Dutchtown Animal Hospital

In previous years, I had the best experiences with an amazing vet at this clinic. Today, I returned after a few years with my puppy for a simple anal glands relief. They were unable to hold her and perform it without wanting sedation. I took her to my friend who has vet tech experience and we got it done in 10 minutes. The vet we had was clearly new. She was not interactive with my dog or making any attempts to be friendly toward her in the exam room when they came back in with her. They took her in the back for weight and ended up performing an exam and attempting to relieve her glands without informing me of anything but getting her weight. I have only had my puppy examined with me present. She has a skittish personality with new people. My presence helps her adjust to them. The experience was not good for either of us. I asked if they could try performing the anal glands relief with me present, they agreed but instead they had me hold my animal for them. ON THE FLOOR which is much more difficult when holding a puppy who is taller than you while on your knees. Why I was holding my own dog and not there to comfort her while they tried again is beyond me. The vet insisted on sedation meds despite me being unsure. And also tried telling me she may need to be on a more frequent medication to soothe her anxiety. No other vet has ever said that to me about her and I have been to 2 different vets in Baton Rouge and one daycare in Baton Rouge and one in New Orleans. And several boarding locations. No one has ever suggested I should get her looked at for anxiety medication. I say all this after taking hours to calm down... I made the call last week to schedule because I just moved to New Orleans and don't have a vet I trust. I chose Dutchtown because it was just 1.5 hrs away and I've loved them in the past with my previos partner's golden and late 11y/o Husky. The vet I had before doesn't seem to be identified on their website anymore. She is on the far right of the team group photo. She was the absolute BEST. This is my first time being back in 2 years after losing my husky. 5 🌟 for tbe front desk. Somehow wasn't in the system this AM. The front desk was great this morning. My scheduled appointment wasn't showing up but they got me in anyway. That was awesome! The front desk staff and techs were all great. The new vet performing a full visit without even meeting me first or informing me of anything and coming out jumping straight to wanting to sedate my puppy is why I'm changing my review from 5 stars to 2. I am not a new pet owner. I have lived in 6 different states with pets. This was one of the weirdest experiences I have ever had.

Update 05/22: Since we took rescued pup here to get him checked out, we have brought all 3 of our pups here ever since. I recently had to help my best friend of 16 years cross rainbow bridge, and they were so amazingly comforting. Dr. Angelette is an absolute angel. I have never seen a more compassionate person - towards your animals and us as their owners. When the time came to say goodbye to my Bella, she crouched down next to me and Bella as I held her...and comforted Bella all the way through until the end. She even shed a tear with me. As painful as that moment was losing my best friend, I will always look back at that experiece with fondness for them making it the best experience they could have possibly made it given the situation. Thank you Dr. Angelette and staff. Your care and kindness mean more than you'll ever know. Original Review: Really pleased with this place. We tried clinic on a whim when we rescued a puppy because it was close to our house. Dr. was amazing and staff very helpful. I love their policy on rescued/shelter pets - they do not charge an initial exam fee...which was a pleasant surprise! Also, very easy and convenient to make appointments...you can usually get in next day! we were so pleased with experience, we began taking our lab Louie there. He went in for a dental this week and they did a great job...I even liked they called the next day to check on him. Great place to take your furbabies!

Great experience, reasonable pricing. They took care of my dog better thank I could have hoped.

I truly love this business and the way they treat my Dog Hova. He gets very excited when we pull up for Appointments because the staff is so AWESOME!! We love it 😀

We had a wonderful experience, the ladies at the front desk are very nice and friendly. The Dr. Was very nice and helpful she answered all my questions. We are happy to recommend this place.