Avondale Animal Hospital

I walked in as a new client just to inquire about services and pricing. My first impression was a state of shock and absoutley appauled by the attitude and disrespect from receptionist Marta. I am honestly surprised that she is even employed. She was on the phone when I walked in, I stood there patiently waiting to be helped and greeted. As I am waiting I am hearing every bit of her phone conversation which was again, shocking... She is merely shouting at whom ever is on the other line about "how annoying they are how she doesn't want to hear it" then very loudly slammed the phone and hung up on this person. I can only assume this was another client on the other end which is absolutely never under any circumstances exceptable. Even after she so very rudely ended her phone call I still stood there unattended. She began riffling though paper work and such. I approached the front desk to see if I could catch her attention, I did. Hoping I would get a little more respect, fail!! Marta sharply asked me what I needed?!! Not a can I help you, just what do you need?. I couldn't help but giggle aloud before I stated after seeing the way you treat your clients I do not need or want anything from you. Walked and out decided to write this review in hopes that others will stay clear from this hell and the little old devil herself.

Dr.J is the best I have bin going to him since 2011 even though it takes a little bit of time that should not matter he takes care doesnt have any attitude towards me or anybody his dog Otis greets every dog with a joyful fight and dogs love going to the vet because of Otis yes he may have equipment that is from 1970 and to now but nothing has really changed since there are much faster equipment but some a hole always has a problem from reviews that I havebecause he has to wait great overall -Dr.j is the best

I had a planned put down for my sick dog. Marta the receptionist bitch complied and then lied to me that my dog would be put down and picked up that day. Well he wasn't picked up. Not for 5 DAYS. He was frozen. Then Marta denied doing such after I put a stop payment on my check. The cremation place has all documentation. I've been a client of their's for 28 years and THIS IS THE CRAP THEY DO TO A PET. Mind you this ole hag told me she'd take care of my dog as if it were HER OWN

I have been coming to Avondale with my dogs for over a year, and I have to say I am extraordinarily disappointed with how rude this vet is. I took one of my dogs in to have her hip x-rays done. Aside from the fact that the equipment hasn't been updated since the 1970's, I wanted to give it a try. It took them 20 minutes to figure out how to get my dog's name properly on the x-ray for OFA, and then they took 3 shots before the vet had one that he thought "looked good". I had to pay for two of them. I asked that she not be sedated (like most vets do, because sedation can cause poor results in the x-rays), and he said he "usually" sedated dogs for x-rays. I asked if we could try it, but couldn't get a good x-ray, I would be willing to sedate her. He said okay, and we didn't have to. I filled out my own OFA paperwork, had to get an x-ray envelope from the hospital I work at because they did not even give me one to mail the x-rays. I then waited 3 weeks for OFA to respond. I called to check in, and they told me the results had been sent back to the vet, because they were not taken properly. I called the vet, and conveniently they had never received anything, but this has supposedly happened two weeks ago. I asked that the vet retake them at no charge. He then told me it was MY FAULT that the x-rays weren't done properly because I did not want to sedate my dog, and then after arguing, finally agreed to take an x-ray, but I would need to sedate her. I will never go back to this vet again after being treated so rudely and knowing this vet can't even take a proper x-ray. I drove to a good vet in Madison, WI and I was there for 20 minutes, and had 3 digital x-rays taken (no additional charge for each digital shot). And they don't do any sedation for x-rays unless extremely necessary. They happily took care of my paperwork and the sending of my x-rays. I had them back in 3 weeks. I live 5 minutes from Avondale Animal Hospital, but I am now going to a vet who actually deserves to have customers that is a farther drive (not Madison!), but it's well worth it.

I have been going to to Avondale since I was in High School (approx. 30yrs.) The service is the best. I have had several dogs over the years and they have taken great care of each one. They know exactly how to care for animals.

For us it's a 20 mile round trip for a visit to Avondale even though there is a vet is two blocks from my home. We would not trust the health of our cats to anyone else! One of our two nine year old cats is diabetic and is doing great under the expertise and dedication of Dr. J and Marta. The two cats I had prior to these two lived comfortably to 19 and 20 years old under the care of these wonderful people. Our cats board there when we are out of town and receive care that I would not trust anywhere else considering that one needs insulin every twelve hours.I have been a customer since 1978 of Avondale Animal Hospital and would give them 10 stars if that were possible !!!!!

I have been taking my dogs to Avondale for more than 15 years, and have always had excellent care, from wellness exams and yearly checkups to serious illnes and loss. The staff is extremely friendly and helpful, and Dr. Jastrembsky truly puts the animals first. He is very direct and honest, which I appreciate, although some my find it difficult at first. But I would rather have my dog cared for than my ego petted. When we had to put our beloved dog down as lymphoma was taking her, everyone at Avondale was wonderful. I have referred friends and neighbors to Avondale, and will continue to do so.

I've been taking my Jack Russell Terrier to Doc and Marta for over 10 years and I feel she has always received the most responsive and effective treatment anywhere in Chicago. Doc has always been available to see my dog when she was in need of care and has always shown genuine love for the animals he treats. I highly recommend!

Dr. J and the crew at Avondale Animal Hospital are simply amazing. Dr. J is a no-nonsense, extremely talented veterinarian who was able to diagnose a rare and unusual gastric condition in our Westie, Molly, who ultimately ended up living a long and healthy 16 years. He prescribed a very unusual and special diet for her, on which she did wonderfully, and when we moved to Michigan toward the end of her life, our new vet was so amazed and impressed by his diagnosis (after researching it thoroughly, since it was somewhat unusual) that she actually requested to be able to consult with him on all future diagnoses. A few years later, when our black lab was diagnosed with severe arthritis and we were told she required a complete hip replacement, we took her back to Chicago to Dr. J before proceeding. We will not make any major decisions about our pets' health without first consulting him- he is that good!

