We had to bring our elderly cat in very late at night after two seizures, everyone was extremely compassionate and comforting.
We had to put her down after a few tests that determined she most likely had diabetes or worse, she was 19.
We got to hold her as long as we wanted before, during and after. They offered private cremation as well, and all together we only paid $350.
I don't understand why there are so many bad reviews, our experience was so comforting.
Highly recommended

Horrible experience very traumatic, overcharge and take advantage of the feelings and emotions of the pets owners. We never saw a vet and staff were very insensitive, they are just there for the money not caring.

My local vet referred my yellow lab Buddy to FVARC (about a 4 hour drive away) for his laryngeal paralysis. From the day I first spoke with the staff at FVARC to make an appointment it was a great experience under very frightening circumstances. We met with Dr Bruce the first day for a consultation and he answered all my questions and treated Buddy with kindness and compassion. We were required to pay a deposit for the estimated quote they had given us over the phone. It was right in line with the quote they had previously provided to me.

His staff gave us a tour of the facility that day and we returned the following day for surgery. The surgery was successful, there were no surprises, the staff had covered all the bases. Dr, Bruce called once Buddy was out of surgery and again the following morning to give me an update and find out what time I wanted to pick him up.

We were treated with the utmost respect and kindness from the first phone call to the day we walked out following surgery.

They know their stuff. The facility and the staff are all top notch. Is it cheap? No. Is it fair? 110% yes!

My dog was diagnosed with Cushing's Disease by my local vet and put on a medicine that within 3 days was killing him. We took him off and they told us we had to go to the Fox Valley Referral Center. After researching this center I did not feel confident in their abilities at all but I didn't want my dog to suffer. So, I called to make an appointment and couldn't get in for over 3 weeks. When I inquired about my dog and watching him die during this time period, I was told I could do the emergency route. Of course I could, for more money. The girl on the phone was very condescending and very cold as if my dog's life didn't matter. I will not give my hard earned money to such a heartless facility. The reviews are very accurate and I didn't even go in.

They care about your pet, it is a high tech facility, and they go through options with you very thoroughly. We took our dog here after she developed sudden and quickly progressing neurological symptoms. We first saw our regular vet who didn't have the technology to do much beyond x-rays, which were not conclusive. He referred us to either the Green Bay or Appleton center. Because it was later in the evening and we live near Green Bay, we took her to GB overnight just so someone would be watching and taking care of her in case she had complications we were not equipped to handle. Because she needed a CT scan, we moved her to Appleton the next day. We got right in, they knew we were coming and were all ready for her when we got there. The doctor who examined our sweet dog was very thorough in her explanation and gave us several options and sequence of events. She also patiently answered all of our questions. They then called later in the day to tell us our baby was going in for her CT scan and they then called with the results and told us what would be happening next. They wanted to be thorough and have one other specialist read the scan results before jumping into the surgery. Both doctors we spoke to were very nice, helpful, and thorough in the explanations of what was happening. She goes in for surgery tomorrow and feel confident everything will go well because these people know what they are doing, they have extensive high tech equipment, and they care about your pet. They even told us we could go back and see where our baby would be kept, and showed us the ICU and various equipment they have there. I felt they went way above and beyond and we were extremely comfortable leaving our baby there, knowing she was in good hands, with people who cared. I wasn't overly impressed with the GB center, but the Appleton center is awesome. Sure, it is expensive, but they do a good job going through all the costs with you up front and leave the decisions to you. They do not force you to do anything, they give you the options, the costs, and let you decide. All these negative posts about the costs probably come from people looking to get A+ care for the pets at cheap prices. Please! If you want the best care for your pet, you will have to pay for it, that's how it works people. Same is true of human medical care, you know. I would go to the Appleton center again and would highly recommend it to anyone who needed emergency or more complicated care for their pet.

Went to FVAR Center 9 days ago & spent over 2 hours there and almost $500 and got no answer on what was wrong with my cat. Asked for a copy of the test results and was told my vet would receive a copy of all tests results and a report. 9 days later and my vet had to call several times to get the report and was told they had no test results. I then called myself and told them I wanted the test results. I was told my results we're not back yet. That's funny since I paid extra to get the results that day. I didn't spend over $350 on tests to get no results. Also the vet never bothered to tell me what any of the results we're besides kidney function wasn't normal & low potassium. My regular vet goes over all tests and explains the results. For the cost I expected better service and results. Wouldn't go back again. Not worth the money I spent.

