Vca Merrimac Animal Hospital

My 17 year-old cat, Tiger Man, developed a large swelling under his jaw overnight on Saturday, so we really needed to find a place that could look at him Sunday morning, as our regular vet was closed. We were referred to the Animal Clinic and Wellness Center, which had recently started offering 24/7 emergency room service, so we took our little guy there. These folks were all so kind and gentle with Tiger Man (even though he was pretty grouchy from feeling so bad). They treated him for a bad infection, kept us in the loop all the way, faxed info on his treatment there to our regular vet, and even offered suggestions for further treatment of his chronic feline herpes! These folks are the real deal - competent, caring and even reasonably  priced. I would not hesitate to bring Tiger Man back here. Wonderful folks! Read Less

All I can say is I WISH I had read the YELP reviews prior to taking my dogs to Animal Clinic and Wellness Center. I am quite sure I would not have gone there in the first place. The Vet's assistants and Vets seem good? My issue is with the front desk staff. They made two errors on my billing and when I brought it to their attention and asked that they refund my excess payment for their mistakes. I was told they would split it with me. Their front desk staff makes mistakes and they would be nice enough to split it with me! I spoke with them by phone and when I could see I was getting nowhere with them, I asked to speak with her supervisor. Why should I be charged for their errors. She advised me her supervisor would call me right back. Well guess what? Yep, no call back. Will they give me the credit card refund they offered? I am not going to hold my breath.I will be looking for a new Vet and I can guarantee I will be reading the YELP reviews for that Vet and their office. Read Less

If You Are a New Client, Be Prepared for a Real Ride.  A great clinic can be ruined by an indifferent administrative staff .  To relate a recent experience.  I transferred two dogs from another practice to Wellness. Normally such a transfer involves swapping shot records and is done, as a professional courtesy, by the acquiring office. The Wellness staff refuses to do this - it only takes 5 minutes but is obviously overwhelming.  Ok, so I get copies and send Wellness the records by email and fax a week before the appointment.  I arrive with the dogs and as I'm entering the exam I look at the Wellness paperwork and it's for a one year rabies vaccination, not the three that I would otherwise be entitled to.  I would literally have to pay another $200 next year. I start to walk out and as I was leaving asked them where are the records - they deny they received them.  Unfortunately one of the girls surfing the email then says she found them - they are caught in a lie but it was a nice attempt at unnecessary bill padding. I ask about calling the prior clinic to get the third dogs records and they go into an elaborate song and dance how all their communications systems are down due to Florence. I smile pick up my cell phone, turn on the speaker and hit speed dial and am immediately connected.  Caught in another lie.If you are going to be a client here; then check the vaccination dates, check the bill, and be prepared for down-low customer service. Read Less

They have great vets and are reasonably priced. If you call, don't wait for a call back you probably won't get it. The boarding facilities aren't amazing but aren't terrible. I was told they don't have anybody on site for a large portion of the night when you board here. They also don't have any grooming services, so they might come back, after a stay, pretty stinky. I've decided to take my business elsewhere, but they are nice people. Read Less

I have been taking my dog here for four years upon moving to Williamsburg. They have been wonderful in keeping my pets health. The staff and Vets are caring and thoughtful. Please consider giving them a try. Read Less

We are so grateful for the kind and knowledgeable staff!!! Our dog had a painful infection and the vet was able to see him just twenty minutes from the time of my call. They were so friendly and helpful, trying everything they could to keep him happy and distracted during a painful examination. We needed to sedate him to fix the problem and they explained the process thoroughly and were calm (which I needed to see to stay calm!). We left within two hours of arriving and he is recovering well. The vet, techs, and staff were all so friendly and answered my many questions. They helped my baby feel better (and at a very reasonable price!), So we are very grateful. This is a great place to bring your animal friends. Read Less

