Andrews Mary J Dvm - Foothill Veterinary Hospital

I have an injured cat and needed to see a vet right away. Most vets closed early today but I had no trouble getting in here. We saw Dr. O'Dwyer and were very pleased. She was gentle, kind and thorough and took the time to treat my pet during a period of a couple of hours. I don't need a vet to hold my hand. I need someone to deal with the issue at hand and I liked Dr. O'Dwyer's straightforward style. I will bring my pet back and I disagree that you can't see the same vet twice. Dr. O'Dwyer gave us her hours for a re-check next week. AND the charges were very reasonable.

Posted 07/03/09 | Report Abuse

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First, I'd like to question the negative remarks about Dr. O'Dwyer I read here...I really like her a lot and do not find her at all dismissive, rude or condescending! I've seen her several times and she has been everything one would want in a pet doctor. I've seen several different doctors here and have no complaints about any of them; they are very good about explaining and discussing and answering questions. Though I really love my previous vet (Dr. Iburg) it was often difficult to schedule appointments as she works alone and was understandably very busy. She recommended Foothill as an alternative when I couldn't get in with her. The convenience of not needing an appointment is really great. It seems to work smoothly with very short wait times. I have been surprised by how high the fees are at times but I'd have to compare apples to apples to really determine if they are out of line or not...so far, I've been happy here and would recommend them.

Posted 04/27/09 | Report Abuse

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I recently moved to Pasadena and have taken both my cat and my dog to Foothill Veterinary Hospital. I have not had to wait more than 15 minutes even though they do not have appointments. The hospital and exam rooms are very clean. On both occasions, I saw Dr. O'Dwyer and I believe that she gave my pets the best of care. She was courteous, thorough, answered all of my questions, and was very compassionate. My cat is usually very nervous and aggressive during his veterinary visit and she was able to calm him down enough to do a physical exam. Dr. O'Dwyer took the time to explain all of my options and I was satisfied with the overall experience. Foothill's prices are reasonable compared to other veterinary hospitals in the area. I will continue to take my animals to Foothill and would recommend my friends and family to go there as well.

Posted 01/26/09 | Report Abuse

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Foothill vet is very convenient (close to home) with great hours and very clean. Usually the wait time is minimal, and I like the fact that there is no appointment necessary. They are usually very fast and efficient there - which can be good but sometimes may feel like it is too much like assembly line service! I did have a bad experience with a very rude and condescending vet (Dr. O'Dwyer). I will never deal with her again! She should not working in a field that deals with people. Other vets there seem ok - but I do believe the prices are on the high end and they do push meds and antibiotics which I do not like. I wish I knew of another Dr/facility I really truly like in the area - but for now I go there solely for the convenience.

Posted 12/26/08 | Report Abuse

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_Negative: Sell, Sell, Sell any and all additonal procedures
Curt and dismissive office staff
Postive: Clean waiting room
Walk-in appointments

As a first time client with my pet, I wanted routine vaccinations and a chance to check out the hospital. My long term vet retired and I am looking for a new and trust-worthy doctor.

The veternarian within the first minute launched into several hundred dollars worth of recommendations for my healthy pet. Full blood panel to make sure she is healthy, eye specialist, tartar cleaning, and so on... . Hello...we are in a recession!

Get a second opinion before agreeing to any procedures unless you have cash to burn.

Posted 12/09/08 | Report Abuse

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I love that you can walk in at your convenience, and it's even more important when something is really wrong with your pet and other vets will demand an appointment even if it's an emergency during normal business hours.
The most important thing is that Dr. Bell and Dr. Lippincott are amazingly thorough doctors, and I've had good experiences (though have seen her less times) with Dr. Andrews as well. You can request the doctor you prefer, and even without asking they will try to accommodate your pet with their usual doctor unless it is his/her day off. It can get expensive but you can trust your pet is being well taken care of.
Unfortunately, I too have had a bad experience with one of the younger female doctors there... she was arrogant and impatient, so you know that she can't be very good if she won't listen to the symptoms that only the pet's owner can know. I can't remember her name but I think it starts with a "d", not sure. If you can avoid her this is a good hospital with good doctors and vet techs. They also have an overnight staff which you might be surprised to know that not all vets do, so always ask if you need to hospitalize your pet anywhere else.
I deduct 1 star only for the price and that one bad doctor, everything else is great!

Posted 11/25/08 | Report Abuse

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Best hospital around. I wouldn't take my pets anywhere else. Dr. Bell and his staff are great! Trust them 100%. All of my pets have been seen there for over 24 years.

Posted 09/27/08 | Report Abuse

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I brought my pet in here for care and saw Dr. Beyer. The care was adequate. A few weeks later my pet was stolen and the person who took it went to this very same hospital and saw the very same vet. Even though the Dr. Beyer had seen my pet in detail less than a month prior and I had posted a "missing" sign at the clinic, no one noticed!! In the end I did get my pet back (without any help from Foothill) but Foothill needs to be more vigilent in identifying lost/missing/stolen pets, especially when there are multiple photos on a poster in their very own waiting room!!

