Took my 15 year old cat for a dental. The staff was incredibly friendly. They called me anytime there was a concern to make me aware and ask what I wanted to do. They really seem to enjoy their jobs. The facility is very neat and tidy. Telhe guest lounge is incredible. I can honestly say I have never been to an animals clinic that had such a nice waiting area. And the procedures they offer are very affordable. Read Less

Omg, what can I say about this place and the people that work there..... They are all angels sent from heaven. My dog was, Diagnosed with entropion. I was recommended to have surgery done on both his bottom lid at the cost of $2500. At the time this was out our budget, but with Helping Hands, we paid only $380. They even help me find a hotel to stay in at a reduced price. I bought my 5yr daughter with me, and the staff helped me find fun things to do with her while we waited for our dog to come out of surgery. Everything went smoothly my dog is happy and doing well they call to check up on us. I cannot begin to tell you how grateful I am that I found Helping Hands Read Less

What a wonderful blessing! I brought my fur child in for a teeth cleaning I'm still so thankful for the kindness and compassion they showed us and my other fur child that was just along for the ride. Definitely affordable and worth the drive. You even got to meet other people from far and wide in the warm and cozy lounge area. Read Less

Great experience. Our dog tore his cruciate ligament. He's a bigger dog and our vet quoted us $4000 for surgery. Got the lateral suture for $1000 or so.. 4 months out and dog is great. Just like new. Granted. It requires more crate time and recovery but totally worth it in my opinion .. your mileage may vary. Read Less

I took my 5 year old dog here for her first teeth cleaning. Growing up we never professionally cleaned our dogs teeth, so I thought it seemed a bit ridiculous to put a dog under to clean their teeth. But after reading more about it, the more I felt compelled to take my dog in. I tried brushing her teeth myself, but she was not a fan and I could not really get to a lot of her teeth. My vet quoted me over $500.00, which was more than I even paid for my dog. I heard about Helping Hands. They were half the cost. Walking in, the place is very clean and well staffed. They were very friendly and nice to my dog. They have a nice big waiting room with refreshments and a TV for people from out of town who wait. People drive hours to go here which also made me feel good about going! When I went to pick her up they explained the whole procedure and gave me instructions for her after care and a number to call if she had any issues. They even called the next day to check on her. My dogs teeth look great and her breath finally has no smell! :) This place is great, and also offers other medical procedures at a lower cost that people can afford. I'm so glad to have found this place and am happy that places like this exist. A huge win for RVA! Read Less

I took my cat in for much needed dental work. I ran this by my normal vet prior (who also regularly does dental work) and she said Helping Hands is great. I did have concerns about not being able to meet the vet before hand, but when I arrived a staff member greeted me, noted what my vet had recommended (there is a section for this on the info sheet), was very helpful and I left feeling completely reassured. Everything went great and the staff was also very helpful at discharge making sure I understood the post-op instructions. I would definitely recommend and go back. Thanks, Helping Hands! You are providing such a great service to pets in need! Read Less

First, let me say this, I was very skeptical about this place because of the very cheap price. I was always told, "you get what your pay for". I took the chance to have my dog Speedy abscessed teeth removed, I must say I was very pleased. The staff was nice and very informative. You could either stay there or they would give you places to go. I thought Speedy needed 1 tooth removed, but later learn that it was 8. I'm not angry, why, because I wasn't ripped off, meaning they could have very well removed 1 tooth and sent us home for us to come back later to pay and additional $260 for each other tooth that needs to be removed. I respect that a lot because it lets me know that the love that they have for animals, they didn't want to send an animal home to be miserable later on. Lini, was very nice and polite, she had answered all of my questions, and she was very patient with me, and my dog. I just had to give her a hug, because I felt that she was very genuine. I did let others know about this place, and should Speedy need anything major done, guess where he will go again? We were there 01/18/2018, he was drugged from the anesthesia until we got home, he looked so pitiful, not so much eating, very little bleeding, but I tell you, 01/20/2018, he was back to his old self, and eating his dry dog food as if he had those 8 teeth in his mouth. Thanks so much Helping Hands, you guys are great!!!!! P.S. Helping Hands did call me the following day to check on him. That's what I like. ;) Read Less

