Advanced Veterinary Complex

I used Advanced Veterinary Complex for the last 5 years of my dog's life.  My dog passed away at age 15.  While there are some great things about this veterinary complex, like customer service, there are also some things that would deter me from ever using this facility again.  For example, it's hard to schedule appointments with the same veterinarian consistently.  It's sort of like a round robin... you get whoever is available unless you make a specific request. The big problem with this is that all veterinarians here don't seem to have the same proficient skill level when it comes to diagnosing problems and treating pets.  I do believe, even though my dog lived a very long and for the most part a very healthy life, the congestive heart failure that she ultimately died from was not properly diagnosed.  As she got older and I noticed oddities about her health, It seemed the proper tests were never conducted until it was too late.  I'm not blaming this facility for the death of my dog.  But I do think they could have done a much better job with conducting the proper tests that diagnose illnesses in senior dogs instead of just pacifying my suspicions and only concluding the issue was old age itself. Read Less

Do your pet a favor and find a COMPETENT Veterinary practice and RUN from this one as fast as you can! A very small Maltese with constipation was put in this veterinarian's care and the baby ultimately DIED because of his incompetence! This baby's been treated for this exact issue many times with no problem by other veterinary hospitals. We want to know WHY this baby died in HIS "CARE"! Read Less

We were recommended Advanced Vet (specifically Dr. Benson) from a dog rescue for the reasonable pricing and vet experience. I've been bringing my dogs to see Dr. Benson for several years now and feel I can offer a well rounded review at this point. Anyone who has rescued dogs knows it can be a bit of a roller coaster, but Dr. Benson has been a rockstar when it comes to identifying and treating issues that pop up.My first experience was very scary - we learned that our newly adopted dog, who was treated for heart worms before we adopted him, still had them. They were so severe that the first treatment (not by Dr. Benson) was not successful. We trusted him with the second treatment and he has been worm free for years now with no side effects. From standard wellness visits to specialty visits for lumps & bumps, advanced vet has always delivered precise and caring treatment.Not to mention, they have great hours and we have never had problems getting appointments within the time frame that they are needed. I've never had any experiences with "rude" staff. Yes, there can be a wait and yes, you may be put on hold for some time on the phone. I have seen some nasty customers while I was waiting... and it always impresses me that the staff keeps their cool. The staff has always been  professional toward me and my pups, but I've also treated them with nothing but respect.I will say that I cannot speak to the skills of the other vets at the location as I do not have experience with them.The only negative thing that I can think of is that I feel that they may be understaffed on occasion which is why I'm dropping a star. Read Less

My pets were patients at AVC for 15 years. Dr. Benson did help us when he could, as did Dr. Simpson, but the rest of the vets there that we saw were, in my opinion, not entirely competent. What others say about extremely unprofessional vet techs is quite true. Of course not everyone is rude, but unfortunately many are. When I voiced my complaint to Dr. Benson, instead of listening to the legitimate issues we had encountered during a hospitalization period with both vet techs and staff veterinarians, he chose to side with his staff and blamed the client. Dr. Benson is a knowledgeable vet, but he is human, and as such, he does not know everything. Once, during a complex case, when we sought a second opinion from an Internist, he made it very clear that he was unhappy about it. The solution for Osteosarcoma is not to chop off your beloved animal's limb; there ARE other options including Stereotactic Radiation Therapy that can save the limb. Though you likely will save money at AVC, it's wrong to assume ALL pet guardians want to save money and therefore they don't need to see board certified veterinarians, who are simply more qualified to address more involved cases such as cancer. Read Less

I’ve been using them for years. Really gone downhill. Always put on hold because they are understaffed. Called several times for simple procedures such as nail cutting and told there was no one there to do it. Frustrating. I feel as if my dog and I are just another customer. Terrible. Read Less

There are not enough wonderful things to say about Dr. Benson and everyone who works at Advanced Veterinary Complex. When my 17 year old cat died years ago, after being patient there for over 10 years, they called to check on me, sent hand written note, and more. Flash forward, I took my 11 year old sweet kitty to them as an emergency last weekend. Sadly, he died yesterday. The compassion, love, and quality veterinary care that was given not only to my sweet pet but to my human family as well cannot be matched elsewhere. I will never take my pets anywhere else. Read Less

