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July 2023 by Debra P.
We had to let our sweet little cat go last night and Dr. Natalie Smialek was just so kind and made the process as gentle as possible. The entire staff at Cairo was very kind and caring during the process.
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March 2022 by Megan H.
This animal hospital is truly outstanding. My baby was sick and no one (not even our regular vet) would see him! They squeezed him in but ultimately sent him to the ER for his condition. Upon getting to the emergency room we quickly realized we could not afford their pricing so we brought him home. I called Cairo the next day and explained the situation and they kept him all day hydrating him and keeping him comfortable- they sent me home with all the tools I need to hydrate him until Monday and showed me how to do it! They also stayed in constant contact with me updating me all day on how he was doing, they don't miss a beat! Told me to bring him back first thing Monday and they'd run more tests. It was also extremely affordable and the care and understanding I experienced today cannot be beat. I will definitely be changing our primary vet for our other two animals. Thank you SO MUCH VCA Cairo for giving hope to a scared cat mom!!!! I cannot recommend them enough!
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February 2022 by Samara S.
VCA Cairo is an exemplary business. I recently took over as the "primary caregiver" for my cat, Frankerdoodle, and the process for transitioning all the information and finding his records was a breeze with the staff here. I waited in the car with my cat after calling in, and the time it took for a nurse to come get me and Frankie was very short, which I appreciated very much. There's a very clean lobby and very friendly front desk attendants/receptionists. I didn't catch their names but they were very pleasant. They had some dogs up from behind a gate which I was allowed to pet while I waited for my cat to finish his exam. While I waited in the lobby, I saw that many of the staff engaged in conversation with a regular guest, which I took to be a gesture of camaraderie with the community they served, and a good sign. The veterinarian, Dr. Smialek, was kind, efficient and made the appointment go by smoothly. I was informed of all information I needed and she answered all the questions I had. Frankie seemed very content and I was pleased to hear that the staff played with him while I waited, so I knew he was being treated with the utmost love and attention. They offer a monthly plan that covers the expenses for about 50~ dollars a month which I thought to be more than fair. It would've taken a big chunk out of my bill, but I wasn't able to. It's a very good service, however, and I would recommend it as it seems more than generous. When I went to pay, the bill was very fairly priced, especially for the quality of care. I had to reschedule some things for Frankie and the receptionist was very good at taking care of everything. She also answered any questions I had very quickly, even going to ask for clarification on a question I had regarding microchipping. I felt that me and Frankie had a very good experience, and this will absolutely be the go-to clinic for us. Overall Positives: Reasonably priced, extremely attentive and kind staff, clean, safe. Overall Negatives: Certain requests (such as a blood lab) were more expensive but still on the fair side. Not a big issue whatsoever, but can be for some. Thank you VCA Cairo!
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December 2021 by T J.
I have had the best experience with VCA Cairo. I will be moving out of the general area soon, but will happily make the 40 minute drive for my pets to continue coming here. I have 2 dogs and a cat, none of which are ideal patients due to their backgrounds. I have tried numerous vets and none have been a great fit before I came here. My one dog in particular, is especially reactive and has a lot of fear based behavioral problems. Vets in the past have muzzled her, held her down while she yelped and struggled away, generally waiting for her to do something bad, but at VCA Cairo everyone welcomes Rory with a smile. She never has to be muzzled and we have never had an incident as a result because they have taken the time to get to know her and she LOVES the whole team. They are gentle, kind, and loving toward her, so she happily lets them care for her. She is scared getting out of the car, until she sees a friendly face and then goes in willingly, even without me now that owners stay in cars with COVID. That dog will never leave my side without a struggle. VCA is the exception, she goes in without an issue. Her first visit here, one of the techs sat on the floor for 30 minutes making her feel comfortable before doing anything with her, just so she felt safe before treatment. VCA is a place that can help with any issues it seems, they have dealt with managing anxiety medication, severe allergies no other vet could figure it out, twisted ankles, messed up knees, dental work, and removing fatty lumps. Over the years, we have seen basically every vet there, however, Dr. Bramson has really been over the top wonderful. We caught a feral cat and decided to keep it, showed up first thing in the morning without an appointment and only a call on the way to warn them that I needed help. She took my little feral cat and cared for him just like any pet, an experience you can't just get anywhere. Any time I call, they are responsive and Dr. Bramson always calls back quicker than expected. I could not speak more highly of a vet's office. We feel so lucky to have found such a wonderful place, where all of our pets feel safe and loved, even the more difficult ones. Molly, Rory, and Stormy all appreciate and love their team so much.
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May 2021 by Isabel Woods
Having worked at and been a client to several veterinary clinics, I believe I have the knowledge and ability to discern a good vet hospital from a poor one. This facility was flawless and provided excellent care. Take your pet here and you will have no regrets. Thank you for your services!
