Companion Animal Specialty & Emergency Hospital

Reviews

• EC

  Endless Chapters

  Jan 6, 2026
  5.0
  Had to visit CASE around 3 am this morning with my senior cat who was experiencing an acute episode of either neurologic or vascular orgin, and was in distress. Dr. Riccio, and all support staff, were incredibly kind, compassionate, and efficient, from the intial triage and beyond. Dr. Riccio examined our girl and decided it would be best to stage our efforts in finding a diagnosis based on what would give us the most valuable information, and what our cat could reasonably handle in her current condition. They were able to safely take xrays, which gave us a diagnosis and a clear path forward. Even though my cat didn't get to come home with me, I am confident we made the correct decision based on the information Dr. Riccio uncovered, and I am so grateful she didn't have to suffer until morning when our regular veterinary office was open. Instead, she got to pass peacefully and surrounded by love. Dr. Riccio offered to have my husband on a video call, as he was home with our sleeping daughter. In the midst of 3 emergencies that were currently taking place, from 3 separate walk ins, I appreciated that she was willing to take the time to allow him to be present, if we wanted. I beg everyone to keep in mind that veterinary costs are on the rise like everything else. Please do not lash out at the staff members who just want to help. Who work long hours for what would be very surprising pay to most people. They do not possess a magic wand to diagnosis or fix pets. Lashing out at veterinary professionals is causing them to leave the field in droves, and I for one do not want to find myself with no where to go at 3 am when my beloved pet, who I view as family, is suffering immensely. Thank you Dr. Riccio, and support staff, for your knowledge and compassion during a difficult time. While it is never easy to say goodbye to a pet, it is much more tolerable with a competent and caring team reassuring you that you are making the correct decision.
• JC

  Joanne Crittenden

  Jan 4, 2026
  5.0
  I was so pleased with the excellent care my cat received in the ICU. The doctors, the vet, technicians and office staff were all professional, compassionate, caring and considerate. Great communication as well!
• JM

  Jen M

  Jan 4, 2026
  1.0
  Called today to get info on how to help a stray in my neighborhood we have. The lady who answered was rude, giving me a speech on how I should just bring him and let mchenry county animal control take him. She said they will assess him and let animal control decide what to do with him. How is that compassionate for someone who is trying to help an animal. To just let them decide to put him down or not. Like I told this lady, I want to keep him just was looking for affordable options to help this stray cat. I did not need a lecture and her condescending remarks. He is purring, eating and sleeping well. Thankfully I have a great vet near the house and he has an appt at 945am. Reading the reviews I can see that some others have some experience with the lack of care of owners and pets. Stay with your local vet unless absolutely necessary. They can respond saying what they need to, to defend their reputation but the facts are they are rude and just want to put down animals. Strays cats are worth caring for not just locking them up with animal control in a cage. Shame one this place!
• CV

  Chrissy Vocos

  Nov 29, 2025
  1.0
  Two months ago we lost our sweet English bulldog. After taking her to CASE on two occasions, and having testing done- including an ultrasound- it was completely missed that she had a foreign object in her GI tract. We eventually took her to VSA because she was not getting better after she was misdiagnosed. Within 10 minutes, VSAs ultrasound found the foreign object. Because three weeks passed and it was missed, she experienced a perforated bowel which further complicated her surgery and recovery. We ended up having to say good bye to her. I regret not going to VSA sooner- the difference in catching it earlier could have saved her life.
• JP

  Jennifer Priebe

  Nov 28, 2025
  1.0
  Worst experience ever. I got attitude from the staff and the doctor because I was upset about my cat’s respiratory issues. They offered nothing short of overpriced options to help my cat. Things that didn’t offer a cure. Pray that your pet never has respiratory issues over the holidays. If so bring them here and get a bunch of attitude for your justified frustration with calling around to be pointed here to find out there’s no help. You are not allowed to be upset over your animals here. They refuse to call ALL the other facilities until they find a place that can run the tests that your pet needs. Then I was told by the vet tech that I am not working with them the way they are working with me? Then they slid a list of vets for ME to call to see if there was availability for my cat’s treatment. Then afterwards charged me $195 for palpating my cat’s abdomen. This place is a waste of time and money. Do not bring your pet here. Zero services available for a self-proclaimed ER.

Frequently Asked Questions About Companion Animal Specialty & Emergency Hospital