Fort Erie Animal Hospital

Wouldn't take my dog when it was an emergency. Wouldn't even try and help. Very rude as well.

Called to see if they could board my dogs for less than an hour while I went to an appointment after crossing into Canada. They told me to try the SPCA. Why would I want my dogs in a shelter environment? Not very helpful.

The best animal hospital in town, great staffs, amazing Vets. Their prices are just right. LOVE THE PLACE and would never change it.

I would highly recommend Fort Erie animal hospital. Friendly staff knowledgeable vet. Great prices

Always 100%, customer service and most importantly the whole staff loves animals.
With all my heart, I thank the whole team, for taking care of Alex!

I have just got a new puppy.didn't no where to go took a chance with Fort Erie Animal Hospital and couldn't have made a better choice!
Love the staff

Had to wait quite past our appointment time. Despite that they were very kind and sweet to our dog. I would definitely go back.

Fantastic first impression. Dr. Gill, the techs, and the receptionist were all incredible. And pricing is very fair and competitive. Highly recommended!

Great service, is my first time there and they really made me feel like they cared. My mom doesn’t speak English and we took her cat there, they were caring and loving and the doctor called me after to make sure I understood everything and took the time to listen to everything I needed to tell him and ask him.

I am normally not one to write reviews whether they are good or bad, but certain events took place that I truly felt were worth showing in order to shed light on the LACK of empathy and professionalism this animal hospital is capable of.

Event #1
I have brought my black lab (Nixon) to Fort Erie Animal Hospital and specifically to Dr. Toenjes for a few years now. In January of this year (2022), I had brought Nixon in for examination for what we were led to believe was kennel cough (this diagnosis originated at Niagara Veterinary Emergency Clinic (NVEC). Given that my dog was 10 years old and does not socialize with other animals I thought it was quite unusual for him to receive a diagnosis that is obtained virally through close contact with other animals. I had stressed my doubt of kennel cough being my dogs diagnosis to both NVEC and Fort Erie Animal Hospital and stressed that I was concerned my dog may have heart failure (both parties did not indicate that my dog was experiencing heart failure). Dr. Toenjes had seen my dog a couple of times regarding this diagnosis after our visit at NVEC and suggested blood work and monitoring blood work based on records he obtained through our emergency visits with NVEC and did not believe my dog had heart failure and actually assured me that heart failure WAS NOT LIKELY. We had blood work completed on January 10th, 2022 which still to date (March 22nd, 2022) I have not received the results (not that it is of any importance now because my dog had passed on February 15th, 2022). It took me bringing my dog to Heartland Animal Hospital for them to inform me that my dogs diagnosis of kennel cough was INCORRECT and that my dog was actually in stage 4 congestive heart failure (CHF) (now I understand no one is perfect and diagnosis are not always correct, but my dog was in STAGE 4 CHF, you would think that given Dr. Toenjes experience and knowledge, that he would have known what to look out for and/or had advocated for his doctorate and investigated my dogs incorrect diagnosis of kennel cough further considering his presenting symptoms at that time and documentation provided and given that we were seeing a lack of improvement with interventions). Dr. Toenjes prescribed antibiotics and over the counter (OTC) Robitussin DM which did not make any positive difference in my dogs health. My dog had elevated heart rate, slightly enlarged heart and liver and was considered slightly anemic based on lab values taken at NVEC (all of this information Dr. Toenjes had access to and acknowledged). Based on the fact that interventions prescribed and suggested by Dr. Toenjes were not working and it had been a few weeks of zero improvement, I decided to get a second opinion. I took my dog to Heartland Animal Hospital where he was correctly diagnosed (and just for fun, I thought to mention how disgusted they were that we had not received blood work results or follow up from Dr. Toenjes). I took my dog to Heartland Animal Hospital starting February 9th, they did blood work and ultrasound and on February 11th we found out his proper diagnosis and on February 15th he passed. Dr. Toenjes did not show much if any motivation to investigate my dogs health and his efforts to sharing health education to me or suggesting further testing (aside from blood work) or his responsibility for follow-up was NON EXISTENT. To this day I have not heard from Dr. Toenjes regarding Nixon and he is not even aware that Nixon has passed. If Dr. Toenjes was truly concerned about his patients he would follow-up.

