Jewell Animal Hospital

We had a lab for 10 years that past away the weekend before Christmas and our hearts were broken.....We wanted to get another dog that our 6 month old daughter could grow up with just like my wife and I did as kids so we decided to rescue a puppy from Jewell Animal Hospital in St. Louis from Dr. Judy. We drove 2 and a half hours and we picked out our new puppy Moo (Who is spotted just like a cow : ) From start to Finish Dr. Judy went above and beyond our expectations in explaining what to look out for in our new puppy's early life especially since the entire nature of what she does there is rescue animals (from all across the country that need a home and may other wise die or be euthanized with out people like her non profit organization) no matter where they come from and there are possibilities they may have health issues because of that very reason. She is truly a professional and the Best Veterinarian that we have ever been to. My wife and I discussed several times now after having Moo for the last month how much we wished she was local to our home. She went out of her way during the adoption, in setting up the insurance and microchip information for Moo, and during the last month answer any questions that we have called her about. I am not usually one that does online reviews, however I have read a 1 or 2 bad reviews that all most made me shy away from going here and didn't want that to happen to anyone else....I would have to believe these people are the type that no matter what you do for them, they are never happy. Dr. Judy has a real passion that shine's through, and she really cares about what she does there. Rest Assured, Go here and Adopt one of Dr. Judy's wonderful little rescue's and there is no doubt you will have a wonderful experience!!!!!! Thank You for our Moo!! more

I left Jewel Animal Hospital after Dr Krumrey retired. I brought my dog to Dr Smith afterwards for a short time frame. One day she had a large red swelling on the back of her leg. My dog was crying non-stop. I was the first one in to see the doctor. She came in and discussed her evening outside my door for 15 minutes all the while hearing my dog cry. I had to come out to get her and she had an attitude. No other patients were in the clinic at that time. I got medicine and a pain shot for my dog whose anal gland suddenly swelled. I never went back again. more

This group should not be in animal rescue, because Dr. Smith's (sole veterinarian running the animal hospital) heart is NOT in it for their animals. I was a volunteer for this group for over a year. Every time I came my heart and soul went into every one of their dogs. However, I did not see the same passion from Dr. Smith. With the exception of a few of their kennel workers and mostly volunteers, including myself, their dogs were completely unappreciated by some of their staff members, but mostly by Dr. Smith. As my tenure continued, I was constantly posting videos and pictures on their social media Facebook to get their dogs, which most of them were there over a year, some publicity that they were lacking from their staff members and mostly Dr. Smith. I can't recall how many times I heard from Dr. Smith yelling at the dogs because they were making too much noise in their cages and saying to them all ""I wish all of you were gone"". As my time continued, there was very little adoption success, mostly because their dogs were lucky if they attended one adoption event per month. Dr. Smith instead of conducting more adoption events in different locations started to list their dogs on St. Louis Craiglist with adoption fees being waived, because as she quoted ""they have been here too long"", some over a year long. I guess so you hardly take them to adoption events and you don't social media them across the world wide web, what do you expect? Dr. Smith currently has two dogs in her possession (Lady and Luna) that have been there over a year and are not even on their adoptable list, giving them zero exposure and no chance for adoption. They claim to do a thorough and complete adoption process, but never once conducting a home visit prior to adoption or even a home visit follow-up, to checkup on the welfare of their adopted animal. Personally, to me that is not a thorough and complete adoption process, possibly endangering the welfare of their animals. This is just another rescue group that hides behind their own Facebook page telling every one of their success stories. However, when an unfortunate death occurs (twice while I was there, rest in peace Taz and Roxy) they will NOT accept any blame and immediately delete other user's comments/postings that are true statements, because they don't want the public to see or read about it. When other people/volunteers do ""good things"" for their animals their efforts are not acknowledged but actually frowned upon, because it was not their idea. Dr. Smith must display to everyone that her heart is in it for the animals and not for your own personal gain. If not, then perhaps she should not be involved in animal rescue. Oh by the way, this is all true. My review comments directed towards your business practice was posted here, so the public can see and read about it without your capability of deleting it. more

