Berger Jennifer Dvm - Bright Eyes & Bushy Tails

I have been going to BEBT since 1999, from years ago when their office was in their house.

I love that they have kept their "mom and pop" personalized touch to their office even though they now have a lot of vets and 24 hour staffing. I find it comforting that Drs. Jenn and Allan are still so involved in a practice that has obviously grown quickly and thrived through many changes.

I'm glad the negative reviews that primarily advertised another practice have been removed from this site.

Even when I see a newer vet, there is someone from the old days who will pop into the exam room to say hi. Vote me for the local family touch!

Posted 09/19/09 | Report Abuse

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We have had nothing but great experiences with BEBT.

They provide excellent, highly skilled service and at all hours of the day and night. We've had to take more than one of our cats in for emergency treatment in the middle of the night, and got excellent care with helpful explanations through every step of the process. When they've had to stay in intensive care we were encouraged to visit, call anytime for an update, etc. They diagnosed and fixed a complicated problem in one of our cats that had been overlooked and dismissed by other vets for years!

The staff have been nothing but professional and caring, and some in particular remember our cats by name. We first saw Dr. Jenn Berger several years ago, before they moved to their fabulous new building. We've seen all of the vets now and they have a variety of "bedside manners", but are all very competent.

Good care can be expensive yes, but when it got to be too much for us they let us pay in several installments. They estimate the bill up front, and you can give a spending cap if inclined.

They have positively contributed to the quality of life for our cats and we are so lucky to have them in our community.

Posted 08/18/09 | Report Abuse

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The staff at Bright Eyes & Bushy Tails are like no other - very genuine and caring. There is no better place to take your pet when help is needed! I have been to this facility several times and each time I am very satisfied with the quality of the staff and care that we received. The animal shelter I volunteer with have had numerous animals there and we couldn't be any happier. Eastern Iowa is very lucky to have a place of this caliber to care for our pets!

Posted 08/06/09 | Report Abuse

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My experience at BEBT was great, well, as great as a person with a sick cat can be. June was vomiting. They explained every step of the process, and the doctors (Dr. Berger and Dr. Miller) were thorough and caring. Since it had not been going on for very long, they were willing to skip x-rays and blood testing, and my cat did well with one day there. Reading the other reviews here, I believe there are people who have had bad experiences there, but I think that is true anywhere. While I hope I only go back for checkups, I believe I will also get great service in the future.
Toni Peasan

Posted 08/05/09 | Report Abuse

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I have not personally had to take any of my pets to this clinic (yet!) but they are 1st on my list of places to call in an emergency. I appreciate the care they have provided to our shelter animals and trust the good reviews of other volunteers from my local shelter who have used this clinic for fosters and personal pets. I only wish their prices were lower - but in fairness, I wish this for almost all vet clinics I have used!

Posted 07/14/09 | Report Abuse

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BEBT not only provides top of the line vet care for our shelters animals after hours, weekends or special needs cases but they save my dog Barkley and my cat Riley from certain pain, discomfort and ultimately a shortened life span.I can't tell you how much their care and expertise meant to me on a personal level. Everything was explained, costs were discussed and the compassion was almost overwhelming. The phone calls for updates, and the follow up phone calls after made me feel that they truly cared about the health of my kids.The treatment my animals received was truly a blessing. Knowing when I left each day for the 40 minutes drive home that they were in the BEST of hands was the only way I slept at night. Another great quality about the staff at BEBT is that if they don't know the answer they will tell you that. And they will search and search until they can try to help answer the questions.Barkley my St Bernard mix got deathly ill and lost almost 20 lbs in a 3 day time period. He was hospitalized several times for 3-4 days at a time and because of their amazing skill and access to technology he is happy, healthy and alive today! Dr Veronica Busick and Dr Allen Berger were amazing! They were essentially a resource and wealth of information during the emotionally confusing time. I would send an email at 4 in the morning and I would have a response back by the time I checked email again. My cat Riley had severed stomatitus. He had such severe ulcers in his mouth that he eventually stopped eating and would cry out in pain. After taking him to my local vets they referred me to BEBT and we discussed several different options. We decided that for the best possible chance of recovery and a life free from pain he needed to have all of his teeth removed. This was a devastating decision for me on the one hand because I was scared - yet Dr Jenn Berger reassured me over the next several days. I would send her emails in the middle of the night about my fears and she would email me right back!One of my foster dogs Albert the Beagle was seen by Dr Debra Conant several times for severe ear infections after our local vet couldn't do much more. She was very clear, consistent, and knew exactly what needed to happen. Albert eventually had to go to ISU for total ear ablation surgery but we did everything we could before deciding to take the drastic step. Today Albert is awaiting his forever home happier, healthier and smiling everyday!God bless BEBT for ALL you do for the animals! Your support staff is phenomenal as well!!!