If I could give zero stars I would. We traveled from out of state and chose this place to board our dogs based on good reviews. The staff was friendly, at least the girls at the front desk. I called on our 4 day trip to check on our dogs and was told they were doing great. The day we picked our girls up, one had her collar twisted and completely stretched out- it hooks in the second hole and is now on the last one, thus as tight as the collar should go and is still 3 inches loose. Its a leather collar and its obvious there was some serious tugging happening to it. About halfway home, I realized that my other dog had a giant sore on her foot, yet no one at the facility noticed or even bothered. They also insisted they have me back everything, but they kept both pillows and blankets that travel with our dogs to boarding for comfort. When I called about these issues, I was told it would be investigated and I would receive a call back, but, surprise, they never bothered calling back. They also stated that the dogs collars are taken off before going into their kennels for boarding. So I'm willing to bet that they never even placed their pillows or blankets in there with them. Oh and we paid for "VIP" suites, and since we weren't willing to pay $17 for "playtime", our dogs didnt receive the proper amount of attention. In fact, one of our dogs lost 3 lbs in the 4 days of boarding. I wouldn't recommend this facility to my worst enemy. Read Less

Both my munchkins get boarded together. They get so excited every time they go. I am comforted knowing the staff treat them so well. Boarded both my pet people here and was very pleased. The groomer did an awesome job as well! Read Less

This is a great place for animals. They offer full per service here from healthcare to dental care to boarding and playtime for puppies. The staff here is professional and very knowledgeable they also have pharmacy services through there website and in the office. I highly recommend this place. Read Less

We use this clinic for boarding our dogs when we go out of town. We have struggled to find a boarding facility that we trust due to our dog's special dietary needs. Animal Clinic and Wellness Center are extremely careful when feeding our dog, and he never comes home sick! He always seems to have a good time too! We have used their grooming facility as well when boarding and they do a great job with bath and nails! Would highly recommend to anyone looking for a boarding facility for their pet! Read Less

I felt like I was buying a used car. While I understood the importance of getting am x-ray and even sending it out to a specialist the vet continued to pressure me into these things even after I agreed to them. We were also told we would get the results from the specialist by 9am the next morning but did not get a call from the vet until 10am saying he did not have the results yet. It was not until around 5 and after multiple calls and a request for results within the hour or a refund that we finally got the results. This was all for a potentially life threatening condition. Thankfully our puppy is fine. I will not return. Read Less

I have nothing but good things to say about Animal Clinic and Wellness Center. I was there many times while I lived in Williamsburg for 2 years (maybe a total of 10 visits) and they were all positive. The doctors - specifically Dr. Nortman, who was so warm and lovely and took care of us - were superb. All doctors and assistants I encountered were friendly and were patient and listened and asked many questions. Exams were thorough and kind-hearted, and one of the best parts of the entire experience was that it was SO easy to get an appointment. They were very flexible and were able to see you basically whenever you chose. The lobby is roomy and adorable and they serve coffee and tea on the house. They don't push products or procedures on you, but rather give you a list of options and they weigh out the pros and cons of each. Prescription food is pretty pricey (and medicines/procedures are a tiny bit expensive) but this is quite standard at most vets. I really did trust this clinic and don't have a bad word to stay about it. I did not experience boarding, though, and that's a much different aspect than the health care. Read Less

They have an office that says they are open and they don't have a doctor there and can clearly see my puppy was bleeding and didn't even offer to get something to put on it, we are in Williamsburg and the closest place is in yorktown! What's the point worthless place and people at the front are even worse Read Less

Since I was kid, our pets always came to this practice and now as an adult, I bring my dogs here. My boys see Dr. Nortman and we absolutely LOVE her. As with most people, my fur babies are my everything so I don't want to just leave them in anyone's hands but the staff here is top notch. I never have to worry about them when they're there without me. If you're looking for a place where you want to know your babies are being well taken care, look no further. Read Less

Very kind people, who listened to me carefully and treated my dog very well. I felt very well taken care of by them. Plus, even with meds for my dog Sam, the bill was far less than I expected. I recommend this place Read Less

Our dog loves the doctors, techs, and staff. Her tail wags throughout the visit. Even the very grumpy cat tolerates the staff attention. We appreciate the thorough explanations and thoughtful advice. Expert and knowledgeable service!! Read Less

They are great since moving from Va Bch to Williamsburg we found this Clinic the most compassionate We had to put down our Rat Terrier soon after moving they were great and kind We now have a new Girl Rat Terrier and she is adored by Dr Nortmann and All staff Thank You all for caring about our furry pets Read Less