We were impressed with all the staff we came in contact during Elsie's (our 16 year old dog) stay the past few days. Dr. Peters, Dr. Graham and Nickie (?), were very good at explaining what was going on, and what they recommend. We even just got a follow-up call from Dr. Graham.



The facility was very transparent in letting me know the costs up front, and there were no surprises when we got the final bill. We were given the options and the final choices were ours. While the cost (just under $1,500) may seem high to some, we feel it was well worth it for the efforts that were put in to help come up with a final diagnosis for an important part of our family.



This is a "referral" facility, for emergencies, or when your local vet can do nothing further. I see about half of the other reviews on this page mention the financial cost, or the coldness of finding out the cost, or resolving how payment is made, up front. Specialized medicine is expensive and in most cases, unlike humans, there is usually no insurance or government coverage.



I found the doctors and other staff very empathetic to our emergency, and kept us fully informed.

We took our family cat to this place after being sick for a day. The vet said the cat is 10years old and must have cancer or worse.The doctor kept telling us that we need to put the cat through all these expensive tests over a few days.Just to find out the cat only had a bacterial infection treatable with pills. But kept insisting that it was something more severe. So if you love your pet and dont want to put them through pain and discomfort, GO to some other place that really cares about animals and not how deep your pockets are....

Vet was very though, giving me both all of my medical and financial options. There were no surprises, after care was explained to me, I thought they were all fantastic!!Thank you Dr Cole!

I would highly recommend their services.

I was really surprised to hear such negative comments about FVAFC. Last week we came home to find out 8.5 year old dog unable to walk with his back legs and signs that appeared to be significant neurological issues. This was a very quick onset of issues that night and when the local vet who was still open didn't feel they could provide the appropriate services, we brought him to the local Vet Emergency center. We paid for our visit there; our dog was given an injection for pain, and due to the severity was referred immediately to FVAFC. The communication between the facilities was excellent and every staff member we interacted with was caring and considerate. We were informed of the cost being $3500-$5000 and explained what procedures would take place to reach that cost including possible surgery which we expected. Our dog stayed the night, and we got a phone call at 6:30am the next morning with a status report from the vet and were informed throughout the day of the time the scan would take place.

We visited our dog prior to the scan that next day, could see that his pain was being properly managed and the staff was very understanding and accommodating. The surgeon thoroughly explained the large mass on his spinal cord and showed us the images. We were not comfortable making a permanent decision without knowing what the mass was so a 2nd opinion to a radiologist was sent out and a Spinal tap was recommended and performed. We received a call later in the evening confirming the large mass was cancer. It was a very poor prognosis because of size and location of the mass. This is a referral center with specialists. Specialists are expensive but because they’re specialists is why we are taking our pets there. I would take any measures I could to help diagnosis or determine a treatment plan for myself or my family, and this is the same for us for our dog.

At no time did I feel pressured to proceed with more expensive or unnecessary treatment options or tests, and I entirely believe the appropriate tests were done and we were referred to the right specialists at the right time. The euthanasia process was the most calming and relaxing it could have been; the nurse and vet were very empathetic to our situation and we held our dog before, during, and after the injection. The process was painless and lasted a quick 30 seconds, but we were blessed to be with our dog throughout the entire process surrounded by supporting staff.

I could not have asked for anything more for a situation that brought us so much heartache. Of course, I wish my dog never needed to be brought in for any of the services, but because he was, I was very grateful for the staff and experience we had here. The services cost us considerably less than the low end of the expected quote and we paid before we left that evening. All arrangements were made and explained to us regarding the cremation process.

Whats in your wallet???