Posted 07/12/09 | Report Abuse

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My cat was shot with a gun. It ended badly, but I am very thankful for the care we received at Bright Eyes and Bushy Tails (Dr. Berger, Amy, and Jessica spent the most time with me). They gave me options from emergency surgery and transfusions to euthanasia, and many possibilities in between. While I ultimately decided to put her to sleep, they were very thorough and I felt like I made an informed choice. Everything was handled with dignity and compassion, and I am at peace with an extremely difficult situation. This happened three months ago and I am still thankful for how they helped with a bad situation.

Posted 06/08/09 | Report Abuse

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My new puppy Bella recently got attacked by a neighbor's dog. I am a new pet owner and was incredibly concerned. She was bleeding a lot and we were only halfway through vaccinations. I took her to BEBT as an emergency and received fantastic care! I was a little upset, to say the least, and everyone there was very comforting and reassuring. She ended up with stitches -that have since healed VERY well. The first few days following however I must have called 10 times with follow up questions. Bella was not a very good patient at home, but BEBT was fantastic every time I called with concerns following our visit. I would highly recommend them to anyone!!

Posted 03/10/09 | Report Abuse

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I found BEBT 7 years ago, but never completely appreciated them until last month when my cat Nala started getting repetitive urinary tract infections. Turns out that she had bladder stones, which ultimately required surgery. All the doctors and staff were great! With ultrasounds, surgery, and night-time nursing care, I always had a doctor for a current opinion and a technician to talk to even late at night when I was worried and couldn't sleep at home! (Special thanks to Shannon who made a special check on Nala when I phone at 2AM.)

Francine Lagona

Posted 01/30/09 | Report Abuse

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I have been doing animal rescue for almost 10 years, and as a no-kill shelter, we have the opportunity/misfortune to deal with a large number of unusual, oftentimes urgent medical problems. During that time period, we have taken many animals to BEBT for emergency care. While we have not been able to save all of them, there are many animals living in wonderful homes who would not be alive today without this clinic. Even though these animals are rescues rather than my personal pets (although I have had occasion to take my own pets to BEBT), I am a demanding client who is fairly educated about animal health, and asks a LOT of questions about possible causes of medical problems, about different options for treatment, and about the prognosis. With very few exceptions, they are willing and able to answer my questions, provide me with alternatives for diagnostic and treatment options, and give me an accurate price estimate. When they don't know the answers, they tell me that, as well, which I truly appreciate. And I REALLY appreciate being able to call at any hour of the day or night and find out how one of the rescue animals is doing. No matter what time I call, they never make me feel like I am being a pain in the butt. Which at times I probably am...And even though Dr. Alan Berger may not be the warmest and fuzziest vet I have ever met, over the years I have found him to be honest, open to learning about ANYTHING having to do with the medical care of our pets, as I do often ask about obscure and/or innovative treatments, and sympathetic toward the emotional aspects of dealing with these lovely animals who are sometimes in our care for far too short a time. Veterinary science is one of the toughest professions in the world. It is emotional for the people involved, and unlike doctors for people, animals can't tell their doctors where they hurt. Emergency vet care is even tougher.

Posted 11/23/08 | Report Abuse

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Call me weird, but I actually like going to the vet. My dog broke her nail at the dog park, and BEBT did a great job patching her up. I know, a really minor injury, but it seems like this happens to me all the time. The care they offer at BEBT is prompt, complete, compassionate, and realistic. There is always someone to talk to, whether it's a staff member or another client. This is a great hospital!

