Vca West Suburban Veterinary Hospital

Found this place by Googling "exotic pets" after multiple veterinarians told us they don't work on "exotic pets". Brought in our dwarf hamster Gizmo because he was itching nonstop and losing hair. Didn't wait long, as soon as we finished filling out the paperwork we were called into an examination room. The staff was very friendly and professional. The lobby and examination room were very clean and they had complimentary coffee/water/tea. Dr. Childs was very friendly with us and gental with Gizmo. She was also very knowledgeable and professional; she asked us if we wanted certain tests done and wasn't pushy when we declined. Dr. Childs explained her diagnosis thoroughly and how to administer Gizmo's topical medicine. We will refer Dr. Childs at West Suburban Veterinary Associates to everyone we know. Read Less

Receptionist Paul and Dr Lyn Edmondson make coming here for all my dogs' care worthwhile. She's not only a very experienced general vet but also a talented surgeon as well. I followed her from her previous locations to this wonderful one for those reasons. Paul really knows how to make furbabies' parents feel at ease upon arrival, has a pleasant, welcoming manner and seems to know just the right thing to say in any stressful or unfamiliar occasion (upon arrival or checkout). Kudos to West Suburban for choosing such a professional, caring and capable staff! Read Less

Dr. Child's is so knowledgeable about my Doves. She always comes in with a smile and takes time to answer my questions. The staff is pleasant and greet you with a smile! I am so glad I don't have to travel far avian care for my doves. Thank you 😊 Read Less

Extremely caring and thorough team of doctors! Been taking our mini-dachshund and lab/border collie mix there for 6 years. Great at giving estimates on any procedure so you can make the most informed decision about care for your pet. Read Less

I have witnessed the dedicated staff in action. Their expertise and caring is obvious. I would, without reservation, recommend that you take advantage of the great prices when you next need spay/neuter services. Tell your friends! Read Less

Staff is always extremely helpful & kind. Vets are extremely knowledgeable & informative & helpful with pets. Always taken care of in a timely fashion and never rushed. Would recommend this clinic to anyone looking for excellent veterinary care for your pets. Read Less

The staff at WSVA are absolutely amazing. We have been bringing our Labrador retriever here for four years, and previously our cat for three years before we had to put her down. During the very stressful time of having to let go our precious kitty, staff were thoughtful, caring, understanding and helpful with all our questions and concerns. They even all signed a sympathy card and sent it to us. They've taken care of our hyperactive, anxious Labrador, Madison, with patience and kindness, no matter who she saw. We will always bring our fur babies here because I know they love them as much as we do. Read Less

Hi, I have been taking my pets to West Suburban since 2014 when I first moved to Wesmont. The entire staff there are wonderful and so caring. They are personable, and also able to be professional and efficient. They are sincere Most importantly they are knowledgeable and diligent in providing you the best care and options available. Read Less

West Suburban Veterinary Associates has been the vet practice for my family's many dogs for more than two decades, during which their competence and caring has never been in doubt.  I've never even considered going to a competing vet practice, because I've never had to.  Try WSVA and you'll learn what I already know - they're very, very good at what they do! Read Less

Many thanks for the wonderful care you provided after our sweet Rex ran away and got hit by a car! You guys went above and beyond your daily responsibilities. Thank you for your extraordinary work, it was greatly appreciated by family and by Rex as well. Read Less

I love West Suburban Veterinary Associates, we have two dogs, one has liver disease and has been treated by Dr. Vidt for several years. Our Silky Terrier was seen by Dr. Vidt yesterday because she was not eating well...nothing serious thank goodness. The staff is helpful and very professional...Dr Vidt always explains everything thoroughly to me and my husband. We have also had to say good-bye to two of our dogs at WSVA and the staff was so caring during this difficult time for our family. Read Less

My dog recently had surgery and Dr. Main performed it. My dog is a rescue dog and has never liked adult males. We figure he was abused by one. When Scooter met Dr. Main for a follow-up visit I was concerned with how he would react to Dr. Main. There was no hesitation - my dog LOVED him. He was very kind and my dog actually laid his head on his leg!!! I was amazed but I guess dogs are smarter than we give them credit for. Thank you Dr. Main. Read Less

