for you and your pet. Read Less

We've taken our dog to Blum since he was a puppy. Staff is absolutely the best - super accommodating & friendly. Dr. Georgesen is our vet - one word: awesome. She is very caring, compassionate and thorough. We recently and very unexpectedly had to put our 8 yr old dog to sleep due to a horrible illness. Dr. G didn't try to talk us into expensive life saving measures that would not have bought us more time with our dog. I appreciated that. Her concern was, as was ours, to end his suffering. When the time came, the staff & Dr. G could not have been more caring, loving & compassionate. We are getting a new puppy in a few months and will also take him to Blum - they are simply the best! Read Less

My foster failure dog sees Dr. Marks and he LOVES her (it's reciprocal too which warms my heart to no end).  What I love about her, besides how kind she is, is how she explains what is going on, how the medications are supposed to help (alleriges) and how to assess his responses to things.  She is careful and loving.  The staff is also incredible.  My pup feels likes he's gone to heaven, especially after snarfing down peanut butter ices :) Read Less

This vet basically saved my cat's life.We had been going to another vet since the beginning of the year for urinary issues. They prescribed a high dose of Prozac for him since we found out his urinary problems were stress-related. After about 4 weeks he stopped eating and began to lose a significant amount of weight and just wasn't the same cat anymore. We took action and listened to our friends who recommended this vet.Upon getting there I was amazed at the difference. They have a separate area for cats. They offered me water. They were super friendly and welcoming. Once in the room they had diffusers on the walls and pheromones on the blankets to help soothe the cats. They had fresh tuna on had, which distracted my cat who hates going to the vet. They took their time to listen to me and explain everything. They took time to get to know him and talk to him, doing things on his time rather than speeding through the visit. Ever since we've started with them they've been very proactive with checking in on our cat, calling us with updates, etc. And finally, but most importantly, they took him off the Prozac.Today my cat still has some urinary issues, but rather than throwing a million medications at me, they're looking at his diet and having him eat different kinds of urinary foods, which I think helped him from the get go. Most importantly, my cat is eating again, even begs to be fed. His liver numbers are back to normal and they've told us that it was probably the Prozac that caused so much damage.We are making this our new vet, even though it's a bit of a drive for us. Great care is worth it. Read Less

This was our first visit to Blum and the staff was super friendly from start to finish. My doggo received a nice frozen peanut butter cup to calm her down while the doc was taking a look at her and they also gave her a free toy because it was her first visit. I received her lab results within a day via a personal email from the doc which was nice, and when I replied, concerned about a bruise on her chest, the doc replied back quickly letting me know it was where her blood was taken and that it should be gone within a week. I would definitely recommend taking your animals to Blum! The staff and Dr. Hudson are absolutely wonderful! Read Less

We had a great and easy set of visits with Dr Evans. Our cat, Sesame, was treated very well. Our visits consisted of a well-cat check and a subsequent dental cleaning and surgical biopsy. Sesame recovered very well from the anesthesia as did the surgical site - the site of course had to be shaved, but the bald patch was quite conservative and minimally intrusive, grew back quickly (explains "where does all this fur come from" now). Dr Evans called to both explain post-op surgery info and biopsy results. Staff was quick, smart and on-point. Waiting room is comfy and bright - very well designed! Highly recommended. Read Less

Blum Animal Hospital is by far the best vet I have taken my dogs. The entire staff is friendly and the facility is always clean. They move quick to get you back but the veterinarian takes their time with you in the room. Dr. Evans is the best I've had and extremely thorough! I leave happy every visit. Thank you Blum..........your simply the best! :) Read Less

Vet referred me here since our regular doctor was unavailable. Walked in with my dog for an emergency and we were taken care of instantly, even though they were booked up with appointments. The staff was so welcoming and friendly. I will definitely be bringing my dog here from now on. Thank you to the staff at Blum hospital for making our chaotic day a little easier! Read Less

These guys were great. My cat had been losing weight and having stomach and dental issues, so I brought him in for an exam. Everyone went out of their way to welcome me as a new client, and were extremely friendly and caring.Within 48 hours I had a clear diagnosis (hyper-thyroidism) and treatment plan that made sense. Follow-ups were on-time and very clear. We've still got a ways to go yet, but so far so good! Read Less

We are first time dog owners and brought Daisy, our 10 month old pit/lab mix, in for her first checkup and had a FANTASTIC experience. All the staff members at the reception desk were so friendly and very knowledgeable to help ease any anxiety that comes along with a first visit to the vet. Daisy gets nervous in new situations and they were super welcoming to her. We saw Dr. Sheehan and she was great with making Daisy feel comfortable and provided great service. Overall a great place to bring your pet and great people! Read Less