I wish we would have switched vets sooner. Unlike our previous vet, I was allowed to be with our pup during his assessment and treatment. Our pup is very nervous and this helped him tremendously. Dr Gill’s assistants were very genuine and caring with our dog, acknowledging his apprehensiveness with a soothing pet and a treat. Dr Gill was incredibly knowledgeable, gentle and thorough. He took the time to get a detailed history and offered a number of helpful treatment solutions. He is clearly very experienced and I appreciated his authenticity toward treating our dog. If you are looking for a veterinary team that displays the utmost professionalism and kindness, then look no further.

Event #1 discussed in previous post and under my alternate email given that you can only review once per account for the same establishment.

Event #2
I had another dog named Oscar who never actually saw Dr. Toenjes, instead had been seen by Niagara Vet Emergency Clinic (NVEC). Given that Dr. Toenjes was my primary vet I had him review Oscars documentation in person that was sent over from NVEC. Information for Oscar that was sent over came from examinations and testing received at NVEC on January 8th/2022. He reviewed information from January 8th with me in person and did not have much to say, I asked multiple questions regarding my dogs diagnosis and was prying for recommendations to provide more quality of life. AGAIN (due to mentions in my previous review) Dr. Toenjes seemed unmotivated to action or advocate for Oscar. NVEC diagnosed Oscar with a space between lumbar vertebrae #7 and his sacrum. I spoke to Dr. Toenjes about this in person and I had asked him about chiropractic care, what else we could be enforcing at home etc.to help our dogs quality of life. Aside from monitoring Oscar and pain management, Dr. Toenjes did not have much to say (which is fair, given that he had never saw Oscar in person and only had information provided by another party to go on). Regardless, he did not seem motivated to action or take over Oscars case. Within a few days from January 15th, I brought Oscar in to NVEC for an emergency appointment given that his health was worsening, they suggested we do blood work and an ultrasound. They informed us that the ultrasound results will be sent to our primary vet (Fort Erie Animal Hospital) and we could call them to receive results. I called Fort Erie hospital on January 27th for Oscars ultrasound results, I spoke to reception who communicated that Dr. Toenjes was in surgeries that day and she would leave the information on his desk and he would get back to me hopefully by end of the day. I did not hear back from Dr. Toenjes until February 1st/2022 when it was too late. Oscar had passed on Friday, January 28th/2022. I had to call NVEC back on January 27th and beg them to communicate the ultrasound results because I had not heard from my primary vet and would most likely not hear from Dr. Toenjes until the following week and given Oscars health status at that time it was too time sensitive to wait for Dr. Toenjes to be available. NVEC notified us on evening of January 27th that Oscar had a very invasive cancer spread throughout his body and had very limited time to live. They discussed that the space created in his spine was caused by tumours. Given that I was so upset and distraught over what had happened my first thought was not to call Dr. Toenjes and inform him my dog had passed and especially wouldn't have thought to do so given that the receptionist indicated he would follow up with me.

Dr. Toenjes called me on February 1st/2022. He indicate that he had reached out several times after I HAD originally reached out on January 27th for Oscars ultrasound results. I reviewed my phone records and carefully looked at incoming and outgoing calls and time frames and I have no recorded of incoming calls from Dr. Toenjes (Fort Erie animal Hospital). I reviewed my call log on my phone and have no record of missed calls from Dr. Toenjes. During our call on February 1st/2022
Dr. Toenjes showed lack of empathy when I informed him Oscar had passed on January 28th, 2022 and showed more concern over the fact that I had essentially wasted his time because he took time out of his day to review Oscars documentation and results of the ultrasound prior to this call.

Today I received a bill from Fort Erie Animal Hospital indicating "office call and examination-second opinion" for January 26th and January 28th 2022 with Dr. Toenjes. I did not speak to Dr. Toenjes on either of these dates. If he was going to review this information on his own time (and not during a call or appointment with me) and bill me for it, I should have been notified of that.

I WILL NEVER RECOMMEND THIS ESTABLISHMENT

Very happy with Dr Gill’s knowledge, thoroughness, and responsiveness to Rosie’s recent illness and treatment. I sensed he cared about Rosie’s progress and I was pleased with his recommendations on the course of action. Pauline was also very helpful in answering questions I had that were less serious. Highly recommend this clinic and staff.

Dr Gill saw our dog very quickly after our previous vet said they couldn't see us for 3 days! She was in pain and we didn't know how to help her. Dr Gill worked wonders and she was treated well and back to normal in no time. Thank you Dr Gill and staff. We felt they all cared.