Helping Hands is amazing!! We had two small dogs that needed a great deal of dental work. We were quoted over $1,000 for each dog at our vet in Pittsburgh. Our flat rate at Helping Hands was a quarter of the price. Upon arriving at Helping Hands, we were greeted by wonderful and kind staff. They knew the answers to all of our questions and they helped to quickly put our minds at ease. The dog's recovery was speedy and they are back to their normal selves now, just minus a few teeth and bad breath!! Thank you to Helping Hands for allowing dog owners to care for their pets at an affordable price. Read Less

What a great find!  A friend recommended them to me and I couldn't be happier.  They are super friendly and they clearly spend a lot of time practicing and teaching empathy and customer connection techniques.  Facility is clean and they have a nice waiting room.  Of course all of the other reviews about great vet services and prices are spot-on as well.  Went in for dental cleaning and all went well.  It's definitely worth the drive! Read Less

This establishment is a God send and I would give them the highest rating possible. It is correct that you do not get to speak with the Vet personally, so there is a level of trust you must put into the staff. If they tell you they can  help you, they can. If they tell you that they cannot help you, especially with the level of talented doctors with such diverse medical backgrounds, then you will probably need to see a specialist. Jackie and her confident and comforting smile and reassurance that my friend and fur baby was going to be OK, and was in great hands was a breath of fresh veterinarian air. After getting the scary 4000.00$ quotes from vets here in Washington DC, I turned to Helping hands for guidance and a solution, and they provided both. I waited in the well thought out waiting room with a friend. The cleanliness, television, games, coffee and other nervously  grateful pawents helped to pass the time. I cried at the sight of my "fresh out of anesthetic" Maltese and listened to the instructions from the nurse. I put my life on hold for the next 2 weeks and followed all instructions and today 5 months post operation, my little one is doing great. I will be forever grateful to Dr. Brian and the entire staff at Helping Hands. They gave my Maltese Angel her quality of life back, while also giving me  peace of mind and renewing my faith in humanity and organizations like Helping Hands that offer quality affordable care. Thank you...Thank you...and Thank you.While the work that they do is awesome. As a pawent, it is imperative that you do your job in the weeks following the procedure. The recovery process is just as important as the surgical process. Read Less

Firstly I would like to recommend anyone reading reviews of Helping Hands to please check their website and read their FAQs about expectations, it is incredibly disheartening to read people writing reviews and complaining that you don't get one-on-one time with the veterinarians here,  that is very clearly explained on their website that part of what keeps the cost down is cutting out consultations. You bring your vet to Helping Hands knowing what the issues are, you have either had a consultation with your own veterinarian which is brought to or faxed to Helping Hands in advance and they will be able to perform surgery based on that vet visit x-rays etc.  If you are here for a dental you know that there is a chance that your dog may or may not need to have tooth extractions, maybe one maybe all. Rest assured though if there is any concern about your pet, the vet will call you. The first time I brought my dog in for a dental they did labs and were alarmed about her elevated liver enzymes and they called me about that. It just so happens that my oldest dog has chronic elevated liver enzymes for an unexplained reason and is still able to safely have a dental. This last time they also called me once again about her elevated liver enzymes, I can't fault them for not having that in their records even though they had called me about it last time, I think they just wanted to let me know what was going on out of their concern, especially since she is 10 years old. So please do not take their lack of one-on-one consultations as meaning they care less than your regular vet. It's a different process and it helps keep prices affordable.Secondly the new location is brilliant. They have the check-in process pretty much down to a science, one dog/pet goes in at a time, gets weighed, and there is a cubicle where you go to fill in your paperwork, then the next dog is let in.  The tech  will come put a collar with your pet's name on it around its neck and take it back to the back. I had two dogs with me, one is young and restless and was very excited to be around so many other dogs, so I was able to go to the lounge with them which was a little bit more quiet and relaxing for both myself and for my dogs. After they take your pet and you fill out the paper work you go into the line to pay.Third... they just raised their price for a dental, it is now $260 which I believe includes labs. The previous rate was $225 and labs were extra. Having the price include labs is not a bad thing especially if you have an aging pet. That being said if you scheduled a dental before April 2017 they are honoring the old rate. (Don't be surprised if you have quite a wait for a dental  appointment. We booked in March for a June appointment.)If you are coming from out of town, as many people do, they can give you some recommendations on things to do while you wait for your pet to be ready for pickup. They also have that beautiful lounge that is very cozy they even have beverages if you feel the need to wait on-site.If you live in the Richmond community you know how passionate Helping Hands veterinarians are about the work they do and their mission of avoiding  "economic euthanasia" because you can't afford to have expensive surgeries performed on your pet. It is very clear when visiting and taking a look around that they really do care about you and your pet and not just about making a quick buck. If you think the customer service isn't perfect imagine running a front office with multiple dogs and people, trying to be efficient yet make sure that all dogs and people are safe, not tripping over one another or having multiple dogs tangled up in their leashes.  Richmond is absolutely blessed to have Helping Hands as part of our community, I highly recommend them for dental cleaning , I hope that I never need them for anything more than that but if so I would wholeheartedly trust them with my pets. Read Less

