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Blum Animal Hospital
Rating Details »
Category: Veterinarians [Edit]
Neighborhood: Lakeview3219 N Clark St
(between Aldine Ave & Belmont Ave)
Chicago, IL 60657
(773) 327-4446
- Nearest Transit:
-
Belmont (Purple Express, Brown, Red)
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78 reviews for Blum Animal Hospital
I called Blum on the advice of my condo association after I adopted two kittens last year. To date, I've had to take my cats in three times - once for routine shots, once when my girl had a URI, and once for the boy's constipation - and I've always been happy with how we've been treated.
Blum is the only animal hospital I've been to in Chicago, so I can't speak to the prices, but I've never felt overcharged. The vet exam has never been more than $56, which I really don't think is unreasonable, and each of the vets has been fantastic with the kittens. (I've seen a different vet each time I come in because I just call and ask for the next available appointment.)
I've never experienced a long wait time when I've scheduled an appointment, and the staff has always been amazing about fitting me in when I call. I can be a little paranoid about my pets' health and I've found their staff to be a great, knowledgeable resource just to call and receive advice over the phone.
I've found though that sometimes a test will be given that, while necessary, I wasn't informed that it would be an extra cost (or what the cost would be). And I do think it's a little odd that they sell Science Hill/Iams food, because I would never dream of feeding that to my cats. But beyond that, I've always been happy with my experiences at Blum.
In terms of the care my family's animals have received, this place is 5 star all the way (and in my case, that period extends over 14 years already).
However, keep in mind that there are numerous vets at this hospital, and in last minute, or emergency situations, I have encountered some which have seemed less capable than others. Still, credit is most certainly due to the several (majority) other Vets, that are beyond capable and caring, and at least in my cat's case, brilliant (as we are now in year three of borrowed time -- post cancer diagnosis).
Yes, it is true that prices can seem exceptionally high at times. However, I truly feel you get what you pay for here in terms of care, not only from the Vets, but also from the techs, and kind administrative personnel.
Not all vets will see bunnies, but thankfully the Blum Animal Hospital does. As other reviews have noted, Blum can be very busy at times, but they are completely professional and when I show up for an appointment, I am not kept waiting. I've been to different vets, both in Chicago and back in Michigan, and I don't find their prices to be outlandish in the least. The pet prescriptions can get costly, but that is not really something that the Vet can control.
My bunnies see Dr. Kraemer and she takes excellent care of them. She is caring and knowledgeable about bunnies and their potential health problems. No pet likes going to the vet, but mine are extra-skittish and their staff is always great with them.
Blum is one of the BEST animal hospitals. My family has been taking their animals there for the last 45 years. We have tried a few other vets since moving out of the area and will NEVER go anywhere other than Blum. We don't care that we have to drive 30 minutes or longer to get there. We know out cats are getting the best care.
Last month our 17yr old cat had to be put to sleep. And I can honestly say that the people at Blum are the most caring people I have ever met. A few days after he passed a card came in the mail with a beautiful poem and Blum's condolences. Also, 2 other cards came saying that money was donated in my pets name to help other pets. We even received a phone call a week later to see how we were doing and if they could do anything to ease our pain. I don't know any other vet who does that. And this was not the first time they have done this for my family. Each time a pet was put to sleep they did this.
As for price. Blum is NOT that much more than other vets. I had to call vets for a friend two weeks ago and found Blum to be in the middle range of all the ones I called. But who can put a price on the care and service they provide. They are the only vet I trust to take care of my pets.
Several years ago this place charged me $1200.00 and told me they put my ill cat to sleep.
What happened: I went to pick up my cat after a brief vacation and he was dead. I'm like "GIve me my cat!" and they are there "we had to put him to sleep as you were too late coming back from Wisconsin."
We were caught up in a storm and were rushing back as fast as we could.
They were timely giving me the bill, however!
I think this place seriously sucks! I am not sure if it is poorly managed or what but every time I go here the Vet saw last time is gone. Talk about nickle and dime you to death. The bills here are outrageous. I love my dogs as much as the next guy but I don't want to have to take a second mortgage on my home to run a stool sample.
I have been reading some not so pleasent reviews and thought I would share my own personal experience regarding Blum. I also am a firm believer that as a general rule people only write reviews for a bad experience...I am going to go against the grain with this theory of reviewing.
My family has been going to Blum for years (15+) with 3 different dogs with all different kinds of health problems. Over the course of time I find that customer service is still their number 1 priority. And dogs/cats are their number 1 concern. That said, make sure you arrive on time if not early because Blum is always "uber" busy. If late, be prepared to wait until they can fit you in their schedule. In addition, I have only had 1 bad experience therefore my 5 star review still stands.
More importantly, I own a dog business myself and have referred numerous clients who have been equally satisfied. I am a firm believer that Dr. Dann is "The Man" when it comes to dogs, but more specifically my guy. That said, I still encourage clients to obtain a second opinion when it comes to their dog(s) health.
