Suburban Animal Hospital

3.4
51 reviews
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id: 28297232
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6879 Lee Hwy
Arlington, VA 22213

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(703) 539-5400
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Reviews
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( 15 )

Best

I want to make 4 points:\r First, I think the front office staff has gotten much better, probably taking these reviews to heart. In the past they often seemed more interested in...

Worst

I have been going for years and finally decided to change today after one more time of being treated like a valueless customer. I would like to write a positive review because I ...

Happy to have found Suburban! 6/6/2013

I recently moved to the Falls Church area and today was my second visit at Suburban Animal Hospital. Both times, I've been here for non-life threatening emergencies. And both times, the experience was very pleasant and affordable.\r \r I found this place by chance and got lucky. I was looking for a emergency 24-hour hospital for my dog, who had just injured himself in a very delicate place. Somehow, the signs confused me and I ended up at Suburban Animal Hospital. They were so helpful and saved me a ton of $$$$. If I had ended up at the 24 hour care hospital, my charges would have been around $850. I paid around $250, had my dog checked, treated and received medication for him. \r \r Today, I went back b/c of my initial positive experience. My dog's nail had broken off at the root but not completely, so it had to be removed. The Doctor was so sweet and answered all my questions, after Samson went to the other room for treatment. He was back within 10 minutes or so, He was bandaged and more
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Avoid Surburban Animal Hospital 5/22/2013

I've had pets all of my life and realize that vets and veterinary service is expensive. This place takes it to a whole new level. My cat required emergency surgery. I accepted the "estimate" over the phone from the vet and authorized surgery. Two days later I was faced with a bill that was $1200 over what had been estimated though the procedure and care had not changed from the original estimation. When I confronted the head vet, Dr. Schrader (Vietnam War Veteran), he accused me of trying to avoid paying my bill and refused to remove my cat's sutures. I, too, am a Veteran and I didn't take kindly to his threats, lies and accusations. I even played a recorded voicemail from his associate vet (female), where she verbally indicated the price ($1200 less than the final price shown on the invoice) and he still told me I was a liar and refused to adjust my bill. If I didn't have a security clearance, high morals, impeccable integrity I would have knocked this guy out. I promptly paid the ful more
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only satisfied 10/27/2012

I debated whether to write this review or not for a few weeks then finally, decided enough is enough. I have been going to Suburban my entire adult life, following my parents who have been faithful clients for a couple decades as well. I lost my beloved kitty last summer and havent been back until a few weeks ago with my new kitten. My problem is not the doctors or the technician who works with the doctors, but the front desk. The front desk staff is absolutely terrible. Not all of them, but since last year, they seem to of had a high turnover. There is a receptionist named Denice who was there and she was busy on the phone and another young lady checked me in. After I checked in and I was waiting for my exam room, the front desk turned into a circus show. There were two girls giggling, laughing and talking loudly the entire time. Even my boyfriend commented on how comical and loud they were. After my appointment, the woman Denice recognized me and we made small banter and we left. I more
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Highly Recommend 1/28/2012

I want to make 4 points:\r First, I think the front office staff has gotten much better, probably taking these reviews to heart. In the past they often seemed more interested in talking to each other than in focusing their attention on the client. But it's better now.\r Second, Dr. Schrader is fantastic. He can't be infallible, but he always takes the time to give good explanations, and offer his best counsel, with complete compassion, and obvious passion for his profession. We have always liked the associates he has hired too.\r Third, most of the negative ratings are critical of the front office. That's important, but in no way nearly so important as the vets and techs. It doesn't seem fair to give such low ratings based on that one least important criterion--sort of like condemning a restaurant with excellent food and service because the valet parker was rude.\r Fourth, when we visited our sick dog in the hospital recently we saw first hand what excellent care and comfortable surro more
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Front Office improved; Excellent, Caring Drs. 1/28/2012

