West Lynn Veterinary Clinic
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In my opinion this was THE best experience I've had taking my dog to the vet. It all started great when one of the employees saw me struggling with my dane in the parking lot and came out to help me bring him inside. My dog (who is scared of his own shadow) took to this assistant right away which still amazes me. I was then told by the one of the girls in the front that if I ever needed help, to call from my car and someone would be happy to assist me. In the last 7 years I've been taking him to the vet, not once has anyone been so considerate and accomodating. Everything went great after meeting the doctor, who gave me a bunch of new stuff to try. Thanks again and I will be bringing in my vizsla next.
April 14, 2011Was this review helpful to you?
I bring my kitty to West Lynn and they always take good care of him. When I go on vacation, they babysit him and play with him. His favorite thing to do they say is swipe at the other kittys when they bring them into the room. I love that they pay enough attention while I am away to even know his little habits. He is never afraid there and gets the best care. I am thankful to have such a great clinic with such a caring staff. They also put my kitty on a diet and he has been at a healthy weight since and his fur has never felt softer.
March 23, 2011Was this review helpful to you?
I brought my dog in for an exam and the vet said he was fat! Dr. Hanks put him on a diet. They gave a prescribed food and said his treats had to only be carrots. In 2 months Jack lost 2 pounds and loves carrots!
January 23, 2011Was this review helpful to you?
I'm new in the area and was looking for a vet that was board certified. I called the clinic, and the receptionist was very informative with positive health care for my Emily. We went to the appointment and met Dr, Hanks, who answered all my questions re the health of Emily my chocolate lab. I'm so happy I found a clinic who will take special care for her. Thanks West Lynn!
November 14, 2010Was this review helpful to you?
I've been having trouble maintaining the weight of my cat. Everyone at West Lynn Vet was very helpful in giving me suggestions about exercising and helping me figure out the right food to get.
September 20, 2010Was this review helpful to you?
I love West Lynn Vet! They are so hospitable and really care for Kitty! Thanks for looking after my Kitty! The food prescribed for Kitty is expensive but worth it! It keeps her healthy and makes sure that she stays that way!
September 08, 2010Was this review helpful to you?
Being new to the area I was not sure where to take my cat downtown for a routine checkup. I found West Lynn Vet online and decided to check them out and am very glad I did.
The staff was extremely friendly but professional and really made me feel at ease about trying a new veterinary clinic.
Thanks so much for making me feel welcome.
September 08, 2010Was this review helpful to you?
I have 2 dogs and 1 cat and we love West Lynn Vet. I am so totally satisfied with this Clinic and they take very good care of my pets. My favorite part... taking my dogs for a bath and they come home squeaky clean!
September 08, 20101 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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I would highly recommend West Lynn Veterinary Clinic to anyone who loves their pets like children. I have been taking my 2 dogs to Dr. Hanks for the past three years and they have received only top quality care. In this world, you get what you pay for. The staff at West Lynn are very professional. I wouldn't go anywhere else.
September 08, 20101 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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This clinic is the best. The staff is very welcoming and friendly. They make you and your pets feel right at home. I am happy to have a great Dr. like Dr. Hanks and his staff to take such good care of my babies.
September 08, 20101 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Dr. Hanks
709 West Lynn
Austin, TX 78703
Dear Dr. Hanks,
I want to thank you for taking care of my cat Buzz over the holidays. No words can describe what your actions and help meant to me before Christmas. Buzz was very sick, close to death and you saved her with your miraculous complex care. The fees were fair and worth every penny we had to spend to keep her as a family member. Everything happened so fast , I'm just now starting to realize how much you did and how you went out of your way to help me with a difficult situation and anticipate my needs. I appreciate you taking all the actions with your technical knowledge to see that Buzz got her health back from a critical emergency. It's wonderful to have a vet like you in the Clarksville neighborhood when I needed you most. The high level of creative energy among your staff, especially Berni as well as their personal pride in West Lynn Veterinary Clinic is obvious and very gratifying to see. I'm a hotel manager - I understand excellence, communication and customer focus in the workplace. Dr. Hanks, you exceeded every expectation I had as a customer with the finest facilities and service that a veterinary clinic has to offer. Buzz is doing great. She is back to her old self again and I am a happy pet owner again.
Thank you for taking care of Buzz. You're the best.
