I have been taking my two cats to here for years. Dr. Merola is great with them and the cats always warm right up to them and check them without any struggle. She definitely make the cats feel at ease. The prices are responsible and I never feel overcharged or as if they are taking advantage of me, by suggesting unnecessary treatments. All the staff are friendly and sweet to the animals. They work with you to make sure you get an appointment that works for you and in quickly if your animal is sick. They will also communicate with you with your preferred way (email or phone). Their responses are quick too. Read Less

My 10yr poodle dog who is very calm and very well mannered. My family went on 6day vacation and I picked this place out of desperation because our original boarding was fully booked. My dog came back with a big cut on the bridge of his nose and a hoarse bark. BEWARE!!! THIS PLACE IS BAD NEWS. Read Less

My 10yr poodle dog who is very calm and very well mannered. My family went on 6day vacation and I picked this place out of desperation because our original boarding was fully booked. My dog came back with a big cut on the bridge of his nose and a hoarse bark. BEWARE!!! THIS PLACE IS BAD NEWS. Read Less

We have been taking our 19 year old cat to Waltham Vet. since we got him 14 years ago.   Dr. Merola has always had a proper diagnosis when there has been a problem and has kept this cat going to the ripe old age of 19.    She always makes time for an emergency and makes an effort to keep costs down, which is important.    Some folks don't like the fact that they have to hold their pet while she works on the pet, but I really appreciate it.  It makes my pet much less anxious to have me there with him.     We take our second cat here as well.   We've been pleased with her service and knowledge of animal problems. Read Less

Not even a 1 star!!!!!Nope never again. Recently moved to the area. Needed a Vet for our dogs yearly check up. Gave her all of his records. Even his previous vet faxed over more info but she clammed she never got them. Even though they said it went through. Gave vaccines we never asked for and he has never had before. My dog could barley walk he was so sore for all the shots. Then when we got our bill it was over $800! So never again going back. Seemed very unorganized and unprofessional. Read Less

Really terrible experience. Chose this vet when I needed to get my dog a kennel cough vaccine quickly to board him when we first moved to town. Dr. Merola had a same day appointment available (which should have been telling). She insisted on conducting and charging for a complete exam (although I told her and showed her the paperwork that he had just had one) in order to get the shot.The office was dirty, smelly, full of animal hair, plants dying in the waiting room, stacks of paper lying everywhere. No receptionist, no vet techs, just her. You have to hold your dog through the procedures. She asked if my dog was nervous at the vet and I said yes, because, what dog isn't? She insisted on muzzling him then, "just in case." Although he's never had a problem and I told her as much (he just shakes and drools), I agreed just to get it over with. Odd appointment, she told me he shouldn't be allowed to jump when he's playing outside because that's how dog's break bones (what?!). The WORST part is that she told me he had a heart mummer that would result in him dropping dead "at some point." Obviously terrifying thing to hear. I told her he was only three years old and in the three different towns we've lived in since having him, NONE of the vets said he had a heart mummer. Her response "that's because I'm really good at finding them." Her records for the vaccine was hand written in pencil - hard to read and hard to convince a boarding facility that the records are legitimate.Long story short, he got his shot, I bolted out of there and spent the next several months worrying about his heart. The new vet we tried check his heart very carefully for a long while and said it was absolutely perfect. I wouldn't go back here for a vaccine let alone anything more substantial like surgery. Read Less

This is the Vet that I am suggesting NO ONE takes their animal to. I learned the hard way why it is foolish not to do research on where you are bringing your animal. I simply googled Waltham Vet and chose the one closest to me. When I made the appointment this week, the gal who answered the phone is also the Vet (the only Vet)....a bit of a red flag, but, I still made the appointment. I told her it was an appt for a dental cleaning and a rabies vaccine. I also informed her that I had a walk to do today and would pick him up after the walk (she never mentioned at that point that they close at noon). When I got there this morning at 7:30, I noticed stains on the floor in the reception area.....and tons of dust. The desk was a visible mess.....peoples files/medicines.....you name it. The Vet greeted me and immediately showed me the room. She did NOT have me fill out any paperwork (another red flag). The room she put us in was filthy. Wally was already growling and hissing (normal for him....he hates the vet). The Vet was alone, meaning she had no help! (another red flag). She wanted ME to get him out of his carrier so she could give him a tranquilizer shot. She had tossed a urine stained towel (the urine was not washed out....it was hard/crusty and SMELLED FOUL) at me suggesting I try to wrap him in that. Well, that is impossible for me to do alone (she had left the room). At this point, I was almost in tears and felt guilty and trapped. I got Wally out, and he found an area to 'hide'.....it was visible to me and the vet, but he would not move. At that point, she came in and I said with an attitude "I can't do this alone, don't you have any help?". She then left the room and came back with those really long poles with the wire loop.....what you might see when catching a wild animal!!!!!! As she was getting it around his head, he was beside himself with fear. he was biting the pole and peeing!!!! (that's a first for him). I then noticed his mouth was bleeding. I was about to lose it. She managed to give him the shot and then we left him there. FAST FORWARD: The moment I get to the race in Swampscot ( an hour away from waltham), the vet calls saying he could be picked up at 10:30. AGAIN, I reminded her that I had a walk to do and I was an hour away. I told her I would get there immediately after. She sighed and said 'but we close at noon'.....I got annoyed and said 'I TOLD YOU TWO TIMES THAT I WAS WALKING, AND YOU NEVER MENTIONED WHEN YOU CLOSED UNTIL NOW' She then said 'fine, i will stay open and wait'. FAST FORWARD: I arrive at 12:45 and get Wally. The Vet refers to him as 'she.....'. Not once did she mention that he was still loopy....I paid $535.00 and drove home. I let him out of his carrier and he can barely walk......Ugh, I feel so bad. Read Less

