College Park Animal Hospital

I was offended I brought my dog there for an emergency he was throwing up blood and I could barely carry him. I had to ask a nurse to help me which was a very petite woman that could barely help me you should get help that can handle 50 lb. But that's beside the point my dog was having an emergency and the veterinarian dr. McMichael came right out and asked me for $500 before you could treat my dog I had the $500 but I'm a completely offended my dog was having an emergency. Would they turn a person away at ER hospital you had a broken leg or if you were having a baby if you didnt have $500. They would not turn you away. Veterinary should be just like an emergency room, but after all their business and they're trying to make money Dr. McMichael is old and incompetent he should retire. And the front desk help is rude women. I literally got her argument cuz this lady is being rude to me on the phone then when I showed up I mean I'm spending my money there and im the customer. I hope she doesn't work there anymore but then I really don't care Read Less

I have been coming to College Park Animal hospital with my fur babies for over 40 years and I just love Dr. McMichael and the staff. They treat my fur babies like they are their babies. My Angel just has surgery Monday and I felt 100% confident that they were in the best hands possible with the help of God! The most precious things I have in life are my fur babies and I feel at peace whenever they see Dr. McMichael, he is the best along with the staff at the desk! I love these girls,they are like family. ❤️ Read Less

Good vet. Clean and doesn't smell like pet urine. Parking in front is hard to get out of since it is directly connected to the main street. Pretty pricey, but privately own... Expected. Nice receptionists Read Less

THE best vet hospital in the Washington DC metro area!!Everyone goes the extra mile to ensure all of my cats' and dogs' good health. Though all Ivets are excellent, my favorite is Dr. Beck. She is thorough, thoughtful and caring. If you want an animal hospital "where everybody knows your name", this is it! Read Less

We have been bringing our own and our giant schnauzer rescue group's dogs to College Park Animal Hospital for decades.  Dr. McMichael (and the other vets) get down on their knees to examine the huge canine patients and make them feel comfortable.  Whatever needs doing gets done promptly, including appointment, exam, diagnosis, & recommended treatment.  If a condition is beyond their expertise, they refer out to a specialist.  Support staff is warm, welcoming, & efficient.  Charges are reasonable.Sparkle Plenty Read Less

Very thankful to find a vet so close to home when I moved here from Northern Virginia. We loved our old vet, so I wasn't sure how this would work. Everyone is really nice and they take such good care of my cat. I haven't had to take her in for a Dr visit but I know everything will be cool when I do. I will be happy to come back for the next couple of years while we live here. Read Less

We have been using College Park Animal Hospital for 40 years. Dr. McMichael is a very loving, and concerned person. He takes the time to explain the health and treatment options for our pets. His staff is top-notch!  They are animal lovers, very courteous and concerned.  They DON'T push for extras in order to raise the cost.  If there is a home remedy that will treat the concern, it is offered. Once you use them, I don't think you will change. Read Less

We've been going to CPAH since 2013 for our dog. We've always received high quality care from all staff members including the front office, techs, and doctors. We've gone for a variety of reasons over the years, including regular check ups, vaccines, ear/eye issues, and a bite wound. We never feel rushed when meeting with the doctors and always feel comfortable asking questions. We appreciate their evening and Saturday hours, and we are always able to get an appointment easily. We also buy our monthly flea/tick and heartworm preventative meds there. We are lucky to have such a great resource in College Park! Read Less

We love the veterinarians and staff at College Park Animal Hospital and more importantly, our dog loves it!  He gets excited as we pull in and cant wait to get inside :-).  I have stopped by without an appt to get his nails trimmed they are always eager to attend to him and even fit in whatever else may need taken care of (shots etc).  And when I have needed to make an emergency appt they have always been able to take him and i have never waited long at the actual place (as i have with other vets in the area. Read Less

They have looked after my furry babies for years now. They are always kind, professional and thorough with their examinations. I will never forget how sweet they were to my childhood cat that we had to put to sleep(he was almost 20 and had some medical stuff going on). Each one of them were so kind to my cat and to me. They are a wonderful office.Read Less

