The Regional Veterinary Referral Center

I want to say what an outstanding staff they have here. We had to put our baby down last night and gave us all the time we wanyed to say our goodbyes. Thank you so very much for that it meant alot to me and my wife. Read Less

Dr. Anderson performed surgery on my dog's leg and I couldn't be happier with the results. Followed with physical therapy which was included in the price of surgery. The staff was very accommodating and sensitive to our needs. My Sassy is back to running around and with no limp. Read Less

This place was incredibly helpful. By the 7th time our labradoodle had puked in one day, we wanted to call somewhere that was open at 10 PM to get some advice. The receptionist was nice, patient, and helpful. She put me on a brief hold to talk to a technician, and came back with honest and comforting advice. Very happy we called! Would recommend them as a first line of defense in a non-emergency-but-totally-abnormal pet situation. Read Less

This place was able to help us find out what was wrong with our kitty. Even though we brought him in to the internist, they were able to do ultrasound on site and then consult with the cardiologist to understand the issue. We then went to the cardiology department for the cardiologist to run a test. All within the same visit. They were very helpful. Unfortunately, the news wasn't good and our cat died a few weeks later but, at least we knew what was wrong and were able to improve his quality of life for his final weeks based on the information and drugs they provided. Read Less

This is the worse place to take your pet. The night time receptionist was very rude. She was not providing me the correct information I needed for my pet. The staff in general was very rude. The doctor didn't even bother to examine my pet, gave me a diagnosis without doing profound exams on my pet. They overpriced me for something that they didn't even check my pet on. I left this place without knowing what is wrong with my pet. WORSE PLACE TO TAKE YOUR PET!!!!! Read Less

I agree with the other review.  My dog had a broken leg and the surgery they said would be $7500 to $10000.   He had been there before for surgery as a pup and that was $3500.   They refused me credit even though the other bill was paid in full.   I had the impression he would have been untreated had I not scraped money together.    Like most places in DC and Northern VA they only care about the money.   Find another place that cares about animals and you. Read Less

My youngest boy caught a form of kennel cough at daycare. Within a few days he had a slight cough and then my oldest girl got the same.  However, my oldest boy got it the worst.  He was running a fever and was breathing weird.  Our vet treated all of them for kennel cough. When our vet went on vacation, our boy's breathing got worse and his temp rose to 105.  At the recommendation of a few friends, we took him into TRVRC.  After his initial visit, it was determined that he had pneumonia.  They recommended that he stay for 2-3 days so he can be monitored 24/7 and given proper care.  We were given a breakdown of the costs up front.  We received a low and high end figure.  They were very accommodating and let us call at any time just to get an update.  We could also see him whenever we wanted.  During the 2nd night, we received a call at 2am.  His breathing got worse and they needed the OK to drain the fluid from around Read Less

Well this isn't my primary veterinarian. But I ended up here recently and I am quite impressed with these people. I don't plan on leaving the primary veterinarians I current deal with but in the case of an off hours emergency again this are the people I will crust in taking care of our very special friend and certainly a complete member of our family. We have a Siberian Husky, her name is Athena and she is our baby. She is still quite young about year and half old. Huskies are different than most dogs. I have had several over the years but this is the first for my wife. Huskies like to hunt, a lot. They will not only kill anything they can catch they will enjoy it as a meal. Fur or feathers bones and all. It's was late and out Husky decided on a late night snack of another animal. Needless to say this is how we ended up at the Regional Veterinary Referral Center located on Backlick Road in Springfield Virginia. After her snack, my wife was concerned that this animal may make her sick since she devoured the hole thing. Better to be safe than sorry, after all it is our baby. She called right away. They answered and said to bring her right over. The are open 24 hours a day and have an emergency entrance. The woman at the desk was nice when we came in and took us immediately to a room, with in a minute or so a Vet Tech came in. She was super nice as well. We explained what happened and she told us we had nothing to worry about. She told us we didn't need to see the Doctor. She put us completely at ease with the situation. The best part they didn't change is a dime. How nice is that. So the place is nice, open 24 hours for emergencies and a great staff. Yes we trust them with our baby Athena. Read Less

