Belle Haven Animal Medical Centre

Reviews 6

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Anne Henry

Id really like to give them a 4.5; theyre great, but have a few minor complaints. The good: Just started taking my dog here after 5.5 years of going to Ballston Animal Hospital (also highly recommend). They saw me next day, and were relatively prompt (only took me back about 10 minutes after my appointment time, which Id call a win compared to my own doctors!). Went over all her vitals stuff, got her shots up to date, and the vet urged me to get her to lose some weight (shes lost 1.3lbs!). I also talked about her past issues, and got her back on some meds that wed run out of. A few weeks later, my dog got an aural hematoma, and we had to rush in to have that looked at. The vet (new one) recommended we try draining it, rather than jumping to the surgical option. It was priced on the high end (of price comparisons I saw online), but by God, it hasnt come back! Places for improvement: 1. The first vet I saw was visibly disturbed by my statement that I wouldnt go to great lengths to save my dog in the event of something terrible (cancer, for example). I told her I wanted the best possible life for my pet, but that when the time came, we would be talking about options to make her the most comfortable, not buy more time. She was very polite about it, but her statements to me made me feel like a bad pet owner. Im sure, as a vet, she wants a pet to live as long as possible, whereas Im of the mindset that I want my dog to live as long as possibly comfortably. Difference of opinions, I suppose, but I wouldnt guess an uncommon one. 2. Theres free-roaming cats in the lobby, which is sweet for the cats, but makes my dog nervous. Im lucky that she lived with a cat, and she responds pretty well to verbal commands and corrections, but those cats are fearless, and I had to physically move because they were trying to get near my dog (a very playful stocky and wide-mouthed bull terrier!). 3. When they give shots, they leave the room. They even leave the room to weigh the dog. I prefer to be in the room with my pet during these interactions to assure her its okay. Im sure I could have asked, and will be asking next time, but for the default to be to remove them from the room seems weird to me. I will continue going to this vet -- again, those complaints are minor, but the small things are the ones that matter the most to me. With a dog, formerly part of a dog-fighting ring, its important to me to feel like my opinions matter and to feel like my dog is getting the best possible care, and I feel confident that she truly is at Belle Haven.

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A Private User

Our Miniature Schnauzer is pretty old and nowadays has plenty of little problems here and there. My wife and I have been looking for the right veterinarian to take care of our little guy for quite some time. We tried many vets and were disappointed with most because they seemed to take advantage of our concerns and tried to talk us into the most expensive and most painful treatments or diagnostics they could think of (e.g. a $800 liver biopsy on a 14yr old dog.....really?). Belle Haven Animal Hospital however was not at all like that. We experienced a very loving, very caring, and very friendly atmosphere. Even our dog has no problems entering this hospital (he normally digs his heels in when coming to a vet). Our doctor (Dr. Krista S. Kasprenski) is very good and always takes a gradually increasing approach when diagnosing our doggys problems. She NEVER takes the "Sledgehammer" approach and just throws heavy medicine of diagnostics at him but takes the time to evaluate the pros and cons of a treatment with us. We like this rational, very pet-centric, and pet friendly approach as we feel its truly the best for our dog. In summary we are VERY HAPPY with the care our dog received so far from Belle Haven Animal Hospital and can highly recommend it. As for the review from "lindsey" we can absolutely NOT confirm this, the care is excellent and the prices are reasonable, all other clinics in the area like VCA Alexandria Animal Hospital are by far more pricey and they tend to utilize as much high-tech equipment (for high-tech prices) as they can.

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michi 0228

Went there a couple times when I lived nearby. Prices are reasonable and they never tried to push anything on me. With the cost of living in as crazy as it is in the area I was on a tight budget when I lived here. They are always honest tell me what my dog really needs and what isnt as necessary. Front desk was always very helpful and attentive. Understanding and able to take me in as a walk-in for an emergency without any issues. Also very helpful with faxing vaccinations when boarding. Great customer service. The Vets always took the time to explain what she was doing/checking and recommended treatment plans, care, and the email/website for tracking vaccinations was great! The location is nice, Really big, bright and clean inside, beautifully kept landscaping outside. And most importantly plenty of parking. I only stopped going since i moved an hour or so away. :( Its always difficult finding a good place.

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Liz Malone

I wish that I received such great service and attention when I went to my doctor! Belle Haven has been wonderful for us. The doctors are excellent and provide wonderful care, while also being conscious of the costs. Ive had the vets not charge me for an office and instead only pay for the medicine. In addition to having top notch medical care, everyone who works there is so, so, so friendly and provides great customer service. They clearly love animals and understand how important our pets are to our lives. I love how our vet always greets our dog enthusiastically and gets down on the floor to play with him. They are very good at following up with you after even a minor issue. All in all, I cannot recommend Belle Haven strongly enough. I live in DC, but it is well worth driving to Alexandria for this place. Even my dog loves going there!

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Marsha Wallace

I have been taking my dogs (5 in total and many foster dogs) to Dr Katz ,Schutt and Kasprenski since 1984 and followed them to Belle Haven .Dr Katz is the main vet I use and she is a superb clinician with the most kind ,compassionate attitude. She listens carefully to my (sometimes neurotic) concerns and I feel like she is a true partner in my decision making. Every doc there is wonderful and the staff is amazing.I never feel rushed. It is easy to get messages to the docs and I always hear back in a timely fashion.I have had dogs with multiple complex medical issues that lived long lives thanks to the care they have received at BHAMC.Yes,they may be a little expensive, but ,for me, it is money well spent for the confidence I have in the care my dog will receive. They now offer acupuncture and laser therapy as well. Top notch all the way.

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Clare Fleming

BHAMC is very convenient for us because we live around the corner; but it has become a very important part of our lives lately, as two of our sweet cats became sick over the past months. On September 5, Dr. McDonald helped our dying Fergus go peacefully, and she handled it in the most sensitive way possible. The lovely card they sent following his death was also an important point of closure. Furthermore, both Dr. McDonald and Dr. Kasprinski have continued to provide excellent ongoing care and advice for my cat Zorro since hes been diagnosed with cancer; and were also great with our cat Peanut after he bit me when I accidentally stepped on him. Overall, I give BHAMC and its doctors and staff very high marks for their excellent and compassionate care. Thanks.

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