My fiance brought our 12 year old dog Bailey there she got in without it within an hour the staff was incredible they all work together Bailey left there very happy and so did his mom thank you very much will be back in January with our next appointment

1st visit to this Vet practice since moving to the area. Fairly impressed.
Others I know take their pets there and are satisfied with the care, competence, compassion and cost.
Will make Fort Erie Animal Hospital our pet's physician

I have been taking my dogs here for at least 15 years! Fair prices and super friendly staff! We always we welcome and appreciated!

We love the vets and staff at Fort Erie Animal Hospital. They are always warm and friendly, knowledgeable, and when the time came that we had a sick animal they worked with us payment wise. We always appreciate their work, whether it is yearly exams, infections, or the spay today for our one mature dog.

Just want to say Thank You! We had to put our dog down last week. We had her for 15 years and have dealt with the clinic for the last 8 years. Absolutely wonderful care. When the time came to say goodbye to our beloved friend Mandy, the staff and doctor was wonderful. Thanks again for all your care,
Joanne Halsted

My dig passed way two years ago while under their supposed care, She was prescribed pain killers which were not helping so the doctor told us to give her more, which we believed killed her. They were fine before this incident. Maybe I am biased but still.proceed at your own risk.

I called cause i had a very sick dog. She asked how she could help. I went into detail. Then she asked what vet i went to before. I told her then she immediately said were not taking new clients. I said its a emergency. She said again dont matter no new clients. No compassion and just ignorant.
But when i called i was not told of anywhere else to call. The response is a cover up for being rude.

Tied to call and book appointment for shots for my dog. Receptionist was less then nice. After a few minutes of questions the lady stated that they are no longer taking new clients. It felt like i was being judged for no reason. Friends of mine do recommend this vet but I will not be going there.

Great service always friendly and so caring bring all my dogs here from teacup chihuahua to a German Shepherd/husky

I brought my 8 year old Cocker spaniel here for emergency dental surgery. They were recommended to me by my parents, who love their services and have been going there for years. I have NO WORDS for how great the staff were. Specifically, Dr. Toenjes. Pauline is awesome to.she was so helpful over the phone. Not only did they do a great job, but the service cost me a THIRD of what my regular vet quoted me. I will be switching vet clinics, to stay with Fort Erie Animal Hospital. Not only were they extremely kind and caring, but they are extremely well priced. Very satisfied!

I bring all three of my fur babies here and they all love it as do I. Very friendly staff and great doctors

Always so helpful and caring. They have looked after my animals for years and done a great job.

Helped us get through a tough time putting my cat down. Really nice staff and very affordable rates

Took my dog here because he wasn't eating, didn't check anything on my dog said he was fine and not in danger of death and he should eat soon. (complete money grab) i had to rush him to emergency 6 hours later and he died that night, his gums were pail white had internal bleeding.and these clowns didn't do anything, maybe if they told me earlier i could have saved him, when we took him to the 24/7 emergency it was too late.

Dr. Toenjas has been helping my cat get well. He is very compassionate and caring to try and get her back to herself.

Very caring veterinarians that will help you with your furbabies and their needs. I recently had to put down my doggo and it was very difficult time for me but the vet gave me time to comfort my pup and say goodbye to his wonderful soul. I will always miss Buddy. Cancer is terrible. The vet was very understanding and gave me space while i watched my bestfriend leave.

Great place for pet surgery. Very friendly staff and fair price. I totally recommend this place.

There aren't enough stars to show my appreciation for the love and care they have given my pet and my family! They are an amazing, supportive team that truly care, they give love and compassion. I would highly recommend the services of Fort Erie Animal Hospital if you are looking for the best of care for your pet! I wouldn't go anywhere else, but here! Absolutely thrilled with Dr. T, Dr. Gill, Pauline, Alicia & Teresa, and I can't thank them enough for everything they did to make my boy well again! Outstanding veterinary treatment!

Unfortunately it was a sad visit as I had to put my 21 year old kitty cat down. The staff and doctors were wonderfully compassionate.

Our dog was constantly scratching his ears and chewing at his paws (until they were raw). During the first appointment, the vet didnt seem to have any empathy or even care about how sore our dog's inflamed ears were as he was SCRAPING repeatedly into his ears trying to get a sample to send off.he then gave us attitude when our dog finally nipped at him to stop because it hurts him!

Long story short.unless you have endless funds to keep going back to "try" certain medication with no further testing (blood test, allergy tests, etc.) I would suggest going somewhere that is more through and direct with diagnosing.we ended up going somewhere else to figure out his problem after spending hundreds and hundreds of dollars.