Holyoke Animal Hospital

Dr. H saved my cat's life, and for that I am very grateful. But they also endangered it. My cat was put on urinary so food. I asked 2 different techs and the vet herself if 1 can per day was enough. They all said it should be fine. She lost so much weight. The office thought it might be because of a condition of hers, but I quickly found out by visiting the brands website that 1 can a day is 1/3 of what she should be eating. I was essentially instructed to starve my pet. This should be a seriously basic question to be able to ask a vet. If my cat had died due to malnutrition, I'd never have forgiven them or myself. Will be searching for another vet after my cat fully recovers from surgery.

posted: 09/22/2023

I took my dog and cats here when I moved to the area, because they were the only vet accepting new patients at the time. Our experiences were pretty much universally horrible. My elderly cat needed his annual senior panel run, and I was told that a urinalysis would be included and to just bring the sample back. When I brought it back, I was charged for it separately, despite explaining that I had been told it was included with the rest of the panel. This same cat had a UTI discovered on this panel, and while he was very old and very sick and no vet is perfect, I do somewhat blame this vet for his traumatic death at the emergency vet a week later as a result of anorexia on the antibiotic; again, things happen especially with old cats, but I feel they should have prophylactically offered anti-nausea meds and fluids for him. Most of the vet techs were fine, but there is one blond male vet tech who made me dread going in every time. He was rude and short with me every single time. When I went in after my senior cat died for an appointment with my dog, he asked if I wanted more meds for the senior cat. When I said he had died, this tech literally said nothing. No "I'm sorry," nothing. When I went back to get my records to transfer to another vet, he asked did I want that cat's records and once again I had to say that he had died, and at least this time he acknowledged it. I know they see a lot of people, but the lack of compassion and record keeping was astounding. I will say that they did send a compassion card after we had already switched practices. My dog developed atopic dermatitis shortly after our move here, and the only option provided by this vet was long-term steroid treatment. They would not even consider other options. This is NOT supported in the literature as a first-line treatment, coming with many potentially life-limiting side effects, and for me, it was the last straw. They did make an effort to accommodate us when we had an urgent situation, but I was so stressed out by having to interact with the rude staff that we went to the urgent care in Sturbridge, where we received prompt, kind, compassionate care for about what we would have paid to be fit in here. We have now switched all our animals to East Springfield Veterinary Hospital, where they were shocked that long term steroid course had been recommended for relatively mild allergies as a first resort. My dog has been on CADI injections there and only needs them in the warm months for her symptoms to be perfectly controlled. Even though you can tell they are busy too, they are always kind and they always have our records in order. I know it's hard to get in anywhere, especially with multiple pets, but I would strongly advise avoiding this vet with any pets that might need any kind of care beyond the usual vaccines. They can't keep track of their records or the cost of routine laboratory services or deceased pets, they don't appear to be up to date on clinical best practices and evidence based treatments, and although some of the techs are kind, the odds of being treated rudely and coldly are very high.

posted: 08/13/2023

Great place to take your Fur babies. Friendly and experienced staff. Good service and reasonable fees.

posted: 09/12/2023

Always try their best to work with you on appointments. I am now releieved to be able to get my babies (that are brother and sisters) fixed so i dont have to worry about complications. Considering they were booking out into september originally. I only had to explain my circumstances and they were able to accomodate. This will be the vet office i will use for all animals because of the exceptional accomodation. Also, they gave me a good tip on using a onsie so the other cat doesnt get at it. Needed antibiotics. Got same day. Overall great experience Ragnar and lagatha photos are below. The one in the sink when she was all healed and feeling happy 😹😹

posted: 08/25/2021

I have two *very* difficult cats and a decently well behaved dog. Two previous vet offices have seriously struggled with my cats who both have a history of being violently fractious when handled by anyone but myself or my partner. The doctor and staff at Holyoke animal hospital have been nothing short of incredible with all three of my pets. I have full confidence in them and I am very happy that we have been able to switch our veterinary primary care to this facility. We will definitely be returning annually, and for prescription food (which is priced the same at every clinic as far as I am aware, but if I have to give anyone my money I would prefer it to be to this place).

posted: 02/03/2023