My husband and I have four big dogs of varied ages. We have been clients of CPAH for 9 years. Happily, none of our pets have had emergencies or serious illnesses, but we have always found CPAH to be superior with regard to routine and preventative medical care.Never have we had to wait over one day for an appointment. We are always given an in-depth, unhurried explanation of any condition and treatment options with no pressure to move in the more expensive direction.I see that people complain about the prices. Honestly, I think the prices are reasonable - if one considers that these are physicians who must work with patients who cannot speak/explain their problems. Good health care costs money no matter who you are. Again, I have found that I am always presented with numerous treatment options at varying prices.CPAH is an excellent animal hospital. We wouldn't go anywhere else. Read Less

I had a great experience at CP Animal Hospital.  The staff was very pleasant and helpful.  They got me in to see the vet very quickly after I discovered a tick on my dog.  Dr. McMichael was very efficient and knowledgeable and put my worries to rest.  I'll definitely go back to CPAH.Sharon R. Read Less

College Park Animal Hospital is the best!I will only take my animals there and have for at least 30 years.Top notch vet care and customer service.  And the prices are reasonable. I recommend CPAH totally!!! Read Less

TLDR; not recommended. I went to CPAH for many years more out of convenience than anything else. While I believe they have some good veterinarians they have one administrative staff person who is just nasty to customers (I'm flabbergasted that she hasn't been terminated). However, my two star rating is centered around my experience with a problematic ear hematoma with one of my dogs. The second time surgery was needed on the ear I also asked for a growth on an arm that had previously been biopsied as benign to be removed. I was told I would have to schedule (and pay for) two surgeries. I sought out a second opinion and my current veterinarian didn't feel comfortable scheduling two surgeries and giving a dog of this age anesthetic twice for something that could be accomplished at the same time. When I picked up my dog after surgery at CPAH he couldn't stand on his own; when I picked up my dog after surgery at the new veterinarian he was almost normal. To keep that assessment in perspective the recovery time after surgery at CPAH was several hours MORE! As a bonus the cost of the two surgeries was about 25% less than the one at CPAH. Read Less

CPAH is always there our critters; from regular check-ups to more serious diagnoses, including when we had to make the decision to put our sweet Lola cat down. They are very caring, and always have time for us - whether we need to drop off in the morning, or make a sudden appointment, including on weekends. All their vets and vet techs are great with follow-up calls, and are gentle with our feelings (and our critters'). The front desk greets you with a smile, sense of humor, and all staff work with you on questions /concerns with payment. We are so thankful to have CPAH close by. Read Less

We love College Park Animal Hospital.  They are small, friendly and very friendly.  The doctors are great- we have been coming here with two dogs and a cat for over 10 years and have always had a great experience. Dr. McMichael is the doc we usually see but have also had great experiences with other doctors. Read Less

Best animal hospital experience ever! I have been to several animal hospitals to treat my dogs and cats (yes I have both) over the past 20 years and College Park Animal Hospital takes the cake by far! Staff is very professional and kind. Dr. McMichael is the best veterinarian I have ever dealt with - extremely conscientious and knowledgeable. They let you know upfront all of the options, the risks and benefits for each, and exactly how much it will cost ahead of time - even for just a routine appointment! I couldn't imagine going to anywhere else to treat my pets during their toughest times. They really do care about your pets' health and well-being and it absolutely shows in their service. They have always taken the time to make a personal connection with their clients - everyone I have recommended go here has been amazed. I can't stress enough how well they treat their clients. Any negative reviews on here do NOT know what they are talking about. Those people must be absolutely crazy. Like I said I have recommended this place to all of my pet-loving friends and they all agree that this is best animal hospital experience they have ever had. I highly encourage and recommend everyone to go to College Park Animal Hospital for the best care of their loved ones. Best animal hospital around! Read Less

