Animal Hospital of Polaris

This place rocks! I am shocked at all the horrible reviews. We had an amazing experience! I moved to the Polaris area and needed a new vet (my dog also has developed a skin rash), I found a Groupon online for a Physical Exam and bought it. I scheduled for a next day appointment and everything about our experience was great. Great staff, facility, welcoming environment– everything! Even the appointment was long enough to effectively assess my dog, yet not overly time consuming.
I will be returning in two weeks for a check up after med cycle for the skin rash, and also get my dog groomed at that time! They have competitive rates and the dogs I saw getting groomed through the glass window in the waiting area (great marketing btw) were so adorable!
Thanks guys for the great experience and easy vet transition :) thumbs way up!
–satisfied customer

We started bringing Pippy to the Animal Hospital of Polaris in ¹⁰⁄₂₀₁₂ shortly after we rescued her from the Capital Area Humane Society. It was great to have a location so close to our home with flexible hours. We also use AHOP for grooming and love the consistency of the grooming staff so our dog doesn’t have to get used to a new employee each time she is groomed. Fast forward to March 2014 when we rescued another dog, Chewbacca, who we found through AHOP. Both of our dogs are cared for by AHOP (vet care and grooming). We have had some high vet bills, but veterinary care isn’t cheap any place you go and we happen to have some high-​maintenance dogs. The staff has always been up front with us about what procedures are needed, which are recommended and what the costs for those procedures are. I have done comparisons with other local vets and AHOP is in line with the going rates from what I could see. I trust Dr. Eaton and staff to care for our beloved furry family members.

We took our new puppy there to get his first shots. Arrived in time but ended up waiting in the waiting room for 30 mins with no explanation as to why. Was called back to our room. Staff was neutral (neither friendly nor rude). Pushed teeth cleaning on us and other in-​needed services. Two days later we took we had to take our cat there for his rabies shot. Wait was better. Staff… the same neutral attitude. We had the same doc and she didn’t even remember us… FROM 2 DAYS AGO! Tried pushing the same in-​needed services. Why would we want those services when 2 days ago we said no?! It is obvious at this vet no patient (or patients owner) is a priority.

I had a tour to check this place out for dog boarding. After my tour I decided NO WAY!
It looks great on their website and the reception area is all nice and clean, and air conditioned, however, when I went through to the kennels it was stifling hot, no cool air at all. It felt dirty, cramped and the dogs were either barking madly or looking extremely sad. some dogs had no water: their bowls were either knocked over or had just run out and not been refilled. A couple of the kennel’s dividing doors to enable them access to the outside section of their runs were closed (the staff member quickly opened them when we were touring).
I asked about the «five walks a day» included in the boarding price. It really is just five potty breaks outside in the small gravelled yard.
My overall opinion was that this place is dirty, cramped and hot. I went and toured Pet Palace immediately after and it was like a breath of fresh air. Very clean, more spacious and much cooler. Needless to say, that is where my pooch will be spending her vacation!

I wish I had read these reviews before choosing AHOP for my pets for almost two years. I wonder how many people were paid to offer positive reviews. Really, there is a revolving door of vets. The one we liked best, who was honest and told us what we needed and DIDN’T need, did not last long.

This is the biggest rip off ever. I brought my 5 year old pitbull in to get updated on her shots. We got our office visit for free due to meeting one of the vets at 4^th Friday in uptown Westerville so we thought why not he painted us a good picture but turns out all is place is interested in is money. We had to wait in the waiting room for 30 minutes if not longer then the vet came in we explained our financial situation and what we wanted. She came back in with a list of what she wanted to do to the tune of 500 dollars. We cut it back to what she thought we needed so she comes back in the room with a lot of pills and shampoo and ear wash but no shot. Then proceeded to have us leave. We paid for what we did get costs were 98.00! I’ve never left somewhere so pissed we ended up returning the shampoo and ear wax remover. Got 49 back. Never again will I
Give this money trap my money. Also just a side note you can’t comment directly to this clinic on their website email address doesn’t work.