This is a place I never wanted to visit, but was happy it's here. There is someone on staff 24 hours/day to take care of emergencies. I had to visit at 2am for one of my dogs and was happy with their professionalism and expertise. I also had another dog treated here for cancer. They helped extend his life and advised me of quality of life issues. Doctors and staff here were sensitive to my dogs needs and my situation as well. It's expensive, but variety of specialists here are not available most places in the country. I would go here again without hesitation. Read Less

Our dog got sick very quickly and we raced him to the emergency vet. Sadly we had to choose to have him euthanized. Initially it was a good experience with caring professionals. We asked for private cremation and told that to many people in addition to signing the correct forms. 2 days later my daughter called and was told a mistake had happened and he was euthanized with the group of other animals and there would be no ashes coming our way. We were already distraught over the loss of our beloved pet and never got an answer to how such " mistakes" could happen. Don't they have checks and balances in place to prevent these kind of things. The office manager was pleasant and very apologetic but she wasn't the one who made the mistake. The doctor who made the error finally called and spoke to my daughter but it was too little too late. Very hurt, angry and disappointed. Read Less

They have given the best care possible to our sweet little girl with cancer. She was never is a position to be cured. She has had 3+ months (50% longer than expected) at a good quality of life. They have treated our dog as if she were their dog! Read Less

I see Dr. Stewart in Oncology.  The entire team has been amazing and especially Dr Stewart and her handling of my 17 year old cat.  I used to go to Southpaws in Fairfax,  and the service was horrible,  the drop off visits are ridiculous and your pet is just a number to them.  I can say without a doubt that Dr Stewart and the team treat your pet in the best way possible.  Her staff and her explain everything so well and give my cat the best care.  I highly recommend Dr Stewart and her team to anyone seeking an oncology specialist for your pet. Read Less

My puppy had a skin issue since the day we brought her home (she came home at 8 weeks on the 2nd of June and she is now 5 1/2 mths). We chose Gunston Animal Hospital as our vet because we heard good things about it and it was close. We had been to Gunston Animal Hospital so many times trying to get to the bottom of the issue. My dog was in such a state of uncomfortable-ness that she had chewed her belly up...it was bad. I took her back to Gunston Animal Hospital on Sept 10th and from the filth and uncleanliness of the floor she picked up an infection; 5 days later (Friday the 16th of September), I had no choice but to find an ER and take her to the Regional Vet Ref Center. She was seen rather quickly and she was treated so well. We left with a cone, and some meds. I paid $212, a lot less than what I have paid to Gunston Animal Hospital. The meds have cleared her up and she only wore the cone for about 24 hours. I couldn't bare to see her miserable. The rash is gone and I am so happy that she is no longer itching. Gunston Animal Hospital kept giving us medication and never really looked into the problem, but I believe she is allergic to the chicken that I was making for her for EVERY meal. I never had a dog before her, I really have no idea what I am doing. RVRC didn't get the opportunity to identify why her skin was breaking out, I switched it on my own. I am very disappointed that Gunston Animal Hospital's Vets couldn't simply recommend that that may be an issue. I received a referral to Regional Vet Ref Center from my doggy daycare, Reserved Barking, for dermatology and this is now my new Veterinarian. The facilities are so clean and the people are very nice and it is pretty close to my house also. If you are looking for a Vet, look no further!!! Read Less

I took my senior cat here when she was vomiting and having some other trouble and Banfield directed me to these people.  They conducted $480 worth of testing, took 3 hours of my time, and told me to not feed her for 12 hours to "let her digestive tract settle down" and sent me home with the exorbitant bill and this useless advice.  She died 2 days later.  Thanks a lot RVRC.  Their estimates are confusing as well and I ended up paying twice what I thought I was agreeing to pay.  That's pretty damn shady.They conducted all the "testing and examinations" in another room while I waited in the examination room.  That's pretty sketchy.  The entire time I could hear the staff boisterously laughing and joking on the other side of the door.  I have no way to verify if any of this work was actually done.  My cat had two different places where it looks like they tried to do bloodwork.  That seemed very odd.These people are either con artists or completely incompetent.  If you don't care about your pet but still want to pay nearly $1,000 for "testing" this is a great place.Also, look at the filtered reviews on this site. Read Less

