Lafayette Animal Hospital

These people are great — very knowledgeable, super friendly, and they really care about your pet. I have used them for many years and several pets for both vet work and for kenneling and been very happy each time.

I have been very satisfied with the Lafayette Animal Hospital. The facility is very clean. The front office is very friendly and efficient and accommodating. The several doctors who have treated my dog did an excellent job — luckily his conditions were minor. But I believe that if they had been major, I would have been as equally satisfied. My dog has had all of his vaccinations at the hospital, and I like receiving a printed record each time. He has also had baths and nail trims there. Most important, their boarding and boarding policy is very convenient and good. I like the fact the they know him by his first name; and they show great affection towards him. The only thing missing is grooming — I wish they had a good groomer on board other than bathing and nail trim. My current dog is the 5^th pet I have taken to this facility. I previously had two Pugs, and two cats — all lived to ripe old ages.

Very welcoming helpful staff. Clean and professional. I would recommend and have. Very compassionate and caring.

We have been taking our pets to Lafayette Animal Hospital for over 20 years. Every visit has been great. The staff is very nice, they obviously love animals. The doctors are knowledgeable, caring, and really provide a lot of information and tips about caring for pets and understanding their needs. They treat our pets as if they were theirs.

!! WARNING IF YOU HAVE YOUR PETS TEETH CLEANED !!
On a recent check-​up of our 25 lb dog, Doc recommended a teeth cleaning due to tartar etc. We had previously taken our dog to anesthesia-​free teeth cleaning services. Because our dog wiggles and difficult to control, it was tough get a proper cleanings completed. It made sense to have teeth cleaning for our dog as the Doc suggested. They provided me a «procedure estimate» of $ 222.00.
Here is the exact language on my estimate below:
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This document list procedure to be performed on XYZ dog. This estimate only approximate the cost of the visit. It does not include any treatments that may be deemed necessary upon examination and commencement of the included treatments. Your are responsible for all fees incurred during this visit included or not on the estimate.
The following is a list of the treatment and/​or supplies expected to be a required during this visit and their approximate cost.
Stan Chem​.Pro/ CBC/​Pre — Op IN = $ 105.00
Anesthesia — Pre — Anesthetic = $ 45.00
IV Catheter = 72.00
Total Estimate Charges = $ 222.00
Be assured that the health of XYZ dog is our highest concern and we will do everything possible to maintain that health. Understand, too, that your signature below indicates that you have reviewed and and agreed to the terms of the estimate.
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Here is where things go belly up. My wife picked up the dog and was hit with a $ 1200.00 bill! They pulled 4 teeth from a 13 year old dog without our knowledge or approval. I wish I would of read Unilocal reviews first before my dogs teeth cleaning. There are other negative reviews by people having the same exact experience. Check Unilocal reviews on 12/​11/​2013, and on 06/​02/​2012. The same thing just happened to us. I bet there is other people who felt they have a bag pulled over their head, but just paid the bill and left, and never posted on Unilocal.This is extremely poor business practice and and a major gap in delivering customer satisfaction.
After I re-​read the LAH estimate when I was angry. It is poorly written, does not disclose the details you may be liable for, and lacks any consumer friendliness so you know what your getting. This is total bait and switch and should be reported to the Better Business Bureau. I really feel like someone picked my pocket.
We also were given misleading instructions for follow-​up visits. They said come in without a appointment. Did that, and then was told the Doc is not in. Ok — strike 1. They then tell me come back when Doc is working on X day. Did that, and then they told I needed an appointment. OK — strike 2. Finally saw the Doc, and our dog is healing as expected. Since I was ill with hyperthyroid, I did not have the energy to call out the Doc for what occurred.
RECOMMENDATIONS
1. Do not sign the LAH estimate document unless they add in all the assurances and procedures you want and this in your decision control and not theirs.
2. If they bait and switch you on teeth cleaning, pull teeth without approval, do not pay the bill. You did not request these services to be performed.
3. The LAH needs step up and fix this errant business practice. You have a pattern going on here and that is bad for business. Fix your estimate document to reflect what is really happening.
4. The LAH should add follow-​up care instructions on the estimate document.