This is the Vet that I am suggesting NO ONE takes their animal to. I learned the hard way why it is foolish not to do research on where you are bringing your animal. I simply googled Waltham Vet and chose the one closest to me. When I made the appointment this week, the gal who answered the phone is also the Vet (the only Vet)....a bit of a red flag, but, I still made the appointment. I told her it was an appt for a dental cleaning and a rabies vaccine. I also informed her that I had a walk to do today and would pick him up after the walk (she never mentioned at that point that they close at noon). When I got there this morning at 7:30, I noticed stains on the floor in the reception area.....and tons of dust. The desk was a visible mess.....peoples files/medicines.....you name it. The Vet greeted me and immediately showed me the room. She did NOT have me fill out any paperwork (another red flag). The room she put us in was filthy. Wally was already growling and hissing (normal for him....he hates the vet). The Vet was alone, meaning she had no help! (another red flag). She wanted ME to get him out of his carrier so she could give him a tranquilizer shot. She had tossed a urine stained towel (the urine was not washed out....it was hard/crusty and SMELLED FOUL) at me suggesting I try to wrap him in that. Well, that is impossible for me to do alone (she had left the room). At this point, I was almost in tears and felt guilty and trapped. I got Wally out, and he found an area to 'hide'.....it was visible to me and the vet, but he would not move. At that point, she came in and I said with an attitude "I can't do this alone, don't you have any help?". She then left the room and came back with those really long poles with the wire loop.....what you might see when catching a wild animal!!!!!! As she was getting it around his head, he was beside himself with fear. he was biting the pole and peeing!!!! (that's a first for him). I then noticed his mouth was bleeding. I was about to lose it. She managed to give him the shot and then we left him there. FAST FORWARD: The moment I get to the race in Swampscot ( an hour away from waltham), the vet calls saying he could be picked up at 10:30. AGAIN, I reminded her that I had a walk to do and I was an hour away. I told her I would get there immediately after. She sighed and said 'but we close at noon'.....I got annoyed and said 'I TOLD YOU TWO TIMES THAT I WAS WALKING, AND YOU NEVER MENTIONED WHEN YOU CLOSED UNTIL NOW' She then said 'fine, i will stay open and wait'. FAST FORWARD: I arrive at 12:45 and get Wally. The Vet refers to him as 'she.....'. Not once did she mention that he was still loopy....I paid $535.00 and drove home. I let him out of his carrier and he can barely walk......Ugh, I feel so bad. Read Less

