I cannot say enough good things about North Houston Veterinary Specialists, and especially about Dr. Cherise Willey. She has been overseeing the cardiac health of our Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Rhett, since February of this year. He had been diagnosed with mitral valve defect 18 months before and had been doing relatively well on the regimen prescribed by our family vet, but went into cardiac distress on February 27, coughing and breathing heavily. We took him to our family vet who referred us to Dr. Willey. She was very honest and upfront with us about Rhett's prognosis and kept him overnight to stabilize him. She adjusted his meds and has been monitoring him since, and has been very responsive via email with any questions and concerns we have had. Rhett is living on borrowed time but she has extended the time we thought we would have with him by her excellent and thorough care. We are extremely grateful for Dr. Willey and her entire staff at NHVS. read more

We had an excellent experience with the services recd for our schnauzer on more than one occasion. Will definitely return here if needed

Even good doctors can't control everything. We worked closely with Dr. McFadden, but our beloved sheltie passed away from an incurable cancer. But, what good doctors CAN do is to treat your pet and communicate with the owners like they really care and Dr. McFadden does this superbly! read more

I wish I had read all of the reviews before visiting this business. I have a shih-tzu mix who we adopted in July. She came with cataracts in both eyes so I was referred to this office by my regular vet. Upon arrival I wasn't overly impressed with the front office staff, not unfriendly, more indifferent towards me. I was taken back to an exam room by Jessica who was very friendly and caring. After a bit, Dr Rainbow came in. As others stated, he is not a warm fuzzy person, in fact, really didn't interact with my dog at all, other than a quick peek at her eyes. He is extremely hard to communicate with as he speaks incredibly fast, making it hard to understand most of what he says and leaves little room for questions. One thing I did get from him, as he reminded me several times, is that he is only one of three vets in the US that is allowed to do some procedure. Low self esteem is not an issue with Dr. Rainbow. Again, he talked so fast it was hard to grasp it all. When I jokingly mentioned his speech pattern to Jessica she replied that he doesn't think he talks fast, just that people in Texas listen slow. They take my dog to run a couple of tests not once mentioning the additional costs. While I understand the tests were necessary, they should have told me the cost upfront. I was never under the impression that this was going to be covered under the $160 consultation fee but I did not know I would be walking out with a $500 bill. My dog will get the needed surgery but in no way will it be at this establishment. read more

my breeders vet sent us there because our puppy was bleeding. Arrived around 8;30 am they moved the puppy to the back for a exam, we waited for about a hour, I had to ask someone what was going on with my dog! Finally a doctor came out and said they were so busy! We were the only people in the waiting room. We were then told that the puppy had rectal prolapse and that he need surgery, now! But they would not do the surgery until Monday or Tuesday. We would have to keep him there until then, $400.00 a day for the boarding, plus $2200. for the surgery.{ if the surgery was needed why should the dog wait 4 days!] So I called his real Vet, they saw him Monday am, after looking at the x-rays and notes for NHVS they was no need for surgery just pills. Always get a second opinion! never would i go back to this place, all they want is to cut you pet and its all about the money, not caring for you pet!!!!! read more

Staff was so kind and patient - just what I needed, especially given the circumstances!

My wonderful German Shepherd of almost 14yrs. all of a sudden went into acute respiratory distress. I arrived at the facility and was seen immediately. They rushed her back and began suctioning and taking care of her airway. The technicians were ALL amazing. The front desk was expedient and led us back to an exam room. We were quickly informed of her status and explained fully what was occurring to help regain her airway and figure out what her problem was. I am sorry to say that my fur baby had a lot more going on than anticipated; and went into cardiac arrest while we were there. I didn't get to bring her home well and fixed; but Dr. Sykes and everyone there did EVERYTHING possible to help her. Not only that, they were compassionate, patient with us, and assisted in all ways possible. I am extremely grateful to everyone there. My hat off to you. This is not an easy job; and I could not have asked for any better care and service under these circumstances. Thank you, Dr. Sykes and the Team for everything you did to help my precious girl. read more

