Fondren Animal Hospital

I cannot thank Dr. Srikanth Pennika enough. A few weeks ago, my cat had a urinary blockage emergency. I was so upset and crying when I brought him in. I didn’t have the full payment ready and told them I needed time to figure it out and get money from family. The first place I went to (VCA on Jones Rd in Houston) was horrible — they were cold and basically dismissed me. But Dr. Pennika was completely different. He was kind, patient, and compassionate. He didn’t turn me away. He treated my cat right away and let me leave him there while I went to get the money. The price was so much more reasonable too. I’m really grateful they helped us when I was desperate. I highly recommend this clinic and especially Dr. Pennika. They truly care. Please support small businesses like this one instead of the big corporate places. Thank you.

My dog was suffering from allergies and our regular vet was closed, but they suggested this place. The prices were so reasonable and I got seen as a walk in relatively quick on a Tuesday morning. They treated my baby with so much care & didn’t rush. They sat on the floor with her and gave her treats since she was pretty anxious. All of the staff was so friendly & welcoming from the receptionists to the vet techs to the vet. Can’t recommend this place enough!

I am beyond disappointed with my experience at this clinic. In May, I brought my dog to this clinic for a quick injection. During that visit, no heart murmur was mentioned or detected. A few weeks later, I returned because she had developed a persistent cough. During that exam, I was told she had a Grade 4/6 heart murmur and was prescribed multiple medications, including lifelong heart medication. Because she has already survived heartworm disease and cancer, hearing that my 5-year-old dog now had significant heart disease was absolutely devastating. I spent the next week terrified. I kept a previously scheduled appointment with my regular veterinarian for a second opinion. She listened to my dog's heart multiple times and did not hear a heart murmur. She reviewed the exact same X-rays and told me my dog's heart looked normal and that she did not see an enlarged heart or any concerning cardiac changes. Her assessment was that my dog had a respiratory infection, and she instructed me to discontinue all of the heart medications that had been prescribed and continue the prednisone. When I called this clinic to explain what my regular veterinarian found, instead of receiving an explanation, I was told, "That's strange... she also has an enlarged heart." This was the first time anyone had mentioned an enlarged heart. So which was it? A Grade 4 heart murmur? An enlarged heart? Or neither? Those are vastly different findings, and none of them matched what my regular veterinarian found after reviewing the same X-rays and examining my dog. Yes, I was refunded after I questioned the diagnosis, but that doesn't erase the emotional toll this took. I spent days believing my dog had a lifelong heart condition, crying, researching specialists, pricing echocardiograms, and preparing myself for a future that, according to my regular veterinarian, wasn't supported by her examination or the X-rays. I understand that medicine isn't always black and white, but pet owners deserve accurate, consistent communication—especially when discussing life-altering diagnoses. This experience caused unnecessary emotional distress and completely eroded my trust in this clinic. I cannot recommend them based on my experience.

This clinic provides vastly different levels of service depending on the veterinarian on duty. The Positive: During a previous consultation, Dr. Harsha was courteous, thorough, and clearly explained all medical options for our 12.5 year-old dog. His patient care and communication were excellent. The Negative: Our experience with the other doctor for a recent dental extraction for our senior dog (due to a growth under his tongue) under sedation was unacceptable due to a total lack of communication: • Post-Op Briefing: He did not offer a post-procedure update. We had to specifically request to see him to find out how the surgery went. • Lack of Discharge Instructions: No proactive post-sedation guidance was provided; we had to ask basic questions about what to feed our dog. Furthermore, we were not warned about common post-intubation side effects, resulting in an unmanaged dry cough throughout the night. • Prescription Transparency: This clinic applies a significant markup on medications compared to retail pharmacies like Costco. When we requested a written prescription to fill elsewhere, he became indifferent to us. Recommendation: If you utilize this clinic, request Dr. Harsha. Avoid the other doctor if you expect standard post-operative communication, discharge guidance, or any courteous communication after the visit or his views after a surgery.

I used to bring my cat to this clinic when Dr. Ford was still practicing, and I was always satisfied with the level of care. Unfortunately, since the clinic changed management and Dr. Ford retired, the quality of service has declined significantly. At my most recent visit, despite having a scheduled appointment and being a client for over a year, I waited in the lobby for approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes. The staff appeared inexperienced and unprepared. They struggled with a basic task such as properly holding my cat to take her temperature, which was very concerning. The new veterinarian, Dr. Harsha, came into the room briefly, asked what was wrong with my cat, did not examine or touch her, and then said he would go print the invoice. After another long wait, a staff member brought me the invoice but could not explain what the medications were for when I asked. There was also an unnecessary fecal exam added for a cat that was clearly presenting with cold symptoms. I specifically requested antibiotic injections. The staff member said “okay” and left, but after another 20 minutes of waiting, I had to ask someone else to contact the doctor because I had a meeting to attend. I later overheard a staff member say the doctor had gone into surgery and that I should seek another vet. Being told to go elsewhere after waiting so long — especially as an established client with an appointment — is unacceptable. This experience felt extremely unprofessional and disorganized. If you value clear communication, proper care, and respect for your time, I would strongly reconsider bringing your pet here.