Veterinary Specialty Services

AUSCHWITZ FOR PETS. PLEASE I beg you take your pet down to the St Louis Animal Emergency Clinic where they gave some compassion. This place is nothing more than a profit generator. They DO NOT CARE ABOUT YOUR ANIMAL. They lied about the condition of my beloved pet then insisted on slaughtering a healthy animal and would not take NO for an answer. This place is criminal. Please please please do not take your pet there. Read Less

Absolutely the worst place to go for emergency care. The doctors have zero compassion and approach the care of their patients with an arrogant I am better than everyone mentality. My emergency visit literally accomplished absolutely nothing in terms of my dogs medical condition. 100% avoid this place - in the event of a emergency I would choose Webster Groves Animal Hospital, nothing but positive experience based off of previous visits. Unfortunately they were not open this evening. Read Less

The one star is for the young female vet on duty the night of 12-30-20. Dr kelly Joseph. My 50 lb puppy staffy( not pit bull) was at Banfield on veterans memorial pkwy and they mentioned that he was in critical need and he was given fluid and needed him to be monitored at a 24 hr facility due to possible obstruction or blockage. The puppy 12 days prior had slight bleeding when trying to make a bm. Some days would not and leading up to going to the vet for 4 days had not made a bm. Leading up to this place. I know there were two other places they mentioned. They took the puppy back sedated him and said he seems fine. So no mention about the bleeding noted or anything from what was mentioned at the vet earlier that day. They said it was serious and just gave a stool softener and the discharge papers said to follow diet as usual, what diet? They didn’t even give him anything for his stomach, do they not assume he will be nauseous, he had not had anything from the vet earlier. That was unbelievable. I don’t understand how a dog with a possible blockage, even with that when mentioned critical need turn to “ he’s fine”. This was a young vet and I understand it’s a shortage, there are a lot of younger ones I’ve been experiencing and yes sometimes a new set of eyes and ideas helps but when they just disregard... I’m assuming maybe they were tired that night. Was it because they assumed he was a pit bull and maybe seemed dangerous. He’s a 7month short bully. But I did see on the paper they put pit bull. I have to either go off of what was done previously to my other dog to give a bland diet. What about someone that’s a first time pet owner or doesn’t google to see. I am very upset because it’s nothing that I can do but I’m still trying to understand the two totally different outcomes that happened yesterday. It’s very hard due to covid that you cannot go back and speak and talk to the vet. I believe you truly have to have faith and trust that they have your pets best interest at heart. Read Less

I am so grateful that i was sent to this place. My sweet boy,Bandit was here and he had his spleen removed along with a large mass by Dr Anderson. He had exploratory surgery on Aug.21st. The biopsy was sent off and the results i got this week still has me elated with joy and thanks. No cancer!! Thank you God and thank you Dr. Anderson!! I will be forever grateful to everyone that had a part in Bandits care and recovery. ❤❤❤ Read Less

We brought my dog in today. Dr Sutton did what he could and we appreciated that. The lady that assisted us outside during the end was phenomenal despite the poor choices of her coworkers. When it was time to put our dog down, we were told they would wheel him outside so we could all say goodbye since we were not allowed in the building. After calling three times because they never came outside for us to say goodbye and waiting 45 MINUTES, they informed us that they were “too busy” and trying to find a tech to bring him outside. At that 45 minute mark of waiting, the doctor called to inform us that the dog had passed A MINUTE OR TWO AGO. Then when they wheeled out our dog that was already deceased so we could have somewhat of closure, Dr. Scott had the audacity to tell us that we needed to get in our cars when we surrounded the dog on the cart outside of their building. This was a horrific experience. I highly do not recommend this facility. Read Less

We brought my dog in today. Dr Sutton did what he could and we appreciated that. The lady that assisted us outside during the end was phenomenal despite the poor choices of her coworkers. When it was time to put our dog down, we were told they would wheel him outside so we could all say goodbye since we were not allowed in the building. After calling three times because they never came outside for us to say goodbye and waiting 45 MINUTES, they informed us that they were "too busy" and trying to find a tech to bring him outside. At that 45 minute mark of waiting, the doctor called to inform us that the dog had passed A MINUTE OR TWO AGO. Then when they wheeled out our dog that was already deceased so we could have somewhat of closure, Dr. Scott had the audacity to tell us that we needed to get in our cars when we surrounded the dog on the cart outside of their building. We had to say goodbye in the parking lot surrounded by strangers, because did not have time for us to say goodbye. It did not have to be this way. He passed away with all of his humans waiting to see him his family was all there, waiting to show him love, but, he died alone. This was a horrific experience. I highly do not recommend this facility. Read Less