After spending over $2000 for having them care for our dog for only 14 hours, we had them put her to sleep. The doctor did not explain the cremation process to us. We called for 2 weeks asking about her remains and they kept telling us they haven't received them back. Now 19 days later, we find out that she was given a general cremation and who knows what they did with her ashes, so we will be getting nothing back. Really, you so called "Specialists"? Do you actually think we would spend that kind of money on what we considered our family member and not want her ashes back. I'm glad they got their money, because they sure didn't figure out what was wrong with her. Most uncaring!!!!!!! read more

We brought our cat Lucy in this past Friday to see the vet tech Kristin and Dr.Craig! they were absolutely amazing and Dr.Craig explained everything really throughly and helped us figure out what was the primary cause of my cats chronic vomiting! We've been here twice now for two different cats and I would absolutely bring them here again! we trust them with our heart and soul with our fur babies!! thank you so much! read more

This review is for Dr. Rainbow who is the ophthalmologist. I usually don't write a lot of reviews unless I feel it would be useful and I noticed some previous reviewers are not happy with his bedside manner. As long as a doctor or vet is good at their job, I don't mind it so much. He is very quick, and blunt, but I could see that he knew what he was doing and he was in no way rude to me. He asked me multiple times if I had any questions and did a good job at explaining how my dogs eyes were doing and what was going on with them. He answered my questions thoroughly. I was coming into the office expecting him to recommend surgery for my dog's KCS (after failed medication treatments), but he is trying some simpler, less expensive medication first, which I very much appreciate. They also got me some medication that would help with my dog's uncomfortable goopy eyes, which other vets had never tried. So far, my dog is responding pretty well. The assistant vet I had was also extremely friendly and knowledgeable. Time will tell me how the treatment's going, but I'm happy with NHV so far! The cost is fairly expensive, but it was no more expensive than another Ophthalmologist I was seeing in Austin. read more

We brought our cat in because he was throwing up bile and not eating. He had surgery to remove an intestinal blockage and is on long term medication for stomach and bowl irritation. Dr. Cunningham and all of the other staff at both locations have given him excellent care and have been more than willing to explain everything in detail to us. read more

My husband and I lost our sweet and loving dog Macie to cancer a few weeks ago. Dr. Nicola Wilson helped us clearly understand the diagnosis, our options, risks, costs, etc. Although we tried several options to slow the cancer's growth and manage our pup's pain, in the end, stupid cancer won. However, during our many visits to NHVS, Dr. Wilson, Krystal and the other NHVS staff took the time to know our pup. Macie was always excited to walk through their door and the staff took plenty of time to love on her and bond with her. This relatively simple act made it easy for us to become comfortable with each step we took in Macie's care. We will be forever grateful for their support and care. read more

I had to take my dog here recently. I have NEVER had good experiences with animal emergency clinics so I waited as long as I could and only brought him when there was no other choice. First, I will say that the veterinary staff was very friendly and knowledgeable and really seemed to love what they do. They were also very upfront with how much it was going to cost. The clinic itself was a very calm environment - not chaotic or stressful at all. For an emergency clinic, I thought the prices were reasonable. I ended up paying less than I thought I would, but I also transferred my dog to my own vet the very next day. Unless you have money to BURN that is highly recommended whenever possible! The main reason for removing a star from my review...and I'm tempted to remove MORE than one...is that if they have to do CPR on your dog they will charge you as much as $500 for it. They make you check a box...yes or no. You agree to pay it, or they let your dog die if something happens. Period. There's no grey area. I'm sure that's the Blue Pearl Corporation talking...in it to make money FIRST. Anyone who decides to go into veterinary medicine should try to revive a dog for NO CHARGE if it goes downhill. At least in circumstances when it's in the dogs best interest. I was incredibly insulted and extremely disappointed when I had to choose a box to check. It shouldn't HAVE to be a decision unless a dog is in incredibly dire circumstances. read more