I’ve been a customer for almost 30 years. I’ve been there at 6:45 a.m. for my dog Winnie when she needed surgery and as much time to recover as possible. I’ve been there when it is the 5:00 p.m. pickup (and what a crazy time that can be). Given everyone’s issues in life it is a wonder the staff stays sane. I’ve also been there without an appointment when attention was needed for my dog’s bladder infection, she’s 14 ½. They said if I did not mind waiting, come at 5, we’ll do our best. Two hours later a scan of her bladder determined she was in fact not o.k. but with antibiotics in hand we were on the road to recovery! What a blessing for an old girl.
If you look closely the staff puts in long days, based on my math they can easily hit 12 – 14 hours. We’re not talking about a car here, we’re talking about living creatures, more than likely the ones you love. In my opinion these guys rock. It takes so much to get it right and do what they do. It is easy to criticize anyone, but sit there quietly some day and witness for your self the consistent attempt to get it right, even when some customers come with a less than humble heart.
You guys are the best even if life doesn’t throw you the bone you were hoping for.
–Mike O’Brien

This is the WORST animal hospital ever. I’ve Been taking my pets here for 13+years and I had one incident of not paying a$ 175 bill and their new blue haired office manager acted like a loan shark. She was mean and demeaning and yelled at me in front of clients at the reception desk. She seemed perfectly fine with discussing bill paying tactics. No problem. No class!!!
My cat had kidney issues and I asked if I could pay in one week and they treated me like a common CRIMINAL. UNHEARD OF —
JERKS. NEVER EVER HAVE I BEEN TREATED THIS WAY.
STAY AWAY FROM THE MONEY GRUBBERS.
They don’t really care about anything but getting paid. And they certainly don’t train their employees with any customer service skills. No «how are you»?. No -«your pet is doing great». Just hardcore Mafiosi bill collectors and their facilities are not even that great. What a crock.
Look at their website. None of those people are even working there anymore. They probably all fled.

This place is so great I drive PAST 2 other highly-​regarded vets close to home to get there! The vets are extraordinary; so knowlegable and up-​to-​day, and yet so patient and compassionate. They take tons of time with you and your pet, explaining the condition and all the options. Their love of science and medicine is so apparent from how engaged and excited they are to share information with you. They just seem to love your animal too.
The staff is cheerful and prompt. Even if you have to wait awhile on busy days, your fellow patients and their owners are friendly and interested in your animal and wiling to chat to pass the time.
Prices are affordable too. I feel I get a lot of time and attention and treatment options for my money, for my 16 year old border collie and 7 year old yorkie. Dr. Radcliffe, Dr. D, and Dr. Chokkar are who I see most. I wouldn’t take them anywhere else.

I’ve been taking my unusually healthy almost 16 year old toy poodle to Dr. Ratcliff for the past fourteen years. He provides everything that one could ask for in excellent veterinary care. He is kind, gentle, very knowledgeable, honest, and conservative in recommending tests and procedures, especially for an older dog.

My cat is 14 years old and has had rabies shots every year. We just moved to Lafayette, so I thought I’d try Lafayette Animal Hospital to get her vaccination. The vet stuck her THREE TIMES with the needle for one rabies vaccination! He claimed that was completely normal, and that the skin he pinched was too thin, so the needle was going through the skin so he had to keep trying. This had never happened before, so I can’t see how it’s «normal». Never taking her back there. They also board the dogs and cats together… After I asked to see where the animals board, I changed my mind. Didn’t think it would be relaxing for her to spend Thanksgiving next to barking dogs.

