Russell Animal Hospital PA: Dr. James Paine, DVM

Pet HospitalNew HampshireMerrimack CountyConcordPleasant Street

286 Pleasant St, Concord, NH 03301, USA

4.0

My first visit was great. The vet was able to figure out what was causing my dog issues and put him on a medication. I went back for a recheck, because he was better but needed another at round of medication. She checked out his rear end and mentioned something about anal glands and I said he's had his anal glands checked before and he didn't need them done. Then she said they were just going to take him to the back and check them out. Never told me that it was going to cost me $70 for them to check him out in the back. Took him back there brought him out and said yep they were empty. I found out after I had already paid the bill and looked at the invoice that I was charged. Never express to me that they were going to charge me. I already paid for the vet visit and then they took him in the back to look at them and then I got an extra charge. For something I told her he didn't need. One not so happy dog mama. Just clarify with them before they do anything with your dog if they're charging you for it. Question them at the front desk about it. The vet tech she questioned her and said so do we still charge if they didn't need it she said yeah if we do the procedure we still charge them. The thing is that wasn't disclosed before he took him back. Never said I recommend having this done this is the cost do you want to do it. It was ok this is what I'm gonna do and guess what I'm gonna do the same to you.

Samantha Heys
  • Overview
  • (603) 224-2361

Hours

Monday 7:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Tuesday 7:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Wednesday 7:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Thursday 7:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Friday 7:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Saturday 8:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Sunday Closed

Welcome to Russell Animal Hospital PA: Dr. James Paine, DVM

For pet owners in Concord, New Hampshire, and the surrounding areas, **Russell Animal Hospital PA**, with Dr. James Paine, DVM, at its helm, serves as a dedicated facility within the "Pet Hospital" category. Located at **286 Pleasant St, Concord, NH 03301**, this practice aims to provide essential veterinary services for the well-being of local animal companions.

The **environment** at Russell Animal Hospital, like most professional veterinary facilities, is designed to be a functional and clean space for animal care. While specific details about its interior design or waiting areas are not widely publicized, a typical pet hospital environment strives to create a hygienic setting conducive to medical examinations and procedures. This generally includes a reception area for check-ins and check-outs, examination rooms equipped for comprehensive physical assessments, and designated areas for diagnostic equipment, surgical procedures, and post-operative recovery. The overall goal is to maintain a professional and efficient environment that can accommodate a variety of veterinary needs.

Russell Animal Hospital PA, as a general practice "Pet Hospital," would typically offer a broad spectrum of **veterinary services** essential for maintaining the health of dogs and cats. These services are foundational to responsible pet ownership and commonly include:

  • Wellness Exams and Preventative Care: Regular check-ups are crucial for early detection and prevention of health issues. This usually involves comprehensive physical examinations, age-appropriate vaccination protocols to protect against common diseases, and routine parasite control (flea, tick, and heartworm prevention, as well as deworming). Nutritional counseling and weight management guidance are also key components of preventative care.

  • Diagnostic Services: Accurate diagnosis is the bedrock of effective treatment. The hospital would typically utilize both in-house and external laboratory services for blood work (e.g., complete blood count, chemistry panels), urinalysis, and fecal examinations. Imaging services, such as digital radiography (X-rays), are commonly available for evaluating skeletal structures, internal organs, and identifying foreign objects. For more specialized diagnostics, referrals to advanced imaging centers or specialists might be made.

  • Medical Treatment for Illnesses: Diagnosis and management of a wide range of common pet illnesses, including gastrointestinal upsets, skin conditions (dermatology), ear infections, respiratory issues, and various other acute or chronic medical conditions. This involves thorough examinations, diagnostic testing, and the development of personalized treatment plans.

  • Surgical Procedures: General soft tissue surgeries are typically performed, such as spaying, neutering, mass removals, and minor wound repairs. Surgical protocols emphasize patient safety, including pre-surgical blood screenings, modern anesthetic monitoring, and effective post-operative pain management.

  • Dental Care: Professional dental cleanings (scaling and polishing under anesthesia), dental extractions for diseased teeth, and guidance on at-home oral hygiene practices are standard services to maintain overall pet health and prevent periodontal disease.

  • Microchipping: A vital service for pet identification, significantly increasing the chances of a lost pet being reunited with its owner.

  • Pharmacy: For convenience, an in-house pharmacy is generally available to dispense necessary prescription medications, parasiticides, and therapeutic diets.

Based on the provided customer reviews, a key **feature** of Russell Animal Hospital, particularly concerning Dr. James Paine's practice, is the **initial effectiveness in diagnosing and medicating patient issues**. The client notes, "The vet was able to figure out what was causing my dog issues and put him on a medication." This suggests a strong clinical ability in identifying and addressing immediate health problems. However, the reviews also bring to light a critical aspect of client experience related to **transparency in billing and communication about procedures**. The customer's experience highlights a significant point for prospective clients to consider:

  • Clinical Competence: The initial visit shows that the veterinary team, specifically the vet, was able to effectively diagnose and treat the dog's issues, leading to improvement. This indicates a solid foundation in veterinary medical knowledge and treatment protocols.