The staff is nice. There is one doctor that I hold personnally responsible for contributing to the death of my Beagle. Dr. Vidt was responsible for the care of my Beagle. He failed in many ways. We spent a lot of money on "suggestions" when that we are still in debt with. He misdiagnosed my beagle; therefore, without my knowledge he suffered for at least a year. Sadely, my Beagle Buddy, sounded like he has a cold all the time, suffered seizers, lost consciousness, and almost died right on my kitchen floor. I was panic stricken. Buddy always gave me a look like "Fix me mommy" "I don't know what is wrong with me" I, in a panic state trying to save his life, started taking him the other vets. I learned the HEARTBREAKING news that Buddy had a tumor (cancer) in his nose. On October 2, 2015 Buddy lost his battle with cancer. When I saw him for the last time, in a very weak state, so sleep deprised, and so scared. Buddy looked at me like "Mommy, you are here, I want to get better, I went to go home with you." I put my hands gently on his face and looked him in the eyes and said "Buddy, you can go home now. Thank you for being the BEST THING THAT EVER HAPPEND TO ME" I asked to staff to hurry and give him the shot so he wouldn't suffer anymore before he died. To this day, I don't know if they were successful. After a call was made to West Suburban Vet informing them of the type of news that is probably "just another day to them" I NEVER GOT A CALL FROM DR. VIDT TO EXPRESS ANY REGRETS OR CONDOLENCES. Therefore, I'm sure, to this day, it's business as usual at the clinic. My life will NEVER be the same without Buddy. Read Less

I wanted to first thank everyone at the Westmont Suburban Veterinary Associates for helping me and my dog. They were so compassionate and HONEST. They were absolutely wonderful. They took great care of my baby and fixed her all up. I was recommended by a friend and it truly was the best referral of all. Dr. Durrea was just wonderful. She was very kind and gentle with my Nola and she was very detailed with explaining what was going on with my pet. I was so thankful to find a true honest people that was more concerned about making my dog well. I've been to other Vet offices and I never had the care and concern I got from this staff. I will always bring my animals here now that I've found them and will forever refer people to come here! Read Less

Always a pleasant experience!!! I have had nothing but exemplary care here!! The Dr's are staff are wonderful & empathetic!! Clinic is state of the art & clean!!! Love this place & everything about it!! A++++ Read Less

I can't say enough about West Suburban vet. I have brought and still bring all my dogs to them. They have state of the art faculty, excellent staff and show how much they care! I would recommend them to anyone! Read Less

Cant say enough about this clinic!! State of the art facility, Dr's & staff are empathetic, clinic is super clean... I have never taken my animals elsewhere!!! People come from near & far to see these Dr's & visit this clinic!!! Look no further!!! They are #1!!! Read Less

After talking through all the different possible outcomes for him with our vet. We had the sad, sad duty of making the decision to put our little dog, Monk down. The compassion, respect and special help we received was so appreciated on such a difficult day. They let us sit in our van in his favorite spot wrapped in his favorite blanket and gently helped him move onto dog heaven. And they waited for all of us to give him our final kisses and love to our little Monk. If you are looking for compassion and respect for both pet and pet parent, you will find it here. Read Less

I have been bringing my two spoiled dogs there since they were adopted ( 9 years & 3 years) & they have always been treated kindly by the entire staff, even when they are not on their best behavior. Other than an emergency after hours, I would not take them anywhere else Read Less

We trust Dr Vidt and staff with our dog who had a few recurring breed-related issues. They have helped us resolve them as quickly as possible and are fair and knowledgeable. They are always happy to answer questions and stock meds in their pharmacy. We've had some close calls, and even though the office was busy, the staff made accommodations to let us come in so our dog could see their regular vet. Their vets are skilled in some specialist surgeries, including common eye problems like cherry eye, eye tacking and eyelid issues. In the past at other vet offices, we have had to do revision surgeries at times and have had peace of mind going to WSVA. Our dogs had surgeries that were done correctly and they looked and felt great afterwards.It's a clean and updated facility. Read Less

We've been going to West Suburban for 10 years, and for the past 5+ years, all 4 of our cats were looked after by Dr. Szymanski. She is well loved by the whole family, and always provided the most excellent and loving care. Sadly, all 4 of our babies have died, the last one leaving us just yesterday. Dr. Szymanski was always so incredibly kind and considerate during these sad visits, treating not just our cats, but my my whole family with such thoughtful empathy and compassion. She has always gone out of her way to be gentle, informative, honest, respectful, accommodating, and loving. She made such devastating times that much easier to deal with. And when they were with us, she kept them healthy and happy. I really do believe she's part of why our cats were with us for between 16 and 20 years. Any illnesses were treated immediately, cautiously, and carefully. Over the years, we did see the other doctors on occasion, and every physician on staff is wonderful. As long as we live in this area, we would never even consider going to another veterinarian. The office staff are all just as fantastic as the doctors. They were always more than willing to work with us with financial matters, which is not something all places will do. You won't find a better vet ... I give West Suburban the highest possible score. The staff consistently goes above and beyond.Read Less