This vet has it all. She is trustworthy, knowledgable and fun. She takes your pets health and happiness to heart. I have a pet care business, Pack Leader, Plus..., and any dog that needs a vets touch is taken to Jewell. Her clinic in South City, was an old house that was made into her vet clinic and office, which brings a sense of home and that has a special ""welcoming"" feel. \r My pack is consistantly growing and we will always be with Dr Pat Smith and her expert staff who is sweet, curtious and kind. Please go see her, and most of the time, you dont need an appointment! more

I took my German Shepard mix Lucy to Jewel 2 weeks ago because we noticed a lump on her side. Dr.Smith was very informative. She told us that the lump needed to be removed. We brought her back the next day for surgery. Waiting for the biopsy results was pretty awful. It turned out that she has cancer, but very it's slow moving and as long as the lump on her side doesn't come back she should be OK. The Dr. Smith and her staff at Jewell were really supportive for us during a difficult time. We will definitely be coming back for all of our pet care needs. I would recommend them to anyone. more

This was my first experience with this Vet Clinic. We recently adopted a kitten from their no-kill shelter. Pennie was the runt of her litter, all of which were found with severe eye infections. There was a point when Pennie would have died if it hadn't been for Dr. Smith's keen knowledge and the expert care of John, the Vet tech there. They were able to save Pennie's eye and nurse her back to health. Once we adopted her, they left us feeling as though we could return with any question or concern regarding our new kitten, no matter how big or small the problem might seem. We are now 3 months a family and Pennie is the kitten tornado that keeps all of us young. We couldn't imagine life without her. more

The absolute BEST Vet and staff. The service to my cats was wonderful. They have never had such a good exam and follow ups. I highly recommend this clinic to anyone who loves and cares about their pets. The animal clinic has been there for a long time but is now under new ownership. Please give them a try you will like the way they care. P.S. They also rescue animals and try to give them loving homes, so if you need a new pet friend they can find the perfect match for you I am sure. more

I actually did a working interview at this place. It was dirty and smelly. The receptionist was not friendly at all. The Vet was rude. If anyone has taken their animals there for some kind of surgery and the pet ended up with an infection, it is because the surgery room is located in the smelly basement, where sick cats are kept in cages and ferrel cats live in the ceiling of the basement. I mean that the sick cats in cages are actually in the same room that the vet does surgeries. The smell in the basement is so strong, it almost knocks you out. After thinking about my expierence there, and speaking with another one of the applicants, I filed a complaint with the Humane Society and the Health Department. For the health of your pets, DO NOT TAKE THEM TO JEWELL ANIMAL HOSPITAL! more

Just talked to them on the phone, asking if I can get some prescriptions for my dog filled there. I talked to the receptionist, who passed me on to Dr. Smith. She was rude and unhelpful. Terrible manners. I would never take my dog to these people if they can't even treat you with respect in a 3-minute phone call! more

After a recent move to south city, I came across Jewell Animal Hospital on the corner of Chippewa and Tamm. Being dissatisfied with the veterinary service I was receiving at another animal hospital in the county, I decided to begin having my pet cared for here. Located in an old renovated house, the hospital is so warm and inviting. While other hospitals seem cold, sterile (in a bad way), and completely uninviting, this hospital was the polar opposite. The small staff is warm and inviting of everyone who walks through the door. The homey atmosphere made it a comfortable place for my pet and I; and I do believe that my animal's vet experience has a lot to do with my comfort level. Dr. Smith took the time to answer all of my questions, and explained everything in a way that made sense to me; unlike other vets who explained things to me as if I graduated vet school with them. The hospital also runs an adoption program called Judy's Forgotten Jewells, and they pull animals set for euthanasia from the city pound and jefferson county. While it seems a little crowded with all of the kittens and some dogs for adoption, you can tell they are cared for. Before anyone gets up in arms about the numerous animals; keep in mind that these animals would have otherwise been euthanized, and it's nearly impossible to stop the spread of kennel cough and other respiratory problems in the kennel atmosphere. The best thing for these animals is for them to be taken home, where they can be happier and healthier! The staff does a great job of keeping everything as clean as possible and socializing the animals -- there's not a mean or scared animal to be found! I will keep coming back to Jewell, both for any new additions to my fuzzy family or the healthcare they may need. Pros: Caring staff, great atmosphere Cons: So many animals more

