Petworth Animal Hospital

Obviously all these people who write bad reviews have not lived in this neighborhood for long or are used to upscale hoity-toity Vet clinics. Petworth Veterinary clinic is AMAZING. The vet has never been a people person, and they do have some pretty wonky hours, but they are NOT an emergency vet clinic so the hours aren't an issue if you know them and/or shedule an appointment. My last dog I had for fifteen years and the vet there took EXCELLENT care of her from the time she was six weeks old up until her last days and after she passed he even sent a handwritten condolence card!!!!!!

I also just got another dog and I fully intend to take her here just as I did my last.

The clinic is very small, and it could be a tad bit cleaner but, like most every business around here it is inside of a converted town/row house. Also, I know that they keep their waiting room very sanitized, I have watched the receptionist/wife come out every once in awhile and spray down the waiting room as well as mop when it is empty and I have walked in on her cleaning several times.

Yes the windows are covered in paper so that you cannot see beyond the receptionist but that is because the examination room is DIRECTLY beyond the door and pets just like people require privacy.

If you're looking for a palm trees and elevator music kind of vet then this is not for you, but if you care about good service and excellent treatment, with a nice price, this is an excellent vet.

Posted 11/15/09 | Report Abuse

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When it came to my love Candle ( sweet dog ) they treated her like a queen. She always got the very best of care. I have another love and they will also be there for her, thank U Petworth from a greatful heart.

Posted 11/15/09 | Report Abuse

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Petworth Animal Hospital was great for my pocket book and my cat. The service was great. Had I gone by some of the reviews I read before going I would have made a big mistake. Anyone thinking of going and thinking of changing your mind because of bad reviews go and see for yourself you can always leave if on that day you find what some others did.

Posted 10/02/09 | Report Abuse

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I'm assuming that if you have no questions about the services that they provided for you and your pet......then their good. The location is perfect! However, the lobby was very dirty, the windows to look beyond the "Receptionist Desk" was papered up... IT'S NOT WELCOMING AT ALL" Receptionist/Wife was very condescending (with the eye rolling, the neck twisting), she has no professionalism to her at ALL. I requested additional information (as far as what was done to my pet) and explained to her that I wanted it on paper, instead she told me that that is a legal document that could not be given to us!!! They diagnosed a pet without blood work (they just went the what we told them) and gave him medicine for it. By the way, prior to this incident, we took three feral cats to get spayed and they let one go! I guess it's true, it's pretty cheap compared to others, but regardless if I pay $1 for a service "I WANT INFO".

Posted 09/23/09 | Report Abuse

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GREAT VET!I have to say that if you want to be pampered take yourself to a spa this is a vet. The doctor is very experienced and treats all of our pets very well. When we got our new puppy he checked her out thoroughly and he talked to her like a baby. The waiting area is clean and the people are friendly. If you want to waste your money go to upper northwest. This vet definitely does do s great service for the area.

Posted 09/17/09 | Report Abuse

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I work at a vet hospital in Baltimore, and needed to call Petwork to get vaccination history for a mutual client. The man who answered the phone was instantly angry and said that clients need to start learning how to take paperwork with them. I informed him that this person had called me to make the appointment, and didn't have their info. He then got even angrier and said he was going to charge them for inconveniencing him, because he was "sick and tired of being interupted 20 times a day to give people vaccination history." It's not uncommon for vets to call each other, because people move, they change vets, they have emergencies. His behavior was totally uncalled for. He gave me the dates of the rabies vax, and I asked if they had a date for a leukemia/aids test. His reply was "well duh, we are a vet hospital, we do those kinds of things here." I then asked for the distemper vaccine, and he said they didn't give one, nor did they do a fecal exam, which shocked me since "they are a vet hospital, duh."
Halfway into thanking him for his time, he hung up on me. This makes me wonder: if they treat their clients this bad, how do they treat the animals when no one is looking? If they can't take pride in the way their building or waiting room looks, how can they take pride in their care of an animal?
I would NEVER trust an animal to these people, because if they employ this type of person just as a receptionist, then I can't imagine how terrible the techs and doctors are.

