My wife and I have been using Central Hospital For Animals in Herrin for many many years, and I have nothing but great things to say about the staff there. The two people that come to mind immediately are the Vet Tec, Brooke, and Dr. Collin Rhine. Their compassion over the years was spectacular and when we had to put our dog, Rocky, down, they were so supportive. Brooke took a liking to Rocky very early on and would always light up when we brought him in. She cried with my wife when we had to put him down, and to me that's a reflection of who she is, kind and compassionate. Dr. Collin always gave us hope when we needed hope but honesty when it was time to say goodbye. We had no doubt he did everything he could to help our little guy out, by far the best veterinarian our Rocky had the privilege of seeing in his nearly 18 years of life. If you're looking for place to take your animals where they truly care about them, go to Central Hospital For Animals - Herrin. read more

Central Hospital For Animals - Rocky, Star Patient of Central Hospital For Animals - Herrin - Veterinarians Near Me - Herrin, Illinois

One of my cats has been straining to pass urine in his litter box, but sometimes doesn't make it to the box and has accidents on the floor. Pretty much throughout the house. The appointment was made fairly quickly for the next day (today on a Saturday) because I was told it might be an emergency. After Dr. McNit asked us a series of questions, one being how many cats do we have, she gave a condescending smirk at the fact we have 22 rescues (all spayed or neutered and indoor only), and basically accused the cats of not getting along and maybe that's why he has suddenly started having accidents. What? She has no idea how well behaved they all are, so YES they ALL get along amazingly well because she doesn't know that I train them. Long story short, she gave me information about ferimones I can get through Amazon, and said that she wouldn't be able to do an ultrasound on him to check for urine crystals or stones until next Friday when the tech is there who does that. Now, my thinking is if a pet parent calls about a possible emergency, shouldn't the doctor be prepared? At least recommend another vet? Instead, we had to reschedule for next Friday when the proper tests can be done, and we were charged $80 today for nothing but a consultation. I will be canceling that appointment and getting my fur buddy to a better vet. So disappointed with CHFA. They used to be better than that. read more

Terrifying Experience at Central animal hospital in Herrin I am deeply disappointed and traumatized by my recent experience at Central animal Hospital in herrin. I brought my Chihuahua in on August 21st to get there opinion on her bulging stomach, we were then informed it was a infected uterus due to her not being fixed, and she was going to have to go in emergency surgery to get her uterus removed. During our visit, I will say the staff was respectful and nice. The price was even way less than they quoted us. Dr. Collin Rhine Preformed her first surgery. Two days later on Friday the 23rd the bulging was back as well as a white-ish red liquid dripping out (didn't look like normal blood). Central ended up calling asking how she was doing, we then explained what was happening. They told us if we could make it there before 4:00 pm they could look at it that day. After rushing to get there before they closed, after 10 minutes of them taking her back they said it was a hernia due to her recent surgery. Dr. Ellen Mcnitt then explained how she was going to have to go into surgery again because her organs are pressing against her sutures. Dr.Mcnitt showed no compassion when explaining how risky the surgery was going to be. After surgery, we were then informed it was not a hernia, Dr. Collins actually made a mistake and left part of her uterus in her body which led to it rotting inside her body and sutures were dehiscing. Dr. Ellen Mcnitt told us if we would have waited to bring her in her inside could have fell out.My dog could have DIED due to lack of attention by Dr. Collins. We brought her home hoping she'd be fine then the same thing happened again so we took her back in, they said it was most likely a hernia AGAIN. After getting her in surgery the found out the LEFT MORE OF HER UTERUS WALL IN AGAIN. So the same thing was happening her sutures were opening from the inside again. We now have brought her home for the third time hoping everything goes well. Not to mention how much money all these visits and surgeries were. I will say Dr. Mcnitt did not charge the second time for her time or for the surgery. But in reality it's due to them being in the wrong. The veterinarians seemed rushed and distracted, failing to conduct a correct examination. Unfortunately, this negligence led to a severe health crisis that could have been avoided with proper care and attention. I cannot recommend CENTRAL ANIMAL HOSPITAL IN HERRIN ILLINOIS to anyone who truly cares about their pets. Your furry family members deserve much better than the careless treatment we received. Please, do your research and find a clinic that prioritizes compassionate care over quick visits. read more