Picked my poor dog up after having to be out of town in DC. When I left Friday morning, I filled out the paperwork like I do upon needing to drop him off. Like always they ask «do you want text message updates about your pet». My wife and I love our dog like its our kid, so I checked YES, wrote «PLEASE TEXT» and the wrote also my wife’s # down. I said «you guys really need to start texting updates on the Pets, you never do it and it makes us angry. The woman assures us it will happen, like the last dozen times I’ve had the leave my poor pet there, no one texts me or my wife all weekend. We have to call and check on him; which I’m sure was mostly lies that he was «doing great and loves walks».
When I pick up my pet, he’s dehydrated, in a state of shock, and smells like urine and filth. Not sometimes here; always. I know my dog, and I know something is amiss when he comes home from this place.
This place that; the staff has been at times argumentative, unfriendly, snobby… Hey here’s a clue… Have someone in the lobby waiting to check dogs in while we fill out the paperwork you guys disregard…
Here’s another suggestion: put as much effort into Caring about the dogs and updating the owners on the dogs condition as you do attempting to sell something. You frauds. Stop calling to see if my dog wants an early flu shot ($$$$) and give him water and text me when I’m out of town like I’ve asked a dozen times to let me know how he’s truly doing.
Last story– have to post it because I’ve read where another person had the experience. My dog develops a cyst on his mouth. We’re stupid so we take him to AHOP to have it looked at ($$). Immediately they urge it could be something malignant ($$$$), so they want to take a sample ($$$) and send it to a lab ($$$$) and its urgent! Really? Because we called a family friend out of state who is a vet and they said RARELY does a dog who is under 2 just develop cancer, see what the cyst does and let me know. Cyst goes away, we save thousands of dollars.
If I didn’t know any better I would say the staff here gets commissions based on what medical procedure they dupe a client into, pay close attention. That’s what it feels like. Something VERY strange is going on at this place. Please if you love your pets stay FAR FAR away, please.

I write this review after being a client of Animal Hospital of Polaris for 3−½ yrs. I have reached the final straw with AHOP, and am moving the care of my two shih tzus to another local veterinarian, which is something I probably should have done after the last disappointment. Although we ALWAYS questioned the price of care at AHOP, we have trusted Dr. Eaton and her staff with the furry members of our family through two dental cleanings (with anesthesia), surgery for broken dew claws, overnight care for ingestion of macadamia nuts, visits here and there when we thought one of the dogs was acting out of sorts, annual vaccination/​well exam visits, grooming and boarding.
My next to last visit was to take my dog in to check out a new lump on my dog’s leg, even though it felt identical to another one on my dog that has been confirmed by AHOP to be a skin cyst and nothing to worry about. I wanted to have them look at it and get their opinion. I was first advised that my dog would need surgery to remove the new lump ($$$). When I asked if there were other options, I was told that they could take a sample and send it off to the lab for testing ($$). After questioning the cost of that treatment, the vet determined that she could take a sample and look at it under the microscope herself since should was trained to tell if it was something to worry about or not ($). Thankfully, it turned out to be just like the other skin cyst that doesn’t need any treatment.
When I addressed the concern about excessive vaccinations and/​or excessive charges for things that seemed unnecessary with Dr. Eaton, she advised that I don’t HAVE to do everything they recommend. Gee… thanks Dr. Eaton. I would hope if it was optional, it would be presented as optional.
Our first step of leaving AHOP (we still used their vet services) was to board our dogs elsewhere because our dogs would smell horrible when we picked them up from boarding. Dogs shouldn’t smell bad unless the runs aren’t kept clean. We are now VERY happy with Pet Palace of Columbus Pike (Rte. 23).
I’ve complained before about not getting my calls returned from AHOP. As I write, this review, I am going on 3 days after leaving a message with the receptionist to have someone call about refilling an allergy medication for my dog. I left another message earlier today. This refill will be my last request of AHOP…
The final final straw was when I saw 5 dogs walking around on their roof last Thursday. YES… you read that correctly! Dogs were walking around on their roof because someone had left an upstairs window open! The facility was closed because it was July 4^th and it took many onlookers making phone calls to try and reach someone. When someone finally reached AHOP staff, it was responded to very lightly like it was no big deal. GOODBYE AHOP!!!

