VCA Russell Animal Hospital

Welcome to VCA Russell Animal Hospital, a long-established veterinary care provider located at 286B Pleasant St in Concord, New Hampshire, serving the local community as part of the well-known VCA (Veterinary Centers of America) network. Reachable by phone at (603) 224-2361 or the mobile number +1 603-224-2361, VCA Russell Animal Hospital has a history extending beyond its affiliation with VCA, having served the area for over 15 years under its previous name (RAH). The provided customer reviews offer a balanced perspective on the hospital, highlighting both its strengths in compassionate care and front desk service, as well as areas where some clients have experienced challenges, particularly concerning post-operative communication and follow-up. As a member of the Pet Hospital category, VCA Russell Animal Hospital aims to provide a comprehensive range of veterinary services. To offer a detailed introduction, we will integrate insights from the customer reviews with the typical expectations of a full-service pet hospital. For specific details regarding the environment, the precise range of services, unique features, and any current promotional information offered under the VCA network, direct contact with VCA Russell Animal Hospital is recommended.

As a VCA-affiliated Pet Hospital, VCA Russell Animal Hospital is part of a large network of veterinary care providers, which often implies access to a broad range of resources, expertise, and potentially standardized protocols. Veterinary hospitals within the VCA network typically offer a comprehensive suite of services aimed at addressing the diverse healthcare needs of pets, from routine preventative care to advanced medical and surgical treatments. The goal is to provide quality care supported by experienced veterinary professionals and modern medical facilities.

Based on the customer reviews, we can gather some insights into the environment and staff at VCA Russell Animal Hospital. One long-term client, who has been with the hospital for over 15 years, praises the kindness and compassion of many of the vets and staff, noting their consistent dedication to animal care, whether for personal pets or those in hospice care. This suggests a caring and empathetic environment where the well-being of animals is a priority. Another reviewer specifically commends the front desk receptionists for being "some of the nicest people" they have encountered at a veterinary office, highlighting their responsiveness and pleasant demeanor. This indicates a positive and welcoming initial point of contact for clients.

However, another review provides a contrasting perspective on post-operative care and communication. This client described feeling "on my own" due to a lack of communication and complications following their kitten's surgery. Specific examples included the discovery of a wound on the kitten's paw that was not communicated post-surgery, the veterinarian being too busy to speak on the day of surgery until hours later and shortly before closing, and the inability to obtain take-home pain medication because the vet had already left. Additionally, the client reported a lack of follow-up regarding expressed concerns about dental issues. This feedback suggests potential inconsistencies in communication and post-operative care, which are important aspects of a positive client experience.

Considering the standard expectations of a Pet Hospital and the mixed feedback from the reviews, VCA Russell Animal Hospital likely offers a range of essential veterinary services, which may include:

• Preventative Care: Routine wellness examinations, tailored vaccination schedules, parasite prevention (for fleas, ticks, heartworms, and intestinal parasites), and nutritional counseling to ensure the overall health and well-being of pets. The long-term client's satisfaction suggests a strong foundation in preventative care.
• Diagnostic Services: Utilizing physical examinations, laboratory testing (such as blood work, urinalysis, and fecal analysis), and potentially imaging techniques (like X-rays) to diagnose various medical conditions. The mention of expertise and knowledge in one review implies competent diagnostic capabilities.
• Medical Treatment: Providing care for a wide spectrum of medical illnesses affecting pets, including infections, allergies, chronic diseases, and more. This involves administering medications, providing supportive care, and developing treatment plans.
• Surgical Services: Offering a variety of surgical procedures, which can range from routine surgeries like spaying and neutering to more complex soft tissue surgeries. The negative review involved a post-surgical complication, indicating that surgical services are indeed provided.
• Dental Care: Addressing the oral health of pets through dental examinations, cleanings, and treatment of dental diseases. The lack of follow-up on dental concerns in one review suggests this service is offered but may have communication gaps.
• Emergency and Urgent Care (availability may vary): As part of the VCA network, VCA Russell Animal Hospital may offer emergency or urgent care services. Local users should confirm the availability and hours for such services.
• Nutritional Counseling: Providing guidance on selecting the best food for your pet based on their age, breed, activity level, and any specific health needs.
• Microchipping: Offering a permanent identification solution for pets.
• Management of Chronic Conditions: Developing long-term care plans for pets with ongoing health issues.
• Euthanasia and Hospice Care: Providing compassionate end-of-life care when necessary. The positive review from someone caring for hospice animals suggests this service is offered with kindness.

The features of VCA Russell Animal Hospital appear to be a mix of positive attributes and areas for potential improvement, based on the customer reviews:

• Experienced and Compassionate Staff (in general): The long-term client's praise for the kindness and compassion of many vets and staff over a 15-year period is a significant positive feature, indicating a long-standing commitment to caring for animals.
• Friendly and Responsive Front Desk: The receptionists are specifically highlighted for their niceness, responsiveness, and pleasant demeanor, contributing to a positive initial experience.
• Established History: Serving the community for over 15 years, even before becoming VCA, suggests a level of stability and experience in veterinary care.
• Access to VCA Network Resources: Being part of VCA may provide access to a wider network of specialists, advanced medical equipment, and standardized protocols, potentially enhancing the scope and quality of care.

However, the negative review points to potential challenges in:

• Post-Operative Communication and Follow-Up: The lack of timely communication from the vet, the failure to inform about a post-surgical wound, and the lack of follow-up on dental concerns are significant areas for improvement.
• After-Hours Care and Medication Dispensing: The inability to obtain take-home pain medication due to the vet leaving the premises raises concerns about patient comfort and access to necessary medications.
• Handling of Complications: The negative update indicating an infection and dissatisfaction with how the situation was handled suggests inconsistencies in managing post-operative issues.

It is important for potential clients to consider both the positive feedback regarding the long-term care, compassionate staff (in general), and friendly front desk, alongside the concerns raised about post-operative communication and follow-up.

As part of the VCA network, VCA Russell Animal Hospital may participate in various promotional programs offered by VCA. These can include:

• New Client Specials: Discounts or special offers for first-time clients.
• Wellness Plans: Bundled packages of preventative care services offered at a discounted rate, often including routine examinations, vaccinations, and parasite prevention. VCA is known for offering CareClub wellness plans.
• Seasonal Promotions: Offers related to specific times of the year, such as discounts on dental cleanings during dental health month or promotions on heartworm and flea/tick prevention during warmer months.
• Financing Options: VCA often partners with third-party financing companies to help pet owners manage the costs of veterinary care.

To learn about any current promotions or specific offerings at VCA Russell Animal Hospital, local users should contact them directly or visit the VCA website, as promotions and services can vary by location.

In conclusion, VCA Russell Animal Hospital in Concord, NH, has a long history of serving the community and is praised by some long-term clients for its kind and compassionate staff and the friendliness of its front desk. Being part of the VCA network may offer benefits such as access to a wider range of resources and standardized care. However, recent feedback also highlights significant concerns regarding post-operative communication, follow-up, and the handling of complications. Potential clients should consider these mixed reviews and are encouraged to contact VCA Russell Animal Hospital directly to inquire about their specific services, protocols for post-operative care and communication, and any current promotions to determine if it meets their pet's healthcare needs and their expectations for client communication and support.