I just transfered my pet to the referral center on the advice of my vet. Friday night, no other feasable options,desperate! I had all the medical records and an intavenous bag to be hooked up. First I was .the estimate of costs and I noticed it was 90.00 for an exam. I had just come from my vet. with all the records! (x-rays,ultra-sound, medication,etc) Pay at this window up front! Show me the money or go home! The clinic wanted to repeat tests I had done already and call in specialists at a cost of several thousand dollars but not untill Monday.I opted to get a third opinion that they were not to fond of and had imediate surgery on my pet. He probably would have been dead if I had waited for them. My pet is doing fine now and expected to make a full recovery. To their credit; they did take good care of my pet and answered all my calls reguarding his condition. The visitation rooms were very nice but we never got to see how our pet was boarded in the back room. I would not recomend this facility to anyone unless you are between a rock and a hard place like we were, Get your pet out Monday moring before 10 or it is more$$$$.The surgery,2 days boarding, and medication cost less at my third opion than three days at the Referral Center.

The truth lies in between most of the posts here. Fox Valley Animal Referral Center is a spacious, clean, well-staffed, high-tech facility. If your pet needs emergency care, she will be in good hands here.



It is expensive, though. In fact, it's quite expensive. They are upfront about costs, but they do require payment at time of admittance. On top of estimated costs, they will call and request to run additional tests at additional expense.



This was the only time I felt that they were taking advantage of emotion. We brought our one-year-old Golden in with continual seizures. Some of the tests we were asked to run had no immediate (or at least practical) relevancy to the condition. They asked to run a test for a lung condition that can move to the nervous system. I agreed, but upon further research I learned that the likelihood of this is ~3%. Not only that, but if it moves into the nervous system it is almost assuredly fatal (meaning there was no course of action for us to take--even if we wanted to). I felt this was somewhat predatory on the part of FVARC.



I got the impression that part of the veterinarians' jobs at FVARC is driving up price.



With that said, though, they fixed the problem. They were eventually able to control the seizures and set her on the path to recovery. This is after my regular vet wasn't able to help.



FVARC has the resources on-hand to help your pet. Just be sure to keep your head on and watch your wallet.

I hear you but where can we go. After hours on Friday, and all day on Saturday and Sunday they are it. There isn't any vet in the valley to Oshkosh. I figured it out to be about 1/4 + million dogs and cats can only be treated here during these times. The worst part about it one Vet is staffed. I talked to people from all over the world. We have the worsed situation here in the Fox Valley. They told me to move...I always more of the Fox Valley..but this is bad.

I say...STAY AWAY!! They act like they care but they just care about money!

Long story short...I took my dog in for LP surgery and ended up doing $1200 worth of heart tests because the doc heard a murmur and arythmea and said surgery would be risky until we checked his heart (they sounded like they cared and scared me) I had a heart holter put on him for 24hrs that cost $400 and the next day sent it back to be read and almost one month later! I finally got the results, (that was not an easy task ) AND I THOUGHT THEY CARED!

After the first visit, I got my dog home and he could hardly walk! so I assumed the staff was very rough with my old dog. I didn't have the LP surgery done and WON'T have it done there. I also was charged $150 for talking with the heart doc!!!

People, we have the money/power and the choice to go anywhere, if you love your pet please, please go elsewhere!!! and research where you go.

TOTALLY AGREE!! I have a friend who worked for that place and can attest to this, firsthand. I have heard many horror stories of dogs being put down because of the owner's inability to pay the hefty bill. Another example is when a dog would be rushed in after getting hit by a car and they would NOT begin to do a thing to the pet until they got the confirmation that the owner had been approved for the finances. They made the owner believe care was being started but, this was never the case. The staff was cautioned strictly regarding this.

Money hungry people who do not care about your pet!! Do NOT go here unless you are well prepared to fork out an arm and a leg.

They are good caring people. They are upfront on costs. If you aren't forewarned about the costs, you might be shocked, but it's the most advanced facility in the area and that always comes at a price. Keep in mind, their topmost priority is attempting to save your pet. If you've got a pet you love, you should try and squirrel away $5 - $10k for his/her final year, where most of the costs will be incurred. If you've got a really old pet, and they've gone downhill fast in a short time, you need to be a realist and do the right thing. it's much cheaper and more humane.

Be Forewarned and Avoid the Fox Valley Animal Rerral Center, Appleton, WI.

