Atlanta Veterinary Specialists

"I would like to write this review with full honestly and disclosure. Atlanta Veterinary Specialists is now own by BluePearl. I am a veterinary oncologists that works for BluePearl at the Sandy Springs location. My experience during my dogs dermatology appointment which I had to wait for 3 months for, was by far the most disappointing experienced I have ever had at a veterinary hospital. I waited a total of 2 1/2 hours for my appointment. I had enough time in the room to think about my options and elect to not support this establishment with my money. I had enough time to call a dermatology practice in Marietta (Animal Dermatology Clinic)—when I told my my situation they were horrified at my experience and they ended up helping me out and seeing me on an appointment in 3 days. Our BluePearl dermatologist was unwilling to help me out, but people I never worked with, or even spoken to me were able to do me a solid favor and help you my struggling kiddo. The Summary of my experienced was that I wait for over an hour to be placed in a room, and then wait over 1 1/2 hours to speak to the dermatologists which I never did. I was the only appointment happening that morning, what I can assume is the dermatologist was not in the building—as she was likely late for her first appointment (over 2 hours) and the staff was stalling for her. I had enough time in the exam room, to call, ask another dermatology clinic, got to speak to one of the competing dermatologists who was able to set up an appointment time with me 3 days from my horrible experience. I can honestly say, BluePearl could not pay me enough to recommend our in network dermatologist. Please note the staff is super lovely and nice, I think to make up for the fact that is a horribly disorganized and inefficient place. Please save you money, but most importantly time, and make an appointment at the competing dermatology clinic in Marietta—the Animal Dermatology Clinic of Marietta has proven themselves miles ahead in professionalism and empathy."

"They are now a Blue Pearl Vet. I needed a lot of information to see if I would do the I131 radiation procedure for hyper-thyroidism). From the moment the phone was answered I was impressed with the courtesy and information I was given. Dr. Schick talked about what would go on during the procedure. Knowing that she has had special training and great results calmed my fears. Her assistant, Jennifer, was also very knowledgeable and went through all the information they would need before the procedure. They kept me informed throughout the time my cat was there, even sent pictures of him in his "condo" while he was there afterwards to make sure everything went well. I can't say enough great things about the Dr. and staff at this location!!"

"If I could rate negative stars, I would. My partner and I took our dog here starting in July 2022. Be mindful of how quickly they can get you in compared to the other dermatologists in Georgia, there’s a reason the others can’t take you for months and this practice can take you sooner. You will wait to drop off your pet for a “drop off” appointment for hours. You will be told your pet is ready when they aren’t and have to wait hours for checkout to be completed. They only had two techs, one receptionist, and one doctor when we stopped seeing them in May 2023. They do not have any after hours or on call person, so if you have something happen on their off days in relation to the treatment, you’re screwed. Our pet had an awful reaction to one of their attempted treatments (which they blamed us for and we have verified with multiple vets that it was NOT our fault and it was indeed AVS) and we had to take matters in our own hands. They will continuously push expensive procedures on you even after you’ve said no numerous times. After catching them in a lie, I decided to switch to another practice after everything we’ve been through. After switching, we realized that after going July 2022-May 2023 that they HARDLY kept any records of my dogs tests, prescriptions, and visit summaries. For reference, we went every two weeks- every month during that time period. It is required by Georgia Vet Code to maintain records of EVERYTHING for 5 years. The only reason my new dermatologist was able to not redo some tests is because I kept copies of everything. We had to physically go into AVS to get them to answer our records request. (I will be making a formal report to the board, don’t worry.) If you care about your pet, avoid this place like the plague. Almost $12k at AVS and our new dermatologist had our dog do a couple 180 on her first visit. I believe they push unnecessary treatment purely because they know the patients that go there are desperate and they have no other choice. Do your own research. Be your animals advocate. There’s always another option."

"I took my 13 year cat for I-131 exactly two weeks ago. The Dr. was very helpful explaining the process and so was her staff. Jennifer was great. They called me before the process and told me how everything would be handled. It's been two weeks and my Cat is feeling very good. The unknown was very stressful but they did help put me at ease. I would do this treatment again if now that I know the process. I had read a lot of reviews and that helped to. AVS did a wonderful job."

"I couldn’t be happier with my experience at AVS! My dog needed a dark spot removed from a very sensitive area- the crevice of his eye- as well as a couple from the top of his head. From my first appointment with Dr. Schick and her staff, I was so pleased with their professionalism, thoroughness, and expertise. They also brought me a lot of peace and confidence that they’d be able to remove the markings without scaring. The doctor was very detailed in her outline of what would transpire with the procedure, and even though she was a little concerned that these spots could potentially be melanoma, she still put me at ease. She was just being honest and realistic, which I appreciated. She suggested laser removal for all three areas, and while the estimate was a little more money than I hoped for, it was worth very penny in the end! The pinpoint accuracy to which the potential spots were removed offered such precision and they healed beautifully (see pictures) A couple of weeks later, I received a call that everything from the lab came back benign and I was beyond elated! I highly recommend this amazing Derma Vet Specialist if your pet is in need of anything dermatology related but especially if any growths or markings need removed! Dr. Schick and her team are incredible, and I’m so grateful!"