Emergency Veterinary Clinic of Waterloo

When my own vet couldn't see my cat in an emergency, I took him here. We found out that he had some issues and ultimately, I had to say goodbye. I dealt with both Dr. Gibson and Dr. Buchanan, and they were both very kind, compassionate and professional. It was Dr. Buchanan who was with me when I said goodbye, and she was so incredibly empathetic throughout the whole experience. I had a lot of questions and was very emotional, and she didn't show even an inkling of impatience or irritation. She was very frank with me, which I appreciated, and she told me stories about my cat while he was staying there that even made me laugh through the tears.The vet tech, whose name I didn't catch, was equally as kind and compassionate. I could feel the care and respect they had for my dear pet, and even after he was gone, I had no doubt his body would be treated with dignity. This vet tech was so kind and gentle with me, and I want to extend genuine thanks to both her and all of the staff I dealt with. (She had red hair and a tattoo of a cat on her right arm)The team here made one of the hardest weeks of my life as manageable and easy as they possibly could, and I'll always be grateful for that.

It saddens me to see the 1-2 star reviews on here. This clinic has always been great to me and my pets. Sure they’re more expensive than your regular vet but you’re paying for emergent care which is par for the course. They have always treated us with kindness and empathy and have been very thorough and committed to getting to the bottom of any issue as fast as they can. I will also mention the ladies at the front desk are absolutely lovely and work incredibly hard to keep everything moving smoothly and ensure everyone is looked after. So glad to have this clinic close by as a reliable resource in a pinch.

The emergency veterinary clinic of Waterloo help us and our cat through a very stressful time.We brought our cat on a holiday and the clinic was extremely busy. Despite this they were able to see our cat in around an hour and a half. Dr. Anderson was very professional and explained everything thoroughly. She also gave her recommendation on how we should proceed to help our cats medical issue. I was also given a quote on what everything would cost before any work proceeded.On a seperate note I have to say the front reception staff are amazing. They were extremely pleasant to deal with and very empathetic.

This was the best emergency veterinary hospital i have ever been too. My cat Samson had a urinary blockage and they took him immediately. It was Thanksgiving weekend they were extremely busy. I was so grateful for their services. The receptionists were amazing, the vet techs and the veterinarians were amazing and kind. My cat is alive and well because of them.

I euthanized my 14 year old cat because the vet said we was howling in pain because he had bladder stones and this would require $8000 major abdominal surgery. I had to ask about euthanasia, and was told “Yes, well I suppose that’s an option for those for whom finances is an issue.”And that still cost me $1500. Thanks for the compassion in a time of stress and tragedy. I needed the vet to tell me the options, without pressure. Maybe even with compassion. Not with me asking and being judged.Now I’m reading other reviews, and having the horrifying thought that maybe I should have gotten a catheter and a second opinion on Monday. Can’t think about that one too hard though or it’ll kill me. Best to believe I made the right choice.At least it was quick… I was there from about 9:30 to 1:30. And there was compassion once I’d made the decision to euthanize. I do wish they hadn’t tried to bleed me for money on paw print memorabilia.I mean. You have to go somewhere in an emergency on a Saturday night. I hope it’s not here.

I took my dog here yesterday morning for excessive vomiting with cause unknown. The Dr recommended that she be admitted to the hospital, receive IV fluids and anti nausea medication, blood tests and an ultrasound. It turns out she had an obstruction in her intestine and needed emergency surgery and to stay over night. The staff there updated me regularly about how she was doing, and told me I could call for updates as well.A lot of the reviews mention how money was brought up, as well as lack of compassion. I found all of the staff to be very straightforward, but did not feel that they lacked compassion or empathy. I appreciate that they were upfront about the cost of everything so I knew what to expect.I had a great experience here and they saved my girl's life. I absolutely would come here again if i needed to (but I hope I don't).

I feel it is unfair to rate this clinic so poorly as the care from most of the staff was adequate, if not better than adequate. The front desk staff were kind and compassionate, vet techs were efficient at the onset and all but one vet were pragmatic and straightforward in their communication in addition to being empathetic. However a business (and that what this is) is only as good as its weakest employee (or owner…unclear?). And if this clinic is to be reviewed based on the one vet I am referring to, then I’d have to suggest you find an alternative no matter cost or distance.I had two interactions with Dr. Schell, while my dog was in EVCs supportive care (meaning my dog went to them for one on one overnight care while his primary care was with our vet during their business hours). The first interaction was not great. She didn’t like being questioned when I was seeking clarification on a procedure. The second interaction was awful. She came at me immediately about my dog’s condition and what my next steps needed to be so I wasn’t “going in circles”. When I told her my preference was to handle any decisions that needed to be made with my primary vet her approach got much more aggressive. I advised her I didn’t care for her approach in such a sensitive time which is when she turned inappropriately and unprofessionally defensive and wouldn’t stop coming at me. After telling her more than 3 times that I just wanted to make these decisions with my primary vet, that her tone was awful and that I didn’t need this right now she stormed out of the room, whispered something to the receptionist, walked away and that was the last I saw of her. 2 min later, once the bill was paid, someone came out, handed me my very sick dog and said “good luck”. It turns out, that what she whispered is that we weren’t welcome back (this was also relayed to our primary vet) For someone who claims to only be looking out for my dog, she allowed a bruised ego to guide her response and refuse further care.I should also mention that while I was attempting to end the interaction with her, she came at me over the previous days bill and my husband asking questions about why it was higher than the “high end” quotes cost (which I should add was well into the multiple thousands at this point). She told me they originally removed the cost that drove it over, advised me it was because my primary vet failed to provide a piece of equipment (an IV line…over $100 for this???) and then told me she was adding it back to the current invoice. Which I paid without question just to escape the interaction and get back to MY priority which was my dog.While Dr Schell is *perhaps* effective in her clinical practice, she has absolutely no business being customer facing. Her “bedside” manner is deplorable, her communication style is ultra defensive and this woman’s clear priority is the dollars and cents over the welfare of the animal she is caring for. I have zero problem paying for the elevated cost of emergency care. What I do have a problem with is cost gouging, the aggressive approach by this one doctor at an immensely sensitive and emotional time and the refusal of care because what…I hurt her feelings because I told her I didn’t care for her approach and tone? She, and this practice would be better served if she dropped the arrogance and worked on simple communication skills. Or quite frankly, stopped interacting with people all together.My beloved boy passed away yesterday, shortly after leaving EVCs care.I do thank the remainder of the vets and techs for their care for my boy over the three nights this past week and back in December for the same thing. Your kindness and compassion did not go unnoticed.

Amazing experience here! We brought our pup in on a Sunday because the area around his stitches got infected. He’s nervous around strangers and sometimes reactive. Dr Jones and the vet tech (didn’t catch her name) were both so wonderful interacting with him!! They didn’t make eye contact, let him come to them and were extremely gentle and not invasive while inspecting him. After the exam, she walked us through our options. Was up front about the costs and gave great advice without making us feel pressured. I felt really taken care of. Wish I could make this crew our regular vet.The wait was long and it was pricey but that should be expected at an emergency vet.

I want to personally thank the front desk angel that took care of my boy Bud and I the afternoon of Friday Sept. 16th. I rushed my poor Bud into the clinic for what I didn't know at the time was GSV (flipped stomach). The compassion and care shown to my boy was amazing. The front desk angel took paw prints for me, and saved some of his fur; she honestly was amazing. The vet explained what happened in a professional but compassionate manner. I appreciate each of the staff I interacted with during this traumatic experience. From rushing him in to picking him up today the staff showed nothing but compassion and professionalism. Thank you.