Carlson Animal Hospital

These guys and gals are fantastic. Each and every person here is happy, professional, caring, and they work! Sundays, weekends, nights, whatever it takes. Our 10 yr. old 8 lb. (when we first came now 6.7) poodle was not doing well. Here previous knee surgery (done at VCA) had gone bad and we couldn’t do surgery then cause her vitals and blood work indicated problems. Carlson’s was very thorough and found she had Cushings disease, and other internal issues including some unknown source of infection and during treatment of that she became diabetic. I can only tell you that after a lot of trips and treatments, they have achieved what seemed insurmountable odds. Today her weight is down, she is back to her old self, Cushings under control and diabetes is stable. If you love your animal and want to avoid the horse doctors, go with this team! They are dedicated and know what they are doing. Thanks guys! We are forever connected to you and grateful for your care!

I found Carlson Animal Hospital from a Google search. My kitten was very sick and our vet had no idea what was wrong with him. It was frustrating because we were watching him whither away before our eyes. Dr. Carlson and his staff were very thorough with their examination and it was evident upon watching them that the entire staff is passionate about the care of animals. They diagnosed my kitten quickly and efficiently and were able to perform surgery to save his life. Dr. Carlson is extremely knowledgable and was able to explain what was wrong with our kitten. He has been diligent at following through with a treatment plan. We are very grateful to have found such a fantastic doctor. Thank you! (Mouse says thanks too!)

I’ve taken 4 pets here over the years. Not that my fur kids or me enjoy seeing the doctor, but I am glad we go here. They care about the animals & take as much time as needed to explain ailments & treatment options.

Our cat Albie is high maintenance. Twice now I’ve tried to internet-​diagnose symptoms Albie was having only to end up taking her to Carlson and having a different, accurate diagnosis and successful treatment results. The doctors are patient and have been spot on in diagnosing and treating my cat, so I don’t hesitate in recommending Carlson Animal Hospital.

We had to put our 12 year old Shar-​Pei to sleep couple of weeks ago. The entire staff was so compassionate to our family during this extremely sad time. We as a family and our dog were treated with great respect. This past week we received a sympathy card signed by the staff. Each staff member wrote a brief note in the card. I very highly recommend Carlson Animal Hospital.

Well, the estimate for neutering my 70 pound MALE dog was $ 620 – 680. It was $ 342 at PetVets. Yes, they were very nice and professional. But it’s usually with a smile that someone picks your pockets too. I’m not sure a smile is worth paying that much for.
If we wind up going with Carlson’s it will only be because we love our dog so much and are already so (probably unfoundedly I’m sure) worried about giving him over to someone for this that if anything were to happen we’d feel guilty about having tried to save any of our hard-​earned dollars.
So minus one star for price gouging.

We have two dogs that are patients at Carlson Animal Hospital and could not be happier. This is the place to take you animals from routine visits to serious medical issues and concerns. Both of our dogs have pretty severe allergies and one has stomach issues (IBS). Dr. Carlson has been very thorough with testing and we have learned more than we could ever imagine about the «why» behind some of our dogs’ issues. Dr. Richerson is my favorite vet in the practice. She has the most wonderful bedside manner that could put even the most terrified pet at ease. Drs. Carlson and Leslie are both fantastic as well. I always sigh in relief when Jennifer answers the phone or is working-​all of the staff are great for the most part but Jennifer truly goes above and beyond. We even come here for minor things such as nail trims because we know the staff is patient and compassionate with our dogs. Max and Teddy give them eight paws up!

The one caveat I have to say here is it is a bit expensive compared to other vets. But the flipside is that you aren’t getting ripped off because you are paying for what you are getting. That is to say, it is a hospital and an academic medical center for animals. There is a team atmosphere, a team concern for your animals well being, and the techs and docs remember your dogs. They have rounds on your animals in the morning like your docs do when you are in the hospital. More than one medical mind is presented with your animals problem so its looked at in unique perspectives.
We bring our Millie and Izzy here because, despite the fact they might be a few bricks shy of a load, they are members of our family. This is the place you know you are going to get the right answer, the right treatment, and right referrals.
We were referred here. I can say with the confidence of messing with a few other vets that this a great medical home for your animals if you want the best care.

Wonderful vets! I really feel that they are about what is best for YOUR dog, not making money. Took my dog here for annual check-​up (we had just moved to area), and to get a fecal test for the dog park. Got in with Dr. Carlson, which was great to meet the owner. He was so kind and patient. He answered all our questions and really spent his time with us. The Vet Techs were wonderful and sweet, too. They were completely honest with us – answering questions about vaccines and flea/​tick medicines.
It is so refreshing to talk to professionals who give you honest opinions about what works for your pet, not who are just trying to push the brand their hospital promotes (though that brand is wonderful, too).
Contacted them another time when dog was having stomach issues. They ran a fecal test day-​of and called back with recommendations for the dog – we didn’t even have to take him in! Wonderful.
**Their facebook page is fun, too! Check it out! They really work to make their hospital feel like family-​run business. Sweet.
Edit: Would like to mention that they are well-​priced. Cheaper than previous appointments I’ve had at Banfield (Petsmart), and higher quality. You can give them a call describing your needs and they’ll give you a tentative $$ amount.

