Big Creek Pet Hospital

I had an appointment at 5:30 pm. They called me back to the exam room at 6:00. The doctor came in to see my dog at 6:20. Her feet have been itching for a couple of weeks and he told me it was either food or seasonal allergies. That took about 10 minutes for that exam. I waited about an additional 35 minutes to get some meds. Earlier in the day I called to have heart worm medication ready for me to pick up after my dogs appointment. They couldn't find my prescription. That was the third time they didn't have my prescription ready. I would advise you DO NOT GO THERE. I am not any longer . Oh, by the way, it cost me $ 180.00.Read Less

I took my 7 year old girl here for the first time recently. I called on a thursday and was able to get an appt for the coming Saturday. I recently moved to the area and let them know where my girls previous records were. They asked about vaccines and I stated we do not vaccine as my cats are never allowed out, do not interact with other animals and the last cat I vaccinated nearly died within a week. When we got there, we were taken into an exam room. This exam room had a cut out in the wall that opened to the exam room next to it...I'm not sure if all the rooms are like this, or if it's just this one? but it doesn't seem like a good idea to me. My girl is a scared cat, she is stressed enough having to leave the house, let alone if she saw another animal in the room next to her...There are also cut outs at the top of the walls above the cabinets...not quite sure what that is about either...Oddly, there also wasn't a scale in the room...they had to take her out in front and try to get her to stand on what looked to be a scale made for dogs... The vet tech came in and again asked about past records and vaccines. I explained again and she said "well she will have to get the rabies shot as it's required" to which I said, ok, but she's stressed enough today, I don't want to stress her system anymore. the vet tech left the room. Dr. Fegen came in and said she would not touch my cat without her getting a rabies shot as it's required by law in the county. (which, btw seems a bit ridiculous for a strictly indoor cat, that in 7 years has never escaped or interacted with another animal)  We just about packed up and left. I said I wish someone had told me on the phone when I called, because I would have taken her elsewhere, but now, because she is such a horrible traveler, I can't just pack her up and take her somewhere else. Not to mention she had an injury, which was the whole reason we were there. Dr. Fegen agreed I should have been informed prior to bringing her in. Not the way I wanted to start off the visit with a new vet, in a strange room, being forced to do something to my girl I wasn't, and still am not, comfortable with. That being said...Dr. Fegan was an absolutely gem to my girl. She walked in with a warm towel for her, and was incredibly gentle examining her. It took her about 2 minutes (not kidding, 2 minutes, tops) to figure out what is wrong with my girl. They took her back for some x-rays and again, everyone was very gentle with her, and kept commenting on what a good girl she was for them. Dr. Fegen came back in and showed us the x-rays and explained everything in detail. We came up with a reasonable treatment plan to start off with see if the problem improves.Overall, I would recommend Dr. Fegen, she was extremely kind to my girl, and very thorough explaining the issue, just be pre-warned about the rabies shot, and the strange room. If you have a cat or other animal that is very reactive to the site of others, you may want to call and see about a different room, or if the opening can somehow be covered. I think the place in general just needs some updating. It was also a bit on the expensive side, the exam was 79.99 (but I can take her back within 30 days at no charge) X-rays were in the $200 range, with a session of laser therapy and meds, we were in the $350 range total. Read Less

Reese's surgery went great! Her incision looks great even on day two. I also truly appreciate you taking the precaution to postpone her surgery so her blood clotting test could go for further testing since the initial test you did showed it was slow. You always have my animals and my best interest not only in your mind but your heart also. Thank you so much!!!!! Read Less

When we first started making appointments for our dog at Big Creek earlier this year, I called to make an appointment for her. She had been limping and we were concerned about her leg. After a couple of calls back to me to reschedule her appointment, they got her in. With a 2-month-old baby at home, it was a little challenging with the reschedules and making it work but I understand things happen and wanted to make sure my animals received the best care. Before the appointment, I explained to the person I talked to that although our dog is very sweet and friendly, she does not like going to the vet and does become fearful. I was assured that they deal with this all the time. When my husband took our dog in, they didn't listen to him explain that if they just let her be and not pull out the muzzle, she will be okay. They decided right away to sedate her (I believe it was $100). A staff member also appeared to be a bit condescending to him regarding our dog. After that, it was determined she had a partial, if not full, ACL injury. They had us take her home and give her pills to see how she did. A couple of appointments (and reschedules on their end) later, and we were told we had to see yet another vet who actually did the surgery. After all was said and done, although there were some kind people there who worked with us, other staff members, processes regarding our pet, and the cost left me and my husband with a bad taste in our mouth. Read Less