If you're looking for a place that will care about your pets as much as you do, this is the place. I've been taking my pup here for 2.5 years, and I think he loves it even more than I do!  He's a regular day boarder - we say he's going to "school" - and he gets so excited when we pull into the parking lot each morning that he can barely contain himself. He's ordinarily a shy guy, so the fact that he so outwardly loves it makes me feel very certain that they're taking the best possible care of him (and that he's having fun!). When it comes to medical care, the doctors and team have always been incredibly caring and have gone out of the way to make sure that everyone's comfortable with the chosen treatment plan. They do a great job of explaining exactly what's happening or what's needed, and they even go so far as to call to check up on him a day or so after each visit. I've never experienced that anywhere else. Read Less

Been very happy with the treatment here.  They have gone above and beyond for my very senior dog.  This is a totally different place from what it was even 5 years ago.  Drs. Nortman, Smith, and Tagliente are doing a super job!  Great techs, too!  Thanks! Read Less

We've have used their vet services and boarding services for both our dogs. Let me tell you in regards to the vet service it's amazing. The vet techs are so lovable with our Gunther and Ace. As for boarding we first used them last November for one overnight stay and and no issues other than the two fellas being in one room and causing havoc with playing. This time around we boarded them for 4 days we took a blanket, toys, food and happy as can be no crying when being dropped off or any issues. This time they had separate rooms. Read Less

I've been taking my pets to Animal Wellness Center since moving to Williamsburg 6 years ago. The staff have been compassionate, qualified and thorough. I tend to ask a lot of questions, have never felt rushed and felt fully informed of all options of care from the most basic recommendations to the more involved as well as the costs associated in order to be able to make an educated decision. I don't feel as I have been "upsold" services and feel fully informed of all options. Most recently I lost my 22+ year old cat along with my dog that had aggressive liver cancer. It was of enormous comfort to my pets and family to have the Drs both pets were familiar with to do home visit to assist in their peaceful passing.  I feel fortunate to have found Animal Wellness. Read Less

Very happy with the loving, caring and compassion the kind staff have shown my beloved Cocker Spaniel, Miles. He has had 2 surgeries there. They were so caring dealing with me. I believe Miles was less scared then him momma was. The vet was wonderful when she saw how scared and teary eyed I was and was very consoling and knew just what to say and do. I will never go anywhere else. Very pleased and am very trusting of their care of my fur baby. Read Less

Both visits to Animal Clinic and Wellness were VERY good. My Westie wasn't too intimidated and my purse wasn't emptied too badly. The "health plan" is a great idea and I will continue to visit here whenever it's needed. Read Less

I've taken my dog here the majority, if not the entirety, of his 11 year life... I estimate 15 times at least. He's had multiple minor surgeries here, countless checkups, etc. In the past, I've taken another dog and cat here as well. Thousands of dollars of business for Animal Clinic and Wellness Center. Not sure why, but after moving across the country to San Francisco, I have had difficulty getting my pet's records sent to my new vet. I thought this was strange but brushed it off as a minor annoyance and forgot about it. I'm sorry that I moved, Animal Clinic & Wellness Center, but holding my dog's records hostage is unethical and as unprofessional as it gets. I needed these records sent as I recently followed Animal Clinic and Wellness Center's advice and had my dog's teeth cleaned under anesthesia. I had this done at my new vet in SF. Prior to seeing this new vet, I ran out of heart worm medication. I ordered new medication online and attempted to get approval for the prescription (which is ridiculous) from Animal Clinic and Wellness Center. I figured this would be no problem for them. The first time I tried, the online pharmacy reported that Animal Clinic & Wellness Center claimed they did not have a dog on record by my Dog's name. So I called to make sure they did, in fact, have his records on hand and ordered again. I just contacted the online pharmacist again (it's been quite a while since I first ordered and my dog is now over a month behind on his heart worm treatment) and was told that Animal Clinic & Wellness Center would not write the prescription because my dog is no longer a patient at their clinic. I'm speechless. I had an appointment with you ~6 months ago and you knew I was moving to the other side of the country. Thanks for giving me a headache Animal Clinic & Wellness Center. I can imagine that you probably make a few extra bucks every year by having a policy not allowing clients to order through online pharmacies. If you're willing to sacrifice your relationship with a long term client for a few dollars, so be it. I won't be back.Read Less

