Academy West Animal Hospital

I cannot recommend this vet at all for a dog. I took my nine year old American Staffordshire Terrier there for vaccinations and minor checkups for about three years. They were nice enough with that, but when my dog got sick about 10 days ago I took her to the vet right away. They did a routine exam and said they couldn’t find anything wrong with her. I insisted on a senior blood panel, which they said was normal. Two days later I came home from work to find her lethargic, cold body temp and spasming in her rear abdominal/intestinal area. I immediately took her back.\r mmediately. I did not know it but she had also vomited a little in the car. They again said they did not see anything wrong, but took an x-ray which took a long time. apparently the machine was not working right or something. he had asked a tech to try to get a urine sample from her by taking her outside I guess, but that was unsuccessful. He came back in later with the x-ray and said he could find nothing wrong except more

I cannot recommend this vet at all. I took my nine year old American Staffordshire Terrier there for vaccinations and minor checkups for about three years. They were nice enough with that, but when my dog got sick about 10 days ago I took her to the vet right away. They did a routine exam and said they couldn’t find anything wrong with her. I insisted on a senior blood panel, which they said was normal. Two days later I came home from work to find her lethargic, cold body temp and spasming in her rear abdominal/intestinal area. I immediately took her back.\r mmediately. I did not know it but she had also vomited a little in the car. They again said they did not see anything wrong, but took an x-ray which took a long time. apparently the machine was not working right or something. he had asked a tech to try to get a urine sample from her by taking her outside I guess, but that was unsuccessful. He came back in later with the x-ray and said he could find nothing wrong except her colon more

\r I cannot recommend this vet at all. I took my nine year old American Staffordshire Terrier there for vaccinations and minor checkups for about three years. They were nice enough with that, but when my dog got sick about 10 days ago I took her to the vet right away. They did a routine exam and said they couldn’t find anything wrong with her. I insisted on a senior blood panel, which they said was normal. Two days later I came home from work to find her lethargic, cold body temp and spasming in her rear abdominal/intestinal area. I immediately took her back.. I did not know it but she had also vomited a little in the car. They again said they did not see anything wrong, but took an x-ray which took a long time. apparently the machine was not working right or something. he had asked a tech to try to get a urine sample from her by taking her outside I guess, but that was unsuccessful. He came back in later with the x-ray and said he could find nothing wrong except her colon was backed up and full of poop. his diagnosis was constipation and to leave her in the yard for a while. otherwise he said I had a healthy dog who should live many more years.\r \r I got one more week. The following Saturday she woke up with the same symptoms. Unknowingly I'm thinking constipation again. I called the vet and they said just watch her over the weekend and see if she is better, if not bring her in. she continued to worsen, so when I called again I was told the Dr had I wish I could say I had a good experience but truthfully I can't. I have been taking my American Staffordshire Terrier, Shea to this vet for about 3 years now, mostly for vaccinations, once for a bump that was removed and biopsied. for the most part it was good service, but about a week ago I took her there because she was just not acting herself. weak and just sickly. she is nine years old so I don't mess around and took her in right away. they could not find anything wrong, not that they did anything but take her temp and feel her tummy. I requested a senior blood work to be done, which they said came back fine. Two days later I get home from work and she is having cramping in the rear area, around the stomach and intestines, very lethargic and cold body temp. I took her in ileft for the day and there was nothing they could do, I had to go to the emergency clinic. In the meantime thankfully we all spent some time with her, she never acted in pain, just lethargic, cold, and the spasms now and then. But an hour later, she could not stand to walk, so we rushed to the emergency vet. They immediately said she was very critical, and ""down"" as they put it. After an hour of waiting for them to take x-rays and try to stabilize her, the vet came back and said it appeared that she had a perforated bowel which had leaked into her stomach and was septic. the option was surgery which being an emergency could cost up to $30,000, or to euthanize her. While we agonized and cried over this, my daughter, being a critical care nurse, explained that it was unlikely the surgery would help her. When I went back to see her, I could tell she was going, her eyes were not hers anymore. They put her on a gurney and we got about 5 minutes to say goodbye and then she was gone.\r In my heart I know that had this vet at Academy West insisted on cleansing out her colon and doing another x-ray, he probably could have diagnosed her correctly and performed the surgery before it went septic and possibly have saved my baby. As it is, I have lost my best friend and a large part of my reason for living. I am so angry at myself for not taking her somewhere else, among many other things. On top of that, when I called them this morning to cancel the appointment I had set on Saturday, I explained some of what happened to the receptionist. the vet has not called me to find out what happened or follow up in any way.\r more

