Animal Center for Emergency and Specialty (ACES) at a glance
Reviewers highlight the facility's clean environment, compassionate staff, and detailed communication regarding diagnosis and treatment options. Patients frequently note the convenience of scheduled appointments for urgent care and specialty services like oncology, as well as reasonable pricing for the level of care provided. However, some lower-rated experiences cite long wait times despite the appointment system and concerns about unnecessary testing or misdiagnosis.
Google rating: 4.9 out of 5 from 123 reviews (98% five-star).
Reviews on this page: 123 Google reviews (118 with written comments, 24 with photos).
Owner responses: the business replied to 98% of reviews.
Most recent review: November 6, 2026.
Service: Veterinarian serving Madison, Wisconsin.
Data from Google, last updated November 10, 2026.
Star ratings
123 Google reviews we collected
4.9of 5
5 stars12098%
4 stars11%
3 stars00%
2 stars22%
1 star00%
Praise vs complaints
Phrases our text analysis found in 118 written reviews
97%praise
Praise25397%
Complaints83%
Topic share
How often each topic comes up in the written reviews
7topics
Staff & attitude8733%
Would recommend3714%
Quality & results3413%
Price & value3313%
Speed & response2811%
Communication2811%
Honesty & trust145%
What customers talk about
We read 118 written reviews and marked every phrase about these topics. The same colors are highlighted in the reviews.
“The staff was patient, kind and thorough, and sent us home prepared for our dog's recovery process.”
“I hope you never need them but if you do I highly recommend.”
“I cannot recommend them more to anyone needing either Oncology or urgent care services for their beloved pets.”
“I've never had a veterinarian be so thorough, thoughtful and informative!”
“I LOVE that they allow you to make a real appointment instead of wait indefinitely at emergency vets - and I was shocked at how reasonable the prices are too.”
“Hutter is a vet anywhere else where she could be his full time Vet I would transfer his care immediately!”
“hole team at ACES were extremely compassionate, and took the time to explain which options were best for our fur baby, based on their years of experie…”
“They always put what is best for the patient first, and you can tell that they genuinely care about their patients and form real bonds with them.”
People customers mention
Lisa15 reviews
Sommer13 reviews
Cat5 reviews
Grulke5 reviews
Emma4 reviews
Kara3 reviews
praise complaint · found by our text analysis, Google review wording unchanged.
Our dog needed exploratory surgery, and we're glad that our friend had recommended ACES. We appreciated the scheduled appointment time (instead of sitting and waiting for an unknown time slot at the ER), and that our dog didn't need to stay overnight after surgery. The staff was patient, kind and thorough, and sent us home prepared for our dog's recovery process. The facility was clean and tidy, and we appreciated that the staff even offered charging cords for our phones, and coffee and soda to keep us alert. Don't overlook this gem of a service provider in our community!
Shawna6 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Shawna has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
My lab Sully was recently seen at ACES, and I just want to sing my praises to Dr. Kara Hutter!!! Dr. Hutter was AMAZING! I've never had a veterinarian be so thorough, thoughtful and informative!
If Dr. Hutter is a vet anywhere else where she could be his full time Vet I would transfer his care immediately!
Jeff BLocal Guide · 18 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Jeff has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
This is the second time I’ve needed to use this location for urgent care services for my pet. Both times have been extremely good experiences. The staff are great and clearly have a passion for what they are doing. They break everything down for you and make sure you understand what is going on and what the next steps are. The facility is clean and spacious. Would definitely recommend!
Response from the owner · a week ago
Thank you so much for your continued support! While we're sorry you required our services a second time, we're so happy we could provide the care your pet needed.
Andy Flint6 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Andy has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Dr. Sommer and the team at ACES are amazing. We were referred to ACES when we received some unfortunate news about our 13 year old lab. The whole team at ACES were extremely compassionate, and took the time to explain which options were best for our fur baby, based on their years of experience and similar cases. They truly put our minds at ease as we navigate this difficult time. We now have a direction to move forward, and will definitely continue to utilize ACES expertise. We highly recommend ACES!
Response from the owner · a week ago
Thank you so much for your kind review. We know this journey was unexpected and difficult and we are so honored to have been trusted to come alongside you.
Angela Rebacz1 reviewiTotal number of Google reviews Angela has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Our experience with ACES has been nothing but wonderful! All of the staff is so kind and knowledgeable. They also respond promptly to any questions I have which is so convenient. It is such a comfort living so close to them knowing they will be there if our pets ever need anything. Thank you so much!
Response from the owner · a week ago
Thank you so much for your kind words! We’re so glad our team’s kindness, knowledge, and prompt communication have helped you feel supported. Knowing you can count on ACES close to home means a lot to us, and we’re grateful for your trust. Thank you for letting us be part of your pets’ care!
Presley Stark8 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Presley has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Dr. Sommers and her team are absolutely amazing and caring! I have had to bring my kitty, Megatron, in for countless visits throughout his osteosarcoma treatment, and every single time, I have felt that his well-being was truly their top priority. They always put what is best for the patient first, and you can tell that they genuinely care about their patients and form real bonds with them.
Megatron just finished his chemotherapy, and while I hope we never need their services again, I know that if any of my pets ever need oncology treatment in the future, they would be in the very best hands with Dr. Sommers and her team.