The friendliness of the staff. My dog Sam actually likes entering the building and is spoiled when he is there. On this last visit I took a tour of the boarding facility and Andi stayed with Sam so he did not have to be alone in the exam room while I did the tour. Much appreciated Read Less

We've taken our dog to Big Creek a few times and never realized how expensive they are in comparison to other vets. We recently took our dog for shots and a nail trim. He doesn't do well when people touch him (he has 3 legs and is very protective) and has to be muzzled every time. We warn them of this beforehand. The muzzle they use is too small (we should really buy our own) and he was able to get it off after his exam. Not sure why he needed an exam for vaccines ($$) but we went with it. The girls did try to console and calm him but it was too much for him. Needless to say, we weren't getting the muzzle back on him to get the vaccines or his nails cut. He was too stressed. We rescheduled and were prescribed a sedative to take beforehand. We paid $170 for this visit. I called the next day and asked about his heartworm medication because he had just recently run out about a week before. They said they don't carrry his brand but they have a different brand which is the same thing. Okay, that's fine. I go to pick it up, over $170 for 6 months and another $45 for the stool test. Say what? I pay $50 for 6 months of what he's currently on! I decline and the receptionist informs me that it's not actually the same as what he was on and it has other things in it, that's why it costs more. So no, it's not the same, it's actually an entirely different med! I decide to order from the online pharmacy where I can get his brand. The online pharmacy attempts to call Big Creek several times, each time being told they'd call the pharmacy back. I call Big Creek and Kim tells me that they don't endorse online pharmacies so they won't give the okay to keep our dog on the same heartworm that he's been on for 5 years. She offers her brand which is over 3x the cost of ours and is a different med. I decline, and ask for them to fax the script to them. They can't do that. Only option is buying their brand. Yet, they gave me the script for the sedative, which I can fill at an online pharmacy. It's all about the money, I get it. We decided to take him somewhere else. I ask for a print out of the results of the $45 fecal test to take to the new vet so we don't have to pay to test again. Kim offers to email it. I give her my email, thank her, and wait for the email. Hours later, no email. I call back and speak with someone different. Kim is gone for the day. The new lady checks the chart for Kim's notes about our discussion. No notes from Kim. Completely disregarded that we cancelled our appointment, completely disregarded our conversation and the request for his fecal results. New lady says yeah we can't email you the results. Okay.... So second time someone has told us something that isn't true. I agree to pick up a copy of the results, we hang up. Then I get a call telling me not to give our dog the heartworm that they gave us if he's going to take something else, because that would be double dosing. Thanks for that information. Please note we NEVER BOUGHT YOUR HEARTWORM BRAND!!! Completely done with Big Creek, we fill the script for the sedative at a regular pharmacy and the pharmacist says, you might want to check with the vet about the dosage because it seems pretty high even for a dog. I agree, it seems like a high dosage (I'm a nurse and it's much higher than the human dosage) even for a dog. I do research and read several guidelines for dosage in canines and the dosage prescribed for our dog is 150mg over the recommended dosage for a dog our size in an 8 hour period. Overdose side effects can include seizures and coma. Glad the pharmacist and I knew better than to just give it as prescribed. Needless to say, we won't be going back. I felt that this visit was all about money. Over $210 later, he still doesn't have his vaccines, heartworm preventative, or his nails cut. He did however get an exam that we didn't realize we needed, a fecal test, and antibiotic ear drops. I would not recommend Big Creek, simply based on the stress/money/time involved with this last visit alone. Read Less

I've been going to Big Creek with my pets for 7 years and I cannot say enough good things about them. Their staff treats my dogs like one of their own and my dogs actually get excited when they walk in the building. I have a pit bull and I foster new dogs all of the time and I get the same amazing treatment for every furbaby I bring in. The doctors and staff are extremely knowledgeable and I would trust my own life with them! HIGHLY RECOMMENDED! Read Less

Barb the Groomer at Big Creek Pet Hospital is very good at her job!   She recently did a "Lion Cut" on my Himalayan cat.  Because he is very afraid of dogs, Barb was sensitive to that and made sure he was scheduled at a time when there were no dogs in the grooming area.  He was not stressed when I went to take him home.  And, he looks so cute!    This is the second year I have used her services, and I plan on continuing. Read Less

