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Animal Trustees of Austin
Categories: Pets Pet Stores Pets Veterinarians Pet Stores, Veterinarians [Edit]
5129 Cameron RdAustin, TX 78723
(512) 450-0111
78 reviews for Animal Trustees of Austin
78 reviews in English
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Review from Noelle D.
4/1/2012 1 Check-in Here
Our petcare costs were already insane so the new elderly rescue dog was quite a tipping point in our expenses. Two ancient cats (17 and 16), two rambunctious ridgebacks (3 and 10), plus a new 14 year old dauchsund. Imagine the vet bills for a second then breathe.
So we packed the three dogs up on Saturday at 10 am and it was already flooded with cars. We got all the dogs out of the car and went inside. Mistake. Next time I'll go in to check when they'll actually be able to take me because we weren't going to be seen until 2:30.
It's really nice of them to tell us when they will be able to see us rather than making us sit around waiting all day. It was a long enough wait for us to head home for a while.
When we came back at our time they were able to take us within 5 minutes. The rooms are not fancy. The floors are old and peeling and the waiting chairs are plastic lawn chairs. I'd much rather they spend the money on the care. Everyone we spoke with was incredibly nice despite what had clearly been a long day. As I've heard others say: they really do care about the animals.
They handled our needs quickly and efficiently. Made sure the dog could see us the whole time so they'd stay calmer. To me that shows a true love of pets and understanding of our connection with them.
The bill was one-third of what it would've been at our regular vet. The only exception was the Comfortis, the flea pills. They were retail costs - 90 dollars for six months for each dog. That's comparable to the price anywhere else. We only give them to the dogs six months out of the year so that's ok for now. In the future I'll get them somewhere else. We added a donation to the bill. Wish we could've donated more.
All-in-all the money we saved was worth the slight inconvenience and the care was almost better than what I've seen much fancier vet offices. -
Review from Calily B.
12/20/2011
Great services for an affordable price! I had my dog's teeth cleaned here and while the process is a little slow (you have to get an appt date, visit for blood work, then they call you back to book the actual cleaning date), it's cheaper than a regular vet.
I dropped my little corgi off on a Friday morning and her teeth were nice and clean by Friday afternoon.
A funny thing happened when we left though. My dog got the 3year rabies shot right before we left and within 30 minutes of getting home, my corgi looked like a SharPei. HA! I can joke now, but she apparently had a crazy allergic reaction to the rabies shot. I called Animal Trustees and they told me to come back ASAP! Thankfully traffic wasn't that bad on I-35 (thank god!). Once I got there, they rushed her into the back and gave her a steroid shot + antihistamine.
I was super nervous, but they were able to get the allergic reaction under control and we left there in one hour with some extra medication.
Teeth cleaning: $175
While I was there, I talked to some of the volunteers about the organization. They help with the homeless and their pets as well! I appreciate places that offer services for a really low fee/free to the homeless pets. :-) That gets 5 stars in my book! -
Review from meg m.
Austin, TX
5/22/2012
Great service, great prices. Nice having them as a option in Austin.
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Review from Kristen K.
Austin, TX
4/14/2012
Best place! Not only are they super inexpensive, they are very friendly and helpful. Our little Malti-Poo accidentally got her e-collar off and ate some of her stitches the day after she got spayed, and when we had to rush her to the Austin Vet Care on a Sat. night, ATA took care of all the expenses! So greatful you don't even know!
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Review from Anna F.
Round Rock, TX
5/5/2012
I used ATA last year when I got my new pup fixed. Since he was barely six months old, his testicles hadn't completely dropped, so it was a little more to have him neutered than usual, but still close to $200 less than the cheapest vet clinic I had called. For $82 I got him neutered, a cone and a rabies shot, which is awesome since I'm pretty much living on a college student's budget. But the best part about ATA for me was their service. They were very professional and kind and explained everything, which was a big plus for me, a first time pet parent! They made sure I was well informed on the procedure and how I should care for him after. I will definitely be using them again for my pup's shots/routine check-ups! Thanks ATA!
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Review from Jessica C.
Austin, TX
11/9/2011
Cheap shots, flea medicine, heartworm prevention, and everything else?! I love this place. I mean besides the shady outside and plastic chairs in the waiting room. The wait is slightly long (at least 1-2 hours at the least) but they try to get to you as fast as possible. Once you check-in at the front desk, they'll even give you an estimated time so you can leave and come back.
