Veterinary Specialty Services Review

I've worked in the dog daycare, grooming and boarding industry since 1999. I have been to 5 emergency veterinary hospitals with various emergencies. I would estimate a total of 75-100 trips through the years (between my personal animals and our clients pets). Problems ranging from broken nails, cuts, punctures, cancer, bloat, diabetes, idiopathic vestibular disease, seizures, infections, strokes, heart failure, eye injuries, broken bones, euthanasia, intestinal issues, diaphragm issues, and neurological issues to name a few. I've literally taken care of thousands of dogs and cats.

If you have an emergency with your pet, I cannot recommend a better place. Choosing VSS over other emergency veterinary hospitals is truly a life or death decision for your pet.

I won't step foot in any other ER veterinary hospital, and I'll do my best to make sure my clients don't either, the other ER vet experiences between my self and my clients were horrific and often ended tragically. Thank god for VSS.

nobody ever WANTS to be here. but the staff is excellent and sensitive when necessary.

The doctors, techs & staff that we've encountered here have all been compassionate & caring. They've saved my kitty's life twice.

They truly care about helping your pet feel better.

Our little 9mo old girl arrived there with a giant mass in her lungs. After testing discovered it was lymphoma even though all her blood work was clean. We started Chemo and after 4wks of TX, the tumor is almost gone and she is back to being my normal cat/dog/parrot lol
Love the staff at VSS, so friendly. Always excited to see Betty Anne trout into the office like she owns it
the doctors are so knowledgeable and truly think only about the well being of your animal.
Thanks VSS

Our dog got hit by a car on thanksgiving and we transferred her here. I have nothing but nice things to say. They told us to call whenever to check on her, and the doctor himself would call us to explain things. Very kind and would recommend to anyone!

I took my dog in for what ended up being pancreatitis. He was there for 2 days and they released him. In less than 24 hours he started turning red/purple so we took him back to find that he was sensitive or allergic to the medicine they sent him home with the first time! The second visit costed more than the first!

Very uncaring place all they care about is money dont go here

VSS s staff are amazing. I ve had to use them for a couple of emergencies with my animals and they are absolutely wonderful.

I brought my dog Pixie to VSS because she was having some breathing trouble and we couldn t get into our veterinarian for a few weeks. My entire experience could not have went better. The receptionist was very nice (and very professional) and they got pixie in right away. Dr. Thompson was absolutely amazing. She was patient, answered all my questions, and did not push extra testing/services that weren t needed. Even the virtual discharge/electronic payment process was an absolute breeze.

Thank you, VSS for taking good care of my baby!

Do not go here for an emergency, unless you have a couple of hours to spare waiting for them to actually come outside.

First time there ...the service and canine care was extremely professional and knowledgeable. My baby might have broken her paw but by the xrays was a bit much for me at the time ($200) I went ahead and agreed with a splint until she see her vet. $95 for the visit and $78 for the splint. First puppy in a long time and first time ever taking one to a hospital ...so the price may have been expensive for a puppy but won t know that until I shop around to determine if I will be back....but all in all very highly recommended cause the staff is amazing . It was worth every cent ..cause they did make sure she was comfortable and well taken care of.... Thanks a lot very appreciated

Don't come here, my little boy is now terrified of my hands, he won't play or eat and he looks absolutely traumatized. He is a service animal and I really don't wanna believe he can no longer do his duty due to stress and fear.

I think that they take advantage of your crisis to make money

Amazing place! Saved my little "B's" leg, and it healed up better than i could of asked for.

Not very impressed and very expensive. Upon arrival they had 4 employees sitting in the lobby at 11p.m. and who knows how many in back just hanging around. Almost $700 for a night stay.

Very caring and they try to get you in and out as quickly as they can whole giving the care needed.

Very kind and courteous staff. Clean and friendly environment.

We had to loose our family friend and they were caring in out time of stress. Even sent a card. They are awesome and caring. Thank you all.