VSS was amazing with my kitty Stanley. We were sent emergentky from my vet’s office because his blood counts were so low. He was diagnosed with feline leukemia, received a blood transfusion and multiple meds, and was sent home two days later. They were nothing but kind and considerate, even through my tears and many, many questions. Thank you VSS. Read Less

Our Boston had to have knee surgery to repair his CCL, which is equal to a human ACL. Everyone here is very professional. They will treat your pet with the same respect and care that you would expect from a human doctor/facility. This is a 24-hour facility, so when I realized I had forgot to get a refill for pain medication, we were able to go pick some up at 11:00 pm. While not all the specialty offices are open 24-hours there is staff there 24-hours. That also made me feel great that I knew Marvin was being taken care of round the clock the day after his surgery. Read Less

I took my cat there who was in very poor health. After much deliberation, we decided to euthanize him. As painful and awful as that experience was, VSS made it as respectful and considerate as one could reasonably ask. I will cherish my last moments with my pet thanks to them. They have my eternal gratitude for that. Read Less

Super fast action and amazing skills and care saved our dog's life when he bloated. They were waiting for us in the parking lot with a gurney and rushed him in, assessed, and immediately went into surgery. Their ICU care was also extraordinary. Thank you, VSS. They also did an amazing job on a non life threatening emergency last year. Longer wait, because they were helping actual life threatening emergencies first. We love VSS. Read Less

Great people. Unfortunately I met them at a really bad time , my dog wasn’t feeling well. They were very professional and explained everything in the best possible way. I will continue to come here for veterinary treatment for my emergency needs for my pets. I would highly recommend them and their location. Read Less

This place is awesome when you really have a sick fur baby. My dog has congestive heart failure and he's not that old. He now has a cardiologist who cares for him. He's doing great and is back to running and playing, enjoying his life. Read Less

Unfortunately I wasn't there under good circumstances, my 11 year old great Dane apparently had a stroke or something in the middle of the night and had to rush her in there. They couldnt have been more kind and caring. I ended up having to put her to sleep and the staff was so supportive and gave us all the time we wanted with her. Read Less

Great people. Unfortunately I met them at a bad time as I ended up having to put down my best friend. They were very professional and explained everything in the best possible way. I will continue to come here for veterinary treatment for my animals. Read Less

They got my puppy in relatively quickly as it was practically the middle of the night. Once he was in, they took GREAT care of him! I got update phone calls at least once a day....if not more often. They were very accommodating when I came to visit. I noticed that they were very kind and compassionate with those few around me who had lost their pets. When I came to pick my puppy up, everyone was very sweet making sure they all wished him luck and helped me get his healing little body safely in the car. I would recommend this group to anyone! Read Less

We just put our dog to sleep there yesterday. All of the staff and the dr were so nice, understanding, and compassionate. I would totally recommend them for your any of pets. I am glad we ended up here for our dog. Thank you. Read Less

1 year ago, our Great Dane, Alina, was diagnosed with Wobbler's. Dr. Wininger and staff took excellent care of her. Her surgery went fantastic and I'm happy to say that she is running around like nothing ever happened. Read Less

The staff and vets are very caring. I love that the vet called daily with updates. They sent pics of my cat's wounds at my request so I could see how he is healing since he has to be sedated for dressing changes. Hunny Bun still has four legs thanks to VSS. BONUS: FREE coffee! Read Less

I've worked in the dog daycare, grooming and boarding industry since 1999. I have been to 5 emergency veterinary hospitals with various emergencies. I would estimate a total of 75-100 trips through the years (between my personal animals and our clients pets). Problems ranging from broken nails, cuts, punctures, cancer, bloat, diabetes, idiopathic vestibular disease, seizures, infections, strokes, heart failure, eye injuries, broken bones, euthanasia, intestinal issues, diaphragm issues, and neurological issues to name a few. I've literally taken care of thousands of dogs and cats. If you have an emergency with your pet, I cannot recommend a better place. 95% of the emergencies I've handled were taken to VSS, on only one occasion was I unhappy and i discussed the problem with them and it was remedied. I won't step foot in any other ER veterinary hospital, the other ER vet experiences were horrific. Thank god for VSS.Read Less

My dog has been in our family for 11 years and sadly to say she has gotten to the point where she is on borrowed time. this year I have had to go through this terrible experience and ordeal, VSS was able to give me a solid answer that my other vet could not and they were able to tell me the truth about our unfortunate news . Although my family has fallen at hard times right now in our house, we were lucky that we were referred here and grateful that they tried. Eventually once our family has mourned our terrible situation we will be able to move on much quicker in part of VSS and have a greater sense of closure I believe. The staff was very polite and patient and although we were in our worst spirits they remained calm, professional and courteous. I highly recommend veterinary specialty services to anyone with a pet. Read Less

