iHow the Experts Score is calculatedEach factor is scored 0–100 on absolute terms (standing in the category can only raise it), then weighted; problems flagged in review highlights or a recent slide in ratings are subtracted:Satisfaction 55%80+43.6Reliability 24%68+16.5Value 14%73+10.3Replies to reviews 7%95+6.7Experts Score= 77Grade B: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39. Needs 10+ reviews.77SCORE
BGradeiLetter from the Experts Score: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39, F = under 20.
#10 of 26 veterinary surgeonsiPosition by Experts Score among all companies we track in this category. · better than 64%
4.8★★★★★166 Google reviews · 24 photos
92%five-star reviews
4.88★last 12 monthsiAverage stars on reviews from the last 12 months only.
4.9%1–2★ in 2 yearsiShare of 1–2★ reviews in the last 24 months — or the 20 newest reviews when the company had fewer than 20 in that time.
Reviewers highlight prompt emergency care, thorough examinations, and friendly staff who communicate clearly with pet owners. Many appreciate the facility's ability to accommodate out-of-town visitors and provide compassionate treatment for senior animals. However, lower-rated feedback cites high costs for urgent visits, limited availability for equine services, and difficulties obtaining electronic prescriptions or receiving timely callbacks from veterinarians.
Google rating: 4.8 out of 5 from 166 reviews (92% five-star).
Reviews on this page: 166 Google reviews (136 with written comments, 25 with photos).
Owner responses: the business replied to 99% of reviews.
Score per factor (100 = best)iEach factor is scored 0–100 on absolute terms (star average, share of 1–2★ reviews, price verdicts…); standing within the category can only raise it, never lower it.. Strongest: momentum and replies to reviews; weakest: reliability.
This companyVeterinary Surgeons median0 = centre, 100 = best
SatisfactioniSatisfaction · 54% of the scoreRecency-weighted star average (2-year half-life), shrunk toward the category mean by review volume; the company’s own lifetime average as the prior; absolute: 4.0★ = 0, 5★ = 100.Wayside Animal Hospital @ Ellijay: 80/100 on this factor. Category median: 77.A
80
ReliabilityiReliability · 24% of the scoreHow rarely jobs go badly: share of 1–2★ reviews — 60% the last 24 months (or the 20 newest if fewer), 40% all-time; 0% = 100, 15%+ = 0; the category percentile can only raise it.Wayside Animal Hospital @ Ellijay: 68/100 on this factor. Category median: 64.B
68
Craft & serviceiCraft & service · penalty only, up to −10 pointsGoogle review highlights: Quality, Professionalism, Responsiveness, Punctuality — how rarely reviewers flag them as a negative, per review since highlights began; 0% = 100, 5%+ = 0. Subtracted from the score (up to −10), never averaged in — clean highlights are the norm, not a bonus.Not enough reviews for this factor yet. Category median: 88.–
–
ValueiValue · 14% of the scoreCustomers’ own price verdicts (Great / Reasonable vs Overpriced) and Value highlights; 65% absolute (all “reasonable” ≈ 80, “great” = 100), the category percentile can only raise it.Wayside Animal Hospital @ Ellijay: 73/100 on this factor. Category median: 80.B
73
MomentumiMomentum · penalty only, up to −10 pointsPenalises only a real slide: last-12-month average below lifetime (−0.5★ = 0). Still 4.8★+ over the last year, or steady/improving = 100. Subtracted from the score (up to −10), never averaged in.Wayside Animal Hospital @ Ellijay: 100/100 on this factor. Category median: 100.A
100
Replies to reviewsiReplies to reviews · 7% of the scoreHow often the owner publicly replies to reviews under 5★ (1–4★). Needs 3+ such reviews, otherwise not counted; 65% absolute (80%+ replied = 100), the category percentile can only raise it.Wayside Animal Hospital @ Ellijay: 95/100 on this factor. Category median: 47.A
95
Bar = this company · dark tick = category median.
Star ratings
166 Google reviews we collected
4.8of 5
5 stars15292%
4 stars53%
3 stars11%
2 stars42%
1 star42%
Praise vs complaints
Phrases our text analysis found in 136 written reviews
94%praise
Praise17994%
Complaints126%
PriceiGoogle asks reviewers whether the price was great, reasonable or overpriced; these are their answers.
Price verdicts customers left with their Google review
94%fair
Great price1221%
Reasonable3867%
Overpriced35%
Not sure47%
Topic share
How often each topic comes up in the written reviews
7topics
Staff & attitude8645%
Would recommend2714%
Speed & response2513%
Quality & results2111%
Communication168%
Honesty & trust95%
Price & value74%
What customers talk about
We read 136 written reviews and marked every phrase about these topics. The same colors are highlighted in the reviews.
“Church was kind & wonderful examining our 9 year old chihuahua.”
“We’re so grateful to have found this place in Ellijay and highly recommend it to any pet owner looking for excellent, personal care.”
“I was very excited about this location but now all I can say is Stay away.”
“Treated him promptly and even called the next day to make sure he was ok.”
“Recently, a shipping delay with chewy left us without insulin, and one of our local regular veterinarians was out of stock.”
“She’s kind, thorough, and genuinely cares about her patients.”
“Villa answered all of our questions and gave some great recommendations!”
“Every single member of the team is kind, knowledgeable, and genuinely cares about both the animals and the people who love them.”
“The place is affordable compared to most vets and they have great communication practices.”
“Very expensive compared to Georgia equine.”