I had the absolute worst experience here. Brought my dog in for a spray. 5 days later she was throwing up had a high fever and was out of it. Took her back because I suspected sepsis. They assured me there was no way she could have gotten sepsis from them, had she had to have eaten something outside. Gave her a barium test to see if she had a blockage, called the next morning to say she did have a blockage and surgery was necessary to save her life. Which of course, I consented to. Opened her up from chest to rear only to find no blockage. But remember there’s no way it was sepsis. Caused by their spay. So now racking our bill up through the roof because of unnecessary surgeries. We are distraught. Our kids are distraught. At this point we felt the least they could do was accept partial responsibility for the needless surgeries and possible sepsis. And we told them we felt they should take half of what they were charging is off the bill. Yes, we were willing to pay half for something that we had no control over. Their answer was no, and once our dog was well enough to come home they held her hostage until we signed a payment agreement. They seriously would not give us our dog until we agreed to pay the full amount. In the end I understand vets are human too. People make mistakes but the fact that they refused to accept responsibility for a misdiagnosis and forced us to pay under duress makes it clear, this place is 100% about money. Read Less

Don't know how knowledgeable Dr. Benson is because luckily our pets haven't really been sick or needed expert advice. But he is definitely impatient and unfriendly with few people or animal skills. Dr. Bloom is wonderful - ask for her - and Dr. K is not bad either. Read Less

BEWARE!  If you take your pet in for any problems, get a second opinion right away!My 11 year old cat started with an unexplained weight loss around the first of this year.Went from 18 lbs. last year to 11 lbs. in Feb. We took him back three times after that, because we felt that something was wrong. During these visits, Dr. Simpson took two x-rays , did blood work, and tested a stool sample. Dr. Kelleher did an ultra sound on 3/2/17, and the last x-ray and blood work was done on 5/11/17. After each procedure, we were told that they couldn't understand the weight loss, that they didn't see any problem or cause, and to see a specialist.On 5/22/17, we took him to another facility. Almost immediately, the vet felt that there was some type of obstruction, possibly a cancerous tumor. The next day, they suggested surgery, but, due to the high cost, we returned to Advanced for Dr. Benson to operate. After operating on him on 5/24/17, we were told that our cat had a cancerous tumor, which also affected his lymph glands, and was not operable. Sadly, we had to have him euthanized.We are still trying to understand how, on 5/11/17, he was reported OK, and, eleven days later, was told that he had an inoperable, cancerous tumor, causing him to be euthanized.We will NEVER return to this facility if and when we get another cat. If we cannot rely on veterinarians to guide us on the proper care and quality of life for our pet, there is a problem there. If they would have determined this problem back in February, we would have immediately authorized surgery which may have possibly saved his life.My wife and I are devastated over this loss. Read Less

I have a young rescue cat who was sick with a stubborn cold. The costs to treat have been beyond outrageous at $500. Be warned that Dr. Simpson will do every test AND procedure known to man even if you ask for just the essential tests. I feel that this was absolutely done to increase my bill--my family is not wealthy and this has been a true hardship. We clearly told the doctor this but it did not stop her and we felt ignored. She ordered testing that had very recently been done despite us having the records showing this.  Don't get me wrong--I took my cat in for treatment and knew we'd have a bill but not at that amount. And forget about asking for a reduction or any help with the bill-you will be handed over to their snarky office manager Jean who tells you too bad but they need to be paid and nothing can be done--did I expect free care? I would have given this practice a one star rating except that I have had a good experience with Dr. Benson in the past--he is mindful of costs and honest in his treatment; however, after this experience I am not certain if I will return. My advice to anyone interested in this practice would be to stick with Dr. Benson and if he is booked go elsewhere--Thanks to Yelp I'll just search for a new practice and I know I will find an honest practice that does not take advantage of their clients. Read Less

Over the last 20 years, Dr.Benson has cared for our various cats and our dog. He is very professional and nurturing with the animals and the rates are reasonable. Recently he repaired a CCL tear on my 11 year old golden and she's doing well. He doesn't recommend unnecessary procedures and lays out the options and costs inan objective manor. No complaints here. Read Less

