Research Boulevard Pet and Bird Hospital
4.5 (384) 11679 Research Blvd, Austin, TX 78759, USAHours:
Monday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Thursday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Friday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed
How to Save Money at Research Boulevard Pet and Bird 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:
| 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 & CompareGetting 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.
Reviews from Google
I've had many vets over the years, but Dr Skellenger at Research Pet and Bird Hospital is the best of them all. Highest quality of care and concern. The staff there is also very helpful and always wants the best for your pet. I've been going here for a long time now and will continue to be a client.
posted: 03/18/2024
Every time I call, the staff is ready and willing to help us. I have two dogs, and I usually call at the last minute for check ups, grooming, etc. They do their best to get us in ASAP. I really appreciate that.
posted: 10/17/2023
Updated review 10/17/2023: I continue to take my birds for annual checkups and boarding. This time Dr. Tran is no longer there but they were seen by Dr. Wellford who is a great vet all-around. He was knowledgeable and answered / addressed all our questions and concerns. He made sure to explain any procedures or tests when needed (we needed to get some tests done for one of the birds for infectious disease before boarding) and why the may or may not be necessary. He and the vet tech were also very gentle and patient in handling each bird. Front desk staff are also very friendly and courteous. Very pleased with the experience all around. Original review: Everyone there is friendly, professional and knowledgeable. My experience is based on multiple visits with two birds in the span of two years for annual checkups, nail trimming, and follow-ups for concerns. They care about the safety and well-being of the animals. I've had my birds seen by Dr. Skellenger and Dr. Tran. They never pushed any unnecessary tests or medications. I've also had the birds boarded there while I was away for 1-2 weeks and they were in good hands. Positive experience overall.
posted: 11/19/2023
I have had the wonderful staff and vets working with my puppy since I got her! They have helped me through the early months and are kind, nurturing, and helpful! Dr Wellford is great and the nurses and ladies at the desk are super compassionate and efficient! Great clinic!
posted: 01/19/2024
We've ben bringing our fur family to RBPB for years, and it's always been a wonderful experience -- from checkups, to immunizations, to end-of-life care. The front desk staff is friendly and accommodating, and the doctors are skilled, caring, and treat our pets like family. If you're lucky, Henry the office cat will be up and about and you'll get to pet him. Unless we have an emergency during a time they're not open, we'll never go anywhere else!
posted: 02/09/2024
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