Needham Animal Hospital

I’ve taken my cat for his annual exam and vaccinations for approximately five years. Each time I felt that he wasn’t getting quality care and care became worse and worse. Not necessarily due to this establishments fault, but to my cat being highly aggressive and violent during his visits. I trusted to be guided by my vet of what is to be recommended to prepare for these exams and visits. Every “exam” was unsuccessful. Thankfully, they were able to provide him his vaccination but otherwise there was never an occasion I recall that they were able to do a thorough and proper exam. They never checked his gums or teeth, never palpated him for lumps, couldn’t trim his nails and instead the exam went similar as followed — “I can’t really feel him. Have you noticed any bumps or growths on him? Have you been able to check his gums?” He didn’t even get weighed at most of his exams. I would’ve not accepted this treatment and continued to pay the full price for the exams (which is substantially high in price) but I blamed it on my cat’s intolerable behavior. Most of my visits I received care from a different vet each time. I never established a trustworthy relationship with anyone at the office. They recommended premed of gabapentin. I followed these instructions each visit. They would always increase the dose each time so I followed these instructions. The gabapentin never really helped enough. The visits consisted of my cat being absolutely terrified and urinating on himself and them chasing him around the room with a towel. I am ignorant to how a vet office works or what protocol is for aggressive cats, but wanted to to trust that they were doing what they could, but to continue to charge me an exam fee when they barely could touch him seems outrageous to me nor that an exam was even preformed. Lastly, I had his teeth cleaned and all went well they provided a utilize bill prior to treatment stating it was necessary for me to sign. I agreed and revised the bill and ask for them to not provide fluoride. I am a dental healthcare provider and although I am in full support of fluoride I am aware it only last a approximately four months on the teeth and wouldn’t so much benefit for my cat and wanted to save costs where I could and they stated it is necessary to do the treatment which I found super odd as well as a red flag. Now sedation is required for my cats exam which I support being maybe this is the only thing that will allow him to have a proper exam, but when you compare the risk factors of sedating an animal for just an exam it seems extreme, plus the pricing will also be extreme. I cannot do that. I won’t put him at risk. I just wish there were more options or I was informed more of what the possibilities were for my cat. I feel defeated and left with confusion and poor experiences.

I couldn’t recommend this animal hospital more. My fiancé and I brought our pup in for his first general checkup and to schedule his neutering, and we immediately felt he was in great hands. We were seen by Dr. Gentile, who answered all of our questions with clear knowledge and confidence, which instantly put us at ease. We were able to get a neutering appointment the very next morning, and the entire process was smooth from start to finish. The team was thorough in explaining both pre-procedure instructions and aftercare. We received calls right after the procedure, again for pickup, and even a follow-up call the next day to check in. I was truly blown away by the level of care, communication, and compassion from the entire staff.

I love Dr Batts! He did knee ligament surgery on my yorkipoo. She’s so much better, almost fully healed! The staff are so nice too! Highly recommend!

The staff members at Needham Animal Hospital are amazing. From phone calls to front desk to checkout, the team is friendly, helpful and courteous. Our Vet Techs are always amazing and my aging dogs have received phenomenal care the past few years. On our last visit, Dr. Merrill and Abby went above and beyond - providing top notch care with kindness, thought, and efficiency, despite the challenges (and especially gross) circumstances. Dr. Merrill helped me through care options and the outcome was a success for my 13 year old dog. I am grateful for the loving care that my dogs always receive!

My cat Tiki has long hair and isn’t letting me brush him in certain areas, so he gets knots and needs to be sedated and shaved. The groomer that did him today did absolutely everything I asked and he looks awesome! He even thinks he does! He gets sad after some previous grooms but this one was different. This was Oct 20, 2025 and his name is Tiki. He’s very shy and holds a grudge but was totally happy when he got home. Best haircut ever and he got all his med stuff done too. Kudos to the groomer! She’s a keeper!