I read the last review for Big Creek Pet Hospital and was shocked!!! I have been taking my pets to Big Creek for a few years and have seen all 3 vets. Everyone starting from the front desk to the time you see the doctor is super friendly, efficient and VERY PROFESSIONAL!!! I COMPLETELY trust that my babies are ALWAYS in safe and caring hands! If you don't want to take my word for it, go visit yourself and know.... this will be the best and last vet office you will need! Also, it just goes to show, there are some people in the world no matter what you do..... you just CAN'T please!!!! Read Less

I took Binks to Big Creek Pet Hospital yesterday for the first time.  The reception staff was very friendly and polite.  Hannah was first to come into the exam room- she was empathetic to my kitties needs, very knowledgeable, gentle, friendly and efficient.  The Dr came in after and spent ample time with me to answer questions and provide feeback about the exam. I never felt rushed or obligated to get any additional services or perform any unnecessary procedures.  The entire staff was organized, friendly and very welcoming. I highly recommend Big Creek Pet Hospital to help take care of your furry friends! Read Less

I took Binks to Big Creek Pet Hospital yesterday for the first time. The reception staff was very friendly and polite. Hannah was first to come into the exam room- she was empathetic to my kitties needs, very knowledgeable, gentle, friendly and efficient. The Dr came in after and spent ample time with me to answer questions and provide feeback about the exam. I never felt rushed or obligated to get any additional services or perform any unnecessary procedures. The entire staff was organized, friendly and very welcoming. I highly recommend Big Creek Pet Hospital to help take care of your furry friends! Read Less

After moving to the Cleveland area in the late summer, I searched Angie's List (see my review of Angie's List) for trusted vets for the care of my 13 year old golden retriever.  She visited their office several times before passing in December.  While the staff IS great, I was quite disappointed when they phoned me one week after her passing with test results.  Really?!  Are you kidding me?!  And sent flowers 2 weeks later (nice touch, but not after two weeks.)Then the doctor who called blamed it on their new system.  Well, I think that's a huge mistake!  And, they tried to keep her  after she was groomed once due to a staff meeting they have every Wednesday afternoon (they close the office for 2 hours).  Let's just say that didn't happen!  Not for a 13 year old who was battling several health issues!  So today I had my new golden retriever rescue groomed and he came home looking like a poodle.  His chest and "butt beard" were shaved and that was NOT what I asked for nor paid for!  Goldens are not typically shaved-certainly not my long haired one!  What a disappointment after paying $70 for the grooming!  They were kind enough to refund my grooming fees but that didn't put hair back on my dog.  I will NOT be returning there for grooming and am considering finding a new vet.  It's too bad.  The staff is nice.  After that, I've had a lot of frustrations and they have continued... Read Less

I was searching for their website and happened to come across citysearch and read the one star review. We moved here in 2000 with our 2 cats. We tried Big Creek for our first visit and have never been anywhere else. The care is great and the office crew are terrific. We trusted Dr. Fegan to amputate our older cats hind leg and she lived 4 more years, to the age of 17. Both cats gone now but we have rescued a great dog. She has some allergies and typical problems and we wouldn't trust her to ANYPLACE or ANYONE else! Maggies dad Read Less

I love Dr. Fegan and the staff at Big Creek Vet Hospital!  I have been bringing my pets there for about 4 years now and I have never had a bad experience.  It is so important and hard to find a doctor of any kind that you can really trust.  Especially if you are trusting them with the care of your furry friends.  I have always been greeted with a smile and made to feel welcome.  They are usually very good at getting you in appointments right away and calling you back promptly if you have any questions.To all of you rat owners out there (yes, RATS-  they are wonderful pets.), I highly recommend going to Big Creek if you are having trouble finding a vet that is knowledgeable about rodents!  So many vets really aren't familiar with caring for rats or they are looked at as less important than cats or dogs.  Trust me, I have bonded with many a ratty over the years and they will steal your heart.What won me over was whenever I would bring in one of my ratties, Dr. Fegan always kissed them on the head when she picked them up to examine them.  YES!  Now THAT is a really animal lover.I have had to have a few rats put to sleep and the vet techs are very sympathetic and kind.  They know how to put a rat to sleep comfortably and ethically (if you are a rat owner and you have done your research, you know that the way rodents are normally "put to sleep" is gruesome and horrifying).Plus, they give you a little keep sake of your pets paw prints in clay to take home with you along with grieving literature.Interestingly, I now have 3 cats (all my ratties have crossed the rainbow bridge) and this is the vet I will continue to bring them to even though it's a little further of a drive from where I live now.  Lastly, another great thing about this vet is that you have 30 days of free follow-ups every time you need to bring your pet in for a visit. Read Less

