Webster Groves Animal Hospital And Urgent Care Center

People here are very nice for the most part and seem attentive. But, this has to be one of if not the worst run animal clinics anywhere. Appointments ahead of time are treated at no different speed than walk ins (emergency or not). They’ll put you in a room to see a vet and you’ll sit there for hours sometimes before seeing anyone, even when they aren’t working other cases. Whoever runs the hospital must not have even an ounce of business sense or customer service savvy. Another animal hospital could start up near this place (and it could be run by a teenager) and literally put this place out of business in a matter of months...that’s how bad the experience/service routinely is at WGAH. And someone should do it! Because many ppl I think would gladly take their pets elsewhere if another option was available. Read Less

I had to take my dog at 1:00 in the morning for a severe ear infection. As I pulled up the lady told me that they have one doctor and he is in surgery and they couldn’t take anyone in. Seriously?!? This is an emergency vet! How could there not be a system in place for this situation? What if my dog wasn’t breathing? I will never ever go back to such an unprepared “Hospital” for my pet! Read Less

I've taken my dog to their emergency vet clinic three times in her first year of life so far, and I've had a great experience every time. Just like with an human emergency room you expect to pay more, but it wasn't unreasonable. The first time my dog (4lbs 4months old at the time) somehow escaped her kennel and knocked off a box of macaroons from a desk? She ate 12 individually wrapped macaroons, plastic and all. Several were chocolate so I rushed her in. Also in the waiting room was a dog who had been chasing a deer and then was impaled by its antlers! I was shocked they brought my dog back first but as I went to ask another lady came and took them back as well. They took me to a room right away and brought her back to check her out. They assured me that she was fine and that they didnt see anything distressing and I could take her home. She had the poops for a few days but she was fine like they said. The second time was a Sunday morning when no other vets office was open and she was having bloody stools. We got in and out with our meds fairly quickly. The last time we went was because my dog was running through the house and slid on the wood floors and jammed her foot on the baby gate. I would've sworn with the screaming she was doing that she broke her leg. The techs once again brought us back quickly and I was already dreading x ray costs. When the vet checked her out he spent 5 minutes doing all sorts of manual checks to her leg and he suggested that we not do an x ray because he was fairly certain that she hadn't broken anything and it was just a sprain. He also informed me that we COULD do x Ray's if I wanted but at that point she barely had a limp and hadn't made a sound at any of his movements so he prescribed her some NSAIDs and she was better within 2 weeks. This place really tries their best to help your animals. I'll always go here first if my animals ever need emergency treatment again. Read Less

We brought our cat in here one night on death’s doorstep and we owe his life to this clinic! We had previously taken him to our regular vet who failed to run blood tests and misdiagnosed what was acute renal failure. Thanks to Dr Lehde and the rest of the team, our cat is healthy as can be now. Staff was so supportive and honest through the whole process, and I was allowed to visit at essentially all hours, which meant a lot as our cat is a shy guy around new people. Though it was super busy most of the times I was there, I felt our cat had great treatment!.... edit: went back 6 months later to see Dr Lehde again and our cat is in good health! Thanks Webster Groves Animal Hospital! Read Less

I brought my cat in with a limp to the urgent care. The visit took 3 hours. We waited when we arrived (expected). Then when we go to the room. Then for test results. Then another 40 just to pay. Doctor was mistaken about medicine type. Woman working the pharmacy could not have been moving any slower. Will not return. Read Less

Given a prescription for a medication for our dog that required special handling with gloves. The staff did not go over the side effects if came in contact with our skin. I looked it up and it could cause issues with pregnancy and anemia. The staff was not helpful when trying to request a change in medications and asking why the medication was chosen. Read Less