I had to get several kitties spayed/neutered and some were mine that I had opted to keep, others were my rescued kittens & mama. They offered a rescue discount and I spoke to a tech on the phone about prices and she was VERY helpful and sharing everything so I would feel comfortable with bringing them. Upon arrival I was greeted in a friendly manner and didn't wait long, Vet even said ""hello"" though this was just a drop off. I was happy to learn the Vet has kitties himself and would take good care of my babies. I received calls to update me and staff took time to explain everything to me with aftercare and a call to check on them. I was impressed to discover they also have boarding and grooming on site too. What impressed me the most is their dedication to animals, they have adoptable kitties in the lobby and appear to care about rescues, which is what I love to help with. No surprise costs or issues, my kitties are all healing well and appear very healthy. I would recommend this place to friends, rescues and that says a lot coming from someone who is active in a rescue and a dog/cat owner! more

The staff is always so nice when I bring in any of my pets. They address my pets by their names and try their hardest not to frighten them. The doctor always plays with my cats, and tells me how cute they are (even if he doesn't really believe it). I have adopted two kittens from local shelters and I brought them here for their courtesy check-ups. I continued going here for all their other needs because I felt welcome and they offer deals to owners of a new pet. Also, when my 6 year old cat went missing, they were more than willing to allow me to post a lost cat flyer on the bulletin board in the lobby. more

I moved too far form my old vet so I tired this one. It was horible my dog was a youngster and he was their to get shots and the man looked like he had been in prision and he pulled my dog but when my dog backed up they pusehd him into the table the table went swinging and he had a HUGE not on his head for about 2 months. I had to get my son to take my granddaughter outside bedcause how upset she was and i dont blame her. Then I got a puppy we went their to get him checked out and found out her had a heart problem and my granddaughter started crying the doctor told her to stop it he would be fine. Which I thought was very rude and after about 5 people came in to listen to his heart like hes just some experiment! I later had to put him down which means the doctor is a liar and when i came in i called beofre i did and they made me weight their while i was histarical for about 30 mins. Just holding him knowing that he was going to be killed was the worst day of my life if i had to cut off my own wrist it wouldnt be as painful. Ever since then I drive the 35 miles to my old vet. DO NOT GO THEIR IF YOU CARE AND LOVE YOUR ANIMAL AND EVEN IF YOU DONT YOUR ANIMAL DESERVES BETTER THAN THAT. WORST PLACE EVER I WOULD BE BETTER OFF GOING TO A HOBO OR A 7 YR OLD! more

I just moved here from Ohio last week. I was very fortunate to have a great vet and groomer. They both loved my dog and was always really good to him. Since we moved across country and to completely different climate I wanted to make sure we had a vet established right away. The first time I went in was for his wellness check. The front desk ladies checked us in and took us back to a room right away. I did not have to wait very long for the vet to come. He seemed nice, but in a hurry. He did answer all my questions, but seemed like he wanted to get to the next appointment. He also spent very little time with my dog. Our last vet the first visit he spent extra time getting to know him to make sure coming to the vet was not a horrible experience. He also took his time checking him out. He felt all over his body and made me feel really good about knowing my dog was in good health. This vet barely touch my dog and basically just listened to his heart and quickly gave him two s more