My dearly beloved animal companion was grossly neglected by the FVARC, Appleton, WI, and my dear animal suffered and died at the negligent FVARC. This is true Advice to the Wise or you may also Risk the Demise (death) or (Negligent Damage) of your precious pet who may become another veterinary victim of the negligent FVARC. Beware that the FVARC is also notorious for being mercenary money hungry. Prepare to take your precious sick animal to a much higher quality rated animal emergency center such as the Univ. of Wis. Veterinary Emergency Center, Madison, WI. Don't be Fooled by the FVARC, Appleton. Please remember the Statement that says Forewarned is Forearmed!! Many people have Lost Both Huge Sums of Money and Also Lost their Precious Pets at the Negligent Money Hungry FVARC, Appleton, WI!!

One of our cats is in critical care now. When we brought her in, they let us know how much we could expect to pay, maximum and minimum. Yes, this is a stretch if you do not have enough money. However, I can only say that so far the vets and staff have been incredibly nice, professional, and honest about our cat's prognosis. I spent 4 hours in a very nice room with my cat today, just being with her. Staff stopped in to ask if we needed anything, to give us updates. I am not expecting a good outcome. She will have a CT scan tomorrow to determine if she is treatable or terminal. I do wish we had invested in insurance! Like human health care, animal health care is expensive and I know beyond the reach of many people.

The Fox Valley Animal Referral Center is an amazing place! We always hope as pet owners that we will never need emergency care for our beloved animals. However, if that emergency arises, there is no better place to take your pet than FVARC! From the moment you walk through the door until the time you leave, this critical care facility is "state-of'-the-art." Your pet is evaluated immediately to determine if he is in a life-threatening situation. As should be the case, those patients in critical situations are taken first. As you and your pet move through the evaluation and treatment phases, every single step of the process is explained in detail and associated treatment options with costs are discussed. Your pet is treated by a team of doctors and technicians that are extremely knowledgeable and very compassionate!!



I would like to share the story of Hugo, my 7 year old Miniature Pinscher. Hugo has dealt with a multitude of health issues from bladder stones to pancreatitis. In November of 2008, he was diagnosed with Immune Mediated Hemolytic Anemia. One day he was acting perfectly normal and the next day he was collapsing. I took him to FVARC and he was diagnosed with IMHA. At the time, I had never heard of the disease. I asked a lot of questions and found out that Hugo's red blood cells were basically destroying themselves faster than he could make them. Hugo had to be admitted to the hospital. While he was there, I received constant updates from the doctors by phone or in person when I went to visit him. The benefit of a 24 hour facility brings with it the comfort that someone is always watching and monitoring your pet's condition. Tests that typically have to be sent out to a 3rd party from a regular vet can be conducted on-site to provide immediate information and test results to the doctors and staff to monitor progress. Everyday that Hugo was in the hospital, I knew that he was receiving the care he needed from people who cared about him.



Sadly, Hugo passed away 4 1/2 days after he was diagnosed with IMHA. However, the dignity with which this whole situation was handled was exemplary. The doctors constantly kept me updated and made sure I was there with him as he neared the end of his life. The doctors and technicians were the most caring, compassionate people I have ever dealth with. The morning of Hugo's passing, the doctors and staff were crying with me - a true sign of the care and compassion they feel for every animal that comes to their facility. I lost my soul mate that day, and the doctors and staff and FVARC understood that. We, as pet owners, only experience the passing of a pet once and it is a moment we never forget. I will never forget that day and how Hugo's passing was handled with dignity and compassion. I will never forget seeing the faces of the doctors and staff after Hugo passed looking as if they had lost one of their own. Their hearts are huge and their compassion for animals unprecedented!



I have nothing but respect for the doctors and staff at the FVARC who deal with emergency situations on a regular basis. Many of them have dedicated their lives to the care and concern of not only pets, but their owners. To those of you who feel that FVARC is expensive, what price can you put on saving the life of your soul mate or treating your pet with as much dignity in death as they do in life? For me, you cannot put a price on what FVARC does for our pets in emergency situations and beyond.



I highly recommend this facility to any pet owner!! The people and the facility are awesome!!!