ATX Vet Index
Menu

VCA Arbor Animal Hospital

Updated 2026-10-06 · 1,242 reviewed · 240 listed · Scored from 419 Google reviews · How we rank ›

4.7(419) 86 composite score See reviews on Google ✓ Google-verified
General Practice VetsExotic & Avian VetsSpecialty & Referral Vets
VCA Arbor Animal Hospital
Location
North Shoal Creek, Austin
Services
General Practice Vets, Exotic & Avian Vets, Specialty & Referral Vets
Reviews
419
Ranking
#27 in General Practice Vets
Best for
Owners seeking compassionate, personalized care and willing to pay full-service prices for attention to pet anxiety and emotional comfort.

Business data from Google Business Profile, checked 2026-10-06. Facts from the business's own website were fetched 2026-10-06.

What recent reviews say

Most visits feel personal: staff greet returning pets by name, vets explain care clearly, and techs like Brandon and Kelly make nervous animals comfortable. Yet pricing for routine vaccines and annual exams runs double or triple what low-cost clinics charge, and customers who miss CareClub payments report threats of collections rather than flexible follow-up.

The clinic moved to a new building recently and remains strong on general care, wellness visits, and handling anxious pets. Dr. Lucia, Dr. Wood, and Dr. Jennette earn repeated praise for gentleness and patience. Board-certified emergency vets work on-site, though the distinction between emergency capacity and general-practice speed is not clear from recent reviews alone.

Praised for
  • friendly and attentive staff
  • compassionate vet care
  • handles anxious or fearful pets well
  • timely appointments and follow-up
  • staff remembers regular clients
Watch-outs
  • pricing significantly higher than competitors for routine vaccines and preventive care
  • aggressive billing practices and collection threats for CareClub payment lapses
compassionatecaring-with-animalsclear-communicationfriendly-staffhandles-anxious-petsoverpricedeasy-scheduling
Best for: Owners seeking compassionate, personalized care and willing to pay full-service prices for attention to pet anxiety and emotional comfort.
Think twice if: Routine vaccines and preventive care cost roughly double or triple low-cost clinic rates; confirm pricing upfront if cost is a concern.

Where this business shines

  • Staff recall regular clients and remember pets by name
  • Vets explain diagnoses and treatment plans clearly
  • Handles anxious and fearful animals with patience and gentleness
  • Willing to work with owners financially on some cases

Worth knowing

  • Dr. Lucia, Dr. Wood, Dr. Jennette, and Dr. Sandy noted by name for attentive care
  • Technicians Brandon, Megan, Kelly, and Jasmine praised for friendliness and patience
  • Recently relocated to new building praised for appearance and cleanliness
  • Flea and tick preventatives available via home delivery service
  • CareClub membership plan offered; customers report aggressive collection practices for missed payments

What reviews say by service

General Practice Vets
Vets like Dr. Lucia, Dr. Wood, and Dr. Jennette provide thoughtful exams and clear communication; some reviewers feel diagnostic recommendations push costly additional testing.
Emergency & 24-Hour Vets
Board-certified emergency vets work on-site, but reviews do not describe emergency-specific experiences or after-hours availability.
Low-Cost & Nonprofit Vet Clinics
Not a low-cost operator; pricing for routine vaccines and exams is reported as well above budget clinics.

How it compares

  • Rated 4.7 against a 4.62 average across the 214 general practice vets businesses listed here.
  • Has more Google reviews than 77% of the businesses in this directory.

What earned this score?

How We Score
Star rating 80
Review volume 100
Review recency 100
Review sentiment 70
Profile completeness 100
Verification 30

Rating breakdown

5
361
4
28
3
6
2
5
1
19

Common questions

Does VCA Arbor have emergency vets?
Yes, board-certified emergency veterinarians work on-site according to the business; however, recent reviews do not describe emergency-specific capabilities or after-hours availability.
Can I get flea and tick medicine delivered?
Yes, the clinic offers home delivery for flea and heartworm preventative medications.
How much does a routine vaccine appointment cost?
One recent reviewer reported $260 for annual vaccines and exam; other clinics in Austin charge $50 for the same vaccines, so prices here are significantly higher. Call ahead to confirm current pricing.

Similar veterinarians nearby

Burnet Road Animal Hospital
86

Burnet Road Animal Hospital

4.7(269)✓ Google-verified

Reviewers consistently report strong veterinary care from named doctors (Dr. Toth, Dr. Amy, Dr. Jill, Dr. Simmons) who listen carefully and explain treatment options. The practice has earned loyalty over decades: many clients have returned 10+ years, and staff turnover is low, creating a family-like atmosphere. Recent visits show staff actively following up after appointments, managing complex diagnoses (Addison's disease, bowel obstructions) with speed, and staying accessible even during emergencies. Some longtime clients report frustration with what they perceive as increased upselling, particularly around dental procedures and diagnostics, though other reviews praise Dr. Amy for flexibility on costs.

Specialty & Referral VetsGeneral Practice VetsEmergency & 24-Hour Vets
Veterinary Surgical Solutions
80

Veterinary Surgical Solutions

4.6(264)✓ Google-verified

Patients whose surgeries go forward consistently report excellent outcomes: dogs heal fast, move pain-free, and the cost is often half what competitors charge. Dr. Lewis performs well, and team members like LeeAnn build trust and handle aftercare smoothly. However, two recent callers encountered dismissive and confrontational front desk behavior when arranging surgery, particularly when they brought their own financing. One caller was flatly refused service; another chose not to proceed after being told technicians, not the surgeon, would do the initial evaluation and that she would meet the veterinarian only after surgery. The surgery itself is priced transparently and includes physical therapy and follow-up appointments. Wait times run 4-8 weeks. For patients who navigate the booking phase successfully, the experience is warm and supported. The tension appears to centre on financing terms and the pre-surgery process.

Specialty & Referral VetsHolistic & Integrative Vets
CVCA Cardiac Care for Pets
94

CVCA Cardiac Care for Pets

5.0(249)✓ Google-verified

All recent reviews describe smooth, reassuring visits with clear diagnostic communication. Named vets Dr. Pouliot and Dr. Meier handle both echocardiograms and cardiology evaluations with skill and compassion, leaving owners with detailed treatment plans and confidence about their pet's heart condition.

Specialty & Referral VetsGeneral Practice Vets

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