Hope Advanced Veterinary Center

Reviews

• RV

  Rich Valenzi

  2 days ago
  5.0
  Emergency room staff provided expert care for my dog. The staff and doctors were very caring and helped us through a very difficult situation.
• AJ

  Anumeet Jassal

  4 days ago
  1.0
  This review of for the oncology department. In April 2023, our beloved dog, Hero, was diagnosed with prostate cancer. We consulted several veterinary oncologists, including SouthPaws, and the general recommendation was to let him go peacefully within a month. We weren't ready to say goodbye. We had lost parents in the same month and were grieving already. Our two young children were deeply attached to Hero. After reading the positive reviews for The Hope Center, we decided to consult Dr. McNeil. Dr. McNeil suggested trying a chemotherapy injection that might give Hero another three to four months. We also discussed pain management and made it clear that our priority was his comfort and quality of life in whatever time he had left. We understood that his cancer was terminal. We weren't looking for a miracle. We simply wanted Hero to spend his remaining days surrounded by the family he loved, without unnecessary pain. We were initially told the procedure would take approximately 45 minutes. After we dropped Hero off, Dr. McNeil called to say they needed more time, perhaps another two or three hours. Those hours passed, and when we called, we were told Hero was still under anesthesia. He finally came home around 8 p.m., but he wasn't the same Hero we had dropped of that afternoon. Hero had always been strong, loving, and fiercely protective of our two little children. But now he couldn't be near his babies the way he always had. He couldn't enjoy his walks. He couldn't move around our home without diapers because he was leaking. He was visibly uncomfortable and appeared to be in tremendous pain. He came home completely broken. We were reassured that these effects were temporary by the nurses, but the next 48 hours were a blur of sleeplessness, worry, and watching Hero suffer. We barely ate or slept. All we wanted was to make him comfortable, and we felt helpless. Dr. McNeil eventually called and told me he was sorry, but it looked like Hero wasn't going to make it. I remember asking him why the procedure had continued when it had taken so much longer than anticipated. I questioned whether there had been a point when stopping would have been the kinder choice. Hero passed away very soon afterward. I understand that veterinary medicine cannot guarantee outcomes, especially with terminal cancer. We knew we were going to lose Hero. But we had specifically discussed quality of life and pain management. Instead of spending his remaining days taking gentle walks, resting in his favorite spots, and being close to the children he had spent his life protecting, his final days were filled with discomfort and suffering. I believe being a good doctor isn't just about knowing when to treat. It's also about knowing when to stop. What has troubled me all these years is whether the decision to continue was truly in Hero's best interest. At the time, I was left with the painful feeling that pursuing treatment had taken priority over his comfort. It even made me question whether financial considerations played a role. I cannot know that, but I wish we had been given clearer explanations and guidance about when enough was enough. I'm sharing this experience because families facing terminal diagnoses deserve honest conversations about treatment, pain management, complications, and quality of life. Sometimes, the most compassionate medical decision is not to pursue another treatment, but to allow an animal to spend their remaining time in peace. More than three years later, we still miss Hero. He was our protector, our children's best friend, and such a strong, beautiful soul. We knew his time with us was limited, but we never imagined his final days would be spent in so much pain. Looking back, we are still left with unanswered questions about what happened that evening at Hope Center. Our dear Hero had always been so strong. What happened during those hours? What changed? What broke him? Those are questions we may never have answers to, and that is perhaps the hardest part of all.
• MP

  Michael Pariser

  Sep 1, 2026
  5.0
  My (fur)baby needed knee surgery (TPLO). This practice was recommended by my primary care vet. Dr. Johnson did a great job. I hope not to need their services again, but would definitely come back. It’s obvious that the Drs and staff really care about their patients. I’m sure there are great surgeons other places too, however it seems like a lot of the veterinary care in the area is owned by venture capital and driven by revenue rather than patient care, but I didn’t get that sense here at all. Would give 10 stars of if I could.
• LK

  Lani Kass

  Aug 20, 2026
  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!
• 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.

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