BluePearl Pet Hospital

Zack Schneider

Yesterday, we had a rather concerning experience with our greater Swiss Mountain dog, Winnie. We woke up to find that she was having runny stool and had gone to the bathroom in the house, which is very unlike her. As the morning progressed, her symptoms worsened—she began straining when trying to go, then vomiting right after eating. The final straw was when we noticed blood in her stool. Fearing it might be a blockage or something more serious like bloat, we didn’t hesitate to rush her to BluePearl Pet Hospital near the airport. When we arrived, the intake process was pretty straightforward, and we were quickly moved into a triage room. However, it was an incredibly hectic day at the hospital, with several dogs coming in with even more severe conditions, which naturally took priority. Though it was tough to wait, we understood that Winnie’s condition, while alarming, wasn’t life-threatening, unlike some of the other cases. It was heartbreaking to witness a few families having to make the difficult decision to say goodbye to their beloved pets. Despite the chaos, the staff remained attentive, checking in with us regularly. It took about five hours before Winnie was seen, during which they even called in a second doctor to help with the overflow of cases. When it was finally our turn, they conducted X-rays to check for any foreign objects. Thankfully, the X-rays were clear, which was a huge relief since it meant we could avoid surgery. The bloodwork confirmed that Winnie was suffering from gastroenteritis. While not ideal, it was a much better diagnosis than what we feared. With the right medication and a few key procedures, she was in a much better place by the time we left. The entire visit took around seven hours and cost us $1,200. While the wait was long, and the situation was stressful, I believe it’s important to have realistic expectations in such circumstances. This isn’t our first time dealing with a pet emergency, and I think the staff, doctor, and support team did a great job given the circumstances. I’m thrilled with the outcome, knowing that others visiting that day weren’t as fortunate. Having access to a service like BluePearl for our furry family members is truly a privilege, and that’s something we should all keep in mind. For those unfamiliar, BluePearl Pet Hospital is part of a larger network of specialty and emergency veterinary hospitals across the United States. The organization was founded in 1996 by veterinarians Neil Shaw and Darryl Shaw in Tampa, Florida, starting as a single hospital. Over the years, it grew into a nationwide network, providing advanced care in specialties such as surgery, oncology, neurology, and critical care. In 2015, BluePearl was acquired by Mars, Incorporated—a global leader known for its wide range of brands, including pet care products like Pedigree, Whiskas, and Royal Canin. This acquisition was part of Mars’ strategy to expand its presence in the pet healthcare sector. Being under the umbrella of Mars Veterinary Health, which also owns other veterinary chains like VCA Animal Hospitals and Banfield Pet Hospital, allows BluePearl to leverage extensive resources, research, and innovations in pet care. The Buffalo location of BluePearl, where we took Winnie, operates as a specialty and emergency care provider. They offer services 24/7, serving as a referral center for primary care veterinarians in the region. When pets require specialized treatment beyond what general veterinarians can provide, they often refer cases to BluePearl for advanced diagnostics and treatments. The hospital is equipped with state-of-the-art technology, ensuring that pets receive the highest standard of care. Our experience with BluePearl, while challenging, reminded us of the vital role these hospitals play in our pets’ lives. They provide not only emergency and specialized care but also contribute to the larger ecosystem of pet health and wellness. As pet owners, it’s essential to appreciate the availability of such advanced care and the dedicated professionals who make it possible.

Aug 19, 2024

Brandi Watts

I can't thank this amazing Pet hospital they were so kind and very affordable. Not sure why they don't have five stars. If they were just a regular vet id drive all the way from Pembroke just so I know my dogs get the best care. I will definitely be recommending this amazing Pet hospital to everyone.

Aug 23, 2024

Angela Litteer

Couldn’t recommend this team more, we had a scary situation happen with our 16 month old golden Oakley, and the care and compassion we received in our time of need was unmatched. Thank you all so much for taking care of our baby, though we pray we never have to send others to you, we will highly recommend your care to others!❤️

Aug 24, 2024

Debbie

Amazing staff, and doctors! I brought a rescue home after being spayed, and she was vomiting and couldn’t hold any water down. They took great care of her. I’m glad to know in an emergency they are there.

Aug 14, 2024

Dee Bunk-Hatch

After a long (1.5 hour drive) at midnight the staff made us feel welcome and didn’t cause us to feel stupid when we realized we’d overreacted. They were kind and genuinely caring. I hope I never need to use them again but I wouldn’t hesitate to do so if needed.

Aug 22, 2024