Bartsch, Veronica, Dvm - Akin Hills Pet Hospital

First off, let me start by saying that Akin Hills is one of the best clinics around. I had a 8 year Lhasa Apso, Bella, that had dementia and I made the decision to put her down. I called the clinic and they got me in ASAP and took such good care of me and my sweet Bella. Later on, I adopted a pug. I had his records from his original clinic in WI faxed up (twice) and they were misplaced. No big deal really, just annoying. Dr. Bartsch is honest and explains the pro's and con's of her recommendations. She has always provided my dogs with great care and is the only human alive that can get my pug to sit still ;) Pros: close to my house Cons: front desk a little disorganized. more

Dr Bartsch and staff saved my pup from parvo this winter. She spent a week under their care and I wouldn't trust anyone else with her! They did a great job, are friendly and loving with every animal they treat. more

Dr. Bartsch, Lindsay, Karmen and others have made many trips to the Red Lake Indian Reservation to provide animal clinics over the past few years.\r \r They come and sleep in an old warehouse and really ""rough it"" to make a diffrence on our reservation.\r \r They have been absolute angels here helping us get many animals spayed/neutered and other medical emergencies.\r \r Akin Hills gets a 10 from us!\r \r We love Akin Hills and would recommend them if you want compassion and great care! Karen Good Red Lake Rosie's Rescue Pros: Very caring and committed to animal care more

I had a 85 pound 12 yr old German Shepard which died at home on the weekend. I had been looking for a way to get the body to a crematorium or cemetary and am about 4 months pregnant. No one I called could direct me to anyone which picks up - it's been recommended I don't lift large weights. I am not even a client of Akin Hills and yet the vet and her assistant helped me by coming to my home and picking up my animal. I am flabbergasted that they could help me even though I have not been a client. Should I get any other pets, I will definitely use this veterinarian. Pros: wonderful customer service Cons: ? more

I had a crisis with an old dog that I was fostering. The staff were wonderful and got me in to see Dr. Bartsch as soon as I could get there. I received Knowledgeable, caring, information and great help in deciding what to do for this dog. \r \r Dr. Bartsch and some of her staff also volunteer and help Animal Ark several times a year aiding homeless animals at the Red Lake Indian Reservation. When animals needing advanced care for broken limbs, etc are brought back to the Twin Cities, Dr. Bartch and her staff give all the care these animals need at no charge, with great results. It would be hard to find a more dedicated staff. Pros: Very caring, giving, and competent Cons: no drawbacks more

I brought our pet in for his annual check-up and shots. While we got adequate services from the vet, the front desk staff were rude and insulting. She chastised me for requesting a prescription so I could purchase my pet meds online through national provider at a savings of almost 50%. She did this in front of her go-worker and the other customers. Here is the bottom line, I do not want to trust my pet to a place that cannot not treat their human customers with respect. How will they treat my dog if they are so willing to treat me in such a disrespectful way. So save yourself the aggravation and money and drive a few blocks to another place. Pros: Close to my home Cons: Poor customer service, policies againt perscriptions. more

I decided to go to Akin Hills on the recommendation of a friend when our middle aged American Water Spaniel developed a tumor behind her ear. It had ruptured over a holiday weekend, and had literally quadrupled in size as infection set in. I called the moment Akin Hills opened on a Monday morning, I explained that the tumor had ruptured and was oozing and clearly infected. \r \r I saw a very kind and understanding vet, who arranged for surgery the same day. I explained that I'd self-administered Cephalexin (a broad-spectrum oral antibiotic for dogs that I keep at home) over the weekend, in hoping of keeping the infection under control. I'd also put on topical triple antibiotic and had wrapped the wound in gauze. My thinking was that for cost reasons, I had to avoid going to an emergency vet, and was hoping to buy time until Akin opened on Monday. I was also feeling guilty that I hadn't attended to my dog's health issue a few weeks earlier, so it meant a lot that the vet didn't criticize my delay in seeking treatment. \r \r She simply stated that she could remove it easily during a same day surgery under general anesthesia and would send us home with antibiotics. A vet tech came in, we signed the necessary release forms, and I was pleasantly surprised at an estimate of just under $300, considering my previous vet had quoted $650-800 for the same procedure over the phone.\r \r I am so thankful for the recommendation of Akin Hills. Their staff--from the front desk, to the techs and the vet are genuinely concerned for animals and treated us as if we'd been coming to them for years. I'd wholeheartedly recommend them to anyone needing a veterinarian in the southern Twin Cities metro!! My dear dog is now on the mend and we're thankful to have found a new vet for our two dogs and our cat. Pros: Great care, loving staff, clean clinic, same day surgery available, open 'til 8! more

The doctors and staff at Akin Hills Pet Hospital saved my dog's life. He started throwing up but was acting normal so I didn't think it was anything serious. I took him in on a Saturday and the doctor explained that something might have been stuck in his intestines causing an obstruction. We took x-rays and sure enough there was something blocking his stomach. They stayed late on a Saturday and did surgery so I didn't have to go to the emergency clinic and spend ten times as much money.\r They are very caring. I feel they recommend only what they think is necessary and always have my pet's interest at heart. They are also one of the least expensive hospitals in the area. I have always gotten a good value from my visits there. Pros: great doctors and staff, fantastic value Cons: small parking lot more