I had been using Dr. Smith for the first year of my puppy's life without any problems. I did notice that when she did her physcial exams she didn't examine the entire body. I had vets in the past who spent a lot of time checking out the internal organs with their hands and a stethoscope. I asked her once about this and she said she did it quickly. Thankfully, my dog remained healthy. I did not have a problem until my dog needed surgery to remove a bladder stone. The stiches were removed by an intern vet tech. She continued to strain during urination. When I spoke to Dr. Smith about it she said, ""What do you want me to do about it."" At that point, I new she would not be my vet for any longer. I went to another vet who prescribed some pills to resolve the straining problem. A few weeks later, my dog developed a red bump on the scar line. The intern vet tech had left a suture in. I called Dr. Smith to let her know and she said all internal stiches were dissolvable. I was looking right at the stich and verified it was as hard as a rock and was not removed properly from my dog causing an infection. I just recently received my files and noticed the ""doctor"" wrote ""owner took some stiches out herself"" to cover any legal actions I treatened her with. I'm not sure what I can do to protect others, but I hope you will read this and contact me if needed. Please travel the extra distance to find a good vet. Don't let her good deeds (rescuing animals which she can't take proper care of) fool you. She is not a qualified or caring doctor. Pros: None - I tried to give no stars but it wouldn't let me Cons: Incompetent, incompassionate, liar more

I just adopted a 5 month old cat from Jewell Animal Hospital and he is the sweetest, most affectionate, loving cat I have ever seen... I have also volunteered there and it seems that most, if not all, are great cats.... they are socialized very well. My family and I are very impressed... \r \r They also have very cute puppies they take care of and the handful of older dogs they have are great as well. If you are looking for the best dog-- look at Trixie-- sweet, calm, well-behaved, walks well on a leash... etc. Definitely needs a great forever home!\r \r I have always had a great experience at Jewell and def recommend them. This small, well-run clinic needs the community's support! more

My family adopted two puppies 1/28/10 from this vet/adoption center. The receptionist or tech at the time of service was very nice and helpful. However, the puppies had feces on their fur and when asked if they could be bathed before leaving another tech was called out to do this and seemed VERY put out for having to perform what is surely part of her job duties! Who wants to bring home two puppies with fecal matter all over their fur! Also, one puppy had ""kennel cough"" not uncommon in shelter situations. When both puppies were brought home the second puppy who they assured us was healthy started showing signs of ""kennel cough"" as well. When we called back to voice our concerns the receptionist who answered was different she was very rude and did not listen she just waited to talk. When we voiced our concerns she was annoyed, indifferent and almost disbelieving to the symptoms we were telling her this puppy had and seemed to think only if ""THICK GREEN SNOT"" was pouring out the nose did he have anything! When she put us on hold to ask Dr. Smith we were told the dog was fine before he left and if we brought him back for treatment they would charge for it!!! The adoption fees were already at almost $200!!!!! This place should be investigated or reported at least. Too many bad reviews on here!! DO NOT GO HERE!!! If you adopt from here take the animal to your own trusted vet or talk to family and friends about using someone else. NO STARS!!!! Pros: NONE!!!!!!!! Cons: Rude, Expensive, uncompassionate, etc more

Dr. Smith and her staff are excellent!! They are very friendly and compasionate! Dr. Smith goes out of her way to make sure every pet that comes into her office is treated just as well as she would treat her own pets! She worked with me financially which most vets do not do!! I also love the fact that Dr. Smith and her staff work twice as hard and also run a non-profit rescue out of their office! They do good work to try and help the pet over-population here in MO! They do a lot of rescue work over at the Jefferson County Animal Control..where they have saved many animals who were at risk of being euthanized!! I agree with the last post..people only post when they have had a bad experience..not when they have had a GREAT one!!\r \r Thanks Dr.Smith & Staff..keep up the GREAT WORK \r \r I WILL BRING MY PETS BACK FOR AS LONG AS DR SMITH IS HERE!!\r Pros: Small Clinic..friendly Staff Cons: none that I have seen more