Posted 10/22/08 | Report Abuse

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I was blessed to have a wonderful, kind-hearted Rotti for 10 years by the name of Sasha. She and I both grew up in Iowa and had relocated to the Chicagoland area back in 2005. Unfortunately due to living circumstances, she had to go back home to my parent's house in IA. During one of my daily calls home (Friday), I was informed that Sasha was having trouble getting up in the morning. Due to her breed and age, I figured that she had arthritis. Fearing that this could potentially be a bit more than the norm, I had my family take her to her local vet. Her usual vet had called me and informed me that she did indeed have arthritis and that I might want to think about putting her down as she could now longer use her hind legs. I could not lose hope in my little girl; I informed the vet that I would be driving home that very night to pick her up and take her somewhere to get a second opinion. My sister had scheduled an appt. w/ BEBT for Saturday morning. When I picked her up on Saturday from her usual vet, I was heartbroken. There was my girl, sitting on her side, unable to use her hind legs, yet wagging her stub at me with hope in her eyes. When we arrived at BEBT we were immediately rushed into a room, I didn't even have an opportunity to stop by the front desk and inform them who we were. Dr. Veronica Aceby was the vet that attended to my girl. She contacted the local vet and looked at the blood work results and took some x-rays. To my amazement she came back with 3 different feasible scenarios, all which BTW were more likely than the previous dx. Unfortunately, in order to ultimately determine the dx I would have to have taken my girl to ISU and have a spinal tap and MRI done along w/ some intense physical therapy. I am sad to say that my situation would not have allowed for that. On 7/19/08, I had to make the hardest decision of my life and have my girl put down. Needless to say, it was not an easy decision; I was never rushed to make a quick decision even though the lobby was full of patients. The staff that helped that day were kind enough to offer condolences and hugs and even patients (yes, I mean pets and people) in the waiting room followed suit. A client by the name of Beaumont was extremely receptive to my need at the moment. BTW, I had stumbled onto Pet Memories & Accessories (which is located in the same building only downstairs) by shear accident when I was trying to beg God for mercy. If you have to one day walk down the same hurtful path as I did, I would suggest that you stop here when you are ready. They have beautiful urns and warm hearts. I bought an urn from them along with a gorgeous necklace that holds some my girl's ashes. I wear it daily and it is a reminder of how I was blessed to a wonderful daughter.

Posted 09/19/08 | Report Abuse

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My cat, an old and dear white mixed breed Persian, named slippers, was ailing. After numerous visits to a local doctor we brought her to Iowa City to see Dr. Allan Berger for a consult. He decided to operate and (I think) remove her spleen. She underwent surgery and after a hard recovery is fine (still old and getting older).
If we had not brought her to Dr Allan, I am sure she would no longer be with us!
He is always available to talk to us about her problems and most important her diet.
I am very thankful he took the time and energy to help slippers.

Posted 09/15/08 | Report Abuse

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My dog ( Tikki ) had a carrot stuck in his nose and I had been to another veterinarian and they didn't have a clue what to do . Jenn Berger at Bright Eyes & Bushy Tails was so nice and completely told us how she would do the procedure and couldn't promise to get it out, but she did. She was very thorough step by step and kept us in contact. Her husband did the procedure and Tikki is now breathing, without the gasping of air.
I am taking my animals to her. I have never found any where like this place. The receptionist was so kind also.
Everyone at Bright Eyes & Bushy Tails I Thank You from the bottom of my heart for being there for us....
Love you all, Deb, Jack, Dakota, and especially TIKKI

Posted 08/31/08 | Report Abuse

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I cannot find any fault with the service I received. My puppy and I were at the vet from 2am to 4am and I was happy that there was somebody around to provide 24 hour service. However, I have some concerns. I was not provided with a receipt of everything done to my vet while he was in their care (2 days), and while I intend on paying for the services, it would have been nice to get a printout of all services received instead of having to ask for one. Also, since he has come home, he tends to cringe when I reach to pet him. Prior to this visit, I could simply reach down and pat his head as I or he walked by...now he cringes and cowers out of the way. When talking with another pet owner at my workplace, I found that this was also the same for their pet and they have since stopped using BEBT's services. Again, I have not seen anybody mistreat and animal, but it concerns me that my pet is suddenly afraid of me if I am not at eye level with him.

