VCA Northview Animal Hospital Specialty Referral Center

Comparing this group of saints to any other is like night and day. I was beginning to wonder if anyone carrying the Vet title wanted to help animals in the north hills. I have a rescued 31/2 yrs old miniature schnauzer who did not get the preventive care needed. 2 days after rescue positive for Lyme Disease, & it had progressed greatly. Treatment was a success however immunosuppressive along with major GI problems produce scary times. I frequent pet ers because my lil guy is not an object I put a spending cap on. Folks here is some sound advice. Do your own research, and avoid costly in the moment decision making regarding pet care. Have a strong knowledge of your breed. Don't blame the staff for your lack of record keeping. I bet most of the time they can hit the nail on the head given proper thorough health histories. I know that's what we experienced. Otherwise you run the risk of seeing vet wanna be frauds; that believe they are gods. more

would not take an (ant) to this hosiptal,this place is robbery at its best,before you even talk about your animal they they ask (how are you gonna pay) when you get in the room with the half assed vets they have up there they dont answer questions because they are so rushed to get to the next pet,they told my wife our cat would die within one year back in 2003,well the cat passed away in 2010,they had my wife worry for 7 years for nothing,our cat had megacolon and had to get an enema,do you believe these crooks charged us $745 for an enema,another time our older cat was in kidney failure and they wanted to give her a blood tranfusion well they wanted $2950 so I got a second opinion and they said my cat would not have lived anyway,another time out cat with megecolon was there overnight and they charged us $1490,just letting you all know if you go to this crook you better have a lot of money or a high limit on your credit card,another story,when I was sitting in the waiting room one day this lady I was talking to had her cream color lab there for a leg injury,well she told me that she maxed out 3 credit cards and had to borrow money off her father to help pay for her dog (what a crime) we all love our animals so we do everything we can to save them but we have to pay bills and house payments,car payments and we are good to animals so why do legal crooks like this get away with this shit,I moved on to another vet that does not charge near 1/4 of what these train robbers charge,and by the way why do all the female vets up there act like such miserable bitches,ill bet I can tell you why,because they have a quota to meet thats why they are so rushed from pet to pet and dont have a minute to answer a question,I wish I didnt have to punch in one star above but I could not add this comment unless I put at least one star,but I didnt want to put any stars (none) the only star in the comment is the owner of who is which (laughing all the way to the bank) more

We were told to take our cat here because our local vet wasn't able to handle our cat's illness. Our cat was in obvious distress; he was having so much difficulty breathing. After a 30 minute car ride we arrived at Northview Veterinary Hospital. When our name was called the tech told us we couldn't go back with our cat. Our cat was carried off, mournfully crying all the way back. We were so distraught by that and by the fact that they wouldn't let us at least carry him to the exam room. After about five minutes the tech came back out and told us our beloved cat had died! We just could not believe what she just said! To top it off, they presented us with a bill!! They didn't even have a chane to examine him and they had the audacity to charge us! Could this be real? Neither the tech nor the doctor seemed very compassionate with us. Through our tears we paid the bill and left. Needless to say we will never return to this vet nor will we ever recommend Northview. In fact, we will do our best to convince people NOT to use them. They did not allow us back with our cat, he died a few minutes after he was brought back to the exam room, and they had the nerve to make us pay for an office visit. Shame on them! more

I would not recommend this veterinary office to anyone. The veterinarian spent a total of 10 minutes with my cat after a 45 minute wait in the exam room. She admitted that she was unable to palpate two of the three organs that would be helpful in diagnosing my cat. Instead, she suggested that I get an x-ray to see if there was an obstruction, either in conjunction with the an antibiotic or upon the failure of an antibiotic to relieve my cat's symptoms. I inquired about the cost and necessity of each treatment option that was to be performed, and I was really surprised to pay a bill that was twice the amount that was quoted. You would think that a veterinarian would know roughly how much a treatment would cost, how to palpate an organ, or gee I don't know to listen to bowel sounds if they are suspicious of an obstruction, but are unable to palpate an organ. I wasted money that could have been spent actually making my cat feel better. I did not appreciate the up-selling of treatment options. I did not appreciate the information that I was given about the application of the antibiotic. Who knows when I will receive my lab results either. I was told 24 hours originally, and then 48 hours or more after paying for it. I repeat: I would not suggest this place to anyone. more

First off the staff is great and the location has adequate parking. The only down side is that it is out McKnight Rd. Despite the drive, I am south of the city, I would go nowhere else. I have been seeing Dr. Pleban with all my pets for the past 12 or more years. I have taken dogs, iguanas, monitors, snakes and turtles there. She has even given me advice on how to manage and care for my fish that was sound and eliminated my constant problems with ick. (Which was a call to the office, almost after hours.0 She is knowledgeable and even owns exotics (Birds) herself which allows her to give advice based on experience. She has always explained to me the options for care when that was needed for any of my pets. Dr. Pleban spent time teaching me how to administer medication to my large burmese python in order to keep us both safe. I've always had my questions answered and never left feeling like i didn't know exactly what the health status of my pets. The staff has always been helpful, friendly and accommodating. I've never had a bad experience. (Even when the place was disrupted by the construction of the er clinic attached to it.) Another thing I find helpful is they have an emergency clinic there that also treats exotics. I have had to take my iguana to the clinic and it was convenient that all my pet's records were there for the emergency. Some of the procedures I have had done there: Teeth cleaning on my dog, heartworm tests, general physicals on all my pets, x-rays on my dog, iguana and snake, vaccinations and er for a sick iguana. All have been within the cost I would expect for the services. Overall, i would and have recommended this clinic no matter the pet involved...dog, cat or an exotic pet. more