When your pet needs help and it's off hiurs, having a place that provides 24 hour pet care, great vets, kind techs and an overall a great experience is absolutely wonderful

Hard on animals not being able to go inside to no fault of them. Communication is great with doctor over phone though. Very thorough and given choices on treatment. Trust them

No help from the staff at all....very disappointed.

I saw Dr Bonnie Smith oncologist and she explained everything in terms I could understand. Very compassionet. Would recommend her.

My furbaby had been neutered earlier in the day and with the help of his brother we ended up rushing to VSS. Both myself and my fiancee were terrified he was gonna bleed out by the time we got there. They tech, I didn't get her name, was kind and calming. She could tell we both were very concerned and scared. They immediately took him back. With our composure gathered Dr.Bowen came to speak with us. She was kind,reassuring and most of all showed compassion and respect to us. She cleaned up my furbaby gave him some antibiotics and pain meds. Now 36hrs later the swelling has gone down he isn't in pain and is his usual loving chatty monster. I can't thank them enough for what they did for our family. Derp says he is sorry for trying to help his brother heal. Loki is thankful to not be in any more pain. We are so very blessed to have had the team at VSS there when we needed them. Thank you so much.

Amazing place! Wait was a bit crazy due to covid but my baby puppy who is had for under 72 hours (he got pneumonia and hadn't even had his first vet appointment yet, barely even had a chance to name him) is doing great! I couldn't be more thankful!
Is excellent knowing there's always someone available 24/7 so close by.

I drove an hour and a 1/2 for an appointment with my dog after discovering she has cancer. As it turned out they didn t even exam her. The Dr said surgery wasn t a good option and she has a few months to live and told us she needs to see their oncologist who couldn t see her that day. So we drove 3 hours round trip for nothing. We paid $120 for the consultation and left there with an appointment scheduled two weeks later to see an oncologist. So my dog has a short time to live but it s not important to see her sooner than two weeks? They knew we were coming there for cancer so we thought we d leave there with a plan of attack. Nope for $120 we only got to schedule another appointment. Luckily we found someone that cared enough to get her in the next day so I was able to cancel the appointment and begin treatments 2 weeks earlier. I felt no compassion from the Dr and feel money is their motivation to help.

What a great experience at this emergency clinic. Having waited 1.5 hours at another practice closer to home (where the vet tech was vaping outside the back door and the receptionist was super grumpy when we called to ask for an update on how much longer), we decided to head out to Veterinary Specialist Services. Here the customer service was excellent - the receptionist warm and kind, the vet tech compassionate, and the vet was caring and took time to listen to our concerns about puppy's ongoing diarrhea. Highly recommend based on our experience today. Thank you to all who helped us out!

Very nice clean place. Both of my dogs died and they cremated them for me and gave me a plack with their paw prints.

Over 1 thousand dollar charge for them to find nothing. Second dog I've brought here. Second time they found nothing wrong. First dog died within a month of them finding nothing. Thanks I still had to pay first.

Highly recommend
Specialties also include big hearts and comfort .
Made us feel loved as our family per needed to be put to sleep. Very prefessional.

This was a great experience for us. The staff was very pleasant and wanted to assure that we understood everything that our pet went through. They took very good care of my pet who was very sick. I highly recommend them for your pets care.

My dog cut her foot on something outside, so we had to make an emergency visit here on a week day late at night. Receptionist, tech, and vet were all fantastic. Great service and fair prices. Will definitely be back if needed.

Wonderful staff and surgeons! Macy, my 5 year old miniature daschund, had an emergency laminectomy after suffering a herniated disk and subsequent paralysis. We drove from SPRINGFIELD IL on the advice of our veterinarian Dr. Saner. Macy was rapidly examined by neurosurgeon Dr. Wininger. He was direct about the options and statistical outcomes. He called about the MRI result and proceeded with surgery. I was kept informed daily about her progress including over the weekend. Physical therapy was imperative and she came home 8 days postoperative. I felt the fees were reasonable.
My only suggestion would be that discharge instructions be more thorough in specific instructions regarding physical therapy with perhaps pictures or a YouTube video reference. I had to do some research on how to perform exercises for her recovery. I did find excellent online articles. I was very nervous about not "doing something right" or hurting her. As a nurse practitioner I have a new respect from the perspective of the patient receiving discharge instructions and understanding their fears or seemingly unnecessary nervousness.