Posted 08/28/08 | Report Abuse

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I'm here now for a foot injury, and the staff has been very nice. Costs have been explained in detail, and I'm waiting for the anesthesia to wear off so we can go home. In the hour and a half I've been here, I've seen two very loud, rude and demanding customers. When I commented to the vet, he shook his head and said that if I had a good experience, I should tell others. These people work really really hard for clients and their pets. But if you try to walk out without signing consent forms, they will try to stop you (one of the customers who became angry). If you walk in needing a refill on drugs late at night and they're busy, you will have to wait. What I heard, yelling at the employees that they should "throw some pills in bottle" didn't help anyone. I'm rating them 5-stars for the patience I observed in the staff, and how the sick pets came first in the face of other demands. And my dog's foot isn't bleeding anymore so I'm going home! :-)

Julie Powell

Posted 08/03/08 | Report Abuse

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I was reading negative reviews of Bright Eyes and Bushy Tails, and wondered if they were talking about the right place. Every time I have gone to BEBT, they have been exceedingly nice and compassionate. The doctors there are all very knowledgeable when it comes to their professions. They are great at letting us know the prices and risks of all the procedures that our puppy might need. Anyone who complains about prices at a vet clinic should probably have done some research before they went and bought a pet. You can also tell that all of the staff are animal lovers, which is important for a vet clinic. I will always take my little puppy to BEBT, because I know I will get great service while I'm there.

Posted 07/14/08 | Report Abuse

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I've had companion animals for over 25 years. So I kinda chuckled when I read all the kvetching about Bright Eyes and Bushy Tails' costs. I'm ALWAYS surprised at how expensive animal care is, but that's at ANY vet, not just them.

The difference is, that at BEBT there is an obvious committment to
the very best in care. The vets there are at the top of their game and it shows!! EVERYONE there is passionate about companion animals. My furry kids are nothing special, a mutt and a rescue cat, but they are treated like royalty.

And I know that when the time comes to make the tough decisions about their care, I will be treated in an intelligent and respectful manner. I was in the lobby after a family had brought in their dog for emergency care and the outcome was not looking good. The professional manner in which the staff cared for that family was impressive.

I wouldn't go anywhere else.

Posted 07/09/08 | Report Abuse

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Bright Eyes and Bushy Tails, aka Emergency Veterinary Services of Iowa City, is an extraordinary veterinary hospital and clinic. I have bred, raised and owned many species of animals over 30 years and have never come across a Veterinarian as thorough, professional and talented as Dr. Alan Berger. Most impressive is the manner in which Dr. Berger assesses a situation. With his research based background from Cornell University,and the University of Iowa, (including DVM and PhD degrees), he approaches each diagnosis with an open book and works tirelessly until an answer is found and the animal is on the road to recovery. Their new facility located conveniently off I-80 in Iowa City, Iowa is sophisticated and complete with most diagnostic and life saving aids that would be found in a human hospital. As a Partner in MADISEN'S BENGALS, a small Bengal Cat Breeding Business in Marion, Iowa, I can attest that Dr. Berger has saved several of our Queens and kittens from near death by his quick evaluation, judgement and action. One incidence was a female with a retained placenta which resulted in an emergency spay. By morning Saphire was nursing her babies which were healthy and happy. Another example was a female with lodged kittens in her birth canal. Jane survived to nurse her remaining babies to excellent health, A third situation was a Queen and two babies that were stressed do to being a part of a very large litter, and they came down with an immediate and potentially lethal diarrhea condition. Again, all three survived, and Jewel, Natasha and Big D were doted on by all the doctors and staff during their stay. We kept one of these kittens as a pet and BIG D reminds us every day of the expertise of Dr. Alan. I have had the opportunity to work with other Doctors at this clinic and they are all superb as well. One of our customers purchased a kitten that had a deformity with it's sternum. Little did I know that this clinic has a veterinarian who specializes in pet pediatrics. Ruth now has peace of mind that Dr. Conant will take care of Rupert's every need - including his special needs. And just last month - I was again amazed by the services and thoroughness of this clinic. We purchased a new Stud for our Bengal breeding business and had Dr. Alan do a pre-purchase vet exam. BB King had a slight fever, and Dr. Alan found that his fever was coming from infection around his gum line. Sure enough, BEBT/EVSIC has a Dr. who specializes in Dental work for pets. Dr. Jennifer Berger will be seeing BB King soon to assess his needs and do the appropriate dental work. Without this work he would retain an infection which would result in poor overall health and possible fertility problems. SO MANY THANKS GO TO DR. ALAN BERGER AND THE OTHER DOCTORS AND STAFF AT BRIGHT EYES AND BUSHY TAILS, AND THE EMERGENCY VETERINARY SERVICES OF IOWA CITY. YOU ARE ABSOLUTELY THE BEST - AND NO OTHER CLINIC EVEN COMES CLOSE. And your prices are affordable and per the norm of any clinic in the area. THANKS SO MUCH!MADISEN'S BENGALSMadisen, Julie and Ricki Boyle and Diane Doese Customers since May 2006

Posted 07/09/08 | Report Abuse

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This vet practice needs to grow in expertise and kindness. Some of the vets need to communicate better. Not always inviting or respectful of pet owner concerns. My pet was mistreated after the vet appeared mad at me after dismissing a health concern. BEBT has the chance to a first rate vet clinic..rise to the occassion, but for now may not always be an ideal choice for vet care.

