Northgate Pet Clinic - Decatur, Illinois

Nancy Mikeska

We had recently moved into the area. Northgate Pet Clinic was recommended by several people and their online reviews were very favorable. We stopped in one day to ask questions and see the facility. We decided that this would be the veterinary clinic that we would be taking our 4 dogs and bird to. Prior to our having the opportunity to schedule appointments for the following month, we had an emergency with one of our dogs. I was out of town and my husband had to take our dog to the vet. I called while he was in transit. I explained the situation and they treated me as if I had been bringing my dog there all her life. They were prepared for the arrival and provided my dog with excellent care. We have a follow up in two weeks. The staff were friendly, professional and treated my dog like one of their own. The facility is clean and well organized. I look forward to becoming one of Northgate Pet Clinics regular clients.

Kinsey Fenoglio

Absolutely incredible experience here. Very understanding that I have show/sport dogs and even sent me home with a doctor’s note AND the tooth that was extracted to bring to shows with us. Personable doctors, knowledgeable on my dog’s breed and his potential needs, and they weren’t pushy with me at all. Very patient and kind and VERY reasonably priced. I was just utterly amazed with my experience. I’m so excited to start my relationship with this clinic as a client, they were highly recommended to me by another veterinarian that I train with, and I can definitely see why! Attached is the photo of my boy in recovery, he was such a trooper.

Felicity Hunt

I had to say goodbye to my six year old guinea pig today due to some health issues and all the staff were very compassionate. I’ve also brought my other guinea pig in twice to have tumors removed (both surgeries successful!) and everyone was so kind. Thank you to everyone who has taken care of my little guys ?

Spencer P

Had an urgent appointment for our cat. They were so kind and patient. They treated him with the upmost care. Their instructions on his after care was impeccable. You can truly tell they care about your fur babies. I will 100% be returning for all my pets care.

Dale Tolly

We took our 2 1/2 year old Rottweller, Emma for her annual check up this week. Dr. Julie Voelker is the most amazing vet. She is very thorough in her exam and also very patient with our "lively" girl. Anytime we need to contact Dr Julie she is quick to respond, When it comes to vets she is number one. And also the support staff provides great customer service. Thank you Dr. Julie and Northgate staff for taking such awesome care of our "little" girl.

Andrea Eads

I had a disappointing experience at this clinic due to a misdiagnosis that caused extreme unnecessary stress for both me and my dog. My dog presented with a visible skin rash, yet instead of following standard diagnostic steps such as a skin scrape or culture, the veterinarian jumped straight to an extreme and incorrect conclusion: necrotizing fasciitis (flesh-eating bacteria)—a potentially fatal condition.

At the time, my dog displayed normal behavior with no changes in eating, drinking, or bathroom habits. Despite this, the vet failed to explore alternative diagnoses or offer a practical treatment plan. Instead, she recommended an invasive procedure—punch biopsies on multiple parts of the rash—with results taking 2-4 weeks. This was both alarming and contradictory, as I was told the condition could be fatal, yet was expected to wait weeks for answers.

During the visit, the vet also reported a fever of 104.9. I asked if this could be stress-related, as my dog is very anxious, but instead of considering this possibility, she used the fever to further justify her assumed diagnosis.

At my continued insistence for rapid care, we were referred to the University of Illinois Veterinary Hospital. Their team quickly ruled out the severe condition suspected by the first vet, reported a normal temperature, and provided a clear, evidence-based treatment plan.

While I understand uncertainties are part of veterinary medicine, this situation escalated unnecessarily due to poor judgment. If a veterinarian—particularly a less experienced one—is unsure of a diagnosis, involving a senior colleague for consultation should be STANDARD practice. Additionally, stress-induced symptoms in anxious pets should not be so easily dismissed before jumping to worst-case conclusions.

I hope this feedback encourages the clinic to adopt a more measured, evidence-based diagnostic process and improve communication with pet owners in the future.

Laura

The employees were eager to thoroughly answer all of my questions about the surgery. Their concern for Opie’s comfort was top priority. They worked together as a team to make sure the surgery was successful. Dr Voelker took the time to explain what needed to be done and how she would proceed with Opie’s surgery. Top notch veterinary practice! Thank you for everything.

jim staley

Awesome place and people! The staff is awesome! Nice experience and very great with your pets.Jasey loved her time there getting her check ups.