Dr. Eaton is phenomenal! We took our 2-​year-​old Basset Hound, Maddy, here yesterday for her annual vaccinations and check-​up. The place is very clean and their hours rock. My wife and I are first-​time dog owners and Dr. Eaton made us feel very comfortable and explained things to us pretty well.
The one thing keeping me back from giving this 5 stars is the cost. Most vet offices are like this but they seem to stack up medications and tests without asking/​clearing how much they cost first. Our total bill for this visit was around $ 320 which included all the shots, a physical (this was our first visit and we were told this was mandatory), an EXPENSIVE tick collar (Seresto @ $ 70), and 1 month of Advantage Multi. They also ran a fecal test too which wasn’t cheap. I feel like a bad pet parent for asking about charges for everything and they didn’t really make me feel comfortable for asking those questions but wow things add up quickly. It also irks me a bit that they advertise the «low costs» of this place on their website but it definitely seems more expensive than our old vet in Akron.
All said, we will probably go back to this vet. I’ll just keep asking every 5 seconds how much everything costs like a cheap@$$ and they will have to deal with it. haha

I should have written this way long ago… but here is my review of this place. The last time we went was horrible.
The appearance of this place is well kept. When you walk in it looks like a legit doctor’s office, and is definitely the nicest Vet office I’ve payed a visit to concerning the interior.
Anyways, Our dog was having diarrhea so we decided to pop in for a visit. Right away we were out 40 $ just to see the doctor (no biggy).
When we got in there they explained that they wanted to do a variety of tests on our dog. First, testing to see if there were any parasites /​bacteria (classic poop test)… 30 $.
Then they decided that even though they found a type of bacteria that would be responsible for all of his symptoms… he was «severely» dehydrated (this was bs, my dog was drinking water fine, and the nurse said that his gums looked fine as well/​he was properly hydrated) and bloated so they assured us that they needed to take x-​rays to rule out an obstruction because it could also be responsible for his symptoms.
I, being the naïve pet owner and legitimately concerned for my dog agreed. They came back with two x-​rays. The first one was normal and the second one either showed that my dog had an obstruction, or had gas. The vet basically told us that my dog needed to have surgery to remove a potential obstruction, or at least stay over night 3 – 5 nights so they can monitor him. They came back with 2 potential vet bills. One was around 7000, and the other was for 544 (the total cost thus far including take-​home medicine).
At this point. and having been 3 hours into my appointment. I decided I would be taking my dog home to see if he showed any improvements, and told them that I would give them a call if his symptoms worsened.
The next morning my dog was COMPLETELY FINE! I honestly don’t believe he even needed the medicine I was giving him because his stool had returned to normal the next day.
So yes. I spent 544 $ because my dog had diarrhea. But the worst part is that they were trying to swindle me into spending over 7,000 for it.
I will never go back. They say it is their moral obligation to recommend the best level of care for my pet. That is complete and utter bullcrap. They were going to send my dog into surgery for having diarrhea. It’s their moral obligation to squeeze as much money out of your pocket before you leave.