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April 2021 by Kenneth G.
The worst Assistant came out with a bottle of liquid medication that was unmarked There were very tiny markings and then larger markings with numbers corresponding to what this nurse said to give. We gave the dose that was 10 times larger for 2 days until we realized something was wrong Pets now deceased!! Speak to any Vet and they ALWAYS mark a dropper Careless and did not even care STAY AWAY!!
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February 2021 by Jeremy Evans
Making me feel that you always have time for Colt and me is certainly a strong suit in your practice. Thank you for that and you kindness! Safe and healthy holidays!
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February 2021 by Kye R.
We switched to VCA for our 5 year old bernadoodle. Love this staff and Dr. Levy. Very responsive and proactively informative.
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October 2020 by Sheila Esquivel
They treat my dog very well and are very good at explaining what is going on. They are friendly and make you fill at ease. I couldn't have found a better place to take my dog to.
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August 2019 by Bonnie K.
I recently moved to Highland Park and was feeling a bit apprehensive about finding a new vet. My dog can get very anxious at the doctor and doesn't always let them examine her. She's seen 2 different vets at this practice who had no problems getting her to cooperate for the exams and the vet techs were also great with her. The vets we saw were extremely thorough about giving information about my dog's medication and dietary recommendations. They took the time to answer all my questions and were much more detailed in their responses than other vets we've been to. Their pricing is comparable to other animal hospitals in the Chicagoland area (My dog and I have been to quite a few different vets due to allergy/skin issues that took a while to diagnose). I thought their pricing was fair and on par with what we've paid at other vets. I also like that VCA hospitals have the option to purchase a wellness plan that covers the cost of exams and other preventive services. Particularly, if you have a pet like mine that is a frequent flyer, this can make the cost of veterinary care more affordable. We've been to several VCA locations and have never been pressured to buy this plan. VCA Cairo didn't even mention the plan on our first visit until I specifically asked about it. I don't understand the reviews claiming that they mark up prices or try to up sell you on services. This wasn't my experience at all. In fact, I thought they took extra care to present all the options available for treating my dog's condition including some suggestions that cost absolutely nothing.
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October 2018 by Kelly N.
We have been taking our dogs here for years. They live at our community where I work. Recently we had to put one of our dogs down. The respect and professionalism all of the staff had, made this decision less painful. To see the heartfelt sorrow they had for us and for the loss of our dog was not only greatly appreciated but felt. Vet techs and staff who have been working with us for awhile in one way or another came in to express their condolences and give hugs. There was not a dry eye in the place. The peace that was felt was amazing. These people have a heart of gold and helped us when the decision was difficult. If I could give more than 5 stars I would. Everyone at Cairo is truly an amazing person! Thank you for all your do and the lives you touch both animal and human!
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June 2018 by Zach M.
I've been taking my cat Sphinx here for about a year and a half. The entire staff, the vet techs and the different vets that work here are all amazing, so friendly and great with my cat. He can be a bit wild and skittish and every time he comes in, they make him feel at ease. They are super transparent about cost, really helping you understand before treatment begins what to expect- and cut my cat's nails for free. Plus, there's no shortage of education, all your questions and tips/tricks about preventative care are answered. We walked out all smiles, a bag of teeth cleaning treats in tow, with a healthy cat updated on his shots. Can't wait to come back!
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May 2018 by Mike A.
I have an extremely fit and healthy cat. Needed a yearly rabies shot. First of all very rude about having to send all previous files. Not necessary for a rabies shot. Then, they charged me over 100 dollars because they did an 'assessment' which includes taking his temperature and listening to his heart and lungs for 3 seconds. Ridiculous. NEVER AGAIN. Go to Banfield. They are great
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April 2018 by Cindy H.
This was our first trip to VCA Cairo as we just got our little puppy from Foster2Home in Arlington Heights a few weeks ago. There are quite a few vets a lot closer to our home in Rolling Meadows but it's well worth the drive to go to Dr. Colleen Mullen. I think she's a dog whisperer, our puppy Pearl wasn't scared in the least from when we walked in until we left. She got a couple shots and her nails trimmed and was checked out and given a clean bill of health. The hospital is very clean and comfortable with a big waiting room and very friendly staff. We want the best for our little Pearl so we won't be going anywhere else with her! Thanks Colleen!
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February 2018 by Tim M.
I have a serious love-hate relationship with this vet practice. All the vets have been great for the most part with the exception of a horrific putting to sleep of my last dog (would have been more humane if I took her in the woods and shot her). However, the staff and their policies seem designed to maximize inconvenience and frustration and increase cost. There seems to be a culture of "let's make everything seem like the biggest possible deal" so we can maximize the time it takes and the money they can charge. I would actually have no problem with the money but the arrogance and condescension of the staff is intolerable. I'm off to a new vet.
