Caring Hands Animal Hospital - Merrifield — Local services in Merrifield

Let me first state that the vet and vet techs are lovely and very kind. But this is not why I come to a vet practice. I notice that many of the reviews reference the kindness of the staff. This kindness may be masking some basic incompetence and price gouging.

I took my dog for some odd symptoms. I wont go through all the details but will reveal some important issues.

After bloodwork and xrays they MISSED an obvious issue that turned out to be the real problem. They were stumped. Another vet looked at the same xrays and in 15 seconds explained to me what she saw in the xray. She had 30 years of experience as a vet and was spot on as her treatment worked. I was told they didn't sell meds. Good. I have always thought that was a serious conflict of interest. I requested the physical rx. But at the end they handed me a box. It was a tiny amount and they charged $58. But they didn't give me a rx and within a few days I realized I would need more. I did some research and they gave me the most outrageously expensive brand (uh, because they had it on hand - thus the conflict of interest). They also did something very unethical which I won't describe as I may report. The medical notes were wrong. Just wrong. The diagnostic codes did not fit the meds prescribed. This is what happens when you write notes 2 days after an appointment.

I went back to get a rx and had a horrendous experience with one of the desk staff. She should not be working in a customer service capacity. I was trying to get a generic rx that would cost $35 a month ($400 a year)vs $200 a month ($2400 a year) as it seemed like this might be a long term med. I was treated like a criminal and it was bizarre. At one point she blurted out loudly "Are you implying the doctor is WRONG?!@" I work in customer service and this desk staff person is destroying their business.

Another woman, JESSICA, finished helping me and deserves kudos!! She was outstanding - professional, level headed and not emotionally reactive. Thank you Jessica.

Yes, the vet and vet techs are VERY nice. Will I go back to this practice? NO. I would have spent thousands of dollars while they tried to figure out a problem that was obvious from the first x-rays. I want the best medical care for my dog.

All these great reviews are from people who are blinded and they don't see what is going on behind all...

I used to trust Caring Hands Animal Hospital, but after today, I will never return. I’ve taken my two cats to this clinic for years and had good experiences – until now. Today, I brought my cat in for a specific issue: his nails looked strange, and I wanted the doctor to check them. When I booked the appointment, I made it clear that this was the reason and that my cat needs an exam. No one mentioned that it was conditional on any vaccinations.

After the assistant checked my cat’s vitals, she informed me that his rabies vaccine was due. His FVRCP vaccine, however, isn't due for three more months, so I told her I would prefer to handle all vaccinations at that time. Seemed simple enough, right? Well, the assistant returned with a message from Dr. Arielle Lua: she refused to even see my cat unless he got the rabies vaccine today. This was completely shocking, as my cat had a more urgent concern. His nails were the issue – but Dr. Lua didn’t seem to care at all.

It felt like Dr. Lua, or maybe this clinic now, is more interested in squeezing out extra money than actually caring for the animals they’re supposed to help. It was clear that if I didn’t agree to the vaccine right then and there, she wouldn't give my cat the attention he needed. Never have I experienced such a lack of compassion.

The name Caring Hands is laughable at this point because there was nothing caring about today’s visit. The clinic has lost all heart, and it’s clear that their priorities have changed for the worse. Save yourself the frustration and take your pets to a place that actually cares about their wellbeing – because this place...

URGENT WARNING: AVOID THIS CLINIC! WE WOULD GIVE ZERO STARS!

We are utterly appalled by the shocking treatment inflicted upon our dear cat, Buddha, at Caring Hands Hospital in Merrifield, Virginia. Despite entrusting them with his care, they have utterly failed us.

Buddha, our 12-year-old Persian Himalayan cat, visited for a routine checkup and rabies vaccine on May 7th. Despite our explicit warnings about his previous adverse reactions to rabies vaccines, clearly documented in his health record, they recklessly administered the 1-year vaccine. While we understand the legal requirement for the rabies vaccine, what Dr. Lua failed to do was consider Buddha's previous medical history with the vaccine and administer the appropriate measures prior to vaccination. This disregard for his well-being led to a rapid decline in Buddha's health.

Upon our return on May 10th, our concerns were dismissed, and unnecessary tests were conducted, exacerbating Buddha's suffering. But the worst transpired on May 13th, our third visit in a week. Despite Buddha's critical condition, they heartlessly informed us they were "fully booked" and couldn't prioritize his care. Their lack of urgency and empathy is unforgivable.

Dr. Lua's misdiagnosis and the staff's indifference are utterly unacceptable.

We demand a full refund of the $1682.23 spent on their incompetence. We are cutting all ties with Caring Hands Hospital, and if they fail to rectify this issue promptly, we will escalate our complaint to higher levels of administration and licensure.

We expect an immediate and...