Thank you for taking good care of our Bear! I will be sure to tell everyone I know of you r excellent service and the love and care our dog received while in your office yesterday. I am so Happy we decided to go to your office. I can’t thank you enough.

Dr. Kessler is caring and attentive. He understands what our pets mean to us and treat all situations with skill and knowledge. He is a gem. I am so pleased with the team and everyone who worked with us in the last few weeks. I would recommend the Dr, team and facility without a moments pause.

Dr Maja Drozdz has spayed two puppies for me in the past two years. Both of them are so skillfully done that the dogs don’t need the cone of shame to refrain from picking out their stitches. These are not placid old dogs they are feisty rambunctious puppies who would nibble out those stitches in a hot minute if they were bothering, but they don’t. I’ve never known an animal to leave an incision alone; for it to happen twice I can attribute only to the exceptional surgical skill of the doctor. LAH is expensive and pretty nonchalant about respecting people’s time — you wait — but they take great care of the pets.

Horrible service! Makes you wait 45 minutes late and no apology. Because they were late my pet didn’t get a check up. Going somewhere else!

Although I waited an hour to be seen as they had a crazy busy day, it was worth it! The staff there, especially Dr. Kessler was so kind to my furbaby Nassy. I’ve never seen a vet clinic before so kind towards a cat. I highly recommend taking your loved ones here. I feel good knowing I have found a place that will now be our permanent spot for medical care if needed for our cats. The bill was fair and no extra tests were done that warrant xtra $$$ as I have witnessed at other clinics. Dr. Kessler was not only gentle, he answered all my questions and even gave his personal choices and decisions which I respect. Thank you so much! Nassy and I had the 1^st great sleep in awhile.

Every time, without hesitation, I take my dog to Lafayette Animal Hospital I am impressed! The care they take with me, to explain every procedure and the reasoning behind every procedure, leaves with peace of mind. The love and care they show my dog leaves me with greater peace of mind. We all think our pets are amazing and I am sure each person there has to hear it all day long from us proud parents, but they treat each pet owner like we are the only ones in the office! I wish my own medical doctor treated me as well as the team at LAH! I am so thankful for their care and their patience!

My dog has been seen by at least three vets at the Lafayette Animal Hospital over the last few years and I have been extremely pleased with all of them! They are very knowledgeable and seem to really care about the pet’s well being.
Rates are reasonable and they do not soak you for an «office visit» every time you need to get a booster shot or a drug item for your pet. They have common sense and treat customers with respect. I HIGHLY recommend the L.A.H.

Just wanted to add to my review. Yesterday we had to put our 14 year old dog to sleep and our experience at Lafayette Animal Hospital was the best that you can get. The doctor was amazing and kept telling us over and over that we were making the right decision for both he and our family. She made it clear that we should leave after he had passed and not worry about payment until we picked up the ashes. Before we put him down, several of the techs came to give Tucker water, give him a pet, and laugh at the haircut they him the previous day (per our request). The woman who gave him the I.V. drip was gentle and thanked Tucker for being a great dog. As the meds were administered, the vet spoke to him in a loving voice and told him over and over how important he was to our family.
They let us stay as long as we wanted in the room to say our final goodbyes. There are a lot of tears today, but I am comforted in knowing that his final moments were peaceful and comforting.
Thank your for your amazing service!

Dr. Pearson is fantastic and took very good care of our dog. However, the front desk staff are lacking in customer service skills. There seems to be a lack of communication between the staff and the Doctors as far as scheduling appointments and pick up/​drop off times and when this confusion arose the front desk girls took on major attitude. Not the kind of people I want to talk with when I am worried about my dog.

Even though I get super overprotective and fussy when it comes to my furkid, the vets here always treat me like I’m totally sane. They patiently answer my silly questions, assuage my fears, and compliment my ridiculously adorable kitty (duh). Luckily I’ve blown every issue out of proportion and nothing has ever been seriously wrong. I’m very happy to have found this lovely little clinic in my neighborhood.