Best Friends Animal Hospital

I've taken both of my dogs here, one of which has a seizure disorder, for a decade. The staff are wonderful and treat my pups with great care. The doctors are the best and are always so knowledgeable, helpful and kind. I wouldn't take my pets anywhere else. Read Less

Everyone has always been so helpful and caring. I know my kitty's are in good hands here. I am very grateful we have the Best Friend Team to turn to when are cats arn't feeling well. Thank you very much. We appreciate all of you. Read Less

My partner and I recently moved to the area and were in need of a vet for our two dogs, Timmy and Toby. We chose Best Friends at the recommendation of my friend. After only two visits, I am confident we made the right choice. We ended up making our first appointment a little earlier than expected because Toby ate something in his new yard that got him quite sick. Needless to say, we were very worried, but Dr. Scarbeck explained our options for treatment very clearly and immediately put us at ease. Best of all, Toby got better very quickly under their care. This will be the second vet our boys have had and so far, we think their prices are very fair and have found them to be very honest. We're glad to have new "best friends" to take care of our boys. Read Less

The doctors and staff are excellent and we have never been to a better animal hospital or had the level of expertise, care, and compassion that we find here at Best Friends. We will always take our pets here. Thanks for all you ALL do to make this a great and loving place for our furry family members!!! Read Less

I've have brought 5 dogs and 1 bunny to Best Friends over many years. I've always felt that the doctors have given exceptional care. At times I've needed a referral to the Vet specialists in Buffalo Grove. A physician there gave accolades to Dr. Scarbeck for picking up on a slight heart murmur in one of my dogs. Even when it was time to say goodbye to my precious pets they have been so compassionate. Read Less

My shepard was a patient with Best Friends for her entire life and i have 3 other dogs there. The staff is friendly and the doctors are fantastic. They are professional, empathetic and businesslike. I strongly recommend them ! Read Less

We used to take our Cocker spaniel here and now we take our (very large) mutt here and they are so nice to him. Our dog isn’t the easiest to deal with. He’s almost 90lbs and is terrified of everything, especially the vet. He did get aggressive with them once and scratched the vet’s face once (totally on accident as he was just trying to get away), but they never shunned us or turned us away. They still seem excited to see him (even though inside they are probably like “oh no not this guy again”) and still give us the best service and care ever! Thank you all for taking such good care of our baby! You have us for life! Read Less

A couple Sundays ago I found an injured goose and left a message with Carol looking for advice. She called me back right away, and I was able to bring her in the next morning. Cracked me up the way she picked up the goose, tucked her under her arm and carried her right in. I called later for an update and it was so far, so good. Thank you, Carol, for the update a few days later! I hope she has healed up nicely and is back at home! Thank you so much for helping her! I definitely recommend Best Friends Animal Hospital.Read Less

19 years we have been bringing our Jack Russells here. Everyone is friendly and professional. Arrived at 8:05am with our 7 yr old JRT who had been in scuffle with coyote and didn’t even need to tell them our name-(it’s like we are part of their family)they took her right back came out for approval for treatment and then dr came out to talk to us and answer questions. We couldn’t have been happier with our recent experience. Read Less

All the people at Best Friends love and care for all the animals. They have cared for our two cats all the way the the end. They treated us with compassion when we made the hardest decisions to end our cats suffering. We now have a wonderful kitty, Sparkle, from Good Sam through Best Friends. We are so happy with her and can't imagine our lives without her. Read Less

I took my rabbit in for hair loss around eyes. Yes, they are pricey, but worth it. They were very compassionate with our bunny. They also gave me lots of knowledge on caring for our rabbit better. Since taking her there, our rabbits personality has been more loving. We couldn't even pick her up before we took her there. Highly recommend. ☺ Read Less

While I am sure "cheaper" vet care can be found in the area, it certainly won't be the excellent care Best Friends Animal Hospital provides. I cannot say enough positive things about Best Friends Animal Hospital. They treat our dogs like their very own. All of the doctors we have see are patient, kind and very attentive to our dogs, and to us. They take time to answer all of your questions, make sure you know all the options available and truly show concern for not only the animals, but the families as well. Our dog was scheduled to have a second surgery at the specialty vet office and we were very unsure of putting our dog through that again. I called Best Friends later in the day on a Friday. Dr. Rauch called me back after hours and spent more that 30 minutes on the phone with me. Her guidance helped us to make a more informed decision that we were very comfortable with. If we ever have to call with any type of question, all of the staff is professional, take detailed notes, ask plenty of questions and confer with the doctor as soon as possible. I have never had to wait long for a return call, and have never felt that I have bothered anyone with what might seem to be a silly question. We are very lucky to have found such wonderful vet care. Read Less