I want to make 4 points:\r First, I think the front office staff has gotten much better, probably taking some reviews to heart. In the past they often seemed more interested in talking to each other than in focusing their attention on the client. But it's better now.\r Second, Dr. Schrader is fantastic. He can't be God, but he always takes the time to give good explanations, and offer his best counsel, with complete compassion, and obvious passion for his profession. We have always liked the associates he has hired too.\r Third, some of the low ratings are critical of the front office. That's important, but in no way nearly so important as the vets and techs. It doesn't seem fair to give such low ratings based on that one least important criterion--sort of like condemning a restaurant with excellent food and service because the valet parker was rude.\r Fourth, when we visited our sick dog in the hospital recently we saw first hand what excellent care and comfortable surroundings they were providing to him behind the scenes--regularly cleaning up an incontinent dog. more
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Go Elsewhere 6/30/2011

I have been going for years and finally decided to change today after one more time of being treated like a valueless customer. I would like to write a positive review because I like the veterinarians but having caring and professional Drs. is not enough to be a successful business. It doesn't matter if you have been a customer for years, you will be treated with disrespect. Because I like the Drs. I put up with it, but there are other good veterinarians out there and I plan to take my business elsewhere. I don't think I am being an unreasonable person because I expect to be treated like an individual human being. The other negative reviews are correct about the rigid office rules, the unreasonably high charges, the lack of respect from office staff, and the inflexibility with fees (worse than a medical Drs office). For a long time I thought if my pets got good care I could put up with that. Unfortunately often you need to interact with the office staff, not the Drs. themselves, more
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Sticking up for the front desk (and Suburban)! 6/14/2011

I am shocked by some of these reviews. Some people either have unreasonable expectations or are just nutty over their pets. I have been with Suburban for over three years for boarding and vetinary care, and the staff has always been courteous and attentive. It is simply inaccurate to describe the customer service as anything but professional. The staff have always been incrediblely courteous to both me and my pet for both boarding and care, both in person and over the phone. \r \r The only time I witnessed staff get short with a client was when a woman was outraged by the price she was being charged for a bath/nail service. The client initiated the rude tone upon receiving the bill after ordering the service. It has always been crystal clear to me what is the price of this service so I dont get why she was so surprised (not to mention, baths and clippings are free if you do them at home!!). Perhaps she is one of these unhappy reviewers! \r \r My experience with Suburban vets has a more
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Indifferent to Suffering 4/4/2011

Saw a different vet each time I went over the course of a week. Records were incomplete and missed a history of infection from two years ago for which an antibiotic was prescribed.\r \r Cat suffered days, and I had to basically go over and demand a refill of the scrip.\r \r AVOID--This place is all about volume and overcharging for incompetence. more
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Love Suburban 2/16/2011

I hate registering for anything but did so JUST so I could rave about Dr. Schrader and his team. I'll share with you a portion of the letter I wrote to Dr. S after my beloved dog passed away. It says it all.\r \r "I know I have told you that I am grateful for the peace I feel over Bruno?s passing away. But I said it in those intense moments where so much else is going on that I don?t know if you really absorbed what I was saying. Peace is precious and it is easily dismantled when you look at it in the rearview mirror. Could I have? Was it too? It is so easy to savage yourself for decision you make that cannot be reversed, losing any sort of feeling of peace. But, not for me and I place that squarely in your hands. Bruno had a wonderful life, longer than I thought possible, and it was a quality life until the very end. I say that with a peace that won?t be dismantled. \r \r There is deftness to how you share information, in pieces that are the right size and the right time. more
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Not for me.... 1/17/2011

This place is horrible and toxic... I've also heard rumors regarding unlicensed assistants performing procedures that are unlawful in the state of Virginia.... I wish you luck! Make sure the staff can provide the certain credentials! Also Dr. Schrader is not a boarded surgeon! Wow... Amazing how many surgeries fail!!! Think first, what's pretty on the out side is ugly on the inside!!!! I have to say something positive for the basics they are okay bur really pricey!!! more
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Best Vet We've Ever Used 12/22/2010