For starters... it's well organized! I was VERY apprehensive and nervous about brining my two geriatrics and my golden retriever for a dental. The staff was super friendly, organized, and the facility was clean. Our dogs received a dental, some teeth were extracted and all medications were covered. They called to follow up and I'm overall happy we came here for dental work on our pooches! Read Less

From the minute we arrived when you personally greeted each individual 4-footed patient we were so impressed with your facility and your staff. Our dachshund, Cocoa, was there for a tooth extraction and suturing. Her recovery was scheduled to be about two weeks. After only a few days she was back to her old pre-toothache self. We owe your staff a debt of gratitude. I have recommended you to everyone I've talked to since our visit and will continue to do so. A special thank you to Dr. Brian Collins who did an amazing job. We couldn't be happier, and neither could Cocoa! Read Less

It's been one week since I brought my Yorkie here for dental cleaning and extractions. My yorkie is a rescue that I got in July of last year. When I got him he had the worst breath ever and you could see all the tartar and plaque that were surrounding his teeth. I live in MA and all the vets that I went to quoted me between $700-$1000. I did some online research and found helping hands and booked his appointment for his dental work. I was already expecting a lot of extractions because I had already been told by three different vets that he might loose all his teeth. Everyone in the reception was very friendly. There was a line of dogs to be weighed and than we went into a little open booth to fill out paperwork. The assistant came up to us and asked a few questions and took him in. I was a little upset because I didn't get to say bye, but itwas for the best because I can't with the little face he makes when he thinks we are leaving him. We went in around 3:30pm to pick him up and waiting for us to be called in. My heart was in my hand because I had previously read a few reviews of pets who passed away here. They called us in and it was the funniest/cutest thing to see him all dosed out on the anesthesia.  He extracted all but one tooth!The assistant said he might not eat anything for the first day. But, once the anesthesia wore off after a few hours he was already eating some mashed potatoes. His bad breath went away, he seems a lot happier and healthier, and he's been eating more than he was before which is a good thing because he barely ate before. The only downside is that you don't get to speak to the vet. But As long as my dog is happy, I am happy too Read Less

I drove here from D.C. because my vet said t would be $1600 to have my dog's teeth cleaned plus necessary tooth extractions. That quote was a "starting price" and could be higher based on "what they saw." Helping Hands charges a flat $225 for teeth cleaning and extractions. I was very impressed by their professionalism, cleanliness, and efficiency when I came in for drop off and pick up. My dog is older and had some problems, but the vet called me through out the day to update me on the issues. I would highly recommend this affordable option to anyone on the D.C. area. Read Less

Don't waste your time. They had us send photos,  of growth but could not give us a definitive answer as to if the surgery could be completed on even performed . Tried to charge me $65.00 for canceling within 24hrs of surgery. Talked with Britney, Chris and finally Briana. Briana could not give any definitive answers either.  Went into the whole, cancer, not enough skin, and my dog may die from sedation conversation.I have had the same line of dogs for 14 years. Had only 3 dogs have growth removals, never any cancer and never any death during surgery. I would never take my dog to a Vet to die. My animals are worth to much to be butchered by a Vet. They made me feel very uncomfortable. Read Less

