Animal Care Center of Plainfield

My husband, mom and dad and I went into the Help Save Pets. We found a sweet dog that we were told was calm. The volunteer stated he was 6 years old although the website listed him as 4 years old.
We met the dog in the hallway area. We were not taken to a large play pen or on a walk. Afterwards we went to another shelter to see other options and decided we wanted this dog.
The adoption process was very surface level and we were asked to fill out a very simple adoption application.
The process from application turn in to final exam took about 2 hours. Different volunteers came out from the back and gave us vague answers and information regarding the dogs health and past history. For instance, we were not initially told if the was positive for heartworms and we never found out because the «lab is not answering the phone». We are anxious to see our friend and finally we get to the exam room. We are then told about the dogs history of seizures. We are shocked and state that we were never notified of this (keep in mind we have signed all the adoption papers to this point so the dog is ours now). We probe for more specifics on the seizures. We are told he has had 2 DOCUMENTED seizures in the past. The vet stated «he may never have a seizure again or he could have one every 3 months, you can never know.» We are also told he had dental work done (we assumed it was routine). We are also told he had a cherry eye removal (which is common so we think nothing of this). I ask the doctor how to prevent the seizures and he states you cannot prevent them but they are generally not serious enough to warrant treatment or medication or hospitalization.
Fast forward hours later, the first meeting of this dog with my parents puppy (which Help Save Pets knew about). The dog immediately mounts the puppy and starts humping him. The puppy Unilocal and urinates himself. This happened again in which he urinated himself in fear so we decided the dog needs to stay on a leash around the puppy until he gets used to him. This never happened. All that evening and up until this morning he was still attempting to mount the puppy (who is only 5 lbs and 2 months old). So my husband and I begin to get worried. We begin to reflect on this new behavior and the complex medical history. Throughout all this we learned that the dog incessantly humps people constantly. If you block him from humping you he begins to excessively lick his privates.
We begin to realize the dog has more behavioral issues than we were told. We talk more and more about the seizures and I begin some internet research about it. I read about seizures in dogs all evening. I learn the doctor never told me the dog can choke on his tongue, needs to be placed in a safe and secure location such as the floor and possibly wrapped in a blanket. I was not told that each time he has a seizure he must be checked by the vet. In fact the vet told me it would be an issue unless it happened more than once a month for an extended period of time.
We realize this dog is not a good fit. I also notice the dogs teeth are extremely yellowed and have alot of plaque. I attempt to give him dry food to eat and he refuses to eat it. When he eats a small bite it looks as though it is difficult/​painful for him to chew and he eats very little.
I realize the dog has more medical issues and special needs than we can keep up with as we have a different lifestyle that cannot suite those needs. We decide this isn’t a good fit. I decide to take him back the next day. I leave a message on the voicemail late that night stating the reason I need to take him in. I receive no phone call the next morning. I feel nervous that they won’t answer my call so I call the receptionist and state the issue including the puppy and dog not being compatible together. I am given the phone of a volunteer named Maggie. I leave Maggie a voicemail and called about 4 times the whole morning and receive no phone call. So I called the receptionist and she stated «Maggie is here today and always has her phone on her. I will try and contact her for you.» I don’t receive another call for an hour and a half.
So I try her one more time and again, no answer. My husband and I decide we should go in person as this situation is becoming worrisome and I feel bad for the dog as I know we cannot keep him. We arrive and I explain to the receptionist the situation and she remembers me. She immediately deflects the conflict onto Help Save Pets and states the vet clinic has nothing to do with it and it needs to be taken up with the HSP. Beth from HSP comes out and I explain to her my concerns. She immediately threatens to call the county on me for «abandoning my pet». I then get a call from Maggie who conveniently was gone now who tried to convince me to keep the dog. I state this is not possible as I am concerned for the puppys safety.
The dog was relinquished back to HSP and I feel angry, hurt, disgusted with this org. and most of all sad.

Two weeks ago my husband brought our Springerdoodle puppy for his 9 weeks shots. We were instructed to bring back a stool sample to check for parasites, which we did. We were never informed that the test came back positive. We only found out by accident in the adoption process with the Help Save Vets organization, due to my daughter adopting a dog and she lives with us.
I can totally understand things get missed and we are reasonable people BUT what was appalling was how rude the tech was. She made no eye contact and in a accusatory tone began to question how we’re treating the dog. The volunteer told her that we didn’t know and then the tech says, «Oh, I guess they dropped the ball and didn’t call you.» A simple apology or some concern shown would have made all the difference. Needless to say, I’ve found another Vet for my dog! Front line staff are the most crucial part of an operation, I would advise management at this establishment to choose their staff more carefully. Compassion, respect and professionalism is lacking!

