I really thought I was getting really good care but it didn't turn out like that in the end. It all started when my poor long-haired Dachshund, Leah, injured her back and had a disc compression on her spine. I took her to the Veterinary Emergency and Specialty Center (VESC) and thought I was going to get some great help. The receptionist was nice and she took her back and then she told me to wait on the doctor to come out. That's when Dr. Veronica Jarvinen came out and informed me of what needs to happen and surgery was the best course of action and it would cost $4500-$6000. I had $2200 in Care Credit, so I assumed that this would start me on getting my dog the needed operation that had just only occurred 2 hours earlier. So you can see, this is a very critical time for my dog walking or not and overall display of health. I told her that I did't have the full amount and was there any kind of payment plan? She told me that there was no payment plan and the full amount would have to be present. It's like she displayed this emotionless expression and looked like it was saying, "if you don't have the money, then your dog gets no operation". So, I tried for the next 30-40 minutes to call around and see what I can come up with, (it was around 5 or 6 am) and had no luck. So, finally I asked here again that I couldn't come up with the rest of the money and is she sure there was nothing else to do? She just looked at me and said, "no". You have to have all the money or talk to the hospital and see what they could do but they don't do payment plans. So, I just asked her to give Leah, an anti-inflammatory shot and I'll take here with me. She thought I said that I wanted to put her to sleep and I told her, again, that I will take her with me and I will look into other options. So, she gave her a shot, gave me some Carprofen and Tramadol and I left to see my local pet doctor the following day and finally found some excellent staff at Virginia Tech in Blacksburg! (These guys are awesome, by the way and yes...I traveled 3 1/2hrs) As of today, 8 January 2015, approximately 4 days after the incident, Leah finally received her operation and she faces a 50-50 chance of recovery. But all of this could have been avoided, if measures could have been in place and payment plans were optional...just like Virginia Tech. Not everyone can afford an expensive operation like that in one pop and it looked to me like VESC did not care at all. I think VESC's motto is "To Forever Nurture and and Enhance the Human Animal Bond". This did not happen at all....

The service was great and my cat was well taken care of. They didnt try to get me to pay for unnecessary procedures like I feel like some vet offices do. It wasnt all about money, they just wanted my cat to feel better. The vet tech was also so sweet to her. The veterinarian, Dr Barnes, was very intelligent and definitely knew her stuff. I would take any of my animals back there. And honestly the price wasnt bad at all for an emergency visit!

Wonderful caring people

Dr. Almon and staff were awesome! Very informative and helped us stay calm as our dog was in surgery. We just moved to VA and couldn't be happier with the service received.

Dr. Almon and staff were awesome! Very informative and helped us stay calm as our dog was in surgery. We just moved to VA and couldn't be happier with the service received.