Lastly, the staff are great with dogs. Whenever I come in for a visit they still remember my dog by name and give him the love and attention he expects..and of course a treat too.
Here are a few doctors I think rock:
Dr. Dann
Dr. Rubin (Strongly encourage using him for surgery)
Dr. Jacobs
Dr. Marks
Dr. Schule
Anyhoo...appreciate the 15+ years of great service...but really the one that thanks you most is Niko my 7 year old German Shepherd. See you soon!
Ugh. I still find everyone's negative comments so annoying and ignorant. So much talk about price. Get a pet rock, people, seriously. And complaining that there's no overnight staff? That's laughable. I guess my favorite comments are by the people complaining that the vets give them advice on how to take care of their animals. What exactly are you going to the vet for then? If you know everything, stay at home. Not seeing the same doctor twice means more doctors work there means more available appointments. How else would you be able to write all your terrible reviews?
Again, Blum is the best. I spend a lot of money here on all my animals because it's worth it.
If you can't afford this place, there's totally sub par vet care elsewhere.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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10/16/2007
Oh Blum, how I love thee. I take my cats and dog here and have seen several doctors and have been… Read more »
I will NEVER go here again! DO NOT GO HERE THEY WANT YOUR $$$. I cannot believe how uncaring and insensitive the doctor I dealt with was. I have had the misfortune of seeing a different doctor every time I go here because the turn over is insane.
There were different instructions on the discharge sheet and on the med bottles. When I called to inquire it was very off the cuff no big deal. I am sorry but it is a big deal when it comes to an 11 lb dog. Not to mention the crazy bills!
FABULOUS experience! I went To Blum Animal Hospital for a second opinion at the urging of my neighbors, most of whom take their pets there. Great decision, PERIOD! My Golden, Bo, was suddenly having weakness in his back legs. My other vet had told me he had arthritis. Then I went to see Dr. Dann at Blum and almost immediately he determined that Bo's weakness was because he had some internal bleeding. He took Bo to surgery and found he had a ruptured spleen and he saved his life when he removed it. Bo's recovery went really well and he is back to normal with no more weak back legs. Imagine how I felt when the phone rang the following Sunday morning and it was Dr. Dann calling, checking up on my dog! The nurses and receptionists at Blum were just as caring. I told him I only wished I got the same care from my internist. This place is great!
As a cat owner and lover, I have horror stories of past vet visits that makes me VERY weary of new vets. When my partner and I adopted our new cat from Tree House, they strongly suggested we consider Blum, so we gave it a shot. Here are some of the reasons we LOVE Blum:
1. One of our cats is evil at the vet. Like...his chart has stars and red marks ALL over it. We give him a mild sedative before we go in...and the staff at Blum is amazingly sensitive to the fact that he is totally scared- but still an animal that needs careful and compasionate care. We discovered he does much better with females- so they allow us to see female vets and vet techs only. The vets and vet techs we have worked with have been amazing. I couldn't have asked for them to be more understanding, gentle or professional. They do tend to be a bit more expensive that past vets I have had, but I would be willing to pay much more for the service and care that we get at Blum.
2. They give me all the time I need! When I have questions the vets, vet techs and front desk staff will spend as much time with me as I need. I have never felt rushed, and I have never left the office without my questions answered.
3. They send reminders and call me to setup my annuals for both cats several months in advance so I can get an appointment time that is convienient for me!
We will be staying with Blum!!
I've held back from reviewing this place, so I could try to review it calmly and tactfully and leave emotion out of it... but you know what? When you've had a cat since you were 16, it's hard to leave emotion out of it.
The first time I went to Blum, everything was fine. I believe I saw Dr. Bump-Kramer (I might be getting her name wrong, and I'm too lazy to go look it up). She was nice, pleasant, and diagnosed my kitty with diabetes. I was fairly happy with the experience.
All was well, until the beginning of 2006 when my cat became seriously ill. I had never, ever dealt with something like this before, so I was obviously upset. I called and they were able to get me in right away. I wish I could remember the name of the doctor I saw, but he was by far the biggest jerk I have ever encountered in the medical profession (I don't believe he works there anymore, but still). Here I am, already upset that my cat is sick, and everything I've looked up via google has been bad. He proceeds to yell at me and tell me how sick my cat is, like it's my fault. In my cat's 12 years on this planet, I have seen him hiss a total of three times, and one of those times was during this exam. The vet was rough during the exam - poor Simon hissed and howled, and yes, I know he was sick, but that is completely out of character for him.
They ended up having to admit him. They did give me the courtesy of giving me an estimate beforehand, which I appreciated.