Our cat passed suddenly on Monday. We rushed him to Blum in an effort to save his life. They were caring and diligent, but were unable to bring him back. Unfortunately, two days later they sent us an email wishing him a happy birthday . This was obviously an oversight, but a painful and poorly timed one to say the least. For their part, Blum did call to offer an apology, but only after additional pain to an awful situation. Read Less

I cannot rave highly enough about Blum. They are an absolute pleasure to work with and always provide "white-glove" service. I appreciate how flexible they are, especially when trying to schedule an appointment on short-notice. I also appreciate that they take care of submitting all of the requisite paperwork (and many follow-ups) to my Pet Insurance company. The doctors are super knowledgeable, proactive and kind to my puppy. While, yes, it isn't cheap - you get the quality and expertise you pay for. Read Less

Blum is great and their staff is amazing! My dog, Angela, HATES the vet and is so stressed when we go. But, the staff at Blum treat her with love and respect, making it WAY easier for my pooch and me. Cannot stress enough how great they are here!! Read Less

We usually see Dr. Sarah Baker, but when my greyhound Champ injured his paw and had to have emergency surgery when Dr. Baker wasn't there, Dr. Marks took care of Champ like she already knew him. She and the vet care coordinators stayed past closing time to give him pain meds, antibiotics and to do the surgery. I love how everyone at the office treats you and your furry friends like you are part of their family! We drive out of our way to go to this clinic, and we have no problem doing this because of how well the my treat me and my greyhounds. Thanks Dr. Baker and Dr. Marks for all you do! Read Less

I recently had one of my cats brought into see Dr. Robert Dann. First off, Dr. Dann had zero experience with this breed, the Elf cat, somewhat similar to a Sphynx but it has hard rigid cartilage forming a curved ear. Dr. Dann said the ears must be unhealthy, since he was uneducated on how the ears should be formed. A good veterinarian would have taken a little time to learn about the breed before carelessly diagnosing something as a problem when it wasn't. He then said the ears were impacted with wax. (No antibiotics needed, just an ear flush.) Secondly, the cat had sneezed while it was at the vet. The cat had a bit of a runny nose. This is not uncommon for a cat that has faced stressful experiences. The cat had just traveled seven hours, including flying on a plane in my lap, only to arrive and be handed over to strangers. I know the cat was stressed out a bit. The fact the veterinarian didn't take this into consideration shows again how substandard his care. Dr. Dann told the new owner there was no way he could guarantee that the cat wouldn't face a life of respiratory problems. NO ONE can ever guarantee the health of anything, whether a human or animal. That was the only thing he could share with his client, no testing, no real diagnosis. He then told her she should return the cat if she didn't want to pay for the ear cleaning or future care should the cat end up with a respiratory problem. If you want your pet to go to a veterinarian where it gets proper diagnosis, care for it's breed type, don't go to Blum Animal Hospital, especially if Dr. Dann is the acting Veterinarian. If you love your pet, take it elsewhere.Read Less

Dr. Dann had zero experience with this breed, the Elf cat, similar to a Sphynx but it has hard rigid cartilage forming a curved ear. Dr. Dann said the ears must be unhealthy because of the thick cartilage. A good vet would have taken a little time to learn about the breed before carelessly diagnosing.He then said the ears were impacted with wax. (No antibiotics needed, just an ear flush.)Secondly, the cat had sneezed while it was at the vet. The cat had a bit of a runny nose. This is not uncommon for a cat that has faced stressful experiences. Dr. Dann told the new owner there was no way he could guarantee that the cat wouldn't face a life of respiratory problems. NO ONE can ever guarantee the health of anything, whether a human or animal. That was the only thing he could share with his client, no testing, no real diagnosis. He then told her she should return the cat if she didn't want to pay for the ear cleaning or future care should the cat end up with a respiratory problem. Read Less

We have now moved to MN, but we're so spoiled by Dr. Marks and the wonderful staff at Blum. Everyone from the front desk to the veterinary care was wonderful in every way. When I lost my beloved Bulldogs, multiple staff members called to check and see how our family was doing. They go above and beyond! Read Less

Dr Marks is outstanding. I have two older cats that are 15 one has diabetes and the other just got diagnose with stage 3 kidney disease and a hyperthyroid. She is so knowledgeable and her overall energy is very calming when you hear these diagnosis. I trust her so much and know that she has our best interests at heart. Thank you Dr Marks! Read Less

