Choosing a veterinarian can be such a hard decision. About a year ago my husband and I decided it was time for a new vet for our dog. I did what everyone does and searched my neighborhood Facebook page to see who people were recommending. Compassion Veterinary Center in Urbana was the name that kept coming up over and over again with all of the terms we were looking for in a vet: caring, affordable, knowledgeable, and so many more positive words.
Part of the reason that prompted us to find a new veterinary office was that it was time to make sure our dog Huck never provided us with grandpuppies. I made an appointment for an initial consultation and check up with Dr. Shell, the owner of Compassion Veterinary Center. From the moment we entered the office, I knew we were in good hands. Ever since that day, we tell everyone about Compassion Veterinary Center.
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If you’re in the market for a new veterinarian, you need to check out Compassion Veterinary Center. Here are five things my family loves about the practice:
- The office is clean, welcoming and cozy.
We’ve all been in those medical offices that feel completely sterile. I don’t know about you, but a doctor’s office that is cold and unwelcoming sure doesn’t make me relax for an appointment. Guess what? Your pets have that same feeling when they go to a vet’s office. It should not be a place of fear. Compassion Veterinary Center is spotless and welcoming at the same time. My dog does not hit the ‘brakes’ when it’s time to go in their doors. If you’re a dog or cat lover, you know there’s a look they get when something is off. I’ve never had to coax Huck in the door at Compassion. - Service is fast.
Huck keeps us on our toes. If there’s an injury to be had or something non-edible to chew up, there’s no doubt Huck will be all over it. Each time we have called Compassion with an issue, they are always fast to either answer right away, call back quickly and/or get him in for a visit ASAP. I appreciate that they don’t rush to push us to an office visit every time and I value the fact that I can trust the advice they give. - They treat your pets like the family members they are.
Whether our appointment is with Dr. Shell or any of the other highly qualified veterinarians, technicians, and office staff at Compassion Veterinary Center, they are always kind, attentive and very gentle. They realize that it is an honor to be trusted with your pet, and they do not take that lightly.
- A conservative approach is always considered first.
Before taking our dog to Compassion Veterinary Center, visiting the vet used to rank right up there with taking my car to a mechanic. A decision to make on whether or not the opinion could be trusted, questions on what is really necessary and a big bill at the end. Not with Compassion Veterinary Center though. Dr. Shell always offers up a conservative treatment plan first and then changes plan if the pet doesn’t respond to the prescribed treatment. Do you know what happens every time a dog with floppy ears has a small cut on his ears and shakes his head? Those ears flop everywhere and the cut busts open, leaving your kitchen walls looking like something out of a bad horror movie. Dr. Shell was quick to get Huck in for a check and get his ear on the road to recovery with a conservative, affordable plan. I remember getting the bill at the end and breathing a sigh of relief at how reasonable the cost was for the visit, care and medication. She provided us with all of the information and the care that Huck needed without overwhelming us. - They understand when routine procedures aren’t ‘routine’ to the pet owner.
Having a pet spayed or neutered is a routine, basic procedure for any veterinarian. It’s not a big deal… until it’s your pet having the surgery. When it was time to make sure Huck did not provide us with any grandpuppies, Compassion took amazing care of him and us during the process. While having Huck neutered we also had them repair his umbilical hernia. The office answered all of my questions before the surgery, called as soon as they were done with an update on Huck and checked in on him routinely for the few days after his surgery. At one point I was concerned about his incision area and rather than make me bring him in for a follow up visit, I was able to first text photos of the incision. Dr. Shell assured me the incision was healing properly and there was no need for an office visit. This was during the start of the pandemic and she even offered to swing by and check on Huck outside of my house in the front yard if I was still concerned. That’s when you know you have a veterinarian who really cares.
I could go on and on about how amazing the practice is. Their level of care, friendliness, understanding and (as their name says) compassion can’t be matched. The staff is amazing and Dr. Shell is so kind and incredibly knowledgeable. I feel completely at ease trusting my best friend to Compassion Veterinary Center - and that is a priceless feeling.
To learn more about Dr. Shell and Compassion Veterinary Center, click here or give them a call at 240-341-4964. There's no better veterinary office to entrust with your best friend's care.
I received services in exchange for this article. As always, opinions are 100% my own.