Calling around NOVA, prices for dental care for my 60 lb lab mutt if extractions had to be done was easily around $700-$1000.  Not that I do not love my pet, but that is a lot of money.  I did a little research and came across Helping Hands.  First off, I was wowed by the flat fee of $225 for dental work that includes any number of extractions as well as antibiotics and pain killers.  I was a little hesitant due to the low cost, but I did some research and Helping Hands had excellent reviews.  This place gets BUSY!  I called back in early Jan and they did not have an available appointment until end of March and of course I booked the first one available.  I did honor a request for a rebooking (on their request) b/c the vet on staff may be unavailable on my first appt date (he's in the National Guard, so totally understandable).  So, after a 1/5 hr drive down to Richmond to drop off my dog between 730-800am, I noticed that there were plenty of folks doing just the same.  I was a little heartbroken when they asked me to sign a CPR/DNR form and whether I wanted my pet's remains or cremated at my charge, but again, totally understandable at my pet's age (11 yrs old).  You also prepay all services.  After all the paperwork, they take your pet and you get directed to the waiting area.  Granted, they definitely needed more seats in the waiting area, but they do have a TV (which wasn't on), a mini fridge stocked with V8, Sprite, Coke and Dt Coke, coffee (Keurig), jelly belly, and microwave popcorn.  There are some games and puzzles for the kiddos.  However, keeping the kids occupied until 4pm in that room was just not going to work.  A staff member did bring out Chilly (Dr. Lori's service dog poodle whose fur is dyed in funky colors) for the kids to pet.  We decided to hit Ashland's Cracker Barrel, Bass Pro Shops and Pump It Up to tire out our kiddos.  We decided to come early at 330pm, but true to their word, no pet was available for pick up until 4pm. It was a little tense with all the pet owners waiting in the same place, but our dog's name was one of the first to be called.  We went inside the waiting area where they said our dog was perfect after the procedure and needed no teeth extractions!  Vegas came in happy, but still a little wobbly from the anesthesia, but his teeth were pearly white and I did not notice any bleeding.  Wow!  Did they do a great job!  11 years of not having any dental work and his teeth were amazing.  They did provide antibiotics and pain meds after the procedure.  I did feed Vegas some rice and soft canned dog food, but by day 3 he was chomping down on his dry dog food w/o a problem.  Helping Hands is amazing!  It's not sketchy; it truly is a place that cares for your pets and offer procedures at amazing prices!  Thank you again, Helping Hands! Read Less

I traveled from Ohio because my dog needed ACL surgery. The cost in Ohio for this surgery was $4,000 At Helping Hands, it was $1,000. The drive was 7 hours but we did fine and my dog slept the entire trip thanks to sedatives. I had no other option than to engage Helping Hands due to costs. Sure, the recovery afterward has been a challenge, but this is something that they tell you in advance, so it was anticipated. Also, they advise in advance that treatment is immediately transitioned over to you, the owner and your regular vet. They also equip you with information that tells you exactly what to do for proper care. I followed what they told me to do, and now my 9 year old dog is 6 weeks post-op and healing beautifully. Helping Hands- thank you, thank you, thank you. With tears in my eyes, thank you. I can't wait to walk her in the spring. Read Less

I traveled from Ohio because my dog needed ACL surgery.  The cost in Ohio for this surgery was $4,000  At Helping Hands, it was $1,000.  The drive was 7 hours but we did fine and my dog slept the entire trip thanks to sedatives.  I had no other option than to engage Helping Hands due to costs. Sure, the recovery afterward has been a challenge, but this is something that they tell you in advance, so it was anticipated. Also, they advise in advance that treatment is immediately transitioned over to you, the owner and your regular vet.  They also equip you with information that tells you exactly what to do for proper care.  I followed what they told me to do, and now my 9 year old dog is 6 weeks post-op and healing beautifully.  Helping Hands- thank you, thank you, thank you.  With tears in my eyes, thank you. I can't wait to walk her in the spring. Read Less

We brought our second German shepherd here to get a preventative stomach tack so she won't get bloat and her teeth cleaned and again, was absolutely wonderful. Staff was great, very friendly. You could eat off the floor it was so clean. We were scared to leave her because she is not friendly with people, but they did a fantastic job handling her. She had a broken jaw before we got her as a pup therefore, her jaw is broken...but they cleaned her teeth and they look so beautiful. I highly recommend this place to everyone!!! The only downfall is my Sasha hates the e collar!! She is terrified of it. Read Less

My family member died within hours after receiving alleged substandard treatment. If you are not a trained veterinarian technician you will not be adequately equipped to care or diagnose your pet after a surgery if complications occur. Helping Hands makes it very clear they only provide surgery and no consultation or advice before or after a surgery. They do not respond to their after hours phone line. You will not be in a position to determine if your dog is in normal recovery or seriously declining. We thought our dog was still under the influence of a 2 hour sedation injection when we arrived home. We did not realize he was suffering a long and agonizing death. I took video to share with Helping Hands after hours line but they never called back. I will post this horrible bloody video shortly. Read Less