I'm taking my dogs to a new vet starting tomorrow. My dog was diagnosed hypothyroid recently, and while i believe that diagnosis is accurate, the vet and staff refused to be transparent with the total costs involved with the testing and retesting. I've called 3 times now to discuss my displeasure with someone, and 'Fred', their customer care specialist has refused to return my calls. I started my dog on thyroid medication two weeks ago, and he's having crazy nervous side effects. I called them to see if the dosage was maybe too high. And they insisted that his symptoms aren't at all related to the new medication - but I should definitely get him on their flea preventative immediately, as that's probably what's wrong. Mind you - it's below freezing and there's snow on the ground right now. My dog us not acting like a nervous wreck because he effing has non-existent fleas. After researching online, however, I'm reading MANY reputable sites that state symptoms of thyroid medicine overdose are of course panting, agitation, nervousness, etc. I don't have a veterinary medical degree, and I shouldn't know more about my dogs diagnosis and treatment and side effects, but I apparently do. I've been going to them for 9 years, but in the last couple I think they've gone way downhill, and their staff - including doctors are incompetent and always rushed. The office has zero transparency when administering medications, as well - so beware. When i had this same dog in for his checkup in january, he was given a $100 optional flu shot, without discussion with me first. I probably would have gone with it, but it would have been nice to have made that decision myself. I would give them a negative star rating if I could. They've just lost a customer for life, with three animals who have gone here regularly for years. Read Less

My dog was throwing up blood in the middle of the night and they took her in as soon as possible and were extremely nice to me and my boyfriend about the whole situation. My only problem, which seems to be a common one, is that they told me it would be within a certain price range and that they would not do anything that costs more without notifying me. Well they didn't tell me and of course the bill is an extra $400 over the high end of the price range. Thwy put me out of money for a while and I think its ridiculous to pay such insane amounts of money for pointless procedures. All in all, the money was worth having my happy, healthy girl back but I wish they would have told me ahead of time that I would be spending so much. Read Less

My step dad had been taking his dogs to Dr. Tate for 25 years and he was really happy his care so I started bring my Border Collie here. She was 15 and had hip issues and one afternoon she just couldn't get up and walk any longer. My husband and I brought her in with no appointment and I was beside myself, crying so hard I couldn't even talk. It still bothers me writing this three years later at 29 years old. They took us straight into a room and Dr. Su came in about five minutes later. He explained the process to me, and asked if I needed more time. When I was ready she was euthanized and died in my arms. The process was quick and peaceful but still devastating. They told me to stay with her as long as needed. Everyone was very sympathetic and compassionate, even when picking up her ashes. I can't remember the exact number, but the bill was a bit over $300. That included the euthanasia and cremation. I was able to pick up her remains the following week. Read Less

I won't be going back again. I just took my two dogs in. I was asked if I wanted bordetella vaccine. I said no and explained my dogs don't go to a boarder or doggy day care. They gave both dogs the vaccine anyway and charged me $20 extra each. The money is one thing buy my little dog doesn't tolerate vaccines well. Over charged last year as well. Finally, the wait to pay your bill is way too long. I would not recommend this facility to anyone. Read Less

I've been a customer here for four years. Since my dog was a pup I've taken it to Webster groves. But this vet does absolutely nothing for its regular customers. If you call with an emergency you will have to wait three to four days to be seen unless you pay extra. Seems like a horrible business model to keep paying customers. Your vet is also not consistent unless you specifically request. Otherwise you will just be given whoever is working that day. Read Less

The male doctor is very educated and explains everything in full! The female doctor I have had multiple problems with.... She is not educated enough to diagnose without expensive testing. I took my cat on for weight loss and change in behavior and I was charged 400 after making a Normal doc office visit, for tests that were not explained in full therefore not fully authorized but because the tests were performed there was nothing I could do..... The pricing is not reasonable for Normal care. We left there not knowing what was wrong with my cat and 400 less in my wallet..... Read Less