I'm taken aback at the few negative reviews posted here -- we have two aging animals (a dog and a cat), and we've never experienced anything less than excellent service and care each time we've been here.The receptionist staff are pleasant and accommodating, and the veterinarians have always been careful, thorough, and compassionate with both of our animals. (Dr. Berndt saw our dog; I can't recall who saw our cat.) I also appreciate that even though the doctors have my animals care as a priority, they acknowledge and appreciate that it can be expensive and find ways to work with owners -- for example, even though my dog will need his teeth scaled, they recommended doing the procedure in the spring when they have a discount on that service.I would not describe the facilities as "posh," but it is always clean, and to me good and thorough care for my animals is more important than fresh paint on the walls. Read Less

They may be small but CPAH has been our vet for over 30 years...The staff is incredible, well trained and pleasant to work with. I can always count on the staff to take care of all my animals with the best care possible. They have come through for me on several emergencies. Read Less

Absolutely horrible!!! Would not recommend to anyone. It is a money trap!! Overpriced & very rude staff. The ladies behind the desk treated me as if I was a moron. Overpriced beyond belief. An "examination" aka the vet looking in his ears and listening to his heart was $65 alone. Will NEVER bring my puppy back here. Would rather secrete his anal glands myself. TERRIBLE.Read Less

My wife and I have used College Park Animal Hospital for 26 years now.  While you will rarely get to see Dr. McMichael, the rest of the staff is more than capable of handling your pet's needs. The young vets keep the practice current.  Just a good, old-fashioned local vet practice. Read Less

The staff here is great! I especially appreciate Dr. Berndt's dedication. She has given us great care and advice, and always takes a lot of time with my four (now five) cats and two dogs. She was especially meticulous with a feral kitten we recently brought in, and answered all my questions very clearly and without making me feel rushed. Read Less

I felt the need to rebut all the negative reviews on here.  We have seen Dr. Neri here twice for our dog, and he has been thoroughly kind, professional, and helpful with us.  The same goes for the other hospital staff.  Yes, it is in a small and non-descript location, but we are thoroughly satisfied. Read Less

CPAH is really the place to go. My dog had a bacterial infection in his nail bed, and Dr. Neri and his vet techs were so patient and loving with my dog. They are professional and I will continue going there for my pup's examinations and any emergency. Read Less

I called this animal hospital seeking help after my cat had a horrible fall injuring his leg going up the stairs. I was very worried and a bit frantic on the phone. The receptionist was very rude and stated do not bring your pet here if you do not have an appointment. She also did not give any recommendations to hospitals with emergency services. It seemed as if she simply did not care. Even other hospitals I called that did not take walk ins were able to state so in a pleasant manner and offer recommendations. I cannot speak on the service at the hospital. But if the doctors are just as uncompassionate and unprofessional as the receptionist, I definitely do not recommend going to this place. I was very disgusted. Read Less

do. not. go. there. I am an over-concerned "pet parent", but when a dog goes in for a checkup and his severe inner ear infection (that lead to an actually serious hematoma in his ear) is completely missed, there's an issue. when you pay for tests, and the results go "mysteriously missing" and you pay three times for basic tests, there is a problem. when you go in when urgent care is needed (as in a hematoma needing to be cleared), and they tell you it's an annoyance...well, that's the last straw. An ethics board complaint is forthcoming. Read Less

Ive been taking my dog Chief (chocolate lab) to CPAH for almost 2 years now and I have never had any issues with them whatsoever. I am not sure if the negative reviews on here are from different staff or not, but one of my neighbors had recommended CPAH when I first got Chief. I could tell right away when I first went in, they care about animals and thats important to me. I never have to wait long at all for my appointment and everytime I have called to make an appointment, it has been convenient with my schedule and never more than 1-2 days away. I cant comment about prices because Ive only ever gone to one other Vet but I do know they care. I even received emails and phone calls personally afterwards for them to see how Chief was doing and that made me feel good. Yes, their location may not the best, as parking is a little tight since it is located within feet of Route 1, which is a busy 2-lane road, but I dont have any problems with that at all to be honest.I just wish that the Vet, Mr. McMichael was still there, because the neighbor who referred them mentioned Dr. McMichael personally and my first few visits there, he was the one to see Chief. Since, Ive always gotten someone different but they seem very caring and knowledgeable. Read Less