Northview SAVED our dear 2.5 yr. Golden Retriever Sawyer's life last week. He ingested the better part of a tennis ball and had a blockage. Abdominal surgery is ""dirty surgery,"" and he developed a septic infection a few days after his first surgery (to remove the ball) because the intestinal site was leaking. The second surgery was much more involved and stressful for all, but the Board-certified surgeon was amazing. She took all measures to save him, came in to check him on her days off, worried about him and was very aggressive with his care - and he is fine! He came home 36 hours ago after an 8-day stay. Everyone at the clinic treated us like we were family. My daughter had taken Sawyer to a different emergency clinic first, and they did absolutely nothing to help him but they charged her $700 for the visit. Her vet recommended Northview, saying she would not go anywhere but there. Sawyer LOVED the people at the clinic, from the techs to the vet herself. He did not even act sad when we would leave after our visits. It takes us at least an hour to get to Northview, but it was well worth all that driving, because he got the best care we could imagine! He will return in 2 weeks to get his 48 staples removed, and it will be like visiting old friends. We feel we owe the doctor and staff a thanks that we can never fully express! Animal care is ALWAYS expensive, so my comment to those who complain about the money is, you should have known what you were getting into before you committed to a pet; if you don't have the means to support a pet, don't get one. As for Sawyer, he is now our ""Solid Gold"" Golden, but we're okay with that as long as he is okay! more

The staff is some what friendly, girls at the front desk are more helpful that the vets that work there.\r Vets hahaha they are a joke, every time i went there i actually had to tell them what i need done and what my guinea pig needs.\r One time she was seen by 3 doctors for her hair loss, and 3 brains couldnt figure out whats wrong.\r Unless i suggested ivermectin they never would have given it to her.\r First time i went there, one of the vetsgave her revolution, and never told me that i need to be back the next monthfor it. nor did she gave me more revolution so i can give my guinea pig next month when she due.\r They are expensive and do nothing.\r Every time i went there they charged me crazy fee just for coming in thry the door.\r And what my guinea pig went thry... She lost more hair while in that hospital than she did in the last 9 months.\r Dr.Pleeban... Oh my god, she can hardly walk, she ask no questions about your pet, she shows no compasion, and she dont want to listed to your pets medical history or even behavior, because she cuts you off every time you open your mouth.\r im so dissapointed by the whole hospital, \r thy never helpfull, lack the compasion as well,.\r they will never do what they need to do first time you come in.\r they will drag it out so that you can be back often and pets stay sick.\r THEY DONT KNOW NOTHING more

It's hard to give such a negative review when the people that worked there are so nice. Their whole system is god awful. I wouldn't go back unless my pet was about ready to die. They delegate which animals are seen first (which I understand) but we sat in the exam room for 3 hours until the vet came in and then had to wait another half an hour until the tech came in to give us the medication. And it isn't as if we showed up at a random time, we had an appointment. If your pet doesn't have a life threatening emergency I wouldn't go here. Pros: Very kind staff Cons: Horrible system more

ONE WEEK AGO MY 2 DOGS AND I LOST OUR BELOVED SALLY. I STILL AM IN SHOCK. JOAN, AND THE REST OF THE STAFF HELPED US THROUGH A HORRIFIC TIME. THANK GOD FOR THEM. THEY ARE MY CHOICE FOR ANY GOD FORBID, AFTER HOURS EMERGENCY. WE LOVR YOU FOLKS .GOD BLESS. JANICE Pros: THERE WHEN WE NEEDED THEM Cons: NOTHING AT ALL more

THANK S TO THEM ALL FOR THIER COMPASSION Pros: close for after hour emergencies more

The previous reviewer said ""They bill you for the smile and not so very nice people."" - not true at all! I took my dog to a vet in the south hills area and did not have a pleasant experience. After a friend recommended me to the Northview Veterinary Hospital, I haven't looked back! The vets there are very helpful and dedicated, they'll go as far as to call/text us after our visit to see how the dog is doing. I have a disability and they are always more than willing to accommodate me. The prices are pretty reasonable in my opinion and I wouldn't put a price on my pet's welfare. Pros: Open 24/7, clean, helpful, convenient! Cons: Can't think of any... more

I went there with my dog. They do not ask you if you want to buy the prescribed medicine , they just sell it to you. Cons: their medicines -the cheapest ones- start at 50% more than in any other place. They bill you for the smile and not so very nice people. Very over rated. Very disappointed as I trusted the other reviews. Found a nicer clinic same services at fair prices and very close to this one. Pros: Complete Cons: They bill you for the smile, not so nice people more