When our old cat broke his leg, we took him to Webster Groves Animal Hospital. The doctors, especially Dr. Lehde, were great. They explained our options, answered all of our MANY questions and concerns, and treated him well. It took 100 days for our cat's leg to heal and included many visits to this hospital. Dr. Lehde helped us through the process and was invested in our cat's well-being. We won't hesitate to return to Webster Groves Animal Hospital in the event something like this happens again to any of our pets! Read Less

our pup Bernie had a major procedure scheduled for 5/3/17 early am. when we arrived we were told that his surgery was cancelled ! when ask why we were not notified we were told " we tried to call but your new number was not listed'. why they didn't look on the pre registration papers we turned in days prior to the procedure is beyond comprehension, the number was there. " we tried to email you " yea, at 7:30 pm the night prior to the procedure, like everyone checks their email before bed ! when we left the facility they omitted to attempt to reschedule Bernie's procedure. We were told the entire surgical department was flooded in. total BS Read Less

One of the best veterinarian clinics around Saint Louis. I have used them on and off again over the years and always feel great when my pet sees the doctors here. Sure do they try to push for services sometimes I dont think my dog or cats need; however, most vets today do this. I especially love Dr. Billiou here. Read Less

I would give it a zero if I could. My 6 month old miniature dachshund went in for a foreign object obstruction. Surgery was performed. She was not recovering well and I was told it was a slow recovery. I was told about possible leakage from the site but no one did a ultrasound or sample. Our angel laid there and died of sepsis for 3 days. Then when I wanted to retrieve her for cremation I was made pay our huge bill before they would release her body. They have broken my entire family's hearts including my 5 year old daughter. She should not have to deal with this. I believe her death could have been prevented with proper after surgery care. There are no words to describe my sadness and disappointment with this facility. Nothing will bring her back. She was one of a kind and the light of our lives. We are utterly heartbroken. All they cared about was getting their money from me. Money for her to sit there and die and no one notice. Disgusting. Read Less

Unfortunately, we lost our furbaby last night. That being said, the staff was exceptionally compassionate and, gentle. Also, they didn't even charge us for their services, trying to save our beloved Siamese mixes, Achilles. Thanks so much for your help. Read Less

Not impressed at all! Took my cat here last year for emergency service. Absolutely the worst service I've ever experienced. Not only did the vet misdiagnose my pet, the vet techs were very dismissive, and rude. Grateful that my regular out-of state vet satisfactory operated on my cat!! Read Less

They've saved one of my dogs lives. If it weren't for them, she wouldn't be here with Mr today. They are the best vets in the St Louis area I'd pass up 7 plus vets to drive to this place. I highly recommend them to anyone. They have made me feel the most comfortable I've ever felt with anyone caring for both my babies. You can't put a price on that Read Less

One week ago my beautiful Russian Blue cat of 9 yrs didn't meet me for our morning routine.  I didn't see him that night when I came home from work, by Tuesday night I had found his hiding place and realized he was sick.  The next day he was seen at the Human Society and his test results were not good, he was in full blown Kidney failure.  I hardly recognized my baby and he was in so much pain.  The vets there very carefully explained the choices I would have to make, while they could make no guarantees, if he stood any chance he would need emergency 24 care. They gave me pain meds to keep Bear comfortable and a list of hospitals and sent me on my way.I went to the closest hospital to my home and did not get a good feeling so when I arrived at Webster Groves Animal Hospital my beloved Bear was in really bad shape.  What he needed first and foremost was fluids and fast!!  Dr. Kerchoff was wonderful and told me while his test results were really bad, she questioned all the other vets assumptions that the kidney failure was due to blockage.  She said she saw no evidence of that conclusion and offered another possible scenario.  She presented me with a plan of action and said we would know more in 48 hours.I went twice a day to see Bear, and I received a text every morning and evening from the staff with updates and pictures.  He was responding to the fluids, but now had a fever.  I spoke to Dr. Tatro and was reassured they would be checking his vitals regularly and would let me know immediately if his condition got worse.I admit during some of my visits, I witnessed desk employees enjoying themselves during the holidays, and feeling a little neglected waiting to see my pet, while employees seemed to have nothing to do, but it was never to the point that I felt I needed to complain.  The staff was very sweet, each of the techs that would bring Bear into the room would stay just long enough to love on him before they left me alone with him ... I knew they were taking care of him and it comforted me.  The only suggestion I would make is that when cats are brought to families to visit, they should always bring a litter box with them.  I always had to ask for one and sometimes finding someone was a challenge without leaving my Bear unattended.Today is Christmas morning, and my beloved Bear sleeps quietly by my side on the couch.  He is home and he is well.  I brought him home last night with antibiotics and NORMAL blood work results.  He is my Christmas miracle and I have the staff and Drs at WGAH to thank.  I know not all outcomes are as good as they could possibly have been, but if it were not for Dr Kerchoffs initial conclusions and treatment plan, I don't believe my Bear would be by my side today.I don't know how much of veterinary medicine is guess work diagnosis, but Dr. Kerchoff picked up on things the other vets missed, or gave very little credence to, she offered hope and she was right.  I never felt she wanted to run unnecessary tests, in fact quite the opposite, she recommended waiting on certain tests to see if Bear was responding to treatment.  That is good medicine in my book and I will forever be grateful.Merry Christmas and God bless you all! Read Less

