Hillsdale Animal Hospital - Violet Kirk, DVM

Sep 2023

We have not only a small dog but large animals, so have plenty of experience with all types of vets. We were with our prior canine vet for over 15 years, who we loved! But we moved a year ago. Our routine visits at HAH have been ok over the last year. One red flag was that the vet seemed very invested in pushing a $75/monthly anxiety medication on us for our sensitive (and honestly, not well-trained) Aussie when generic options could work. They were incredibly thorough in the follow-up for that matter, calling to see what we decided, etc. The vet appears competent and capable. However, today I contacted them for a semi-emergent situation and was treated like a vagrant off the street, rather than an established client. My dog had been vomiting for some time, and I contacted the office around 12:55pm on a Friday to ask if they recommended that he be seen. Yes, they said. Naturally I assumed they could work him in, since it was their recommendation that he be seen, and it wasn't closing time. The front desk staff acted like it was a huge imposition for me to bring him in, since "all cases have to be in by 1pm on Friday, and you will be charged an emergency fee." Ok... So, they "worked him in" via a dropoff. The vet did call back shortly with a very thorough report and plan, but not without first snarking about his "personality" and that she'd have to wait for her staff to return from lunch and deal with "all of the other things going on" before proceeding with the treatment plan. Not a great feeling to impart upon someone. I shared feedback with the vet about the experience, which was only moderately-well received. Excuses about vet shortages, etc. I get this, but everyone is having staffing shortages. I'm doing two people's jobs as we speak. I am accustomed to having a close relationship with our animals' vets, as I view them as an extension of our family, and this is not what I have experienced here. I am pleased to report that our pup is ok, and that the care received was good, but these are not our people. The front desk staff is rude and uncaring, and we can do without the attitude of "inconveniencing" this vet with a midafternoon visit on a Friday - especially when they recommend that he be seen. The staff here needs a communication and customer care 101 overhaul.

Aug 2021

Super supportive staff! I needed a number of things for my dog (vaccinations, Rx) on short notice and the staff at Hillsdale Animal Hospital were wonderful. Great communication and flexibility with scheduling. Am very grateful for them!

Oct 2020

Moving to NC for a travel nursing assignment, I was already cautious with my two young cats after 2 very bad experiences locally. After my one cat was diagnosed with a serious heart condition and already suffering from a severe allergic condition- I was very careful in finding good care for him. I'll never forget my first call w Olivia- she was warm and so understanding. Brady was soon thereafter seen by Dr Kirk and I couldn't have been more pleased. For the next 9 months- Br