Cherry Hill Dog & Cat Hospital

For local residents in Elkton, Maryland, searching under the category "Pet Hospital," Cherry Hill Dog & Cat Hospital, situated at 106 Elk Mills Rd, elicits a highly polarized response from online reviewers. One long-standing client speaks of decades of positive experiences and unwavering trust, while a more recent account details significant concerns regarding the competence of the veterinary staff, questionable billing practices, and an unprofessional environment. This stark contrast in feedback necessitates a thorough and objective presentation of both perspectives to equip local pet owners with the information needed to make an informed decision about their pet's healthcare.

One reviewer, identifying as a client of "decades," offers a glowing testimonial: "We have been dealing with Cherry Hill Vet for decades, and they are the best in the area. Dr Foreman and his staff are very attentive to not only my dog and cat but to me and my questions with two senior pets. Will never go anywhere else!" This review expresses a strong sense of loyalty and satisfaction built over a significant period. The mention of Dr. Foreman and his staff being "very attentive" to both the pets and the owner's concerns, particularly with senior pets, suggests a caring and communicative practice. The unequivocal statement, "Will never go anywhere else!" serves as a powerful endorsement from a long-term client.

Conversely, a more recent and considerably more detailed review recounts a series of deeply troubling experiences: "Sometimes zero stars should be an option. When I took in a stray cat, they did a thorough physical exam and told me it was a girl. For every exam we went to for two years, they treated it as a female. Imagine our surprise when the cat was cleaning itself one day, lifted a leg up, and male anatomy was right there front and center for all to see. Even without veterinary training I knew exactly what I was looking at - a boy cat. How on earth could they not correctly identify whether the cat was male or female? They had him on his back in the exam room checking for signs of spay or neutering. The vet told me that a line on HIS belly confirmed that it was a 'spayed female'. The vet mentioned that the line was facing the wrong direction so it looked like the incision was made the wrong way, but nonetheless it was confirmed as a spay scar. It was absolute incompetence. How could they be so wrong multiple times about the most basic part of anatomy?" This portion of the review alleges a significant and repeated error in basic animal anatomy identification over a two-year period, raising serious concerns about the competence of the veterinary staff involved.

The same negative review continues with further allegations regarding billing practices and a perceived lack of trust: "On top of that they were about to let us go after a clean bill of health, but realized that they needed to squeeze more money out of us. At a prior appointment the vet said my cat should lose a pound or two, so we did that. We show up for the next exam and the vet said the weight was good and healthy. As I was checking out, the vet brings out a container to collect a stool sample 'to check for parasites because the cat lost weight' - weight that HE told us to lose! Not only did he give me the vial for a stool collection, but they rang it up as pre-paid without my consent and charged an extra $80 or so to me that day without even telling me. I didn't realize until days later that they had already charged for a stool sample I never collected or submitted. They told me the cat needed teeth pulled (which he does), but I refused to allow them to sedate my cat. They can't even be trusted for the most basic things." This part of the review details accusations of attempting to generate unnecessary charges and billing for services not rendered or consented to, further eroding trust in the practice.

The negative review concludes with broader criticisms about the facility and overall reputation: "Then I heard about how they lost that poor family's dog that was unfortunately hit and killed by a car. All around incompetence and on top of that they aren't even friendly or kind. The office itself is basically someone's living room. Tiny, cramped, and unprofessional. Don't ever bring your pets here. Their facility should be shut down." This final segment includes a second-hand account of a serious incident involving a lost pet, reiterates the accusation of "all around incompetence," and adds criticisms about the staff's demeanor ("aren't even friendly or kind") and the physical environment of the clinic, describing it as "tiny, cramped, and unprofessional," akin to "someone's living room." The strong recommendation to avoid the hospital and the call for its closure reflect extreme dissatisfaction.

Based on these conflicting reviews, the environment of Cherry Hill Dog & Cat Hospital is described very differently. The positive review implies a caring and attentive atmosphere. In stark contrast, the negative review portrays the facility as "tiny, cramped, and unprofessional," resembling a "living room." This significant discrepancy suggests that the physical environment and the overall atmosphere experienced by different clients may vary considerably, or that perceptions of the same environment differ greatly.

The services offered by Cherry Hill Dog & Cat Hospital, based on the reviews, include general veterinary care for dogs and cats, physical examinations, diagnosis and treatment of illnesses, vaccinations (implied), senior pet care, and potentially dental procedures (although one reviewer expressed a lack of trust in their administration of sedation for such procedures). The negative review also mentions the collection of stool samples for parasite testing, though the circumstances surrounding this service were disputed. The fact that one client has been going there for decades suggests a long-standing provision of general veterinary services.

The features of Cherry Hill Dog & Cat Hospital are also viewed differently by the two reviewers. A long-term client praises the attentiveness of Dr. Foreman and his staff, especially with senior pets, and their communicative approach with pet owners. However, the other reviewer alleges significant incompetence in basic animal anatomy, questionable billing practices, a lack of transparency regarding charges, and an unprofessional facility. The mention of a lost pet associated with the hospital further raises concerns about the level of care and oversight.

No promotional information is mentioned in either of the provided reviews. Veterinary hospitals sometimes offer introductory discounts for new clients or specials on certain services. However, based on the serious allegations in one of the reviews, potential local users would likely prioritize the competence and trustworthiness of the practice over any potential promotions. It would be prudent for any interested individuals to conduct their own thorough research and perhaps seek direct testimonials from multiple recent clients before considering this hospital.

In conclusion, for local residents in Elkton, Maryland, searching for a "Pet Hospital," Cherry Hill Dog & Cat Hospital presents a highly contrasting image based on the available online reviews. While one long-term client expresses decades of satisfaction with the attentive care provided by Dr. Foreman and his staff, another offers a scathing critique alleging fundamental incompetence in veterinary care, questionable billing practices, an unprofessional environment, and even a connection to a lost pet incident. Given the severity of the allegations in the negative review, local pet owners are strongly advised to weigh both perspectives carefully and consider seeking additional information and testimonials before entrusting the health and well-being of their pets to Cherry Hill Dog & Cat Hospital.