I just walked out of this vet office. We had recently moved to the area and took both of our dogs here for shots. The day before yesterday my one dog was not eating. She was lethargic and I found a lump on her throat. I took her in to this clinic. After 2 hours of waiting they said they want to keep her over night as she had a high fever. Over the next 2 days I called and left my name with the receptionist and let her know I was concerned and wanted info on what was going on. I called and left messages 8 times! 8 times! I never got a call back. I called this morning and was told that I can pick my dog up. $1000, two days with no one calling me back and never speaking to the doctor and I am still left with no idea what is wrong with my dog. I got both of my dogs records and will not ever be returning to this clinic. Every time I have gone in there the receptionist are eating and chatting. It seems like there is never a doctor there to answer questions. I was told that my dog has not eaten in two days and to give her these meds with meal and if she still isn't eating and the lump is still there in two weeks I should bring her back. If she doesn't eat for two weeks, bring her back? This place is careless and rude. Run away! Read Less

Thank you Dr. Benson for seeing my little cat named Caterpillar this morning. Your staff made me fell welcomed and had no reservation about treating my emergency today. I wished that every establishment that cares for animals would be as professional and caring as Advanced Veterinary Complex!! Dedication speaks volumes and there are really no words that can adequately express my sincere gratitude. Read Less

Dr Benson is extremely knowledgable. We have been taking our dogs to see him for the past 7 years. He diagnosed one of my dogs with a very rare disease (SLO) that was previously misdiagnosed by another doctor. He is straight forward and honest. He was very kind and compassionate when our dog was diagnosed with cancer. He even called us after hours (around 9:30 pm) when the blood work first came in. I gave 4 stars instead of 5 because agree that I often have to wait on hold for a while when I call, but I am willing to deal with that in order to have my dog get great vet care. Read Less

Dr. Benson is one of the most trust-worthy, honest, and caring vets I've encountered. Many years ago we went to him for a 2nd opinion on a torn ACL. No, no torn ACL although he could've said otherwise and charged us $1000 for a repair that the other vet was more than happy to take double for. In a matter of a few days, our dog was fine, just as Benson expected. Years later and we've ended back here, not caring any more that the location is not at all convenient for us. For over a year he has expertly and judiciously taken care of several of our foster dogs, giving very practical advice and very reasonable service. The front office staff has always been professional. Yes, there are high volume times when I call and there's a long hold time or I have to call back but I don't consider that rude. Whenever I'm there, the front office staff is very busy handling calls, communicating with vets, checking clients in and out. So glad we're back with him and I'd recommend him to anyone. Read Less

For the last 20 years, my various pets have been treated by Dr. Benson and the other vets at advanced. Dr. Benson is a solid veterinarian. He treats my pets for what they need, but isn't excessive. They have treated my golden twice for lyme and now for joint inflammation in her golden years. One of the other vets in the practice strongly recommended that I put my cat on dialysis when it was in end stage kidney failure which would have been extremely expensive, stressful to the pet and only delayed the inevitable, but we opted for implementing our own hospice care at home so the cat could die in peace. My only recommendation is that the doctors provide estimates of cost and likely outcomes when they suggest various treatments although that tends to be an obvious omission across human health care, as well. BTW, Shelley is an excellent groomer. She has groomed my dog for years. Read Less

DO NOT USE GROOMING SERVICES!!!!!!  Totally dissatisfied with their groomer, Shelly...I take my (now) 6month old Shitzu-Maltese there for veterinarian services and after yesterday that's all she'll be going for.  I  like Dr. Benson & the administration staff but the GROOMER SUCKS! The first time I had my pup groomed everything was fine, my pup's hair grows long and since it was her first cut I felt the length was appropriate.  The second time is where my dissatisfaction all started, the groomer charged me an extra $30, when I questioned as to why she stated that my pup was "heavily" matted and it took her an additional 3hrs to comb her out, don't believe it!!I wash her weekly & comb/brush damn near daily...I questioned her as to why she barely cut her if she was "heavily" matted, I would think she'd cut her down more but noooo my pup's hair was just as long as when I bought her in, she tried to play it off by giving me a free grooming brush and suggesting a comb I could buy, wtf is all I could think because I felt my brain telling my mouth "don't do it! don't say it".  After long thought I decided third times the charm, right?! foolish me!!  I asked that she be cut low/shorter, shave her face close & not to cut tail/ears, mind you after our second visit mishap she noted our records as to how much I preferred her to be cut/clipped/trimmed, so she clearly knew what was expected!!!  Why in the hell did I pick up my pup yesterday and she had shaved all her freaking hair offDID YOU HEAR ME? YES I SAID SHAVED IT ALL OFF, NOT CUT NOT TRIMMED BUT SHAVED!!! My pup out here looking naked, I was livid!!!  Not only did she f@?! up my pup's hair cut but she took all day doing it obviously, I dropped her off at 7am, she wasn't ready until 5pm.  Oh and she charged an extra $25! FOR THE F@?! WHAT? A bad cut!!! She'll never touch my babe again. If & when we go for vet visits I want them to know that bih is not to touch mine at all!!!  Personally I think she did this out of spite for questioning her pricing practice.Now I know why the person who referred me to Dr. Benson didn't refer their grooming services instead she referred me to a private groomer, who I will be using from now on.  FYI: I didn't initially use the personal groomer because when I called her she said my pup needed all her shots and she was too young to have them all at the time...but now that's she's older and all her shots have been taken, we're good to go!!! If you love your animal don't take them to this lady!!! Hell for what I got & paid for I could have gone to a pet store and received better service at a reasonable price. Read Less

