Westford Veterinary Emergency & Referral Center, LLC

Thank you to Westford Vet and Emergency. Dr Maffezzoli and the entire staff were so kind and thorough with our cat Moses today.
We are so grateful for your professional and loving care. Hopefully Moses will be feeling better in no time!

My husband and I can not rave enough about this facility. Their FIRST concern from the very beginning was always the well-​being, pain management, and quality of life for our beloved dog Cleo.
I disagree with a few negative statements referring to them as «extortionists» or «they only want your money.» This is completely absurd. NOBODY goes into veterinary medicine mainly for money. They ALL chose this field because they love animals. Period. On average, veterinary doctors make less than half of their human doctor counterparts while graduating with similar debt. These veterinarians, techs, and other staff have the right to make a living. The only way the hospital can remain open and stocked with the equipment, supplies, and medications that are needed to treat our pets is to charge for them. It’s a low margin business. If they did everything without care for finances, there would be no vets for us to go to. In a tragedy of commons, we all lose.
It is not a right for anyone to own a pet – it is a privilege. When you own a pet, you are taking responsibility for all health issues and life. If a major problem does occur, we shouldn’t get angry when they tells us that they can’t treat our pet without covering the cost of treatment. As much as we would love for them to remain healthy forever, the reality is that they will get sick so we have to be financially ready to take care of them, just as with our children.
On December 9, 2015, our precious Cleo was admitted with fluid and pain in her abdomen accompanied with an extremely high fever. She was 9 years old and never had any major health issues so this was a complete shock. To make a long story short and without going into procedural details, she required immediate surgery. The surgery revealed a life threatening situation that we were completely unaware of inside our Cleo. She never showed any signs of pain or discomfort until the day she was admitted. They saved her life. She wouldn’t have lasted another 12 hours. She had 4 masses removed and was sadly diagnosed with histiocytic sarcoma.
Cleo had a rollercoaster of a recovery where, on any given day, we thought she was going to take a turn for the worst. Throughout this painful process, the doctors, techs, and the staff at the hospital were nothing short of amazing. We must’ve called them 10,000 times and they patiently answered every question we had. There was a stretch of time when Cleo had to be readmitted and we decided to stay overnight with her. They were so supportive and understanding while we camped out in one of the visiting rooms. It was during this time that we could really witness how much they care about their patients and their families.
Over the course of 2 ½ weeks, Cleo must’ve seen just about everyone who works there. They all fell in love our our sweet Cleo. They not only did they best to make sure Cleo was comfortable, they also did their best to comfort us through our pain. There are far too many instances to call every single one out so here’s just a sampling: Upon seeing us back for a recheck shortly after the surgery with very worried looks on our faces, Marcelo, despite being there 2 hours past his shift, took the time to sit down with us to calm our fears. Every time we saw Dr. Kircher, she would sit right on the floor with us and Cleo and carefully go through every detail with us while showing us the utmost empathy. Erin spent an entire day yelling at the lab that was running behind on Cleo’s biopsy report and got them to rush results back on that very day. Diane spent forever chatting with us when we stayed overnight. There are FAR too many other examples to list here – they are a special group of people.
One day before Cleo was scheduled for her first chemo treatment, her little body gave out and went into renal failure. It was Christmas day. We made the impossibly difficult decision to put an end to her pain. She hung on for us for one more Christmas morning that we will forever treasure. She passed away peacefully in our arms.
After Cleo passed away, they showed us even more compassion, if that’s even possible. They took her away gently on a stretcher and talked to her as they did so, calling her a sweet girl. They sent us a bouquet of flowers at home and a card with personal messages from everyone there. Marcelo and Shannon made a donation to a charity in Cleo’s memory and bought her a citrus tree to plant on top of Cleo’s ashes. The humanity that they showed us was truly overwhelming and made a cruel time just a little bit kinder.
We will forever be grateful to the staff for the extra 2 ½ weeks that they gave us with our sweet Cleo. Even though we would’ve wanted longer (forever), we can’t imagine how much more painful it would’ve been had we not had that additional time. We treasured every minute of that time. Thank you Westford Vet Emergency and everyone there. You are the best.