Our 4 mo old puppy got into some trail mix and apparently raisins are toxic to dogs! They took great care of Boomer and kept me informed about his condition and care. Having said that, I hope we never need their services again. :-) Read Less

VSS IS AMAZING! We've been bringing our dogs there for years, when they have issues that our regular vet can't address. Dr. Mark Anderson as an amazing talent. If you look brilliant up in the dictionary Dr. Mark Anderson is listed. Dr. Marshall is A fantastic cardiologist. Dr Vicini and Dr. Kate sycamore are very talented and internal medicine. Love the staff and the Docs. Thank you all Read Less

There's no doubt that this is the only place that you can go and spend $4000 and get the best operation and care that your dog might need and trust me you won't get out of there for less than $3000 if you dog needs an operation. But they are the best no doubt.. They are very caring, I guess, because I never really saw what goes on behind closed doors, however, they seemed to be and I'm sure they are. They are very professional and do good works. Our dog had 2 operations there so you can imagine how much we spent... The last time we went there he had a couple things wrong but they decided to do the operation that seemed to be most important, or unusual and interesting for them, after all they had his complete records I would hope they knew which was more important.. And of course this is only my opinion... They did the operation, they opened up his face and he had to stay and stay and stay because he kept bleeding from his nose, I suppose. When we did get to see him he was not doing well and we were distraught at the sight, after all and he had a big slit down the middle of face and nose and a hole in his head, so again he stayed. We finally got to bring him home and he was still bleeding from his nose but that passed after a week and we thought he was getting better because the scar was healing and he was acting better, however, because they didn't treat the breathing thing that he originally came in for he had a heart attack and died. We have been distraught...I know animals don't live long and they pass away on us but this seemed a little bit much to put a big dog through at the age of 10 and of course you have to take this review with a little salt because, as you probably know well, we loved this animal, as people do, and we were trying really hard to help him and keep him happy and healthy. I really have no doubts they were too, and their hearts are good, but again, it was a little much. I'm writing this review because after all that's said and done we got a bill from them today for $18.00. Read Less

Nothing but positive outcomes. My parents had their cat die and the staff was so sympathetic and sent them cards afteewards. 20 years later, nothing's really changed. Another loss. This time, still a cat, but they were equally sympathetic. They even offered compensation Read Less

I have nothing but good things to say about VSS. We ultimately lost our Libby, but I think they were almost as sad as we were. Dr. Wininger was so supportive and kind. They even sent beautiful flowers after Libby had to be euthanized. We have new puppies now and one of them had to go out there in an emergency situation, they remembered us, and took great care of our Molly. Love this place.Read Less

My husband and I have nothing but praise for VSS!  Our 11 year old Labradoodle needed tieback surgery and we were referred to Dr. Anderson at VSS.  Dr. Anderson is wonderful!  He fully explained the procedure, was very frank with us about what we were getting into and what our dog was going to go through and answered all our questions.  The surgery went well, our dogs after-care at VSS was excellent and she is doing well.  This is a great veterinary specialty practice - I highly recommend! Read Less

We have used the emergency room here several times and the care has been great. We also used Veterinary Specialty Services to perform surgery on our dog. They replaced both knees on our Labradoodle and the outcome was great. Both knees never gave her problems again. All the doctors and staff are kind, caring and professional. Read Less

I wish there were more stars for this incredible place. Honestly, for a situation you hope to never find yourself in, I couldn't have been happier with my experience. My poor little man had a three day stay in doggy ICU and from the moment I called in a panic to the day I took him home, we had nothing but compassionate A+ level care. Each person we encountered from the front office staff, technicians, and the vets themselves were patient and diligent in treating my dog. The little man had to undergo quite a few tests and needed lots of medication, but I understood what was going on because each person I spoke to took the time to explain everything. They even gave me tips on where to shop around for his medication and helped me practice giving insulin shots. I received status updates and call backs regarding his care EXACTLY when they said they would call. I was able to come visit each day and we had our own little room to hang out it. Frankly I was stunned by this. The office obviously runs with incredible efficiency. Just sitting for the brief time I was waiting for care, it's amazing to see how many people come in and out and call for advice/appointments. This is not my primary vet office, only for location purposes, but if anyone needs emergency care for your pet I wouldn't hesitate to recommend this office. I'm so grateful for your treatment of my pet! Read Less