I recently moved to this area (used to live in a northern suburb). This vet was nearby so I brought my pets in for their yearly vaccinations. While Dr. Tracy was great and really seemed to care a lot, the support staff (vet techs and receptionists) really didn’t have a clue how to run an operation effectively. I was told to bring my pet back in for a dental a week later. I scheduled the appointment, brought him in, only to find out he needed to fast beforehand. No one mentioned this to me at the appointment, no follow up calls or reminders were made to inform me to have him fast. It was incredibly frustrating as I had to take time off work to make their drop off window only to be to learn that I wasn’t given all the necessary information to ensure my pet was ready for the procedure. The tech then offered to still do the procedure which was very off-​putting that they’d be willing to risk my pet’s well-​being. Every time I’ve had to call this clinic, I’m on hold for at least 10 minutes before I can talk to someone in scheduling. I will never bring my animals in here again, not when they’re willing to be cavalier with my pet’s well-​being.

We came to get a second opinion on our dogs ear (which later to find out, something that is quite rare was wrong). We were getting no help or treatment from our current vet and I’M SO GLAD WE DECIDED TO GO TO ACC. Dr. Sheehan was AWESOME and thorough. She spent over an hour with us researching and answering our questions. I would recommend this place to any pet owners. Although the office is busy, they were able to get us an appt quickly and the wait during the appt was worth it. I’m so happy to finally have answers for my dogs health!!!

I’ve taken my dogs here for 10 years! All their vets are extremely knowledgeable and helpful. They are open 24 hours for emergencies with a vet on site ²⁴⁄₇! They have a few vets so your guaranteed to get helped asap! They take their time with you and your pet in the private rooms and never have I felt rushed or disappointed with the service! Definitely #1 in my book. I will never changed vet clinics unless I move!

This place is WAY over priced! I went in for basic check up and it was hundreds of dollars. They even charge for disposing of their supplies. The doctor was nice, however, all in all not worth the money. I have been, and will be going to, other vets that do the same thing and yet doesn’t break the bank. My animals mean the world to me, but this doesn’t mean that I should be spending a car payment just for basic physical.

We are new to the Plainfield area, so we haven’t found a veterinarian out here yet. We tried Rowlins Animal Clinic several months ago for a check-​up, but the place was filthy, teeny tiny inside, and we had to wait over an hour passed our appointment time.
Our dog has been experiencing poop issues– diarrhea and blood in her stools. This was the only place open on a Sunday, so we made the 5 minute drive and were prepared to wait all day (based on other reviews, AND they’re the only nearby place open on Sundays). We waited about 2 hours before the doctor saw us, which wasn’t as bad as we thought, but then again, the ladies behind the desk kept saying this was «slow» for a Sunday!
Everyone behind the desk was super friendly and helpful while we waited. I’m not quite sure why the other reviewers complained they were «rude», but there were like 6 people back there and all of them were nice to us. When Dr. Tracy came in, she was extremely friendly, gentle, and sweet to our pup, and to us. She talked us through all the possibilities patiently, and kept telling our dog she is the «bravest girl in the room» while petting her and examining her. We didn’t feel like we were being ripped off by ordering this test and that test, either, which is rare for vets.
She gave us 2 antibiotics, 4 cans of soft dog food, sent her stool sample to a lab, and a shot so the loose poop stops. Our bill was only $ 114. I was shocked! Her previous vet would’ve charged us over $ 100 just to see the dog in an emergency situation.
We will definitely be back for future appointments to see Dr.Tracy.
Also: this place has a good sized waiting area, and is very clean! Would give a 5 star rating if we didn’t have to wait 2 hours when they were «slow.» Additionally, when Dr. Tracy came into the room, she said that they had listed in my dog’s chart that she was a lab mix. Not anywhere close as my dog is a full breed terrier! So someone up front goofed.

Kelli Lysek has been our groomer for about 5 years now with my little Shih Tzu, Brodie. He is a pain for me to even clean his ears; however, he is perfect for Kelli. She has a way with him and he gets so excited when it is his ‘spa’ day with her! She always does an amazing job and he comes home looking so handsome! She especially does a great job with his face and feet, I am not sure what it is, but he just is so adorable with the cut she gives him. Brodie also has horrible ear infections. With the help of Kelli recommending to cut his ears shorter, the infections are now under control. I could not be happier with Kelli and honestly, I refuse to go to any other groomer for my little pooch! She really is the best groomer I know!

Medical records could not be found and then when I pointed out the not she had been dewormed on ⁸⁄₁₉ and I did not want it done again they did it anyway. Not a single but of professionalism. I will not take my cat back. If the charts are so messed up they need to create new ones with out all the info then I imagine they care of animals is shoddy as well.
Gertie will not be returning to their unskilled hands.

