Never would I have thought I would be writing a bad review regarding Charlottesville Veterinary Hospital, but due to a recent situation I feel it is important that other pet owners are made aware of the incident regarding a needless extensive surgery for our dog. Our "Frenchie" Pablo had a growth on his right side, the rotating Doctor Dr. Christopher Middleton, DVM, diagnosed Pablo with cancer (mast cell tumor) on 10/5/23 at an office visit doing just a "smear" sample of cells from the surface that he scraped off and then looking under microscope. He also stated that we needed to get it removed right away as well as getting an abdominal ultrasound (which we would have had we been able to get an appointment. We were also told to take Pablo to an oncologist, which again, we were unable to get an appointment within the month. With all that in mind and also the insistence that Pablo have the growth removed ASAP to prevent the possible spreading of cancer, we had the surgeon perform the operation. A week later, the pathology results came back stating that Pablo never had any form of cancer. We were also then informed by the full-time Vet/owner that the growth would have just dried up and fallen off had we done nothing. After hearing this, I called the administrator (Jennifer) and expressed my displeasure that my dog just had a completely unnecessary x-ray and extensive procedure. She tried to defend Dr. Middleton instead of apologizing and offering me a partial refund. Jennifer stated that Pablo had a "benign cancerous tumor." I explained to her that is not correct because benign means "non-cancerous", so clearly, she did not understand that it couldn't be benign and cancer at the same time. Over a week passed, and I was still waiting for my refund. We finally received a letter that we needed to find another vet due to our "displeasure of the care provided," and they would give me a good faith partial refund of $350. We asked for the records and found out that Jennifer fabricated notes in the records that stated that I "demanded potential outcomes." We will miss Doctors Carlson and Luziach, but it is not the "displeasure of the care provided"; it is the honesty and the inability of management to admit to a mistake that involved an expensive misdiagnosis. read more

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Big thank you to vet assistant Bridget and Dr. Luzaich! Took our Lancer in to get his shots and wellness examination. Both of them were extremely friendly, transparent, and knowledgeable for all of my questions and concerns. Our dog is very wary around strangers, but the staff here are able to handle him well and be very kind with him. Of note-they offer a curbside pick up for appointments, which we use. Make sure to park in the numbered spots and let them know where you are. read more

Charlottesville Veterinary Hospital - Numbered spots for curbside service - Veterinarians Near Me - Charlottesville, Virginia

Pretty good place. They let you come in the building with your pet. A lot of places still don't allow that.

We're relatively new clients of C'ville Veterinary Hospital, but I'm seriously impressed with every aspect of their services. They've distinguished themselves from our previous vets by the time they spend to explain the results of their assessment and their recommendations for care. They're methodical, unhurried, and compassionate. Everyone, from the vets to the techs, spends as much time as needed to discuss our dogs' care. They recognized that one of the dogs was terrified of the vet, and adapted which procedures he'd receive on a given visit so he wouldn't be overwhelmed. They even took him in for "happy visits" in which he went inside and got fed lots of treats to overcome his fears. They also have demonstrated commitment to protect their staff throughout the pandemic, something I pay attention to when it comes to which businesses I'll support going forward. We've worked with several vets because we foster rescued dogs, and this vet hospital is the best we've encountered. I'm so happy we found them! read more

I forgot to check in when I was there. We recently changed vets, not just because of location, but because every time we had a check up we saw a new hire vet who didn't know the personality of our dog, or of us. We didn't like this so we moved. We LOVE Charlottesville vet. First, their staff is HIGH QUALITY and very caring. They have a candle at the front desk with a note that if the candle is lit, a pet is crossing over, so please be respectful. This is important as it is one of the most difficult decisions a pet owner can make. The vets ALL of them, are terrific. They get the breeds that we have and are very knowledgeable about treating various issues. Dr. Bergstresser and Dr. Carlson are both amazing. Overall, I am very pleased with everything about this clinic and my dog is not as stressed here. They also get that she's a quirky personality, not just a dog. read more

I just moved to Charlottesville and was looking for a place for my kitties to get their shots updated. I found this place on yelp and decided to give it a try since it's right by my apartment complex. Making an appointment was very simple. When I got there my one cat was freaking out inside her carrier. They offered me a pad with a calming spray to place over her carrier. It did wonders! The vet along with the rest of the staff were very friendly and welcoming! To make things better I received a thank you letter from them today just for choosing their business. Small details like that are what will keep me with them! read more

AVOID THIS VET... They are MONEY hungry... And the front desk staff is very RUDE... I simply asked to speak with a Vet or a Vet Technician about my dying dog to see whether or not I could get an Amoxcillin prescription refill ($20 max for the refill). I was NOT allowed to talk to one... I asked multiple times to please speak to one of the vets or techs at their convenience over the phone. And at every instance I was completely blocked by this front desk person on the phone. She instead spoke to me in a condescending mannerism... without any compassion. In essence the she said that I would need to pay again for an office visit ($80) (for my paralyzed, demented, and non-responsive elderly dog) - to get full evaluation for her eye infection. When they fully understood that she is on her death bed... all we wanted to do was keep her eye from hurting too badly... My husband and I NEVER got to even speak with a vet or tech! read more