I'm finding another Vet for sure.I'm sure that this place is fine for emergencies but forget it otherwise. I have been taking both of my dogs here for a few years now. My dog was diagnosed with lymphoma after 3 different vets saw him since October for a variety of "simple non-descript issues". He finally was diagnosed with lymphoma last Monday. The Vet said that he had 60-90 days to live without chemo. I suggested steroids and pain meds. She agreed. She sent me home and we returned on Saturday (6 days later) to have him euthanized. Not quite 60-90 days. Wait it gets better...they charged me $65 for the euthanasia, $115 for care of the body. I get that but then they charged me $60 for the 3 minute discussion for them to tell me there was nothing they could do for him...duh... why do you think I was there? I hope the $60 was worth losing a long time client....never again. Read Less

Been going here with two dogs for 10 years.  Never a concern with regular visits.  However, have dog with skin issues, multiple medications and tests-still no answer. Going to new vet after forking out too much $$.  But, love my fur babies!  Still as miserable as when I took them in 6 weeks ago-now with more hair loss and no answers. Feel so bad since dog has yet to have relief. Read Less

Came in this last Saturday when my dog was hit by a car. (Dog is fine :) ) They were super helpful, professional, and the price was great for an emergency visit. I didn't feel like unneeded fees were put on or unnecessary tests were done. Read Less

I don't understand why people don't like it here. I have been coming here for years. Dr. Bedow is the best doctor here. My cats have had surgery, teeth cleanings and general care. It is always excellent. Have had good care when they have been really sick and had to be put to sleep. They offer cremation and this was also excellent. Great hours and small wait time. Read Less

We have used Webster Groves Animal hospital several times. I can not say enough good things about the place. They were say good to us when we had to put our dog down. They even arranged for the cremation. We have also used the emergency, after hours here and they are great.Read Less

I recently brought one of my cats here when I arrived home from work and he was noticeably ill. Since it was after-hours at our normal vet, this was the closest option, and I was very happy with the care he received. We arrived without an appointment and were in to see the doctor within about 20 minutes. His diagnosis was what I expected, and they provided me with a fully detailed estimate for his care before proceeding with any of the emergency services he needed. Since he was staying for a couple of days, they required a 50% deposit that day, and the rest due when I picked him up. While he was in the hospital, the techs sent texts, including pictures of my kitty, each day to update me about how he was doing, and the vet (Dr. Randazzo) called a couple of times each day to let me know how the treatment was working. The final cost ended up being a little less than the estimate on the quote, and I got a fully itemized bill that lined up with the quote. When I called to make his follow-up appointment, the phone was answered immediately and I was able to get an appointment on the day I needed (they had let me know that they fill up about 2 days in advance). Overall, I am happy with the emergency care my pets have received here, and will likely switch over to making this our go-to vet! Read Less