Posted 09/15/09 | Report Abuse

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They have no concept of customer service. I called earlier that week (8/10/09) to make an appointment and was told that I didn't need to make one, so I asked about Saturday hours and the person on the phone said they have Saturday hours from 10-1. That was the time for her to say, "But this Saturday we will be closed for a week for vacation". But instead she just let me believe that they would be open that Saturday.

So I show up on Saturday (8/15/09) after fighting to get my cat into her carrier, I get there and some woman comes out the door hitting me and the cat a bit and then says "We're closed" and points to a handwritten sign. I was so furious! . I mentioned that I called earlier that week to find out about their Saturday hours, but she wasn't the least bit concerned. She kept walking.

I would not recommend going to this place. I understand that it's not about the humans, it's about the animals, but you still have to treat us with some decency as well.

Posted 08/15/09 | Report Abuse

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He's the greatest. You won't get any of that butt-kissing that upper Northwest types are used to, but he saved my cat's life and is an excellent vet.

Posted 08/12/09 | Report Abuse

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After waiting in the dirty waiting room (I saw two large centipedes crawl across the floor in our ten-minute wait), the extremely rude receptionist called us back. The woman took the kitten downstairs (we weren't allowed to go!) and then proceeded to bring her back up and give us antibiotics. Well, we got home and read the date on the antibiotics, and they were three months expired. Unacceptable. I called the office and the veterinarian told me, "well they're still good." He wasn't the least bit surprised that they gave us expired meds! No apology or anything. We will NOT be returning.

Posted 07/20/09 | Report Abuse

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Love that Vet,
He loves animals and that's what counts. Those who want special attention remember this is a vet, let your pet have their day.
I recommend everyone with pets to go to Petworth. I love the cat that walks around if he owns the place.
I have a Rotti and the Vet picks her up put her on the table and try her like the queen she is.

Posted 05/28/09 | Report Abuse

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Vet is definitely not a people person- but I have been going there for umpteen years, so what does that tell you.
No problem with surgeries, no complications, no post visit fleas as with another fancy place. Prices are reasonable and affordable. Staff is pleasant and nice. Office is in need of some paint at least, but it is clean. Office is on a busy street so take care.

Posted 03/24/09 | Report Abuse

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My husband took our then 3 month puppy for a routine visit, the doctor was very thorough with his examination and shared information about our particular breed. He was very pleased with the service and the receptionist was pleasant as well.

Posted 03/02/09 | Report Abuse

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I agree w/last review. The doc is definitely more of an animal person than a people person but it so obvious that he loves animals. AND it IS a much needed service for the area. So for all the newbies to the area, just remember where you are and what the purpose of a "clinic" is - to serve everyone not just those who can afford it. The place isn't dirty at all, it's just old and hasn't had a face lift in awhile. My guess is... instead of adding all the fancy stuff you get w/other vets and charging you more to pay for it, it's just the basics to keep costs low. He's been there for years and the treatment area is exceptionally clean and the doctor and the nurses are professional and knowledgeable. We take our dog annually for her shots and other necessary visits throughout the year. And the mix of people in the waiting room is great! Everyone is always very friendly. If you want no frills (just a vet), great treatment for your pet at an affordable (not inflated) price, than definitely visit Petworth. It's worth it! love the doctor, he loves my pet, and i would recommend this doc to anyone anywhere.

Posted 01/08/09 | Report Abuse

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I love this vet. Down to earth and is aware of the clientel he serves and he makes it possible to all kinds of people to provide decent care to their pets. The prices are great. No, this is not your chi chi pet spa--there are many of those available for those who do not mind forking over the thousands-but if you need good decent service from a caring vet (behind a somewhat stiff exterior), this vet is for you. He should be applauded for making pet ownership and decent pet care available for so many and the work he does with Metro Ferals is also very commendable. I thought the receptionist was just fine. There often is a line in the waiting room but you can call and see how much of a wait there is before you go. Somethines there is no line.