I think that the vets/staff at Akin Hills tend to overtreat animals, which means that you will spend more than necessary on tests,prescriptions, etc. My dog was throwing up, and the suggested that I do x-rays to rule out obstruction, subcutaneous IV, and prescribed 2 prescriptions for nausea and loose stool. A more conservative approach would be to treat with antibiotics, and slowly re-introduce food and water. This would safely treat 90% of the possible causes for the throwing up. If an obstruction were an issue, it would become more evident over 24-48 hours, and could be effectively treated at that time.\r \r When I said that I'd like to be more conservative (hold off on x-rays, and just do one dose of nausea and loose stool meds), I was made to feel like I was the worst pet owner in the world. In addition, the receptionist was obviously irked that I wanted to see the charges before writing the check. \r \r I will find a vet whose diagnosis and treatment is a bit more conservative. Pros: Very comprehensive Cons: So comprehensive you'll spend 10X more than necessary more

I've been using this Vet for over 6 years now and have never had a bad experience. They have always been fair with their prices. They have also been kind with their advice even if it did mean that an animal had to be put down. Pros: Great prices and service Cons: Parking is a bit restrictive more

We love this place. They have been great to us and we have been to quite a few places before. I only hope they will treat our new hedgehog as we want to go there for all our pets. more

I started using Akin Hills after my husband and I first moved into the area and got our two dogs who happen to be litter mates. We started visiting with the first puppy check and we continue to now. The day that we relaized that we were bringing our kids to the right place when one of them started acting very sad. After bringing them to the e-vet and following up with Akin. We found that our dog had a tick born disease that needed more testing and extensive treatment. through tears and worry the people at Akin Hills suggested that we bring our puppy to the U of M. We did and because of Akin Hills they probably saved our puppies life. We had appointment every two weeks after that and Akin help keep the communication lines open between all the doctors involved and us. We will never forget what they did for our family and we owe them so much gratitude and respect. Deffinatly use Akin for your vet and they are great groomers too. more

UPDATE: 4/3/09 After 3 1/2 years, 4 dogs and 3 cats, lots of visits and regular comunications with everyone at the clinic, I wouldn't take my pets anywhere else. Dr. Bartsch and acupuncture has been a saving grace for Ginger our oldest POM. \r \r They are all patient,caring, friendly. Even after moving several miles again we still drive back to Farmington for all our vet care.\r Thanks Everyone at the Clinic\r \r We started with Akin Hill just because it was so close.. 1 block away..after an accident where our 4 mo old Pom jumped and broke her foot and dislocated her shoulder. She was rushed over and we haven't taken our pets anywhere else. Easy to get appts. Great customer service. Everyone is friendly and remember your's and your pets' by names. They even know my voice on the phone. My dogs actually like going there, even after 12 weeks of weekly splint changes. Her splint was always decorated with something new..flowers, hearts, shamrocks...'the girls' know they will get lots of love when they walk in the door. Dr. Bartsch is the best, great 'pet side' manners. Both docs are very knowledgable and care about animals. They tell you like it is. Can call anytime and ask advice. We sometimes just stop by when out walking. ""The Girls"" just know when we get to the parking lot & race to the door. Cost are cheaper compared to other vets in the metro area. Willing to admit when they feel more specialized care is needed and have a good referral base. My cat just had a major surgery for cancer and one day later you wouldn't guess from her behavior, and the cost was $200 less then the quote. They give you their highest possible cost as an estimate so you are not surprised in a bad way. Clean environment. Good hours. Home town feel. Won't take my pets anywhere else. And I say thanks to them all for the great care they provide to my family.. Pros: knowledgable, super friendly and caring. clean environment, compassionate. The rest of the regular staff. Cons: little hard to get to know dr. Eklund, but now she is good. more

We moved to Farmington about 15 years ago and have been bringing our animals to see Dr. Ecklund ever since then. I won't trust my animals with anyone else. She knows her stuff and gives great advice and help. If we have any questions they always answer them for us. Because of Akin Hills my pets live long and healthy lives. There is now another Dr. there and she is very nice but I still ask for Dr. Ecklund, we enjoy our visits and she actually talks to us, ex. asking about the family and the horses. There is another groomer working weekends now and we just love her. Her name is Lindsey and she does a great job. I would never dream of moving vets, their prices are more reasonable than any other place that our neighbors and family friends went to...now they also moved to Akin Hills. Pros: Parking good no problems, service is good and as quick moving as they can keep it going, prices are good Cons: one lady is a bit growchy her name is Anne she is knowlegdable but comes off a bit rude. but other than that everyone else is very nice and helpful. more

new to area took my small dog in that has been going to a groomer every 3 month for 5 years with no stress or problems for him. Came out with a dog that was in so much pain and uncomfort that he could hardly find a comfortable position to sit in. Told groomer about a cyst that was scabbed over, and asked that they did not go over the area with a clipper, they did. A rash caused by allergies on his underside was also ignored and also gone over with clippers causing the area to go from what his vet told me was itchy and had started treating to an area that was painfull red and inflamed 3x the size of when he went in. Do not use this service for your pets sake! Just because it is a vet's office does not make them able to groom. more