Festival Veterinary Clinic

This review has been a long time coming. It's just been really, really hard to write. My family had been going to this clinic with our old dog for many years. In 2008 when I got my first dog, Eva Pixie, I decided to keep the tradition going. The support staff was awesome, and the doctors friendly enough, so even if the costs were higher than other clinics in the area, I stayed. Then 2016 came. I took Eva in for a visit because her lymph nodes had swelled. I don't remember the vet's name because I think I've blocked out most of the memories from that day due to the trauma of it. She warned us that it could be a cancer, lymphoma, and wanted to order a long list of tests to find out. At the time I had absolutely no clue what lymphoma was, or even what cancer in dogs was like, so I asked if we could just do the cytology first, since that would tell us if it actually WAS lymphoma. And that was when she said something I've had no success wiping from my memory. "Well, I need to know now if you're going to be willing to spend the money for treatment." She sounded actually upset about it. I just froze up. Again, I knew nothing about lymphoma. What KIND of treatment? What odds were there? What timeframe are we looking at? WHAT IS LYMPHOMA? The only thing I knew was that it was, obviously, a cancer of the lymph nodes. It was like she was assuming I already knew everything about lymphoma and could easily make an informed decision right there on the spot. Inside, I was starting to feel furious at her, but I kept it together, ordered the cytology, and got Eva out of there with the intent of NEVER going back. As soon as the results were back a few days later confirming Lymphoma, I transferred over to the Bel Air Veterinary Hospital. I told the FVC it was for a "second opinion", but really, I just wanted to get Eva as far away from that doctor as possible. Fortunately the doctor at the BAVH was incredible. He explained the basics of canine lymphoma, gave me some statistics to chew on, an idea of what chemo in dogs was like, and how much the cost would range. That's all I wanted! Was that really so hard? I left him feeling relieved now that I actually knew what I was in for, and in a much better mental state to begin Eva's fight. That doctor at FVC had no idea how far I would go to give Eva as much time as I could, and she never should have assumed otherwise to begin with. Fortunately Eva was internet famous from a viral picture I'd taken a couple years before - simply google "So I tied my dog Eva to a post" and it's the first thing that pops up. She raised $16k on gofundme from her fans across the world, and the remaining couple grand I paid for out of pocket, paycheck to paycheck. In the span of a year she went through two rounds of chemo with only one or two "bad" days in between. For the rest, she was her usual crazy, happy self. Unfortunately, she became multi-drug resistant and there was no point in continuing treatment. She passed away April 4th, 2017. Every step of the gruelung fight was worth it. With one exception: the first step, at FAV, with a doctor who had the worst bedside manner in history. Read Less

I have seen Dr Baron for years now. I followed him here from Bel Air vets. He was caring for my young cat Salem who was just under a year old. He suffered from HCM, a very severe heart condition. From time of diagnosis to his passing... one month. I was just notified today that they made a donation in Salem's name to a companion animal memorial fund. I'm so deeply touched, how beautiful, compassionate, kind and loving. Thank you Festival Vet Clinic from the bottom of my heart for all you have done for my babies and I 💖💖💖 We love you 💖💖 Read Less

I go there for Dr. Cianelli....The BEST veterinarian I have ever taken my animals too. The staff is awesome and so good with animals. Dr. Cianelli will get down on the floor with my dog and take extra time to make her feel comfortable. My dog is an extreme case. The extra care and time she takes with my animals makes it very obvious that she is an animal lover. She saved my cat from dying earlier than necessary. She caught a mistake that another vet made (a very grave and kill your cat kind of mistake). She gave me a bit more time with my cat, and I will never forget that. Dr. Lomax took care of my dog noodle and is extremely competent and knowledgable. I would not recommend any other veterinary clinic than this one, or their sister clinic in Falston. Read Less

Have to say that Dr. Peter Beron and his wife Kara Beron who is a surgical vet tech at Festival.... (We followed them from Bel Air) are just that amazing. Another truly amazing vet tech is Christine who just has a heart of gold. The staff has always been kind and compassionate. My fur babies love them and trust them Bcuz they know how to tap into their inner love. And with my fur babies that takes skill. Read Less

We were clients of Fallston Vet and started seeing some of the festival doctors once the ownership changed. They are personable, kind and very great! We are happy to have such great vets. We have seen Dr. Charlotte and Dr.lomax for two different issues and both have been awesome. Thanks for helping our furry family members feel better! Read Less

What a shame that this lady had a bad experience. We are a multiple pet family and require vet services quite often. i have never been disappointed in the care and attention we receive. the doctors are very smart and consult each other so that my pets are not strangers when any doctor is off. The staff is always pleasant and helpful and the office manager is one of the nicest ladies ive ever met. I have recommended this place to many friends who love them as well. must have been an off day for the other reviewer Read Less