After using other 24 hr emergency vet, I felt I and my fog were well cared goes. My boy came home with me the next morning… and I felt safe leaving him. I was well educated regarding the problems, care involved, and what needed to happen for him to get out.
24 hr vet care is expensive, as are human emergency rooms. The staff work off hours and need decent pay. There cost and Ned to get that info. Is no reason to slam them… there care is excellent!

This place is extremely rude. The specialize in extortion. The care care of your animal is the last thing on their mind. It’s all about making money here. Is you don’t have money upfront and a deep wallet you are not welcome here.

GREAT CARE AND PEOPLE! They didn’t ask for money right away like other places. They cared about my pet even when I was a mess, my dogs care mattered first. The desk person was walking in as I was surprisingly, helped me right away. Despite being six am on a Monday, she was honestly very friendly and made my arrival comforting making small talk and getting me situated in a room which helped calm me down a lot. The last place said hello and that’s $ 100 to walk in the door, then I’ll alert the Dr you’re here… Couldn’t believe it. surprised to find a clean clinic with happy staff on an odd time of day. They didn’t ask for money right away and made me feel at home in a horrible time. The Dr was super sweet, honest, and took time to explain everything well and left without spending 200 $!!! Honestly was thinking it would be double that. Coffee and snacks while you wait, Will go here again for their nice staff, good prices, clean hospital and ability to work well with people. This place truly cares. Take your pet here for the good prices and better staff

This place is just terrible. If I could remember the rude insensitive bitch’s name who dealt w me and my dog I would report her to a whole lot more than Unilocal.All they care about is sucking you dry of your money. They’re nice as long as you agree to give them all your money and they use scare tactics to get it. I was told it was either a full blood transfusion and full intensive care for 2 – 3 days at least, could be more, or she would die. After the very heart breaking decision to put her down the vet came back into the room with such an attitude and told me she «doesn’t feel right or fair to put down a perfectly healthy dog» after she told me it was the 5000 that night and the treatment or death. They’re just terrible people working there that want to see innocent people worked up so they’ll give all their money to save their best friend.

Ok I have to start by acknowledging their magnetic card that states «When every minute counts, you can count on us» & I am not kidding when I say this brings tears to my eyes. 4 days ago my beloved cat Mya went into labor (I am ashamed to say this is her 3^rd litter because of my irresponsibility in getting her fixed) but we had no reason to think anything would go wrong. After her 1^st kitten was born 6 hrs went by with nothing & I knew something wasn’t right. After the 8^th hr I examined her & found a deceased kittens leg protruding from her & knew she was in serious trouble! By this time it was late at night & the only places to call were emergency rooms & 1 by 1 we were told she would probrably need an emergency C section & we were asked if we would be able to pay the 1500 – 2000 $ estimated amount required for the surgery. Well 1 by 1 we were turned away & as Mya got sicker I got more frantic & was at the point I was crying & begging these places to help us! We were told things like «just make her as comfortable as possible & call your vet in the morning» or «try to remove the deceased kitten yourself because she could die if left in her»! I was stunned that these animal hospitals were willing to let her die because we could not make the full payment up front! Let me tell you this animal hospital was the very last possible number we could call & I had all but lost hope in saving our cat & any kittens she might still have in her that were alive! They heard me frantically repeat what was happening & NO QUESTIONS ASKED told us to get her straight there! Upon arrival they literally met us at the door & took her right in!!! The immediate attention they gave her (yes, she needed a C section) & the WONDERFUL WONDERFUL care they gave her after saved her life & the lives of her 3 kittens! Every single staff member we had the pleasure of interacting with for the next 3 days was kind caring & 100% compassionate & we cannot thank them enough for what they did in whole for our family! We love this cat & would have been DEVASTATED if we had lost her & we are eternally grateful for their animal welfare first worry about the bill second practice that not a single other place would show. THANK YOU THANK YOU THANKKKK YOUUUU for being there in our desperate time of need! Love the Priest family! P. S. Mya & kitties are doing great! Xoxo

While they couldn’t save my beloved 25yo parrot (undiagnosable heart disease & heart failure), I felt that we were treated w/​professionalism, kindness, compassion and that they
did everything they could to save the bird’s life.
Hat tip to Dr. Earl & staff.