Posted 07/14/08 | Report Abuse

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My dogs love the staff at Foothill Veterinary Hospital and I have been a very happy customer for over 20 years. We have always been treated kindly, have had all our questions answered, and I have always been impressed with the quality of care that my dogs have received. When my dog suddenly developed a tumor, she was cared for quickly, and we were referred to specialists who worked with the doctors at Foothill to treat her in the most humane and efficient manner. I can always request a specific doctor, and often do if I am bringing a pet back multiple times for a single condition. However, I find that all of the doctors are knowledgeable, willing to answer questions and quite good at putting me at ease concerning my pets' care. I would recommend them to any pet owner.

Posted 07/14/08 | Report Abuse

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Dr. Lippincott and Dr. Bell have both practiced over 35 years and Dr. Andrews 20. This facility is spotless and the prices are fair for the excellent care. I have been a client for 20 years, 3 dogs and used them for everything including boarding. They have treated my Therapy Dog and those I have referred with excellent care. When was the last time you ran into your Vet with his dog at a pet store and he bought your dog a 40 lb bag of food. That's what kind of people they are. They have generously donated supplies to Military Working Dogs currently deployed in Iraq. They have always gone above and beyond to accommodate me and Indy in any way possible.

Posted 01/20/08 | Report Abuse

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It is my strong opinion that they care more about your money than your precious babies!!! I recommend finding a caring, compassionate vet for your pet - SOMEWHERE ELSE!

Posted 06/01/07 | Report Abuse

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capitalists!

Im never taking my pets here!!!

If these vets knew about this service perhaps they would try harder, however I think then they might be writing their own fake good reviews!

Posted 05/08/07 | Report Abuse

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I took my dog there for 2 years hoping they could figure out why she was suddenly having seizures at the age of 5 years. The vets wanted to put her on medication that would basically sedate her and that could potentially cause liver damage. They never tried to figure out why she was having seizures. She was also having episodes of infections in her anal glands, but again continued to put her on antibiotics instead of addressing the issue.I finally had enough of spending my money on people who just wanted to put a bandaid on her medical problems. I have found a wonderful vet somewhere else who has taken the time to figure out what's wrong with her. The seizures are arising from her Liver!! The medications that Foothill wanted to put her on would've caused extreme liver damage in her case. My new vet even stated that the med is typically not used anymore. To top it off, he has also found a hard mass in her anal sac. We still have to rule out cancer. I am disgusted and disappointed with Foothill's care. DO NOT HAVE THEM TREAT YOUR PETS!

Posted 05/02/07 | Report Abuse

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I own a small business in the service industry and deal with people all day long. Therefor I am aware of the high standards that the public have come to love and expect.

I really enjoyed going here with my Cairn terrier and now my new puppy Havanese. However, recently I was on a 4 day trip to Hawaii and I borded them here as the puppy needed some shots. I got up at 5am, flew back to Lax then fought traffic all the way. I knew the dogs could be collected up until 6.30pm. It was 6.20 when I was on the 210 so I thought I would make it. I called repetedly at 6.26 to say I was around the corner and noone answered. When I drew up there were many cars in the lot. Great! It was 6.29. The door was locked and by the time they came to answer it it was after 6.30 and they refused to give the dogs back. I was horrified, I couldn't wait to see them, they had never been away from home. I had work the next day so I picked them up on my way home. Twice I asked to speak with Dr Bell and he was not there. I got them, they were so excited and paid $342 (an extra day of course) included.

When in the car I noticed that the puppy could not open here eye. There was so much goo that had crusted she was scratching herself trying to rub here eye. They both smelled of urine. That night the 2 year old was up the whole night with Diahorrea and the next day she had it. I have called repeatedly to talk to Dr Bell and left messages with people but he has never returned my calls. I just want answers. I am so disappointed, I have spent so much money there and this is how they want to treat you, it is like my business doesn't matter.

PROS: close to where I live
CONS: poor customer service, poor pet care

Posted 11/07/06 | Report Abuse

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I used to go to Foothill Veterinary Hospital 20 years. At the time, between (1970-1985) they had the best of care. I was very protective of my dog, Dominic. Dominic was a poodle who was high maintenance. Each time something came up with Dominic, Dr. Bell was able to treat him. Dominic had a blood disease and he refer me to a blood specialist (Temple City Hospital - Dr. Carlson). Dominic was cured and live another 10 years. Dominic died at the age of 17 years old. He was well taken care of and was given the best care. I am not familiar with the other veterinarians there at the hospital. But I did like Dr. Bell and I only went to him only. He was the only one that I trusted to treat Dominic.