  • Importance of Transparent Pricing and Consent: The primary concern raised by the client revolves around the lack of upfront disclosure regarding the cost of a procedure (anal gland check) that was performed without explicit consent or prior notification of the associated fee. The client felt "never told me that it was going to cost me $70" and "never express to me that they were going to charge me." This emphasizes that while the procedure itself might be standard, the communication surrounding it is crucial. The feedback, "Just clarify with them before they do anything with your dog if they're charging you for it. Question them at the front desk about it," is a direct recommendation for future clients regarding the clinic's practices. It highlights that the hospital does charge for procedures even if the initial assessment indicates they "didn't need" the full scope of the procedure (e.g., if the glands were found to be empty after checking).

  • Staff Communication: The interaction where a "vet tech she questioned her and said so do we still charge if they didn't need it she said yeah if we do the procedure we still charge them" indicates an internal policy that might not always be clearly communicated to clients beforehand. This points to an area where potential clients should be proactive in asking about costs for any recommended procedures.

Regarding **promotional information**, while specific current offers for Russell Animal Hospital PA are not publicly available, veterinary practices generally employ various strategies to attract and retain clients. These often include:

  • New Client Welcome Offers: Discounts on the initial examination for first-time visitors to encourage them to establish care for their pets.

  • Preventative Care Packages: Structured plans for puppies, kittens, or adult wellness, often bundling initial vaccinations, deworming, and multiple health checks at a set price.

  • Seasonal Health Campaigns: Promotions focused on specific health concerns relevant to the time of year, such as discounted dental cleanings during Pet Dental Health Month, or special pricing on flea, tick, and heartworm preventatives during warmer seasons.

  • Referral Programs: Incentives for existing clients who refer new pet owners to the practice.

  • Online Pharmacy and Pet Food Sales: Many modern clinics offer online portals for convenient purchasing of prescription medications, therapeutic diets, and other pet supplies, sometimes with special discounts or delivery options.

  • Client Education Initiatives: While not direct promotions, offering educational content on their website, social media, or in the clinic about pet health, common ailments, and preventative care can be a way to build trust and inform clients.

For scheduling appointments, inquiring about specific services, or to proactively discuss pricing for potential procedures, Russell Animal Hospital PA: Dr. James Paine, DVM can be reached at **(603) 224-2361** or via mobile at **+1 603-224-2361**. Their location at **286 Pleasant St, Concord, NH 03301, USA**, makes them an accessible option for pet owners in the Concord area. Clients are encouraged to engage actively in discussions about all recommended services and their associated costs to ensure a fully informed experience.

Russell Animal Hospital PA: Dr. James Paine, DVM Location

286 Pleasant St, Concord, NH 03301, USA

Reviews

My first visit was great. The vet was able to figure out what was causing my dog issues and put him on a medication. I went back for a recheck, because he was better but needed another at round of medication. She checked out his rear end and mentioned something about anal glands and I said he's had his anal glands checked before and he didn't need them done. Then she said they were just going to take him to the back and check them out. Never told me that it was going to cost me $70 for them to check him out in the back. Took him back there brought him out and said yep they were empty. I found out after I had already paid the bill and looked at the invoice that I was charged. Never express to me that they were going to charge me. I already paid for the vet visit and then they took him in the back to look at them and then I got an extra charge. For something I told her he didn't need. One not so happy dog mama. Just clarify with them before they do anything with your dog if they're charging you for it. Question them at the front desk about it. The vet tech she questioned her and said so do we still charge if they didn't need it she said yeah if we do the procedure we still charge them. The thing is that wasn't disclosed before he took him back. Never said I recommend having this done this is the cost do you want to do it. It was ok this is what I'm gonna do and guess what I'm gonna do the same to you.

Mar 05, 2025 · Samantha Heys

My first visit was great. The vet was able to figure out what was causing my dog issues and put him on a medication. I went back for a recheck, because he was better but needed another at round of medication. She checked out his rear end and mentioned something about anal glands and I said he's had his anal glands checked before and he didn't need them done. Then she said they were just going to take him to the back and check them out. Never told me that it was going to cost me $70 for them to check him out in the back. Took him back there brought him out and said yep they were empty. I found out after I had already paid the bill and looked at the invoice that I was charged. Never express to me that they were going to charge me. I already paid for the vet visit and then they took him in the back to look at them and then I got an extra charge. For something I told her he didn't need. One not so happy dog mama. Just clarify with them before they do anything with your dog if they're charging you for it. Question them at the front desk about it. The vet tech she questioned her and said so do we still charge if they didn't need it she said yeah if we do the procedure we still charge them. The thing is that wasn't disclosed before he took him back. Never said I recommend having this done this is the cost do you want to do it. It was ok this is what I'm gonna do and guess what I'm gonna do the same to you.