I received a letter in the mail claiming my pet was overdue for vaccinations and if I booked today, I would receive 50% OFF!!! Of course, I made the appointment, I mean who doesn't want to save money in this economy??? This is HOW it all went down... 3:55 arrived at vet (appoinment was at 4:00) Friendly receptionist told us to wait in main lobby 4:20 still waiting in lobby... 4:25 vet tech approaches and asks what my pet needs today? I respond ""vaccinations""... 4:2? we enter private room, totally bypassing the scale to weigh my pet. The tech tells me once I'm in the room my pet is NOT due for vaccines until next year. What!?!? But what she DOES need is a ""wellness"" exam...LOL. Did I bring a stool sample? Uh...NO!!! But thanks for telling me on the phone when I made the appointment. 4:30 Observing techs drinking beverages outside the door and gossiping. 4:31 Still no one... 4;32 Hear someone say ""they've been waiting for a long time"" 4:33 Obviously not long enough... 4:34 ZZZZzzzz... 4:35 BA BYE!!! Decide to walk out the door with my pet, past the friendly receptionist (who didn't utter a single word). I expected someone to atleast call and ask why we left, but...they never did. SORRY BIG CREEK, YOU MAY HAVE ALL THE BELLS AND WHISTLES BUT YOUR SERVICE IS FOR THE BIRDS!!! YOU LURED ME IN WITH FALSE PRETENSES TO MAKE MONEY!!! MY PET IS TOO GOOD FOR YOUR FACILITY!!! Read Less

Unfortunately, we have to respond to this review via the internet as the customer refused to return multiple phone calls. Let me begin by saying we agree with Toty we could have done a better job communicating, I was going out of town when we first received her email and responded after we returned. However, her other allegations need to be examined. 1. The goal was to remove the mats around Boots lower belly and hind legs. While the pet was under anesthesia, we were able to comb them out without having to shave them. When we explained this to you you affirmed our decision. Your pet was slightly damp because for the safety and health of your pet we wanted to minimize how long he was under anesthesia. 2. The quote was for $150 plus the cost of the Rabies vaccination $21. Your total bill ended up being $150, I'm confused as to what you expected it to be. 3. The BBB received our response and considered the case completed and closed. Again if this client would like to discuss this further i invite her to call me. Ed Fegan - Practice Manager 440-234-5831 P.S. I invite any client, or possible client, that has questions about our practice to call me. I am also happy to give you a personal tour of our state-of-the-art hospital and explain more in-depth our services and procedures. Read Less

My golden retriever has had nothing but the best care from Big Creek. The Doctors and staff are friendly and knowledgeable. They tell me exactly he needs, then get the job done quickly at the price they quote. They treat my dog like their own. Eddie (the dog) gets all excited when we take him in, that should tell you something. Read Less

I have never done this before, but I can't sit here and do nothing! I have been with Big Creek Pet Hospital for over 8 years. I have been with Dr. Fegan and her staff through the puppy and kitten stage, illnesses, injuries, and even through the death of my beloved pets. Throughout the years I have been given estimates for all of my procedures so I know exactly how much to expect when I pick my pet up. The staff has never made me feel horrible about some of the choices I had to make, and I appreciate that from the staff. I also LOVE how the staff makes my pet feel like he is the number 1 animal there!!! Know that reviews leave out many parts, so go in and see my favorite vet (and her staff) Read Less

I took my male cat to Big Creek exclusively to have his fur shaved around the lower belly and hind legs. I was told the procedure could only be done under anesthesia and it would cost $150, possibly less, as he just needed a partial shave. I was given a sheet to write exactly what I wanted. I specifically wrote ""a light shave around lower belly and legs"" and I circled the drawing of a cat on that sheet, pointing to the areas that needed to be shaved. When I picked up my cat, he had not been shaved AT ALL, and Big Creek insisted on charging me $274! They justified the price by claiming it included 45 min of brushing and blow drying!!!! I stood my ground and refused to pay more than $150. They would not show me my cat until AFTER I paid (hostage situation). Only then did I realize his fur was still wet, and some of his fur was still matted! Neither Dr. Fagan nor anybody from BCAH return my messages. I still do not understand why they failed to do what I requested. As a result, I paid for an expensive and uncessary shampooing, and also submitted my cat to a totally unnecessary medical procedure. The BBB will get my letter and so will the Middleburg Heights Chamber of Commerce, and the State of Ohio Attorney's Office. Read Less