Dixie Trail Animal Clinic

The vets at Dixie Trail have always done an exemplary job caring for my pets as well as my foster pets. I shopped around quite a bit before finding this clinic, and have now been a client of theirs for well over 7 years. The inital things that drew me to them were recommendations from animal rescue groups in the area who we adopted our pets from, the fact that their dietary recommendations and prescription diets were all of high quality, without byproducts and the other junk found in Science Diet, Iams, Purina Diets, and the like, and I was also quite impressed that they handed me information on safer choices in vaccination. At the time, especially, many vets were yet unaware of the newer protocols regarding reduced vaccination schedules, injection site concerns, etc. but Dixie Trail was right on it. They stay on top of current advances in veterinary science, which I really like to see in anyone who treats my animals.
Later, I started bringing my small pets and the small pets I fostered (and still do) for rescue(hamsters, mice, gerbils, rats, chinchillas, guinea pigs, short-tailed opossum, etc.) for treatment and wellness visits. I was going to another clinic for exotic pet treatment at the time, and was thrilled to find out that Dixie Trail, my dogs' and cats' vet clinic, also treated these other species! Dr. McKinnish's reputation was excellent, and I have to say, she deserves it completely. She and the other vets have added years to my pets' lives, not to mention a higher quality of life in general. The surgeons there are excellent, and they do everything possible to ensure a quick and complete recovery. Over the years they have removed my (and my fosters) rats' tumors, cured upper respiratory infections, drained abscesses, treated incoming rescued animals of all species for parasites, dremmelled teeth when malocclusions were a problem, provided care for mice with skin cancer and my hamster who had Cushings disease. I could go on and on and on.
No, they aren't the cheapest vet in town for dogs and cats, but their prices are competitive and they bend over backwards to help my pets. As far as exotic animal care goes, not only are they the first vet I run to in a crisis, they also charge significantly less for treatment than the other exotic vets I've used. Yes, the wait can be a little long because emergencies arise on days trauma cases come in unexpectedly. If it's a problem for you, scehdule your appointment early in the day.
Dixie Trail is a trusted vet clinic that I have grown to rely on. I wouldn't trust my pets into the care of anyone I wouldn't trust with my own life. I've been truly impressed with the compassion and competence of Dr. McKinnish and all the vets at Dixie Trail.

Posted 11/24/09 | Report Abuse

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I have been a customer of Dixie Trail for many years, and have to say how deeply I appreciate the care that my pets have received from Virginia Brown and her staff.

Posted 08/01/09 | Report Abuse

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I have to admit, that I did my research before taking my bunny to Dixie Trail. Not only were they recommended by several other veterinarians, they were also recommended by the pet store that sold me my rabbit. The staff there is caring, and Dr. Brown has a wonderful way of dealing with my rabbit. Naturally he is a very curious rabbit, and he seemed to really enjoy being handled by the office staff, and normally he is skittish around new people. Their price range is similar to other veterinarians in the area, and actually it probably should be higher due to the fact that they deal with exotic animals, not just cats and dogs (which you need a different license for). Dr. Brown was very informative and took the extra time to explain what she was doing, and I felt she did a great job with my rabbit. She also didn't try to upsell me on vitamins, or did she attempt to suggest a rabies shot or anything extra. I appreciated that fact since he is an indoor rabbit he is less susceptible. She took into account all aspects of his development and his care, and she made a small recommendation that made sense at the end of our visit. When we were putting him back in his carrier, she also made sure to put some timothy hay in his carrier along with some fresh greens to help him feel at ease and to calm him down, which may seem like a small thing, but it shows she cares about the animals she treats. I personally feel that all of the animals in her care are in good hands, and that she loves what she does. This business is one that gets personal, and loves it's patients. I for one, am very impressed with the level of service and care they provide to the pets and to the pet owners, and I for one, am someone that is difficult to make an impression on.

Posted 07/30/09 | Report Abuse

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I read the comments from the disgruntled ferret owner and couldn't help thinking this must be one of those people that no one can please. She comments that Dixie Trail just wants to make money after telling us that Dr. Brown simply suggested they turn the ferret over to her. Dr. Brown didn't ask for money for treatment. She just wanted to help the animal. I have taken all my animals to Dixie Trail (3 dogs/2 cats) and have never known the skilled and knowledgeable veterinarians there to be anything but caring and compassionate. They would never allow an animal to suffer needlessly. Dr. Brown and her staff do, however, look at all the facts, carefully study test results, consult with colleagues from NCSU and others as needed, and make every effort to give each one of their little patients a chance at life. They love animals. That is why these doctors have given their lives to veterinary medicine. Having dogs that have been ill and losing one to cancer, I understand the choices pet owners must make. But I wouldn't give back one moment of the time these doctors gave our precious boxer nor do I regret the money we spent in the tests, medications, ultrasounds, surgeries, etc. The doctors kept her with us as long as possible and when it was time, they regretfully put her to sleep. For all of their care and efforts, I would give Dixie Trail not 5 stars, but 10...for exceptional care and dedication to the best interests of our pets. I suspect there's a lot we don't know about Cheryl and her ferrets.