While I am sure "cheaper" vet care can be found in the area, it certainly won't be the excellent care Best Friends Animal Hospital provides. I cannot say enough positive things about Best Friends Animal Hospital. They treat our dogs like their very own. All of the doctors we have see are patient, kind and very attentive to our dogs, and to us. They take time to answer all of your questions, make sure you know all the options available and truly show concern for not only the animals, but the families as well. Our dog was scheduled to have a second surgery at the specialty vet office and we were very unsure of putting our dog through that again. I called Best Friends later in the day on a Friday. Dr. Rauch called me back after hours and spent more that 30 minutes on the phone with me. Her guidance helped us to make a more informed decision that we were very comfortable with.  If we ever have to call with any type of question, all of the staff is professional, take detailed notes, ask plenty of questions and confer with the doctor as soon as possible. I have never had to wait long for a return call, and have never felt that I have bothered anyone with what might seem to be a silly question. We are very lucky to have found such wonderful vet care. Read Less

If it were not for Best Friends my cat would not be alive today. They have also fit my dog in for minor emergency surgery saving me the cost of an emergency vet. All of the Doctors and staff here have been amazing. Thank you Best Friends!! Read Less

We have taken our Jack Russell's Shiner and Willow to Best Friends for 19 years! I just Everyone there especially Dr Scarbeck and tech Cathy. A great family atmosphere and very friendly helpful staff. Read Less

Great care for our dogs. We've been going here for over 10 years for shots and medications. When one of our dogs was bitten by another dog in a dog park, the care and service was second to none. Best Friends charged a reasonable fee for the extra care. Read Less

We have been taking our cats to Best Friends for many many years! We have also been blessed with 2 cats from the Good Sam program, one of which is our Tulip, who is doing wonderfully! I took our other cat Shadow, ( another rescue cat), in yesterday for his annual check up and vaccine. Dr. McCune was sooo kind and sweet with him, even though he was not real pleased with the exam! Lol. I will be sad to see her leave, but the other vets there are also great. Will continue to go to Best friends as long as we have Furballs.... Read Less

I have been taking my pets to Best Friends for over 17 years. During this time I have not had one negative experience. The doctors have always been friendly and professional. They helped me and my wife during the loss of a couple of my pets throughout this time. Their staff is the best I have encountered. Read Less

I have been bringing my animals to Best Friends Animal Hospital since 2000. I would never go anywhere else. The staff is nurturing, supportive, and understands my pets needs. They are a very compassionate practice that cares deeply and I trust them with all my pets needs. The doctors and staff listen to my questions and concerns and answer all of my questions with care, concern, and empathy. Best Friends is an amazing practice for my beloved animals and they treat them as if they were their own. I am so thankful and appreciative for everything Best Friends has done for me and my family. Read Less

We have been going here for about 7 years and cannot begin to express how amazing the doctors and staff are. They truly care about our dogs as if they are their own. They were beyond compassionate on our most difficult day when we had to say goodbye to our 18.5 year old Jordan. They have also decorated our Floyd's bandage every 3 days with joyful art for the past 2 months. We highly recommend making them part of your family! Read Less

Yesterday we faced the toughest decision pet owners have to make, humanely ending the life of a beloved family member. We have done it before in many years of pet ownership, but it never gets easier. Best Friends staff's unfailing compassion made a painful experience as positive as possible. Thank you all! Read Less

I found newborn squirrels in my yard that fell out of the nest. We found the mother later in the yard dead. I called all the rescue places listed in Lake County and Carol from Best Friends Animal Hospital was the only person that called me back. She gave me advice how to take care of them until the morning when I could drop them off. I was able to keep one alive and passed him over to the professionals. God Bless this place!!! Read Less

Best Friends has taken care of our furry friends for 15+ years. Caring responsive staff and doctors we trust and rely on. I highly recommend them and thank them for being such a great resource for us. Read Less

We recently just moved back to IL and started taking our fur baby Harley here and we are just blown away by the knowledge of the veterinarians and the staff. Every time we go Harley is given so much time and attention. The staff is always so happy and understanding of Harley and his energetic ways ;) I couldn't have picked a better vet to take our fur baby to. Read Less

My fur babies were patients of Dr. Rauch in Vernon Hills. Was very happy that she moved when I moved to Gurnee. Best Friends is such an excellent facility. The staff is so caring. They helped me through losing my almost 20-year old cat Duck, and through adopting my newest rescue Sammy. Can't express my appreciation enough. Read Less

Found a squirrel with her legs Brocken came before the closed 7pm. Had locked the doors already. Lady inside just looked at me didn't even bother to say anything has to cal to see if they could help the squirrel told me they would not look at the squirrel or treat it if I didn't have a special exotic animal license Read Less

Every Time I Take my dog there they are generous to work with my schedule and get my animals in right away. They are always show compassion for me and my animals needs. They offer a lot of services that other hospitals don't, and are very fair on price. I treat my animal as a member of our family and expect the best for all of my family. Best Friends are the only ones who offer the best. If you want a backyard doctor then take your's elsewhere! Thank you Best Friends! Read Less

Expensive, not very helpful, starting to question if they actually take their jobs seriously, or if they even help animals (besides drugging them). Sad that I have to post a review like this. I feel so bad for my pet. Will not take her here again. Read Less