Randy Newth
February 28, 20091 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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I was referred to this hospital by a gal at the Town lake shelter. I am a 2nd time cat owner and was overall pleased with the care that was given to my new kitten. What I am most eager to express is the knowledge that the entire staff had to offer. Yes the cost was more than my old vet in Boise, but had I not come to this place, I wouldn't have known that this poor kitty not only had a respiratory infection, but it also was positive for bartinella (sp). Luckily I was told that this was treatable. Now he is getting back to health and I would trust him in their care again!
January 24, 20091 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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I recently moved from Houston and needed a vet to care for my cat and dog. I am single and my pets are my children. Before I left Houston, I asked my vet if there was a vet in Austin that he would recommend. He suggested Dr. Hanks, who was an old colleague of his. So I promptly called Dr. Hanks clinic to set an appointment for my dog who had diarrhea. When I called, I was impressed with the way I was treated. The girl I spoke to on the phone was very pleasant and actually gave me an outline of prices and procedures and most of all she spoke of Dr. Hanks. I was delighted when I brought Dexter in and visited with Dr. Hanks. He was very thorough and demanding in what to do to get Dexter back on his feet as well as to keep him healthy. I was very shocked of the cost with all the medicine and injections Dr. Hanks did to Dexter, it better work. To my surprise (its been 3 months now) Dexter no longer has runny poop and seems to be more alert and he seems happy. Thank you Dr. Hanks for taking care of Dexter and I remember the words you told me on my first visit if you dont follow these directions then it isnt going to work or you can spend your money visiting me every month!
October 17, 20081 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
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I went to this clinic a few weeks ago, and I have to say, I was very pleased with the service. The girls at the front desk were very nice and helpful and were able to answer alot of my questions about flea medicine for my dog. I was also pleased with the information and advice I received from Dr. Hanks. Leaving the clinic, I actually felt relieved knowing I have found a vet that knows what they are talking about. I would defiantly recommend this clinic.
October 09, 20081 out of 3 people found this review helpful.
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I have been using this clinic for 2 years now, and the only visits I have very friendly and helpful. Dr. Hanks knows everything about dogs and cats. I remember one time when the staff stayed open so I could bring my dog in when he got hit by a car. I was just coming back from a trip and he got hit. So I had to rush home which was about an hour away. I knew I would not make it before they closed, but I called and told the receptionist about my predicament and Dr. Hanks agreed to wait and see my dog. When I arrived They took x-rays and also did a physical exam. Luckily he was ok, but I didn't know for sure. I love the staff and Dr. Hanks I will continue to use them for many years to come.
September 13, 20081 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
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I came upon West lynn after searching the internet and reading reviews. I saw quite a few positive responses about this place and so I proceeded to call to set up an appt for my newly adopted lab mix. He recently had to visit an emergency clinic for a bout of diarrhea/lethargy. Long story short, I left that emergency clinic feeling even more confused and broke. I called West lynn to see if he could be seen to follow up and the receptionist was incredibly helpful. I was informed right away what would happen, who would be seeing my dog and also an estimate of how much all of this would cost. It seems to me they went above and beyond to make sure my dog and I would be comfortable there. I appreciate that as I do not have time or money to waste. The place was spotless and all of the staff members were happy and polite and most importantly I left feeling satisfied with the course of treatment the doctor chose. I will be bringing my dog back here!
July 26, 20081 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
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I am fairly new to Austin and was referred to West Lynn by a co-worker of mine. I was looking for a clinic to take my golden retriever (with a medical history about the size of a dictionary) and was pleasantly surprised with the care that both my dog and I received. I went in with high expectations after hearing about my co-worker's experience and was impressed. It was nice to walk into a veterinary office that was extremely clean and didn't smell like a vet's office! I would recommend this clinic to anyone who cares about the well-being of their pet hands down.
April 26, 20081 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
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I have always heard nothing but great things about Dr. Hanks and his staff @ West Lynn Veterinary Clinic, which is why i thought i would give it a shot! Dr. Hanks is the most caring veterinarian i have ever come across! He's board certified, which is always a plus! When we arrived for our first visit we were welcomed with huge smiles and hello's! As we waited for our appointment time i had some time to sit back and notice just how personal the staff really is with their clients! Clients were walking in and the staff knew them all by name! I've never been to a clinic with so much enthususiasm! I had visited another veterinary clinic previous to West Lynn and they failed to test my puppy for any kind of worms or infections.When i came to West Lynn Dr. Hanks did a test right away and found my puppy had worms! How would i have known that staying @ the previous vet! And the special diet Dr. Hanks put my puppy on has made him into a new puppy! He no longer has dirty ears and his coat is pure white and amazing! I've already referred friends there and will continue to do so. Thank you so much to Dr. Hanks and his amazing staff @ West Lynn Veterinary Clinic!
