Crystal Lake Veterinary Hospital

My husband called CL Veterinary Hospital early in the morning because our senior dog was experiencing some bleeding. The receptionist was so kind, and they managed to fit us in for a same-day appointment. Dr. Bemis saw our dog and was incredibly gentle with him, especially since he’s quite old and can be a bit temperamental. She also provided me with several pricing options for any potential future treatments. The visit was very affordable, and I’m currently taking my puppy there, but will now be bringing our older dog as well.

I've had nothing but a great experience with this vet and their entire team. Not only did they help check a crazy momma stray that I took into my care, they immediately hopped on to help monitor and save her very injured kitten. He had many skull fractures and a broken jaw. After we had taken him home from the ER Vet, I knew they would be the first people I'd call. Our miracle baby has seen them 3 times in our month of having him, taken our many phone calls for advice, and is finally able to be a regular kitten again. I'm so thankful for the service they provide and the willingness to not only be there for your pet but give honest opinions. We knew going in that he may not survive, but every question and concern was answered and was able to give us the knowledge we needed to care for him at home. He's made a very amazing recovery ♥️

This was the worst experience I have ever had with a veterinarian. Dr. olech was unwilling to explain the details of my dogs diagnosis and was annoyed that I had questions. I was confused about the treatment when they didn't do any labs or ask me any additional history questions or explain what they had found and what they were treating for. He was condescending and dismissive and explained that "that's what the tech does, she explains things at the end." . When I asked him for less attitude he patted the medications and sent me on my way. Again without an explanation. There was no documentation supporting any treatment just a bill. The staff was great, place was clean. Seriously, I shouldn't have felt like an annoyance for trying to understand what was going on.

My family has brought their dogs to CL vet for over 15 years, but we will not return with any future pets. In October of 2024, our 13-year-old black lab showed symptoms of a UTI. We brought her to the vet, but they could not collect a urine sample. The vet prescribed her antibiotics proactively. Throughout the next week, we called numerous times to say her status was not improving. We even sent a video of her walking to show her struggling and in pain. Each time, CL Vet told us to wait the full 2 weeks for the antibiotics to work. They never recommended we come back or try to collect more urine. After about one week, her condition worsened, and she started shaking, so we took her to another vet. Immediately, that vet ordered X-rays and an ultrasound. After these tests, the new vet determined that she was unable to release her bladder fully, and she was in immediate danger. They used a catheter to release her bladder, and she had 1 liter of urine. She finally had relief. Unfortunately, over the next 24 hrs she was unable to release her bladder again. We had to make the hard decision to say goodbye. I do not feel the CL vet could have prevented the outcome of our dog passing. She was suffering from neurological issues. However, our family trusted their recommendation to wait on the medication. They negligently followed up on our dog, and we asked for help numerous times. Instead of our dog passing in peace with her full family, she died after a week of suffering, and not all of us could say goodbye because it became an emergency. We also did get her lab work done at the other vet, and she never had a UTI. So the "wait and see" advice was useless. The other vet told us it was strange to assume the medication would work because there are different types of UTIs, and often, various medicine is needed. So, this was terrible advice no matter what, and we regret listening to the CL vet. They also never followed up with us after the recommended two weeks of medication to check our dogs status. Of course, she had already passed, but they did not inquire about her condition. I asked the Cl vet to call me a few weeks after our dog's passing so I could tell them what happened and ask for other dogs to be given more attention. And they never called me back. I gave them over a week, and I have yet to hear. I even sent her records to them. I am astounded by the lack of empathy and care that my dog received. I had no intention of speaking negatively to the vet. I simply wanted to ask for more thorough follow-ups for other pets, but I never had the conversation because they never called. Our dog had seen them for 13 years, and they never even gave their condolence after hearing of her passing, despite her being in their care. We will never return to this office, and I recommend you don't take your pets to this vet.

I'm very happy with the service I've received here the last 2 years. Just routine check ups and shots but always in and out quick. Staff is very nice also.