Fabulous, very caring Vets. Our older dog, Lucy, is alive only because Dr. Casper found an extremely small yet suspicious "bump" during a routine checkup. She recommended we have it checked by a specialist at South Paws, which we did and it was a VERY aggressive form of cancer. The Vets at SP were amazed that Dr. C felt the bump as they had great difficulty locating it. 2.5 years later, and after surgery and chemotherapy, Lucy is doing well.\r Lucy has had a LOT of medical issues, all diagnosed and treated by Dr. Casper; hyperthyroidism, diabetes, cataracts (surgery at The Hope Center). Dr. Benham has been there for Lucy when Dr. C was away and has taken great care of both of our "girls." Bottom Line - just great. Very busy after work and on Saturdays, but a wonderful staff and a place in which you can safely place your trust. more
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Rude money grubbers giving incorrect diagnoses! 12/13/2010

I truly wish I good give the Suburban Animal Hospital zero stars.\r \r My father brought our dog in to check on a growth she had on her abdomen. After a brief examination, Dr. Kramer informed my father that our dog had breast cancer which had likely spread to various internal organs. We were told our dog had anywhere from one week to a year left of her life and in order to 'cure' her of the cancer, she would have to undergo various surgeries and treatments which would cost at least $21,000 not including any post-surgery medication.\r \r Naturally, my father left incredibly upset and had to pay a hefty sum for a few moments with the vet. Not only was the doctor and the front desk cold-hearted and rude to him in delivering such terrible news, but turns out they were 100% COMPLETELY WRONG IN THEIR DIAGNOSIS!\r \r After visiting a second vet purely to get pain medication for what we thought was our dying dog, my father was told that she was merely having a false pregnancy. A minor surgery, which more
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wow 11/28/2010

this place is great. yes, they are BUSY, but great. All the doctors are awesome. What surprises me the most is the front desk staff comments. They are incredibly nice. I haven't been going there for long, so they don't know me that well, but the last time I was there, as I awaited my appointment, i watched the front desk staff greet several client walking in by their names or their dogs names! I did observe the front desk girls talking about their personal lives, but nothing too inappropriate like the other reviews suggest.It is also very clean, doesn't smell like wet dogs, which is a big plus. I have seen 3 doctors there, I think there are 6? They were all very nice as well, a bit quick but I was there for a healthy checkup, then an eye infection and another appt to recheck that eye. I was not there to banter about politics and the weather. Overall, you get what you pay for disregard the other negative reviews more
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Absolutely the Best Vet and Practice 11/16/2010

Dr. Schrader is a wonderful vet. We have both a dog and a cat and have taken them to him for nine years. I would not go anywhere else -- we had two separate emergencies and both times they were ready the second we rushed the pet there. (And everything turned out well, in no small part due to their caring and concern.) The staff is always friendly and helpful--yes, they are busy sometimes but it is a busy practice. I feel lucky that they are open 7 days a week and have seen Dr. S on a Sunday. The prices are very fair and, best of all, Dr. S genuinely cares about us and our pets, He takes time to explain things and help us make informed choices. Pls disregard those reviewers who perhaps are not being objective. I could go on, but suffice it to say that we and are neighbors and friends are highly satisfied w/ Sub Animal Hospital!! more
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Don & Sallie 11/15/2010

Look no further. That is what I told someone "checking out" vets. No place is perfect but I will say I agree with what others say Dr. S cares, he takes time to talk to you. He did 2 TPLO surgeries on my dog and charged a fair flat fee. She is doing great. We take our cat there as well. They are busy but if you are nice to the staff, they are nice to you. Too many people treat staff like they are servants. They are people too and deserve respect. When I go even just for meds, I take my dog. The staff remembers us and we all have a laugh at how crazy my dog is.\r As far as prices, my dog had a limp and he did dozens of X-rays. He only charged the minimum. The prices are fair and they include what you can't buy and that is someone with a heart. more
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Jamie F. 10/1/2010