February 11, 20081 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
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Several years ago i brought my 10 year old ailing cat in for examination, he was not using his litter box and it was very distressing. Dr. Hanks diagnosed his infection and charged me for an office call. 6 months later my cat had an "epileptic" fit. Dr. Hanks came up on a Saturday afternoon and treated him. He saved his life. Two years later he died of natural causes. This 12 year old cat would not have made it without his involvement. Since then, I have adopted 2 dogs and another cat. His office reminds me of their vaccinations when they are due along with general examinations. I love Bernie, his practice manager. She is the cog that keeps the wheel turning. I have called to compare pricing and they is comparable for the area. They tell me ahead of time what my expenses are. I am sold on West Lynn and I think that since Dr. Hanks is board certified makes me feel better. He is simply the best, and my pets are in good hands!
October 09, 20071 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
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I love this clinic. Dr Hanks really cares about the well being of my dog. The staff is always pretty knowledgable and friendly too. I've been to another vet in the past, and they seem to just be in a hurry and not take the time to actually focus on my pets' needs. Kudos to Dr Hanks and the staff at West Lynn Clinic!
September 27, 20071 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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I am new to Austin and made an appointment at the clinic after reading positive reviews, so i was quite surprised by the experience i had. I took my dog in for her annual exam and vaccinations and to have further diagnostics done for a urinary tract infection that our previous vet treated. I told Dr. Hanks all of this when we met in the examination room and he proceeded to list all the test he would want and that it would cost upwards of $400. Included in the list of tests was another urinalysis (I had brought in the previous 2 results from late July). I asked for clarification as to why he would have to do another urinalysis. In response, rather than address any medical reasons, he said that he charges 30% more than other doctors, that he has clients who drop $400-500 on tests and treatment without batting an eyelash and that i would probably be happier seeing someone else. This was confusing since I only wanted clarification on the medical reasons for all the tests; I didn't ask about the fees. So I asked why he could not culture a urine sample knowing that a test from a few weeks ago showed bacteria was present. He gave me the same response as before. Still nothing medical in this explanation. He suggested again that I would be happier seeing a general practitioner. I asked about just doing the annual exam and vaccinations and he said he charges $20-40 more just for vaccinations and again said I would probably be happier seeing a general practitioner for that as well. I was completely at a loss as to why he was so unwilling to treat my dog and why he kept talking about fees when I wasn't asking. Clearly, he was not interested in seeing my dog.
I am generally a quiet and reserved person who is perfectly willing to pay for whatever care my dog needs. I am not prone to confrontation or writing online reviews, but I was so taken aback by this experience that I feel compelled to share it here. My conclusion is this: if you show interest in your pet's health and treatments and are not willing to agree to tests without some explanation, this clinic is NOT for you. And if my experience is any indication, Dr. Hanks will let you know if you are not an appropriate client.
1 out of 3 people found this review helpful.
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Insider Expert
| Rank: 12,319
This is were I take my cats and I have only positive things to say about this place. When one of my cats was hit by a car they were able to get me in right away and fixed her right up. They provide full service animal care and they are very great with the animals. You can tell it is more than just a job to them.
November 30, 20051 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Insider
| Rank: 39,042
Dr. Hanks at West Lynn is one of the most caring vets I have ever met. He truly cares about the animals he treats. His staff is just as wonderful as him. They always get you in quickly, so you don't spend forever in the waiting room. Don't even think about another vet. It would be just a waste of time and money.
PROS: Great Staff. Great Doctor.
CONS: A little bit high priced
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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I have taken my pets to West Lynn for more than 15 years now, and there are not other people I would trust with my furry angels' well-being. West Lynn offers an HMO-type "insurance" that allows one to pay a small fee out of pocket each month as to avoid huge veterinary expenses - this proved very helpful for me and my furry crew. The vets are seasoned and experienced in both handling both animals and their people. When my beloved pet got cancer, the good folks at West Lynn saw me through my pet's treatment and subsequent passing. They even arranged for a cremation and delivery of my pet's ashes. Afterward, I received a card letting me know that West Lynn had made a donation in her memory. Can you find greater folk than these in Austin? I think not.