Posted 12/16/08 | Report Abuse

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We need more no-nonsence, no-BS type of vets.
The receptionist/nurse was very sweet and to the point, and helped get us all through the long wait. She was very patient with some of the older women who had brought their pets and wanted to chat chat chat. (I'm speculating that the other folks are talking about someone else but even so, she may have her bad days, like the rest of us)
Doctor Thornburgh was not your gushy, coddling vet but I overhead him whisper affectionately to my cat when he met her "I bet you are a coconut" and that was his little moment that revealed his care/concern. He diagnosed the problem after a thorough examination and it was clear that he has that touch, and that he knew what he was talking about.
Bottom line: if you need coo-ing and coddling as much as you coo and coddle your pets, spend your money at a chi-chi animal spa. If you appreciate years of experience and don't mind the wait for a great doctor and fair price, then bring a book and be prepared for small talk with the other waiting room folks.

Posted 11/22/08 | Report Abuse

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Yes, the waiting room is dingy and if you enter the place expecting something fancy you will be disappointed but the receptionist is nice (she doesn't go overboard but remains genuine) the doctor is helpful and good at his job, they are associated with Alley cat allies (which is a great organization) and their prices are great. They let the common man make sure their pets are healthy. IF you need coddling at the vets and want to make small talk with a receptionist, and want no wait time this is not the place for you, other wise I think they are great.

Posted 10/08/08 | Report Abuse

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The doctor was rude and appeared to be bothered by the fact that he had to deal with my dog. He cut her nails too short and didn't answer any of my questions. The cost was low- but you get what you pay for. I refuse to ever go back.

Posted 09/30/08 | Report Abuse

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The first experience with this vet was a dirty broken down building. I walked inside to an even more broken down and filthy waiting room. They were to start seeing patients at 4:30 but decided to make a dozen people and their pets wait for 25 minutes. The wife never said hello to anyone as she opened a locked door surrounded by bulletproof glass, she just started barking out peoples last names in a demining manner! Go elswhere for vet care unless you like being treated badly. They act as though they are better then you!

Posted 09/26/08 | Report Abuse

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We have gone rather infrequently to Petworth for both our animals. Our cat, unfortunately went there for the last time, after suffering what was thought to be a lymphoma in her chest. She was so ill(temperature 95, breathing labored) we made the difficult decision to have her euthanized, since even doing all the diagnostics needed to confirm it would have been futile.The doctor was completely honest with us, without being abrupt and allowed us to make the decision, cry, say goodbye and then pick her remains up later for burial. It was clear that he genuinely cares for animals. The total fee for the visit was $75. Regarding another review as it relates to the receptionist. She can be abrupt and gets easily frustrated if there are a lot of animals waiting and she is trying to get everyone's chart together. However, behind the door with the pets she is exceptional in her interactions and then relates one on one quite well. She is also quite helpful on the phone.

Posted 09/17/08 | Report Abuse

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I called and the Receptionist was very down to earth and gave me all I needed to know as far as pricing. Which was CHEAP!!! When I arrived the waiting area was full of Cats/Kittens/Hamster & 2 Beautiful Blue Pit Bulls and their Parents. I knew I was in the right place when you have such a services being adminstered to such a Diverse group of Animals. The office also has a black cat named Midnight who was not bothered at all by the 2 pits and came out to stroll the waiting area and clean her self. Once I was in the back the Receptionist swooped my lil 5 month old god-dog up and kissed and cuddled it before telling me when I could pick her up after her Spay. The Dr. came out and greeted me and took her to the back. When I came back at 5:30 to get her they brought her out and let me pet her, but not take her home b/c the Vet thought she needed to stay an x-tra day just to rest. I was okay with this but her mother put a fight about taking her home w/Medicine. We left w/o her but I felt soooo good about the experience b/c most Vets would send her home or charge an x-tra fee to have her stay another day. Petworth did not! I picked her up the next day and she was a bundle of Joy not the doped up dog I saw the day before. I LOVE THIS VET!!!

Posted 06/20/08 | Report Abuse

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The veterianian may be just perfect; however, i just can't get past the rude and hostile receptionist. While I have participated in the spay and neuter clinic offered at Petworth, I'm not sure I would take my pet to an office where the receptionist can't be bothered with a question. I think one can be reasonable in drawing the inference that the service would be sub-par.

Posted 05/23/08 | Report Abuse

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