Posted 06/20/09 | Report Abuse

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If I could I would give Dixie Trail a zero I would. I've been a ferret owner for many years and also have a back ground in animal science so I know more than the average but not as much as a vet. My husband and I noticed the signs of insulinoma in one of our ferrets and after we've had other ferrets in the past who have had insulinoma and adrenal disease we have personally seen that meds and surgery aren't a cure and isn't always the best, so we called to schedule to have our beloved pet euthanized. My husband went to the apt as I had to work. Shortly after the apt time my husband calls me and says that Dr. Brown refused to euthanize my ferret and persuaded him to give the ferret up to him. When I heard this news I went over and reclaimed my ferret. Dr. Brown just doesn't get it....it's not that we want to be rid of our precious pet! It's that we care so much about her we don't want her to go through what we watched the others deal with. Dr. Brown want to treat her and then adopted her out. For what? So that in two years she can go through the exact same misery? Deep down I feel that Dixie Trails just wants to make money. Vet should educate pet parents not make the decisions for them.

Posted 03/24/09 | Report Abuse

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I have just found a dreadful review of this Clinic dated Sept 08, and must respond.I have only had one pet of my own in my life, a cat, one which has been particularly difficult to deal with in the context of medical visits. Dixie Trail has at every turn skillfully and lovingly dealt with his "dr's office persona" and in every case when I have needed Dr. Brown's help or that of any of the other physicians and technicians, I have always found them available medically AND emotionally. My little friend has been genuinely "cared for" by this clinic in every sense of that term. This clinic is located near the NC State University School of Vet. Medicine, and has an excellent working relationship with the staff at that facility. I know because I have observed it first-hand. As for the facility itself, let me say that the decor of the clinic is NOT my first priority when it comes to MY little companion. The building is conveniently located in an older neighborhood shopping center, and shows the age of ANY building built forty-five years ago, or so. The price of a clinic is similarly not my highest priority. If a clinic is "high priced", but they answer the needs of my companion and me, they're worth every penny. I went to Dixie Trail originally on the recommendation of a friend, who was not particularly wealthy, but who had been treated so well that she felt they were the best. Now, as my aging little soul mate begins his descent into his ordeal with renal disease, I have had nothing but help and sympathy from this staff. I would definitely recommend them.

Posted 01/26/09 | Report Abuse

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The vets are probably okay if you are willing and financially able to afford their medications, which are about 4x the price of online pet medications resources. Watch out though, if you find you have just spent $500 with them on a pet, and need to buy some expensive medication. I was told by one vet there she would authorize the medication my pet needed online, then when I ordered the medication she refused to do so because the head Vet (Dr. Brown) would not allow it. The exact same pill they sold for $4 a pill was .99 online. I was told I had to return and pick up the prescription, very inconveniently I explained, since I lived far away, had to work from 7am-7pm every day, and could not get in for another week. Then, Dixie Trail refused to treat our pet further due to the fact we wanted to obtain more affordable medications online. Frantic, I called another vet friend of mine (who had not seen my pet) to see what I could do. She explained this was not unusual, but also not at all helpful in my situation and she was "very disappointed in this kind of behavior". She recommended another specialist. When we called the second exotic pet specialist, they initially agreed to authorize the medication, but after contacting "Doctor Brown", they too refused to do so, and said they would only provide the medication compounded from their own supply (even though our pet was able to take the same exact tablets offered online, same ones initially given to us by Dixie Trail, and had been improving significantly on it). Not only that, the other vet said they were going to charge us $100 if we decided to euthanize our poor little 4lb. pet! We were basically blacklisted by Dixie Trail. Finally, when I was able to find someone else to pick the required prescription up from Dixie Trail, they only wrote it out for 14 days when they knew it would take much longer for the medicine to work, and that the order required 30 days. We had to mail the prescription in. Petmeds agreed to provide the 14 day supply, but we had to wait to get it through the mail. After two days without the medication my pet went from improving to taking a severe decline for the worst and I had to find another more understanding vet to euthanize him (which they offered to do for free). Very sad and very angry about the lousy treatment I got from Dixie Trail!!!