Ive lived in Arizona all my life and this is the best Vet hospital by far. I did my research on line as many of us do and this office was close to me and my new home I just moved into. I read the past reviews and most were great with the one or two who were unsatisfied, but we all know that we cant please every one. No matter how far you bend over backwards to please them (PMS I guess). I first called and was greeted by their receptionist, friendly and very informative. I take my dog in and the place is an older building yes but not dirty in any way. I then get to see a technician. She looks at my dog from head to toe and asks all the routine questions and then it surprised me when she asked me how I was doing? we talked a bit about my dog and life with him at home and even about my other pets . I thought to myself this is great. To be honest with you I first thought she was the Dr. until she said she was just the tech and I would be seeing the Dr shortly. I found it very pleasing when she not only wanted to address the problem my dog was having, but also wanted to get to know me and my pets on a personal level. She was very helpful and was so gentle and genuine with how she approached my dog ( he can be a bit scetchy/ scared) all the information she was giving me was wonderful. I saw the vet and he was great! we joked around a bit about pets and the economy and well I just have to say, it made me feel as if I had known them for years. My dog was calm, relaxed and seemed to really enjoy the company he was in and so did I. I was so impressed by them that I even called back that day to ask who my vets name was (I couldnt remember) and the technician who saw me. I just wanted to say I have found my new vet and you guys are awesome!!! thank you Dr. Kimmel and Lily you are truly the best. Pros: exellent staff (techs/vet) Cons: not more places like this around more

My daughter recently lost her pet and we took him in to be cremated and the staff was so compassionate while we were there, then last night we recieved a hand written letter in the mail expressing there sympathy for her loss - it was so touching.\r \r Thank you Pros: The geniune love the staff shows for animals Cons: None come to mind more

I took my cat to have his nails trimmed and they took him back without me and brought him back and said he must have been scared on the way and didn't I notice he urinated in his carrier. I said that he is very good in the car and did not have an accident. When I got him home and checked his claws, I saw that they only trimmed two claws on each paw. When I called for his shot records and explained that I was taking him to the groomer and the reason why, the girl never said she would speak to anyone about the situation and just ended the conversation saying she would fax his records over . . . no concern with inadequate service. more

My family has gone to Academy West for our small pets for well over 25 years. As with any business you may run into someone having a bad day, but you will never see substandard medical service from this team. All of my visits have been great experiences with a compassionate and caring staff. They have always taken great care of our pets. They have been there for us at the start of their lives to the end. If your looking for a good Vet. this team is one of the best. more

I am surprised to see anything but nice reviews about this clinic. My cat is always treated with compassion and I feel like everyone involved with this clinic wants the best for my pet. Sure they are an older building, but that is one of the greater points because I know they are family owned and have been operating in Arizona for close to 30 years because my mom used to go there when she was my age! \r If a clinic is as bad as the last review makes it seem, then why has this clinic been such a well established business in Arizona for so long?\r I recommend this place to everyone I know! more

I have been coming to this clinic for a while and I always feel like my cat is treated like the princess she is. The doctor is great, the staff is caring and the drive is very convenient (even if I moved far from this place I would still drive the extra miles.)\r They offer boarding and grooming too, so I never have to leave this place. I board my cat there and feel good that I know she is in good hands. \r I highly recommend this hospital! Pros: Many Cons: none more

If you love your pet, never take them to this office!! I took my 11 month old puppy here to be spayed and was appalled by everything, from the staff to the cleanliness to the customer service to the way they treated animals. I was unsure of the place from the moment I walked in, but figured it probably wasn't a ""dirty"" place, just an older building. The woman at the front desk was rude to the customers as they walked in. The vet tech that took my pup and myself back into a room was unfriendly and cold towards myself and my little girl. She argued with me over the breed of my dog (who is papered), talked down to me, and was not at all friendly with my pup. As she was taking her back she just took the leash from me and started taking her back - no ""say bye to mommy!"" or ""come on little girl!"" - nothing, just took the leash and started to walk out with her. I grabbed the leash back to stop her so I could at least say bye to my baby. Still, against my better judgment I figured I was just being ultra picky and that if they were a veterinary office they had to be okay. They over-anesthesised her, she was sick the whole rest of the day, and didn't come out of it for two days. I was told that dissolvable sutures would be used, and my boyfriend was told that they were when he picked her up - we were told she did not need to come back to have them removed, they would dissolve in a couple weeks. A month and a half later I looked at her cut (still there and not healed!) and noticed what appeared to be sutures in her wound still!! I took a pair of scissors and cut one end and pulled out three inches of fishing line type sutures. I called them and asked if they normally lie to their clientelle like this and was fed a line of BS and told that I should bring her in to have them look at it. No way is my dog or any other pet of mine going back there, EVER! I told them no thanks, I'd never take any pet of mine back to that place. Take my advice, terrible place. Pros: They participate in Maddie's Project (but better places do too!) Cons: EVERYTHING! more