College Park Animal Hospital is Fantastic. Dr. McMichael is a wonderful vet with superb diagnostic and surgical skills. My family and friends agree he is the most dedicated and compassionate doctor we have ever encountered. Some of us have moved and still travel quite far to see him and his staff. He has treated our dogs, cats, birds, fish and occasional backyard wildlife. And he and his staff have treated them for just about everything over the years - heartworms, feline leukemia, eye injuries, arthritis, cancer, heart and renal disease, stomach upsets, surgery, etc. Even the specialists that we have seen speak highly of College Park. Dr. McMichael and his staff have always treated us with respect and dignity while practicing top notch medicine. College Park Animal Hospital is the only place for all our pets. Read Less

I have use College Park Animal Hospital for many years. They have treated my foster dogs and also my own dogs. I higly recommend Dr McMichael. He is a very experienced Veterinarian. I have never been disapointed with their services. Read Less

After adopting a last chance cat from a local pet chain, I decided to make the CPAH her primary vet since we live down the road. I thought the location was very convenient. After her 3rd visit for some vaccines I found it extremely hard to make an appointment that was not more than 3-5 days away. My kitten had an upper respiratory infection and needed antibiotics asap and they told me all of the vets' slots were filled up and the only opening was 3 days away. Seriously? And you call this an "Animal Hospital?" The second time my kitten needed to see a vet for an emergency visit they told me the same thing, no slots were open to see the vet. I was infuriated. How can they call this an animal hospital and not have the time to see animals that seriously need help? They need to leave some time for emergency visits if they claim to be an "animal hospital." How many human hospitals tell you to come back in a few days when you are sick??? Animals should not be any different. Nebel Street Animal Hospital is open 24 hours... for emergency or non emergency visits. It is in Rockville, MD for anyone who needs a vet that is reliable and accommodating. Read Less

One of their vets received a letter of censure from the State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners for his ""failure to identify"" my cat Smokey's heart condition. This vet took courses at the regional levels to improve his ability ""to read radiographs and ultrasounds,"" according the the letter I received dated October 29th 2009. When my pet's heart condition was missed, causing suffering and mostly likely an untimely death, I confronted the owner of the hospital, Thomas McMichael about the substandard care. Instead of owning up to the mistakes of his staff member, McMichael gave evasive and untruthful explanations and eventually became nasty. In addition, this business owner has contacted several review sites to have my and my family members' reviews removed. He consistently removes our reviews from Insiderpages. That's quite a solution to the the problem of medical errors! Read Less

We have been taking our pets to College Park Animal Hospital for over 15 years. They have been absolutely wonderful! They are extremely knowledgeable as well as compassionate to the pets. I have been completely satisfied and will continue to strongly recommend this animal hospital to anyone who loves their pets and wants the best possible care! Read Less

Our experience with this place has not been very good. At first things were going OK, they treated our dogs and cats, with no problems. We also had a lot of contact with them because we volunteered with PAW, which is the rescue that has its sick dogs boarded and treated there. My parents, myself and my girlfriend all walked these dogs during the day, and we were doing a lot of work with them because my parents work from home, and we were both students at the time. Sometimes, we would bring dogs from the shelter to the hospital or from the hospital to the boarding kennel. When a staff vet at the hospital missed our cat's heart disease on an X-ray, the owner, Dr. McMichael was confronted for an explanation. The failure to see the heart problem was obvious because more than one other vet saw it on this X-ray after Smokey had died. Dr. McMichael, however, chose to provide a strange explanation that an X-ray can not detect the type of heart disease Smokey had. When a more plausible explanation was sought, Dr. McMichael cut off access to the hospital premisses for walking the sick PAW dogs to all of four of us. The walking we did with them was the only exercise provided to them at the time. The hospital has cages only, no outside space for them. I didn't even know about this and showed up with a leash and collar to walk a dog, only to be thrown out by Dr. McMichael, who was saying my ""mother wants to sue"" him. My parents never sued him and so far as I know had no plans to sue him. They filed a complaint with the Vet Board because Dr. McMichael refused to be truthful about the missed heart disease of our pet, who ended up suffering because of this. He also refused to take responsibility for the mistake of his staff vet. If he acted honestly and took responsiblity, my parents might not have filed the complaint. Now, the failure to see Smokey's heart failure on an X-ray resulted in a Vet Board's formal letter of censure to the vet who missed the heart failure, which is on public record. It could have been different. This was a very bad experience: the way Smokey's care was handled and we were treated, as well as those homeless dogs that depended on our walks. A very unfortunate experience. Read Less

