Northwest Veterinary Hospital

I have been going to NW Vet for 26 years and in the days of Dr Rhyne I felt incredibly lucky to live next door to such a caring, competent, and proactive staff of lovely people. This is no longer the case. Let me start with the good: not everyone here is incompetent, insensitive, unhelpful, unresponsive, and totally focused on CYA verses actually providing the medical care you would expect to receive. Since I live next door and my dog was immobile, they were nice enough to walk next door and provide a monthly injection for pain (with an understandable extra fee attached) - sadly, in one instance they literally gave the shot in her actual leg with the bone cancer (she cried out in pain to the point she got up and came over to me on 3 legs), and then just said "well it's a small needle" with no apology. Who gives a shot in the actual leg where the cancer is verses anywhere else on her body?!? I was in disbelief. This was the start of a lot of attitude and very little actual care - I couldn't even get the vet to call me to discuss my dog's care ... it felt like they couldn't be bothered and honestly didn't want to deal with such a difficult case. Multiple inquiries went unanswered and it was like I had to fight them to get answers, medication, and care. They often told me "no" to requests with no reasonable alternatives. Rather than give you all of the examples of what I am speaking to, I think this one example says it all: I was literally told by NW Vet that the only way you can determine if a dog has bone cancer verses a fungal infection is with a bone biopsy. I found out months later through another vet, that is NOT true. There are a multitude of other ways to determine this. They knew my dog was immobile and it is common knowledge bone biopsies with existing bone destruction is extremely risky for a fracture and very painful no matter what. Once I decided to stop going to them for care and later had to let my sweet baby go, they felt the need to email me a copy of their records that listed the date and the words "died on" with not one single word of condolence or why they were sending it. I asked why they were sending this to me and no response. Honestly the worst vet experience I have had in my life and I will never take another pet here. Ever. IN RESPONSE TO NW VET'S REPLY: You paint a lovely picture in your reply and I don't doubt some people actually cared. Three different people visiting my home 50 steps away (for an additional $300 fee for those 3 times) over 3 months doesn't seem like "many" staff members - though I am grateful regardless. I'm not asking for a sympathy card - just basic acknowledgment, or any sensitivity, around why you felt the need to email me an unsolicited update telling me she "died on" - as if I didn't know she passed away? Interesting you can respond here in a timely manner and send that unnecessary communication to me with no problems, but claim my moving is why you can't answer via email or text as this was the way we communicated during her care. This lack of appropriate response was fairly consistent throughout her care after diagnosis - you didn't even send her xrays to the requesting new vet. After leaving NW Vet, I didn't return your call because listening to the degree of missing genuine accountability is a bit of an insult to injury at this point.

posted: 01/06/2026

This veterinary practice was recommended to me by a friend who used to work here. We normally have a mobile vet come to the house for annual shots and checkup but one of my cats needed dental work and that requires anesthesia. These folks were friendly, available, had a good price, and most importantly, took very good care of my kitty. They did a good job explaining pricing and procedures. All 3 of my cats had just had their annual checkup and shots with our normal (mobile) vet, so they also had to explain to me why the cat needed yet another exam, urinalysis, and a blood draw to get dental work done. Not fun or glamorous (You try again getting a cat to pee in a cup and see what that involves!). This was to make sure there were no underlying health conditions before putting my fur baby under anesthesia. I was happy with the aftercare as well. The veterinarian answered all my questions and provided after care instructions for the recovery. All in all a good experience and I'm very glad to have a brick and mortar veterinarian as a backup now to do things that my mobile that cannot.

posted: 03/09/2024

I have gone to NW for 14 years and can honestly say they have been nothing short of amazing. Not only are my dogs always in good hands with Dr. Green-Otero (the whole team is fantastic too) but as a client I am cared for with empathy, compassion and understanding. The techs and reception are caring and very professional, this clinic truly cares for its patients and clients.

posted: 09/13/2023

Dr. Noel and the entire team at Northwest Veterinary Hospital are exceptional. We started using Dr, Phillips 11 years ago when we moved to Austin and he was awesome as well. Both vets are exceptionally knowledgeable, professional, and have great human (and animal) relations. Thank you for caring for Max, Norbert, and Bentley. Kindly, Melaine and Evan F

posted: 08/04/2023

I have a big ol' rambunctious mastiff rescue and Dr. Philips and the entire team at Northwest Veterinary Hospital take the absolute best care of him. Bender can be a little overwhelming, but not for these professionals. Their knowledge, understanding, and love of animals shows through in their care. Bender has some tumor issues he is dealing with and I wouldn't trust his care to any other team but Dr. Philip's and the wonderful people at Northwest Vet Hospital. They really do go above and beyond to take care of our best friends and I highly recommend Northwest Veterinary Hospital for all your pet medical needs.

posted: 07/16/2020