What I didn't appreciate was what happened next. I called to see if I could come visit him in the kitty ICU, and they said it was fine. When I arrived, I find out that because my cat isn't "socialized" (he's been an only kitty his entire life and simply doesn't know how to act around other animals), they actually moved him away from the other animals to a cage upstairs. Upstairs. You know, where they put animals to sleep? I'm sorry, but if he's in a cage, isn't that enough? It's not like the other animals can get to him and vice versa. Then one of the vet techs has the balls to make some snide remarks about how unhappy he was. Oh. Hell. No.
For those of you who have had the pleasure of meeting my kitty, you know he is by far the most mellow and friendly cat ever. He loves everyone. Sure, he was probably stressed out being away from me, being around other animals, etc., so I'm willing to admit that he may not have been acting normally. But as a "professional," perhaps you should keep your snide remarks to yourself.
Long story short, after 3 days in the ICU he was able to come home and has been fine ever since. To their credit, they even came in way under the estimate they gave me. No, Blum is not cheap. If it was worth it, I would have zero problems paying it. But they are not worth it at all. You can do MUCH better in the city than this place, and be treated better in the process.
I have since changed vets and have been very, very, very pleased there. I would not go back to Blum if you paid me.
Okay so where do I start.. (There's so much to say.. Let me warm up my fingers..)
My, first visit to Blum was when my dog Miccah (on my profile picture) was really sick - dog flu?-. I yelped and it was the closest to where I live and the reviews are good, so why not right? I got an appointment and took my dog in. They are REALLY smart at marketing to think about it, they will give your dog treats while you wait to see the Dr., they will "try" to pat your dog. Customer service, they are good no doubt about that, I guess that's why some suckers fall for that. (I fell for it one time, ONE TIME). When I got in, I've got a doctor named Jessica (I think), SHE WAS A TOTAL $%^@&, sorry for being rude, MY DOG, MY BABY DOG, was SICK, wheezing, sneezing, and had no energy at all was not checked by her the moment she walked in. YOU KNOW WHAT SHE SAID? "Why didn't you neuter your dog? Why? " and she had the balls to ask me "Are you a breeder?".
F you, I'm not a breeder, just because my dog is not neutered you think I'm a crazy dog owner who brings the dog to hump all female dogs in the neighbourhood? Do you know how many friends I have that the dogs had died during the neuter surgery?? I just can't bare to think that I might have the slightest chance of losing my dog. First, I'm paying you (tonnes of $$) to check my dog, not to ask me why I didn't neuter my dog or am I a breeder. Second, Check my DOG first before asking me those stupid questions.
Okay, So I forgive them and brush it off my shoulder. Then, I'm leaving Chicago for good to go back to Malaysia, so I would have to obtain a Health Certificate require to export my dog back home (I saw Dr. Dann, he gave my dogs shots that are required). Dr. Dann is not bad, he doesn't ask a lot of personal question as to why you don't neuter your dog. I would recommend him if you really want to go to Blum.
From DAY ONE, DAY ONE they knew that I was going to leave Chicago, they have been pushing me to see their Technician who apparently are experts for dog's travelling paperwork and such. But, When I told them I've got it all arrange, I just needed the Health Certificate, THEY WON'T GIVE IT TO ME. You know what they say?? " I will need to see your import permit for me to give you a Health Certificate." DAMN, even the USDA does not need my Import Permit, USDA just only need the Health Certificate signed by the Doctor, Rabies Certi, and current shots. SO why BLUM? Why would you want me to show you my Import Permit when you CLEARLY don't need it? They really pushed my button this time so I went to another Clinic.
Sorry, this has been a really bad experience from the beginning and I know that I should have walked away. Clearly this place just wants money from you. I am willing to pay whatever amount when it comes to my dog when my dog needs medical attention/treatment.
If I am a unresponsible owner, why would I want to spend thousands of dollar taking my dog back to Malaysia instead of leaving him behind? Why? Cause I love my dog, so if anyone tries to BS me about my dog, Sorry dude, you are messing with the wrong person.
P/S: USDA does not require an Import Permit when you need to get your Health Certificate stamped, I checked with them 5 times to make sure they don't need it. An Import Permit is needed for the Airlines you're taking and the Entry point at the airport your dog will be exported to.
Against my better judgment, and after years of taking my two Boston Terriers to Banfield on Elston for vet care, I wanted to try something different and I was thinking that maybe this type of place would be more into care than the cattle call that I have felt at times with Banfield. I took my dog, Remo, there after I saw a tiny little bump on his chest, that looked infected and that I had never seen on him before. It was tiny, but I wanted to be proactive, just in case it was something else. I decided to take him to Blum and made an appointment for 5:00 on a Wednesday. We were seen at about 6:15 that night, after waiting and trying to control my rambunctious and hyper-active pup (he was three at the time) amidst all the other owners and dogs / cats waiting patiently to be seen.