We took our sweet dog Lovey here for  years.  She was a terrible car rider, so we walked here each time.  They provide a spacious area to walk your dog outside, in case it's needed.  I was always able to obtain timely and excellent treatment. I even brought Lovey in for "pedicures" and wish I could get one myself for this low cost.  Sadly, when our dog became ill, it was after hours and we took her to the ER on 120/45 where we had to say goodbye to our beloved pet.  The Vet from Best Friends called us the next day to check up on us and to be sure we were ok.  They sent a lovely card with beautiful poems and a contact for a grief group if it was needed.  When we adopt our next pet, we will continue to receive care at this facility.  Thank you for loving our Lovey as much as we did. Read Less

Best Friends is the most caring vet I have ever experienced. The entire staff, from the vets to the techs have nothing but the best interests of my dog. They have been instrumental in saving his life. I don't know what we would do without them.Read Less

We have used Best Friends since they opened. Dr. Rausch is so caring, patient and a true lover of animals. The whole staff is wonderful from the receptionists to the outstanding techs. They were all kind and compassionate when we lost our beloved cocker spaniel. I would highly recommend them, especially Dr. Rausch since most of our experiences were with her. Read Less

I took my dobie there a few yrs back. he was on allergy food that I was consistently purchasing there. the dilemma started when I went there to refill my dogs food, and the staff told me that they did not have anymore bags left. what sort of answer to tell a dog with food allergies that "we have none left in inventory?"I still continued to go there for my german shorthairs percorten shot. the staff very quick to charge me the 200 bucks every month. not once was I ever offered to " lets check the weight and show you why we charge you 200". I was never ever shown the bottles that I purchased there of the medication, and rarely shown how much was left over from the last time. Staff were very crude and discourteous. they rarely said good morning, or even greeted you or your dog. it seems as if they were a little racist and were not used to people of a minority group. Sad to say, I put up with taking both my dogs there for a very long time. One day my dobie had a problem with his lick granuloma, I called them to ask if they could fit him in for a quick consult. first they told me they could for 15 mins, then the vet called back and said they needed a 45 min block out time.. 45 mins is required for a dog that's been diagnosed already??? of course a 45 min block out time is needed as its all about the $$- office charge right? I was also told that if it was an emergency then I should consult with the emergency vet---- unbelievable service for someone who has spent thousands here--- this place  lacks of customer service, lack the ability to say hello to someone who is paying their salary. and lie!I switched from an amazing vet in Gurnee because this place was closer to my home, but im sad that I did. I don't feel like they have provided good service. The way I look at it, is if I pay you serve.. or..At least learn to say hello, and pet your dog if nothing else. there is one positive note about the story about the lock granuloma though. I took my dobermann to Fox lake animal hospital( read the reviews and you will be amazed).. 4 hour wait, but I was treated with respect, my dog was offered cookies, a vet tech came in to say hello, even though she wasn't the one treating him, and the vet was AMAZING! they ran a blood panel, thyroid tests, gave him antiobiotics, and a topical cream, and my bill was kept to a minimum. that's what I call dedication. so... it boils down to this, if you are looking for service, a friendly environment, staff that love what they do and are always positive, this is not the place for you. Im gladly switching back to my previous vet... cant wait to see their smiling faces!. Read Less

I wish I could give them no stars. I am a good, conscientious pet owner who was a client of theirs for YEARS.  On more than one time, when my dog was sick or had a minor ailment, I was referred to the Emergency Care facility in Grayslake. Clearly my pet was not in need of emergency care (and thus more expensive care!).  This was during normal office hours that I was told there was no appointments available.  So my gripe is that they are more than willing to take my money and see me for well check ups and shots , but can't find time for their regular clients when their pets are ill.  No thanks to this kind of service. My advice....STAY AWAY.  LOOK ELSEWHERE. THERE ARE MUCH BETTER VETERINARY SERVICES AVAILABLE. Read Less

Best Friends Animal Hospital is by far the most exceptional veterinary service around. We've been bringing your animals here for 14 years. The Veterinarians devotion to the caring and service of the pets and their families is nothing short of impeccable. I would never bring my animals anywhere else. Thank you Dr Rauch for your exceptional service. My family and I are very grateful for everything you have done! Read Less

These people don't care about animals, they are only concerned with how much money they can make off you. First time I took my cat to their office they told me he had a tumor in is mouth and needed around 400 to run extra tests and he was gonna die. It was an infected tooth that just need pulled. Second time I took him they said they don't know what's wrong but they needed 560 to run tests. Also they apparently have know idea how to read an X-Ray! They told me there was no tumor like they told me before but his organs where in the wrong spot and prepare myself for his death. Scared the crap out of me, charged me 280 bucks for a 5 dollar antibiotic and charged an exorbitant amount for an x-Ray, that they couldn't read! Told me if I could pay that amount to just take him home and wait for him to die.  Yeah, these people should never lay a hand on a living creature again! This is the last place you should take an animal! Read Less

We have had nothing but good experience at this veterinarian with our cat.   The place is clean as what one would hope to see at such a place.  The staff is not only attentive to the pet's needs, but also consider the feelings of the pets family as well and understand that our pets are family members too. Read Less