I'm only putting this review five star so it gets pushed to the top but please read what I have to say before you make a decision because I am a dog father and I love my dog like a son.
I’ve been bringing my dog to Companion Animal Hospital in Groton, CT for a persistent coughing/retching issue accompanied by nasal congestion.
At the first visit, several diagnostic tests were recommended (including X-rays and blood work, among others), which were quite costly. I chose to begin with blood work first. Those results came back normal, and my dog was prescribed an antibiotic and cough medication. While he improved significantly while on medication, his symptoms returned shortly after finishing the antibiotics.
About 2–3 weeks later, I returned and saw a different doctor, who I believe may also be the owner. During this visit, she suggested my dog may be dealing with a possible tracheal collapse, which she noted is common in small breeds. The discussion felt somewhat discouraging, particularly as surgical treatment was mentioned in a very negative light, without much discussion of other supportive care options or at-home management strategies.
When I mentioned that my dog has insurance coverage, the tone of the conversation shifted, and I was provided with an updated estimate for testing that included the same types of diagnostics previously quoted—at noticeably higher prices. When I later asked staff for clarification, I did not receive a clear explanation.
My main concern, however, was the lack of practical guidance for managing my dog’s symptoms at home. There was little to no discussion of supportive care measures such as environmental adjustments, diet considerations, or humidity support—things that are commonly recommended for respiratory or throat-related conditions.
While I fully understand and agree that further diagnostic testing is often necessary and appropriate, I left feeling that the focus was primarily on additional testing rather than developing a broader, more supportive care plan. I also felt the communication came across as assuming financial limitation rather than working collaboratively through a staged approach to diagnostics. As this was my third visit, I had been following prior recommendations and was prepared to proceed with further testing; however, the comment suggesting I was “not in the position” to proceed was off-putting and influenced my experience.
While medications were adjusted and prescribed appropriately, I ultimately did not feel fully supported in managing my dog’s condition day to day.
Based on my experience, I will not be returning. This clinic may be well suited for routine care, but for more complex or ongoing medical concerns, I personally did not feel it provided the level of communication, guidance, or collaborative care I was looking for as a pet owner.