Best Friends Veterinary Care

Reviews 9

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Jesse Pace

We just had our first appointment with Best Friends and it was a fabulous experience. All we needed was Rabies shots for our two adult cats, and we were just fed up with paying the (our opinion) exorbitant tacked-on "Exam fees" that we had been paying with the cat-only clinic in town. I actually called every vet in the Iowa City area, and Best Friends was the cheapest. Our previous vet and some of the others were double the price for the exact same services. BUT (This is the fabulous part) the service we received was not at all becoming of the low price. It was exceptional (!) The doctors were honest and straightforward. They did not try to sell us on a new food, treats, supplements, or book unnecessary follow-up appointments. One of our cats got especially angry while getting checked out and they handled it like professionals. My cat really pitched a fit, but they calmly and gently held their grip on him and we had a good laugh about it afterwards. It was pretty funny. Actually, the whole appointment was light and enjoyable. We felt welcomed and respected, and felt they respected our pets too. We will definitely be coming back for all our veterinary needs! Thanks so much!

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w aoki

I brought my older lab mix to Dr. Kim after switching from another vet that I did not feel was responsive to some of her aging issues. Our sweet dogs back legs were giving out on her, she was suffering from incontinence, and she was in pain from the arthritis in her hips. Dr. Kim worked with me on some different prescription pain options. I was so impressed that she would actually get down on the floor to examine our dog, who was large and hated to be lifted onto the examination table, as we had to do previously with other vets. After some time, it became clear that our dogs quality of life was clearly deteriorating and she was not happy. Our family decided it was time to say goodbye. Dr. Kim and Cheryl came to our house and were incredibly kind and compassionate during this tremendously difficult time. I am so grateful to them, as this was the hardest thing I have ever had to do. When we are ready for another dog in our family, we will definitely bring her/him to Dr. Kim.

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Donna Astarita

I have lived in Iowa City for ten years, and only recently starting using Best Friends because I received a free exam voucher from the Iowa City Animal Shelter with an adoption. (I had used the West Branch Animal Clinic for years, and while I was happy with their service it was out of my way travel-wise and they are so popular that I often have to wait some time for an appointment.) I really appreciate the bedside manor of the vets at Best Friends; their genuine interest in your pets well-being is obvious and they do an excellent job of explaining diagnoses and treatment options. Though they are quick and efficient I never feel rushed during any of my appointments, and I appreciate that they never try to upsell or insist on unnecessary services unlike a lot of other area vets. Finally, I appreciate that I can get appointments readily at times that are convenient for me --weekends or late afternoons-- and that the rates are very reasonable. Highly recommended.

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Becca Fulton

I just switched from the Cat Clinic and am so glad to save $45 on each visit for the "examination fee". I received the same services for cheaper, and the Vets were much more friendly towards my cat and had great customer service. They wont rip you off on extra shots or services you dont need, which was happening at our previous vet. They didnt handle a scared cat very well which is my only complaint. The old vet examined our cat while he stood leisurely on the table, whereas here they put a towel on him with one vet holding his body down on both sides and the other held his head and neck just to simply look in his ears/eyes. This could have easily been done while he was just standing on the exam table and it would have saved both parties unnecessary stress and effort.

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Chelsea Vargas

I will never take my cats to this vet again. They talked down to my boyfriend and I. They talked to us like we were bad owners. I described problems one of the cats were having and the vet said well that could be multiple problems I dont know what you want us to do. I had questions that never were answered. I am not a cat expert that is why I ask the vet. After being put down and talked to disrespectfully we were still polite when leaving saying thank you for your time and the vets response was yeah yeah. After going to the vet I went to pet smart with the same questions and one of the employees was more than helpful. I received more information from the pet smart employee then the vet. I wish I would have paid her not the vet.

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Amber Bennett

They were incredibly kind and welcoming and completely spoiled our pup the whole time. We completely forgot all of his previous vet work in our rush and they had to contact the shelter to get it, We were so embarrassed but they acted like it was no inconvenience at all and addressed all our concerns and questions. And since hes our first puppy the gave us a complimentary puppy bag and explained every item in it!! They went out of their way to let us know we could call them for advice on boarding and flea medications or any other questions we had. They were all so loving and sweet to our puppy, its nice to see people who so obviously love animals and their job working with them. This will definitely be his regular family vet.

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Kate Hilsman

We recently moved to the East side of IC and decided to take our 2 boxers to Best Friends. Im so glad we did! They are by far the best veterinary clinic in the area (Ive been to several in IC and NL). Dr. Vercande and her staff are more than welcoming and really made the experience special for each of my dogs. When one of our dogs, Roxy, became terminally ill unexpectedly, they went above and beyond in not only the care they provided her but in the sympathy they showed to us when we had to make the difficult decision to put her down. I have been blown away by the level of service and care they provide. I would highly recommend them to anyone and look forward to taking any pet of mine there!

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Stefanie Danhour

I chose BFVC on a whim when I got my first dog a couple years ago, and Im so happy I did! I now have two pups and both love the wonderful staff, and I do too. The staff is always eager to talk to me about my dogs and any of their procedures. While I havent formally researched all the vets in the area, Best Friends prices are very reasonable and they carry monthly preventative medications by companies who often offer excellent rebates. Im only in Iowa City until I graduate from the University, but Ill certainly be sad to leave such a wonderful veterinary facility when I go! I recommend Best Friends to anyone interested in quality veterinary care for their pet.

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Delaney Billings

Dr. Kim is the best! She always remembers my dogs and gives them the same love and attention I do, making me feel very welcomed. She never tries to sell you products you do not need so that she can benefit (as I have had other vets do this to me). She is always prompt and service is absolutely excellent. Having gone to several vets in Iowa City and the Emergency Hospital, I would ONLY recommend Dr. Kim. Once, because Dr. Kims clinic was about to close, she had to refer me to the Vet ER. She made sure someone called a few days later to check on my dog, even though she never saw him for that incident. SHE IS AWESOME!

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