My family member died within hours after receiving alleged substandard treatment. If you are not a trained veterinarian technician you will not be adequately equipped to care or diagnose your pet after a surgery if complications occur. Helping Hands makes it very clear they only provide surgery and no consultation or advice before or after a surgery. They do not respond to their after hours phone line. You will not be in a position to determine if your dog is in normal recovery or seriously declining. We thought our dog was still under the influence of a 2 hour sedation injection when we arrived home. We did not realize he was suffering a long and agonizing death. I took video to share with Helping Hands after hours line but they never called back. I will post this horrible bloody video shortly. Read Less

Zachary our 11 year old golden retriever had ACL surgery two weeks ago. We drove 5 hours from West Virginia to have them preform his surgery, we heard so many positive remarks about the surgeons & staff. Our experience there was well worth the long drive ,The staff was professional & sweet. The facility was very clean & organized, they had printouts with places to visit while you waited & places to eat. Their prices were thousands less, & they honestly seem to care about our golden retriever, we got a call from them the next day checking on Zachary & the surgeon actually called me back when I had questions . We would highly recommend taking your pet here Read Less

My dog went in for an ACL repair. He is not great with strangers, and I am so glad that the staff understood that I had to be with him until he was sedated. The facility was nice, and clean. Well maintained. It was well lit, and the lounge looked very nice and comfortable. When I picked up, they provided all the aftercare information necessary as well as ample medications to keep him calm and pain free. My dog actually came out happy and calm... Which was surprising considering previous experiences he has had in a surgery facility. All that tells me is that these are good people, and if I ever need any of their services again I will definitely make the trip down. I absolutely recommend using them. Read Less

My daughter and I drove from Brewster NY to have our dog Sasha torn ACL and Knee Cap repaired after searching for a NY surgeon that was charging over $5,000 to do the same repair. We started our journey to Helping hands during a NY winter storm and drove over 7 hours to reach VA.Read Less

A few weeks ago, we found out that our dog Brutus had bladder stones and needed surgery. The surgery was turning out to be a costly one and the more places we took him the higher the cost. Fortunately, a friend told us about Helping Hands. Although the travel was more than 2 hours away it was worth the trip and a huge saving as far as cost was concern. At first, we were worried that going somewhere less expensive that we may be forfeiting quality care, that was not at all the case with Helping Hands. The staff was most professional and did their best to ease all of the people worries and fears. Job well done Helping Hands Veterinary & Dental Care. Read Less

Not only are the prices far below what traditional vets charge, Dr. Pasternak's surgical skill is also extraordinary! My dog got his knee repaired by my regular vet, and it took him 6 months to make a full recovery, including laser therapy, hydrotherapy, knee brace, etc. When Dr. Pasternak operated on his knee two years later, it took only three month for a full recovery... without any special therapy sessions other than resting. Amazing! Unlike other veterinary clinics, Helping Hands is always run quickly and smoothly, without the bureaucracies and headaches that plague non-profit clinics. SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION AT ITS BEST; kudos to the "Jackie-of-all-Trades" who runs the show behind the scenes. Helping Hands is what all veterinary clinics should emulate! Read Less

I am so thankful that I found helping hands online my Bella needed to have her tail amputated and I was told 4800. I drove over 400 miles round trip to Helping Hands I was nervous about taking Bella and within 5 minutes of being there I realized I had made the best decision for my dog and my wallet after gas tolls and her procedure it cost me less then 450. Now the day after her surgery she looks great and is healing and I am so grateful we went! The staff is amazing at explaining her aftercare and seem to truly care about my Bella.. Met other fur parents that had also drove long distance for their fur babies. I will tell anyone who will listen about Helping Hands. And I will also be making the trip a second time for my other fur baby to have some dental work done.. Thank you so much for taking such great care of my BellaRead Less

Our 3 furbabies got their teeth cleaned here, one of them had a molar extracted that would have costed $2500 at our vet. They were kind, professional and had no problems with our dogs after we got them home. Read Less

My Knight, my doggy baby, ate a huge piece of rubber and had refused food for over a week before I was recommended to this awesome place. I was able to get a same day appointment. While inside, they discovered a mass on his spleen. They removed it. They truly took care of my boy! My daughters are ecstatic to have him back home as am I. Thank you so much to all of you for EVERYTHING! Read Less

