Indian Prairie Animal Hospital

We have trusted our dog to Dr. Ristich for years. This year she had a terrible leg wound. Dr. Ristich and Dr. Schaft did an amazing job. They coordinated care with a vet in Michigan while we were on vacation, faxing all records promptly and consulting over the phone. On our return they continued care, working with us on the cost and showing us how to care for her healing wound. Although she is over 12 years old she is doing very well and almost completely healed. Every member of the staff is caring and takes the time to answer every question we have. I do not believe our dog would still be with us if it weren't for the wonderful care she has received. more

After thousands of dollars spent and countless different medicines I was charged a lot of money for they were never able to correctly diagnose my dog, I took her to another vet and they found out what was wrong on the 1st visit, the doctor was NEVER in whenever I called and the other Dr. there was very condesending, not at all what i was expecting. more

I didn't have a great experience. I visited Dr R on the recommendation of a friend. I had a brand new puppy and it was his first vet visit. I have had dogs all my life. I felt the Dr was arogant and condescending. The exam and vaccinations were very rushed and I had questions. The doctor stood at the door with his hand on the doorknob while I attempted to as my questions. He even rolled his eyes at one point, as if my question was so stupid he couldn't believe it. I was NOT impressed at all. About 30 minutes after I left, my dog had a reaction to one of the shots he was given. When I called the office, I was put on hold for a while. I was then told to ""bring the dog back and we'll take a look at him."" After a couple hours, closing hour approaching, and no phone call, I called to check on his status. They said, ""Oh, didn't anyone call you? He's fine. Come get him, though, cuz we're closing soon."" Really??\r I was disgusted and told them so when I got there, but no one acted like they cared or apologized. Save yourself a trip and go elsewhere. more

I have had nothing but good experiences at this animal hospital. The doctor and staff are very caring and compassionate. Dr. Ristich always takes the time to explain all of the options regarding treatment recommendations as well as letting you know ahead of time if certain options are expensive. I've never had an unpleasant surprise when paying my bill. I don't know if this office charges more than others in the area but since Dr. R is the only vet in the area who treats exotics I'm more than willing to pay a premium for his advanced knowledge. more

Being a physician myself my standards are set a bit higher when looking for other physicains for myself and my dog. Dr. Ristich is a very intelligent veterinarian who has a great bedside manner, superior veterianrian skills and explains everything beforehand as far as testing, etc. Staff is great!!! They are friendly, caring for your animal and always follow up w/ a call to check up on my dog. In today's society were patients(humans or animals) in healthcare are treated as just another number, Dr. Ristich and his office stand out. If you are looking for a great veterinarian look no further. Top notch Dr., staff and office. Thank you, Dr. Ristich for all you do!!!\r \r \r more

In our experience with Dr. Ristich, he was not willing to work with us in anyway to recieve our pets medical records (which is with in our rights by law) in order to recieve our pets medication by mail. When asked why he glossed over the issue condescendingly & replied that we wouldn't under stand the legal issues from a buisness owner's standpoint. When we pressed the issue he finally admitted that it would, ""Take too much of his time to phone in a perscription."" In my opinion he refuses to alow someone to recieve pet medications in the mail, because it inconveninces himself, in that HE is not able to over charge his patrons for the same medication. Other patrons of his office have said that he over charges those of us in Naperville/ Aurora areas for the same services than other vets. I didn't want to believe it. It has now been proven to me that Dr. Ristich is not willing to work with a patron if it cost him any time, or prevents him from charging more whenever he can. Pros: The office staff was helpful, yet seemed fearful of Dr. Ristich Cons: Vet himself is only motivated if he can make a profit. more

I worked at Indian Prairie Animal Hospital for a year and would never recommend this hospital or Dr. Ristich to anyone looking for a good veterinarian. The kennel attendants were not treated well and were often called ""the bastards"" by Dr. Ristich himself. He also demanded that the kennel attendents make sure that patients didn't jump on him or get near him. As an animal lover myself, I found this odd since I wanted to socialize with every animal that came through the door, but he didn't seem to want to go near them. Also, he seems to take advantage of the Naperville area by charging way too much for veterinary care while paying his employees minimum wage. After a year of working with him, it seemed that he was only in the business for the money and not for the health of the animals. Don't be fooled by his facade. He may seem caring and kind, but you can take your pet to a number of other clinics in the area that are half the price and double the genuine care. I only worked there for so long because my love for the animals outweighed my disgust of the way Dr. Ristich ran his business. I will never bring any of my pets to this clinic and will never recommend it to anyone who truly loves their pets. Pros: some members of the staff are nice Cons: This clinic offers minimal veterinary care at a very high cost more

