VCA Avondale Veterinary Hospital

4.6 (352 reviews)
4318 E Army Post Rd, Des Moines, IA 50320, USA

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

How to Save on Veterinary Costs at VCA Avondale Veterinary Hospital

Preventive care

Routine wellness exams can help identify health issues early, often before they become more serious or expensive to treat. Regular checkups are one of the most effective ways to manage long term veterinary costs.

Compare prescription pricing

Some pet medications prescribed at veterinary clinics may also be available through local or online pharmacies. It can be helpful to compare pricing when appropriate to reduce ongoing medication costs.

Consider pet insurance

Pet insurance may help cover a portion of eligible veterinary expenses depending on the plan, including accidents, illnesses, and in some cases preventive care. Coverage details, reimbursement levels, and deductibles vary by provider.

Why Pet Insurance Information Appears on This Page

Looking for information about VCA Avondale Veterinary Hospital? This page also includes pet insurance resources to help pet parents understand how to prepare for unexpected veterinary expenses.

Veterinary care costs can vary widely depending on the type of visit, treatment, or emergency. Many pet parents explore pet insurance before they need it so they are better prepared when unexpected situations arise.

How to Choose a Pet Insurance Provider

Pet Insurance Review helps pet parents compare insurance providers using verified customer reviews and real-world experiences. Our tools make it easier to evaluate providers based on claims experience, service quality, and overall satisfaction.

We have collected more than 220,000 reviews from pet parents, creating one of the largest independent databases of pet insurance feedback available.

How rankings are determined

Unexpected veterinary expenses can happen at any clinic. The providers below are ranked using verified reviews submitted by real pet parents through Pet Insurance Review. Results reflect overall satisfaction, claims experience, and value based on real world feedback. Rankings are updated regularly as new reviews are submitted.

Top Pet Insurance Providers of 2026
Rating Provider Total Review
4.8 Adoro 19
4.5 AKC 1,801
4.4 ASPCA 12,241
4.9 Embrace 19,993
4.9 Fetch 5,953
4.1 Figo 2,872
4.4 Hartville 183
4.9 Healthy Paws 11,393
4.8 Lemonade 833
4.6 ManyPets 2,416
4.7 MetLife 11,391
4.8 Nationwide 25,758
3.9 Pet Assure 15
4.3 PetPartners 121
4.9 Pets Best 15,384
4.8 Prudent Pet 2,878
4.7 Pumpkin 3,592
4.6 Spot 11,639
4.9 Trupanion 55,033

Compare Pet Insurance Plans

You can compare coverage options from multiple providers to find a plan that fits your budget and your pet’s healthcare needs.


Getting to Know Your Veterinarian

Choosing a veterinarian is an important decision for pet parents. A strong vet relationship is built on trust, communication, and understanding your pet’s individual needs.

Experience

Ask whether the clinic has experience treating your specific type of pet, since care can vary between dogs, cats, and pocket pets.

Emergency Care Procedures

It’s helpful to understand how the clinic handles after-hours emergencies, including whether they provide emergency services or refer to nearby emergency hospitals.

Communication Preferences

Ask how the clinic communicates with pet parents, including updates, test results, and follow up questions.

Breed Specific Health Considerations

Some breeds may be more prone to certain health conditions. Early awareness can help with prevention and early treatment.

Facility Tour

If available, touring the clinic can help you and your pet feel more comfortable before the first visit.


Final Note

Pet care decisions often involve both medical and financial considerations. Having access to trusted veterinary information alongside pet insurance comparisons can help pet parents feel more confident when planning for their pet’s health and wellbeing.

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Reviews from Google

4.6

352 reviews

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.

Nov 7, 2023

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!

Dec 12, 2023

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. :)

Jan 27, 2024

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.

Dec 4, 2023

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

Dec 30, 2023