The vets and technicians are super friendly. They're mostly volunteers and really care a lot about animals. I would say the wait is definitely worth the money you're saving! (One of my puppy's shot was even free one day since they received some sort of grant. Woohoo!) -
Review from Tara M.
7/28/2011 2 photos
ATA provides an amazing service at a very low cost regardless of your income. I do not take my dog here because it is not close to where we live and I can afford to save time. But, they are definitely 5 stars for anyone looking to save money on their pets vet bills! The drop off and pick up will cost you about 1.5 hours of your day for a scheduled spay neuter.
Today was my second time to use ATA to spay neuter my foster dogs and everything went smoothly once again. I arrived at 7:30 AM (drop off is 7:30 - 8:30 AM) and had to wait and wait in the small room with numerous other dogs and some irresponsible dog handlers (boo on you not ATA) and had to wait another 30 minutes to get the dogs back at 4:30 (pick up is 3-6PM) But for the price how can you complain about an hour + wait? The male got his snip snip and the female got her spay plus distemper/parvo for only 105.00!!! Both dogs are doing great and do not act like they had surgery this morning!
And, if you are worried about emergency care after surgery they use a 24 hour Vet in central Austin for any emergency related to an ATA surgery and they "cover the cost of surgery-related problems that are treated at this emergency clinic."
And this gets them 5 stars from me - they have baggies full of dog food for you to hand out to homeless people and their dogs with info on how they offer free dog food and vet services!!!!!Listed in: Saving Lives Rocks My World!
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Review from M G.
Austin, TX
11/19/2011
This may be long... but I feel strongly about animals!
I had 2 great experiences here this week - once for my cat and once for my 70 lbs lab. Both needed their yearly vaccines. We are new to Austin and found ATA through Yelp. Every city needs a place (or multiple) like this!
I got there at 9:30 on a Thursday and was 4th in line and was out by 11:15. My cat got his core vaccines and an annual dewormer. The vet and techs were really nice and answered all my questions. They were even understanding and caring when my otherwise FRIENDLY and sweet male kitty acted like a demon when they administered the rabies vaccine... ugh. He calmed down, however, after the vet tech called him "handsome". The total invoice was around 50 bucks for everything. Amazing. I added a 10 dollar donation on top of that.
Two days later, I came back with my big lab girl. I got there at 9:20 and was 8th in line. I was out by 11:30. Not bad at all. Again, the vet techs were really gentle and caring with her. She got her kennel cough vaccine, heartworm test and a year's worth of heartworm preventative for 80 bucks. I donated again.
Overall, this place is wonderful and fills a great need for the community. Perfect for the core annual vaccines and preventative medications. Is spending a couple hours worth saving about 70% off 'traditional' vets for these basic services? I believe so. Although, their web sites clearly states you should have a relationship with a vet in the area because this clinic does not treat injured or sick animals, understandable!
If you are able to, why not tack on a few extra dollars for a donation when you're checking out? You're already saving so much - pay it forward! There are people who are trying to be responsible pet owners, and this place makes that affordable. They also educate the community on the benefits of neutering, heartworm prevention and humane treatment of animals!
AFTERTHOUGHT:
You WILL be in the waiting room with weird cat ladies. Some reminded me of Rachel Dratch as the "cat trainer" on 30 Rock. Some are wearing 3 Wolf Moon shirts in a non-hipster way. Some have feral cats in cat traps, even though this clinic does not technically treat feral cats. I mean... that's how it goes, I guess. -
Review from Kelly S.
This weekend, on the way to Port Isabel for the fourth, we stopped to pick up some sparklers. And ended up with a dog. This adorable little maltese came right up to us, plopped down, started scratching and immediately began buttering up the three girls who must have had sucker plastered in neon across their foreheads.
So 12 packages of sparklers, three flea baths and every single person falling in love with Franklin later, we end up back in Austin with a waiting list of folks that want to adopt and a need to get him checked out. I decide, since I'm mostly mobile, that I'll head to the ATA and wait. And wait. And wait. This is the only bad thing about ATA... your wait time will be just at or longer than the time quoted you. So here are my handy tips:
1. They have wireless. Bring your laptop and do some work
2. They're surrounded by businesses. Get your "appt time" and go in search of food or drink or any form of entertainment. Nomad, Tortas El Guer, Taqueria Arandas, Carousel Lounge. They're all within walking.