Once we got in, the vet took one look at his bump, and told me that she didn't know what it could be (umm, that's why you take biopsies idiot). After a 5 minute exam (if that), she prescribed him an antibiotic and sent us on our way. The bill was over $200.
The very next day, my dog's entire body was covered in layers of bumps, mixed in with pus (sorry to get graphic), he had no energy, wasn't eating or drinking any fluids, and was lying on the couch all day in a pool of pus and fluids that were oozing from the sores all over him (again, sorry to get graphic). I rushed him back to Blum in order to rectify the situation, which was their mistake for not looking in to the problem to begin with, and was told that we would have to wait because we didn't have an appointment. I sat in the waiting room, my pup lying lethargically on my lap in pain, oozing fluid from his sores, for TWO HOURS. Once we finally got in, that same "doctor" told me that he must be allergic to the antibiotic and that we would just have to put him on steroids.
At the time, I was in pharmaceutical sales and knew a thing or two about meds and how steroids can cut a dogs life in half. The vet then took a couple tests, blood work, and after thirty minutes and no diagnosis again, decided that we would try another antibiotic. I left and paid roughly $350 for this great consultation. He was no better, and even worse by the next day.
I rushed him to the Emergency Vet on Elston and $1,500 later, had still no diagnosis and cure for my ailing baby. I decided to give Banfield, the vet I had taken him to for all of his care before Blum ever came into the picture, to attempt to get a correct diagnosis for what was going on. The vet was extremely caring and attentive, ran a couple tests, and after 20 minutes and a $50 exam fee, told me that he just had seasonal allergies. She told me to give him Benadryl that I could buy at the drug store twice daily for a month to see what happened.
The very next day, and two Benadryl tablets later, Remo was back to his normal, hyper-active self, bumps dissipating. Needless to say, I question how a veterinarian of Blum's caliber could miss a diagnosis that seems so simple. I question the ethics surrounding their costs and fees, and the training and experience that their doctors have. And I question the caring and compassion that is necessary to be in such a field, as to make a pet who is clearly in pain and oozing fluids, wait for two hours to be seen by a professional, while other dogs who are there for routine shots and grooming were being escorted effortlessly into rooms. I would never recommend Blum, nor ever take any pet under their "care".
I have two extremely large Tabby cats named Prada and Gucci (aka Mr. Poops and Gucky) that have anger issues and "pooping in the car carrier" issues when it's time to go to the vet. They freak out so bad it's usually the most stressful day of the year for me. I usually have to take off a half day of work and start mentally preparing myself days beforehand for the struggle that will be the 2 mile drive to the Vet.
I usually show up at Blum Animal Hospital with two cats foaming at the mouth, covered in poo and screaming as though you would think I've been poking them with sticks for the past 3 days.
That being said...Blum staff takes the two cats, no questions, cleans them up and returns them to me a lot calmer than when I came in. I don't have a Vet there, I usually call and say, "Whoever, I don't care, we only do this once a year." and I've always gotten very nice Vets who don't try to upsell me on anything. Yes, it's expensive - but if you can clean my cat covered in poo and go, "Awww, poor baby!" you've got all my cheeto-points for the day. Also, I've known people who have gone to the "cheaper" alternatives and their kitties aren't alive any more :(
In our case, man's best friend needs to learn how to chew!
One of my best friend's has a HUGE doberman- and by huge- I mean over 115lbs of pure muscle. He comes up to my chest when he is standing on all 4 legs- and is often mistaken for a doberman/great dane mix (he is not). He is a beast of pure doggy love- cuddly, friendly, darling, cute- and ultimately intimidating if you do not know him.
He is also pretty darn smart- except for one small matter- he chews NOTHING! Food, raw hides, toys, etc. He is an inhaling machine. As a small puppy, he had a glove get stuck in his intestines and had to have surgery. Blum took great care of him. As an adult (3 years old) he has gotten better with toys, etc. With supervision, he has gotten better at playing with toys. I have been encouraging my friend to allow him to play- after all, dogs need to do that.
Well, all of my good intentions backfired. He tore the wing off of one his toys, swallowed it whole, and it got stuck. Surgery #2 was necessary. We know what got stuck because they removed it and provided us with a picture. Yup, almost no tooth marks- dang it! Blum took great care of him again. They performed the surgery, stabilized him, sent him home with 4 cases of food, directions for care, and have followed up with multiple phone calls and answered numerous care questions. At this point, he is one week past surgery, still has his staples in and is doing fantastic. Blum has continued in to provide a high rate of care.
I must say- Blum is not my vet- however, I have been with my friend helping throughout this event. I would not hesitate to bring my dog here. They are incredible.
Many of the other posters have discussed high fees. Looking over the bills- I see no differences here between what I have paid at other Chicago vets for surgeries and Blum's prices.
Not to mention- You get what you pay for. If you want top quality care- you will pay for it. Animals are an expensive commitment. Blum is worth it!
