A Gentle Vet

TL;DR: Poor communication, slow follow-up, and frustrating care decisions across two different dogs. I waited nearly a week for antibiotics for my first dog’s UTI, and with my second dog, we were told a procedure couldn’t be done without a specific ear wrap—only to find out after sedation that the clinic didn’t even have it. Follow-up questions went unanswered, and I was told I’d need to pay another exam fee just to get basic aftercare guidance. I’ve taken two dogs to Dr. Simmons’ clinic, and both visits left me feeling worse than when we arrived. With my first dog, we suspected a UTI. After the exam, we were told she might have a kidney stone and that results would follow. I asked for antibiotics while waiting for results, first on January 13 and again January 15, but didn’t receive them until January 19—almost a week later. The medication helped, but we received no guidance about the kidney stone. Our second visit was for an aural hematoma. My dog was anxious and barked, which had never been an issue at clinics before. Dr. Simmons said she wouldn’t perform the procedure without a no-flap head wrap. We agreed, but after sedating my dog, we were told the clinic didn’t have the correct size wrap. We ended up ordering it ourselves on Amazon, which was frustrating and inconvenient. Had we known, we would have tried oral sedatives first rather than spending $500 on sedation. Two days later we returned for bandage removal. The wrap was finally available, and the techs applied it. When I asked when to start using the ear solution, I was told they’d check with the vet. No call came Monday, and by Wednesday, I was told the vet was out for the week. The only option offered was paying another exam fee with another vet to answer a simple question. Additionally, the underlying causes—ear infection or allergies—were never addressed, even though I mentioned them. As someone who has worked in a veterinary clinic, I understand busy days happen. However, clear communication, preparation, and follow-up care are essential, and this experience fell short on all three.

​Warning: Unauthorized Charges & Aggressive Upselling. ​I brought my dog in and was told she might need an X-ray OR an ultrasound. Despite the fact that I was sitting in the waiting room, the staff performed BOTH without ever asking for my consent. When I brought this up, they refused to refund the unauthorized work. ​To make matters worse, they immediately pushed for a $2,200 emergency surgery. When I hesitated and asked about other options, they suddenly "remembered" that medication was an option. My dog is now mending well on the meds, and we can schedule a non-emergency surgery later for 1/4 of the price they quoted. ​They skipped informed consent, ignored me while I was in the building, and tried to scare me into a massive bill. I will be taking my dog to a vet that prioritizes the animal’s health over their own profit margins. Response to comment I stand by my experience. The verbal agreement in the exam room was that the vet would determine if an X-ray OR an ultrasound was necessary. Performing both without a quick check-in—while I was literally sitting in your waiting room—is not 'informed consent'; it is unauthorized billing. ​Regarding your mention of the AMA form: that document only acknowledges the medical advice I refused (the $2,200 surgery). It does not retroactively authorize the diagnostics you performed without my permission. ​Furthermore, providing 'appropriate recommendations' should include all viable options from the start. Your staff only suggested medication—the very treatment my dog is currently thriving on—after I specifically asked for alternatives to a $2,200 emergency surgery. My dog is now recovering well, and we have since scheduled her procedure with another local vet for 1/4 of your quoted price because it is not an 'emergency.' I am disappointed that I had to fight for a conservative treatment plan that should have been offered upfront.

Not able to leave an update to my original 5-star review from years ago, so adding this here: This place is the gold standard of vets (and I’ve lived in multiple states and had many vets as a result). We love this place so much that we DROVE 12 hours from our new home in Long Beach back to Utah just to have Dr. Olson take care of my dogs. I wouldn’t trust anyone else with putting them under. Additionally, after running blood tests, they found something potentially concerning about my younger dog but Dr. Olson handled the news with such care and a positive attitude. He immediately put me at ease and did everything he could, including bringing in another doctor to do an ultrasound, to get me the answers he possibly could. When I went in to pick up my dogs he took all the time I needed to answer all of my questions and printed out helpful info for me. The front desk staff were great too and assisted with multiple questions I had through the day. We will be making the drive again for anything beyond the basic checkups because this vet has proved time and again that they are worthy of the trust I’ve placed in them.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Absolutely Tremendous Vet Clinic! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Let me tell you, folks, this vet clinic—truly incredible. I’ve seen a lot of clinics, some of them not so great, believe me. But this one? The best. Maybe the best in the history of vet clinics. People are talking about it! The staff? Amazing people. Very smart, very professional, very caring. They treated my pet with more respect and attention than some world leaders get. Everyone says so. The facility? Beautiful. Clean. Immaculate. You walk in and you know you’re in a place run by winners—real winners—not the kind who pretend to be winners. State-of-the-art equipment, unbelievable service, and they move fast. No waiting around like at those other places. My pet walked out of there healthier, happier, and probably more successful. If your pet needs care, this is the place. A total victory for pets everywhere. Highly, highly recommended. Tremendous clinic. Absolutely first-class. Would give it 6 stars if I could

A friend of mine recommended A Gentle Vet to me, and they did not disappoint. They were very patient and answered all of my questions. They explained everything in a clear and comprehensive manner. The pricing is very reasonable and you truly get the feeling that they are there because they love pets. I was recommended to buy prescription cat food, which needs to be approved by the vet before a retailer will sell it. I was super impressed with the speed of which they approved my request. Overall, me and my kitty had a great experience and will definitely be coming back.