Whatcom Veterinary Hospital Inc PS

I have been taking my pets here for years. They do a great job. I trust them with my pets.

The staff at Whatcom Veterinary Hospital has one bad apple. She has straight
blonde hair and she wears glasses. Mean to the bone. Had to say «no» to add
ons at the check in time, many times. She double billed us at the check out time.
Had an
appointment for Lady Dog to be spayed in the morning, got her there at 8:30 A.m.
They didn’t get around to it until 5:10 P.M. They called at 5:30 P.M. and said
she was just waking up and they are closing. They insist upon keeping the animal
over night, so we worried all night about her.
Poor and please, think twice about this place.
Ginny Anderson
Bellingham

I wanted to like this vet office but as soon as Dr. Hargrove left I can find no real reason to go back. Initially liked the location just a quick drive, but I’d rather spend more time driving to a place that is less packed and a quicker experience. They are always busy which is understandable as they are the only decent vet in Ferndale but I don’t get why they book so many appointments at the same time and move at a snails pace. The receptionists could careless how long youre waiting. I went just to pick up medication and was in there for over half an hour while they tried to handle the full waiting room. I really liked Dr Hargrove but since he’s departed I’ve decided to go elsewhere too.

Dr. Aupperlee was our beloved dog’s vet for nearly 16 years. Dr. Aupperlee is an outstanding, compassionate veterinarian. Our dog had health issues and, with Doctor’s care, he lived almost 16 years. Whatcom Vet Hospital staff is 5-​star as well. Our dog was boarded there many times and always well cared for. Our family always felt welcomed and in very good hands. Highly recommend this veterinary/​hospital!

Dr. Hargrove is amazing. We moved to Ferndale four years ago and have been to both vet offices in town. When our rottie developed terminal cancer last year, Dr. Hargrove was so gentle and compassionate when it came time to ease his suffering. Recently, our other dog became ill for unknown reasons. Dr. Hargrove took his time going over all the options and scenarios. We actually were expecting to have to put her to sleep when we went in, but he was able to come up with some options based on the clinical assessment, instead of charging us hundreds for diagnostic tests. He was very gentle with her and got down with her, instead of making us hoist her 80# frame onto the exam table, as other vets have done.
The vet assistants in the back usually seem grumpy, and I’ve overheard comments from them. The front desk staff is nice enough, but they never seem to be in a big hurry. We usually have to wait unless we have an 8am appointment. I am willing to wait a little to get the excellent care that Dr. Hargrove gives. Also, I’ve never had a time when I called that they weren’t willing to squeeze my pet into the schedule. This is probably why they run behind and why the staff seems grumpy and overworked. However, as a pet owner with a sick pet, I appreciate this effort.
Finally, they have some of the better pricing around. Someone told me they thought this vet was overpriced, but based on calling around to other vets in the area, they are one of the more reasonably priced. I might have saved $ 10 by driving to Bellingham to see a vet there, but again, Dr. Hargrove is worth it.

Whatcom vet is not the closest vet to me, and not all that convenient to where I live, but it gets 5 stars from me for the very reason it has gotten less stars from others. They will take your animal emergency when everyone else won’t help you. Kulshan will calmly tell you they close in 15 minutes when you are enroute with a terrifying emergency, and tell you to drive 40 minutes farther to the Emergency Animal Clinic in Bellingham. Chris Carlson in Blaine is great, but NEVER available, emergency or otherwise, she is less than a mile away and has never been open or responded to an issue unless you nail the moment she is in the clinic. The counter help at Whatcom vet have to do triage, and deal with owners who are out of their minds with fear and concern, and balance that with people who have appointments that are routine. I will wait if someone’s beloved pet is in danger. Their skills seem above average and their compassion and concern for the animals are above average! Very sorry for Candace T’s loss, but these are my go to vet’s.

Have been taking my pets to this office for the past 10+ years. Dr. Hargrove is patient and compassionate, always getting down to my pets’ level to make friends before starting any sort of examination. If my pets don’t appreciate this (which I believe they do), I most certainly do!
Generally speaking, the office staff could be more welcoming. My only real complaint follows: I was a little miffed that I didn’t receive the as-​promised, post-​surgery phone call. I was forced to phone the office five minutes before closing, was put on hold, and was then finally given a fairly comprehensive update.

I’m will NOT go back to this vet, they are very slow at getting back to you about your animal. My dog died because they were so slow at responding to the problem. They seem to not care and are very slack in their job. The front counter people could use a class in friendly customer service as well.

Really like this place where they seem to really care about the animals they treat. Both doctors are good but really like Dr. Hargrove. Only complaint is that on average I have to wait about 30 to 45 minutes for every scheduled appointment. It’s never been any different in the 15 years we’ve been going there and I could count on one hand the times I’ve been seen within 15 minutes of my scheduled appointment time. It seems to me that if other places can schedule things more timely this place could learn to do the same. The Dr is what keeps me coming back. Really like him.
The other thing I like is the grooming salon that is there (Four Paws). They are good and if shots are due they can get the shots during a groom appt.
Only four starts because of the crazy wait times.