Mar 05, 2025 · Samantha Heys

Our animals love going to the vets, strange I know but the staff treat our animals like they are family. Everyone is on a first name basis. Best vet in the area

Jan 21, 2025 · Sky daddy

Our animals love going to the vets, strange I know but the staff treat our animals like they are family. Everyone is on a first name basis. Best vet in the area

Jan 21, 2025 · Sky daddy

Such a gem of a place! The staff are so caring, gentle and knowledgeable, it was worth my commute from Manchester. They were up front and stuck to the pricing plan, no $urprises or hidden fees, no high pressure to buy products or schedule expensive procedures. They genuinely care about the pets and their " parents" as well. The new patent welcome kit was so great, the icing on the cake. They called to check on my Gracie this morning to see how she was coming along. Excellent vets are so hard to find, glad my search is over. They will surely be seeing plenty of business from me in the coming year as I have 5 more where Gracie came from lol

Jul 15, 2021 · Gina Booker

Such a gem of a place! The staff are so caring, gentle and knowledgeable, it was worth my commute from Manchester. They were up front and stuck to the pricing plan, no $urprises or hidden fees, no high pressure to buy products or schedule expensive procedures. They genuinely care about the pets and their " parents" as well. The new patent welcome kit was so great, the icing on the cake. They called to check on my Gracie this morning to see how she was coming along. Excellent vets are so hard to find, glad my search is over. They will surely be seeing plenty of business from me in the coming year as I have 5 more where Gracie came from lol

Jul 15, 2021 · Gina Booker

On Saturday a.m., I noticed my 1 year old male cat was not himself. He wasn't very interested in his food and I didn't see him go to the litter box that morning. I kept an eye on him for a couple hours and he seemed to be getting worse. He was clearly very uncomfortable and seemed sore in his back end. I brought him to Russell as my boyfriend takes his cat there. My primary vet clinic is not open on Saturdays. Once at Russell, they said they had to call my boyfriend for permission for me to have our cat examined. He had previously done that when we took his cat for a UTI but they said I wasn't in the system. They called and he gave permission again. They did a very quick exam, seeing that my cat was very uncomfortable and they said his bladder was full. They expressed a small amount of urine but my cat was clearly uncomfortable when they were squeezing that area. They gave a pain injection and sent us on our way with no testing or xrays of any kind. I was told to keep an eye on him and to let them know on Monday how he was. Of course they said to contact the emergency clinic if things got worse but they did nothing else. We went home and my poor cat got worse over the next hours. He could not pee and wasn't interested in food. He was in and out of litter boxes but not peeing. He was crying and pacing. I contacted the emergency vet VCA CAVES. I was asked to bring him in. I did and he was admitted with a urinary blockage which can be fatal if not treated immediately. He spent 2 full days there with IVs, catheter, lots of meds and a hospital stay. It cost me $2700 and he is home now but still very unhappy, uncomfortable, peeing all over himself. He endured a traumatic experience. He is very slowly making tiny strides in recovery this evening but I feel as though RUSSELL was neglectful in their assessment and lack of treatment. I feel like they just wanted to treat my cat's discomfort and pain without looking further into the cause. If they had taken more time to try to find the cause of my cat's issue, I feel like things may not have gotten so bad for him. I found the whole experience very upsetting and will not take either of my cats back there.

Nov 17, 2021 · Nicky Richall

On Saturday a.m., I noticed my 1 year old male cat was not himself. He wasn't very interested in his food and I didn't see him go to the litter box that morning. I kept an eye on him for a couple hours and he seemed to be getting worse. He was clearly very uncomfortable and seemed sore in his back end. I brought him to Russell as my boyfriend takes his cat there. My primary vet clinic is not open on Saturdays. Once at Russell, they said they had to call my boyfriend for permission for me to have our cat examined. He had previously done that when we took his cat for a UTI but they said I wasn't in the system. They called and he gave permission again. They did a very quick exam, seeing that my cat was very uncomfortable and they said his bladder was full. They expressed a small amount of urine but my cat was clearly uncomfortable when they were squeezing that area. They gave a pain injection and sent us on our way with no testing or xrays of any kind. I was told to keep an eye on him and to let them know on Monday how he was. Of course they said to contact the emergency clinic if things got worse but they did nothing else. We went home and my poor cat got worse over the next hours. He could not pee and wasn't interested in food. He was in and out of litter boxes but not peeing. He was crying and pacing. I contacted the emergency vet VCA CAVES. I was asked to bring him in. I did and he was admitted with a urinary blockage which can be fatal if not treated immediately. He spent 2 full days there with IVs, catheter, lots of meds and a hospital stay. It cost me $2700 and he is home now but still very unhappy, uncomfortable, peeing all over himself. He endured a traumatic experience. He is very slowly making tiny strides in recovery this evening but I feel as though RUSSELL was neglectful in their assessment and lack of treatment. I feel like they just wanted to treat my cat's discomfort and pain without looking further into the cause. If they had taken more time to try to find the cause of my cat's issue, I feel like things may not have gotten so bad for him. I found the whole experience very upsetting and will not take either of my cats back there.

Nov 17, 2021 · Nicky Richall

Very professional, the Dr and tech were both very nice to my GSD who has a bit of anxiety

Dec 03, 2021 · jon grosshart

Very professional, the Dr and tech were both very nice to my GSD who has a bit of anxiety

Dec 03, 2021 · jon grosshart

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