Good care, but extremely expensive and not forthcoming about total expenses before it’s too late. Get all procedure expense estimates in writing, and ask if there will be any incidental expenses. A surgery I committed to after being told the cost would be about $ 700 has, so far, actually cost over $ 3,000. I feel misled. Again, good care, but be prepared to (over?) pay for it.

These are GREAT vets! Look no further, you have found the best vet around!
Nothing, even my own doc, compares to the treatment and compassion we (my pet and I) received at Carlson Animal Hospital. I didn’t know how sick my cat was (the Vet told me that cats are very good at hiding illness), but the doctors pulled him back from the brink.
Today I am bringing him home along with really clear instructions for home care while he continues to improve — the doc spent tons of time reviewing the treatment, care and answering all of my questions. Oh, yeah, throughout his illness the veterinarians kept me informed as to how he was doing — good and bad.
The Vets showed me my cat’s ultrasound (people ultrasound equipment) and what was going on with him. WOW! I don’t know what I was looking at, but the docs did!
We’ve been going to CAH for years now, and we will continue to go there for regular care, of course. .. and hopefully never again need serious illness care, from them. But, we now know we can and are relieved.
One of the other people in the waiting room told me that she had asked Dr Carlson if she could bring her children in for their check-​ups. Their pediatrician just doesn’t compare to the care her pet is getting.
One last thing, when I got home and looked over the treatment, someone from Carlson’s had drawn a heart around my cat’s name. They love their patients. I guess that says it all.

I can’t say enough good things about Carlson Animal Hospital.
My pup recently had some major problems (and by that, I mean he almost OD’d on Advil Liquigels. Read: dogs can’t handle that). The staff here, who have handled him for the last year for regular reasons, has been extremely supportive and understanding throughout all my dog-​related blunders.
I’ve yet to meat Dr. Carlson (Which is why it’s taken me so long to actually review the place) but I’ve been seeing Dr. Swindell and she’s been so good with Yoshi. The girls at the front desk are all sweethearts, and they’re all very good with my dog (have I mentioned he’s basically unable to walk on their hardwood floors? He’s a ball of nerves/​anxiety).
If you’re new to the area like I am, this is the place I’d recommend you take your pets. They also do boarding, which I’ve never taken advantage of, but from what I hear if I ever actually need to board the Yoshinator, I’d totally take him to Carlson.

YOUR KIDS SHOULD BE SO LUCKY TO HAVE A PEDIATRICIAN HALF AS GREAT AS MY VET!
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My dog, Artie, recently got sick the night before I was called out of town on business. I brought him to Dr. Carlson 2 hours before I was schedule to leave. They took Artie in and immediately began exploring what was going on with him. Through their tests they were able to rule out some of the likely culprits (a reaction to tick bites from this past summer, something obstructing his stomach or intestines, etc) and get to the culprit — Pancreatitis. They discovered this by performing an ultrasound on a piece of advanced equipment that is unusually sophisticated for vets in this area — I think there are only 3 such pieces of equipment in Illinois.
The key images were explained to me with great care when I got back into town. Dr. Carlson met with me for over an hour, showing me the images, and sharing with me how he diagnosed the core problem, and showing me all of the other organs that were being impacted by Artie’s illness. After I fully understood how he came to his diagnosis, he went on to explaining the best practices that would make Artie well again.
Here were my take aways:
– I wish that my own doctor would take the care explaining my illnesses and cures when I get sick — geez with my own doctor, I am lucky to get 10 minutes of her time!
– Dr Carlson cares passionately about the practice of vetinary medicine — and spends a tremendous amount of time keeping up with and administering care according to the very latest findings — and teaching these findings to his staff of doctors — FANTASTIC! to be contributing to the next generation of superior scientific veterinarians.
– I felt like Artie was in great hands — and found myself wishing that all of my friends from my doggy groups, agility classes, etc., could know about Dr. Carlson and his team… I feel safe knowing the fine caliber of the talent that is there at Carlson Animal Hospital to help see us through if something happens to Artie again!