I was very happy with Dr. Benson.  The way he communicated with my wife and I and the way he connected with my Black Lab Rex put everyone at ease. The staff was very nice and the prices were quite reasonable.I went to him for a second opinion on a procedure and I'm so glad I did.  We'll be going back from now on. Read Less

I'm not too familiar with the docs but they have given care to my dog while he's being groomed that has helped tremendously. I just want folks to know Shelly is the best groomer anywhere. I would follow her anywhere. She takes such good care of my baby and he is so handsome when he comes home. Big shout out to Shelly!! Read Less

Dr. Benson is really great and very knowledgeable about greyhounds (who often have specific health concerns and whose blood work comes back looking different than the average dog). I feel very confident taking my beloved greyhound here (and I drive all the way from Baltimore city). Their prices are very reasonable for visits, procedures, and medication. My only complaint is that I am often put on hold for a long time when I call to schedule an appointment, but I will deal with that as long as my dog is well taken care of. Read Less

My sister has a dog that was diagnosed with "a cancerous" growth. I went to the facility to pay for the surgery only to find out that the growth was a cyst that had "resolved itself" however, since the dog was already under anesthesia, they decided to ( without consent ) pull 2 teeth and clean the others. The bill is now $250. I now have the choice to either pay the bill and write this review or refuse to pay the bill all together. Obviously, I've decided to pay the bill and do the consumer community a favor by alerting everyone as to how unscrupulous the practice of this facility is. I understand that they need to run a business and make money doing so. But , consider this.... If you took your car in for an oil change and went to pick it up and found the dealership put a set of tires on as well, would you be happy? I didn't think so!!!! Please learn from my lesson. Protect yourself!! Read Less

I would not recommend this veterinary clinic at all. First the rude staff, I am put on hold for 20 minutes at a time and I have to keep calling back. I realize this could be because they have so many patients but even when I go to the office I have to wait to be seen, as I am standing at the counter  while they other vet techs and receptionists chat away. The first awful experience was with my new puppy who weighed 2.6 pounds at the time we went in for her puppy shot, they tried 3 times  to give her a shot and it went all the way through and her skin so you could see the needle outside of her skin! This happened twice! Then the vet had the audacity to blame my boyfriend saying he wasn't holding her well enough and took her out of the room to give her a shot who knows how many times they did it out there! The last and final straw is I get heartworm and tick meds every month for my puppy and she weighs 4.8 pounds, thank the Lord I checked this month because they gave her the pill for the weight range 50-100 pounds!She could have died of overdose I went there to tell them and I did not even get an apology!! All they were worried about was if I paid the correct amount for the pill. I am so disturbed by this place and their completely careless attitude! Good riddance!! Read Less

My boyfriends Dads recommend us, he had been many times for his three cats. Anyway, after a "ruff" car ride with my two year old pit we were greeted pleasantly. The Vet knew right away that his limp was Lyme disease and put him on pain medicine and an antibiotic. He was back to his normal self running and playing the next day! And he loved all the attention the employees gave him, the girls at reception coddled him like a newborn. Plus, they are the only ones who can trim his nails without him putting up a stink. I would defiantly recommend and I know both he and I look forward to his next visit (kidneys test and nail trim ). PS. upon my initial visit, I was shocked by how low our bill was!Read Less