I want to say how much we appreciate and like Dr. Ellen McNitt. She is so caring for our dogs.Waylon was hospitalized for a few days and had surgery. After he came home she called several times to check to see how he was doing. I want to say how much I appreciate the care from the employees at Central Hospital For Animals. I know the names of some of the employees, Stormie,Leahanne,Brooke and Annissa. I want to say thank you to them and the the other employees that I don't know there names for all the kindness and love for our dogs. read more

Dr Shannon was very good with our German Shepherd puppy. Our pup is nervous and she took the time to make her feel more at ease and comfortable while getting her immunizations. the doctor is very kind and courteous. would definitely recommend. read more

Doc was great, tender with my boy. Through exam. Staff were kind and clinical was so clean

The vet was rude and obnoxious. my kitty was having grandmaul Seizures and when I mentioned I was giving her trazadone to help with the seizures until I could get her in his response was where did you get your veterinary license from?. He was nasty mean while he didn't do a blood panel until I requested it at the 2nd appointment. He gave me medication for ear mites and phenobarbital for the seizures. I did research on the internet and found that a bad ear infection could cause seizures. He never checked it kept telling me I would have to take her to a nerologist and it would cost ab $3000. they were also very pricey. I took her to Bronson veterinary and she had a yeast infection in her ears as well as the mites. She was running a fever. I'm so happy to say she hasn't had a seizure since the infection cleared up with the medication they gave her. The prices are great at Bronson veterinary and the medication was a great price. I think the vet the care center needs to retire. I couldn't afford to pay $3000 to a nurologest and I was going to put her to sleep so she wouldn't suffer. she was having up to 7 seizures a day. Thank god that I decided to go somewhere else which was Bronson Veterinary because she wouldn't be here today living her best life. So please don't take your babies there it's time for the old man to retire or update his education . I hope this helps you all who actually check ratings. God bless read more

Our experience with Central Animal Hospital has been terrific. We credit Dr. Portee for saving the life of a couple of our dogs. We are grateful for the care and compassion she and the support staff, vet techs to receptionist, shows for their canine clients (an people, too). Keep up the good work! read more

PLEASE READ THIS REVIEW. I don't want anyone else's pet to suffer needlessly. This vet clinic missed a crucial diagnosis for my sweet 4 yr old lab, never did blood work and after a barium was done expressed to me on the phone that he was doing much better and will be fine, swollen belly d/t gastroenteritis. He abdomen was filling up with blood and he was in tremendous pain and died the next day at an emergency clinic in St Louis from mesenteric torsion. Vet there stated it should have been caught the first day he was brought in (we took him Thurs AND AGAIN Fri and he died Sat). He still might not have made it but he would not have suffered like he did. There are more details from these visits but have left them out d/t space. I went back in the following Tuesday to talk to someone and get answers and was met with indifference and absolutely NO compassion. No one asked what happened nor expressed any interest. I waited in an exam room for over 15 min to speak with the business manager, I gave up and went back to front desk. Was up there for another 10 min getting the files copied and no one, not one person came out to speak with me. It made my awful traumatic experience even worse. The negligent care my dog received caused him to suffer and possibly cost his life. Unfortunately I trusted them to know their job. THINK TWICE BEFORE USING THIS VET CLINIC!! read more

Dr. McNit is very rude. I've been multiple times with my days, and kept brushing it off that maybe she's having a bad day. But nope, that's just her personality read more

Always there and ready to provide whatever questions I have or things that I need. The staff is very professional and extremely friendly. I've never had a trouble getting in to see a vet or with my dog going into the office. read more

