Skycrest Animal Clinic

Dr. Locke - A+++++++ Can't say enough good things about her! They're lucky to have her. Dr. Wilner - Couldn't diagnose her way out of a wet paper bag, but she can sell you the kitchen sink.No experience with the other vets on staff (not that I remember anyway, so what does that say).Most of the front desk staff are helpful and nice.If I was rating this practice on Dr. Locke alone, it would get 5 stars; however, as far as the practice itself, the rates have gotten just too high.They've recently introduced a mobile app where, if you sign up, you can get a "paw" for every $100 you spend. Those "paws" can then be turned in towards discounts on future services. I wish they'd quit spending money on things like application developers, IT staff, and project coordinators and keep it about the animals. Maybe then they wouldn't have to charge such exorbitant rates. If it wouldn't be for Dr. Locke, I wouldn't go there anymore. The practice seems to be getting too cute for its own good. Read Less

This place told me my dog had cancer. I did a needle biopsy and it was sent to their lab. It came back positive. I wasn't going to treat it because my lab was 11 at the time. My Dr said to STOP all vaccines and heart worm etc because he probably had 6-18 months to live. I did stop everything for three years! You can imagine what this to me and my kids watching this dog every day for signs of death. Three years go by and....nothing. Had to take the dog back in for an ear infection so I asked them to check the anal glad. They told me there was NO sign of cancer. It simply disappeared! I was very upset at the time and took no action. But now, when my dog is at the end of his life, I asked for help to put him down in return for their mistake (which cost me emotionally and financially) and what they put us though. You know, work together. They wrote me back to tell me all they ever said to me was that it was only a suggestion" that it was cancer! Nice try. If that were true, why did they tell me to stop all treatment or any shots or recommend me to a surgeon who could remove the cancer. I have the lab results. It's disgusting. All this aside I add that this place costs a fortune every single time you go and you are always here well over an hour waiting for your appointment. I would absolutely find another vet. Read Less

I have had my miniature Poodle Kobe seen by Dr. Kris Wojcik for 14 years!My experiences have always been outstanding. Dr. Wojcik treats Kobe like her own dog! I love the care and communication from Dr. Kris and all of the staff. I recommend Skycrest as a wonderful place to take your pet. They have a great culture of love and caring!! Read Less

I am new to Illinois and have a very high maintenance pet so finding a vet that I trusted with him was no easy task for me. All of the vets at sky crest are the exceptional, they always get me in when I need them and go above and beyond to help me give my animal the best care. I truly hope they know how appreciated they are. I'm so glad I found this place and this staff! Read Less

Due to relocating for work, we've been to several vets. We finally wound up back in the area and came back to Skycrest since they had taken such good care of our previous family dog. Can honestly say there's no place I could trust more. They put the interests of your pet above everything else and it really shows. Read Less

I can't put into words how I feel about Skycrest and I can't believe it has taken me this long to write a 5 star review (long overdue!). We have been coming here and trusting them for 8+ years with our very dramatic basset hound. The doctors are amazing and continuously made us feel like our sweet Mara was their only patient. After several years, Mara was diagnosed with cancer and I felt as if I had Skycrest on speed dial. They were always so reliable, accommodating and very compassionate with every call and question I had during that 2 year period.  When it was time to say goodbye to our precious girl, Dr. Wojcik came out of nowhere on her day off to hand hold our family in need. I don't know what we would have done without her over the years, and especially on that fateful day. I don't think I've met anyone with a bigger heart than Dr. Wojick. When we are ready to adopt a new bundle of fur, Skycrest will be our first call. They are truly the best! Read Less

I really can't say enough good things about the staff at Skycrest. From the time our dog was a puppy all the way though his long, healthy life, the vets and staff at Skycrest took exceptional care of him and us. Read Less