I have had to use the services of this complex twice in under 4 months due to owning a lovely but intensely curious pitbull puppy. The first was a spider bite..and the diagnosis and treatment were right on. This latest visit was due to Karma developing hives as a result of some altercation with a biting or stinging insect. Again...just as the vet said the hives went down within hours of the injection given. I should mention that both visits were after hours..and considered emergencies. Having a pitbull you get used to negative attention or attitudes from people...EVERYONE there was concerned and very loving and sweet to my baby..something that means the world to me. Read Less

DO NOT TAKE YOUR PET HERE!!!!!!! I took my pet for an emergency visit for what was diagnosed as a sprain. My pet was prescribed medication /anti inflammatory. I had just returned from vacation and decided to get my dog groomed..she was overdue. This was my first time using service and groomer. The cut was mediocre. Shortly after we got home my dog was scooting around. Her stool was soft with a little blood. I called vet and was told that her anal glands were not fully expressed and to bring her in. The next morning i called and spoke to a carin who was very rude and unprofessional. I explained what was going on and she immediately stated it would be a charge and emergency visit. She did not take the time to LISTEN. Uneducated trash! Who probably makes minimum wage. I was then told to bring her in. Once i arrived carin gave a half ass apology and informed me a tech would express the anal glands. The tech was rude. I attempted to explain what had transpired since the grooming and she stated "I don't have anything to do with the groomer". I brought a stool sample because i thought the doctor would address the situation. The tech took my dog to express glands and stated they were "really full" and she didn't know why groomer didn't do it. She then proceeded to say she could send stool to lab or call doctor..who i believe was there the whole time. The doctor. (benson) intially said he would express the glands at the emergency visit but didn't. I told the tech to contact dr. The tech came back and claimed my dog had stress from grooming. My dog never had this issue before as she goes to another groomer. My dog was prescribed flagyl. No apology for the rude receptionist or inconvenience!  And i was charged $10 for medication! I will never go back again! And plan to file complaint with BBB. Read Less

We have a Lhasa Apso(Baxter) and tonight he jumped off the kids bed and injured his front left leg. He couldnt even stand up. We ran into Advanced to get x-rays to see if his leg was broken. The Vet on duty massaged the leg and tested the flexibility and damn if Baxter didnt start walking around the office. He still hobbled a bit but he was walking. The Vet did not recommend the x-ray at this time. She gave a prescription for anti inflammatory pills and said watch him closely for the next few days. If it doesn't get better than bring him back in. The kicker to this whole story is we GOT charged a STANDARD  VISITATION RATE PLUS PILLS. $55.00. Thats a real bargin. In the past we have paid upto $75.00 just walking in the door and another $150.00 for x-rays.  That $75.00 was the Emergency rate. Read Less

Rude technicians asked us to come in at 10:30 am to see our 3 cats and 2 dogs for a routine annual checkup. They continually ignored and pushed us back further and further. All we needed was a single shot for one cat and checkups and they couldn't get that done. Sat there for an hour and a half before finally being fed up and left. Poor management and service. Thankfully it wasn't an emergency, I'm not going back. Read Less

Yesterday my girlfriend found a badly wounded kitten in the same shopping center as this vet. Couldn't walk, was dragging it's back legs and very scared. She went to them for help and was told they don't take strays and would not help unless she assumed all financial responsibility. Blatant lack of caring and compassion. Don't take your animals here. Turns out the kitten had a fractured pelvis and a broken leg. The vet down the street took him in and is treating him. Many years ago I took my dog there after he was hit by a car. They tried to keep him alive. After he died I thought about it and I realized the strange look he had in his eyes was blood from bleeding on the brain. I don't believe they ever should have tried to save him but I think they did it so they could charge me more money. He was 14 at the time. I was so distraught at the time it never even dawned on me. This is one of the most expensive vets in the area also. I wouldn't take my rabid raccoon there. If you love your animals, don't you either.Minus 1 star. Read Less