PROS: Clean hospital, Dr. Bell a good listener and very helpful
CONS: Did not like other veterinarians working there

Posted 10/23/06 | Report Abuse

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I used to like this place when they had different vets, but they seem to be gone and there are new female vets to take their place. These girls seem to only be able to dole out antibiotics. They don't try to figure out what is wrong with your dog, just give them more antibiotics. One female vet talked down to me when I asked a question that she didn't want to hear. She didn't try to make my dog feel at ease, either. They seem to be getting more expensive, too. And you can never see the same vet twice. If you want to keep your dog on constant antibiotics, then keep going to this place. If you want to find a vet that will figure out what is really wrong with your pet and follow up on him or her, then I suggest finding another place. I love my dog too much to bring him here. It's too bad because this place USED to be good.

PROS: It's clean.
CONS: Every time you go, you have to start over with a new vet.

Posted 03/13/06 | Report Abuse

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This IS a mill where you rarely get the same vet twice and an under 1 minute exam cost 38.00. High prices and impersonal service. Very rushed and I go on weekdays. Rude admin. staff. Find a good vet group that remembers your pet, smiles and spends more that 60 seconds with you, I'm going to. I came here to look for a new vet. to try and was very happy to find a place to express my opinion.

PROS: walk in
CONS: dismissive vet with 60 second office visits $$$$

Posted 02/04/06 | Report Abuse

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I'm really impressed with this veterinary clinic. The Dr's and staff are friendly and courteous. They don't take appointments, drop-ins are welcomed.
The price maybe be on the expensive side, but I only want the best for my dog. The hours coincide with my work hours so that's a plus. (7:30am - 6:00pm, M-F) Open Saturdays too, though I don't know the hours.

PROS: close to work, friendly staff
CONS: none

Posted 01/05/06 | Report Abuse

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I don't know why, but my dog hates it there. She get scared when drop her off (when i drop her off at the groomers she doesnt mind at all). And whenever I pick her up, she is unusually excited to see me.One time, I met a guy who worked there and he remembered my dog and said that she was mean and tried to bite him. My dog is the nicest old dog you'll never meet and she has never bitten anyone in her life. So I have my doubts about this place. If you can, try to find somewhere else. I get the feeling they don't really care about your pets at this place.

Posted 08/29/05 | Report Abuse

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I went here when we first moved because of the convenience, but I will NEVER go here again. This is a veterinary mill with no consistency of care for your pet. You almost never see the same vet twice so you constantly have to update them on the condition of your pet.

Some people like that there are no appointments necessary and they have early and late business hours, but I am convinced that is only useful if you have a healthy pet who just needs shots. Otherwise, it causes a lack of real care on the part of the vet who's just met your pet for the first time because you almost never see the same vet twice.

One vet told us lumps on my dog were just benign cysts. Another, months later, said maybe they should be biopsied in a month or two if they still didn't go away. By the time we got him to another veterinary clinic, it was too late. The cancer had spread to his brain and he died 4 weeks later.

If you're the type of person who is more interested in your convenience than the health of your pet, then by all means, this is the place for you. But if you want quality care for your pet, go somewhere else.

PROS: Not one
CONS: No real care for animals

Posted 08/03/05 | Report Abuse

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I had to tell two different receptionists as well as the vet that my dog is a female. Don't they write this information on a chart somewhere? I also had to tell the receptionist that the directions for my dog's medications were on the piece of paper in her hand FOUR TIMES, and she still did not listen. This is a minor annoyance compared to the condition of my dog when I got her home. She has been throwing up and she has diarrhea, and she smells terrible. These people lack basic business skills, aren't able to listen, and they don't even bother to identify themselves when they meet you or when they answer the phone. AVOID AT ALL COSTS.

Posted 06/09/05 | Report Abuse

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I am not sure what to think of this place. It came highly recommended to me by someone I trust and I love the location and the cleanliness. But I kept getting this one female vet and no matter how minor the trouble, I was spending at least $60 per visit, which in many cases seemed about $30-40 too much. So be wary if you do go. The boarding fees seem reasonable though.

Posted 04/05/05 | Report Abuse

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

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They've been in business since the 50's. Have a staff of vets and can select the one you want. All are well qualified and trained. All in all a very good facilities. Do boarding and emergency care, but not open for emergency 24/7. Have boarded our dog there it seems very clean and friendly. No appointments, unless a major surgery, so can get busy on weekends.

Posted 04/05/05 | Report Abuse

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Easy to get into, no appointment necessary. Let me into an exam room as soon as I arrived. Reasonably priced. Open early - got everything done before work.

Posted 04/05/05 | Report Abuse

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I love this vet. They are open long hours, so I can go before and after work. Appointments are generally not necessary, unless your pet is having a procedure done. I have had all the vets there and I respect their judgement. The facility is clean and convenient. There have been several occasions that I have gone with a very sick pet and I really feel like the whole staff is caring and affectionate and concerned about my pet.

Posted 04/05/05 | Report Abuse

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