Overall I was extremely pleased with their services and will definitely give a AAA and recommend their facility for emergency services! Macy is running around and has made a complete recovery! We were so relieved when she started using her back legs and then one day she just seemed to take off. We have to keep her from overusing, jumping, etc. Thank you to ALL who took care of Macy!

I get that they were busy on a holiday weekend... I waited 2 hours for them to see my dog but they did communicate that up front. He was seen and I paid for services within 20 minutes of him going in. I was told he would be put shortly and it took almost 2 hours for them to bring him out. I called twice and both times they said "shortly"... it would have been nice to know it would be a 2 hour wait because no could have run other errands. Overall, service was good and doctors/nurses were professional

The day after Christmas, my German Shepherd was hit by a side-by-side and we rushed him (an hour) to this place to get him help. The vet kept contact with me through everything that happened when they had him and what they were going to have to do for him and how much it was going to cost. The cost of everything was very expensive.. but it is what it is. They were very nice and understood the love we had for our dog. Unfortunately, we ended up losing him the next morning and we chose to have him cremated. When I went to pick him up, we had a sweet card, and the best thing I could get. They made a mold imprint of his paw and sent it home with us. I am so greatful they did this and so happy I have this left of him. We also just received a personalized card from them sending their condolences. They really do care for their patients and their families.

They did a great job with the ACL surgery for my dog. They gave us medicines for him and they worked very well for him.

My mistake was trusting my beautiful dog to their care. I felt there was no compassion, no empathy, no bedside manner. When the doctor described how she was going to put my dog to sleep, she stated she was going to use a big needle and stab him right through the heart. She said his veins were too small.

Caring and knowledgeable staff. Clean and very nice looking facility. Quick service for my dogs emergency surgery. Can't beat it!

Had a horrible reason to be there and they handled it with professionalism and compassion

Our furry family member would not be alive if it weren't for their excellent and attentive care by all levels of staff. They do a great job

I share the same sentiments as many of the other 5 star reviews for this business.

Doctors and staff great with communication and answering any questions I had. One of my 80 pound bundles of love got an ACL surgery 6 months ago here and it went smooth. Just had another incident where I was worried the same dog may have ingested antifreeze and VSS was knowledgeable and straightforward. All good news for the dog and am happy to have this place to go to even when I am just playing it safe and making sure.

Great place, vet was very knowledgeable and explained things very well!!

The service and staff are amazing. The folks are so compassionate, provide detailed information, plus they are available 24-7

My cat, who is almost 3 years old, was rushed here after learning that he had a neurological problem. He turned out to have a huge cyst in his brain. We had to choose whether to put him to sleep or go through with surgery, which he has a 25% chance of living through. The doctors here were so caring and helped him. He ended up alive and I cannot be more thankful that we chose to bring him here. He is now home and safe and happy with us again!

Brought my dog In to be put down and Waited in the patients room for over an hour to be seen by a doctor. Really made the experience that much harder. Awful service.

Unfortunately, this is the second time my dog has had to deal with pancreatitis. I should have listened to my gut and gone to the original specialist Dr. Kimberly Lloyd at Associated Veterinary Clinic instead of here. A pandemic or not we still need to provide good customer service as well as passion for the dog owners and their pets. If you are unhappy in your job; DO SOMETHING ELSE! What concerns me most is how is my dog being treated if I m getting a response that is less than unsatisfactory. If my dog had not been in such in dyer need I would not have stayed. I won t ever come here again!!!!!!
On a positive note (with a two star) the surgeon was polite, friendly and helpful.

Excellent staff, the best Doctors. If you have a sick pet this is where you need to go.

The dr was amazing! They called every night and every morning with updates . They truly seemed to care about my pet. thank you for all you did.