It was a blessing from God that we had a friend tell us about Helping Hands. Our French Bulldog Preston had bladder stones and he was partially blocked so it was basically an emergency. They did the surgery the day after I called them. Our regular vet wanted to charge $2500 for the surgery and Helping Hands charged $775 for the surgery, neuter, blood work and e collar. Everyone was so friendly there and accommodating to our needs. The waiting room had snacks, coffee, sodas etc and very comfortable while waiting for your pet. Some people wait in there all day, so it is a thoughtful idea to make the place cozy. There is a reason people drive hours and hours to get there....it is simply an awesome place with people who care:) Thank you Helping Hands! Read Less

Medical professionals are at the top of the 'professional' standing in a community. And this clinic does the procedures that are needed by a wide range of dog and cat owners. The staff practices those procedures and is very good at them. The office organization and client interaction is excellent. With a dog that needs careful handling and an understanding of his nature, I appreciate this clinic and its 'front-office' staff. I took 3 dogs through CGC certification, handled well over 100-150 dogs in shelters and at rescue events over decades, and understand what 'rehabilitation' entails (versus basic training). This business is top notch in every way I can determine. They are thorough, friendly, efficient, and knowledgeable, and considerably less expensive than a regular veterinary practice. Helping Hands is NOT 'discount vet care'... it is well-versed and polished handling and care of dogs/cats on a slightly limited list of procedures. And it is a valuable and needed service in the Richmond area.Read Less

It was sheer luck that I found Helping Hands Veterinary Surgery and Dental Care on the Web, after searching who could help Sparky with a Patella Luxation after being told the thousands of dollars of what it cost up in NYC and in CT. The cost that I incurred at Helping Hands was like a blessing from the sky for my little Sparky. I cannot thank enough the staff at Helping Hands. They are compassionate and understanding as to the pet parents and the pets themselves. I highly recommend them. My trip was long but anything for my little Sparky. Thanks to all the Staff for helping Sparky, to being able to walk normally again. Read Less

My Japanese chin visited this place about 3 days ago. My regular vet had quoted me $2,000 for his surgery. This place is amazing they did it for 960 with our military discount and e collar meds and bloodwork. Took him to blue Pearl yesterday because he was being stubborn and wouldn't take his meds so he needed shots to help. But they said his incision looked amazing! I'm super impressed by this place! Staff and waiting room is super nice as well. They also have this cute dog named chile he's a cutie! Thanks so much helping hands for getting my pride and joy better! Read Less

Wonderful experience. Took 2 of my 3 Great Danes for dental work. Was very nervous about putting my babies under anesthesia. They were so kind, caring and knowledgeable (the entire staff) which put my fears to rest, and they took excellent care of both of my big babies. Everything went so smoothly and all at a fraction of the cost of a regular vet office. I cannot say enough about Helping Hands. If I could give them 10 stars I would!! Thank you all. Read Less

My 14 year old Meg just aged in reverse! Raised as a bottle kitten, she was telling me that her days were growing short. The reviews on Helping Hands were encouraging, so on April 21, I decided to take an overnight trip from Philadelphia to Richmond for surgery on the 22nd and I'm so glad I did. Six teeth lighter, she's happy and spry again, playing like a four year old. She must have been suffering quietly. I was most impressed with the care, staff, facility, in short - everything. All inclusive, no inflated extra charges, even supplied the meds to go home with for the entire recovery period...a huge wow in my book. Recovery was super smooth for her, hardly needed the pain meds they did such a great job. The cost to have her surgery in the Philly clinic and others I checked was not thinkable at this time so I'm glad to have found such a solid alternative. I'll be taking my other cat in a few weeks for a cleaning and a chance to explore more of Richmond. I feel safe with Drs. Pasternak, Morasco and all the capable, dedicated staff. Wondering why so many of the reviews sounded alike, now I know. Happy people tend to sound...happy! Ed Lewandowski P.S. While waiting to check in, a fellow customer was clearly and loudly overanxious about her pet's well-being and, as scared folks sometimes do, was acting out and demading impossible assurances. The staff respected her dignity and handled it as well as possible, even though she left unsatisifed. When bad moments are well handled, that tells you something. Bravo. Read Less