This place is great. The Doctors are very knowledgeable and will take time to explain things. Unfortunately my dog caught a new strain of kennel cough while he was there over the weekend. Their response was great. They called me and forewarned me that he might have been exposed. Once he showed symptoms I brought him in and they took full responsibility and even had a quarantined room. They gave him meds for free and the kennel cough cleared up within 5 days. They really care here and the prices are reasonable.

Yes, this place is big and it’s easy to get annoyed with the way it’s ‘organized’ but I’m VERY satisfied with all of the vets I’ve had the pleasure to meet.
Unfortunately my poor dog Ginger bit our toddler early this year and I took her in… and I had to wait a really long time because it was apparently ‘everyone bring your pet to the clinic’ day! That dog didn’t have a mean bone in her little body and I knew something was wrong with her.
I unfortunately discovered she was completely blind, with unresponsive pupils. The vet helped walk me through all the options for her *before* suggesting euthanasia. She was our furry family member and it was a gut-​retching situation… I’m crying even now! We unfortunately couldn’t offer her a ‘startle free’ home, nor see putting her with a friend or family member since she was acting aggressively because she was blind.

Had to bring my dog this weekend to 24-​hour ER after she jumped from a second story window (scared from fireworks). The facility was very honest and upfront about all the charges she expected to incur (we paid in full) and even discounted her overnight stay due to having to go to work that night. Happy to report that she is doing great and they were quick to refund the charges from all the services they did not need to perform. Two x-​rays, ultrasound, sedation, boarding, pain meds, and bloodwork cost us ¼ of the estimate. We were very pleased with the entire process.

I used to really like this place, but lately I’ve felt the quality of service has really fallen. I brought my dog in for an injury on her leg not once, not twice, but three times to the tune of over $ 800 and was told something different by each doctor. Also, the wait to see a doctor is VERY long and I’ve had to sit there with my dogs for almost two hours before someone finally came in. I’ve used this vet for the last time.

I brought my first dog here because it was scooting. First thing the vet said was my puppy needed the glands involved removed. We were skeptical at first so took it to Essington Animal Hospital for another look. The scooting did not require surgery and just the fluids removed from the gland. Thank god we didn’t listen to the vet here. My dog lived just fine without the surgery they recommended here. Would advise against this place
Also, recently I took a guinea pig here, hoping to figure out the sex. Let’s just say the vet can’t even tell what sex a rodent is. Pretty disappointing you’d think that would be the most basic thing for them. Weeks later my guinea pig got its mom pregnant (they reach sexual maturity in a matter of weeks)
So basically every time I go here the medical advise is really wrong and far from accurate. The only positive is the workers are nice. But you go to the vet for medical advice, not to chat

The vets here are great and very knowledgable. However, I made a 10:30 appt for my dog and even showed up 10 mins early, but because they were busy, my appt meant nothing. I wasn’t able to see the vet until almost 11:30. During that time I had to leave my dog in the car since he is very aggressive with other animals and it was about 75 and sunny that day so I had to keep running back and forth to check on him.
I usaully don’t get upset when I have to wait a little while but I don’t think that it was exactly fair for them to take all the walk in customers when I had taken the time to plan ahead and make an appt with them. What also made me mad is that ½ the customers before me didn’t even need to see the vet (they were there for grooming or boarding) which means they had open rooms but still made me keep my dog in the car on a warm day.
I understand they were trying to keep everything organized and on schedule but I also made an appt to stay on my schedule and avoid having to keep my dog in the car for so long.
On the plus side, I have seen 2 different vets here and both were great! They answer all my questions and provide so much information.

Brought both my dogs here for a few years even though we had 1 bad experience after another. Only continued to bring them because it was truly convenient, less than 5 minutes from home, and the bad experiences were always from our perspective never something that endangered our dogs.
We have used the groomers, boarding, and vet services but not the emergency.
We had a few bad grooming experiences. We had 1 groomer we preferred for a year or so, Amber. She was great our dogs always came back happy and looking clean with nice hair cuts. She moved away and then we were left to try out new groomers which was horrible. Bald spots on the legs. Sharp nails that ripped a hole in a chair in my home after paying for the filing. I complained and was giving a credit for free nail trims but I ended up giving up on asking for the filing since it became obvious with groomer after groomer we tried that it was not being done or being rushed. They still tried to charged me for it even when I told them not to do that service. It was good that I caught it or I would have paid the extra for something I said not to do. The problem seemed to be with the paying that the groomers are contracted somehow and not actual employees of Animal Care Center. I had this explained to me every time I had an issue because I would have to wait days for the grooming manager to call me back. The last time we had our dogs groomer here was the last time they will ever go back. Our youngest dog had a bald spot by his eye. They could have seriously hurt him. Our dogs had come home sluggish this last time too and my husband was convinced they had been medicated.
For the vets we saw 2, 1 man who was not informative and kind of arrogant. Considering the amounts they charge for everything here you would expect some information when being told your dog needs this or that. But no. Just your dog needs an EKG and a referral. Or you dog needs this medicine and no other info. There was a female we saw a few times who was much nicer and seemed more concerned about our dogs care and well being but I don’t know what happened to this vet since we only saw her twice. She might still be with the company for all we know.
The boarding we have used in a jam a few times when family could not with our dogs. They always come back a complete mess and need to be groomed. The dogs get no outside time either. I know another facility that gives the dogs some outdid time which is much nicer. You would think with the number of pets they see and the amount of money this place makes they would have an improved enough facility to offer that.
The staff is rude behind the desk. They are dealing with people’s loved ones. Pets are family members and these people have no compassion. I have watched them treat others poorly while waiting to be helped. Don’t dare ask about a charge! When I was charged for the nail filing I didn’t want the woman argued with me. They never told me I could save money with rebooking grooming either so they offer discounts they don’t let you know about. There is usually a few employees behind the counter and they always look over worked and annoyed and they treat you that way too.
They have a completely over priced emergency service which is why we have never used it. They offer obedience training which I have never tried. They have an adoption service and sell bricks you can get your name on for a donation. This place is about making money. Not about caring for your pet.