Charlottesville Veterinary Hospital - We know she is dying... CVH staff was completely rude and condescending. We were not allow to speak to a vet or a vet or a vet tech! - Veterinarians Near Me - Charlottesville, Virginia

I love Dr Bets and Dr Middleton so much I had to add their business to Yelp for them. Dr Betts has been wonderfully kind with all our animals. Unfortunately, our 11 year old border collie is suffering from lymphoma. With her diagnosis, he gave us his cell phone to call him any time over the holidays if we had any questions. I don't know if he does this with everyone or if it's because we've known him for 15 years, but it was much appreciated and definitely used when she accidentally got a double dose of meds. When our Berner pinched a nerve in his back a few years ago Dr Middleton took one look at him and said "let's get this dog some morphine to make him more comfortable, then we can see what sort of treatment we need." OMG why doesn't MY doctor do that??? These doctors and their staff definitely have the animals best interest at heart, but also know what it's like to live in the real world. I never feel guilty for not having my dogs on a special food (oh yeah, Pedigree all the way) or deciding to forgo a treatment that I think is too expensive or unnecessary. They will let you know what is truly needed, and what is not. read more

Charlottesville Vet Hospital staff and Dr, Bergstresser are absolutely an amazing team. Marshal, golden ret., didn't bet the odds of cancer and the decision to let him go was quite sudden. Everyone was extremely compassionate, caring, and took the time to ensure I was making the right decision to send him to doggie heaven. It was a very difficult day to say goodbye to my very best friend of over 12 years. Marshall has left a big hole in my heart and everyone provided to me the comfort to the last minute when I had to let go. I can't say enough how wonderful the hospital staff and Dr. Bergstresser are... compassionate and all professionals. I can't say enough about how I appreciated everyone! read more

I took my cat here when he started showing symptoms of a UTI. Dr. Bellows and the entire staff were completely professional, and so welcoming. They were able to schedule me for an appointment on short notice, and I've never had to wait long before being seen. They were even willing to work me in to their schedule to accommodate for my night-shift work schedule. They gave excellent care to my cat and did everything they could to make his visit less traumatic (he's a high-stress cat and doesn't do well outside of the home). Not only that, but they gave me estimates for everything before they did any tests/procedures, and even gave me choices about which lab tests to run based on what I could afford. I love this practice and will definitely continue to go back. read more

Since my dad, sister-in-law, and brother are all veterinarians at our family practice, they're typically my go-to team for veterinary care. But since they're all in Michigan, I was searching for an AAHA-accredited practice I could take my pet down here in Virginia. I've brought my cat here twice so far, and I've had nothing but pleasant, friendly, and personable experiences. When I had to take my pet into an emergency animal hospital one night, I called Charlottesville Veterinary Hospital the next day for a follow up exam. Not only were they able to get me an appointment within an hour, they had already received all the paperwork from the emergency hospital and happened to be looking it over when I called! I saw Dr. Bergstresser, who was able to articulate everything going on in layman's terms and his recommended course of action. I left with a treatment plan and feeling of confidence that my pet was receiving the same veterinary care that he would've gotten back in Michigan with my family. The staff is very helpful and knew my pet by name when I went back to pick up some prescription food they were nice enough to set aside for me. The price is very reasonable for the level of care you get here. When looking for a veterinary hospital, I always look for AAHA (American Animal Hospital Association) accreditation and also happened to notice they're also AAFP (American Association of Feline Practitioners) accredited. So, again, I couldn't be more confident going to Charlottesville Veterinary Hospital. Absolutely top-notch. read more

Charlottesville Veterinary Hospital - Veterinarians Near Me - Charlottesville, Virginia

I'm sorry I even have to give one star. Need option for NO stars. This place is money hungry!! I had used this place for 7 years unfortunately. I should have listened to my gut. One of my dogs (I have 3) came down with an infection of the uterus and needed to get fixed. I took her there because they are very nice and I guess they would be to get your money. I got an estimate on the procedure and it was going to be $1800. I took her to another vet after listening to my gut this time and they charged me $350, and when I showed them the estimate from this place they wanted to copy it because they wanted to show the other people on the practice to joke about. That place was the best clinic I had ever been to. They cared about the dogs and owners and have the best care. I had to use Charlottesville veterinary hospital recently again. Not by choice it was emergency. My dog couldn't breathe easily and was in pain. They did tests, ex-rays, etc. I got sent to a heart specialist after being told she had an enlarged heart and possible a large cancer mass in her. After going to the specialist which i do need to take her back in a year just to make sure that her senior age that her heart is still healthy! YES I said healthy! And NO CANCER! The specialist prescribed Prilosec for gas and she was back to herself in 3 days. When I called and talked to them they said the doctor did not mean to come across that my dog was "not going to die or anything" well how would you take it being told enlarged heart, and cancer! Well they got the money out of me and I'm sure it was well worth it since they have lost my business! read more