I had to bring my cat (Jade) in to Blum because my regular vet closed at 6pm on Fridays and he was having trouble breathing. Dr. Sarah Baker had met me for the first time and had no idea how well I treated my cat or how much I loved him, or that he had been with me 12 years. After running some tests, there was no other option than to put him to sleep. He was facing 1 of 3 serious illnesses and all were likely untreatable. I didn't want him to spend 3 nights in the ER not knowing if he would survive the weekend so we made the decision to let him go. It was one of the hardest decisions of my life but Dr. Baker helped so much by giving me all of the information possible to help me make the best decision. She was patient, understanding, caring, informative and most important sympathetic. Although the office was supposed to close at 7:30, she and 2 other care coordinators (Maggie and Laura) stayed until 8:30 to ensure that we didn't feel rushed or possibly regret our decision later. I received a follow up call the day after we put Jade to sleep, a sympathy card in the mail a few days later and another follow up call almost a week later. I couldn't believe the customer (as well as pet) service that was provided as a first time client. I will be changing vets because of the extraordinary care and attention both I and my little Jade received that night. When the people that care for your pets understand the significance of the bond that develops between a pet and its owner, it makes all the difference in the world. Thank you Dr. Baker for being there for me during a time when I needed it most!Read Less

This is a great animal hospital. My pets are always treated with such compassion and care. The staff is very helpful and I can call the same day and get seen by a doctor. Great care and will be taking my pets here for a long time. Read Less

I LOVE LOVE LOVE this place and so does my dog. I first found Blum Animal Hospital during the big Blizzard of 2011. Every place in the city was closed and my dog was sick. I called around and this place was the only animal hospital open. I brought my dog in and the staff was amazing. They took care of us and even called the next day (when most businesses were still closed) to check up on us. We just went back and my experience was even better. Everyone there was helpful and attentive. They took care of all my needs including helping me out to my car after our appointment. Read Less

5 STARS It would be in your very best interest - and your pets - to see dr. evans at this hospital. I aquired a cavalier King Charles Tri-color Spaniel and took it to Dr. Evan's at Blum Animal Hospital. In my past - I worked as a vet's assistant. I can tell you - she was thorough and took whatever time necessary to evaluate ""Pepper"" (3 mo. old) without the slightest hint in getting me ""out the door."" As there were recommendations not in line with the breeded and their vet. - Dr. Evans was op[en to exploeing rational behind rec. that certai shots not be given and was willing (and wil do) to discuss this with the Breeder's Vet. When a small reaction occurerd to one of the vaccines - they were - instantly - willing to have me come in right away for a quick check from Evans - and was no fee even after the anti - inflammatory shots and follow-up meds - Yes - there are a lot of people and clients, and a large - waiting room - but to me - along with a appointment that was on - time with Evan's - it was no problem - OH and the assistant took the needs of my ""pepper "" into her hands and freed me up to concentrate on my questions and issues swirling in my head - Go there - SEE them - it will be well worth your cost and the health of your dog - not to forget maintaining your sanity!!!. Read Less

I LOVE LOVE LOVE this place. I have been to many animal hospitals in Chicago and this is the one for me. I have found prices are other places are comparable but the service is not. Blum's service is exceptional. They do everything possible to keep their clients satisfied. Read Less

I have a cat named Simone I rescued from ACS. She is the best and I would do anything for her, so I must apologize to her for EVER bringing her to BLUM. I went to Blum after seeing poor Simone sneezing every 20 minutes. When I went to Blum, 15 minutes early...I waited for 1 hour before I was finally seen. The vet assistant called my cats name out as SIMON in monotone and then just walked away...I guess I was supposed to run after him to discover where I was supposed to go. Once in the room, I waited an additional 10 minutes before my vet finally walked in. She was really passive and began examining my cat. I suggested to her that it was probably allergies because she didn't have any discharge, she still ate, and her activity was normal. She said that they should run tests to see. So she guilted me in to some x-rays. When they picked up my submissive cat that grabbed every inch of her skin and yanked her up from the table and held her in the air like she was contaminated. When I look at my cat in fear, the vet assured me that the assistant with lips tattooed on to his neck knew what he was doing. So we waited for my cat to be x-rayed and when I looked in to the back, I see my cat still in this guys hands in the most harsh way. She was so tense and scared and the did nothing to make her feel safe. My cat came back to the room panting and so much more scared than she was to begin with. The x-rays came back clean and the vet told me that ""yeah, you're probably right, it's probably allergies"". WOW. what an informed answer. OH and my bill was $300 for them to tell me that I was probably right. Read Less

I've been taking my Doberman Oberon to Blum for 3 years. During the time I've had him, since 12 weeks old, he has been to only Blum doctors. Oberon has had a problem eating and swallowing things he shouldn't (socks; gloves; leather belts, coats and leashes...you name it.). Blum has helped both Oberon and I through these many (sometimes dangerous) procedures, including multiple induced vomitings as well as emergency surgery when the dog was extremely ill and going into toxic shock after eating a leather/velcro cylcing glove that become lodged in his intestines. ALL of the MANY doctors I've seen in the numerous trips we've made to the Blum have been extremely kind, concerned, professional, knowledgeable about dogs (my breed in particular) and have been extremely friendly. I've never once had a bad experience with any member of the staff, professional, technical or administrative. During all the "emergency" calls, there was never a problem getting me in immediately without an appointment. Everyone at the hospital seem to genuinely like me and also care about Oberon. They are often excited to see him with employees oftentimes coming from behind the counter to visit/hug/pet him. Perhaps this is even moreso the case since we visit less, as he's thankfully gotten over this habit.As for their prices, I honestly don't have much to compare their costs too (other than the emergency vet on clybourn), but my feeling when it comes to business is that when, or IF, you can find an organization that satisfies your needs and does it all with great customer service, stick with them; customer service overall seems no longer important in the service/retail industries.I'e recommended everyone I know to Blum. However, many of these people live in my Edgewater neighborhood, and may perhaps choose different due to location. I don't find it any inconvenience at all to drive the 15 minutes to Belmont/Clark to have my dog in the hands of professionals I trust. Read Less