They even put together the sweetest little completion-of-chemo certificate with his picture and a little goody bag to celebrate him finishing treatment. It was such a thoughtful gesture and meant so much to us. ❤️
I truly cannot recommend Dr. Sommers and her team enough! Thank you for taking such wonderful care of my boy and helping us through one of the most stressful times. 🐾❤️
Response from the owner · a week ago
Thank you so much for your heartfelt words and for trusting Dr. Sommer and our team with Megatron’s care. We know how stressful this journey has been, and it means so much to hear that you felt supported and knew his well-being always came first.
Celebrating his completion of chemotherapy was such a special moment! We’re delighted that his certificate and goody bag brought a little extra joy to this milestone. Megatron has truly touched our hearts. ❤️
We hope you won’t need us again either, but please know we’re always here for you. Sending your sweet boy lots of love and wishing you many happy moments together! 🐾❤️
Doreen H1 reviewiTotal number of Google reviews Doreen has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Dr Lisa and Angie, the vet tech were so compassionate and had empathy with what I was going through. I felt very comfortable and confident with the diagnosis and next steps. If they were a regular vet clinic, I switch there. Thank you for your services
Response from the owner · a month ago
Thank you so much for your kind words! We’re so glad to hear that Dr. Lisa and Angie helped you feel comfortable, heard, and confident about your pet’s care and next steps. We know it can be overwhelming when your pet isn’t feeling well, so it means a lot to know that our team was able to make the experience a little easier.
We’ll be sure to pass your kind words along to them. Thank you for trusting ACES with your pet’s care!
Judy Polzin3 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Judy has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Our dog was very ill and turned for the worse on a Sunday evening. I reached out to ACES to see if we could bring him in to be euthanized, they were so friendly on the phone. On our way less than 5 minutes from there clinic our dog passed in the car. They were waiting for us when we got there, when we told her he passed just a few minutes before they we so comforting and took us in a room, allowed us the time we needed. The girls there assured us there was no charge, which we couldn't believe. Told us about cremation, told us we would have an email to order what we wanted for him. The email was very easy to follow. I followed up with a call to be sure nothing else was needed. They were the nicest and most compassionate girls. Very satisfied.
Response from the owner · a month ago
Thank you so much for sharing your experience with us. We are so sorry for the loss of your sweet boy, especially under such difficult circumstances. We know how heartbreaking it must have been to lose him on the way to our clinic.
We’re glad our team could be there to welcome you, give you a quiet space, and allow you all the time you needed with him. We know there is no easy way to say goodbye, and we’re honored that we could make that moment a little gentler for your family.
Thank you for your kind words about our team and for trusting us during such a difficult time. We’re thinking of you and hope the memories of your boy bring you comfort.
Shawn Ekstrom3 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Shawn has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
We highly recommend the ACES Oncology clinic. The oncology team was always supportive, knowledgeable and caring from day one. They were not only supportive of our emotions, but were available to talk if we had questions. We were advised of lab results quickly, and received check-in calls too.
Dr. Sommer was kind and compassionate to our dog Oscar, and to us as pet parents. After a disastrous visit with another oncologist, our first visit (which were able to get in quickly) lifted our hearts, and gave us hope that we could give Oscar what he deserved with the remaining months of his life - we knew his cancer was not curable but he was still living an active life. That 1st day, she sat on the floor with Oscar to make him more comfortable which wasn’t easy with an anxious border collie but she did it at every visit. She listened to his history, to our fears and concerns and then presented a solid care plan that was geared toward the quality of life we wanted for him and was in a budget we could manage. She was supportive throughout his care with the knowledge and experience of an accomplished oncologist. We were lucky to have 5 more months to play catch, go on long walks and be together. We are forever grateful to the entire staff, and give them a 10-star recommendation without hesitation. S. Ekstrom MD
Response from the owner · a month ago
Thank you so much for sharing Oscar’s story and for your incredibly thoughtful review. We’re truly sorry for your loss, but we’re grateful that we could be part of Oscar’s journey and help make those five months as meaningful as possible.
Dr. Sommer and the entire oncology team care deeply about making sure families feel heard, supported, and comfortable with their pet’s care plan. We’re especially glad that we could help you focus on Oscar’s quality of life and give you more time to enjoy the things he loved, from playing catch to long walks together.
Your kind words about our team mean more than you know. We’ll be sure to share them with Dr. Sommer and everyone who cared for Oscar. He was clearly very loved, and it was an honor to care for him and support your family along the way. Thank you for trusting ACES with such a special boy.
Wendy Pearce4 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Wendy has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
We had a really great experience with ACES. Our dog, Diego, was diagnosed with anal sac carcinoma. Dr. Sommer and her staff were absolutely amazing to work with. They are so compassionate and honest and very caring. Diego loved each and every one of them and loved going there and the attention he received. We would do it all over again due to the great experience we had. Diego will continue to see Dr Sommer, without hesitation! And a special shout out to Liz, you treated Diego like your own and we appreciate that so much!
Highly recommend this oncology team!
Pat & Wendy Pearce
Response from the owner · a month ago
Thank you so much, Pat and Wendy, for sharing such kind words about your experience with our oncology team! We’re so glad to hear that Diego felt comfortable and loved during his visits. He sounds like such a special guy, and we’re grateful that you trusted Dr. Sommer and the team to care for him.
We’ll be sure to pass along your special shout-out to Liz. It means so much to our team to know that Diego received the same love and attention we would want for our own pets.
Thank you for trusting us with Diego’s care.