I had shady dealings with the Animal Hospital. I took my young pup in because the hours were still open at 7:30 pm (much of what lures us in) and thought that I would be avoiding expensive afterhours emergency fees at other options in town.
What happened more than made up for that $ 30 difference to walk in the door. I still have a full draft to submit to the Better Business Bureau.
My pup bloated, and has since had some issues with bloat when consuming food and water at the same time. She slugs down water likes it’s becoming obsolete, I know this to be an issue. So when she started vomiting (mostly said water), I knew I should take her in to avoid dehydration b/​c she is so small (2lbs at the time). I’ve had many dogs and don’t claim to be an expert, but you kind of know what sets them off when you actually watch it happen.
My first quote was a «conservative» estimate of 5 – 8 days in their care unit. A guaranteed minimum of 5. Plus xrays.
Total bill they wanted me to sign off on was around $ 8000.
Full on all tests, blood and everything right off the bat. Bullshit.
I very specifically ask my vets to work with and eliminate common/​likely scenarios first before pulling out all the expensive tests. I did the same here very candidly.
In this case, I knew she had too much water too fast and was most likely reacting to this. She is crated when not 100% supervised. Blockage was highly unlikely. That should be an adequate starting point considering she had her vaccines not 6 weeks before and was cleared to fly (3 weeks before) via a previous full exam.
At this place, the vets can’t (won’t?) read xrays on site. So, you pay for the xray, then you pay for someone to read the results remotely. NO OTHER VET I HAVE EVER BEEN TO HAS DONE THIS BEFORE. Second opinions, yes, but not from the get go. Right around $ 100 for the xray to be taken, and ANOTHER $ 80 – 100 just to read it by a lab off-​site.
This is for EACH xray — not per session. So two images to be taken and read is near $ 400. I was rec’d «at least» three. *Editing to add my pup is appx 6 inches long. Pretty easy to get a lot in one image.
They would take her back to see me from her «holding crate» and she wasn’t vomiting at all — their response was «as soon as we take her back she throws up again.» Now, in retrospect, I doubt that.
I caught 2 math errors on the projected bill. LARGE math errors. About $ 1000 worth.
It was mandated/​projected she would have to stay with them at over $ 100/​night for at least 5 – 7 nights. It was practically pushed on me. I completely disagreed because I was not authorizing a charge until they actually accrued. You don’t pay in advance, or promise a minimum, for overnights in the event they come home…
I had them put her on a re-​hydration drip and give her anti-​puke meds.
Over the night/​morning, they called my SO to try to push through more tests (which I had repeatedly refused not an hour before during my morning call) on her DESPITE THE FACT it was agreed I would pick her up within the hour to take her to my regular vet. They told him she was «crashing,» that it was urgent at the time and tried to justify it that way.
He called me, I called this place and asked to speak to a vet tech for a quick checkup on my kiddo — she said my pup was happily barking/​interacting. Big change in 5 min, eh? No meds were administered to create that difference.
I came to pick her up, she was supposed to be nearly ready with all files for me to take to transfer. I physically waited in office for roughly another hour for them to get the files (now 5 hours at this point from the initial request to remove her) which they never prepared, then promised to email them to my regular vet by the time I got to my normal vet’s place (20 more min drive time). I also signed a medical records release and refusal of care form. I never did get the records at all. Just a bill.
I took her to my vet, they checked her out, did 3 xrays and read them on the spot to be on the safe side for under $ 100 and SENT HER HOME WITH ME.
My total bill at polaris animal hospital was around $ 600 for all those mismanaged lines of BS… my other vet bill was $ 130, including some Nutrical.
NEVER go here. DON’T be taken in by glossy marketing and a pleasant monthly email. That’s ALL that is going for them.
Now what does THAT tell you?
I’m still angry about this — it’s a life, not a cash cow.
And I am the type that will go to all ends and do whatever it takes if needed. All that was forced upon me was absolutely not needed at that point in time.

We went there for an emergency visit with our cat. Everyone was polite and our pet was well taken care of. However, the pricing was outrageous!
Before signing the release when given the estimate of charges, I asked the vet tech to explain what each charge was since our estimate was $ 1200 to $ 1500 for three days of hospitalization. (No, our cat did not need surgery– just a catheter, medicine, and observation.) The vet took some tests off the list of things they were planning to do when I said I could not afford the bill. If they were not crucial why were they on there in the first place? I modified the contract for services by writing at the bottom they were not to exceed $ 750 without my consent. When I came to pick up my cat three days later they had exceeded my consented amount by over $ 300. After showing them my copy I had signed previously they did agree to remove the additional charges. They recommended a surgery for my cat, which I decided to get a quote from another vet. Glad I did as I saved $ 1800.
Over priced to begin with truly. Just compare to a vet operating not in the upper scale town area. I tried have my animal records released to another vets office. After much hoop jumping and five phone calls to them I still could not get my pets records faxed despite signing a release (HIPPA for animals– my animal apparently might be discriminated against for his medical condition when seeking employment or perhaps my cat may feel some personal embarrasment by his records being released. Seriously!!!). Well they protected my cat’s privacy so well that I had to pay the second vet to repeat bloodwork Polaris had just done.

After being in several vet’s offices, this place is TOP NOTCH!
After having our dog for over a year, we finally took him into Animal Hospital of Polaris and the vet was more informative than any we had seen before. She even called us the next week to check up on our puppy’s ear infection.
Their staff is kind and their love for animals shines through all they do. I become a bigger fan with each visit.

We had a vet for our puppy for the first year he was born over near campus and after a horrible experience, I decided to look for a new vet. I came across Animal Hospital of Polaris’ website and instantly liked it!
Things I like about AHoP (is it okay to shorten it like a nickname?):
1. It’s hours are IDEAL for anyone that works
Monday– Friday 7:30 am — 10:00 pm
Saturday 8:00 am — 8:00 pm
Sunday 10:00 am — 8:00 pm
2. It’s very clean and modern. Makes me feel better every time we visit.
3. They have 4 doctors listed on their website. We see Dr. Wendy Tsai. She is so gentle, asks lots of questions, and genuinely seems interested in our dog.
4. They recommended a new kind of food (our dog is a finicky eater) and he LOVES it. A bit expensive, but we decided it’s worth it.
We love the Animal Hospital of Polaris and I would recommend their vet services to anyone.