I have been taking my Golden Retriever to Skycrest since we moved to the area nine years ago.  Dr. Wojcik is amazing and treats my dog like her own.  I have also seen other vets in the practice who are equally as attentive and caring.  They always get my permission for any test or x-ray that they think needs done, and I have said no before without pressure.  I would never take my dog to another practice.  Skycrest is exceptional! Read Less

Molly, my 14 year old Black Labrador, just came home from spending a week at Skycrest Animal Clinic and I can't thank them enough. A year ago when Molly was so sick€. it was your loving care that made it possible for Molly to still be with us today. Molly has presented all of us some real challenges and the staff has met those challenges and then some by researching new meds and methods to make Molly better and comfortable. We all didn't think Molly would see her 14th year and because of Skycrest Animal Clinic, she has. I have had pets all my life, but in my 60 plus years, this clinic has provided the best care I have ever seen. Thank you thank you thank you for your continue dedication. It is greatly appreciated. Read Less

I had an emergency with my dog and called this place explaining that we had recently moved to the area and didn't have a regular vet yet. They immediately said they could squeeze him in and I could come right away. The staff was warm and very friendly. Dr Locke was great! Compassionate and thorough and spent enough time with us to make us feel well taken care of. I was also impressed with the bill. I anticipated a huge bill for the last minute appointment but it was very reasonable. I also called the next day with a question and when a different doctor (not dr Locke) got back to me about 30 minutes later she was great too! Spent several minutes on the phone with me and never sounded hurried or like she was rushing me off the phone. I was nervous to go to a random vet when my dog fell ill without looking for reviews. But since he was in distress I wanted him seen ASAP. I sure got lucky with Skycrest!! Read Less

We just visited for the first time when our cat was very sick.  The entire staff here was great! The vet and the tech sat with us and explained all our options.  In the end she had cancer and we could only amke her comfortable for a little while.  A few weeks later our kitty passed away during the night.  The vet heard about it the next day and called to check in with us.  It was very thoughtful of them.  We will be going there with all of our pets from now on.  They helped make a bad situation better for us. Read Less

We LOVE Skycrest! We first started going to them because we adopted 2 kittens from STAAR when I was in high school and this was their vet that they used to spay/neuter. We had such a wonderful experience that now my husband and I take our 2 dogs and cat to see them! The doctors are very nice and take time to listen and treat your pet with care. Would highly recommend Skycrest! Read Less

I am very disappointed. People can vaccinate their dogs. You don't have to be a vet to give your dog a shot. The caveat is that prescription from the doctor is required for syringe This hospital refused to write a prescription even though I am their client. It is taking away their business, if owner that giving vaccines to their pets, but I will find another place.... especially that their prices are not cheap. There many other places with knowledgeable doctors. Read Less

I just can't say enough good things about this vet clinic. We had to put our dog to sleep recently and were referred to this clinic after a bad experience at our last vet who didn't act with a sense of urgency with our very sick dog. The staff here is amazingly caring and thoughtful. All of the doctors are extremely capable and knowledgeable. We will NEVER take our dogs elsewhere. Read Less

I love this practice!  I took my new pup in 2008 because of a recommendation from a friend. We saw Dr. Locke who was terrific.  She was very soothing with my then 4 month old and by using a very clever diversion of a smear of peanut butter on the table, was able to give her a shot without so much as a whimper.I hadn't owned a dog since I was a kid and Dr. Locke went through a whole packet of information and material about being a new "mom" which was extremely useful. For example, I knew chocolate was bad for a dog, but didn't know about grapes.  That's how thorough she was. We also discussed when she should be spayed, the value of microchips, the pros and cons of pet insurance and she patiently answered every question that popped into my head.I also use their groomer, Diane, who does an awesome and very consistent job. I tried another groomer before I found out about Diane, and it was not a good experience for my typically fearless pup (she was so scared she literally peed on me while I was holding her...something she had never done before and hasn't done since). But she didn't do that here. My only complaint about Diane is that you have to schedule appointments literally two months in advance because she is so booked and in demand!!I also am very confident about their business ethics because I've called them on two different occasions, once with a question and once with a concern.  Both times they could easily have said that I had to come in which would have resulted in a office visit charge when it wasn't necessary.  They didn't do so either time.  How often can you say that?The office and support staff are also very kind and friendly. Perhaps the combination of all the things I've mentioned here explain why they made in in the Top Ten Vets in the Chicagoland area (Chicago magazine I think...or maybe the Trib). They were number six on the list which is pretty damned impressive when you think about how many vets there must be around here.My only complaint is that their prices are a little high.  Not crazy high and definitely in line within acceptable ranges, but on the high end of the range.  I can't really fault them because the animals get such good care, but in these tough economic times, it's hard not to feel the pinch.That small issue aside, I truly couldn't recommend them highly enough. Your pets will be in good hands there and so will you. Read Less