Our first golden retriever was very afraid to be at the vet's office, even as a young puppy. He suffered a stroke at 6, but actually lived another happy, well rounded 4 years. During his later years of life, Dr. Ristich made Jake's visits very calm and loving so that he wasn't scared. \r \r We always knew that when it was time for Jake to cross the Rainbow Bridge, that we did not want him to be afraid. The day before his crossing, we knew it was time. We called Dr. Ristich, and he made a house call for all of us. It was as peaceful as we could have ever asked for. \r \r Dr. Ristich is not only a great vet, but he is a caring individual who loves animals and will always take their interests to heart. I estimate that I will have another 100 dogs in my life, and I will bring each and everyone one of them to Dr. Ristich (it may mean that he needs to retire to Arizona with us, but we are hoping that's OK!) Smile ...\r \r You cannot go wrong with Dr. Ristich!\r \r Pros: They know all of their dogs by name Cons: NONE! more

I met Dr Ristich about 11 years ago when I moved back to the Western Suburbs with my 1 year old cat. He came highly recommended by a co-worker. I had a bad experience with a different vet I had tried near my home, so I figured I would deal with a 40 min drive if it would mean good care for my cat.\r \r What can I say about Dr Ristich - except that you will probably never find a better vet anywhere. He is up on the latest findings and treatments, explains things to you in a way you can understand, tells you all of the options, and really makes you feel like you are doing everything you can to provide the best of care for your pet.\r \r The office staff mirrors the personality and professionalism of Dr Ristich. Every one of them know what they are doing and you will never be left wondering if your message will get thru to the doctor. They always follow up in a timely manner. They also have much of the latest diagnostic equiptment on site, so that means less stress on your pet.\r \r I have no doubt that the care my cat has received over the last 11 years has allowed her to live a lot longer than anyone thought she would. I am grateful to Dr Ristich and his staff for this.\r \r Early this year I moved 1000 miles away due to my job. I hated leaving the care of Dr Ristich. Thru a recent illness with my cat, Dr Ristich has still has inquired about how she is doing and has reassured me that her current vet is doing everything that he would do to get her well again. That has helped me feel so much more at ease.\r \r To sum it up - Dr Ristich is not only a top notch vet, but a top notch person. Your pet will love you if he or she ends up making Indian Prairie their place for all their Health Care needs. Pros: Great Doctor, Latest Equiptment, Great Staff, Good Hours Cons: None. more

He is very personable and loves what he is doing. He likes to explain things which makes things alot easier. He is comfortable around animals. My dog gets very excited to go to the vet which is great because he is usually scared to go to the groomer. But overall Dr. Sam is great and the he is worth every penny! Pros: awesome in his field of work more

Dr. Ristich-is very nice. HIGH ENERGY though. My pets are very particular about their vet and didn't care for Dr. Ristich. Too much chaos at this vets office. He seemed great though. A little on the expensive side.\r Staff was nice too. Pros: Nice and caring- Cons: A little expensive and not the vet for me or my dogs. more

Dr. Ristich saved our 6 year old cat,Dexter, from dying one night. After a recent emergency hospitalization at VCA clinic in Aurora, and days of intensive tx he was not getting any better. But due to his prompt care and knowledge one night he is doing much betterand he is back to his ornery self. Adam""s mom more

We have been taking our feathered and furry family members to Sam for over 125 years! He is very good with animals & explains things clearly. He also is very compassionate when you lose a pet even if it is due to old age. We have sent several friends and co-workers to him and they all have been impressed with him! more

I have been bringing all of my pets to Dr. Ristich since I was a kid. He not only saved my dog's life after being misdiagnosed at another veternarian, but he is knowledgeable about all types of animals, not just cats and dogs. He always does the thorough testing needed and is well worth every penny. Anyone who really loves their pets should definitely go here! Not only is he a great veterinarian, but a really nice person as well! more