Kirtland Veterinary Hospital

We recently switched from another vet that seemed to go "corporate" and cared more about trying to upsell us on things we didn't need versus just caring for our LouBear. We heard that Kirtland Vet was a "throwback" -- actually care more about our animals than anything else. We, and more importantly our Louie, felt more comfortable almost immediately. Fair prices, personal service and a clean facility. Definitely recommend!

Took my little Pomeranian to have her teeth removed. This was the first time I ever visited this establishment. I can't say enough about the entire staff. Everyone went above and beyond my expectations. Our dog and ourselfs were treated with pure professionalism. The cost was less than quoted and we are so pleased with our entire experience. We certainly will use them for now on.

I stopped going here for multiple reasons. First of all, they have a high turnover rate. I almost NEVER see the same vet twice. It is always some young, inexperienced vet who will do some time there and then leave for a better job somewhere else. Secondly, and much more importantly, they ONLY care about money. They will NEVER give any advice over the phone. My puppy ate a rib bone. I called them. They said "take her to the emergency room." I asked if there is anything I can do at home. They said, "The only thing they can suggest is to take her to the emergency room." So I called the ER. They stayed on the phone with me for a few minutes and said, "We don't suggest bringing her it. She will probably pass it. There's not much we can do for her anyways. Just keep an eye on her and if she shows other symptoms in the next few days then bring her in." Why couldn't my vet, to whom I have paid $THOUSANDS have told me this? Just to show this wasn't a fluke, I called a few months later (after I changed to a new vet) for my dog that has had a cough for about a week. My new vet took the time to talk to me and said "You can bring him in, but it will probably go away on its own. If it gets worse, then for sure bring him in. You can give him Benadryl 1ml per pound, put some water on his food, keep him in the bathroom when I shower for moisture." I called Kirtland Vet right after to get their take. "Bring him in." Is there anything I can do at home? "No. Would you like to make an appointment? If you want to get him in today, there is an emergency charge." No way. My dogs are more than just numbers. I get that they have to pay for that pretty new building of theirs, but there is still such a thing as customer service. Also, they insisted on doing an exam on my puppy when they literally just gave her an exam two weeks before. I told them she didn't need it nor did I want it. They would not vax her without it. Because they wanted the extra $100. Now, they lost my business forever.

I was fairly disappointed today. My dog has been with this practice for over a decade and they have watched him age. I have also watched them grow in ways that I am not sure are consistent with the hometown vet I am looking for anymore. I went in for a yearly check up appointment with some concerns regarding my dogs gastro intestinal health. I waited for 35 minutes for my appointment. The doctor came in quickly and did not seem concerned about my dogs issues. The doctor seemed more concerned with just pushing the annual vaccine list when I expressed multiple times I was hoping to understand his health better as he is a senior dog - almost 12 years old and would address the vaccines when we got that under control. She expressed they would not be able to see my dog anymore as it is policy they are up to date on vaccines. Fine, I understand, but this is a senior dog with health issues. My dog has previously always been up to date regarding vaccines but at this current junction I was not all that concerned about vaccines and more concerned about his overall health as he is a very small dog that is inside 90 percent of the time. It just seemed to me it was almost a robotic script. This was not an experience I had before even with this same doctor. After the doctor finally expressed a blood test we could do to check for certain bowel things without really addressing the issue, I expressed that I thought the very expensive test had been done in the past. When they looked at the written chart they didn't see the test, but the test would have been done at an outside veterinarian hospital where you send out the results. I was diligent about bringing in the outside records at previous appointments so I am not sure why the records did not reflect any outside records whatsoever. Then they proceeded to rush out of the room, but I reminded them both as they were halfway out the door that my dog was due for his heartworm lyme test as this was his annual physical after all. They acted surprised but acknowledged that should be done, took my dog back quickly and the assistant handed him back to me without me ever saying any parting words to the doctor. I then proceeded to wait for an additional 10/15 minutes afterwards without really knowing what was going on to pay my bill. The appointment was almost surreal. I think I may have spent 120 dollars to have someone mash on my dogs stomach and take his temperature. I do not plan to return and that is saying a lot given that I have been with the practice for 10 plus years.