I just want to say that although there was one horrible review that I saw I think these vets are wonderful. They definately go the extra mile. The reason that they usually do not let you be with your dog or cat while they are trimming nails or giving shots is so that the animal does not associate you with the treatment and so the animal does not fear you. Yes, it is different from other clinics but we have liked this because the animals do not get mad at us. We have a beagle mix that hates grooming and they go the extra mile to help us with his ears and his trimmings. They were also great to our cat that we found as a stray and both of our animals have been taken great care of by us and also these vets. All you have to do is look at their bulletin board to see the tons of letters and cards that people have sent praising these vets and how much they care for animals. I would totally recommend these vets to anyone. It does cost a bit more but we think it is worth it because they are close and very flexible with scheduling. We would never take our pets anywhere else unless we moved away from this area. Read Less

I went to Skycrest to get my German Shepherd dog?s ear tapes removed. Dr. Rader had taped her ears two weeks before that and we were very happy with his services. Unfortunately we couldn?t get on his schedule. Shortly after I got there, an assistant came over and took the leash from me, telling me to wait in the general waiting area. Before I could react she had already taken my dog to an examining room. This is the first time that I have ever been to a vet office where they did not allow me to see what they were doing to my dog. The vet, Dr. Wojcik, came out and said that they needed to re-tape her ears again. She then said that the dog?s nails were long and that I should learn to get her nails trimmed. I told her that I normally bring her to PetSmart, but since we were here we might as well have her nails trimmed in the office. The vet then said that the dog appeared to be dragging her two hind leg toe nails. I said I noticed that she tended to do that but I couldn?t possibly correct how she walks. I asked Dr. Wojcik why a dog would drag her hind legs. She said we should get an x-ray scan of her hips. I asked why and she did not explain any further. Then she made me wait again at the waiting area and took the dog to get her nails trimmed. I was stunned that she wanted me to wait and thought it was bizarre. I heard my dog crying inside, which was very unusual because she had never cried or whined when we got her nails trimmed in PetSmart. Dr. Wojcik came back out and said that my dog was terrible at nail trimming. At this point I was fed up with the vet and told her that if they would have let me in with her she wouldn?t cry like that. Dr. Wojcik wanted me to wait outside as she tapes my dog. I insisted that I watch as they do it. They hesitated and finally let me in the same room as my dog gets her ears taped. I left the office frustrated with the vet and the general unfriendly attitude of the staff. If the vet doesn?t let you watch what they are doing to your dog, I just don?t think that would be a good vet. I wouldn?t go back there. I definitely don?t want that Dr. Wojcik touch my dog. She?s the most horrible vet I have ever encountered. If you have to go there, go see Dr. Rader.Read Less

After a terrible experience at another vet clinic in the area (see my review for Wheeling Animal Hospital), my mother and I took her dog to Skycrest for a 2nd opinion. They saw us immediately, which was great since our dog was in really rough shape. We saw Dr. Shears, who was not only informative and thorough, but very kind and funny as well. The front desk staff was extremely nice and helpful and the bill was fair and what we expected. Overall this was a terrific experience and my parents will be bringing their other dog here from now on as well. Read Less