Posted 06/28/08 | Report Abuse

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The staff at this clinic is amazing, they're all so friendly and helpful. As soon as you walk in you're greeted by the cheerful receptionists who make a big deal of your pet. The assistants are very knowledgeable and handle the animals well. My pet received the best care and they're happy to give you a tour of their beautiful facility. It's great knowing this clinic is here if you have any problems with your pets. They have access to some of the best technology and the mix of doctors helps to ensure nothing will be missed. A+!!

Posted 06/25/08 | Report Abuse

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I've had a rough year, my darling cat became ill. Lucky for me, the wonderful Veterinarians and caring staff at Bright Eyes & Bushy Tails have been there for me every step of the way! When my cat started vomiting, I took her in thinking she likely ate something that didn't agree with her. As it turns out, she was jaundiced and had liver disease. The Vets were caring and went over my different options for testing- from just treating the symptoms, to doing an ultrasound and trying for a biopsy with a large needle, to doing a surgery to get a "chunk" of liver. I picked ultrasound and before we did it, they let me know that the biopsy with the needle doesn't always get an answer, as it's just a small piece of liver. They kept me informed every step of the way, so I knew my cute little girl may need surgery if this didn't work. Luckily, we got an answer and we were able to treat Kitty ( my daughter named her!) for her specific type of liver problems. While we missed her while she was in the hospital, I'm not sure she missed us, as she got so much extra attention at Bright Eyes! When I woke up with no Kitty on my pillow, I was able to phone in even at 3 AM to get an update, as they staff around the clock! Thanks to all for all you did for Kitty and our family. Kitty continues to do great!

Posted 06/23/08 | Report Abuse

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I've seen some of these recent negative reviews and just can't believe that we're thinking of the same place.
Bright Eyes and Bushy Tails has a large, beautiful facility with state of the art technologies and services. They offer many things that cannot normally be found in a town the size of Iowa City.
My lab spent over a week in their ICU and was in critical condition the entire time she was there. I was able to come in to the clinic or call their staff at any hour of the day or night to check in on her. Their round-the-clock care and capabilities made all the difference and I now have my happy, healthy puppy back.
Had it not been for the services offered locally, I would not have been able to afford taking her all the way to Iowa State and I fear what her outcome would have been. Residents of Iowa City should be grateful that a clinic like this exists so close to home. Keep up the great work Bright Eyes!

Posted 06/20/08 | Report Abuse

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Bright Eyes & Bushy Tails is not a good place for exotic animal care. They not only criticized the way I took the news of her death, but when my pet died under their care, they brought the DEAD BODY TO THE LOBBY without a final consultation or follow-up. I had to insist on talking with the doctor.
When I complained & noted that I would not be returning to the facility with any of my other pets, they wrote false information in my pet's charts ("owner not welcome here").
I had such high hopes for Bright Eyes & Bushy Tails. Too bad.

Posted 06/04/08 | Report Abuse

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Unsatisfactory service for very high prices. The veterinarian who saw my pet seemed somewhat unskilled, although other veterinarians there may be different.

Posted 06/04/08 | Report Abuse

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I chose this hospital because it was near my house. Everything was great, very caring with my dog. Price was lower than Illinois where I'm from. I'll definitely go back.

Posted 05/21/08 | Report Abuse

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My cat was attacked by a dog, and almost died. This vet had a full staff on a Sunday, and no matter when I called, I could get an update or visit. Price was a little high, but I got more than I hoped. Gwen is back home and doing great.

Posted 05/07/08 | Report Abuse

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The doctor (Jennifer Berger) was very informative and took the time to answer all my questions. I have owned dogs for years and this was the best vet experience I have had!

Posted 10/22/07 | Report Abuse

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I have taken my pets there for years and the caring and compassion from all of the doctors is wonderful! It's so comforting knowing that I can call there 24hrs a day and someone will be there to answer my questions. The staff is so knowledgeable and professional. I would definitely recommend to a friend!

Posted 04/07/06 | Report Abuse

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