Harpeth Valley Animal Hospital PC

I don’t really know how to rate this place. I brought my 13-​year-​old chihuahua mix here to get laser treatment for his neck. I had previously been to another disappointing vet a few times and was looking for a new place.
So, first of all, he seems to be feeling worse since I took him here and I’m not sure what to think. When I walked in, the staff sort of acknowledged me and asked what I needed, but didn’t seem very friendly. Then, when the girl came out to get him, she didn’t really say anything. She just kind of held out her arms and made a face like, «is this him?» She didn’t say «hi» or explain who the hell she even was. She asked for some clarification on where he needed treatment, but acted somewhat uncertain and almost as if I was speaking another language… I really don’t know. I don’t know if she was a tech, a doctor, or a receptionist… perhaps even a cleaning lady?
These little details are what make me question if maybe they weren’t gentle or thorough enough when they took him back for his treatment, and perhaps thats why he seems worse. I was hoping this place would be a more convenient, affordable, and most importantly caring new office to take my Old Man, but I’m not sure if I want to give it another try…

We have been to this clinic since 2005, and it was through a recommendation of a trusted fellow animal lover. It is hard to find a good vet who won’t run every test just to make money. Dr. Hurst and every other vet he has had in his office over the years has been great. They are so gentle with them and understanding of how these animals are also our children. The staff has always been polite, even in situations (like my cat trying to claw them to get away). In 2012, I was forced to put down my dog Alex. I chose to call a mobile vet because she was so nervous being in the car and at a vet’s office (she had been to several outside veterinarian specialists and had been put through enough). The idea of her being put to sleep at home seemed the best option. It was months before I went back to Harpeth for my cat’s food, but the staff immediately expressed their sorrow of my loss. I cannot give a higher recommendation for a vet and clinic. I have moved away from Bellevue, but continue to make the drive because they are worth it.

Dr. Hurst is great. It’s his cliquish, gossipy front desk staff that blew me away with their rudeness. Example: Having been a client just shy of 3 months, I brought in a cake one day to show my gratitude for the doctor’s willingness to consistently squeeze me in for appts. with my elderly kitty currently battling kidney disease. «Brought ya’ll a little something,» I smiled one day, setting the cake on the front desk counter. I didn’t expect anything long, drawn-​out or gushy for the gesture. Good thing that, because all I got from these 3 office staffers was stares, broken only by an «uhhhhh … kaaaaay,» from one of them, whereupon they immediately went right back to whatever they were doing before I walked in. To say I wanted to crawl under the chair I was seated on in that empty waiting room would be an understatement. AwkWard. Finally, I spoke up, «might wanna put that in the fridge,» (hey, $ 25 ain’t cheap for a cake, ya know!) The response I got from one of the 3 musketeers standing there was an annoyed and patronizing «we’re busy. When I get a chance I’ll put the cake in the fridge, okaaaay???» Unbelievable. I didn’t expect the moon, but hell, a casual «thank you» would’ve been appreciated. No class. I knew then these were people I no longer wanted to deal with on any kind of regular basis. Thank God I’ve found a knowledgeable new vet in Green Hills … who, btw, has the friendliest, most professional staff you could ever hope to meet:)
And they informed me they «loooooove to be brought cake»:)

We have a cat and a dog that we bring here. We have seen both vets on staff, used grooming and boarding services as well. I never have a problem getting in for an appointment and they are very friendly and accommodating. I have had to board my puppy when she was sick (the messes in your house kind of sick) and they were great about taking her in at the last minute and helping her get her meds; she came home happy and clean. My only issue is that when I had a full groom (not a bath) the groomer didn’t really seem to understand what I was saying to her and my puppy came back opposite of what I had asked for. She looked cute but I asked for shaggy and she came back blown out puffy, I asked for minimal trimming and she came back with a tightly trimmed face and hind quarters. Suppose it was just a miscommunication, but it is still noteworthy. Still, I highly recommend this vet clinic.

I like this place.
We’ve got a 14-​year old Dachshund/​Beagle mix and these guys really take care of him. We really don’t bring him in that frequently, but the staff always remembers him and are super-​sweet to him. The few times we’ve had medical issues with him, they’ve been very professional and empathetic — they explained what was going on in terms that were easy for us to understand.
We primarily go there to board our dog, and their rates are very reasonable. You can tell our dog likes being boarded there as he comes right out the way he went in, happy and cheerful. We’ve used kennels in the past where our dog takes a few days to adjust back to normalcy — that isn’t the case here. Good job on their grooming, too.
Good all the way around from the reception to the vets.