Very great place. Everyone took care of us really well. Friends dog had a bad allergic reaction and the vet that talked to us really made us feel comfortable, didn’t rush us and could have talked to us the whole night.

Everyone in this clinic was remarkable and we met a lot of them. Our 12 ½ year old dog who was otherwise very healthy developed a severe infection of a cyst on her back. The cyst became approximately softball size as a result in less than 24 hours and then it burst. There was removal surgery with our regular vet. Then the incision didn’t heal properly. Then the sutures starting popping out because of fluid buildup from the original infection. This was a three week process.
In short, this was a total nightmare. I can’t even begin to describe how awful it was. We have had dogs and cats for almost 30 years and we were completely out of our depth on this one. It just would not heal and it was not an easy fix.
Westford Emergency was there every step of the way for every incident during which our regular vet wasn’t available. In the end, they did the second surgery that put our Fran back together again and now she is fine.
The doctors, nurses and receptionists are all wonderful. Thank you to Drs Chou, Earl and D’Orazio, all of the triage nurses whose names I can’t remember because I was completely panicked half the time and Vanessa and the other receptionists who handled us calmly in spite of, well, me.

Do not go to this place!!! My daughter guinea pig was having a tough time. Constipated for a week! I called this place and they told me that it’s not good for guinea pig to be constipate and we had to take him to emergency room right away but when we got there. We paid $ 150 for less than 10 min examined and the vet told us that he couldn’t tell what went wrong with guinea pig so we had to pay another $ 60 to see a specialist! I decided not to spend another $ 50 and went home very upset! We didn’t get any service! The vet couldn’t tell us what happened! And they charged me $ 150 without refund! Do not go to this place. It ripped off! You will be regret!!!

AMAZING!!! I had an emergency with my big 140lb dog and they were nothing short of amazing. I will use them whenever I have an emergency. Love them!

On the plus side, they got the diagnosis right and as others have mentioned the waiting area is clean, modern and comfortable with beverages, junk food and TV (Animal Planet, natch) available while you wait.
On the down side, although I brought my injured cat in at 8:30 on a Saturday morning, it wasn’t until six hours later that her diagnosis of a sprained left leg was provided. Communication throughout the process was initially good, but then very spotty as what seemed like every dog in the greater Westford area came in and was treated first.
The treatment plan and follow up were appropriate and thankfully my cat is back to her usual self now two weeks out.
As with any uninsurable emergent care, services are expensive. Unless you have a true emergency, you might want to wait and schedule an appointment with your usual vet.

I can not say enough how awesome this hospital is… We had to put our beloved dog down, I called them late in the evening and a staff of 3 were waiting for us with a gaurny when we arrived. They put us in a lovely room that was Zen like and they were all just so caring… We got the best care for our beloved baby girl…

I can’t recommend enough the services provided by WVERC, and particularly Drs. Hughes and Maffezzoli and Nurse Robin. If their facility accepted regular patients, they would certainly have a new dedicated client, but I am so thankful to know they exist and are making pets’ and their guardians’ lives better, particularly in such critical moments. The facility is clean, open, and state-​of-​the-​art.
I found WVERC because they were the only facility open in the early morning after a very tragic accident. Of course, in such a circumstance, there was no time to research or contemplate, but the fact that such a quickly made decision could result in the level of skilled and conscientious care encountered there was really a miracle.
I was in a somewhat irrational and inconsolable state, with makeup streaming down my face from tears, and attempting to form full sentences through my crying. I called them before I made it to the facility and explained the situation that had occurred. Their technician (I am uncertain to whom I was speaking at that point) calmly provided me some good advice, several options, and clear directions to the facility.
When I arrived, their receptionist (again, I am not certain of her name, but she was also kind, proficient, and quick-​acting) immediately told Nurse Robin that I had arrived (she didn’t have to ask if I was who she had spoken to on the phone — again, the streaming mascara). Nurse Robin came to the car where the sweet little cat was waiting, and she whisked her into the procedure room, where Dr. Maffezzoli and Nurse Robin took immediate action to assess injuries and treat pain.
Dr. Maffezzoli came out after some time to tell me that they had stabilized the sweet girl, what tests thus far had revealed, and what additional tests were necessary. She was very conscious of the mounting expense, but provided her best recommendation as to path for proceeding. We made the plan for next steps, and Dr. Maffezzoli informed me that she would be finishing her night shift, and Dr. Hughes would be taking over.
After the next tests were performed, Dr. Hughes came out to speak to me. She delivered some very sad news for prognosis, but offered potential options for proceeding, and the cost associated with each option. She was supportive, compassionate, authoritative — really the most you can hope from the vet caring for an animal in critical health. Dr. Hughes and Nurse Robin helped me through making a very difficult decision, and I saw the love and care with which they filled the facility for each of their animals.
There are so many little things (and some other big ones) that WVERC did for me and the sweet girl in my care. I can only thank them so sincerely for helping me through such a day, and exhibiting the best attributes of their profession.

