Des Moines Veterinary Hospital - Des Moines, Washington

Sandra V.

My sister purchased/rehomed a little betta from Offer Up. Some months passed and we noticed a lump developing on Ninja. It grew so big and fast that by the time we realized he was no longer swimming as much. Every time I glanced over at his tank he was laid on his leaf bed. He was barely eating and constantly taking these deep breaths, almost like he was gasping. It was so hard watching him suffer this way. We wanted to give him a fighting chance and searched far and wide for an aquatic vet. I want everyone to know just how amazing Dr. Lee is. From beginning to end! Dr. Lee showed so much compassion and reassurance. She and her staff were able to work a miracle. She removed his tumor and quite literally changed Ninja's life. I haven't seen him move like this in a while💙 thank you again for granting him more time with us. Despite knowing these little guys don't live long I do admire a vet who gives every creature their absolute all! No matter how big or small 🥺

Cameron H.

Just tried to have this office help euthanize an elderly cat. Gave me a reasonable price, then added non-negotiable up-charges of meeting with the Vet to discuss things. There's nothing to discuss when the cat is old and sickly and we are ready to say goodbye, this add-on was insulting and offensive. She started out nice, then that went away immediately when I said no to up-charges.

It looks very bad. Why can you not just do what needs to be done? My mother is elderly and on a fixed income, and you want to nickel and dime her in her moment of grief

K

The receptionist is great and really goes above and beyond. I did not appreciate the way one of the Veterinarians was speaking to the receptionist in front of us clients. Unfortunately the veterinarian care and professionalism has not been the same since the turn over.

Lydia N.

My family has been taking our pets to Des Moines Veterinary Hospital for many years. I have always been completely satisfied. HOWEVER, that has now changed ….Besides simple procedures like vaccinations, it’s been impossible to schedule an important dental procedure for my dog. In fact, back in July, they told me we would be put on the waitlist for the end of November ‘24 and receive a phone call to make an appointment. So, I waited…and waited with patience as I figured they were just extremely busy. November came and went with absolutely no call or update.BUT, I just got an email stating that my dog was due for his vax. So, I know they CAN communicate and take your money for simple procedures like vax. Brought him in yesterday, which took about 40 minutes of waiting in the room to finally be seen. The vet was nice but told me I might not see her again because she’s only in from time to time. After his vax, I tried to schedule a dental procedure. Waitlisted again!!! They are booked until March with NO ability to even schedule in March ‘25 or beyond because they said they don’t know the veterinarian’s schedule yet. So, I’ve now waited 6 months to get my dog’s teeth attended to. It seems as though this clinic doesn’t have any permanent/full-time on-site veterinarians, and they just have a few on-call that come in from time to time. That’s why they are unable to schedule. Are they juggling temp vets? I don’t have a clue. But it appears that way. This clinic has changed within the last couple of years. There has NOT been transparency or communication about the actual availability of veterinarians or IF they actually have any consistent vet on-site. But I don’t think so. And no communication if you are on the waitlist. No apology or referrals when I mentioned I hadn’t received any call in November to get my dog the care he needs. We are looooong-time customers. A few years ago, I gave this place ALL the stars. Unfortunately, we are now changing clinics after 20+ years. The only reason why I’m giving 2 stars is that the techs were courteous and the vet yesterday was nice and helpful. But other than that, it’s extremely frustrating when you can’t even make an appointment 3 months out. Communication and transparency is Business 101. Don’t waste your time and energy. If you want your pet to get the care they need, get their records while you can and find yourself a new clinic. Otherwise, you will unfortunately wait and wait to not hear back from Des Moines Veterinary.

Ben B.

This was our vet for 25 plus years with Dr. Onorati. Ever since the practice change the employee turnover rate is high. Internally team members are not communicating effectively which leaves the customer with a reactive approach to problems. The Veterinarians rotate leaving different ideology and avenues resulting in excessive cost on remedies. The staff will call presenting you with a doom and gloom scenario without doing the research ahead of time on the success percentiles but also expecting you to give an answer based on the limited information provided. If you want to digest the options just know they likely won't answer or return your call in a timely manner. This medical center has sent our family through multiple emotional roller-coaster scenarios and we are done.

Satine P.

They don’t pick up the phone! Impossible to schedule an appointment!

My pet budgie is sick and there is not a lot of avian vets in this area. I called this place multiple times to schedule an ASAP appointment. They always forward you to a voicemail and never call back.

Paula C.

Please, if you love your pet, do not take them to this place, we took our Lola to them, and we knew she was old and has no teeth due to cancer surgery. We knew she was not doing good she had a terrible cough, thinking we could get some cough medicine for her to ease it up a bit, that did not happen, like being conned by a time share company.
They said she was in basically good shape, and they recommended several test and labs additional blood work to the tune of 700.00 dollars and sent her home with heart medicine, nothing for her cough so her cough got worse and even though we called to get cough medicine, Lola died 2 week after visiting this place, I truly believe they spoon fed us with false hope only to scam us out of 700.00.
Please do better for your pet and go elsewhere. In my opinion, they caused Lola a very painful and tragic death, and I believe they prolonged that death for profit.

Maire D. L.

Des Moines Veterinary Hospital has only gotten better over the years that I have been bringing my cats and now dogs here to be cared for. A hard-working staff to be cherished and honored, as they treat each call and customer with compassion and concern, along with Dr. Onorati and his knowledgeable vet techs saw my Billy, discovered his ailment, and got him back on the road to quick recovery. There is no comparison, and this team can't be beat.