Update: The veterinarian who treated our cat, Smokey, at College Park Animal Hospital received a formal letter of censure concerning his ""failure to recognize cardiomegaly and increased pulmonary interstitial pattern on the thoracic radiographs taken of Smokey on January 8, 2008."" This excerpt is from an October 29, 2009 letter from the Maryland State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners, addressed to my wife. The letter goes on to state that prior to accepting censure, this veterinarian ""participated in classes offered at a regional conference as a means of improving his ability to read readiographs and ultrasounds."" The letter from the State Board also stated that a letter of censure is a matter of public record. Clients of this hospital are still urged to to BE EXTREMELY CAUTIOUS, especially with elderly pets, who may be exhibiting signs of a heart disease. Even though one of the veterinarians at College Park Animal Hospital received this additional training, there is no evidence of any such training completed by the others, particularly the owner and the head vet of the hospital, Thomas McMichael, DVM, who apparently believes that congestive heart failure cannot be seen on an X-ray, as per his statement to my wife when she questioned Smokey's treatment. The fact that the primary diagnostic tool for Congestive Heart Failure is an X-ray is a very basic medical fact, and any veterinarian who does not know this basic fact cannot adequately ensure the safety of a pet at risk for heart disease. Read Less

College Park Animal Hospital (CPAH) is an old institution in College Park. Many people have brought their pets there and have been satisfied with the service received. I have also been a satisfied client for over two years. However in early 2008 my old cat, Smokey, became very ill. I took him to CPAH three times and twice to the ER. CPAH missed a serious and potentially life threatening heart condition in Smokey, even though it was obvious on the X-ray taken by one of its vets (recognized immediately on the same X-ray by the emergency vet and later by a Tufts vet). As a result, Smokey deteriorated quickly without any medication for over two weeks. Alarmed by Smokey's symptoms, I began doing reading on the Internet, which led me to believe that Smokey might have a serious heart disease and should be treated urgently. I called CPAH, and one of the vets there agreed to put Smokey on rescue medication and refer him to a cardiologist. The medication started helping Smokey right away. The question is: why was I the one who had to determine that Smokey needed this medication, and not the vet? The heart condition could have been probably treated more successfully if given when it was first obvious on the X-ray. Smokey died on January 29th at the ER after a sedative was administered to him. One of the veterinarians treating Smokey at CPAH admitted missing the condition, but the other one and the owner of the hospital refuse to acknowledge that mistakes were made. To add insult to injury, Dr. McMichael, the owner and head vet at CPAH, became defensive and vindictive against me and my family. He stated that Smokey's heart diseases, congestive heart failure (CHF), was not detected on the X-ray taken at CPAH because CHF cannot be seen on an X-ray. This is incorrect: X-ray is one of the main tools in diagnosing CHF, and any basic medical and veterinary text will say so. When I confronted Dr. McMichael, he began stonewalling. He refused to release Smokey's records and X-rays to me when I showed up to pick them up on a date agreed upon between me and his staff. He also stopped allowing me and my whole family (including my son's girlfriend) to come onto the premises in order to volunteer with rescued dogs cared for at CPAH, leaving these dogs without the walks and socialization that the four of us had been providing to them prior to the incident.This is a very sad experience because we trusted the veterinarians at CPAH to keep our pet safe. We also trusted them to have the best interest of homeless animals at heart, as they claim to be "rescue friendly." We trusted them to have the personal and professional integrity to own up to their mistakes, should they happen. Our trust has been irrevocably betrayed. Read Less