Would be nice if they had an E-mail address or an answering service. Very nice people and excellent for last minute change in plans! more

I had been searching for a new vet since moving out here to Arizona, I did my research and called several vets and got the same answers from most clinics. When I called for an estimate for my cat. this time it was different they didn't just right off the bat say it will be this much. I was greeted by friendly receptionists, very polite and cheerful, I spoke to one of the technicians there who was very knowledgeable, who got some information on the specifics on my my pet and then went over the details and prices and explained why some tests might have to be performed and the reason behind all the work up. I wasn't just another client to them. I took my pet in and I was very pleased with the way the Dr broke things down for me . My kitty is better now and I thank them for it. I have found my new vet. I would highly recommend them. more

Academy West has been my vet office for over 7 years now. While they get new vets in quite frequently, they have always been awesome! I have had 3 new puppies in the 7 years and they have seen and treated all of them.\r \r My 14 year old Rottie finally had to be put to sleep after the docs at Academy West tried everything they could to help her with meds, etc. When I went in to have her put to sleep, and well... I can't say enough. The vet cried with me and was very sympathetic. They gave me lots of suggestions for cremation (or whatever you choose) and arranged and took care of everything. My Sassy now sits in a beautiful hand carved wood urn with her image on it.\r \r Anytime I need an appointment, I've always been able to get in the same day. I've also had many times when I had to call to get advice (puppies eat lots of interesting things) and they always get a vet on the phone with me free of charge.\r \r I love these guys. Feel free to email me if you want to know more.\r Erica more

I recently had to have my dog put to sleep and have never had a more horrible experience... first the front desk was totally uncaring and the music in the waiting is way too loud and offensive. I was taken to an exam room where a tech that did not speak much English took my dog away. 20 minutes later she brought my dog back with bandages on BOTH legs, she had obviously had trouble. The doctor came in the room, never acknowledged my dog, or touched her in a kind and loving way, much less me. He administered the injections, left the room, as did the tech and said "i am sorry" on the way out. I was left with my dying dog by myself. When I finally left the room, no one said a word on my way out. I think this is very cold and uncaring. This was my first time to do this and no at the hospital helped me prepare for this. I also had to pay before and everyone has told me this is usually billed later. not even a call or card of condolence. I guess that would cost postage... more

My family has brought in our golden retriever here many times. She seemed to like it and was cared for as we specified. Of course she was happy to see us when we returned but she wasn't afraid to get out of the car when we took her back (like she gets when going to the vet). She has a history of seizures and should anything go wrong it is nice to know a vet is nearby as well. PROS: Good care, friendly, dog likes it, vet nearby CONS: None more

Recently we used the Academy West Boarding facilities for our minature schnauzer. When I called they were very informative and made it clear that they required updated vaccinations prior to boarding. We found the dog runs exceptionally clean and roomy. They do not allow any outside bedding, toys or food, which eliminates the possibility of your animal picking up germs and viruses that could be brought into the facility. From the receptionist to the doctor I found them to be friendly, caring and informative. We had the groomers give our dog a kennel bath the same morning of picking him up, which made it nice riding in the car with a clean pup. Their pricing is resaonable and I will use them again in the future. more