Ignore all of the one star reviews. VSS followed THE LAW when they reported the dog bite! The dog was euthanized at animal control and VSS cannot control that. VSS has done more for rescue groups than any of you keyboard warriors combined.

My Beagle mix started not eating and having other odd symptoms today (bloody poop, vomiting, extra lethargic) and I was so happy to find a vet near me open 24 hours on holidays! They ran some tests on my baby girl and she's mostly ok, just going to be on some antibiotics and a mild food diet for a few days, but I'm so glad I didn't have to wait til my regular vet opens back up on Monday; I would have been a nervous wreck until we got her checked out.

Everyone I spoke with was so kind and helpful, and they seemed so sweet with my little diva. Sent us home with suggestions for what she should eat, even a few cans of dog food to supplement her food with that will be gentle on her tum. They even have very specific guidelines for keeping patients organized in their parking lot since pet parents aren't allowed inside at the moment, and I would highly recommend VSS if your pup needs to get checked out when your regular vet isn't open!

My dog is healing more quickly than I coild have imagined
I return for follow up next week and look forward to the same excellant care.

Very Professional and Price Included All of the Medication and Devices After Surgery

They are amazing here! Even with social distancing they are so caring and sweet! My dog had to have major surgery through this pandemic. We had already lost one dog. We didn't want to put we another if we could do anything about it! They were so understanding with my panic!

This is a great place to have your furbaby cared for when you have an emergency and need compassionate and professional individuals. They are very informed and caring, and helped comfort and reassure me in the hardest moment of my, admittedly short, life. Thank you all so much, for your professionalism, your knowledge, your talent, and your compassion; you're all saints and heroes for the love and labors you give to our precious family members.

Rest in peace my sweet little girl. . .

This place was wonderful! My 16 yr old Dalmatian was in pretty bad shape. From the front desk, to the nursing staff, to the Dr, everyone was compassionate, caring and kind. It's sad to say she was at the end of her long life, however Faith was treated extremely well, like she was their puppy to. I cannot say enough good about this place. It where I wish I had taken all my dogs and cats.

I hate having to come here with my dogs but I wouldn't go anywhere else. If my dogs need an animal hospital, this is where I go. They are very respectful and took great care of my dog. They advised me and helped me make the hard but nessisary decisions.

We went to their emergency department for our cat. The vet was very friendly and helpful, as were the desk staff. They got everything worked out for our kitty and sent us on our way with meds to help fix her up. Highly recommend.

Very professional. Honest about our dog's condition. Did not recommend surgery.

They helped my puppy dog big time. They pretty much saved him from death. The staff was very friendly and kind hearted. If you're puppy ever has an emergency I would recommend going here.

The saddest day ever with our beautiful, wonderful, 11 year old Siberian Husky; Whiskey was on August 6th; he was suddenly diagnosed with a blood disease that showed no prior signs but it was unstoppable and it took him away from us. No one is prepared for that kind of news or having to make that decision but the entire staff at VSS was amazing; they helped us through the entire process. God Bless all of you and we love you and miss you Whiskey

I've had a couple of our dogs here for surgery and each time the treatment and staff has been great. Price will vary by treatment but it's always been within acceptable range.

Not vey quick to help our dog with a deep laceration. Had to ask for gauze just to get someones attention.

They were able to get my dog in for an earlier appointment date due to a cancellation. I was so glad they called. Dr Mahn very nice.

Checked in at 115 am, they stuck us in a little room. At 245 am, I walked out. They never checked on us once. My dog still has her ear infection.

Saved our cat/child from certain death.
Unrelated to the crisis that prompted us to visit in the first place, they also uncovered a previously unknown case of diabetes!
At the end of the day, he s back home, feeling much better and sporting a cool new look.

We had to put a loved one down and they were wonderful how they handled everything.

!!!WARNING!!!
This place is horrible, they will nickel and dime you to death! Seems they're all about money, no compassion for your pet! On top of the misdiagnosis, I'm almost 600$ in the hole for nothing. Good thing my dog held on til we seen his own doctor, which by the way loves dogs, and you can feel the compassion they have for him. Try to go somewhere else if you can. Never again!

