ATX Vet Index
Menu
Get matched with a vet

Austin Vet Care at Metric, A Thrive Pet Healthcare Partner

Updated 2026-10-06 · 1,242 reviewed · 240 listed · Scored from 189 Google reviews · How we rank ›

4.5(189) 78 composite score See reviews on Google ✓ Google-verified
Mobile & House-Call VetsLow-Cost & Nonprofit Vet ClinicsSpecialty & Referral VetsGeneral Practice VetsEmergency & 24-Hour Vets
Austin Vet Care at Metric, A Thrive Pet Healthcare Partner
Location
North Austin, Austin
Services
Mobile & House-Call Vets, Low-Cost & Nonprofit Vet Clinics, Specialty & Referral Vets
Reviews
189
Ranking
#65 in Mobile & House-Call Vets
Best for
Owners with anxious or difficult-to-handle pets seeking experienced, patient veterinary care.

Business data from Google Business Profile, checked 2026-10-06.

What recent reviews say

Long-term clients consistently praise the veterinarians, particularly Dr. Cotnam, Dr. Brandes, and Dr. Tracy, for their knowledge, patience, and genuine care. Staff are frequently described as kind and attentive during exams and procedures, and appointments typically move quickly.

Recent friction centers on front desk responsiveness, prescription handling, and unclear corporate policies. Medication refills have been delayed or denied despite records existing across the Thrive network. Some clients feel pressured toward the clinic's preferred pharmacy and report unanswered requests for routine prescription copies. These administrative hurdles contradict the strong veterinary care most clients experience.

Praised for
  • knowledgeable and compassionate veterinarians
  • kind, patient staff during difficult procedures
  • quick appointments with minimal wait
  • thorough diagnosis and clear explanations
Watch-outs
  • front desk communication and responsiveness gaps
  • prescription refill and medication management delays
compassionatecaring-with-animalsknowledgeable-vetthorough-diagnosisclear-communicationfriendly-staffanxious-or-fearful-petshandles-anxious-petsbilling-surprises
Best for: Owners with anxious or difficult-to-handle pets seeking experienced, patient veterinary care.
Think twice if: Plan ahead for prescription requests; front desk communication can be slow or dismissive.

Where this business shines

  • Experienced veterinarians known for patience with anxious pets
  • Fast appointment flow with minimal waits
  • Knowledgeable staff on complex cases (heart murmurs, Addison's disease, dental issues)

Worth knowing

  • Dr. Mark Cotnam, Dr. Tracy Karlinger Smith, and Dr. Jon Brandes named as veterinarians
  • Sandra noted as front desk staff
  • Handled complex cases: Addison's disease, gall bladder surgery, dental work, heart murmur assessment
  • EU health certificate endorsement services offered
  • Medication delays of nearly a week reported for prescription refills
  • Quote discrepancies for surgery noted (initial $400 estimate; later revised to $750-$1,200)

What reviews say by service

General Practice Vets
Veterinarians consistently praised for knowledge and compassion; administrative delays on prescriptions and refills undermine the experience.
Emergency & 24-Hour Vets
No clear emergency-specific feedback; treated as available but not specialized.
Specialty & Referral Vets
Handled complex cases (Addison's, gall bladder, dental) and EU health certificate endorsement with thorough, detail-oriented care.
Low-Cost & Nonprofit Vet Clinics
Pricing competitive with other local clinics; Thrive membership plan does not appear to deliver expected discount value.

How it compares

  • Rated 4.5 against a 4.62 average across the 214 general practice vets businesses listed here.
  • Has more Google reviews than 52% of the businesses in this directory.

What earned this score?

How We Score
Star rating 68
Review volume 99
Review recency 100
Review sentiment 51
Profile completeness 100
Verification 30

Rating breakdown

5
156
4
5
3
6
2
4
1
18

Common questions

How quickly will I be seen?
Recent reviews report quick appointment flow with minimal wait times, though this may vary by day and appointment type.
Do you offer services for anxious or aggressive pets?
Yes. Staff and veterinarians (particularly Dr. Brandes and Dr. Tracy) are noted for patience and skill with fearful and difficult-to-handle animals, including sedation support when needed.
Can I get a copy of my pet's prescription to fill elsewhere?
Multiple recent reviews report difficulty obtaining routine prescription copies despite requests. The clinic's stated policy appears to restrict copies, though AVMA ethics guidance supports providing them for non-controlled substances like flea and heartworm preventatives.
Request a quote

Similar veterinarians nearby

Eye Care for Animals - Austin
88

Eye Care for Animals - Austin

4.8(338)✓ Google-verified

All recent reviews praise the expertise and compassion of Dr. Paglia, Dr. Leite, and their team. Patients consistently describe calm, thorough exams that address their questions without rushing, and staff who make anxious pets comfortable. The clinic coordinates closely with owners' other vets to ensure continuous care. Reviewers note the specialty focus on ophthalmology draws a wait of a couple of weeks, and the clinic requires an upfront fee toward the specialist appointment. Staff members Alyssa and Melissa are named repeatedly for their kindness. Patients with French bulldogs, skittish dogs, and chronic eye conditions all report successful outcomes and strong follow-up care.

Mobile & House-Call VetsSpecialty & Referral VetsGeneral Practice Vets
View profile
Austin Veterinary Surgical Center
42 low data

Austin Veterinary Surgical Center

4.0(2)✓ Google-verified

Not enough recent reviews yet to synthesise a reliable sentiment read for this business.

Low-Cost & Nonprofit Vet ClinicsGeneral Practice VetsEmergency & 24-Hour Vets
View profile
Brandes Jon DVM
53 low data

Brandes Jon DVM

5.0(2)✓ Google-verified

Dr. Jon Brandes treats anxious and rescue animals with patience and empathy. Clients report he takes time to answer questions, follows up after visits, and builds lasting relationships over years of care.

General Practice Vets
View profile

Own this business? Get featured

Own or market a business here? Ask about featured placement and advertising on this directory. Your message goes straight to the directory team.

Last updated 2026-10-06