Blum is not a good animal hospital. You are definitely a number there and I don't think they give a darn about animals there anymore. I chose them on a receommendation from a friend and I quickly switched to another vet in the area. I did not get a good feeling from the staff or the DR I saw. They seemed merely concerned about how high they could run up my bill and not a bit about the problems my dog was having. I swithced to another vet an am much happier. Bottom line: Blum is too busy, unfriendly, uncaring, and OVERPRICED! Read Less

I took my dog to Blum for about a year after finally deciding that enough was enough. I went in for a routine physical and they called me later and told me that my dog had a parasite called giardia. They told me he could have picked it up pretty much anywhere (park, daycare,etc.) and that it wasn't a big deal and they prescribed me an antibiotic called metronidazole. He took the meds and they tested his stool a week later and they said it was gone. About 2 weeks later he got really bad watery stool. So, I went back to Blum and they told me had giardia again! They put him on the same medication and once again he got better and when they tested his stool it was negative after the dose of metronidazole. Well, once again 2 weeks later he had loose stool again! When I went to see my vet at Blum he told me that he must be getting at daycare or at the park. I just found this very hard to believe so I went and got a 2nd opinion from another veterinarian at another hospital. I told them the story and they told me that giardia is VERY HARD TO ELIMINATE and that the antibiotic they put my dog on (Metronidazole) would probably not wipe out the parasite just simply stop the loose stool for awhile. This other veterinarian, presribed Panacur and Metronidazole. My dogs stool was tested after 7 days, 14 days, and again 40 days later....low and behold no more giardia! It just really frustrates me that Blum blamed everyone and everything but their own practices. What a waste of time and money I spent with them. Thankfully I now have a vet I can trust will cure my dog in the future. Read Less

I honestly do not know why people continue to take their dogs to this place. WHO CARES if Oprah used to take her dogs there --- that was like 10 years ago and SHE HERSELF never took her dogs there - her staff did! MAYBE 10 years ago they were ok, but not NOW! Just try and call the staff and ask for vaccination records. They will tell you and they will act just far too busy to help you out with that. Everytime I deal with Blum the experience is just worse and worse. Well, never again and I will tell everyone just how bad they are! Read Less

The staff at Blum are so rude and uncaring. They are not helpful and everytime I call they are just downright rude and unhelpful. It is just an assembly line in their and their customer service is simply non existant! They really don't seem to care if they lose a customer or not! Read Less

I have seen Dr Dann at Blum several times. He is very clinical and monotone. I can't tell if he is really passionate about what he is doing. Plus, it seems like a factory in there. I always have to wait at least 25 to 30 minutes, and this drives me insane. With all of the vets there, can't someone do something with scheduling an appointment on time. I feel like they push treatments on me and because my healthy puppy was a little under weight, they were ready to do some kind of work up panel. And for all of the waiting I do to get in, I feel like I get the bum's rush. I don't like that feeling when I am paying through the nose for an ""expert."" I haven't gone to anyone there but Dann, so I can't speak of the other doctors. He seems snobby and burnt out to me. They try and sell food my dog doesn't need, they treat me as if I am uneducated and I always felt like I was talked down to. Overall, I can not such too much about this guy I like, except I guess he knows what he is doing, since he is an older doctor. He needs to be more personable, that is for sure. I think I am going to start going to Family Pet, because that is where my friends go, who care if it means taking a little more time to get there. Read Less

This place is a zoo. I never get the same doctor twice, the doctors come and go. (I wonder why?) These people are test happy and run up my bill like the national debt. It is clean, I will say that. But if cleanliness is next to Godliness, then, bravo for them. I would rather go to a number of other vet's I have checked out in the meantime, and they are clean too. My cats did not like the vets, but I guess most cats don't. I guess what I am trying to say is, for the price, I would like to see the same doctor, not to be treated rudely by eye rolling people behind the desk. I think this place used to be something, during its heyday, according to the friend who recommended it to me, but I think this place is like the Titanic and sinking fast. Not very impressed with the hoopla. This place is clearly resting on its laurals. Read Less