They took amazing care of our puppy for a week long stay after a dog attack. Communication was great. They are organized, on schedule and kind.

These folks too amazing care of us and our cat - they helped us get through a snowstorm day where we couldn't get to our normal vet in time to put our boy to sleep, were incredibly compassionate, and got us through the process as easily as it could be.

I love VSS and will never go anywhere for my pet. Dr. Greer is amazing and so loving to animals. We brought our sweet little Cavapoo to VSS on New Years Day morning after being told by the Kirkwood Emergency Animal Hospital vet that he was too sick (septic shock) to have surgery at their facility. The vet referred us to the Ballwin VSS, and we could not be more grateful for them. Dr. Greer took care of Triscuit and literally saved his life. The chances of him surviving a 3rd surgery were 50-50. So, very risky, but she was so honest, clear about possible outcomes and the cost.

The facility was incredibly clean, and every staff member is professional, compassionate and kind. I will only take Triscuit to VSS, and will refer all friends and family to this facility. Dr. Greer called us with updates, and better yet, kept the cost within the original estimate, even though the surgery was MUCH more complicated and involved resection of his intestine and suctioning out the sepsis.

All of the vets at this facility are amazing, bright, compassionate and have excellent bedside manner. My family and I could not get over how clean the Ballwin VSS was, especially when coming in on off hours, and a holiday!

As a clinician, I was extremely impressed with everything about VSS- and if I could give it 10 stars, I would. Love them!

Triscuit survived and is doing great! Thank you Dr. Greer and team!

Let's just say as a former animal care specialist from another state veterinarian clinic. I was unimpressed, disappointed with them not doing what my veterinarian had me rush my dog for them to do. They over charged what they quoted me by $1,200.00! NOT GOING BACK! Don't waste your time or money.

This is a wonderful place. Very compassionate individuals with top notch skills. They understand that pets aren't animals, they are your family member.

Prematurely diagnosed pet before blood tests came back. Also went ahead and told me in the waiting room with others present that in order for my dog to live that it would cost 4,000 dollars instead of 2,000 dollars for chemotherapy and that if I didn't do the chemotherapy my dog had one month to live. Thank you for being empathetic

Although this place is expensive, they really do care about your pet and do everything in their power to help you.

On time appt. Quick assessment of ailment. Kind and courteous staff.

This place is great for your sick or injured fur baby!!! Awesome staff. They take their time with you & never make you feel rushed. They explain everything & every step. I would recommend them to everyone.

I took my cat there who was in very poor health. After much deliberation, we decided to euthanize him. As painful and awful as that experience was, VSS made it as respectful and considerate as one could reasonably ask. I will cherish my last moments with my pet thanks to them. They have my eternal gratitude for that.

An extraordinary veterinary hospital for special cases and for after hours emergency care. My little dog spent one night here on a Sunday due to dehydration, and received what I believe to be excellent care and recovery. Staff is very caring.

The staff is outstanding and they really care about the animals and their owners

Professional, knowledgeable, and clean. It can be hard to schedule appointments if you have time constraints but fantastic response to emergency situations. Hope you don't need them, but so glad they're there in case you do.

This place is the best. This is the second time coming here with my dog she has a torn ACL we have apt in Nov for surgery I travel 3 hours to get here and it's worth it.

They were compassionate and we didnt wait on a busy Saturday night

We woke this morning, New year's day to find our 16 yr old dalmatian was no longer able to stand, and seemed to be in pain. I checked the web as we all do and this was the closest place to go. We arrived there, and were greeted by a kind smile. We were taken to a room where a nurse did an initial exam. As it was 6am they were going thru a shift change so the Dr did not show up right away. However Dr Mike was very kind and caring. He told us what was probably going on and helped us make the necessary decision for our old dog. He told us what he was going to do, and asked if we wanted to be present. When it was over, they brought our dog out wrapped up in a blanket, and gently places her in the truck. Everyone was extremely kind, and professional. I can't offer higher praise. Top notch.