Best veterinarians for puppies and kittens in Austin
These are the Austin veterinarians that stand out for puppy and kitten care, from first vaccines to anxious-patient handling, ranked by our methodology. Scores were last updated 2026-10-06.
This list weighs signals that matter for young animals: gentle handling, clear explanations for new owners, vaccine access and cat-friendly spaces. For general-purpose clinics across every pet and age, see the overall veterinarian ranking, where the order can differ.
Every business on this list has review evidence for puppies and kittens. The full field is ranked in the overall ranking.
Picks are ranked by score and relevance to veterinarian, so a lower overall score can rank higher here.
At a glance
| # | Business | Score | Rating | From | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Austin Urban Veterinary Center | 93 | 4.9 (527) | — | low cost vet |
| 2 | Livewell Animal Hospital of Austin | 93 | 4.9 (435) | — | exotic avian vet |
| 3 | Circle C Animal Hospital | 93 | 4.9 (339) | — | general practice vet |
| 4 | Westlake Animal Hospital, A Thrive Pet Healthcare Partner | 91 | 4.8 (331) | — | emergency vet |
| 5 | Bluebonnet Animal Hospital - Circle C | 90 | 4.8 (169) | — | low cost vet |
| 6 | Griffith Small Animal Hospital | 89 | 4.9 (707) | — | exotic avian vet |
| 7 | CityVet | Steiner Ranch | 89 | 4.9 (188) | — | specialty referral vet |
| 8 | Chewy Vet Care The Triangle | 89 | 4.9 (185) | — | general practice vet |
| 9 | Prickly Pear Pet Vaccines | 89 | 4.9 (169) | — | low cost vet |
| 10 | Brodie Animal Hospital | 88 | 4.8 (706) | — | exotic avian vet |
| 11 | Hill Country Animal Hospital | 88 | 4.8 (574) | — | general practice vet |
| 12 | Best Vet | 88 | 4.7 (544) | — | general practice vet |
| 13 | Animal Medical Center of Austin | 86 | 4.7 (390) | — | specialty referral vet |
| 14 | VCA Northwest Hills Animal Hospital | 86 | 4.6 (319) | — | general practice vet |
| 15 | Brushy Creek Veterinary Clinic | 86 | 4.7 (215) | — | general practice vet |
1. Austin Urban Veterinary Center
4.9 (527 reviews)score 93/100
Long-term clients and first-time walk-ins report the same experience: vets and staff who listen without rushing, answer questions thoroughly, and treat each pet as an individual rather than a line item.
- knowledgeable and compassionate staff
- walk-ins accommodated quickly
- patient vets who listen
- clean modern facility
Services: low cost vet, general practice vet, emergency vet, specialty referral vet
2. Livewell Animal Hospital of Austin
4.9 (435 reviews)score 93/100
Every recent visit scores five stars, with Dr.
- Dr. Rivas thorough and great with animals
- friendly and warm staff
- clear about costs and no unnecessary charges
- follow-up care after visits
Services: exotic avian vet, general practice vet, emergency vet
3. Circle C Animal Hospital
4.9 (339 reviews)score 93/100
Circle C keeps longer-term clients coming back by combining medical skill with genuine kindness.
- compassionate, patient vets
- quick access for urgent cases
- transparent pricing and no pressure
- responsive communication
Services: general practice vet, specialty referral vet
4. Westlake Animal Hospital, A Thrive Pet Healthcare Partner
4.8 (331 reviews)score 91/100
Staff and vets work with genuine warmth and clear expertise.
- knowledgeable and patient vets
- compassionate staff who explain care thoroughly
- smooth check-in and coordinated logistics
- long-term loyalty and trust
Services: emergency vet, general practice vet
5. Bluebonnet Animal Hospital - Circle C
4.8 (169 reviews)score 90/100
Every recent review rated this clinic four or five stars.
- caring and compassionate vets
- knowledgeable and thorough care
- friendly and welcoming staff
- transparent pricing and payment options
Services: low cost vet, general practice vet, specialty referral vet
6. Griffith Small Animal Hospital
4.9 (707 reviews)score 89/100
Reviewers consistently praise Dr.