Posted 09/29/08 | Report Abuse

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While Dixie Trail may be an older hospital. The inside is what matters! You get doctors that are dedicated and have your pet's best interest at heart-NOTHING LESS. Dixie Trail has been taking care of our rabbits, cats, and dog for over ten years. Their prices are competetive, but their quality of medicine and care for your pet far exceeds that of most hospitals. To me, that is value.

Posted 05/10/08 | Report Abuse

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I would take the bad review with a grain of salt. I have always felt like Dixie Trail treats my pets like family. I have been a client for 3 years. I was very dissatisfied with my prior vet, who talked down to me and never spoke to my pets! I recommend you actually go to Dixie Trail with your pet and meet the staff. Form your own opinions. Don't take the advice of someone giving a third rate review containing no real details other than those that don't match the truth. Fur everywhere huh? I bet she keeps her dog outside!

Posted 05/09/08 | Report Abuse

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Stephanie does not actually tell us any details about her experience, other than it was expensive. Sounds more like her animal had some issues, and it cost her more than she wanted to pay, so she lashed out in spite with a bad review. Granted, I have noticed prices going up, even before I started going to Dixie Trail, but they are doctors, just like the ones humans use. Have you been to a human doctor lately without insurance? Call the poorhouse and tell them you are on the way because health care is not cheap. Her comment on the unattractive, ancient office is totally wrong, since it was remodeled about a year or so ago. I remember because our cat had bloody diarrhea (which you don't soon forget) while they were working on it. I think the decor is nice. I find the waiting area to be warm and personable, rather than sterile, like many Dr's offices.

Posted 05/09/08 | Report Abuse

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I think Stephanie must have gotten confused about which vet she went to. I have always had wonderful experiences with Dixie Trail, both vets and staff are wonderful, regular people who go beyond the typical for pets and owners. I always leave the vet with a smile, and I swear my dog does too! He was always scared of the other vets I have taken him to, and it was a chore to drag him in the door, but at Dixie Trail, he runs in, tail wagging. All the staff loves on him and he eats that up! Stephanie says the office is dirty and ancient. They just remodeled their office last year! It is very nice, with great pictures on the wall, pretty display cases, nice exam rooms too. As to being dirty, yeah sometimes there is some dog hair on the floor, but IT IS A VET OFFICE! I have hair in my house too, because I HAVE A DOG! And the only smell I have noticed is the smell of the special pet odor candles they sell. I love those things! They are always burning them and the office usually smells like vanilla! Waiting is sometimes long, but not nearly as long as my doctor or dentist.As for the price, they are no higher than any good vet in the area. And they are GOOD vets. I guess I could search around and find a discount vet somewhere, but I love my animal, so I am more concerned with the quality of care, pretty much like I am with my and my family's physicians. Great place to take your pet!

Posted 05/09/08 | Report Abuse

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This is the first time I've ever written a review but I had to take a moment to say what excellent care our two dogs and two cats have received at Dixie Trail Animal Clinic. In addition to regular care, one of our cats had surgery to remove a malignant tumor on his back leg. The tumor was removed cleanly and after almost 2 years, there has been no recurrence. Also, one of our boxers has cardiomyopathy and the staff at Dixie Trail has been extremely caring and supportive. We could not ask for better care. My husband and I drive two hours from Danville, VA to get to Dixie Trail Animal Clinic. The staff is skilled and knowledgeable and we wouldn't take our beloved pets anywhere else.

Posted 05/09/08 | Report Abuse

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I use this site to check out vendors, hairstylists and other key businesses in the RTP but have never posted before now. Please know if you are taking extra care to research your choice in vet care that my experience with this vet has been awful. The care is poor and the price is high. I can't stress enough how unprofessional and slipshod this office is. Take your pet somewhere else, please. A pet deserves adequate treatment and they will not get it here (though you will pay as if they did). Just entering this office will prove my point; it is awful--smelly, unattractive, ancient, fur everywhere. In this case you can judge a book by its cover. The wait is awful; the supplies are always out; the vets are frazzled; the staff doesn't have the first clue.

Posted 04/30/08 | Report Abuse

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Can't say enough about the staff or the vets in the office! They are very knowledgable and answer any questions you may have! Treat your pets like they are one of the family!

Posted 06/13/05 | Report Abuse

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