Now if they could only teach this dog to chew- otherwise he is going to be eating 5 and 1/2 cans of wet food a day!
I've been taking my cat to Blum for the past seven years - not once have I been let down. They have a clean facility, friendly and helpful staff, and doctors that are both compassionate and professional. We see Dr. Jacobs, who is terrific. I've never felt that they are upselling me, even though my cat is now in the "senior pet" category. Highly recommended.
When I became a new pet owner, I took my cat to the closest vet to my home. When it became obvious that my cat was seriously ill and not just suffering from a case of "adjusting to the stress of a new environment," I made the decision to find another animal hospital. The first time I called Blum, they couldn't see my cat as they were overbooked for the day. When I called back and pleaded, they fit me in with Dr. Turkel.
My cat Sully was diagnosed with liver failure and after a tough week, we made the decision to let him go. Even though this was a highly stressful and extremely sad time in my life, I knew that I would bring all future cats back to Blum and Dr. Turkel. She was caring, knowledgeable, and extremely compassionate. She called me with updates and always let me know when she would be out of the office and another vet would be handling Sully's care. She handled Sully's euthanasia with grace and tact and I am extremely grateful for that. I have adopted three more cats since Sully passed and we've gone back to Dr. Turkel for every appointment. She answers each question I have, even when I feel silly for asking it. I trust her to give the best care possible to my cats.
The rest of the staff I have had contact with at Blum have also been wonderful. I can be something of a..."paranoid cat mom" as this is my first experience as a cat owner. Whenever I've called in, I've been treated courteously and with professionalism. (Even when I wanted to laugh at myself for the question I asked.) Also, I have a cat, who when extremely scared and stressed...well, he poops. Even when handling my skittish and pooped cat, the techs are non-phased and gracious. I have never been dissatisfied with the level of service I have received.
They are the best! The entire staff is so sweet and accommodating. My boyfriend and I adopted a dog from a shelter. Unfortunately we were faced with our poor lab being very sick because she was abused and abandoned. We called Blum many times to ask questions and THEY WERE AMAZINGLY HELP FULL. We also brought her in for her check up and vaccinations. I would never go to any other vet. It is a little pricey, but you get what you pay for. They are true animal lovers and I would recommend this place to anyone!
Oh and Oprah's dogs attended this vet. :)
Everyone here is super caring and friendly. They didn't make me wait too long past my appt time, even with a waiting room full of animals...and I totally respect that. The doctor was sweet and gentle with my baby and very helpful with my questions, never seemed rushed...
...but when I went to pay for a simple check up visit , the bill was $150.
I was completely shocked. After looking at the invoice, things here are 50-75% more than my vet in the burbs. Very icky.
I'm glad I found this place, just in case I ever have an emergency...but for check ups... I will definitely be going back to the burbs where this same appointment would be $75.
My reason for coming here is not pleasant and shouldn't be mentioned, so I won't. Though, I will mention that I had a gentle and compassionate visit with Dr. Feng who spoke empathetically and in a low tone, and that was what helped to make the whole situation a little more comfortable.
RIP aussie
I was first introduced to Blum almost 8 years ago when my dog Harley was suffering from bladder cancer. I ran into an old friend from high-school who is a vet, and was lamenting over the poor care that I'd been dealing with from his vet at the time, and she suggested I bring him into Blum. From the first time we were there I knew it was exactly what we wanted. Unfortunately, Harley didn't survive, but the vets at Blum were nothing short of wonderful, and it made a truly painful experience a bit easier to swallow.
Our dogs are our children, not just pets, and their well being is extremely important to us. Blum Animal Hospital & the staff thoroughly understand this and are happy to accommodate and cater to those of us that are nutty pet parents.
We've never had a problem getting an appointment, the vets take their time, are happy to answer questions and explain processes, and find the best solution for any ailments or issues your pet has. We've had to wait on occasion once arriving for an appointment, but, given how busy they are we never mind. That being said, we've never had to wait more than 30 mins., but, if someone were to call and demand an appointment on a day that they're pretty much booked, and they're nice enough to fit them in, having to wait a bit shouldn't be an issue. I couldn't imagine taking my kids anywhere else. That's not to say that other animal hospitals aren't equally wonderful, but, unless I move out of state I wouldn't have any reason to leave Blum.
And for the record, I am neither a yuppie or wealthy gold coast matron, and have seen all various types of pet owners in Blum, including but not limited to (wanna be) hipsters. Well, I might be borderline yuppie, but that's only due to my age.
Let's make this easy for everyone.
Blum is great for wealthy Gold Coast matrons and Yuppies who equate expense with quality. Beyond that they're coasting on an old reputation that has long since faded.