We have found true compassion with RVRC staff when we put our dog down after 20 years. Unlike VCA. RVRC has a private family room to share your last moments of their life with your pet. Versus a waiting room. Where everyone is staring at you as you mourn in public. Lastly. We have found the fees at RVRC are less than VCA. And you're not pushed to buy additional meds or monthly supplements. Read Less

We made an emergency visit on a Friday evening with our dog Luna. Not only was I worried about Luna, I was also worried about going to an unknown place, and the type of people who would be working with her. I cannot express enough positive feelings about the compassion and gentleness shown towards Luna and our family at a very difficult time. The evening ended in heartache for our family, and we are forever grateful for the compassion, care, and support given to Luna. Read Less

Wonderfully caring staff. I was given every option, complete with estimates, to treat my pet. When the news turned grave, I was not given the run around or the hard sell to try things that were not going to work. I was met with honesty and the ball was put in my court with regard to how we wanted to proceed. Very pleased with the staff! Read Less

Once again, with a third one of our cats, Dr. Clayton Kilrain has provided the most effective care! He always informs us of every possible diagnosis and potential outcome, plus options for care. Under his care, our sweet kitty, Giorgio Houdini, is now in remission from cancer! If you need the best Internal Medicine vet for your furry family member, make an appointment immediately with Dr. Kilrain. His diagnostic skills are unsurpassed! Read Less

I took my dog for a dermatology evaluation due to persistent itching, scratching, etc.  From start to finish: the entire process was smooth and informative.  At front desk check-in, several people asked if I was being helped; everyone was friendly; and the wait was short.   The vet assistants were patient, knowledgeable, and caring.   Dr. Hansen explained the situation thoroughly and presented options - considering intensity of care and cost.  The only downside is the hours of operation.  M-F only.   All I all, I could tell the staff and Doctor truly cared about the pets they were seeing.  It was a quality experience. Read Less

As crappy of a situation that brought me to your facility I wanted to say you were amazing. Thank you for being so patient and kind with me when my dog was pretty sick. I was amazingly surprised at how well the situation was handled and how great the staff was. Thank you for taking time to explain every little thing to me, answer my questions. I never felt rushed to make a decision and honestly felt the vet I worked with was there to help me and not just push me to make decisions and run tests. Thank you again I would highly recommend your services to anyone!! Read Less

We took our pregnant Bichon there last night to be on the safe side. They had to administer oxytocin? to help induce more contractions. Once the first one came, the rest followed. The doctor helped us throughout. I think it could have been considerably more serious had they not been available. We occupied one of their rooms for four hours or so. They provided all the bedding materials we needed. We thought the price was reasonable for the time and attention they gave. I am thankful we have a 24 hour emergency vet clinic available to us. Read Less

I'm sure an Emergency Vet is not really a place anyone wants to find themselves hanging out over a weekend.  But that is exactly what my weekend looked like this past weekend.  It was actually my second time here, and same as the last time, from the minute I walked in, to the minute my cat Bailey was discharged I felt extremely well taken care of and know she received the utmost care. The first time I was here, last year, my cat Sunny was having some anxiety dealing with our new dog and had some blood in his urine.  The ER vet staff were wonderful.  It was after hours for our regular vet, and since this issue could be indicative of several fatal conditions, my husband and I were completely freaked. They calmed us, took really good care of Sunny and sent us home with meds and feeling reassured he was going to be OK.   Fast forward to this weekend and our cat Bailey is having what I thought was an allergic reaction to something.  Our normal vet was about to close for the day so they recommended we take her to the ER.  They whisked her back to be observed the second we got there and ushered my husband and I into a private room to wait.  Turns out she was not having an allergic reaction, her swelling was actually due to trauma received earlier in the week when she got her teeth cleaned and her trachea was damaged.  In fact, her swelling was something called subcutaneous emphysema- essentially she was experiencing a crazy buildup of air under her skin. They kept her overnight to observe her and monitor her breathing, but said they would call us if anything happened but in the meantime we could call them 24/7 to check in on her.  As I write this, I realize I sound like a crazy cat lady, but I have never been more scared for an animal.  When we left my cat was approximately 4 times her usual size.  I did call and check on her a few hours later and they let me know they relieved some of the pressure she was experiencing by letting some air out.  They also said no news is good news, so I relaxed a little.The next morning the vet called me around 8 and let us know we could pick her up around noon as it looks like she was going to be OK.  I can't say enough good things about the care we have received here. I (again, crazy cat lady, I'm aware) was an absolute mess during both visits, and they put me at ease. I never once felt like a burden or was made to feel bad by being so upset.  If anything, I have to applaud the people I interacted with's bedside manor.  There are a couple of really tough bits when you leave an animal overnight (ex: the sheet you have to sign saying whether or not you want your animal to receive CPR and to what extend) and I was impressed with how thoughtful and mindful everyone was of our situation. I also was so grateful they let me snuggle Bailey right before we left.Again, I don't really want to come back and hang out here. But I know if I have to bring an animal here again they will be in extremly capable and caring hands. Read Less