Liver specialist over-prescribed repeatedly. Would not listen to us about the ineffectiveness of treatment or that we believed problem was something else. Lied in report that NHVS forwarded to Gold Coast and charged thousands of wasted dollars on what turned out to be bone cancer. read more

Can't give a zero, so...THIS MORNING, my cat died and I only brought him to these people last night and again this morning because I am new to the area and did not know of any other 24 emergency locations. I left last night being told by Dr. Harvey that he had "mild heart disease" I was led to believe that I could wake up today, call the animal cardiologist she recommended and have some happier times left with my cat...I woke up this morning to my cat in EXTREME DISTRESS unable to breathe because of all of the fluid build up in his little body....does that seem mild to you?! Between last night's fiasco and having to put him down this morning because somehow things went that bad that quickly....I spent at least $8-900 and my cat is GONE. I do not feel that the medical staff adequately explained at all how things could have gotten this bad so fast I honestly still don't understand what happened! And, Dr. HarveyLIED in her discharge report. She did not fully explain the severity of his condition nor give me the specific care instructions she claimed she did. She also wrote in the report that I opted to take him home instead of having him stay there overnight...SHE TOLD ME HE WAS STABLE ENOUGH TO GO HOME!!! I would never ever recommend this place to anyone or at the very least not Dr. Harvey. They were nice when I had to put my cat down but that was a different doctor and of course they had gotten my money read more

Beautiful building! Friendly staff! I'm guessing Dr. Payne needed my help in funding a summer home somewhere! I brought my Dalmatian into NHVS for, what I thought might be a knee issue. With X-Rays in hand, Dr. Payne reviewed them and admitted they were inconclusive, but after a 10 minute evaluation of my dog, recommended she undergo a TPLO surgery ($3,500). I took my Maggie to my vet in New Orleans for a second opinion. After a THOROUGH exam, it was discovered she had a herniated disc and needed a COMPLETELY different form of care! Can you imagine what the outcome would have been had I taken Dr. Payne's recommendation! Shame on you for not doing a better examination! read more

Wish I could leave a super huge NEGATIVE. I don't want to even leave one star. WHY? Mark Rainbow! I will not show him the courtesy of calling him "doctor". He is supposedly an eye specialist for animals. RUN AS FAST AS YOU CAN FROM THIS GUY!! DO NOT LET HIM DO SURGERY ON YOUR PET!!! He is only interested in the money! He will not be helpful or show any concern for your pet if problems arise. He is the most non compassionate vet on the planet. He may be a good surgeon. I have no way of knowing that. But if problems arise, he will NOT call you back! Why would he? He already has the money which they get from you in the examination room before surgery. When problems arose after surgery and he was unavailable, we rushed back down to NHVS. We were kept waiting 3 hours. Someone walked into the room and did not introduce himself. Didn't even examine our dog. Just kept asking what our concerns were. When I asked if he had called Rainbow, he asked if he was supposed to. I told him I thought that would be wise. He came back and said to just keep doing what we had been doing!! I asked if we should not see Rainbow as soon as possible. He said not necessary. Made appt. anyway for the next day. Rainbow acted like we were concerned for no reason and THEN discovered there was an ulcer on incision. After we got back home, the eye turned white. I called 3 times and he obviously didn't have the time nor the desire to talk to me directly. Vet tech just kept saying to keep doing what we were doing. I asked if I should send a text or email of the eye and told it was not necessary!! Long story short, our dog had developed an infection and eye was filling with lipids. The eye was eventually removed by another eye specialist at a qualified clinic that showed knowledge and compassion for my dog. Could eye removal have been avoided if Rainbow had cared enough to examine my dog again or if he had quit blowing me off and asked me to send a picture so he could see what my concerns were. He just doesn't care at all about the pet. Told us many times that he LOVES to do cataract surgery. Maybe that should have been our first warning sign!!! I would NOT recommend Mark Rainbow OR North Houston Veterinary Specialists! Wonder if the owners are even aware of the incompetence that is rampant in that place!!! read more

