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VCA Avondale Veterinary Hospital

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VCA Avondale Veterinary Hospital

VCA Avondale Veterinary Hospital

4.6 (352)

4318 E Army Post Rd, Des Moines, IA 50320, USA

Best Pet Insurance in Des Moines, Iowa 2024

Hours:

Monday: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM

Tuesday: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM

Wednesday: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM

Thursday: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM

Friday: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM

Saturday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Sunday: Closed

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How to Save Money at VCA Avondale Veterinary Hospital

Schedule Regular Vet Visits

One of the best ways to save on vet bills is to prevent expensive health issues before they develop. By scheduling regular wellness checkups, your vet can detect health issues early, helping you to avoid costly treatments and surgeries down the road.

Price Shop for Pet Prescriptions

Oftentimes our fur babies are prescribed human drugs off-label. Your vet is apt to charge more for these medications than you would pay at your local pharmacy. In fact, big-box or chain pharmacies can offer steep discounts. So it’s best to price shop.

Pet Insurance

Most pet insurance providers will pay between 80% and 90% of the vet bill. You can even get coverage for routine care and things like vaccinations and dental cleanings. If you do the math, you’ll most likely find that pet insurance makes financial sense in the long run as well as gives you peace of mind.

How Do You Choose the Right Pet Insurance Provider?

Pet Insurance Review makes it incredibly easy for pet parents to select an insurance provider they feel good about. You can use our handy comparison tool to get the gist of what a company offers. We’ve also collected over 150,000 reviews of insurance companies from real pet parents like you to rank the top providers in the market. Here is the current ranking of each:

Top Pet Insurance Providers of 2024
Rating	Provider	Total Review
4.4	AKC	891
4.5	ASPCA	11,714
4.9	Embrace	16,675
4.9	Fetch	11,124
4.2	Figo	2,598
4.7	Hartville	164
4.9	Healthy Paws	9,976
4.9	Lemonade	805
4.6	ManyPets	2,335
4.0	MetLife	626
4.8	Nationwide	21,404
4.3	Pet Assure	12
4.5	PetPartners	112
4.3	Pets Best	12,058
4.6	Pumpkin	1,425
4.6	Spot	6,848
4.9	Trupanion	67,964
4.8	Prudent Pet	125

Or, you can simply get a fast quote from multiple providers and go from there.

Thinking of insuring your pet?

Get Quotes & Compare

Getting to Know Your New Vet: Essential Questions to Ask

Choosing a new veterinarian is an important decision for any pet owner. You want to find someone who is competent, compassionate, and a good fit for you and your fur baby. To help you get the most out of your first appointment, here's a list of essential questions to ask your new vet:

Tell me about your experience with [pet type].

Different vets have different areas of specialization. Some are experts with cats, some dogs, some pocket pets, and some horses. Knowing that your vet has vast experience treating your specific type of pet can bring you peace of mind.

How do you handle emergencies?

You must know what to do in case of a pet medical emergency. Inquire what after-hours policy the clinic has, whether they have on-site emergency care available, and if they have a relationship with any nearby emergency animal hospitals.

How do you communicate with pet owners?

Good communication is key to building a trusting relationship with your vet. Ask how they prefer to communicate (phone calls, emails, online portal) and how often you can expect to hear from them.

Are there any breed-specific health concerns I should be aware of?

Some breeds are predisposed to certain health conditions. Knowing what to watch out for can help you catch problems early and get your pet the treatment they need.

Do you have any questions for me about my pet?

This is a great question to ask because the answer will show that the vet is interested in getting to know your pet as an individual and is willing to listen to your concerns.

Bonus question: Can I take a tour of your facility?

Getting a feel for the clinic's environment can help you and your pet feel more comfortable during your visits. Remember, you’re not just looking for a veterinarian, you’re looking for a partnership. Do not be afraid to ask these questions and any others you can think of. Any vet worth their salt will be happy to answer them. Because the more informed you are, the better equipped you'll be to make decisions about your pet's care! And that should be every vet’s top priority.

#Cat Breed Health Problems #Dog Breed Health Problems

Reviews from Google

Sophie Donquixote

I had the pleasure of working with Dr. Marshall and her exceptional vet tech, Alexus, during the process of importing our puppy from Iowa to Hawaii, and I couldn't be more impressed with their professionalism and expertise. Dr. Marshall's knowledge and experience in veterinary care were truly remarkable. She guided us through the complex paperwork and requirements with ease, making the whole process stress-free. Alexus, the vet tech, was equally amazing. She made sure our Nani was comfortable and relaxed throughout the entire journey, and her compassion was truly heartwarming. Dr. Marshall and Alexus went above and beyond to ensure our puppy's safe and seamless transition to Hawaii. I can't express my gratitude enough for their dedication and support. If you're looking for a veterinarian and vet tech who genuinely care about your pet's well-being and are experts in their field, I wholeheartedly recommend Dr. Marshall and Alexus. They are an outstanding team, and I couldn't be happier with the service they provided.

posted: 11/07/2023

Nat Clark

The staff was very helpful and friendly. The vet took the time to understand our concerns and explained all the options carefully. They were so great and we have a follow up visit to have surgery next week. We had a follow up visit for surgery today and the staff was so helpful. Our kitty is doing great. The vet was helpful explaining everything. They really care about the animals and their well-being. I definitely recommend you use this vet if you live in the area!

posted: 12/12/2023

Bonnie Harris

My little dog Birdie has suffered with joint pain and arthritis for years. She is 11 years old. Dr. Carlo has been so diligent with her care for a very long time, and recently suggested trying a monthly injection of Librela -- to replace another medication that seemed to be less effective for Birdie's needs. After the first dose, my little girl had more pep in her step within a couple days! As a matter of fact, my husband (who didn't know about the new course of medication yet) took Birdie out one morning and told me she hopped up the front porch steps all by herself -- when usually she would wait for us to pick her up and take her to the front door. He said, "Is that OK?" And I said, "YES! She actually feels better!" Thank goodness for Dr. Carlo for keeping an eye out for Birdie. I cannot say enough about VCA Avondale in general, too. They know us and love our pups! I'm grateful that Birdie has a doctor who advocates for her wellness. :)

posted: 01/27/2024

Kati Harper

Highly recommend. Dr Carlo is amazing. We’ve had some unforeseen health issues with one of our pups and she has gone above and beyond to help. Nothing but positive things to say about the this facility and staff. Very friendly, prompt to respond and flexible with schedules. Overall just wonderful to work either.

posted: 12/04/2023

Susie Artis

Both hospital, daycare & boarding are amazing!! They are so good to Koda Bear and make our life so much easier. Would recommend the entire operation Day care staff thank you for all you do Koda can not wait to see you all

posted: 12/30/2023

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