We felt like they were trying to sell us a used car, not take care of our pet. We were presented an estimate of over $4500 for surgery without so much as an x-ray or ultrasound. When we inquired about options, they mentioned low cost vets, went to get us the relevant information, buy supplied us with financing options instead. When we continues to balk, the doctor said she'd prepare us an estimate with a shorter recuperation stay (which would only reduce the bill by a few hundred dollars). When my wife asked about the price for euthanasia, we were told "Let me speak to my supervisor and see if there's anything else we can do about the bill". I later found out one of the employees said to my wife "You husband doesn't care about your cat, does he?". Never were we given the information we asked for, and the multiple trips to the back to "talk to" someone or "adjust the estimate" reminded me of the used car salesman going in the back to "talk to the manager". We finally got out of there after an hour of sales pitch, took our cat to Banfield, and discovered they were trying to charge us 2 to 3 times to going rate for the procedure they wanted to do, all without running any tests to see if surgery was even necessary. While I understand that surgery is expensive, even for a cat, I do not at all appreciate the lack of responsiveness to our requests, nor the "hard sell" tactics meant to back up into a corner and accept their recommended treatment and fees. We have already told Banfield about this unethical behavior, and are strongly suggesting to them that they stop referring their customers to this facility. We will also be writing other letters, both to Banfield management and the management of this facility. Read Less

The worst veterinary hospital ever! The woman at the front desk looked like someone who should be a bouncer at the club somewhere in Russia. She was full of tattoos and had short lime green hair. Needless to say, she was extremely rude towards us and very unsympathetic towards our sick cat. We had to wait 30 minutes to see a vet because this woman told us all the vets were out for dinner. Then why is this place called the Emergency Veterinary Hospital??? After this experience, I would not recommend anyone to come here if you have a pet emergency. Read Less

Drs. Kesting and Moynahan (and probably others along with all the vet techs) went above and beyond to help Anderson. He came in with a urinary blockage and required a catheter placement and a couple nights worth of hospital care. Understandably it was an expensive procedure, and that is unfortunate, but the care we received from the moment we walked in at 8:30pm two days before Thanksgiving was second to none. I was provided with a number of estimates for care, given information packets and print outs, and was given a tour of Anderson's temporary home. They kept me updated throughout the process with regular phone calls. If you are in the DMV and want the best care for your pet, the Regional Veterinary Referral Center is the place you need to go. Anderson is doing well now that he is home, and it is all because of the great staff at RVRC. Thank you for the life of my cat! Read Less

I went to Regional Veterinary Referral Center after having a horrible, unimaginable experience at VCA Alexandria. My dog was very ill and as soon as I walked in, the staff was warm, welcoming, and concerned for me & my pet. Dr. Derbin is very professional, caring, compassionate, and competent medical professional who provided top-notch care to my pet! I am so grateful to Dr. Derbin and the entire staff....thank you for taking good care of us. Read Less

We had an emergency over the weekend and had to use the ER side of the center. Thankfully, it was a really slow time of day and they were able to see my dog right away. I clearly stated her name and pertinent medical conditions but these didn't seem to get relayed by the Tech to the ER Doc. They took really good care of my dog and we were on our way pretty quickly but only bandaging was required. They are a little bit hidden by Outback Steakhouse but plenty of parking. Read Less

