03/2011
March, 2011
Dr. DiCiaula,
Thank you for all of your help in treating our beloved Corgi, Frankie. We appreciate your time, patience, and understanding of our anxiety regarding the cruciate ligament surgery. It’s nice to know there are doctors like you out there, who don’t try to rob people of their entire life savings.

We will recommend you to all of our friends and family who are pet owners. Education lost a wonderful teacher, but medicine gained an amazing doctor!

Sincerely, Jim, Niki, and Frankie P.

11/2010
I took my dog, Gunner, to Portage Park Animal Hospital when he was sick and was seen by Dr. Cynthia Olsen. Gunner ended up needing an x-ray that revealed a previously undetected problem. Dr. Olsen was compassionate and informative and answered all my questions and concerns without me feeling as though my questions were stupid.

Dr. Olsen took her time to get to know my dog and was thorough in her search for what might be the underlying causes to Gunner's problems. Dr. Olsen discussed all of my options and was clear to inform me about what potential costs might be so that I could make the decisions that I needed to make without surprise.

After we decided upon which course to take, Dr. Olsen called me the very next day (ON HER DAY OFF!) to let me know what the results of the bloodwork were and to let me know that she had called in the recommended antibiotics so that I could pick them up and begin the course of treatment immediately.

My husband and I are very impressed with Dr. Olsen and her compassionate and holistic manner of treatment. Words can't express how much we appreciate how Dr. Olsen went above and beyond with our four-legged baby. We will definitely request her again and again and highly recommend her. Gunner gives her "2 paws up!"

Patty V.

10/2010 Dr. DiCiaula is amazing. I had an extremely unfortunate experience with another local vet and had to take my cat to her (she was recommended). To my dismay, my companion, my friend, was put down shortly thereafter. He had become incredibly ill in a very short period of time; I had no idea what was going on or what was wrong w him. After spending hundreds and hundreds of dollars at another vet and ultimately having them betray my trust by leaving my cat completely and utterly alone for two days while they tried to help him "get better", I took him out of there and ran to Dr. DiCiaula. She wasn't able to save him, but what Dr. DiCiaula and her staff did, there are no words. The comfort we felt. The compassion. The understanding. This was the first time I had to do something like this, but it was also so sudden that I was still trying to understand what was happening. They handled everything so delicately. And, in a rare time of comfort for me during this terrible episode, I received an imprint of my friend's paw in the mail shortly after putting him down. I didn't even know this was possible.

I have since made them my vet. I will never go back to the place I will not mention. I will forever be utterly grateful to Dr. DiCiaula and her staff. What they did for me and my buddy means more to me than I could ever express. Thank you.

Also, after reading some of the reviews, I'd like to add this in: Compared to my previous vet, PP is on par in terms of cost. I don't believe that all good services come at a steep price or anything, but I thought their work was consistent with the amount I paid. Also, as far as the tests costing so much, there is an option to have some of the test results done there (in-house) as well as sending it out. If you send it out, it costs a bit less than doing it there. The only drawback is that your results aren't in as fast as doing it in-house (but they don't take an extreme amount of time either if sent out).
Katie P.

9/2/2010
Lynette Ackman
Fantastic! I am VERY selective and critical about veterinarians. I've done years of my own research into feline health and nutrition, and have fostered and adopted many special needs cats as well as served on the board of directors of two not-for-profits, so I have VERY strong opinions about treatment and care.

I adore Dr. Kate Tremlova and the other staff at Portage Park Animal Hospital. I've been going there since 2004, after trying and becoming frustrated with two other veterinary hospitals.

Dr. Kate saved the life of one of my cats, in 2009, when he crashed (stopped breathing). Other veterinarians couldn't believe he not only survived, but didn't suffer brain damage. They said she must have reacted incredibly quickly.

The staff at PPAH treat me with respect and work WITH me rather than being condescending or critical of my choices. I highly recommend them.

9/4/2009
Roxanne D.
I am so incredibly lucky to have Dr. Olsen as my vet at Portage Park Animal Hospital. She goes above and beyond for my pets every time she sees them.

When my Chihuahua had a mystery illness late last year (he temporarily lost control of his back legs), Dr. Olsen's compassion and problem solving skills were remarkable. She recommended a simple blood panel which showed a really high white blood cell count. Dr. Olsen then developed a treatment plan and checked in with me daily to get updates about Pygmy's progress. She pays such close attention to detail and has notes in her charts that, when we reviewed them, showed me she really cared and listened as I talked about my dog. Her follow up calls are also impressive. I've even known Dr. Olsen to call and check on my dog's condition on her day off!

If you are looking for a vet that is honest, compassionate and above all, completely dedicated to her profession, try visiting Dr. Olsen at PPAH.

10/2008 I selected this location 8 plus years ago and have continued to take my pets there. Throughout the years I've run into some emergencies and they have assisted us and did everything to help.

I love the flexibility and late hours. I've never waited more than 5 minutes which is nice when you want to get your house kitty back to its home. She hates the visits.

The staff is very friendly and accommodating.
Iris F