I recently (10÷10÷14) had to put down my dog. It was the hardest thing I’ve had to do! The staff at ACC of Plainfield were simply the best! I arrived crying and left crying. They helped the process go as quickly and drama free as possible.
About a week later, I received the most thoughtful card which had been signed by everyone. All of the little notes made me feel much better and showed me that Chaos meant something to them too! I am sure they do this for everyone, but it meant a lot to me. I’m not up for a new pet just yet, but when I do, it will be ACC of Plainfield for our vet services for sure!

I had 2 dogs boarded for 2 nights this past weekend. I found Animal Care Center on Unilocal and decided to try them out as we just moved to Plainfield. The dogs reeked of pee when we picked them up, as if they’ve been laying in their own mess the entire weekend. Both dogs are fully capable of holding it for 8 hours + so the stench was surprising. Also, they charged us $ 36.00 on top of our boarding fees for a fecal test that they didn’t even take and instead sent us home with. I’ve definitely experienced better and now need to find a new vet /​boarders in the Plainfield area.

This is the only place I take my dog. The facility is clean, staff is extremely friendly and knowledgeable. It can get busy, but it is an efficiently run business. The wait times are never too long.
I’ve dealt with Dr Budel– EXTREMELY knowledgeable, professional, passionate about helping dogs. He never rushed a visit and explained everything thoroughly.
GREAT PLACE!!!

This is the story of how and why animals are returned to shelters:
I wanted a dog. My boyfriend wanted a dog, although we weren’t living together at the time. I wanted the companionship of a pet. I’d never owned anything other than a cat, which my mom was the primary caretaker. I was in my early 20s and living on my own. No fenced yard, no real experience with dogs, but I forged ahead eager to adopt a dog.
Help Save Pets is the operation that adopts animals from this facility. They had a book at the front desk with all of the dogs listed. I now find it odd that I wasn’t able to go back and see the dogs, but they would bring one out to me to meet in the lobby area. He sat on the floor very nicely as I fed him a treat. He walked around on a leash in the lobby area and seemed like a nice dog.
I didn’t have the opportunity to take him outside for a walk, or to play. After one short visit in the lobby, they were ready to send me on my way.
I filled out an application, a standard animal adoption form, but the lady didn’t ask me very many questions. They didn’t seem overly concerned that I was gone for 8 hours a day, lived alone, and did not have a fenced yard. At places like Hinsdale Human Society, they pretty much turn you away immediately.
They need to have a tighter operations procedure on adopting out dogs.
Also, the doctor here was a jerk. He didn’t seem very animal friendly or compassionate, and I asked a question that sounded stupid. «What now?» I asked when the exam was over. He gruffly said, «you take him home.» I was referring to the dispensing of medications and the like, and I didn’t appreciate being treated like an idiot. If the doctor really thought I didn’t know what to do with a dog, maybe he should’ve pulled the adoption people aside. I also ended up spending a LOT of money as the dog soon developed a diarrheal problem and kennel cough.
In the turnaround of 1 – 2 days, I adopted this 1 year old basset/​beagle mix. While he was a sweet dog, he was very energetic and destructive. He chewed through electrical wires and tore down a curtain rod. Although I was prepared to take him to obedience training, I was completely inept at handling this dog at all.
I kept him for one week, and I then returned him to the shelter. It wasn’t an easy decision, and I was very embarassed about it. I felt I had wronged the dog and failed in my own way. This was a dog that needed at least 2 adults in the home, and other dogs or children.
Fast forward 2 years and we’ve adopted a dog from ADOPT in Naperville. They are much more secure in their adoption procedure. Don’t come to Help Save Pets if you haven’t had a dog before, or if you want the time to interact with the dogs. And the doctor was a jerk too.