PROS: Caring, educated staff; offers HEALTHEPET program to save money.
CONS: None
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Latest reviews from Citysearch.
I went in today to get more heartworm meds for my dog, Blaze and surprised to see that they have made it affordable for me to purchase 6 months at a very reasonable price. I asked Michelle, the receptionist, why so? Her answer, because of the economy! Now that is a smart move from them. Thank you for helping us a very satisfied client!
I've been having trouble maintaining the weight of my cat. Everyone at West Lynn Vet was very helpful in giving me suggestions about exercising and helping me figure out the right food to get.
I have been bringing my Jack Russel here for a few months and I really must say WOW. Before I came to West Lynn I was constantly dealing with my dog having one ear infection after another. This was not only very frustrating but it was draining my wallet. Dr. Hanks switched us to a new brand of food which is somewhat pricey but it has made all the difference. My dog's ears are now fresh and clean and I have noticed that we are making far less ear visits to the Dr. He also seems to be shedding less which is a huge bonus with white dog hair. I wish our last vet would have given us this advice...
Great advice. Highly recommended.
Dr. Hanks took such good care of my cat Elsie (she has cow markings) when we figured out she was having trouble with her teeth. He cleaned them really well and she seems much happier. He also gave us some detailed instructions on how to keep her teeth healthy in the future.
The staff was also really nice and very comforting during the hard time while kitty was under.
I have know Dr. Hanks (Lewis) since he opened his practice years ago. Our dogs were one of his first patients and so have all of our dogs since.
Yes I know Lewis on a perdonal basis as well as our dogs' vet.
There may be other vets that are as good, but none better
Sutton Page
sutton@austinairbalancing
Pros: Professional, Compassionate, Honest
Cons: None
I wish I had read these reviews before taking my dog to see Dr. Hanks. Although Dr. Hanks was pleasant when he examined my pet and prescribed medication and food, he "fired" me because I called with a follow up question regarding my dog's medication. Apparently he does not like to be "doubted." He refused to answer any follow-up questions after my $300 visit (which, incidentally, is expensive but I did not mind paying because I trusted Dr. Hanks), and suggested I take my dog elsewhere. I took my half-deaf puppy to Dr. Biehle at Brykerwood and was amazed by how kind he was and eager to educate me about my pet's health. Whereas Dr. Hanks wouldn't talk to me on the phone about the medicine, Dr. Biehle called me and left me a long detailed voice message about the risks and benefits associated with the medications. The vets at Brykerwood are remarkably less expensive than Hanks, too. It just goes to show you that sometimes the amount of money you pay is not commensurate with the service.
Do not take your pet or your wallet to West Lynn Clinic.
From driving by West Lynn Veterinary Clinic and visiting its website, I thought it seemed like a very nice vet's office. I made an appointment, and when I came, the office was clean and the vet tech and vet were very friendly. HOWEVER, as soon as I put my cat on the examination table, the vet tech held him down in a choke hold. He had his hands around my cat's throat, and began tightening them when my cat started screaming. I have been to many vets with many different animals in my life, and I have *never* seen an animal handled in this way. My cat is one of the most laid-back cats I've ever met; he would have just sat there on the examination table and let the vet look at him. But instead, the vet and vet tech immediately sent him into a state of panic by forcefully grabbing him and holding him down. I don't know what cat would put up with that kind of treatment-- certainly no cat that I know. I became so upset that I told the vet tech to stop and all but pushed his hands away. Then, instead of trying a different approach, like petting my cat while examining him, the vet immediately dismissed us, saying, "I'm sorry. I can't work with him." My cat was sick, and the vet sent us away because my cat screamed when he was being strangled. I asked the vet if they could examine my cat without strangling him, and he quickly answered, "no; that's just the way we do things here." I felt shaken and disrespected. My cat immediately went back to being calm when the vet tech stopped strangling him; they easily could have examined him. But instead, we were immediately dismissed because they strangle animals to hold them down in this office. Maybe that technique works for dogs, but I would like to meet a cat that would hold still without screaming while being held in a strangle hold. If you want a gentle vet who has more interest in your cat's well being than sticking to his method of handling animals, do NOT go to West Lynn Veterinary Clinic.
