Hope Advanced Veterinary Center

Reviews

• LK

  Lani Kass

  3 days ago
  5.0
  Our 14 month old English Lab, Maya, was referred to Hope by our vet after being diagnosed with a torn cranial cruciate ligament. From the very first call to schedule an appointment with the wonderful Dr Julia Hawthorne, through May’s surgery, quick recovery, and today’s emergency visit, we were very impressed with the professionalism and care of everyone at the clinic. Throughout, we felt like Maya was the only dog there and the focus of everyone’s attention. Dr Hawthorne was supremely professional, patient in diagnosing the tear and explaining the surgery, and a very gifted, caring surgeon.Maya walked out of the TPLO surgery almost normally—we literally found it hard to believe she could walk that well. It seemed like she was healed up overnight—she stayed at the hospital for observation, for which we’re most grateful.. Today, when Maya developed an infection and needed quick attention ahead of her scheduled 2 week follow up, the hospital contacted Dr Hawthorne while she was on vacation, she got back to us personally and immediately—wish people’s docs were that responsive—and we were promptly seen by her wonderful resident, Dr Emily. Maya was treated like a princess, her cyst was drained, antibiotics were given, and she is already back to her normal mischief. Special kudos to the wonderful nursing/tech staff. Natalia was so helpful and caring—going above and beyond. Nobody wants their pets to have surgery or any serious illnesses. But, when it happens, this is the place I’d unquestionably recommend for top notch care! Thank you Dr Hawthorne, Dr Emily, Natalia and the entire staff.you are simply amazing!
• D1

  DC 1904

  Aug 12, 2026
  5.0
  We traveled sometimes 2 hours from Spotsylvania to Hope Center anytime our little fur baby needed medical care or for emergency veterinary needs. This has been our “go-to” emergency vet for over 10 years. They are the BEST in the region. We trusted Dr’s and staff 100%. Broken legs, Pancreatitis, and unfortunately our little girl recently passed away from an aggressive cancer that was discovered from their partner agency VSC. My wife and I cannot say Thank You enough for the medical care and treatment they provided. It was a long drive to get up there, but well worth it. If you want the best care for your four legged companions who provide you unconditional love, Hope Center is the best you can get. **** Dr. Pugh - THANK YOU for taking so much time with us last week and helping us make medical decisions for our fur baby.
• VF

  Victoria Fort

  Aug 11, 2026
  2.0
  PET OWNER BEWARE: If you deal with multiple departments here (specifically Oncology and Surgery), prepare for a massive headache. Recommended by my vet, but VSC Hope Center was exceptionally challenging to deal with on top of being expensive. You must pay everything upfront, and they keep a hidden "credit" on your account for unexpected follow-ups without telling you. Across multiple visits for my dog Murph’s mast cell tumor, we experienced severe communication, scheduling, and billing failures: Estimate Confusion: Staff couldn't explain basic costs on our initial estimate. Dr. Hawthorne had to clarify via email later. Scheduling Failures & Bouncing Around: Post-surgery, staff scheduled us for a joint re-check with Dr. Hawthorne and Dr. McNeill for June 29. It was canceled without telling us. Front desk staff (Garrett and Arlette) told me they don't do joint meetings because the departments operate as "separate businesses" and I had to coordinate two doctors' schedules myself. I later learned Dr. McNeill wasn't even in that day. I still had to bring my drugged, limping, 87lb dog across three floors to see Dr. Hawthorne, only to be told I needed another appointment with Dr. McNeill. Lack of Communication: Wanda (Dr. McNeill’s office) refused to schedule me until I provided records they already had, again claiming they are separate businesses. On June 29, front desk staff forced me to book a July 16 appointment and fast Murph, but couldn't explain why. I repeatedly emailed the doctors asking what the $195 appointment was for and asked about Murph's medications (Benadryl/Pepcid). Dr. McNeill never replied, only forwarding to front desk staff who didn't know the answers. Emergency Delays: On June 17, Murph's incision opened and infected. I called at 9 AM needing guidance before 2 PM (due to my husband’s flying out for deployment that day). Despite sending photos immediately, no one called back until 3:30 PM. They refused to transfer the antibiotic prescription to a local vet, forcing a 45-minute drive back to their ER. Weekend ER Mismanagement: On June 21, his incision reopened. I emailed photos at 9 AM. By 9 PM, they finally called back and offered to see him that night (with emergency fees) or at 11 AM the next day. I chose 11 AM. On June 22 at 8 AM, I called to confirm and was told it was canceled; only after demanding a doctor did they realize staff put it on the wrong day. Hidden Money: During the June 22 visit, I discovered a $250 credit on our account that no one mentioned despite prior billing discussions. I had to explicitly request a refund for the leftover money. Dismissive Care: On July 16, Dr. McNeill called 15 minutes late for our supposed joint call. Dr. Hawthorne wasn't there. He claimed Surgery "does this all the time" and joint calls don't happen—something never explained in my emails to both doctors. He was unprepared for my emailed questions and dismissive of my medication concerns. The $195 call was just him reading biopsy results I already had and offering costly follow-on options or "do nothing." When I professionally voiced my frustration, he clearly did not care—no apology, no empathy. Unresponsive Management: To the Hospital Manager who replies to Google reviews: please do not bother reaching out here. I left multiple voicemails and you never returned my calls. Bottom Line: Dr. Hawthorne and her tech team seem to care (hence 2 stars instead of 1). However, the extreme lack of care/communication from the front office staff and Dr. McNeill ruins the good work. Save yourself the heartache and go somewhere else.
• CD

  Calla Doh

  Aug 9, 2026
  5.0
  Our Rocky was so well taken care of here. everyone is genuinely kind as well as communicative and open
• GC

  Grace Clark

  Jul 27, 2026
  5.0
  Wonderful staff, an amazing ophthalmology resident doctor, sorry I forgot his name, but made the experience thorough and informational. Very helpful in such a specialty for a special little dog. Thanks again!

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