Talk to any native Chicagoan and they'll rave about the way Blum used to be. If I lived in the 1960's that might be great. But talk to those of us who've had absolutely horrendous experiences in the past 5 years or so and you'll hear an entirely different story.
A friend and former Blum employee would agree 100% with what I've said here. She also called the review written previously by Milena S. as "the typical Blum experience." Basically, the priority is not on your pet's care, but making sure Dr. Rubin and his associates make money. Another reviewer mentioned the "assembly line" approach. A very apt description.
Do yourself a favor, unless you like spending lots of money on needless procedures and being treated rudely in the process go elsewhere. Family Pet and Urban Veterinary Care both provide better care, nicer staff and more affordable prices.
I've always gotten good care here, but it is both expensive and an awfully long wait, no matter how much advance notice you give for your appointments.
If you're going to Blum anyway, you probably don't care about the money you're going to get charged. It's just not a big secret.
But knowing you're paying a premium for the service, you kinda expect premium service. Blum is fine and everything, but, no, I don't think you get extraordinary service... if this place was either cheaper OR better, I'd give it four stars. If it was both, I probably still wouldn't give it 5, because I just don't see any reason to sit in a crowded waiting room with a bunch of animals growling at each other for long periods of time when you made an appointment.
I have taken my cat (who has several chronic health problems) to Blum and Dr. Schul for 6 years, and it is fine.
The waiting area can be hard, but that's true at all vets. The front desk staff is incredibly friendly if you have a cute animal, somewhat friendly if you have a sick animal, and vaguely hostile if you arrive without an animal.
Problems: Every time I bring my cat in I get a lecture. My cat is 18 years old and has several problems. I take good care of her, but I'm not interested in being crazy about it. She is on expensive medications that she must take every day and they won't let me refill them unless I bring her in for an appointment. However, they are completely unsympathetic to how difficult it is for me to get her there now that I don't leave in the neighborhood. They are rude and manipulative and will say things like "well, if you want your cat to be healthy you need to bring her in". Which is crazy manipulative and upsetting.
The most upsetting experience was when my cat was very sick. Because they don't have overnight staff, I had to transport her back and forth to the night hospital. They recommended thousands of dollars worth of tests and made me feel like I was killing her if I even hesitated. I went for it. The problem was, in fact, a simple ideopathic infection, and I found out later if I had waited a couple of days to see if it started to resolve with antibiotics (as it did) I could have avoided the MRI and other tests without risking her life. It was irresponsible of them not to tell me.
All of that aside, all vets are hard for pets and pet owners and Blum has experienced staff who know what they are doing. Owners just need to be sure to ask questions and stick up for what they think is right for their animal.
I was just reminded again today how wonderful this place is. I first starting using Blum when I adopted a kitty from PAWS with a plethora of health problems. The front office staff are friendly and knowledgeable when I call for advice on a particular symptom or behavior.
My last vet would make me schedule an appointment (and thus incur the fee) to answer any questions, but not Blum. If the person at the front desk can't answer my question she takes down the message and has my vet call me between my visits.
I agree with some of the negative posters that it can be a bit pricey but so is ALL veterinary work. If you take the time to ask questions about the conditions and the tests, the staff is very helpful in finding ways to save you money. They are very willing to take urine or stool samples without also charging the appointment fee. They will help you prioritize any tests that should/could be given to determine what the problem might be.
I've since moved from the area, but I still bring my kitties across town to get their treatments at Blum.
I really don't think this deserves a three star but two stars is a bit too low.
Our appointment was scheduled for 6:30 pm. Two other people came in after us and went into the waiting room before we did. We did not get seen till 6:55 which just irritated me.
We get to the waiting room and there isn't even a seat for us to sit down. My cat is easily freaked out and usually sits on my lap while we wait in the room, but he couldn't sit on my lap. The next best thing would have been to go back in his travel bag, but the vet aid took it away, so my little guy was quite upset.
I was not pleased with how the vet aide helped with our cat either. The guy seemed very anti-feline and annoyed he had to deal with a cat. Yeah, screw you too.
The vet was nice and asked us a lot of unneeded questions. All the questions were in our paperwork. It was like she didn't bother to pay attention at all.
Sure, the prices absolutely made me gulp, but it's in the middle of the city and we did get a microchip so I completely expected that.
However, I have to question this vet's best interests. Any vet that sells regular Science Diet and Iams food gives off a HUGE red flag. Any knowledgeable individual will tell you, if you can buy the food at Petsmart or Jewel, it's not good quality whatsoever. Our feline only vet in Austin sold premium food along with the prescription, no Science Diet or Iams because they know what ingredients a cat needs to be healthy.
When we take our other cat next time, I'll get their policy on declawing. My guess is they don't bat an eye if you want that done. Again, a reputable vet would have serious reservations about that.
Then again, I may try out another vet because I sure am annoyed.
Blum Blum Blum, expensive expensive expensive.. Yup, no doubt about it. But some things in life, like my dog, are worth it.
