VCA Blum Animal Hospital

They examined my cat many times, in August, and many times in March but they all failed to notice a growing mass in her stomach. We spent about $1400. at Blum but it was all too late, Of course we had kept a very tight schedule of check ups over the years but they all missed all the signs. Our cat died on march 30th. CC more

I travel to Blum Animal Hospital from the Northern Suburbs because there is not another place like it. The service is excellent! I wish my kids' pediatrician had the same customer service attitude and bedside manner. They have great hours and always will see me the same day when my pet is sick. They also are always willing to discuss treatment options and fees whenever necessary. more

If you have money to burn this is the place for you! They totally play on your love for your animal and do EVERY TEST IMAGINABLE. I went to another vet following my $2000 procedure here and the other doctor shook his head! Run for your animals life! more

I have been at Blum for 3 years now - and have nothing but great experiences to share. The staff loves my pets as much as I do and they treat them better than many human physicians do.I have been to other animal hospitals in the area and they don't even compare. I ended up at Blum Animal Hospital when I had an emergency with my 9 year old dog and my vet at the time turned me away because I did not have an appointment. They actually recommended that I go to Blum Animal Hospital because they knew Blum would make time for my pet's emergency. more

I had been going to Blum for about 10 years and at first loved the place. They diagnosed my puppy who was very sick. But over time the more senior vets left and a new breed has come in and their goal is to soak as much money out of you on each visit as they can. We took our cat in because she had started peeing outside the cat box. We had been told by friends with cats this often happens when the cat has a urinary tract infection or some other kidney or bladder infection. When I got there I was told when by the lady behind the counter that the ct was behind on her shots but that they would probably recommend holding off until they knew what was wrong with the cat. Seemed to make sense as I know with kids they do not like to give them shots when they are sick. So the doctor recommends xrays and blood tests. Not sure why the xrays were needed but he assured me they were. I love my cat so I agreed. he also said that she was behind on her shots ans they should do those now. I asked about what the nurse had said about giving shots to the cat without knowing what was wrong with her. He told me the cat needed the shots as if she bit someone she would have to be impounded and if she got near another cat she could get sick. I told him this was the most mellow cat and NEVER went outside or near other cats. He assured me this was the time to get the shots. I agreed and left $400 lighter still not knowing what was wrong as the xrays showed nothing (shockinig huh). I came home from work the next day to a dead cat. Thanks Blum. more

Blum animal hospital is increasingly more and more difficult to work with. Anytime you call or routine things like vacc records they treat you like dirt! I really don' think they care about the dogs they see. Perhaps the doctors are ok, but the staff is so unprofessional and so rude! There are so many better options in Chicago! more

A vet who is no longer at Blum was treating my Boston's eye ulcer. She prescribed eye ointment which was past the expiration date. They apologized and just said it would be not as potent. I said "then why do you store it and why was I charged for it?" Would WE put eye drops in our eyes that were past the expiration date? more

I began taking my dog to Blum Animal hospital when I moved in to the neighborhood. I always had the impression that the vets there were very professional and knowledgeable, but I frequently felt rushed and overcharged. I stayed with them because they gave the impression that it was the highest quality medical care you could find, but over the years I became more and more suspicious that they were pushing expensive tests and treatments that just were not necessary. I began to feel very manipulated. To be fair, my assessment is of Dr. Chris Schule in particular. As a small example, during my last visit, I told Dr. Schule that I had not brought in a fecal sample and that I was not interested in making a second trip to bring one in. At the end of the appointment he handed me a baggy with my dog's name and information printed on it and told me it was "for later, just in case you do decide to bring in a sample", but then when I looked at the bill I found that I had been charged for a PRE-PAID fecal test. Ridiculous. I have finally moved on to a new vet and I am so much happier with the service and I no longer feel manipulated. more

I've been taking my healthy dog there since adopting him a year and a half ago, and have already spent about $800 on routine checkups, "add-on" services, standard medications and vacation health certificates. Blum is definitely a great animal hospital but the vets and staff do push you to buy extra things to jack up the tab. My groomer charges $6 for an anal gland express and Blum charges more than $22. Toothpaste was $18. A 10-minute physical for traveling certification was $60. Their clientele is admittedly upscale and I've just put up with Blum's snobby attitude because of their expertise. I wish Blum treated normal people the same as they treat the obviously rich, but then again the world at large doesn't operate that way! more

They are very experienced and well informed. Definitely a little pricey but service and hours are really good. Parking on the street is difficult but the lot behind their building is free and usually has an open spot. more

I started taking my dog here about two years ago by recommendation from my old vet. My dog doesn't seem to have any complaints and neither do I. The vets here are really good. They are experienced with many different kinds of animals and do a very thorough job. The staff here is great too. It is easy to get appointments here and there are no long waits. They also take emergency cases so this would be a good choice in any such circumstances. more

I use to take my old dobie to them as i lived in that area at the time. the staff is wonderful with animals and talks to them and treats them like "little people". and they always have treats on hand to give your pet to help calm there nerves.i've taken my dog there for years and always got #1 service. there facilty is very clean and they get to you promptly and take care of your animal in a great way. the only downfall is that it can be hard to find parking on the street,but they do have a paid parking lot located right next door to them. there prices are a little higher than other vets,but you definently get great service for your money. more