Almost a year later and the same rabbit went into full stasis, was in shock and probably close to death. The staff and doctors at WVER calmly and professionally provided all the supportive care she required to make a full recovery. Any questions I had were answered and I had full confidence that my girl was in the best hands. She was sent home with follow up meds and very clear and detailed instructions for continued care at home.
It wasn’t inexpensive but I received a detailed estimate before Lilly was admitted and the total bill was less than expected. Thanks WVER for saving Lilly’s life!
**ADDENDUM** This review has now received 13 «Funny» votes which is just bizarre. There’s nothing funny about my review and I am in no way affiliated with this clinic. Seems the clinic has some detractors intent on messing with the reviews and Unilocal is doing nothing to stop it.

No one ever wants to have to go to am emergency clinic for their pet but if you should do not think twice about going here!!!
Our puppy got herself into something she shouldn’t have. Sigh. We called the clinic on our way, they told us exactly what to expect and what to do and were waiting for us when we got there. While there we spoke to 3 people (including the doctor), again were given a clear picture of what to expect, for her care while there, when she would be leaving and her care needs at home. Despite 2 other families there we did not wait (and neither did they). we were gone in 45 minutes and then came back later that evening to pick our puppy up. If you are concerned about cost, they gave us an estimate before we left and the final cost came in almost $ 100 less!!! They treated her, and us with compassion. She was no worse for the wear from her little stunt and licking everyone on her way out!!!
I hope to never go there again, obviously, but would be very comfortable should I need to.

Unilocal doesn’t offer enough stars to describe the quality of care, dedication and compassion we experienced from the veterinarians and nurses who took care of our Jack.
If your animal is hurt or sick, just go. Right now.

I just had a really wonderful experience with WVER. I woke up on a Sunday morning and when my pup wasn’t by my side I knew something was wrong. He was unable to get out of bed. So grateful to find WVER on Unilocal and that they were only 15 minutes from my home. They were extremely nice and knowledgeable. They loved on my dog, they never seemed rushed and took full time to explain procedures, gave me options and discussed everything with me. So not what I’m used to from an emergency clinic. I felt my dog was in good hands and their diagnosis and treatment made sense. They also called to follow-​up after their board certified Radiologist reviewed his x-​rays and found some things the vet didn’t catch. I really appreciate the time and care they took into helping me and my dog!
They also get props for having a very clean and modern office. Good waiting room amenities, free wi-​fi and even a sign letting people know they had chargers for all types of devices in case you run out of battery.

I was deeply impressed with the folks at WVER. I took my sick pug there shortly after they first opened for business, and they took fantastic care of her.
It’s a very nice, new, modern facility with well-​trained, compassionate staff. I had to wait a few minutes to see a doctor, and the receptionist kept me informed of how long she expected it to be and helped to calm some of my nerves on what was becoming a very anxious night. They ran a series of tests, provided her an IV drip and monitored her situation throughout the night and were seemingly happy to entertain my nervous phone calls throughout the process.
I wish they weren’t only an emergency and referral clinic — a regular vet with the same qualities would be a good find.
In short, heaven forbid another emergency arise with my dog, WVER is where I’ll be taking her. I would recommend it to friends and family in the area (and have done so in the past).