+PET Urgent Care

"January 2024 Update: The State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners recently completed their investigation and took disciplinary action against Matthew Felrice’s license. They also imposed a civil penalty. The report can easily be found online by searching his name and MDA Vet Board, then a link to “view disciplinary actions” becomes accessible. I am grateful to have achieved some measure of justice for our beloved Archie and to know he did not die in vain. More details and photos are available on Yelp, Google, and Facebook reviews. (end of update) Dr. Matthew Felrice performed a scheduled bladder stone removal surgery on our beloved pet, Archie, at Bennett Creek Animal Hospital and discharged him later that day in critical condition with organs coming from his abdominal incision. As I rushed Archie right back into the hospital, I could feel more of his bladder coming out into the palm of my hand. Thank God I have a photo of how he discharged Archie. * After Archie died, Dr. Felrice hid behind his colleague, Dr. Debbie Deans, and took no accountability whatsoever. I desperately tried to keep the lines of communication open with Dr. Felrice. I had many concerns and sent thoughtful emails specifically addressed to him, but every single time, Dr. Deans would reply. She also tried to “dumb down” what happened to Archie (“their guts just aren’t made to keep working sometimes” and “the slightest thing can set them off”) even though she was there when I rushed him back inside and at that time she made reference to “all this has been out of his body”. She looked shocked and horrified, her speech was even halted when she first came outside to speak with me while Archie was in emergency surgery and Dr. Felrice was stuffing everything back inside of him. * Once she saw I was still my calm usual self, Dr. Deans then made it a point to tell me of Dr. Felrice “He stayed late to help with Archie.” Really? Welcome to the world of being a handsomely compensated clinician. Dr. Felrice also made it a point to tell me he stayed late when he came out to speak with me a short time later. Really? News flash: staying late is not some banner of glory to be wielding. Work smarter, not longer. Dr. Deans and Dr. Felrice need to lose that rehearsed script. It is ludicrous, manipulative, and rude to say to a client after their pet has been botched. * Guess who else was there late? Archie, poor sweet helpless Archie, the real victim of this horror story. But Archie was sadly not their priority. * Once I involved the State of MD, Dr. Walcoff, the practice owner, refunded me for the cystotomy. Dr. Deans finally stopped communicating for Dr. Felrice and he magically decided to reach out and offer to answer questions. Unfortunately he proved, once again, to be most difficult and cavalier. * Dr. Felrice made it abundantly clear in an email that it was “regrettable” he did not check Archie’s incision with me but “that is the job of the techs”. Translation: “Nothing is my fault. I do not care about what Archie went through and the fact that he needed to be rushed to Fairfax ER in the middle of the night where he ultimately died and I will never take accountability or apologize.” This was confirmation that history will repeat and that was not an option in my book. So to the MDA Veterinary Board is where I went with the facts of Archie’s case. I am grateful for the professionals there who strive to protect the integrity of veterinary medicine. They have been so supportive, respectful, and compassionate, truly caring about Archie - the complete opposite of unconscionable Dr. Felrice. He traumatized our beloved pet and he traumatized me, too. But I healed and took appropriate action. * More detailed reviews for Matthew Felrice and photos of Archie are on Yelp, Google, and Facebook. It concerns me to know that Bennett Creek Animal Hospital has this “pet urgent care” side after all that transpired in their day practice with our beloved Archie, especially since Dr. Felrice works both. There are numerous excellent veterinarians elsewhere, thank God."

"I am a first time customer, and Dr. Castano and her staff were simply outstanding. I went in on a Saturday night, and my dog’s abscess was incised and drained. We were able to go home with the topical and systemic antibiotics in hand late Saturday night. It was a quick, efficient, and honest visit, with knowledgeable and courteous staff. I am wondering how they are staying afloat/covering overhead expenses, considering my bill was half as much as I was anticipating. I am grateful that they are nearby, and will certainly return for any urgent care needs."

"My 14 year old Chi injured his foot on a Friday evening shortly after my vet had closed. His foot swelled up rather quickly, so I knew we had to go to an emergency vet, and since this location was closer to my house than the others (ever tried driving with a screaming Chi in your lap) it was an easy choice. The staff was very friendly and the doctor was wonderful with my little old man, especially considering that he is a Chi who was not only scared but in pain, as he ended up having a broken foot. They took great care of my baby that night and while I hope I won’t need their services again I know where I’m going if I do."

"Great service and availability. Came to them today for an urgent need for my dog and they were professional, prompt, and gave my pup great care. Highly recommend!"