I just got my puppy back to perfect health. The other folks that were whining about unnecessary tests? Let me share something. My little guy , who I truly believes smokes crack under my bed because he is so hyper, suddenly went listless. I called the next day when things had not changed, and they got me in that afternoon. We met with Dr. Turk. She had never seen Sophie before. After patiently listening to me and pouring out my soul how, honestly, I really am a good puppy parent and I didnt do anything wrong!.. she calmed me down and again, patiently, went through all the symptoms I had described. She mentioned it could be a few different things. Then she said that the last 10 days, she had a few other younger dogs coming in with similar problems. She suggested 2 tests.
I told her I was poor. She said OK, lets do one test, her 'hunch' and see if that comes out positive. She was very understanding about the financials (I had just spent $500 there a few weeks earlier being responsible and got Sophie spayed, chipped, etc.) Anyway, she was right, she gave her some drugs, and literally the following day, I had my happy, funny pup back to normal.
She was great, Blum is great. It aint cheap, for sure, but you do get a healthy pet.
My little street kitty cost me around $800 for a neutering and follow up shots.
Big money, considering the little scamp was completely free.
I choose Blum because they're clean, knowledgeable and friendly. They get personal when it comes to treatment and treated my pet well. They called me after the surgery was complete to let me know everything went smoothly. When I came to pick up my groggy kitty they told me a bit more about the surgery, how he took very well to the anesthetic, and of course how they were incredibly happy to have a cat patient they could pet and play with without having to worry about any moody feline outbursts. He had his picture taken, they promptly gave me his records and a weeks supply of pain killers for kitty and I left a happy, although considerably poorer customer.
I'm completely aware I could have found a free clinic but I'm a complete lunatic when it comes to my cat. I feel that he received excellent treatment here, and should he need medical attention in the future, this is where I'll take him.
Blum is where we take our two cats when they need their annuals. PAWS recommended them to us & we weren't disappointed. The vets are excellent & they really try to stick on schedule with appointments. The weekends are a bit hectic, but we've never had to wait more than 10 minutes past our appointment time.
Both the staff & the doctors do a good job of calming your pets down. My two cats have completely opposite reactions to going to the vet--one just completely shuts down & the other gets somewhat aggressive--but the vets handle both situations well & get you in & out as quickly as possible.
They also work with you when you're running a little bit late with your appointment. Sometimes it takes a lot longer to con your cat into a carrier than you'd expect!
Thank you Blum! When my little Russell needed some surgery, you did the job just right! Here are some folks I'd like to thank:
The ladies who helped me at the front desk: Thank you for your help and for telling me how cute my cat is...you know that all crazy cat ladies love to hear that.
Dr. Turkel: Thanks for calling me before the surgery and letting me know about the infection on Russ's foot. Even though it didn't necessarily interfere with the surgery, I really appreciate your concern. I definitely felt better knowing that someone who cared about every aspect of his well-being was working on him. Totally bitchin' sutures, too.
Kelly: Thanks for calling me post-surgery to let me know how everything went! I appreciate the care and concern that you demonstrated.
Daniel: I'm sorry that Russ scratched you, post-surgery. We always hurt the ones we love, I guess. Also, thank you for singing to him, post-surgery.
Kendall & Meredith: Thank you for taking the time to show me just how to apply Russell's pain meds and antibiotics. You were thorough yet concise, a combination which is very hard to come across these days.
Manny, Amanda, Rachel, and the rest of the staff: Thank you for keeping my little buddy company and giving him lots of TLC.
Yes, Blum is expensive, but it is worth it, and I don't feel like I was overcharged for anything. I can also say with certainty, that the staff at Blum really care about the health and well-being of their animal clients. I recommend Blum highly!
OK - Let's get the particulars out of the way. Yes, this place is expensive. But not having gone to another vet in a long time, I'm not sure what to compare it to anyway.
Now on to the care. I have (had) two cats. I had to have Nique put to sleep a few months ago. Dr. Georgeson (my longtime vet) talked me through the whole thing, gave me a big hug after it was over, and even send me a long, hand written card the next week. I'm sure some people will pass this off as 'good marketing', but I really felt she was sincere.
Yesterday I had to have six teeth pulled from my remaining cat, Bear, and Dr. G called me this morning at 9am to see how he was doing.
I have seen some negative reviews here, and I really think its based on how much you like and bond with your doctor. All my experiences have been great.
Well I was a little nervous to go here after reading all the terrible reviews BUT....I thought it was fine. I found the Vets and Vet techs friendly as well as the front desk staff. Our vet, I forget her name, was very good with my dog. My dog usually freaks out during vet visits, but I have never seen her more calm. And it was fairly inexpensive compared to the VCA's I visited in both Dallas and Los Angeles. I will admit that the waiting area was very chaotic with all the dogs. Someone had a Pit Bull that wouldn't calm down and was attempting to attack anything that walked through the door. They should bring dogs like that back to their rooms so they don't hurt or annoy anyone in the regular waiting room. Besides that, 2 thumbs up!