My husband brought our Catahoula/Lab puppy Laika in for a potential hip injury this past week. He was immediately impressed by the staff, who greeted our dog in a way that made her calm and comfortable. He also raved about the state-of-the-art facilities.Read Less

Our daughter has significant special needs. Ten years ago we were put in contact with Canine Companions for Independence. Long story short, she was given a skilled, public access companion dog. We had ten good years with Dalton II but in the past year or so he really started slowing down. After a bit he seemed to be in real discomfort.We had been taking him to this practice ever since we got him. The entire staff has always been kind, caring, and considerate. Drs, Berg and Szymanski were extremely helpful in  navigating options for our dog. When it became apparent that it would be best to help him transition we took him there.Everyone was so kind. Dr. Szymanski was very considerate in explaining how the procedure would go and Dalton had a very peaceful, quiet passing. Our family is very grateful for the care he received during the course of his life with us. And we are so grateful for their kindness and care in this closing chapter of his life with us. Read Less

Dr. Jeff Vidt is the Chinese Shar-Pei dog whisperer.  Look at the Chinese Shar-Pei Club of America's web site and you'll find several articles there authored by Dr. Vidt.  I feel really fortunate to have access to Dr. Vidt for my Shar-Pei pup.  He has taught me a lot about the breed and he alone makes it worth the hour drive from the city out to Westmont.  For the most part the staff is very friendly.  I have caught a couple here or there that seemed a bit grumpy but they were probably just having a bad day (we all have them).  But for the most part the staff impress me as folks who work in a vet's office because they love animals.  That always makes me happy and earns my respect. Read Less

I've found everyone here to be very professional and have been a client of theirs for the past 10 years.  The veterinarians and technicians are very good at what they do.  It is a very busy practice, so if you're not greeted at once when you walk in the door or when you're ready to pay your bill, it means there's a lot going on and someone will be with you shortly. Read Less

Dr. Main was incredibly helpful and clear when explaining what the problem was, including showing me an x-ray, explaining what he believed the issue was, and explaining what he would attempt to do to fix it. The staff was also incredibly helpful when I called in the next day to check in on Toby. Dr. Main was not in but they told me when to call him back, and gave me updates on everything they knew offhand, and kept gushing about how sweet he was. I'd definitely recommend them! Read Less

Does Dr. Szymanski seem like a knowledgeable vet? YESIs the practice sensitive to traumatized cats? NOIs the scheduling efficient? HELL NOAfter two years and eight visits I am leaving to find a better practice. Every time I've been there I've waited at least- often longer- 30 min after our apt time. No matter what time of day, what day of the week, or the vet. I understand emergencies happen and they run late. But EVERY SINGLE TIME?  With two cats that already have past trauma sitting in a carrier for 30-45  min with dogs barking and milling around every time is not acceptable. Yesterday was the first time someone apologized. Here's what (I think) is happening: they are scheduling in half hour slots without any regard to the procedure or actual time needed. Just plug in apts to make as much money as possible. I found a "cat friendly practice" on the American Association of Feline Practitioners site and I will be going there. Read Less

I have an old Chinese Shar-Pei and when I first got him I thought I could just take him to any vet. Nope. After a number of horror diagnoses (cancer, kidney failure, cancer again) I realized not every vet knows about this breed. I researched and found Dr. Vidt at West Suburban and even though it's a long ride from the city, it was worth it. Last summer when all his hair started falling out, Dr. Vidt helped him out of a massive allergy attack, when we thought he tore a muscle in his leg, Dr. Vidt spent extra time helping us get a consult from other doctors on staff. The reception staff is always friendly and upbeat both on the phone and in person. I wouldn't take my baby anywhere else. Read Less

This facility has a veterinarian there Dr Tyson Grover who is by far the BEST and ONLY GREAT Veterinarian there!!! I have a French Bulldog and had his nasal procedure and neuter, Etc with Dr Grover and I wouldn't trust anyone else with my dog. Recently upon calling for a appointment for my dog I was informed Dr Grover was no longer going to be there and his last day is August 13th. I am beyond shocked and disappointed that this facility is letting this valuable and appreciated Vet slip through and not serve the community of animals and families he has helped for so many years. I will be leaving this practice and hope that to find him soon in the future at another establishment where he will be appreciated and be able to continue the phenomenal care he gives to animals and their family. I hope everyone will also keep their eyes peeled on the Internet to see he where this extraordinary Vet will be practicing! So my stars are for Dr Grover and once he is gone I will say there will be no stars anymore. Read Less