The front office workers are always nice and friendly to me and my fur babies, but I can't say the same for Dr McNitt. I have seen her on a few visits for both of my dogs and for my son's dog. She is very rude and very uncaring. My dogs are yorkies who are very much spoiled and pampered I came in one visit and had to see Dr McNitt, my baby had on a cute pink bandanna and matching harness and leash. I carry her in the clinic because I don't like for my dogs to walk on the floor that could have germs from any sick animals that have came in. She made a comment that indicated that I didn't take care of her because at the time she was over due for her spa day at the groomer and she had a lot of eye drainage, so she didn't look her best. I replied with yes she is overdue for her grooming and I haven't kept her eyes cleaned because I had been busy with my other dog that had been sick and be put down due to Cancer. She couldn't even acknowledge the loss of my other dog. She also looked at a spot on her belly and rudely said it's a hernia because she is too fat. Come to find out it wasn't a hernia due to my dog's weight. On another visit I took my new puppy in for a well check and she made a rude comment about the name I chose for my puppy. I have made it clear to the front staff that I do not want any more visits scheduled with that particular vet. My only other complaint is the facility needs to offer emergency care and after hour care to their clients. It would only be logical since they refer to themselves as an animal hospital. I am always told to go to Lakeside in Carbondale when I call with an emergency. read more

Horrible vet. Dr McNitt was rude, condescending, and did not offer any solutions or answer questions. Instead, she criticized and belittled us. Not sure why anyone would want to take their pet to this vet. We will definitely not be back. read more

It's been a year or so since we had our cat spayed at Central in Herrin, and it was a terrible experience. I've had at least 5 cats spayed before, and I've never seen an incision that was so badly sealed. So bad, in fact, that it burst open, and my cat's insides were coming out. Called them in that emergency scenario, and they did not even pretend to try and help. Not even a "we'll see if we can move some appointments around", just "too bad." Luckily we were able to find an emergency vet just in time to save our cat's life- no thanks to Central. They did tell us to call them if anything went wrong, which, in retrospect I don't know why since they turned us away with no thought of even helping us. They didn't provide us with a cone collar for her recovery either, which is common practice. I understand veterinary work is difficult and often thankless, but this was such a terribly experience I will never consider returning. read more

Central Animal always takes such great care of Ace! The staff is friendly, knowledgable, efficient and always get us in quickly for appointments. Thank you for giving our German Shepherd quality care! read more

Central Hospital For Animals - Veterinarians Near Me - Herrin, Illinois

Dr. Kayne was very wonderful. She explained everything very throughly. She showed genuine compassion for our furry friend. We were informed of all the testing that could be ran and the cost of each test. This was helpful because as many of you know a veterinarian visit is expensive. read more

My wife and I have taken our Great Dane Lucy to Central in Herrin for vet checkups and boarding (once). No issues with vet care, but the Central Animal Boarding is awful. We left Lucy there for 5 days while on a trip and came back to pick her up with a huge gash on the top center of her head (semi-open wound, larger than a quarter). The gash was a few days old and someone had put ointment on it. Central never notified us of an injury, not even at pickup. I spoke with the manager (Stephanie) the next day who "speculated" what "may" have happened and said we could bring Lucy in for a vet check if we were worried. I asked again to simply find out what happened (was it a bite from another dog? a door closed on her head?) and Stephanie went silent. Finally spoke to the owner Keith Rhine (took over a week to get a call after two emails) and he couldn't even apologize for the injury. Recommendation--do not take your animal to Central for boarding! read more

My puppy was very sick and dehydrated, but they wouldn't even give him IV fluids or any help at all unless I could give them $1,005 on the spot. We didn't have that on hand and left the clinic to try to get some help for him--he died the next morning. read more

I was referred here by my regular vet for my bulldog who had a torn cruciate ligament. Dr.Rhine is a very kind, caring person who took time to explain her injury, surgery to repair it, and recovery. The surgery went great. At 2 weeks post op she is already using her injured leg and getting around better than before surgery. Every time I've been to the office every person is friendly, helpful, and caring. I would refer friends or family here without hesitation. My experience with Central has been the best and i would definitely seek their services again in the future if needed. read more