Facts:Saturday, 1/12: 12 year-old long-hair cat brought to Waltham Animal Hospital in the morning for a "lion cut" haircut. Sedation requested, having had about a dozen haircuts with sedation since 2009.Cat picked up from vet in mid-afternoon, still heavily sedated. On the way out Ruth Merola comments that the cat has some "nicks" from the haircut.Over-sedation:Cat remains heavily sedated well into the evening, unable to walk. Having taken the cat for about a dozen haircuts since 2009 in which sedation was used, as well as for a recent bladder surgery, the degree to which cat is sedated so long after returning from vet is alarming. Cat does not move from spot to eat, drink, or use litter box.By the evening we decide to check the payment record to see what exactly was given to him. The receipt indicates double the charge for "tranquilizer", without amount of tranquilizer listed.Blood-drawn:Unusual amount of blood and bruising along forelimb where vet appeared to have difficulty drawing blood for recommended blood work. Again, the cat is 12 years old, and has had blood drawn many times before, without signs of any difficulty.HaircutImmediately clear that groomer had used the lowest possible setting for the haircut, cutting fur down to the skin. (Later, a second vet, one not affiliated with Waltham Animal Hospital or Ruth Merola, would note that the cat had been shaved as if being prepped for surgery.) Cat visibly speckled in blood.Sunday: Cat still not eating, does not move from where placed on Saturday. By late evening, we become very concerned about cat's health. Begin to check "nicks" from haircut. Checking cat's underside reveals several (5-6) serious lacerations, including a very bad open wound (3 cm) under front right limb. It appears that his skin had gotten caught in groomers clippers in several places.Monday: Cat brought to a second veterinarian on Monday evening, after cat had not moved from place or eaten all day. Second vet prescribes antibiotics and pain medication ($150). Vet tech shocked at cat's condition, recommends returning to Ruth Merola's office for reimbursement of all costs.Tuesday: No visible improvement. Cat doesn't eat, so won't take antibiotics. Cat finally drinks some water, urinates.Wednesday: No visible improvement for much of day. Cat finally eats for the first time since Friday evening (!), when food was taken away in advance of visit for grooming. Cat remains in obvious pain and discomfort, and fails to move except for single visit to litter box.Thursday-Friday: Cat's condition improves slightly. Wounds still open, red, tender.Saturday: Return to Waltham Animal Hospital with photos of cat and request reimbursement for (1) haircut - $50, (2) sedative -$60, and (3) bill for antibiotics and pain medication - $150.Ruth Merola returns $80 while mocking, "They are not open wounds! ... Yes, he is dying!"  Merola returns $30 for double billing of sedation, but denies cat to have been over-sedated. Says other $50 "is a gift." Asked to leave Waltham Animal Hospital, dared to "pursue it all you like."This has been an awful experience. We did not think that a haircut could go so wrong. Quite simply, we were wrong to trust Ruth Merola and Waltham Animal Hospital with our cat. Her groomer hurt him badly, and Ruth Merola failed to take responsibility. It's an impressive combination of gross incompetence and a lack of compassion. This is not a safe place for your pet. Read Less

We chose this veterinarian for its location, spotless cleanliness, and the fact that the vet was flexible in making appointments.  Our appointments with her are never rushed and the vet always double checks for any follow up questions we may have forgotten to ask.  Dr. Merola is no nonsense and honest.  I have found that like in the medical profession for human beings, the consumer is responsible ultimately to do independent research to ensure that the care that is being provided for you is adequate to your wants and needs.  This leads to my only complaint of this vet, she actually suggested the Science Diet garbage for our pets.  Being a consumer that actually reads labels I questioned her logic considering the horrid ingredients used by science diet and the other national chains of its kind.  We agreed to disagree on her suggestions but our relationship has continued to be very positive and professional. With this being said, it is quite difficult to find a vet who has received adequate training in pet nutrition.  The was only one vet in the area that I found to be able to discuss pet food with any sense of intelligence but was not taking any more appointments at our time of need.So with that being said, this hospital does everything well except the nutrition piece which is a problem everywhere.I do not have any experience with the boarding of animals in this facility. Read Less

I've been taking my cat to Dr. Merola for a few years now. She's always taken excellent care of my cat through these years. In '07 my feline grew very ill and was diagnosed with kidney disease. Dr. Merola placed her on a special diet and she seems to be doing much better. Dr. Merola has a very flexible schedule and is always willing to take as much time as needed to explain the root causes of my cat's ailments and how her treatment plans help. She's clearly very experienced and passionate about her work. A great DVM! A++ Read Less

Please, don't even bother!When we adopted our dog nearly three years ago, we first brought him here--primarily because it was super-close to home. I got a bad vibe from the first visit. Perhaps it was the blood stains all over Dr. Merola's lab coat or the disorganized state of her exam room or the fact that my boyfriend and I were put in the position of acting as vetrinary assistants.Or maybe it was when she sent our dog home just a few minutes after he came back to consciousness after being sedated to have his teeth cleaned and he could hardly walk and then puked all over the inside of our car. But perhaps it was the fact that she sold us expired heartworm medication, and when we got home and noticed--and then called her back--she told us it was fine and not to worry. I'm sorry, but you don't sell expired meds to your clients. Ever. She did allow us to return the expired medication, and when I went back to make the exchange, she was nowhere to be seen (in fact, nobody at all was there!), but I saw an envelope on the desk with my name on it and a check inside for the cost of the pills (which we put on a credit card--but she couldn't credit back for some odd reason), so I left the pills, took the check, and never looked back.Shortly thereafter, we discovered Kindness Animal Hospital and Skipton, the kennel/doggie daycare place next door, and can't imagine going anywhere else with our pets. Dr. Rosenblatt and her staff at Kindness are amazing--as are the folks at Skipton. The love and care tthese folks show their clients (both four-legged and human) is remarkable. Not to mention, their prices are entirely fair. If you're looking for a vet in the Waltham area, I encourage you to go straight to Kindness. Read Less

We had not established a local vet yet, and were in need of one due to a bit of an emergency. They took us in and were very friendly. Dr. Merola explained everything to us and had a good sense of humor to boot. Our dog was pretty relaxed around the vet staff, though I think she was happy to get back in the car. Parking is a little tight, so we just pulled up alongside the building. Read Less