Recently our great Dane, Zeus, suffered a heat stroke and was catatonic when we brought him in. The staff at Webster Groves Animal hospital reacted quickly and put him in intensive care immediately. The doctors' were very honest about his condition and warned us he might not make it. They continued to keep us updated during his stay there. We were able to call at any time and visit him at any time. Dr. Fielding took the time to personally call us. Thanks to their quick reaction Zeus is home and doing wonderfully. Thank you to all who helped save my big guy's life. We are forever grateful. Read Less

I struggled to talk to a person (12 minutes on hold) and then once I got someone, to make an appointment (4 day wait for a sick dog). I think they must be too busy. The care itself is fine but not really helpful when you can't get in. Read Less

Our beloved dog was cared for on his last day at Webster Animal Hospital and they were kind, compassionate, and understanding.  He had a great long life and they made sure his final time was with his family in dignity and caring. Read Less

It usually takes a LONG time to be seen here, but that's because they're so busy! All of the techs and doctors we've seen have been extremely gracious, kind, and gentle with our dogs. They even have found ways to save us money on their packages. Also, from what I've found, they aren't more expensive than other vets. Pets are expensive.... this vet isn't more costly than the rest. Read Less

Meh. I would have to say the day my dog broke his leg was the worst day of my life. I was so emotional and confused as to how my tiny dog could have done this falling such a small distance. To say the staff was unhelpful is the understatement of the century. I came there because they are 24 hours and this was clearly an emergency. I sat and waited for so long I debated about getting up and leaving to go to another pet hospital further away. My little man is laying in my lap clearly in pain and disoriented and there really seemed to be no rush. Once we were seen by the actual Vet (for 5 minutes if that) she was pleasant, explained how this can happen and gave me my options. I understand I'm not the first hysterical dog mom to have an emergency at their hospital but it just felt like they genuinely didn't care. Not to mention when I did take him to another vet after getting him pain medicine and given the ok to take him home I was quoted half of amount that WGAH quoted me. I'm not going to say don't go there, an emergency is an emergency but if you have the option to go elsewhere I encourage you to do so. Read Less

PLEASE do not bring your pets here. They absolutely do not care about animals. Front desk staff are incompetent, unhelpful, untrained and have no idea what they're doing. I brought my kitten here for her first rounds which were supposed to include de-worming and they also claimed to test her for it and they said she came back negative and good to go. What do you think happened not four months later? SHE HAD WORMS and had developed them so badly she was vomiting them up. How do you miss this!? I called them to bring this to their attention and they couldn't care less that my cat could've died from their negligence. Instead of making them make up for their medical incompetence, I took my my cat to Kirkwood Animal Hospital (and from now on) and they're the best pet care I've ever received. Our family lawyer suggested we serve Webster Groves with papers due to negligence.Please do not bring your pets here, these people only care about money. Even look at previous reviews...it's a pattern that they do not care to address. Read Less