I found dr. Jastrembsky when no one else was able to help my dog. Buddy had eye problems and was treated ineffectively for several months by other vets. I was desperate to find the right help. Dr. Jastrembski knew right away what was wrong with my dog and started treated him. It's been many years since then but I always feel that I get the best help when I go to Avondale Animal Hospital with any of my dogs.

The doc and Marta have been taking care of two (2) generations of our family dogs. I consider this Veterinarian team as expert top talent. Doc is remarkably true to form on accurate diagnostic issues - time and time again. Doc and Marta are very empathetic to the owners - who usually are in some state of "shock" or "denial" with their pet issues. This Vet team practices a consumer education directed approach, incredibly polite and professional in their interactions. Would not trade them for the WORLD!!!! Animals live longer, better, and healther at Avondale Animal Hospital.

I've been taking my dogs to Doc and Marta for over 22 years now and I wouldn't trust anyone else with them. They treat animals as if they were their own. I've boarded there many times and Marley loves going as he gets to play with other dogs. Doc has always taken the time to explain any treatment needed and all the options. He understands money's tight for me and has always been willing to work with me on what needs to be done right away and what treatment can wait a month or two. I've read the negative reviews and honestly think the reviewers must have gone to some other clinic as I have never had a bad experience.

The Vet and his staff at the Avondale Animal Hospital are great people who I can trust. My little Min Pin needed an xray and has a hip problem. The doctor did not force me to decide about having her go through surgery, but rather was calm and said we can wait and see how it is in a few months with another xray. I felt very confident that the vet knows what he is doing. Thanks DOC and Marta.

I began going to Doc when we moved to Norwood Park and we had a dog that would become car sick. He was the closest vet within walking distance. I continue to go there not because of the convenience, because I have since moved, but because I came to trust Doc and Marta. I always have had bulldogs, which most vets won't take, but Doc is honest about his comfort and abilities with how much he will do with my specialized breed. I have never had any problems with any of my visits and I am here pretty often. As a warning, because of the friendliness of everyone there, plan a little extra time for your appointments.

Avondale Animal Hospital has been my veterinary clinic for over 25 years because of the care and compassion that my pets and I have received from Dr J., Marta and the staff. I moved a great distance from the clinic, used other clinics, but came back because of the quality of care. I travel over 25 miles so that my current dog can receive the best treatment possible. Dr J. is very knowledgeable and his diagnoses and treatment are right on target. As long as I own a dog they will be treated at Avondale Animal Hospital.

Dr. J and Team are absolutely extraordinary. Six years ago, our dog had a distended stomach and was not acting normal. We took her to an animal hospital in the city and were told she "needed to loose weight." Weeks later, Dr. J removed a 9 lb tumor - miraculously, she lived. Two years later, Dr. J removed a cancerous tumor from her neck, an almost impossible surgery, and again, our little dog lived. Dr. J's expertise, together with his incredibly accomodating, thorough and professional staff, make your money well spent. This is a serious team for serious pet owners. We highly recommend their services.

I have been going to this animal hospital as a kid, and I would never go anywhere else. I have had many pets over the years and learned much about their care here. They have pulled some thru some hard times, and of course some could not be saved. My one cat made it to 18 years. Pets are a responsibility, the need annual exams, vaccinations and spaying. The need nutrition that fits their needs, just like children. Max tells it like it is and gives you options. They really work with you!

I have been going to Avondale Animal Hospital for 20 + years now. I resuce cats, some of which have been feral and extreamely difficult to handle. Dr. Max has always helped me with anything I bring in (which most other clinics will not do). He has saved dozens of sick cats for me over the years. He is honest and does not "over test" or overcharge. He has helped me on a Sunday when an emergency arose. Dr Max has done hours of research for situations that have occured with my cats and he always does what ever is needed to find an answer. I cannot reccommend him highly enough. Dr Max will always do everything possible to keep your pet healthy and happy. Marta is also one of the best people anyone could ever have the pleasure of dealing with she will do anything to help you. I thnk anyone would be lucky to be able to use the services provied from Avondale Animal Hospital.

We have an 8 year old beagle that was never really healthy for her first 3 years. 5 years ago we went to Dr. Max because he was close to our house and we were running out of vets to go to because she was never getting better. Should have gone to Dr. Max from the beginning. He got her on the right food and medicines(other vet had her on thyroid med and that was not her problem at all). Being a beagle, occasionally she still gets a hold of something that will upset her digestive system, but Dr. Max knows what to do and has even called our house after hours to see how she is doing. Marta is very helpful and nice too.

People who want the best vet care know that bedside manner doesn't matter when you simply want your animal to get well. My (now deceased) dog had a lower jaw blastoma and needed to get 1/4 of his lower jaw REMOVED. That's right, REMOVED. Dr Jastrembsky (who I call Dr Max) found a Crystal Lake surgeon to do the surgery and transported my dog up and back TWICE (since he had to have even more of his jaw removed a second time the cancer was so aggressive). WHO DOES THAT for clients?? Ignore these people who complain complain complain.."He's not nice enough" GROW UP. No, don't grow up. Pay outrageous prices at other clinics who only want your money. I don't want to run into you at Avondale's waiting room anyway. Bye Bye Fools. I'll pray for your animal. Dr Max gave my dog 3.5 yrs more to share. I am eternally grateful.