Business Details
About
VeterinariansVeterinary Clinics & HospitalsVeterinary Specialty ServicesVeterinary Information & Referral ServicesPet ServicesPet GroomingPet Boarding & KennelsDog Day Care
VCA Avondale Veterinary Hospital offers complete health care services to ensure the health and happiness of your pet. We are Fear Free Certified and a Cat Friendly practice, ensuring a stress-free visit. Our services include wellness care, vaccinations, senior pet care, pet dentistry, animal chiropractic, rehabilitation, stem cell treatment, and feline hyperthyroid I-131 therapy. In addition to veterinary care, we provide grooming services, dog and cat boarding, and dog daycare, giving your pets a safe and comfortable place to stay while you're away. We serve pets across the Des Moines area, including Carlisle, Pleasant Hill, Ankeny, Altoona, West Des Moines, and Norwalk. Your pet’s health, comfort, and happiness are our top priorities!
Location
VCA Avondale Veterinary Hospital
4318 E Army Post Rd, Des Moines, IA
50320, United States
Hours
Reviews
4.6
390 reviews
5 stars
316
4 stars
41
3 stars
9
2 stars
7
1 star
17
What are people saying?
AI-generated from recent customer reviews
Compassionate Care
Many customers praised the staff for their kindness and compassion, especially during difficult times such as euthanasia.
Expertise and Knowledge
Customers frequently highlighted the knowledge and expertise of the veterinarians, particularly in complex cases and surgeries.
Communication Issues
Some reviews mentioned a lack of clear communication and follow-up, leading to frustration among pet owners.
High Costs
Several customers expressed concerns about the high prices for services, feeling that they were being charged excessively.
Mixed Experiences
While many had positive experiences, a few customers reported negative encounters, particularly regarding the handling of specific medical situations.
- GLGeorgie LibbieOct 15, 20255.0Kind, knowledgeable doctors, and fear free! Love Avondale!!
- SSShelly StapletonSep 1, 20255.0I new Champ was in good hands. That's why he's going back.
- LLLauraAug 5, 20255.0Dr. Groos and technician Jo are always my go-to for dental care for my pets. Dr. Groos is the best vet in the area for dentistry, hands down. And Jo always goes above and beyond to make my dogs feel at home while they are at the hospital. Thank you both!
- LVLyle VeachJun 7, 20255.0Staff and services are great.
- APAndy PollenMay 31, 20253.0I’ve gone back and forth about writing this review because the events happened a few years ago, but the truth is, I’m still carrying the hurt from how things were handled near the end of my cat’s life. We had been clients at Avondale for about two years after moving to the Des Moines metro. For a while, we were very happy with the care, but when one of our cats began vomiting frequently and losing weight, things took a turn. We agreed to all recommended diagnostics — biopsies, X-rays and diet changes — and were eventually told it was likely IBS. For about six weeks, things seemed to stabilize. Then suddenly, his condition worsened, and we had to take him to the emergency vet on a Saturday. That’s when they found a mass pressing on his bladder, in a location the emergency veterinarian believed was inoperable. We were devastated. We had followed every step, trusted the process and still ended up here. When we contacted Avondale the following Monday, we were surprised by the lack of urgency or empathy. When I finally spoke with a vet, she said she could attempt the surgery. Wanting more clarity, I requested a referral to Iowa State for an oncology consult. I was told it would be sent, but when I followed up with Iowa State a few days later, they had never received any records. That was the final straw. We sought out another veterinarian for palliative care, and our cat passed away a week later. I understand that nothing could have changed the outcome by then, but I wish we had spent less time treating symptoms and more time understanding what was really going on. I still don’t know how the mass was missed during the first round of imaging, and I carry guilt that our food-motivated cat spent his last good months on a restrictive diet that likely didn’t help. I know this is a difficult profession. I’m not writing this to place blame, only to share our experience. Near the end, I felt like a number, not a concerned pet owner. Three years later, that still hurts.
Frequently Asked Questions About VCA Avondale Veterinary Hospital
What are the core veterinary services offered by VCA Avondale Veterinary Hospital?
VCA Avondale Veterinary Hospital offers comprehensive veterinary care including wellness exams, vaccinations, dental care, surgeries, internal medicine, oncology, and advanced therapies like acupuncture and stem cell treatment.
Is VCA Avondale Veterinary Hospital specialized in care for cats?
Yes, it is a Cat Friendly Practice certified by the American Association of Feline Practitioners and offers specialized feline services including hyperthyroid I-131 therapy.
What are the hospital's regular business hours?
The hospital is open Monday to Thursday from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM, Friday from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Saturday from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, and closed on Sundays.
Does VCA Avondale Veterinary Hospital offer any boarding or daycare services for pets?
Yes, they provide pet boarding, dog daycare, and grooming services to ensure pets have a safe and comfortable stay.
What payment methods are accepted at VCA Avondale Veterinary Hospital?
They accept American Express, Cash, Check, Discover, Mastercard, and Visa for payment.
Are there any offers for new clients at VCA Avondale Veterinary Hospital?
Yes, new clients can click the provided link for a free first exam coupon to welcome their pets.
How can a customer contact VCA Avondale Veterinary Hospital?
You can reach them at the main phone number +1 515-650-1352 or local phone +1 515-262-6111.
What nearby locations are helpful to know when visiting VCA Avondale Veterinary Hospital?
Avondale Pet Resort - D D Woodruff DVM is nearby for pet supplies, and Avon Community Church and Avon Cemetery are local landmarks to help navigate the area.
How could visiting Avondale Pet Resort benefit someone visiting VCA Avondale Veterinary Hospital?
Customers can visit Avondale Pet Resort for pet products or supplies before or after appointments at the veterinary hospital, making it convenient to care for their pet's needs in one area.
What options are available for pet owners who may need pet care services while they are busy or away?
VCA Avondale Veterinary Hospital offers pet boarding and dog daycare services, providing a safe and comfortable environment for pets.