What's the appropriate amount of stars for the vet who turned away my dying dog? I guess one?I lost my best friend last night. She was the best, funniest, kindest most loving dog that's ever been a dog. Yesterday she wasn't doing too well. We called the vet who said they would be open until 10pm even though it was 4th of July. A few hours later she took a turn for the worst and even though it was only 8pm once we got her to the clinic they reported they were closed. The vet and staff were all still there they just couldn't take the time to see her. They referred her to another animal hospital over 30min away and she passed in the backseat of the car on the way there. Instead of being surrounded by the people she loved and given medication to minimize her pain she was left to die in the back seat of a station wagon. The only thing worse than losing my pet is knowing the people who should have cared about her couldn't be bothered. She was a great dog and deserved so much better.Please find another vet for your pet and don't go here. Read Less

Oh, I really want to like this facility. I've tried, just can't do it. Which is a shame, because it is the closest to our home. My mother has an abundance of felines. One of which was diagnosed with diabetes. The cat was an in-patient for several days because of ketoacidosis. They did a fine job saving his life. I know I should be grateful and not returning a croaked cat to my mother might sound like a 5 star situation. It's what happened upon discharge that I just can't deal with.The discharge instruction were as follows: 'Tabby has been stable on I.V insulin, we are prescribing one unit twice daily of Vetsulin' Okay, I'll need some of that then. Oh, no you already have it. Well, no, no we don't. My mother does not give the cat insulin. So I'll need some to go. The vet tech, then explains that they are prescribing insulin that they have on hand for in-patients only. For out-patients, not so much. Well, then, how would you suggest that I obtain this medication? Do you think I could get it from 1-800 Pet Meds? I don't know, was her reply.I called another Vet's office, to ask if they had the Vetsulin on hand to fill a prescription. Advanced was supposed to fax the prescription to them. Surprise, after waiting in line for 20 minutes, no such prescription existed. I asked the employee there if she could call Advanced for the script. No, she said. It would be quicker for you to drive there. At this point, I'm expecting Alan Funt or Ashton Kutcher to inform me that I'm on Candid Camera, or being Punked, since I am neither in the Los Angeles area nor a celebrity, I decide no, this is no joke.So, off I go, back to Advanced to pick up the paper copy of the prescription that they refused to give me in the first place. The woman at the desk just so happened to have prescription within arms reach, she commented that she had faxed it to the other Vet earlier, and had a confirmation. So she can't imagine why they didn't have it. 'Thanks', I said.Back at Vet office B. After standing in the cat line again. The woman who refused to call Advanced takes the hard-copy prescription, I mentioned that I'd also need syringes, 'Oh, I don't think we have any of those in stock' (Dammit.You've gotta be effing kidding me? Right?) ' Where do you think I could find some? Do I need a separate prescription?' Hold on, she said. I'll see if I can find a few in the back. Thankfully she returned with an open 10-pack with enough for three days. There are at least some very good doctors and Vet. Techs. employed at Advanced. I know this to be true. I just didn't have the pleasure of meeting any of them on this particular visit. Read Less

Dr. Benson saved the life of our newly rescued pup.He had round the clock diarrhea, weight loss(from 42 to 31 pounds in 4 weeks) and a ravenous appetite. Our first vet in Baltimore suspected pancreatic insufficiency and prescribed enzyme supplements and 2 1/2 cups of food a day. We heard Dr.Benson was one of two premier vets in the area. His second opinion: replace the dog food with Rx variety, feed 5 1/2 cups a day and stop the enzymes which should have worked immediately if enzyme insufficiency was the problem. Dr. Benson said surgery instead of enzymes was a more radical option, if insufficiency was the problem, BUT the dog would likely die from surgery due to weight loss and weakness. The next day our dog was fine. That was four years ago and our dog is now 54 pounds and healthy. We will always be grateful to Dr. Benson, a gifted and dedicated vet.Footnote: our dog sees Dr. Benson every 10 weeks for anal gland expressing. I could not be happier with Dr. Benson and have recommended him highly whenever I can. Read Less

Do not go to Dr. Benson. Maybe the other vets in the practice are ok, but he treats his employees badly (as in, "you are stupid") and he has been seen kicking a dog. (hearsay but this person has no reason to lie). Read Less

I dropped my healthy, lively dog off for three nights and when I picked him up, he had a terrible stomach infection. We have taken him back three times to see the doctor, who can't figure out what's wrong, and to date they won't take any responsibility for the charges to fix an illness they are responsible for! Terrible service and my dog is still unwell! Read Less