I was Leary about going here based on some of the bad reviews but we're new to the area and I didn't know where else to go.  They must have responded to the complaints because I had a great experience.  The staff couldn't have been more friendly, the doctor, Dr. Vidt, was wonderful and so sweet to my poor old dog.  He didn't try to run a bunch of tests, knowing that my poor little guy is very old and at this point will not get well :(. I appreciate him willing to maintain him on his meds without gouging us.  I will return there and I do recommend them. Read Less

I love and trust this place! I moved to the area and needed a new vet for my beagle mix Marley. I saw the nice reviews (and the fact that it's super close to home) so I decided to try it out.The waiting area is large and very clean. This place didn't smell like a vets office at all. We saw Dr. Muehrcke for my pup's routine shots. She was very professional and sweet to my little guy. A few months down the road, my pup was limping pretty bad so I had to take him in to the Emergency Animal Hospital since it was a Sunday. The West Suburban Vet Associates called me on Monday morning to see how my poor guy was faring and wanted to see if I needed anything. (My old vet would never have done this!) I brought him in for a second opinion and saw Dr. Szymanksi. She was wonderful! She completely put me at ease and gave me the confidence I needed to get my pup back to full health. My pup is feeling 100% these days and I am so happy about it. We will be coming here from now on. I would highly recommend this place for anyone looking for a vet! Read Less

Just got back from this place, was charged $68 for nothing. How this place gets rave reviews is a mystery to me. This place is about making money. I guess they have enough patients that they can treat people badly. Used to be a great place to pay $200 each time I went there (regardless of the service). I cannot give this place even one star. So long after coming to this place for 20 years. Whoops got a star please disregard that star. Read Less

I love cats.I love every kind of cat. I just wanna hug all of them... but I can't. Can't hug every cat. And it does make me emotional to think about. Not even joking. I watch that e-Harmony spoof video (bit.ly/1bxyI7P) and it seems perfectly normal and perfectly healthy to me. That is *EXACTLY* how I feel about cats. Humans... meh. I look at a human, I feel nothing... just dead inside. But a cat? I'm in a glass case of emotion. So when any of my 4 cats (yes, you read that correctly) need medical attention I turn all tiger-mom and get highly protective, and seek only the best. Even if it's something as (seemingly) simple as a teeth cleaning. I'd gradually been feeling more and more non-plussed about our regular vet's office over the last few years and that was brought to a boiling point about 8 weeks ago when I stole my boy Homer back from the vet before his procedure and stormed out. It was then that I went on the hunt for a new vet that would treat my 4 boys the way I would treat them, the way they deserve, and hopefully not rip me off in the process. Though West Suburban is quite the drive for me and my guys, I came based on the recommendation of my friends, Andres D and Brooke E, as I know both they and their dogs personally and know they have the same level of expectations when it comes to the care of our furry friends. When I first called West Suburban, I was kind of hoping to get right in and book a teeth cleaning for Homer like I've done in the past at our last vet, but that's not how they operate here. This is a legit operation. I had to make an initial consultation appointment ($89-ish) where I met Dr Alison Muehrcke, who is basically a shining ray of light and our pet care savior.  The facility here is as gorgeous as it is immaculate, all the staff are helpful and compassionate and that's something that's at the top my wishlist when it comes to my boyz. Dr Muehrcke is the first Dr we saw and on our follow-up appointments I've made it a point to request and schedule based on her being there. I could tell right away that Dr Muehrcke (pronounced 'merky', if you're making an appointment) was genuine in her love for animals, more specifically for cats. I've seen a lot of vets and most of them are clear dog fans... which is fine, I'm a dog fan, too... but I like for them to be able to relate to my guys and hopefully see a bit of their cats in mine so they can get the best care possible. Dr Muehrcke is basically the Captain Phillips of pet care providers. If something goes down, Dr Muehrcke puts your pet's life above all.Our first consultation and time with Dr M lasted longer than any Dr appointment I've ever for myself as a human, so I knew they weren't cutting corners when it came to little Home-slice. My guy ended up getting a bunch tests done and we actually got some real results from West Suburban - not the inconclusive results we'd always been given in the past. Our bill at the end of the first visit was pretty pricey at touch above $400, but I finally got some semi-definitive answers on my guy that's had lifelong health problems, so I absolutely felt it was worth it. Dr Muehrcke was realistic in going through the surgery that Homer needed to have and I liked that they give you a print of of the surgery cost estimate so you aren't in sticker shock and can prepare for the price tag. The surgery estimate has a high and low-end amount, since sometimes it can be hard to tell exactly what will need to be done until they get in there. Our estimate ran from $600 up to $1500... GULP. But what would I prefer, dropping the $1500 to make Homer better or having to make some sad but more cost-effective decisions in the short-term about Homer's life. The answer was clear to me. The first available spot for Homer to get in with his surgery with Dr M was over a month after our initial appointment. I LOVE that Dr Muehrcke herself will keep in contact over Homer's medical state via phone before and even during the surgery when an executive decision needed to be made. The office was really kind in keeping me aware of Homer's condition and updating on anything I'd want to know, which was basically everything. When I arrived back at the office that same day to pick my guy up, I spoke with Alexis, who was also a shining beam of light and basically the January Jones of pet healthcare. She explained everything so clearly and even called again the next day to check up on my guy and give further test results. In the end, they had to do a lot more in surgery in than we'd initially anticipated, but somehow the bill still came out closer to the lower end of the estimate than the higher (which was a huge sigh of relief for me) and sent me packing with a kit for Homer and some chicken flavored medicine that he literally ate out of the palm of my hand. If you've ever tried to feed a cat a pill, then you know it was worth the price of surgery for those easy-feed chicken flavored meds. Read Less