I took my dog here for surgery because my excellent vet recommended them. They were very nice when making the appointment, but the rest of the experience was not so nice. We waited over 45 minutes to see the vet for our $115 consultation. Many patients with much later appointments went right in and were treated like they were very special to the staff. Dr. Payne explained the needed surgery very well (this is the one star), but the rest of the staff was indifferent to rude. They were much too busy visiting with each other. We were then shuttled out to pay up our $1800 down payment. We wound up paying an additional $300 when we picked him up. The intern who released him could not tell me if he had eaten, was confused about timing for the meds, and made a comment about wanting to be out of the office soon. She was very unprofessional. The e-collar that we paid for was too small and the dog could easily lick the wound, so we had to return for another one. When I called to schedule the suture removal, there were no times during the scheduled time frame for removal when Dr. Payne would be available in the office. I was told I could drive to Katy or see another vet. I choose not to ever set foot in this office again. I am appalled at the lack of compassion and customer service provided when I spent so much money. Let this be a warning if your vet wants you to use this office. My dog had the same very successful surgery (different leg) two years ago for less than half the price and we were actually treated like we were important to them. read more

PLEASE THINK TWICE ABOUT BRINGING YOUR PET TO SEE DR. RAINBOW. My best friend who was with me for twelve years died less than 24hrs after Dr. Rainbow did an eye proceedure on him. My dog was 15yrs old and Dr. Rainbow NEVER asked me if a Senior Blood Panel should be done before the proceedure due to my dog's advanced age. In speaking to other experts I have since learned that this is pretty much a mandatory proceedure when it comes to dogs of advanced ages. Dr. Rainbow would find a way to talk himself out of this though, you can be sure of that. Dr. Rainbow has the bedside manner of a cow and he speaks so fast I had to ask him to slow down so I could understand what he was saying. I have since found out that many vets in this area will not make referrals to Dr. Rainbow. I spoke to his manager by the name of Lesle a number of times but that was useless as she may as well have been his sister. So much for customer service as related to the consumer. She was too busy defending Dr. Rainbow's very questionable actions. I don't care how qualified you are or how many diplomas hang on your office wall, practicing from the heart as opposed to the ego is what makes all the difference nowadays. Not so with Dr. Rainbow. To add insult to injury, I just got a call today from Dr. Rainbow's office reminding me of Scrapper's follow-up appointment tomorrow. REALLY?? In all the years I've visited vets and vet specialists, I've never had such a horrible total experience as this. This guy should not be allowed to practice. I will be investigating this matter further but suffice it to say that my dog would still be alive if he hadn't visited Dr. Rainbow. There's no Rainbow at his practice, just dark, dark storm clouds. STAY AWAY!!!!!!!!! read more

I took my puppy, approximately 4 week old, to this vet for diarrhea. It was Saturday night of Memorial Day weekend and I was afraid to wait since she was so young and small, only 1 lb. I am so very sorry I took her there. They gave her two drugs, one being capstar which is a flea treatment. I have researched the drug and it should NEVER be given to a puppy less than 8 weeks old or who's weight in not at least 2 lbs or greater. The following night she became so ill she couldn't stand up or control her head movements. At 4 am I rushed her back and questioned the drugs they gave her. They said the drugs wouldn't have caused any problem, took her out of my sight, wouldn't let me know what they were doing, told me they did a blood test and her sugar was very low, prob since she couldn't keep food down after the drugs. This sweet puppy died the next evening. She shouldn't have died, she was growing, healthy (even by their report the first night), playful and sweet and now I've had to bury her. I am so angry at myself for having gone to this vet and I hope anyone else who considers using them does not let them overtreat your pet. I didn't ask for flea treatment, which this was, since I KNOW a dog this young and small should only be given perhaps a dawn bath, talc or baking soda. Please...protect your pet from these inept vets. read more

