Elgin Westside Animal Hospital

Worst vet in Elgin by far - or anywhere I've lived. Old man, old techniques, no computers, rotary phone, no filing system. No collections. No compassion for pets. Make sure if you go there you have a lot of $$ for the huge bill at the end of a series of treatments not explained. Also be prepared - if you don't have the $$ to pay on the spot they will literally steal your dog and tell you you can't have him/her back until bill is paid. I would NEVER board my dog here for ANY reason. They're the smallest cages I've ever seen. The dogs are never let out for physical activity. Is be surprised if they even had an interpersonal interaction with my pet if it was to stay. Beyond that if your bill remains unpaid, they send someone (vets wife) to your door to collect $$. Apparently they do this all the time. Apparently they do not know it's completely illegal. When I asked for a bill to be mailed to me they said they don't mail bills. What kind of business won't mail an invoice but will show up at your door like a mobster?? I had to call the cops once before on this vet for ""stealing"" my dog and the cops made him (the vet) give me back my dog. Because stealing pets for unpaid vet balances, just like sending your wife to my private home to collect a debt owed to an established business - is illegal. They think bullying and stalking and threatening is the way to run their business. They're going to learn with me that it is not. I'm more determined now than ever to NOT pay the balance. I'm not one of the many they've done this too. Their own employees said they do this ALL THE TIME to people. It's unprofessional and unacceptable. I might pay them a couple bucks a month if they mail me a statement every month. Otherwise I can't wait till this old guy is either retired or dead so that people won't continue being harassed by him. more

My dog's vaccination record was over due for a week before we realized we have a trip came up. They were able to take care of his vaccinations and board him for a couple of days. On the day we checked in I was advised that his teeth needs to be taken care of. Vet took the time to explain what needs to be done including costs. The shop is a little old, but service is great. They seemed pretty accommodating to working clients needs when it comes to pet care. It is always better to work with owner operators than the larger institutional setup if one needs more flexibility with services. more

This is a local veterinary practice. My parents and I have had all of our animals treated here for nearly the last 20 years. The staff is very knowledgable, and they know how to handle animals, even those with behavioral issues. The vet techs are wonderful, and entertain the animals that are being boarded or prior to and after surgeries take place. The staff is knowledgeable, they care about your pets, and they won't talk you into really costly upgrades to your bill. They are also reasonably priced, and don't mind answering a multitude of questions on your pet's care and well being. more

I have brought my dogs and cat to this office for years. The are very professional and provide excelent health care to my pets, without trying to upsell me on the latest food or accesories (though they do carry the diet and prescription foods if you need them). If there is a problem, they explain the situation in simple terms and leave decisions up to you without pressuring for tests and treatments. more

Kennel is like a dungeon , and there is NO exercise at all for the animal, I'd rather keep my pet in the county jail than this place. more

This is a good place to use if you decide to go on a last minute trip. The staff is friendly, and very knowledgeable. They are wonderful with the animals, but I am just not too fond of leaving my dog in a place where sick animals go in and out of. They may not be in contact with my dog, but I just don't like taking the risk. more