Everything about this experience was positive - from scheduling to office atmospherics, but mostly importantly, the competence and genuine interest on the part of the surgeon, Dr. Talaat. She sat on the floor with me and my ailing dog at length and answered every question fully and compassionately. And post-surgery, my dog has been doing just great. I'm very glad we had the surgery done there. Read Less

Considering the circumstances, everyone that worked with my 5 yo dog was incredible!  We were awakened by her having seizures.  I called to triage with the hospital and they couldn't have handled a frightened, hysterical pet owner any better.  When we arrived they automatically walked out to the car to help us with our dog.  They explained where they were taking her and what they would be doing.  It wasn't 5-10 minutes later the doctor came out to see us.  Shortly after that she examined our dog and the tech gave us a high and low estimate. It was a hard bill to digest but definitely an emergency that needed that sort of attention.  Everything was broken down and gently explained to us.  With her having seizures we did, for an extra fee, request a Neurological consult.  We left our dog there waiting for all of the testing and exams to take place.  We promptly received a call from the Neurologist verifying whether or not we wanted to be present for the consult.  To avoid stressing the dog we decided to wait at home.  Epilepsy was ruled out.  However there was the possibility of a stroke, tumor or infection that could have caused the seizures.  So, the doctor recommended an MRI and spinal tap.  I have to admit, the money aspect was weighing heavily on my conscience.  After spending quite a bit of time on the phone with the neurologist and getting all of my questions answered, we decided to follow through with the diagnostics needed to diagnosis our dog.  Turns out she does have a mass in the right cortex of her brain.  Due to the location, no biopsy or removal will happen.  It is possible that the mass could be due to a fungal infection hence why the spinal tap was needed.  We are currently waiting on the labs but she is on antibiotics and seizure Meds.  If it turns out to be fungal (revealed from the spinal tap), we never would have known that if we had avoided having those tests run.  Not to mention, even if it does turn out to be the worst case scenario, I will have peace if mind knowing all measures were taken and the best treatment was given to my dog.  When I picked up my dog a Tech took me in a quiet room to go over the discharge instructions.  When she came in with my dog, I could tell how loving they must be with the animals there because my dog would come love on me and then run back to the Tech and love on her.  She wouldn't do this if they hadn't been good to her.  So, i back up the banner they have posted across the front office, "We love them like you do." Read Less

Springfield Emergency Veterinary Hospital is appalling. The hospital holds their clients emotionally hostage to collect an exorbitant payment. It was only after the treatment was suggested that I was informed payment was due in full.  Their tech left my sick cat on one end of the metal slab and a $1660.36 bill on the other end of the slab and told me to choose. Of course pet owners will choose to save their best friend at any cost... this duplicity is financially rewarding for the Madoff's of the world...but it costs their reputation dearly. There are copious Internet reviews rebuking their unprincipled methods and word of mouth can be faster than a DSL.  I now have reputable 24 hour Veterinary Hospitals programmed in my phone.   After over an hour's wait an automaton took my Wonder-Cat without explaining who she was or where she was taking my baby. Three different staff members came in the room to examine the Wonder-Cat; none introduced themselves or identified their role/function. I had to ask each person with scrubs that treated my cat who they were (including the Vet) and ascertain information that should have been divulged, i.e. "Is her temperature normal?" $1660.36 worth of testing and treatment were performed and Springfield Emergency Veterinary Hospital was unable to make a diagnosis.When I picked up my cat the following day the person who brought her to me told me she had a pressure wrap on her leg. That was all she said about what resembled a bandage to me. When I arrived home I read and re-read the discharge instructions. There was no mention of the pressure wrap. After getting the Wonder-Cat comfortable and watching her for a couple hours, I began to wonder about what I deemed the bandage. I called Springfield Emergency Veterinary Hospital and asked how long it should stay on. The woman exclaimed, "It should have come off as soon as you got home!" When I removed it her little paw was swollen twice the size of her normal paw. I took her to our regular vet to be treated for her swelling and to be examined by a Veterinarian that I trusted. I am disgusted that their lack of instructions facilitated further injury to my Wonder-Cat. Read Less