Merrifield Animal Hospital — Local services in Merrifield

After just having gone to Mainstay Veterinary Practice across the street, I would like to compare the two appointments that I had with them and Merrifield beforehand:

MVP Cost - $100 for an X-Ray and $90 for the initial patient exam MVP Exam Time - Almost 30 minutes, the vet walked through our cat's entire history for the past few months including his visits to other vets, as well as the care and exams they provided and asked for and provided extremely detailed questions and responses to make sure she fully understood and that we fully understood his care plan, showed us the X-ray results after and explained their findings MVP Vet Techs / Nurses - Can do a good initial intake and evaluation of your pet as well as answer most basic care questions before seeing the vet themselves

Merrifield Cost - $409 for an X-Ray that I wasn't even offered to look at, $190 for some fluids and a sick visit Merrifield Exam Time - Less than 10 minutes, the vets come in the door rushed and stressed, and any questions you ask them are an imposition on their time, always feel like you're being moved out the door as quickly as possible. Ordered the exact same tests and diagnostics that a previous emergency vet had already done, claiming they couldn't read them and overprescribed antibiotics that were already given by another vet office but they ignored, also gave my cat opiate painkillers for a UTI that are apparently only supposed to be used for post-surgery recovery Merrifield Vet Techs / Nurses - Cannot provide any information about your pet besides writing down what you tell them, seem to lack the most basic understanding of animal health

Please, don't be like me and waste thousands of dollars on substandard rushed care here, there are better options even as close as across the street. Don't pay double to quadruple the prices for potentially unnecessary exams and diagnostics. You are getting taken for a ride, whether because of maliciousness or ignorance...

The entire staff is absolutely fantastic. They are kind, helpful, and knowledgeable.

ALL of the vets and staff have been caring and helpful! I’ve have had the most interactions with Dr Bowlby and Dr Mullens and vet techs Nikki and Rachel. I couldn’t ask for anyone better! They take time to explain what’s going on and they are gentle with my dogs. They always seem to go above and beyond what I expect.

One of my dogs is particularly challenging to handle but both Doctors and the techs have been encouraging, supportive, and patient without giving me the impression they dislike my dog or want to give up. They understand behavior and try not to push things too far.

Even after a few scary experiences (such as treating an injury on his face) my other dog loves them! This group is so fantastic that even after terrible experiences my dog wants to interact with them- because they are so gentle and don’t rush things. They are outstanding and knowledgeable.

After my last visit, Dr Mullens went home and was thinking about my dog. She called me with recommendations after doing research on her own to offer additional help. She’s amazing!

I am very picky and I am so lucky to have found this group. I have referred many people to this clinic and ALL have been pleased with the care they receive. Seriously they are great with pets and their owners. That is so important.

I trust them 100 percent. EVERYONE I have met there has been exceptional. I’d rate them even higher than a 5...

Shout out to Briana who saved the day for my wreck of a dog, Mason. Mason is sadly not a fan of going to the vet - he gets incredibly nervous and anxious and basically just wants to bolt out the door when we get there. Despite giving him meds to help calm him down two hours before the appointment, he was still a disaster. With four shots and a heart worm test on the agenda for the appointment, a lot needed to get done and his nerves were not helping. In steps Briana who Mason must remember from his first days going to Merrifield as the sweet, calming tech with all the treats. Briana gave Mason extra love and was able to help calm him down enough that we successfully got all vaccines completed. She is a dog whisperer and is AMAZING to work with! She was not assigned to work with Mason today but came to see him when we first arrived just to say hi and to see how big he had gotten and then stepped in to help when he needed it most. I’m so grateful she was there and for her support with Mason. She’s incredible and I will definitely be making sure she’s working on the days of all future visits since Mason loves her so much. Thanks Briana and the entire Merrifield Animal team for your patience and support of a very...