This is a business that truly cares about your pet. Their stated mission is "preventing economic euthanasia by offering affordable care to your pet" and they take this seriously. Though I never physically set foot inside this facility I nevertheless feel compelled to write this review, here is my story.While vacationing in Thailand I was contacted by my pet sitter to inform my wife and me that our 5.5 year old Bassett Hound hadn't eaten or been able to urinate for the past few days. When she appeared to be in considerable discomfort he took her to a pet hospital where they diagnosed Belle (our dog) with stones in her bladder. They were able to flush a stone blocking her urethra so she could urinate then sent her home with antibiotics, pain and anti-spasm medication. They said she would need a cystotomy which would run between $2400 to $3000 in addition to their $1100 charge for the emergency visit. To complicate matters, my sitter's mother took ill and was hospitalized so he had to leave our home in Chesapeake and go to Illinois. He transported Belle to my brother's house in Richmond where he cared for her.Being so far away made it difficult for me to know what to do. My brother was suggesting we put Belle down but I really didn't want to do that especially since she is relatively young. I did some internet research and discovered Helping Hands which, amazingly, was within walking distance of my brother's house. Their website is very comprehensive and informative so I really didn't have any questions. I contacted them and my brother visited them in person. To make a long story a little less long, they were able to get Belle in for surgery a few days later at a cost of $720 which included the surgery ($655), blood work which was optional ($50) and and an e-collar ($15). My brother just dropped her off in the morning and picked her up in the afternoon. They sent her home with antibiotics and pain meds which were included in the price of the procedure. They said they would send the results of the blood work to our regular veterinarian and to follow up with our regular vet. Helping Hands does very affordable care but to help keep prices low they do not offer aftercare. My brother said the staff was really friendly and helpful. A week after her surgery we returned from Thailand and picked Belle up from my brother's house then took her home to Chesapeake where she has been thriving. We could have returned her to Helping Hands to get the sutures removed for free but we went ahead and had our regular vet do it.I am so thankful for this wonderful organization and the work they do. People may think we are wealthy since we vacation to Thailand but the fact is we have a lot of family there (my wife is Thai) and it is important to us to be able to visit them so we scrimp and save to be able to travel there. I was really stressed about the money for Belle's surgery but Helping Hands took that worry away. It is important to point out that Helping Hands is willing to PERFORM PROCEDURES EVEN IF YOU DON'T HAVE THE MONEY TO PAY. if you just don't have the money, pay what you can and they will cover the rest from donations and a fund they operate by charging an extra $5 per procedure.I am so very thankful for Helping Hands. If your dog or cat is in need of expensive care please contact Helping Hands to see if they can help you. Read Less

My dog was referred to them. When I first called I was greeted by a ill mannered individual named Susan and she put a bad taste in my mouth. I of course decided to look elsewhere. After talking to most of the surgeons around the area and researching information and videos education. We were told that our dog needed a TLPO or a banding procedure to fix a torn CTL. We really did our homework and after seeing their female Dr. Youtube video we were sure that this proceedure would do fine for our dog. So my husband wanted me to give them another try. I called again and spoke to a different receptionist this time. She was kind and very helpful, not condescending and rude like my like encounter with Susan. So I had all records and information sent over to Helping Hands. BTW - not to mention both procedures were very expensive and we needed to come up with the money asap. Helping Hands procedure was the cheaper procedure but we were prepare for the TPLO more invasive surgery if needed. I was given a call by Helping hands to see where we stand and how to move forward. She called even spoke to me after hours. She was very nice. I told her since it was after hours I would call back Friday. I called back am on Friday, May 13, 2016. I spoke to a different person at the front desk and I explained we were ready to schedule the consultation and surgery. She said hold on and came back and told me that the doctor showed no drawer motion (which is required ) and our dog was not qualified for surgery. I explained she must not be looking correctly that we just had all that information sent and I was talking to someone the afternoon before and we were ready to go. So, she looked through some paperwork and came back and said she didn't see any paperwork. Okay This sent off flags in my head...these people are not organized...??? So I called my vet and asked them again to send them what they need. The vet receptionist said I have already sent it. I said I know but they first said they had it now they don't. So she said OK I will send it again. Then that afternoon I called back since I hadn't heard anything and asked if they have the information. The receptionist put me on hold and another lady got on. I am not sure if it was Susan but it had the same condescending tone. She said that she showed the doctor the information and the dr.felt that we could be making a expensive mistake since our dog was over 100lbs and highly active. I asked her why the change of opinions? I explained she is not a highly active dog. She said excuse me you told me your dog jumped from top of deck stairs to bottom. I said yes that is how she injured herself. But, normally my dog stay beside me in the house all day . I have a very small house and she lays around with me because I am disabled. She would hear non of it. She stated the vet surgeon will not treat your dog. OK first of all I am 48 yrs old and have had many dogs in my life. Matter of fact 3 were Saint Bernard 200lbs. Labs and a Ridgeback. Now my Labs and Ridgeback are highly active and I could understand the concern there.... But like I said my dog ...did something unusual and injured herself. ..BUT SHE IS FAR FROM ACTIVE.. I have a heart condition and was not going to let this rude person argue with me and get me upset. However, I believe it was handled very poorly by this individual and she knows who she is! I also had heard horror stories about the front desk while I was making my choice but I wanted to give them the benefit of doubt. Before was disabled I was a Regional manager over medical facilities. .14 up and down the east coast. I do find it interesting that they are above a 4 in ratings on tjis review site. But, I feel that this needed to be brought up and seen by doctors. .. this is not the way to make a successful practice. You obviously have some work to addressed at your front desk . Customer service and quality assurance should be at the top of your list. No phone call needed. Sincerely, Mrs. Knight We have found another ..to do surgical procedure. Read Less

