Dundalk Animal Hospital

Welcome to the introduction of Dundalk Animal Hospital, a veterinary practice located at 7810 Wise Ave in Dundalk, Maryland, USA. As a member of the Pet Hospital category, Dundalk Animal Hospital offers a range of services for animal care, including veterinary services, boarding, and grooming. While physically situated in the United States, this detailed overview aims to inform local users about the potential environment, services, and features of this practice, based on publicly available customer feedback, which presents a somewhat mixed perspective.

The customer reviews for Dundalk Animal Hospital offer a glimpse into various aspects of the clinic, highlighting both positive and negative experiences. It's important for local users to consider these varied perspectives when evaluating this pet hospital for their animal care needs. This introduction will delve into the reported environment, services, and features, objectively presenting the information available in the provided reviews.

One positive aspect highlighted by a reviewer is the reliability of the staff, specifically mentioning an individual named Celeste. This positive experience extends to their dog boarding services. The reviewer noted that their unspayed dog, Cocoa, was boarded safely and returned in good health, even appearing "bigger and healthier." This suggests that Dundalk Animal Hospital takes precautions to properly separate dogs during boarding, accommodating even those who are not spayed, which is a notable feature as some facilities may have stricter policies. The reviewer also mentions that Dundalk Animal Hospital has "good prices," indicating a potential benefit for cost-conscious pet owners.

Another long-term customer shares a history of 30 years with the clinic, primarily due to their appreciation for Dr. Maskel. Even after his retirement and reduced presence at the hospital, this customer still prioritizes appointments with him when possible. This speaks to the positive reputation and the quality of care provided by at least one of the veterinarians at Dundalk Animal Hospital. The reviewer also expresses satisfaction with the dog grooming services, acknowledging the retirement of a favorite groomer but noting that the replacement still does a "good job." This suggests that dog grooming is another service offered at this location, with generally positive outcomes.

However, the reviews also raise significant concerns regarding the front desk staff. Multiple commenters describe them as "rude, incompetent, and unprofessional." Specific issues mentioned include being left on hold for extended periods without any updates or hold music, creating a stressful experience. One reviewer recounts overhearing a staff member complaining about their minimum wage and engaging in negative talk about others, which created an uncomfortable atmosphere for clients. These negative experiences with the front desk appear to be a significant point of dissatisfaction for some customers and seem to have worsened since the passing of a former figure, Dr. Foster.

Furthermore, there are reports of inefficiencies in administrative processes, particularly concerning medication refills. One reviewer notes that the veterinary team often fails to receive messages for prescription renewals, leading to delays of several days. The advice given is to handle appointment bookings and medication refills in person to avoid these communication breakdowns. The check-in process for appointments is also described as potentially problematic, with a suggestion to remain at the front desk until officially checked in, implying a lack of proactive attention from the front office staff.

The overall sentiment from the long-term customer who has been going to the clinic for 30 years is one of disappointment with a perceived decline in service quality over time. This individual, whose dog is nearing the end of its life, states their intention to seek a different veterinary practice for future pets, indicating a significant level of dissatisfaction with the current state of Dundalk Animal Hospital.

Based on these reviews, the environment of Dundalk Animal Hospital is not explicitly described in terms of its physical appearance or amenities. However, the mention of boarding facilities that can accommodate unspayed dogs suggests that they have separate housing areas for different needs. The availability of dog grooming services implies a designated grooming area. The negative comments about the front desk environment suggest a potentially unwelcoming or unprofessional atmosphere in the reception area due to the staff's behavior.

The services offered at Dundalk Animal Hospital, based on the reviews, include:

• **Veterinary Services:** Including general check-ups, treatment of illnesses, and potentially surgical procedures, although specifics are not detailed. The mention of medication refills indicates that they provide ongoing medical management for pets.
• **Dog Boarding:** With the capacity to accommodate unspayed dogs and a reputation for returning boarded animals in good health.
• **Dog Grooming:** Offering grooming services, with at least two groomers, one of whom is highly regarded.

The reviews do not provide information about other common veterinary services such as vaccinations, dental care, or emergency services, so it is not possible to definitively state whether they are offered.

The features of Dundalk Animal Hospital, as perceived through the customer feedback, present a mixed picture. Positive features include:

• **Reliable Staff (specifically Celeste):** At least some members of the staff are considered reliable and provide good care.
• **Accommodating Dog Boarding:** Willing to board unspayed dogs with proper separation.
• **Good Prices:** Perceived as having affordable rates for their services.
• **Experienced Veterinarians (including Dr. Maskel):** At least one long-standing and well-regarded veterinarian, with others described as "fine."
• **Competent Dog Grooming:** Offering satisfactory grooming services.

Negative features highlighted in the reviews include:

• **Rude, Incompetent, and Unprofessional Front Desk Staff:** A significant and recurring complaint that impacts the client experience.
• **Poor Communication Regarding Medication Refills:** Leading to delays and inconvenience for pet owners.
• **Inefficient Appointment Check-in Process:** Requiring clients to be overly assertive to ensure they are seen.
• **Perceived Decline in Overall Service Quality:** A long-term customer feels the hospital has "gone downhill."

The provided information does not contain any specific promotional offers or discounts for Dundalk Animal Hospital. Therefore, it is not possible to include any details about current promotions.

In conclusion, Dundalk Animal Hospital in Dundalk, Maryland, offers veterinary services, dog boarding, and dog grooming. While some aspects of the practice, such as certain staff members (like Celeste), the boarding facilities for unspayed dogs, the perceived good prices, and the presence of experienced veterinarians (including the still-active Dr. Maskel), are viewed positively by some customers, there are significant concerns raised about the front desk staff's professionalism and the efficiency of administrative processes, particularly regarding medication refills. The long-term customer's sentiment of a decline in service quality is also a point for potential local users to consider. It is recommended that individuals considering Dundalk Animal Hospital weigh these mixed reviews and potentially visit the clinic in person to assess whether it meets their specific needs and expectations for pet care.