I have been coming to this animal hospital for over 2 years now, and I always loved it.  However, I made an appointment a few weeks ago and waited almost 2 hours to be seen.  I have a job and a small child and scheduled my appointment 2 weeks prior BECAUSE I needed to be out by a certain time.  I was very disappointed.  The service at the front desk was very polite and helpful as usual, but I was told that it was part of their new policy.  I was a little perturbed that I made my appointment weeks in advance and other clients were being seen before me.  I've had great experiences here before but if this continues, I am going to switch vets.  I need a vet hospital that will keep its appointments, instead of leaving their paying customers waiting for hours. Read Less

While living in Illinois we dealt exclusively with Dr. Vidt as he is the best Shar-pei Dr. in the U.S. We would drive over an hour just to have our Shar-pei seen by him. Our dog loved him and you can tell they shared a bond together that was amazing. We relocated to Florida but on our last visit he took the time out to speak with us and give us recommendations of other Shar-pei specific Vets in Florida along with his personal cell phone number in case we had any problems. Not many vets will do that.The office is very nice for a Vet and the staff is amazing and everyone always has a smile on their face and you can tell they all enjoy what they do.If you have a Shar-pei, check out his website as he has a lot of information regarding Pei's and their breed specific illnesses.Keep up the great work!!! Read Less

Last year I was frantically looking for a vet in the area and had no idea where to go.  I went to yelp to see what it had to offer me.  WSV had great reviews and I remember the shelter mentioning that WSV was there our little guy was checked out.  He had been neutered here and had some dental surgery done here as well.  So, I figured since they already have some background information on my dog, this is a good place to go.  I have now been here twice now and each time was better than expected.  Both times I came in I was flipping out a little after finding something on my dog.  The first time  I saw Dr. Main when my dog had some very small pimple like bumps on him and we had no idea what it was.  Dr. Main explained that it was probably allergies.  Dogs get them just like humans.  He said what to look for if there is a problem but they bumps should go away on their own, and they did.  The second time I was there was a few weeks ago.  I found a large lump on my dogs  right side by his back leg.  Dr. Muehrcke took a look at my little guy and explained that since he was only 3 years old it would be unlikely that it was something serious like cancer.  She did a test to try to get a sample.  Turns out, it appears to be a build up of fat deposits.  She could tell I was nervous so she consulted a 2nd vet just to make sure.  She also noticed my little guys knee cap pops out.  So when I asked if he was overweight, she said his weight is fine but he shouldn't gain anymore since the weight gain may effect his knee later on.I could not be more pleased with my choice to come here.  It is a scary feeling when you think there is something wrong with your pet and you have no where to turn.  They have a wonderful staff and they don't charge an arm and a leg either.  This is now my only place to go for dog. Read Less

We love West Suburban.  We've been coming here for years and wont go anywhere else. The staff is fantastic and really go out of their way for you and your pet. Our dog adores Dr. Muehrcke, but every single doc there is amazing. I'll trust no other vet with our dog. Great facility! Read Less