I had the same dog to the clinic at 2 locations for routine teeth cleaning. Aside from the professional and unusually efficient checkin/checkout procedures, something else was noticeable : I got a call from the doctor to address something I had noted on my dog's intake sheet. The doctor offered her finding for the tooth I mentioned and that level of detail and thorough attention to a client dog is unusual, especially nowadays. My regular veterinary clinic is very skilled and attentive. And to have that level of care and support for my dog from Helping Hands at a substantial discount in cost is something I want people to know about. Routine procedures, practiced and refined are much more affordable at Helping Hands. Tell your family or friends about this clinic and do your part to keep your dog and others' dogs safe when visiting the clinic. It helps everyone and helps the dog relax when handled by friendly strangers.Read Less

Having recently moved from out of the country, I knew my pup was long overdue for a dental. Helping Hands was very professional and non-judgemental, took great care of my dog, and did so affordably. I was driving from over 2 hrs away and was surprised and pleased at how helpful the staff was with offering to let me know what there was to do while I waited, where I could eat, and even the local movie schedules! My pup is so much healthier and happier now and I won't hesitate to bring him again, and my other dog and cat. Read Less

When my vet quoted me $500 for my dog's dental cleaning, I was stunned. I found Helping Hands on Yelp and let me tell you, I am so glad I did. My dog has a beautiful smile for $225. (They charge $50 for initial blood work on top of the $175 for the cleaning.)I often complain about the knuckleheads who work the front desk at my vet's office. That was NOT the case with Helping Hands. They were great from the initial appointment booking through pick up. When you sign your dog in, there is a bit of an assembly line feel.  I guess that is understandable when everyone is dropping off at the same time. They weigh the dog as soon as you walk in the door. While you're filling out paperwork, they take your pet away. It all happens rather quickly, but they are really efficient at it. Drop off took only 15 minutes.Pick up was much calmer. The vet tech, Sarah Jane, patiently reviewed all the discharge procedures with me. My dog was happy when I picked her up and that says a lot because she is afraid of everything.I definitely recommend Helping Hands! They are SUPERB!!! Read Less

Helping Hands is such a blessing to pet owners. When local vets want big fees for a teeth cleaning, Helping Hands is here to make it affordable. We drove from Suffolk to drop off our doxy for a teeth cleaning and spent the day in Richmond. Helping Hands is a clean professional clinic that you can trust with your loved pet. This will be a yearly venture for us. Thank you! Read Less

I haven't been here yet.. I am waking up at 6am to make the drive from DC to Richmond. I am excited, but very nervous. My dog is a 5lb teacup yorkie... Coco is 11 years old. She is going in for teeth cleaning, naturally I'm scared she won't wake up... I feel a lot better since yelping this place, and watching their video. I think I might be able to rest easy tonight now. I will post again tomorrow after the procedure is complete.^^^^ I wrote the above on Sunday night.. It is now Wednesday morning! Let me just say this place is phenomenal! I was so worried, but everything went perfectly! My pup unfortunately lost a lot of her teeth, she's an 11 year old yorkie... But the care she received was immaculate. The price was ridiculously affordable ... But what I got in return is years added on to Coco's life... Which to me is priceless!  I drove from DC at 7am on Monday morning... Dropped her off by 8:30am... Checked into a hotel (Hyatt Place- Innsbruck *excellent) .. Slept.. They had her ready by 2pm. She was loopy when I picked her up... I left with pain killers and antibiotics .. Got home by 4:30pm. The process was easy breezy! Definitely go to this awesome place for your animals needs. Read Less