HEATHERDOWNS VETERINARY CLINIC

Told me it would be "weeks" to get my dog in for a sick visit

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I've been taking my pets to Dr. Bart at Heatherdowns for about 4 years now and I have been very happy! The employees and Dr. Bart are always very helpful and friendly. I currently have a dog and a cat but about a year ago my 12 year old Weimaraner had to be put down. I called and told the office that my dog had taken a turn for the worse overnight, they asked if I could bring him in by 8:30am since Dr. Bart was supposed to start surgery at 9:00am, unfortunately it took me longer than expected to get my aging pup into my vehicle and get him to the office. I arrived a little after 9 and found that Dr. Bart had waited until we got there to help my pup peacefully pass on. He was kind, compassionate and clear about explaining my options and about what he was doing. He gave me time with my dog (as well as kleenexes) to say goodbye and was very sensitive to the situation. It was a very emotional experience but I felt that Dr. Bart and his staff at Heatherdowns did everything right. They always treat me and my pets well and their prices are reasonable. I moved across town last year but am happy to still make the drive to take my pets there.

Dr. Bart and Dr. Beth are both compassionate, kind and thorough. Our cats are not big fans of going to the vet, but the staff and doctors are patient and gentle, making it the best experience possible. We have visited for everything from routine annual checkups to serious health issues, and I have always been very pleased with the quality of care, and the price as well. Their facilities may not be the most 'impressive' but that has no impact on the quality of care. Dr. Beth even did additional research regarding a natural diet for a health condition that one of our cats was experiencing when I indicated that I would rather not feed the prescription diet initially recommended. The doctors and staff at Heatherdowns Vet truly go above and beyond, and I would absolutely recommend this clinic to anyone seeking a fabulous vet with fair prices.

I have taken my dog here for a few years and had many different things done. I love Dr. Bart but have also had a few other veterinarians when he is not there and they have all been very gentle and caring with my dog. All the vet techs are also friendly and good with my dog. She tends to get very anxious during exams but they handle her very well. One time she had been very lethargic for a while so I took her in and after a few minutes the stool exam was done and they found pinworms. After a few days treatment she was back to her normal self. They always call a few days after the appointment to see if she is improving. I would definitely recommend this vet to anyone. The only thing I do not like is the parking situation, there is not much room and when I had my F150 it was a little difficult to navigate but that is a minor concern. Prices are very reasonable and medications are as cheap as 1800petmeds.

My dog was checked for a bad leg. She had been limping. She is not the best customer and I use a muzzle. Instead of having her up on the counter, they wanted to leave her on the floor. She did not like one of the helpers and I told her to leave, in particular since she was large, took up a lot of space in the small room, in the small place we were in and she was right in my dog's face, about 12 inches from it talking to the dog. The vet tried to restrain my dog and he was very, very, very rough with her. She evacuated her bowels and urinated during the "hold" as she was terrified and he then got very rough and said, "I won't have any dog sh****** and pi**** on my floor". We finished the exam on the floor with the urine and stool on the floor stinking up the room as the overhead fan did not work and not one of the staff came in to clean it up. I should have stopped it then and left but I did not; I kick myself I didn't. While we were discussing the bill after the exam, I asked the staff to clean up the mess and they came in and SPRAYED air freshner. I asked again for them to clean it up as it was very tight and very warm and very stinky in the room. They finally did upon my insistence although why they would not do it to start with, to me, says a lot. There were three staff members available and there were maybe two other clients in the building. They then checked the stool for worms (since it was there anyway) but were writing up the bill before they knew the results of the test........I asked them to wait for the results just in case I needed medicine and they got kind of snippy but waited. It seemed logical to me. Results negative, paid the bill and left.........never to return again. Not ever real comfortable there anyway............first visit months earlier was not quite what I thought it would be. Went as they were close and had a good word of mouth via another client. But not now. My dog has been examined by other vets without being so very rough. My dog was extremely sore for a week after this trip and I remember one of the staff saying, that dog is going to be sore after this trip. She was.

Dr. Bart and the staff have been wonderful and the services provided outstanding. Prices are also reasonable.

Dr. Bart opened his own vet clinic approximately one year ago. Some clients of another well-known animal clinic in the area, where he worked previously, will recognize his name. I was able to obtain an appointment within 24 hours of my call. The staff was friendly and professional. Dr. Bart prescribed the appropriate antibiotic - asking if I preferred liquid or tablets - and checked back within a couple of days to see how my cat was feeling. Dr. Bart is very personable, compassionate, and respectful. The office charges were less expensive than other vet clinics I have used in the past. I recommend Dr. Bart's veterinary clinic without hesitation.