I HIGHLY advise staying FAR away from this place I took my dog in with a bite & he was walking fine & after they took him back I heard LOUD YELPS & CRIES. When she brought him back he was in worse shape than the start and was breathing fast, his leg was bleeding and had 10 didn't pokes like they couldn't find a vein, and he was terrified. For some reason they thought it necessary to give him sedation that made his hind legs completely useless. It was very disturbing to say the least. They did nothing to address the bite even really not paying any attention to it and were so rude and annoyed by my questions. This place is a disgrace for animals to come get help at, any animal I saw that came out was in the same condition as my own. What are they doing there to these animals? They will charge you out the you know what but have no answers and no proof of doing anything. Its terrible and really makes me mad that the SAME "manager" posts responses that obviously fix ZERO issues with this place. They sent home w/ pain meds only. I thought maybe he would need a shot for the venom but nope nothing. They said they could keep him overnight OH and that there would be a chance he could go into cardiac arrest in which case it would cost me an extra $400 to bring him back but I said NO THANKS. THIS PLACE IS A COMPLETE JOKE and should be SHUT DOWN. Ridiculous. read more

My experience was horrible at NHVS. I was referred to NHVS by my regular veterinarian because my dog needed to have a rhinoscopy and CT scan performed to determine the root cause of her nasal condition. I called the number given to me by my Vet. The young man at NHVS that answered the phone was rude and flippant. I introduced myself and stated that I had been referred to NHVS by my regular vet and that her clinic was to send the records. I asked if they has received the records that my vet has sent over. His response was "how am I suppose to know?". He went on to tell me that if I wanted any more information about my case I would need to make an appointment. The fee for said appointment was $150.00. I asked again if they had received my dog's records and if I could speak with someone that could further explain the possible procedures that my dog would undergo. Again, If I wanted to speak with anyone about the records, I had to schedule the appointment for $150.00 and then have a consultation for another fee of $250.00. So, I asked that for $400.00 I could find out if they had my pet's records and I could speak with someone to explain the procedure. I asked if this would be with the veterinarian and the answer was no. If I wanted to see the vet, I would have to pay the $400.00 and then they would determine if the consult was necessary with the veterinarian. If the consult with the veterinarian was necessary, it would be an additional fee but they could tell what the fee was until I had been in to review the records. So for me to even possibly speak with the Vet that would be performing the rhinoscopy, I had to shell out $400.00 + an undisclosed consultancy fee. This of course does not include any additional x-rays, blood work etc...that they deemed necessary. When I asked about the additional test, I asked what kind of test could they possibly need to run since my regular veterinarian had already ran a battery of test, hence the records they had sent over and that would cost me $150. The young man lost his patience and told that this was standard policy and that I could take it or leave. I asked if there was anyone else I could speak with who might be able to assist me. I was transferred to a "referral agent". I asked her that before I even make the appointment I wanted to confirm that my pets records had been sent. She was not able to find anything on my dog. I then asked if it would be possible to speak with someone to explain the procedure to me and what I could expect. I was not asking for a diagnose for my dog. Just the basic procedure. She went on to tell me that I would have to make an appointment to have a consultation. So, I was right back to where I started...$400.00 in the hole without even knowing if they would be able to assist. THIS PLACE IS A RACKET. THEY ARE ONLY OUT FOR YOUR MONEY AND DON'T SEEM TO CARE HOW THEY TREAT THE OWNERS OF THEIR PATIENTS. DO NOT WASTE YOUR TIME OR MONEY AT SUCH A HORRIBLE PLACE. IF I COULD I WOULD GIVE THIS PLACE "ZERO" STARS. read more