Wow. Just had the most terrible experience with this hospital. It was vaguely rectified but I'm still really upset at how I was treated-particularly by a lady with gray hair and light blue scrubs. I had brought my dog in for a check up and had told the receptionist at the end that I needed a health certificate in order to fly back to NYC with. Apparently I was a day too early (10 days is the cutoff) and she told me to come back and get it at a closer date-easy. I called today (my flight is tomorrow) and asked the woman on the phone if I could pick up Moose's health certificate at some point tonight (they're open 24 hours)-she said no problem. GREAT! I stop by a few hours later and they "can't find" the certificate so I say I'll come back later because I'm in a rush. THEN I get a call 10 minutes later and the woman on the line says she doesn't know who I spoke to, but that I have to come in and be seen by a vet again in order to get the certificate-at an emergency fee because there are no appointments left. I'm obviously pissed, so I ask that because of their mistake, that I at least get to pay an appointment fee. "There are no appointments left, Hun"-alright, well then at least waive the fee. There's no manager in. After one more press  to fit me in, to ask the doctor, I get HUNG UP ON! I call them back and speak to someone else who says I can fill out a dispute form. Nicely. If that was my only option, the first receptionist could have told me that.THEN. I walk in for my "emergency" and the woman who hung up on me admits it's her and says she got the fee lowered but not before saying that the reason she hung up on me is because essentially she couldn't listen to me any longer. Ok. I've worked with difficult people on the phone before (I realize I was being difficult, but only because the office should have taken responsibility for their mistake) and it is NEVER okay to hang up on a client or customer. Thankfully they made it somewhat right, but I'm just kind of in shock at how I was treated. That lady definitely needs some customer service lessons.Other than that, this hospital is fine-they are part of AAHA which is always a good sign, and I like that they have a little store inside.PS I should also mention that I feel they try to push unnecessary treatments on your pet. I brought Moose in because he randomly barfed a couple times in a week and he's had worms before-the Doctor looked at the vomit sample I brought in and didn't see any worms or eggs but then talked me into anti-nausea medication and tried to get me to give him an X-ray. I don't play those games. I said yes to the nausea med cause I thought it would make him feel better (which was admittedly, probably dumb), but said I'd wait on the X-ray to see if it cleared up after a couple days on rice & chicken and it did. Read Less

The highlight of this place is the friendly receptionists and the kind Vet Tech. Took my 8 month old wiener dog in to get the rest of his vaccines. Told them I wanted the cheapest bundle and they still charged me an extra $39 for a test I opted out of. Watched the vet basically body slam my 10 pound dog on the table and muzzle for acting *aggressive* which is something that hasn't been an issue before. It made me upset even though I know it was a precaution. Total visit ended up costing almost $160. It's not worst experience I could've had, but probably not the best. Read Less

Facts first: they have an "internal medicine" department that will take at least 48 hours to return your call, and they will likely make errors in prescriptions for your pet. They do not answer the phone, they only take messages. In addition, the doctors are completely unavailable and you'll have to deal with poorly educated staff members for all communications. They are only allowed to text the doctor, who himself is arrogant, rude, condescending and disrespectful (especially with women) and generally not all that competent or caring of your pet. You represent dollars to them and nothing else.We had a dog diagnosed with a pheochromocytoma tumor, which is quite rare. David Burgener claims to know how to handle it, but in the end he just contributed to a painful death for our dog. He and his staff, as mentioned, made numerous mistakes in prescribing medication and was dismissive of some severe diarrhea our dog suffered from shortly before she died. It's not enough that he and his staff are rude and uncaring, they're also of questionable competence and ability.Overall, Webster Groves Animal Hospital is an utterly inhumane, horribly run, unprofessional, unkind, pathetic excuse of an animal hospital. David Burgener and his staff--Jackie and Jen--are the worst offenders, and their callous, indifferent, and consistently disrespectful behavior makes this a place that you'd be wise to avoid if your beloved pet has serious problems.And to echo what others have noted, their front desk staff is unbelievably rude and apathetic. Are there worse animal hospitals? Probably, somewhere. But there's no doubt there are innumerable better ones. Read Less

The people are very nice but this place seems to be all about the money. Our kitten had elevated levels of something and they decided that he was probably dying and did two blood tests, an ultrasound, and other things that are expensive even on humans. They said he had an elevated heart rate, high potassium levels and kidney failure. They called a few days ago and said he could be in liver failure and probably has Addisons Disease and they need to do another blood test even though we had one done a week and a half ago. They just want us to spend more and more money and make up the worst case scenario up to get us to spend. We took our kitten to Millis a few days instead and they said he's perfectly fine and they've never heard of Addison's disease in a kitten before. We won't be going back to this vet in Webster again. Spent over $1000 on finding something that wasn't there. Read Less