We have been patients of Dr Carlson for years now. Even after moving out of the area, we still drive long distances to bring our two dogs to Carlson Animal Hospital whenever they are sick. Dr. Carlson has saved both our dogs lives over the years. Most recently, we brought our dog in because he had been vomiting intermittently for a few months. Our local vet kept running bloodwork and sending him home saying nothing was wrong. Upon examination and ultrasound by Dr Carlson, it was determined that he had several possibly life threatening conditions-​including a tumor in his spleen. Dr. Carlson removed the spleen the very next day and our little guy is now on the road to a full recovery.
Dr. Carlson is always very thorough, kind and has the latest veterinary diagnostic technologies. We’ve had many different vets over the years but none are as knowledgeable and committed to providing the absolute best care available complete with the most modern medical technology. His staff is always accommodating and can even handle my very nervous and slightly fractious dog with compassion. We can not say enough good things about Carlson Animal Hospital and Dr. Carlson –especially his ability to diagnose and successfully treat tough cases. If you consider your animals family members and want the best care for them, this is definitely the place to bring them.

Ive been bringing my dog to Carlson since I moved to Chicago (about 11 years ago) and have had nothing but the best service. Dr. Ogishi has saved my dogs life twice and has gone above and beyond on numerous occasions. Ive also brought my dog to see the other vets and they are all great and really take the time to really explain what is going on with my dog. My dog is about 17 years old now and is still very active — he’s also a really awesome dog. They are doing such a great job that i dont think my dog will ever die.

I love this place! We have seen Dr. Meg Ogishi for 6 years now and she is amazing. She spends alot of time with us if we have any questions and is great about giving us advice on what to do at home :) Our dog actually loves her and always gets excited to see her! I highly recommend her services ;)

I have been taking my lab to see Dr. Ogishi at Carlson Animal Hospital for 6 years now. She is very professional and thorough with her exams. She does a great job explaining any health concerns and answering any questions that I have. My dog is huge and pretty crazy, even for a lab, and they do a good job calming him down during his visits. The front desk staff is also very friendly and helpful.

You get what you pay for at Carlson and when you come to this vet you get the absolute best.
My cat was given the best treatment possible and even though she was dying (and could not be saved) they did everything they possibly could for me (and her). It was a moving experience bringing her somewhere where I felt like they cared as much about her as they would if she were family.
When she passed they sent me a card and all of the Vets (and Dr. Carlson) wrote out a long passage to me about how sorry they were for my loss, etc. etc.
I was floored that a vet would take that kind of time to do something like this. Now my dog goes there (and will never go elsewhere). Prices in general are not high but they are very thorough so I believe more testing is done at Carlson than at most. For example my dog’s recent bladder infection required me coming back after the pills were finished to do a follow up test.
I love my pets, they are family to me, and I love the customer service, the support staff, the veterinarians and Dr. Carlson. They have been absolutely wonderful and I know beyond a doubt that my animals are getting the best care possible.
After my dog got her teeth cleaned there I almost wish they did my teeth cleaning. I never got a warming blanket at my dentist (smile).
They are a godsend, thank you Carlson!

Ok, I have to preface this by saying they are in my opinion considerably more expensive that previous Vets I have used. Having said that, I think it was worth every cent.
Dr. Carlson spent time getting to know my cat. He asked questions, gave advice, showed me what he was finding/​feeling (even let me look in her ears). He also called personally the next day to check on her after her vaccinations and to go over her blood test results with me.
For routine things like check ups I will probably go to a less expensive vet just in the interest of budget. However, if either of my pets ever needed surgery or real diagnostic services, I would call Carlson immediately.

I haven’t seen this vet yet, but the phone call with Dr. Carlson just about guarantees we will!
…
Update:
Dr. Carlson is old-​school conventional. Pushed vet formulas, not open to alternative treatments, over-​vaccinating. He couldn’t even justify his reason for pushing a lower protein IVD formula over a nearly identical boutique brand with HIGHER PROTEIN for my cat, «this is the only one scientifically proven…» Uh, yeah, I’m sure IVD paid for the study themselves and used Meow Mix as a comparison!
His examination of my puppy, however, was very thorough. I was impressed that he checked the range of motion on the dog. He did a very good job in that regard.
I was unhappy at what I perceived to be a slightly patronizing tone in regard to my interest in other foods, my assertion that I have friends who feed raw without exposing the house to e-​coli and salmonella, my concern about vaccinating for leptospirosis when the breeder specified that as a vaccine of concern for this breed and my preference for a 3-​yr rabies over the 1-​yr rabies.
I left feeling that he was a little sneering and dismissive toward some of my thoughts and extremely negative about everything related to both my dog and my cat.
I won’t be going back and yes, I reported all of this to the clinic as well. I think the younger vets at the clinic may be more open to other ideas (based on a phone conversation with one of them) but Dr. Carlson owns the clinic so assume they are pretty conventional as well.
He may do a thorough exam and have cutting edge technology but the mindset behind it all is (IMHO) dated and firmly rooted in conventional treatment methodology.