I've been taking my two dogs to Blum for a year now. Yes, it's expensive, but I'd gladly pay the price if I thought I was getting good care.
Every freakin' time I've been there I've had to wait at least A HALF HOUR to be seen, even for routine blood draws. Then another 10- 15 mins to check out.
At Blum the techs always take your dog away to the scary back room for shots, weigh-ins, etc. Fine for one of my dogs, but my other one is always terrified and freaks out, why won't they just do it in an exam room you ask? I don't know, it's never been like this anywhere else. Perhaps they take my dog away so I can read all of their marketing literature on the walls and spend more(?)
My husband brought one of our dogs in and a receptionist went on and on about how he(the dog, not my husband) needed a litany of shots, but my husband insisted that the dog was current. "Oh, you're right, he has had all of his shots". He then went in and the vet DID THE SAME THING! It's negligent to nearly duplicate a bunch of shots. And twice?!
My dogs deserve the best and this isn't it.
I used to live around the corner from this place, so I started taking my tiny dog there from the beginning. This place is wonderful, and I wouldn't take my dog anywhere else. I have mostly seen Dr. Turkel, but all the vets and techs here are great! Actually, my dog loves going to the vet, and runs toward the door every time we get nearby.
Some of the fellow yelpers are concerned with the price, but none of the other Veterinary offices in the area are cheaper. In fact, they all pretty much fall into the same general price window. Personally, to cut down (major-ly) on the costs, I order all the medications online.
Summary: Blum is awesome. Service is great. My dog loves it. I'm not going anywhere else.
I've been taking my cat here since I got him 4 years ago and it's a nice place. I think it's kind of expensive, but I think all vets in the city are that expensive.
Dr. Finan is my go to gal whenever my cat is having issues. He was literally depressed when I moved out of my old apt (where I had a roomie and she had a cat too). He loved the other cat and was just so sad when they were apart. Dr. Finan would talk to me on the phone and try to help me figure out what to do. It ended up just being time that he needed, but she was very friendly and helpful to me.
It's very clean and all of the staff are very friendly. I also like all of their other clients. We all chat in the waiting room and talk about our pets.
We took our little Oliver, our guinea pig, here today with a broken tooth. We were greeted right away and didn't have to wait long to see the doctor, who was excellent. The place was incredibly clean and professional. Every single staff member was very helpful and friendly. Healthcare, especially animal healthcare, is pricey, unfortunately. That said, I don't think we were overcharged - I thought the pricing was very fair. Oliver is very much a part of our family and we only want the best for him!
I'd say we'd be back - and we will if something, heaven forbid, happens to Oliver again - but here's to hoping for a healthy Oliver!
I LOVE LOVE LOVE this place!
Dr. Finan is our "primary care" vet and Dr. Faigle is our acupuncture go to - both of them are absolutely great. All the vets here have been a saving grace for my two Bostons. Prompt appointments, prompt call returns and never a questions to basic or "silly" for them to answer. They are patient and have excellent table side manner. I have always felt they care about my dogs and their well being as much as I do. The whole staff is great.
I recommend them to everyone with a new pet or those new to the city.
I'm sure it's a good vet clinic (I only took my dog twice, once for a visit and once for spaying) but you probably need to sell a kidney to afford it! First vist took less than 10 min and they charged me 55 bucks. spaying was 514 dollars between "this and that" and after all that money they were even able to charge me 13 bucks for a stupid plastic lamp shaped collar (those to prevent the dog from lick the stitches...I don't know the real name for it)!!! come on! after leaving 500 bucks I think you can let that go!
But what can we do, when it comes to family and pets' health, who cares about money?? Unfortunately they know that
Nothing to say about the vet and the assistant, they were very nice even though the place is so big, it doesn't look too family oriented. I bet you speak to a different tech every time you go there
8 years ago I would have given this place 5 stars.
The vets I used to see are no longer there. Now they have vets that have poor bedside manner and several have limited experience/knowledge. All but one of the current vets have only 2 - 10 years experience. Dr. Dann has 30 years.
They claim that they have a daily group meeting to review cases - a team approach to diagnosis. I highly doubt it. If they did, then they would have figured out my previous cat's problem sooner.
They love to run tests and very expensive ones. I am very willing to spend a lot of money on my pets (several thousand dollars). But I get bent out of shape when I feel I am being over charged.
The vets need to work on their communication skills. I became very frustrated with Dr. Kramer who repeatedly wasn't listening to me regarding my previous cat. Dr. Dann is a bit stiff/monotone, but knows what he is talking about. However he is also eager to do a lot of tests.
