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Westgate Pet & Bird Hospital: Lusk Rick DVM

Updated 2026-10-06 · 1,242 reviewed · 240 listed · Scored from 4 Google reviews · How we rank ›

4.8(4) 70 low data composite score See reviews on Google
General Practice VetsEmergency & 24-Hour VetsSpecialty & Referral VetsExotic & Avian Vets
Westgate Pet & Bird Hospital: Lusk Rick DVM
Location
Westgate, Austin
Services
General Practice Vets, Emergency & 24-Hour Vets, Specialty & Referral Vets
Reviews
4
Best for
Pet owners seeking compassionate, thorough diagnostic care and end-of-life support.

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

Dr. Lusk's practice earns consistent praise for compassionate care and diagnostic precision. Clients credit him with uncovering serious conditions early and providing exceptional support during emergencies and end-of-life decisions.

Based on limited recent reviews, so treat this as low-confidence.

Praised for
  • compassionate end-of-life care
  • thorough diagnostic work and early detection
  • strong veterinary expertise and professional network
  • calm, attentive bedside manner
compassionatethorough-diagnosisclear-communicationknowledgeable-vetcaring-with-animalsfriendly-staff
Best for: Pet owners seeking compassionate, thorough diagnostic care and end-of-life support.
Think twice if: Location in Westgate may mean a drive for some Austin residents.

Where this business shines

  • AAHA-accredited practice with 38 years of history
  • skilled in early detection and complex diagnostics
  • established network with specialty surgeons and emergency referrals
  • dedicated end-of-life care service available

Worth knowing

  • Dr. Lusk has practiced in Austin for decades
  • identified a 12 cm splenic tumor via ultrasound after initial exam
  • maintains relationships with specialist surgeons including Dr. Jeffrey Weinstein at VCA Capital Area Veterinary Specialists
  • offers in-home end-of-life euthanasia with transparent pricing on their website
  • reviewed emergency room test results and caught issues the ER team had missed

What reviews say by service

General Practice Vets
Clients praise thorough wellness exams and bloodwork that uncover serious conditions early
Emergency & 24-Hour Vets
Available for urgent consultation during post-surgical complications; provides guidance when ER care falters
Specialty & Referral Vets
Strong specialist network and referral relationships expedite access to surgeons and advanced care
Exotic & Avian Vets
Listed as a service; no specific review evidence

How it compares

  • Rated 4.8 against a 4.62 average across the 214 general practice vets businesses listed here.
  • Has more Google reviews than 17% of the businesses in this directory.

What earned this score?

How We Score
Star rating 76
Review volume 30
Review recency 100
Review sentiment 65
Profile completeness 100
Verification 30

Rating breakdown

5
3
4
1
3
0
2
0
1
0

Common questions

Does Dr. Lusk offer end-of-life care at home?
Yes. His website lists transparent pricing for in-home euthanasia services and describes the process in detail at www.farewell-from-home.com
Is the hospital open 7 days a week?
Their Google listing shows hours for all 7 days, including weekends

Similar veterinarians nearby

Mouser Dee Ann DVM
23 low data

Mouser Dee Ann DVM

No rating yet

Limited review evidence is available for this AAHA-accredited clinic. Their website lists services spanning wellness, exotic and avian care, diagnostics, surgery, and urgent care, but recent reviewer feedback is not yet in the directory.

Emergency & 24-Hour VetsGeneral Practice VetsSpecialty & Referral Vets
Westgate Pet & Bird Hospital
87

Westgate Pet & Bird Hospital

4.7(1115)✓ Google-verified

Westgate combines long-standing local trust with genuine animal care. Reviewers consistently name specific vets-Dr. Lusk, Dr. Krall, Dr. Villalva-and describe surgical outcomes, avian expertise, and follow-ups that feel personal. Pricing is discussed openly; urgent appointments fit in same-day. The one recent friction: a routine prescription renewal triggered a re-exam request and delayed callback, though older longterm clients note this as an exception to otherwise outstanding service.

Exotic & Avian VetsGeneral Practice VetsEmergency & 24-Hour Vets
Westgate Pet & Bird Hospital - Dr. Paul Brandt
74 low data

Westgate Pet & Bird Hospital - Dr. Paul Brandt

4.8(15)

Staff and vets earn consistent praise for caring treatment and expertise across common pets and exotics. A recent review flagged higher-than-expected pricing and cool front-desk reception, though most testimonials highlight fair costs and devoted long-term relationships.

Exotic & Avian VetsGeneral Practice VetsEmergency & 24-Hour Vets

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Last updated 2026-10-06