We have been going to Jewell Animal Clinic a LONG time- since 1984 when we were newlyweds and had our first dog. Dr. Krumrey was there then, and the founder Dr. Sarasohn would take care of the pets if Dr. K was on vacation. That is how far back we have been going to them for quality pet care for our beloved four legged family members. Dr. Smith has a much different personality than Dr. K did. That is to be expected. I admit it took us a while to get used to lots of changes. Changes are sometimes hard to get used to, but we now sing Dr. Smith's praises. The prices did go up but not that much considering they are now computerized and our now a hospital also, not just a clinic. In Dr. K's days he had a receptionist and used to come out to the waiting room personally and call out the name of the pet. I loved that personal touch. But now I like it better than Dr. S has more assistants and it is a more professional place. I sure wish Dr. William Krumrey didnt have to retire, but he well deserved it, and I know he did a lot of homework before he turned his practice over to Dr. Smith. He worked with her for a couple years before he totally retired. He would never leave his precious patients in the care of someone he did not trust. I called around and her prices are cheaper than the Humane Society and other Vets as well. Twice my dog has had her teeth cleaned and some extractions under Dr. S's care. My dog had to be put out and all turned out well. No infections with the teeth extractions either. I do have trust in the new Vet. When my husband was out of work she was sympathetic and said we could pay payments if need be. She gave us a small discount. At first she seemed a little distant with us when we saw her the first few times. I think she was just a little shy and awkward with us. Now she is different, more friendly. Wil we ever have that 'family feeling"" like we did with Dr. Krumrey. I doubt it, but I know my dog is getting good care, and we like the Vet, and most importantly my dog likes her, and she loves the assistants. I do recommend them. Pros: modernization, more staff, good location Cons: expensive for miscellaneous things like nail cutting more

Smith misdiagnosed my puppy with dry skin when he really had mange. I took him back to her several times and it was always dry skin until I took him someplace else where they immediately gave me medicine for mange which relieved his itching almost immediately. He was miserable for months due to her stupidity. Pros: non Cons: can't diagnose normal problems more

This vet is cold and expensive. All she seemed interested in was charging me for things without really looking at my cat or even seeming to like cats. The staff was unfriendly and only interested in collecting money. Pros: zero Cons: awful vet more

This vet is not good for your pets. She is cold, expensive and incompetent with routine things such as neutering (she almost caused my puppy to die with an incompetent surgery - gave him no antibiotics, told me I was wrong when I took him back and tried to tell her he was getting infected etc). There .are plenty of other vets in ST. Louis - do not use this one. If I could give her less than one star Iwould. Cons: she is cold and incompetent more

I have been utilizing the vet hospital for several years - with both my personal and fostered animals. I was referred by several different people and I loved it because it felt like a small town clinic and administered very personal and caring treatment. This is a stark contrast to my experiences since Dr. Smith took over. My exam with her was very cold and clinical. The prices have skyrockted (and this started before our economy took a turn for the worst). It felt more like she was trying to get me to buy as much as possible as opposed to effectively treating my dog. I'm all for people getting second chances. But really, this clinic used to feel like you were taking your pet to a family member for examination. I no longer feel that way and have since had to find a new veterinary clinic. It's really a shame because the reputation that was built over the last couple of decades by Dr. Krumkry has been greatly tarnished by Dr. Smith. Cons: Dr. Smith more

I have been coming to this clinic with my various animals for many years. I was first refered by my parents who had also used Jewell for a number of years. What first attracted me to this facility were the hours of operation. I find it hard to make appointments with my unusual work schedule.\r I was sceptical at first when Dr. Smith took over the practice, as change is commonly resisted by many. I have had my dogs seen by her on several occasions. I am pleased to report that our visits have been very helpful. \r I have since moved from south city to north county. I will continue to use this clinic even though the drive makes it more difficult. When you find somthing that works well, stick with it.\r As for the folks who had unpleasant experiences. That is unfortunate. I guess that they have never made an error at work. It is a shame that the 2 or 3 people that had unpleasant experiences left postings when the thousands of people that were happy just went home happy and gave little thought to writing a post.\r The only reason I found this posting is that I was looking up the phone number to confirm hours of operation. I look forward to another great visit.\r \r \r \r \r Pros: hours of operation more