Finding a new Vet . My dog Murray has been a patient of Dr Portee for over two years, my complaint is not with her but the receptionist in the Herrin office. I called to get an appointment because my dog hadn't eaten in two days, drinking very little and acting very lethargic and needed to see a vet. I was informed that there was no appointments available till Monday, this is Thursday. There are 7 vets in four offices and not one could see us. I explained that my dog was an established patient with Central and I was told there is an emergency vet in Carbondale. What the h*ll, why have a regular vet if they won't see you outside your yearly checkups. I called Pet Wellness Center in Marion and explained to them the situation. They told me to bring my dog over and they would work him in. We are still trying to find out what is wrong but they are keeping him overnight, running tests, and giving him IV fluids as he is very dehydrated. I am praying Murray will be ok. Central's receptionists are poorly trained or they just don't care. Either way they have lost me as a client and I will tell anyone who will listen as to why. read more

I have been bringing my Fur babies to Central for the past 2 years and so thankful to have them caring for them. Everyone from the front desk staff to the vet techs to the doctors treat my babies like family and do their utmost to ensure their good health. I highly recommend Central Hospital to everyone. read more

I want to take a moment to thank Dr. Porter and the staff at Central Animal Hospital in Herrin.I called Dr Porter on Sunday 6/30/2019 and my baby was very sick, she was headed to the hospital for another case,I explained what was going on and then had to figure out how to get the money on Sunday to take my Smokey Joe in while I'm getting my thoughts together she had already went back home and I called her back and she immediately came all the way back to Herrin to take care of Smokey. I can't Thank You and the staff enough for all the care and compassion you put into your jobs. I also want to Thank Dr Collin Rhine and the staff at the Marion office for helping me and taking care of Smokey too You all are super amazing and I greatly appreciate all you have done for my little guy( Smokey Joe) ! read more

We woke up on a Friday morning with a sick sr cat and called and had an appt within an hour. Staff and dr were very caring and concerned Dr even supplied larger amount of medication incase our other cat became sick too read more

These are difficult times we are in. We needed to get our boy Leland a heart worm check ( needs a blood draw ) and a box of trifectis (flea preventative)....we pulled up and called the office as instructed and were greeted on the phone by a nice young woman who came out immediately to get Leland and take him in for his checkup. Covid makes going into the office a no go! after about 15 minutes...the usual time this has taken before, here comes Leland, the office staff with him and Richard Harper (I left off DR. as that implies an education based on SCIENCE)....we can't go in due to covid, the office lady and my wife and I are wearing masks and here come Richard harper without a mask and crushes the 6 foot social distancing requirement. When told to back up he looked offended even when social quarantining was pointed out as the reason to back up. On top of this he called Leland fat ( 95 pound and is 5-10 pounds overweight) and padded the bill with $45 of unnecessary and not requested testing. for a service that has been $160 in carbondale for years it went to $340 at Central....not again at a Richard Harper facility! read more

Couldn't find a better clinic or nicer, more knowledgeable vets! My daughter's dog (great Pyrenees) got a broken leg while she was in the area going to school. We didn't know where to go but ended up at the main Herrin office. Dr. Rhine and his son were WONDERFUL! When we arrived, two techs came out and carried the dog into an exam room. They made sure she was as comfortable as possible and called Dr. Rhine because it was really before they were even supposed to be open. Dr. Rhine came right away and explained all the options, showed us the X-Rays, and did surgery that same day. He and his son went out of their way to help make sure the surgery was done right, and Dr. Rhine's 45 years of experience was so comforting. When he explained something, you could really tell he knew what he was talking about. On day one after the surgery, the dog had no swelling at all and could put some weight on her leg. The tech who took care of post-op was so kind and helpful. I know the dog was in good hands even over night. When she was ready to be released, we got detailed instructions and have been able to call and have our questions answered since. The clinic even got her in without an appointment for a re-bandage when she chewed the dressings off :) They have kept us informed every step of the way. I don't think you could find more compassionate care anywhere, even at our home vet. I highly recommend Dr. Rhine, his son, and this facility. We didn't use the boarding facility, but it looks very clean, modern, and nice, just like the clinic and surgery unit itself. With such a great vet and clinic right across the parking lot, it is hard for me to believe anyone has had a bad experience there, but if they did, it must have been a fluke, because we had nothing but good experiences. I wish the dog hadn't broken her leg, but it was really such a blessing to find Dr. Rhine and have his expertise. I don't know what we would have done without him! read more