- compassionate, knowledgeable vets
- kind and patient staff
- clear communication and collaboration
- long-term trust and reliability
Watch out: pricing concerns for annual exams
Services: exotic avian vet, specialty referral vet, general practice vet, emergency vet
7. CityVet | Steiner Ranch
4.9 (188 reviews)score 89/100
Staff and doctors consistently treat nervous and sick animals with genuine patience and care, making pets feel at ease rather than anxious.
- compassionate, patient care with anxious or fearful pets
- knowledgeable vets who diagnose thoroughly
- friendly, respectful staff who listen
- reasonable pricing for the quality offered
Watch out: missed diagnosis leading to prolonged animal suffering
Services: specialty referral vet, general practice vet, emergency vet, mobile house call vet
8. Chewy Vet Care The Triangle
4.9 (185 reviews)score 89/100
Staff bond quickly with nervous and reactive dogs; owners consistently mention vets and techs by name and describe calm, welcoming visits.
- compassionate, caring staff
- handles anxious and reactive pets well
- thorough exams and clear explanations
- clean facility
Watch out: follow-up communication gaps on lab results
Services: general practice vet, emergency vet
9. Prickly Pear Pet Vaccines
4.9 (169 reviews)score 89/100
Most visits are smooth and affordable.
- friendly and caring staff
- reasonable prices for vaccines
- handles anxious pets well
- efficient high-volume system
Watch out: waits can exceed 90 minutes on busy days
Services: low cost vet, general practice vet
10. Brodie Animal Hospital
4.8 (706 reviews)score 88/100
Brodie delivers consistent, attentive care with staff known for warmth and genuine concern for animals.
- compassionate, caring staff
- quick appointments and short waits
- thorough diagnosis and preventive care
- cat-friendly environment and approach
Watch out: profit-driven ownership model affecting care standards
Services: exotic avian vet, general practice vet, emergency vet
11. Hill Country Animal Hospital
4.8 (574 reviews)score 88/100
Most visits feel calm and supported.
- caring and patient vets
- friendly and kind staff
- handles anxious and emergency situations well
- thorough follow-up care
Watch out: communication gaps after recent ownership change
Services: general practice vet, emergency vet, exotic avian vet
12. Best Vet
4.7 (544 reviews)score 88/100
Most visits run smooth and affordable, with Dr.
- honest advice and no upsell pressure
- caring staff with strong rapport with anxious pets
- fair and reasonable pricing
- locally owned, not corporate
Watch out: long wait times despite scheduled appointments
Services: general practice vet, mobile house call vet, low cost vet, exotic avian vet
13. Animal Medical Center of Austin
4.7 (390 reviews)score 86/100
Most reviewers praise the clinic's experienced veterinarians-particularly Drs.
- skilled veterinarians (especially Drs. Gregg and Loretta Farmer)
- compassionate end-of-life care
- thorough diagnosis and clear explanations
- friendly and patient staff
Watch out: recent price increases after ownership/management change
Services: specialty referral vet, emergency vet, general practice vet, holistic integrative vet
14. VCA Northwest Hills Animal Hospital
4.6 (319 reviews)score 86/100
Reviewers consistently describe being treated like family, with staff and vets who listen carefully and explain decisions without pressure.
- compassionate, family-centered care
- highly knowledgeable vets with clear communication
- friendly, welcoming staff
- responsive emergency care
Watch out: appointment cancellation process lacks transparency
Services: general practice vet, specialty referral vet, emergency vet
15. Brushy Creek Veterinary Clinic
4.7 (215 reviews)score 86/100
Most visits feel unhurried and attentive.
- kind and caring staff
- thorough exams and testing
- personalized attention to each pet
- knowledgeable vets who listen
Watch out: missed diagnosis on past case
Services: general practice vet, mobile house call vet, specialty referral vet
How we scored this list
| Signal | Weight |
|---|---|
| Review sentiment | 28% |
| Google rating | 26% |
| Review volume | 20% |
| Review recency | 14% |
| Profile completeness | 12% |
Ranking data checked 2026-10-06 · Full methodology ›