Vet recommendations

Submitted by MrSpankers69 t3_yar6ml in rva

Hey does anyone have any vet recommendations? I take my doggo to the Susan Markel Veterinary Hospital (SPCAs hospital) for about 6 years now. But I’ve been blessed with a steady income for a while now and I feel like it’s time to move on so someone else with lower income can be a patient there now. Does anyone have any recommendations for good vets that are taking new patients ? Thanks

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lunar_unit t1_itcenst wrote

We take our critters to Kinship in Manchester. Small practice, nice folks.

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tinydeelee t1_itddoit wrote

Same! We have 3 geriatric cats with a cornucopia of health issues, and Kinship has been a pleasure during our sometimes too-frequent visits. The only downside I can think of is the parking situation, but we can usually find a fairly close spot on the street.

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Crazy4Rabies t1_itf4btn wrote

This is where I go after seeing it recommended on Reddit. I have been very pleased taking my cat there for the past year especially as she’s getting older

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veggieswillsaveusall t1_itcqt7v wrote

River city vet out near willow lawn has always done well by me and my pets!

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100835 t1_itdgd4m wrote

We've been very happy with Bon Air Animal Hospital. Thankfully no major medical problems so I can't speak to that but overall pretty pleased.

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No_Vegetable7280 t1_itcpjgv wrote

Farmer Veterinary Hospital. Been going to them for years. Excellent people, excellent doctor.

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auntlose t1_ite1rfg wrote

Just became a new client there this week! It was pretty quick to get in (I think two weeks), and I was very happy with the practice! They were efficient and almost immediately took us back to the room. I feel like they did a thorough job without trying to scam us into additional purchases or pushing things like doggy acupuncture and cbd.

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No_Vegetable7280 t1_ite4de6 wrote

Oh no, they have never ever tried to suggest anything other than what’s best for my pets. I ask them about additional therapies for my older dog who needs some mobility assistance. I trust the Dr, and techs there implicitly. They are great people.

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throwawayrva83 t1_itdhsq1 wrote

We take our pup to Cary Street Vet in Carytown and they’ve been incredible. We have a shy pup and they’ve been so patient and accommodating. Their staff is compassionate and responsive.

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carbonjen t1_ite26nh wrote

Seconding Cary Street vet. They’re super nice, and have always been accommodating when I’ve had to make a last minute appointment for something or cancel an appointment when something comes up. The vets and assistants are also always so happy to see my dogs

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Herownself t1_itecgs6 wrote

Thirding Cary Street Vets. All of the people there have been great. They took great care of my cat as she aged, and I'm looking forward to going back with new kittens when they show up in my life.

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MisterAnneTrope t1_itch9ul wrote

If you are in the city I highly recommend Jones Vet on West Leigh

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atl_bowling_swedes t1_itctz7k wrote

Scott's Addition Animal Hospital is great, but not sure if they're taking new patients.

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a_copacetic_frenzy t1_itdyif9 wrote

Three Chopt Animal Clinic has been nothing but spectacular for 3 of our dogs. They have gone out of their way for us several times. Just my experience.

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MrSpankers69 OP t1_itjk933 wrote

Thanks I checked them first they are not accepting new patients unfortunately

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mindagainstbody t1_itjk4og wrote

I go to Susan M. Markel too. I tried to make a sick appointment for my dog last month and they said they were currently booking sick pet appointments 3 months out. How is that even possible?

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MrSpankers69 OP t1_itjke4b wrote

Well they’re a non profit and server lower income pet owners. I understand their wait times because pet care is expensive. But at the same time situations like that don’t work for me I feel you I can’t have a sick pet for 3 months lol

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mindagainstbody t1_itjlfxr wrote

Totally. I get that their large client base causes long wait times, and It makes sense for well pet visits. But if your pet is sick, waiting 3 months doesn't seem safe. It's unfortunate, since many people that go there probably can't afford to go elsewhere and have no option but to wait.

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xwolf_rider t1_itdv09e wrote

Betty Baugh's on Patterson has always been good to my dog

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ViviQuen t1_iteeya9 wrote

I love Bon Air even though some others don't. Their front staff isn't always the best but all the Vets have been great and Dr. Jones was able to figure out two long-plaguing issues one of my huskies has that's made him go from lethargic with lots of skin/fur issues to a fluffy puppy (he's 6) again.

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verinthebrown t1_itgc2sw wrote

I've been taking my dogs and all of my fosters to River City Veterinary Hospital for nearly 8 years. Highly recommend this practice.

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JCKang t1_itgrt0j wrote

Kaitlyn Hemsley

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only-hooman t1_ithktcl wrote

Previous vet tech here- and to be honest, it can be tough to tell if you are seeing a "good vet" until your pet gets sick or if you know people who work in the hospital that can be honest with you outside of work. For the most part, it is easy for any vet to be a "good vet" if they are seeing healthy animals just for routine annuals. Obviously customer service comes into play when speaking with the receptionists, vet techs & assistants.

I know I have for sure worked with a handful of doctors that I would never trust with my pets, but we are obviously not allowed to steer clients away from certain doctors.

With that being said I am friends with a vet tech here that has worked at 2 hospitals in RVA- Short Pump Animal Hospital they recommend Dr.Christina and Bell Creek Animal Hospital they mentioned all of the doctors there are great.

This is just one vet tech's opinion, but you may benefit from posting on r/VetTech and seeing if anyone works in the area with doctors they recommend.

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DJKittyDC t1_itdwb7r wrote

Love Cary Street - they’re a fear free clinic which is awesome if you have an anxious pup. They’ve always been so kind and accommodating.

HATED Bon Air Animal Hospital. Staff doesn’t listen, they’re impossible to get ahold of, and refilling prescriptions (even basic flea/tick prevention) is difficult. Our dog was scared out of her mind and they didn’t care at all.

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needsexyboots t1_iteut31 wrote

Can you explain a little bit what you mean by “fear free clinic”? One of my pups is quite nervous at the vet so this might be a good option for him

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DJKittyDC t1_itg5y7f wrote

Fear free clinics go through extra certification and training so animals are under less stress at the vet. They’ll work with you more to figure out the best way to handle vet visits so it isn’t stressful for your pet. Our dog for whatever reason gets really freaked out by the exam table, so they bring in blankets or towels and do the exam on the floor where we can hold her. It’ll look a little different for every animal based on their specific reactions, needs, etc. But it’s been really worth it for us.

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needsexyboots t1_itgfyuo wrote

Thanks for the explanation I appreciate it! It’s awesome that exists

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