Central Hospital for Animals really and truly impressed me today! My 8 year old Papillon had been having issues with pain in her back and tense in her abdomen, stiff walking etc and I was so worried I cried myself to sleep last night and this morning I spent 2-3 hours trying to figure out how I was going to be able to get the care she needed. I don't get paid until Friday so I was looking into care credit, short term loans, and even asked a relative to loan me the money to get her seen sooner than Friday. So, I called back to CHFA and asked if they could work with me, if I gave them my debit card information. They had me sign a payment agreement, authorizing them to deduct the funds from my card on the 5th. Such a relief to me that she could be seen sooner, believe me I was a wreck but I spoke calmly to the manager, Kim, at the Carbondale location and told her the situation (keep in mind when you have an emergency, you don't get anywhere being rude to people). She really and truly helped us out today and I am so grateful there aren't enough words to express my gratitude. Miracle, my papillon, means the world to me and I'd do anything for her.. even take out a pay day loan for $400 and pay back $900.. lol anyway when we arrived to our appointment (Herrin location) and the vet Dr Rhine saw her, they informed me that she had injured her back and gave me options for how to go about treating her. He answered all of my questions thoroughly and honestly. I have always been cautious of vets since my cat rescue died under treatment of one vet (NOT this one, this vet was in Centralia), I am normally not very trusting so I do all my research before appointments so I can be as informed as I can be before I actually go in. I decided to give medication a chance to work before going any further with treatment, which the vet agreed it was a good choice. I would HIGHLY recommend CHFA to anyone who is looking for a vet. Prices are NOT the first thing to be concerned about when it comes to vet care, what matters is that your pet gets quality treatment. This place is fantastic, they have definitely secured me as a client just by their actions today. Thank you so much to everyone who was a part of Miracle's care today, you have helped so much, you don't even know. Bless you all. read more

May be a little pricey (but I'm comparing to vets in other areas) but the service was outstanding. I moved here for school with my 2 big dogs and one had gotten ahold of a corn cob. I called central hospital of Carbondale to make an appointment and they suggested I go to the Herrin location just in case because that's where their X-rays are done. They made me the appointment for Herrin and the vet and staff were outstanding. They gave me a couple of different action plans (with very accurate estimates!) and when I picked one they did the surgery ASAP. They saved my dogs life and I could tell the doctor (Ellen Mcnitt) really cared about her well being. She called often to check on her. For more routine visits and nail trims I continue to use Central Hospital for animals because My dog doesn't do well with other dogs and their waiting areas are nice and private. My dog rarely likes anybody but she wags her tail at the site of Doctor Mcnitt!! read more

Today was my 2nd (and final) experience with Herrin office of Central Hospital for Animals , my husband & I brought in our 4 cats for annual exam & vaccines, the staff & Doctor we saw were unfriendly, offered no greetings or information to questions we asked, the entire "exam" amounted to checking the cats weights ONLY, spending less than 3 minutes time per kitty, the doctor who did the vaccines gave my husband & I the impression she didn't even like animals (or people) I was very annoyed by the treatment we received there for the money we spent $180.00 . I have never written a review for anything ever before, but this experience just chapped my butt ! I love my critters, they deserve better than the treatment they received at this Vets office. read more