Pros: Clean office, friendly (to humans) staff
Cons: No clue how to handle cats, dismissive toward clients
This clinic is very caring, loving, and understanding when it comes to any medical procedures, as well as having to put one of my pets to sleep. The clinic understood my pain of losing my favorite friend. They understood the difficult stress that I was under in having to make such a hard choice.
Pros: clean, freindly, and smart doc
Cons: can't think of any
Dr. Hanks saved my dog's life after being chewed up by another bigger animal. I called very upset, and the gentle staff stayed on the phone with me and guided me to their office. They took "Jolly" immediately into surgery. I thought it was expensive at first, but called other vets after the I received the bill and realized he saved me $74 from other vets' charges. The other thing I noticed about the clinic is that it does not smell like urine or animals, it was clean and the staff was friendly and patient with me as I asked the same questions, over and over. They assured me Jolly would be OK. He is now happy and back to normal after a life threating attack. I would recommend him to anyone that needs medical care and upkeep for their pet.
Pros: nice, clean comforting office
Dr. Hanks is very knowleable and diagosed the condition of my pet right away. On my second follow-up visit, his receptionist staff informed me that Dr. Hanks requires pets to be vaccinated every year. My response was that I prefer to stay on a 3 year schedule. Then, I was asked to go to the examination room where his office manager informed me that I was not going to be able to get service at this clinic because Dr. Hanks was very annimate about vaccinating animals every year. He also requires worm tests every 6 months (most veterinarians recommend it once a year.)
I think that at a minimum Dr. Hanks should have told me directly this since I was on-time attending my appointment.
Pros: Good Location
Cons: Price and not respectful of customers opinions
This doctor is greedy and very expensive. Not only that the staff is rude and then when my dog had an emergency they wouldn't even call back after 42 hours! They had examined my pet and then 2 weeks later insisted to exam again for another $65 for when I merely needed to board my dog on an in-cabin plane ride...total rip off. The doctor even had the audacity to tell me that he needed an hour and $30 plus $300 for anesthesia to take a baby tooth that was already dangling and about to fall off. Silly...the tooth fell out that day.
Dr. Hanks did everything short of demand certain overpriced and needless procedures for pregnant girlfriends dog. In the end the diagnoses was "stress". Cost 231.00. Do the math and go somewhere else.
Pros: Location
Cons: Price
It is highly recommended you overlook West Lynn Vet and find another vet. Dr. Hanks is not a gentle man. Sure he's an educated man with experience, but when it comes to gentleness and love, you will get none from Dr. Hanks. He's aggressive towards the animals and his superiority towers above all in the clinic. Really and truly, if you adore and love your pet and want the best care for him/her, West Lynn Vet is not the place for you.
Cons: callous, disturbing, overpriced
I was very disappointed with the care (or lack thereof) provided by Dr. Hanks. I felt he was pushy and didn't really listen to my questions or concerns regarding my pet. Each time I visited the clinic I ended up spending a fortune, and then had to return (and spend MORE) because my pet's health did not improve. I felt pressured to buy expensive food and products and was made to feel guilty if I did not purchase the items. I later found the same food available online for HALF the price... I expected it to be a little cheaper, but $15 vs. $30 is a huge difference to me. I really felt that West Lynn Vet and Dr. Hanks were taking advantage of me and my pet.
Pros: location
Cons: pushy, expensive
I acquired my dog through a rescue group. Needless to say he was a wreck.. Dr. Hanks was wonderful with us. We love our new dog and couldn't not have made it with Dr. Hanks and his woderful staff. I would recommend Dr. Hanks to anyone who wanted top notch care he provides.
I am new to the austin area and found Dr. Hanks online and loved how the clinic looked - even on line - I come to my appt and loved the clinic, the staff and dr hanks - the clinic is very clean and dr hanks was great and very informative
Pros: clean, friendly, enjoyable
My healthy cat had an expensive, 5 minute exam where they basically said, "he looks great", then clipped his claws (in a back room-don't like that). No tests done of any sort. I scheduled him a teeth cleaning for the next week. On the already expensive cleaning bill, they charged me 50+ dollars for a standard exam. I said, "he was just examined last week." They said, "too bad. We still have to check him over again." What was done during that second exam to justify 50+ dollars? Moreover, the anesthesia seemed too strong; he was in bad shape after the cleaning.