People customers mention
Villa10 reviews
Jasper8 reviews
Lewis7 reviews
Imke7 reviews
Mosley5 reviews
Vet5 reviews
praise complaint · found by our text analysis, Google review wording unchanged.
Reviews for your job
Customers hired Wayside Animal Hospital @ Ellijay for 1 kind of job. Pick one to see what they paid and said.
nicholeLocal Guide · 34 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · a week ago★★★★★
Excellent service. I'm from out of town and needed an emergency evaluation for my dog. The y were so sweet and reassuring. Treated him promptly and even called the next day to make sure he was ok.....being from florida the piece was greatly appreciated ass well.
Great priceLarge animals
JacquelynLocal Guide · 31 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · Edited 3 weeks ago★★★★★
Dr.Church was kind & wonderful examining our 9 year old chihuahua. We are focusing on our 2 super seniors’ health & continued excellent care. The staff was gracious in helping us care for our tiny senior dog. Our regular veterinary doctor Stacy Church is fabulous! She always helps us with decisions for our pets’…
Great priceLarge animals
Jayme4 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · a month ago★★★★★
We are in town for vacation and our dog was having a hard time with her allergies. We were able to get in quickly on a Friday afternoon to get her some relief until we get home to our vet. Everyone was very nice and helpful and she is feeling so much better already!
Savannah4 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · a month ago★★★★★
Dr. Villa and Erika were so nice! Dr. Villa was very thorough with her level of care. We have an elderly dog, Skipper, and had a lot of questions regarding his health and preventative measures that we can start. Dr. Villa answered all of our questions and gave some great recommendations!
Reasonable price
LunaLocal Guide · 14 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · a month ago★★★★★
Phenomenally service! Dr. Schneider is the best, she takes care of Lyla as if she were her own. I started going to Wayside because a friend recommended me that it is the best place and they have the best professionals. But Dr. Schneider is the best at it! Thank you!
Reasonable price
NolaLocal Guide · 43 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · a month ago★★★★★
Staff is very friendly. I didn't have to wait long. Doctor church is excellent. I love to go to her with my dog!
Excellent service. I'm from out of town and needed an emergency evaluation for my dog. The y were so sweet and reassuring. Treated him promptly and even called the next day to make sure he was ok.....being from florida the piece was greatly appreciated ass well.
Price assessment: Great price
Services: Large animals
Response from the owner · a week ago
Thank you so much for the review!
Jacquelyn Turner-CanniffLocal Guide · 31 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Jacquelyn has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Dr.Church was kind & wonderful examining our 9 year old chihuahua. We are focusing on our 2 super seniors’ health & continued excellent care. The staff was gracious in helping us care for our tiny senior dog. Our regular veterinary doctor Stacy Church is fabulous! She always helps us with decisions for our pets’ long-term care. We love Wayside Animal Hospital’s staff!!! We would HIGHLY RECOMMEND them to anyone!
Price assessment: Great price
Services: Large animals
Response from the owner · a year ago
Thank you so much for the review!
Jayme Nault4 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Jayme has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
We are in town for vacation and our dog was having a hard time with her allergies. We were able to get in quickly on a Friday afternoon to get her some relief until we get home to our vet. Everyone was very nice and helpful and she is feeling so much better already!
Response from the owner · a month ago
That is great news. Thank you for the review!
Savannah Clemmons4 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Savannah has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Dr. Villa and Erika were so nice! Dr. Villa was very thorough with her level of care. We have an elderly dog, Skipper, and had a lot of questions regarding his health and preventative measures that we can start. Dr. Villa answered all of our questions and gave some great recommendations!
Price assessment: Reasonable price
Response from the owner · a month ago
That is great news! Thank you for the review.
Luna BoyneLocal Guide · 14 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Luna has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Phenomenally service! Dr. Schneider is the best, she takes care of Lyla as if she were her own. I started going to Wayside because a friend recommended me that it is the best place and they have the best professionals. But Dr. Schneider is the best at it! Thank you!
Price assessment: Reasonable price
Response from the owner · a month ago
Wow! Thank you so much. I will pass this onto Dr Schneider and her team, it will put a smile on their faces!
Nola PupoLocal Guide · 43 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Nola has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Dr, Schneider and Amber. First I would like to say thank you to Dr. Schneider for making my girl Georgia a new old girl. Grateful for her professionalism and caring heart. She is a tremendous asset to your practice. Amber, is caring and kind. She is understanding of having older pets. She is a pleasure and I will continue to be a client because of the way my pets were treated. Thank you both for your support. You both make a big impact on pets and people. Anita Caston
Price assessment: Reasonable price
Response from the owner · 8 months ago
That is great to hear! Thank you so much for the review.
Staci Boudreau2 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Staci has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Dr Johanna Schneider is absolutely the best. We drive an extra 30 minutes to be sure our fur baby is seen by her. She's compassionate, caring and willing to take the time to be certain we understand exactly what we need to.
Price assessment: Not sure
Services: Service not listed
Response from the owner · a month ago
That is so wonderful. I will
Share this with Dr. Schneider, it will make her day. Thank you for the review.
Ann Ellison5 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Ann has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
The staff at wayside foothills are always so nice and professional, and Dr.scrobot is wonderful, very knowable about my Greyhound, which I haven’t always found with vets ! Thank you for always getting me in for emergencies and the kindness you all show
Price assessment: Reasonable price
Services: Large animals
Response from the owner · a year ago
That’s great! Thank you so much.
Sabrina SmithLocal Guide · 43 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Sabrina has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