I wish I had read the reviews of Suburban Animal Hospital before making a kenneling appointment there. Without question they have the WORST customer service I have experienced in my many years as a pet owner. As a new resident to the Arlington area, and a military officer who has lived throughout the US, I was astounded with the curt and unprofessional behavior my husband and I were subjected to both in person and over the phone by the front office staff. We made a kennel reservation with them on the advice of dear friends who, to Suburban's credit, recommended the hospital to us b/c the vet had saved their dog's life. I'm confident the staff veterinarian is extremely good and probably very professional, the problem is that clients have to deal with the front office staff and they are in a word, atrocious. I have never taken the time to write an online review and felt duty bound to sign up for this service so that I could warn other newcomers to the area. Pet owner be wary - the re more
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Has your pet had MRSA yet? 9/22/2010

My neighbor had a TPLO done on his shepard, the dog ended up contracting MRSA!!! First let me state, I have researched and Dr. Schrader is not a boarded surgeon and in my opinion has no business doing these types of procedures. I ran into a technician who previously worked there and he said he remembered the patient, and also recalls the overall surgical techniques and the catheter placement techniques weren't very sterile. Wow, that's incredible! I'm a scrub nurse, after hearing that, I would never take my pets there! more
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Absolutely Superb Veterinary Care 9/18/2010

For 12 years, my wife and I have been taking our two dogs to Suburban Animal Hospital, and we can't imagine a better, more caring, professional group of veterinarians and technicians. Dr. Schrader in particular has been superb, caring for both dogs through thick and thin, performing complicated surgery on one dog with great success, providing us with wise advice in a compassionate and comforting manner, etc. Other doctors we've seen when Dr. Schrader wasn't available, such as Dr. Benham and Dr. Kalinsky, also have been excellent. The only negatives from our perspective - and these are basically minor - are the traffic around the building, the tight parking, and the lack of emergency 24-hour care, but other than that, it's hard to imagine a better place for your "best friends." We strongly, strongly recommend Suburban Animal Hospital if you're looking for absolutely superb veterinary care. more
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The Best 8/6/2010

We have been using Suburban for years and I have nothing but great things to say about them. Dr. Schrader is our main contact, but every other vet we have seen has been thorough and very good. Dr. Schrader takes the time to completely investigate and explain your pets situations. I have had several unusual illnesses with my dogs over the years, and Dr. Schrader has been exception every time. Even when the outcome was not what we had hoped, Dr. Schrader and his staff have been nothing but professional and compassionate. I have 2 dogs and a cat and I would never consider going any where else. more
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Excellent experience 7/27/2010

We had taken our 16-year-old Abyssinian cat to a different vet (Cherrydale) a few days before. The cat had a badly swollen front paw and was not able to walk on it. After the vet did a barely cursory exam, we had been told that the cat likely had either a tumor or heart issues and was probably at the end of her life. The options offered were to keep her at the vet's overnight to be hydrated or to take her home with some anti-inflammatory medication (which we later found out was actually a pain medication and can be lethal to cats). We decided to take the cat to Suburban for a second opinion. \r \r There, after an exceedingly thorough exam by Dr. Schrader, we found out that our cat was actually doing quite well for a cat her age and had likely injured herself jumping down from someplace. He was impressively knowledgeable about her breed and spent half an hour with us, explaining what some of the breed's weaknesses are and how to deal with them. Both he and the vet tech who worked with him more
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Owner Message

  • Suburban Animal Hospital welcomes you. At our animal-centered veterinary facility, your pets health and well being is our number one concern. Our love for animals is our top priority, and excellent client care is also very important to us. We invite you to stop by and see us. We are so glad to welcome you to Suburban Animal Hospital in Arlington.

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  • Neighborhoods: East Falls Church
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