I've taken my dog here the majority, if not the entirety, of his 11 year life... I estimate 15 times at least.  He's had multiple minor surgeries here, countless checkups, etc.  In the past, I've taken another dog and cat here as well.  Thousands of dollars of business for Animal Clinic and Wellness Center.Not sure why, but after moving across the country to San Francisco, I have had difficulty getting my pet's records sent to my new vet.  I thought this was strange but brushed it off as a minor annoyance and forgot about it.  I'm sorry that I moved, Animal Clinic & Wellness Center, but holding my dog's records hostage is unethical and as unprofessional as it gets.  I needed these records sent as I recently followed Animal Clinic and Wellness Center's advice and had my dog's teeth cleaned under anesthesia.  I had this done at my new vet in SF.  Prior to seeing this new vet, I ran out of heart worm medication.  I ordered new medication online and attempted to get approval for the prescription (which is ridiculous) from Animal Clinic and Wellness Center.  I figured this would be no problem for them.  The first time I tried, the online pharmacy reported that  Animal Clinic & Wellness Center claimed they did not have a dog on record by my Dog's name.  So I called to make sure they did, in fact, have his records on hand and ordered again.I just contacted the online pharmacist again (it's been quite a while since I first ordered and my dog is now over a month behind on his heart worm treatment) and was told that Animal Clinic & Wellness Center would not write the prescription because my dog is no longer a patient at their clinic.I'm speechless.  I had an appointment with you ~6 months ago and you knew I was moving to the other side of the country.  Thanks for giving me a headache Animal Clinic & Wellness Center.  I can imagine that you probably make a few extra bucks every year by having a policy not allowing clients to order through online pharmacies.  If you're willing to sacrifice your relationship with a long term client for a few dollars, so be it.  I won't be back. Read Less

We were traveling through and wanted to visit colonial Williamsburg.  We weren't able to take the dog so we took her to the Animal Clinic and Wellness Center for daycare.  They were very nice and the charge was reasonable.  We decided to spend a second day in colonial Williamsburg and when we drove into the Center our pup got so excited. It was obvious that she was delighted to be back.  We also had her bathed and groomed her while she was there.  They did an excellent job.  We would highly recommend them. Read Less

Fantastic place! First time there today, with my kids Wasabi and Chowder we saw Dr.Bross for a Holistic Exam and an Ultrasound. She made us feel at home and relaxed and was phenomenal with my dogs, the front desk lady"the one with the snakes lol" was a pleasure to meet and everyone I spoke to made the experience very enjoyable. Highly recommend Dr. Bross and this vet clinic, we will definitely be coming back! Read Less

I'm so grateful to my neighbors for referring Drs. Smith and Nortman! My 3 puppies are receiving excellent care AND they love all of the staff. From medical care to grooming to excellent play days, I couldn't be happier (and Lily, Daisy & Tulip agree!) Read Less

Vet services and prescriptions are overpriced compared to others in the area. At first I was impressed because they were able to see me on short notice.. Twice. But now I suspect they have availability because they don't have many loyal patients. My last experience there left me in tears and was followed by a frustrating lack of customer service when I tried to rectify the situation. Here goes: I was advised to have my dog's blood work sent out because they weren't able to determine in-house if there was something weird going on "or if the slides were just stained." Erring on the side of caution I agreed to have the work sent out. When the results came back normal the Dr. again stated that it must have just been their old slides. Meanwhile I footed a nearly $200 bill for the blood work alone (on top of $200 in other tests done in the same visit). When I called to get refunded for the test that had to be sent out due to their equipment failure, I was met with skepticism and resistance. The manager told me she was "a little confused" because she was looking at a signed form from me that indicated the cost of the tests. Yes... And I signed it giving them the benefit of the doubt that my dog's blood needed further review because she was ill, not because of their error. The best they could do was refund me $27 for the cost difference of doing one of the tests in-house... And as a clinic credit! I demanded it be put back on my card because I will not be returning to this clinic. Overall I felt like they take a test-everything-indiscriminately approach rather than give a best guess or strategic elimination, which always ends up costing you more time, money, and worry than experienced vets who are able to hone in on likely causes from the beginning.I received recommendations from friends to take my dog to Jolly Pond instead, and only wish I had gone there in the first place. Read Less