I have been taking my birds to Northview for over 10 years, my mother took her cat there and my sister takes her dog and cat there. They are the best vets around. Caring, compassionate, interested in your animal. They have evening and weekend hours, emergency hours, and are the best vets in the city. You never feel rushed, vets are extremely patient (with both pets and owners) and give clear, easy to understand explanations. The never try to run unnecessary tests and directions for medication or care are very precise and clear. They even send sympathy cards when you pet dies. When my birds have had to stay at the hospital, the vet has called me every day, even up to 9:30 PM to give me reports on their condition and bring me up to date on tests. When we had to have my mother's cat euthanized due to kidney failure they gave us time to say goodbye, the vet was compassionate and caring, the entire procedure was made as tolerable as possible. This is a great animal hospital, no matter what kind of animal you have. I've seen dogs, cats, ferrets, rabbits, chinchillas, birds, even a 6 foot iguana in the waiting room. Rates are reasonable, care is incredible, people are wonderful. What more could you want? If I could give it 10 stars, I would. Pros: Too many to mention -- care, service, professionalism are just a few Cons: As stated, can be hard to make a left turn on to Siebert Road more

One of my chinchillas developed a strange growth near his arm. These were actually my son's chinchillas, whose care I inherited when he went to college. I had never taken them to a vet, and quickly learned that few vets treat chinchillas. I asked a friend who has guinea pigs and she highly recommended Northview.\r Even though it was a long distance from my home (I live in Washington County, it's north of Pittsburgh) I decided to try it.\r First, they agreed to see Simon (the chinchilla) right away. They had evening hours that made it possible. It was easy to get to, so the trip didn't take me long. It's just off McKnight Road, which is a major thoroughfare. \r The veterinarian was very compassionate, and good with Simon. She explained that another vet was their top chinchilla expert, but wasn't there. So she called that vet for a consult. This is sort of embarrassing, but they agreed that what Simon had was a huge fat deposit because I had been overindulging him in dried fruit. Simon got put on a diet and he's doing just fine.\r I can't remember exactly what the bill was, but I remember taht it was a lot less than I expected. It might have been $40, but don't hold me to that. I'm bad with numbers. If I had another problem with a chinchilla or any other rodent, I would absolutely take him back there. (They obviously see lots of dogs, too, because the waiting room was full of them). If you've got chinchillas, its absolutely worth a drive. Pros: They treat ""exotic"" animals that other vets won't. Cons: It's a long way from my house. more

I know a lot of ferret owners in the area, and Northview does not have a very good track record with them. Okay for vaccinations and routine stuff, but not so great for surgeries or complicated problems. Too many deaths from surgeries, in my opinion. Post-surgical care not sufficient for ferrets, IMO. Staff is great, vets are kind and sincere, but need to do some serious studying on ferrets. Pros: Has some after-hours care if you're a patient Cons: Not knowledgeable enough on ferrets more

My cat was (is) experiencing urinary problems and being unsatisfied with the current vet service, I looked for another vet. I first checked out reviews of Northview and then went to their website. I was please with their website and also their variety of animal care services. I called to schedule an appointment on a semi emergency basis and was greeted by a very friendly receptionist and was able to get in within a few hours. The hospital is very nice and the waiting room is comfortable and spacious. The staff was helpful, attentive and friendly. I went during the early afternoon so the wait wasn't long at all (not sure how things run during peak after work hours). The vet we saw was also very nice and friendly. She offered helpful suggestions and was realistic about tests needed. I also found the cost for an exam to be lower than what I paid for a city clinic. I even received a phone call from the vet the next day to explain the results of some tests done and she answered a question I had about my other cat. I will have Northview as my cats' care center and would recommend their services to other pet owners. Pros: Large center and variety of services, reasonable cost Cons: Trying to pull out onto Siebert Rd. more

Northview Animal Hospital is absolutely the BEST place to take your animals for veterinary care. I have literally tried several other clinics in Pittsburgh before discovering Northview, so I have a large basis for comparison. No other clinic in Pittsburgh even comes close to Northview:\r \r 1. The veterinarians and staff are very friendly and very professional. They care about the animals AND the owners. They understand that our animals are our family members, so they will patiently answer all of your questions and address all of your concerns about your pet's health.\r \r 2. You'll never feel like the vets are rushing you out the door because they'll never do that. They'll spend as much time with you as you need during your appointments.\r \r 3. The vets here are also specialists. So, you'll never have to be referred out to other specialists. At Northview, they are equipped and skilled to handle any medical emergency. There are dental specialists, orthopedic specialists, and all kinds of specialists.\r \r 4. They're a 24 hour emergency hospital in addition to a regular clinic. Other clinics like Pt Breeze and Greenfield do not have emergency services. In my prior experiences with these clinics, they did not even have the capacity to squeeze my dog in for an appointment in an emergency situation during regular office hours. Northview is available 24/7, and it feels so good to know that.\r \r 5. Aesthetically, it's a very pleasing environment. There's a whole entire building for this hospital, and there are additions being made as well. There is a large waiting room with a tv...everything about it is very comfortable and welcoming.\r \r Definitely take your pet here! It's so worth it! You'll be glad you did.\r more