North Country Veterinary Referral Center

Welcome to North Country Veterinary Referral Center, a Pet Hospital located at 454 Queensbury Ave, Queensbury, NY 12804, USA. As a veterinary referral center, we provide specialized medical and surgical services for pets, often working in collaboration with your primary veterinarian. Our aim is to offer advanced diagnostics, treatments, and emergency care when your pet requires a higher level of expertise. You can contact us at (518) 480-4230 or via mobile at +1 518-480-4230.

The online reviews for North Country Veterinary Referral Center present a range of experiences, from positive outcomes in emergency situations to significant concerns regarding staff professionalism, communication, and billing practices. One positive review recounts bringing their dog in for an "emergent treatment" due to a severe reaction to fleas. The reviewer notes that the prescribed antibiotic effectively helped their dog recover and return to normal activity. This suggests that the medical team at the referral center is capable of providing successful treatment in urgent situations.

However, other reviews detail considerably less satisfactory experiences. One pet owner brought their dog in for routine vaccination updates and reported an unusual practice of their dog being taken to the back for the shots, away from their sight, which they had not experienced at other veterinary clinics. This was followed by overhearing staff comments regarding the dog's breed (Rottweiler), despite the dog having no history of aggression. A subsequent visit for booster shots was marred by rudeness from a front counter staff member, a long wait despite arriving early, and being incorrectly told they were not on the schedule. This indicates potential issues with front desk professionalism, appointment management, and communication.

A particularly distressing review recounts the experience of a pet owner whose puppy tragically passed away after having two seizures. The owner paid nearly $600 for a necropsy at North Country Veterinary Referral Center, which reportedly revealed no abnormalities. The option for further lab work was presented at an additional cost. The experience became significantly negative during the discussion of cremation and a paw print keepsake. The owner was initially quoted one price for private cremation, but the addition of a paw print unexpectedly increased the cost substantially without prior disclosure of the fee for the paw print itself. Furthermore, payment for the cremation was demanded over the phone before the puppy's remains would be sent for cremation. The communication regarding when the remains could be picked up was also unclear and delayed. Most concerningly, despite multiple attempts to contact the veterinarian for answers regarding the puppy's sudden death, the owner received no call back. A front counter staff member offered a speculative and unprofessional explanation of a possible snake bite without any medical basis. A follow-up visit seeking answers also proved unsuccessful as the necropsy report was unavailable, highlighting a lack of timely and compassionate communication during a time of significant loss for the pet owner. This detailed account raises serious concerns about transparency in billing, communication of fees, and the level of empathy and support provided to grieving pet owners.

As a veterinary referral center, North Country Veterinary Referral Center likely offers a range of specialized services that go beyond routine care. These may include advanced surgical procedures, internal medicine consultations, cardiology, neurology, oncology, dermatology, and critical care. The fact that they performed a necropsy suggests they have pathology services. Their ability to handle an emergency flea reaction indicates they are equipped for urgent care situations. Referral centers typically have advanced diagnostic equipment such as digital radiography, ultrasound, and in-house laboratories to aid in complex cases. They often have board-certified specialists on staff or have the ability to consult with specialists in various fields of veterinary medicine. The services are designed to complement the care provided by primary veterinarians when a pet requires more specialized attention.

Information about the specific environment of North Country Veterinary Referral Center is not detailed in the provided reviews. However, referral centers are generally equipped with advanced medical facilities to support the specialized services they offer. This would typically include well-equipped surgical suites, advanced imaging capabilities, intensive care units for critically ill patients, and comfortable examination rooms. The environment is designed to facilitate complex medical and surgical procedures and to provide a high level of care for pets with serious or chronic conditions. However, the reviews do not offer specific insights into the clinic's ambiance or waiting areas.

The features of North Country Veterinary Referral Center are a mix of advanced medical capabilities and reported inconsistencies in customer service. A key feature is their ability to provide specialized and emergency veterinary care, as evidenced by the successful treatment of the flea reaction. They also offer diagnostic services like necropsy. However, a significant concern is the reported lack of professionalism, poor communication, and unexpected billing practices, particularly in sensitive situations like the loss of a pet. The contrast between the positive medical outcome in one case and the negative experiences related to staff interaction and transparency in others suggests a potential disparity in the quality of service depending on the situation or staff member involved. The fact that a booster shot appointment was seemingly lost in their system also points to potential administrative issues.

Currently, there is no promotional information available for North Country Veterinary Referral Center in the provided text. Local users seeking specialized veterinary care are encouraged to contact the center directly at (518) 480-4230 to inquire about their services and procedures. Given the mixed reviews, it may be prudent for pet owners to ask detailed questions about appointment scheduling, communication protocols, billing practices, and the handling of sensitive situations, especially if their pet requires specialized or emergency care. While the center may offer advanced medical expertise, the reported issues with customer service and transparency are important factors for pet owners to consider when choosing a veterinary care provider, especially in stressful or emotional circumstances.