3. Don't believe the "it might be earlier" statement. It will be 3:30... or 4:30
4. Do believe that it will be cheap. Flea shots, rabies shots, heartworm meds and flea meds later, I walked out only $52 lighter
5. Bring a carrying case and a leash if possible -- there are dogs and cats there and not everyone is as responsible as you are. Plus your guy may need to do the doo.
They provide such a valuable service that it's hard not to give them four stars. But TLAC has got a great phone call system and I think given the good stuff they do, they could do the same and build partnerships with local businesses to avoid being such an inconvenience. For people trying to do the responsible thing, three hours is a long time. -
Review from Megan C.
Austin, TX
9/27/2011
This place is affordable, efficient and friendly. 1 1/2 years ago an adorable orange and white Tabby kitten showed up on my doorstep. I decided to take him in and got him neutered here. I dropped him off at around 8am and came back in the afternoon to get him. This way I could spend my time how I wanted and not sit there for an undetermined amount of time. I also took him and my other cat here to get de-wormed once.
The neuter was $30 and the de-worming for 2 cats was a total of $30. They even gave him a free microchip with a year's coverage!!! I only wish they had a location south and that the facility were a bit bigger. All in all, a great place. -
Review from Olivia W.
Sugar Land, TX
8/27/2011
Me and my boyfriend are college students. That should say a bit about our financial standings, if not everything.
My labrador mix needed more flea/heartworm prevention medicine and taking another 3-digit bill from another vet wasn't possible with school starting up again. We took Murphy on a Saturday at around 12pm. We were expecting a long wait due to the reviews here, but within 10 minutes were seated in a room to get a heartworm test done. It was only 10 minutes because there was some confusion in the beginning, but the visit was a breeze. They gave us a consult for the medicine and we out of there by 12: 30.
We had a heartworm test, 1 dose of flea prevention, and a 6 month pack of heartworm prevention for $52.00. I'm impressed. It's a great place to take your pet for the basics (flea/heartworm/vaccines) without getting slammed with a high bill. And while the staff is mostly volunteers, they treated Murphy with love and care.Listed in: For the Dogs
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Review from Michelle T.
Austin, TX
8/6/2011
The building isn't much and it's in a busy part of town, but if you can look past all of that, this is the place to go if you pet is relatively healthy.
I stopped by this week and I was lucky - it only took 40 minutes from the time my dog and I walked in the door to the time we left.
The prices can't be beat: $51 for 3 year rabies, 2 years parvo, and bordetello plus a mini exam (temp, heart, and weight).
They made sure that my dog was as comfortable as can be. Everyone was friendly from the people who checked me in to the lady that I paid when I left.
By the time I left, the parking lot was full and there was a long wait. It's hit/miss but if you can be a bit flexible, it's worth it.
My dog is on sentinel as a heartworm/flea preventative. They don't sell a combo heartworm medication. (That's the only downside.)
I will definitely be back. -
Review from Jillian N.
Austin, TX
1/4/2012
My dog has a hotspot on his hind leg and I needed a quick cone. Called and they were super friendly, understanding, and sold me a cone for way cheaper than I'd find at Petsmart. Also have friends who have used them for more extensive medical services and they come highly recommended. What a great non prof :)
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Review from G G.
Austin, TX
Updated - 7/5/2011
Yes this place looks awful. The waiting room has plastic chairs and the floors are covered with cat/dog hair and weird little brown balls. Yuck.
I went in at 11 am and was told to come back at 3 pm. I waited until 4 pm before I was seen. BE PREPARED TO WAIT.
It's worth it though. The vet and the vet techs were friendly and took very good care of my dog.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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3/13/2011
After hearing great things about this place, I took my puppy who had been suffering from a little… Read more »
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Review from Courtney S.
Austin, TX
5/16/2011
After reading the reviews on Yelp! I decided that I would give it a go. My furry friends - a recently rescued cat and a 4-year-old beagle/springer mix - and I got there early Saturday morning and were given an appointment time in the afternoon.
We arrived 15 minutes before our scheduled appointment time and were seen after about another 15 minutes of waiting. Not too bad and I expected this after reading all of the reviews.
I have to say the service we received was better than anything I could have imagined. The gentlemen who saw us and the vet who administered the shots were both so very sweet and knowledgeable. In all, the total for a blood test, 3 shots and flea/HW for the cat and 1 shot for the dog was $100. I'm sure if I would have went to a regular vet I would have easily paid double that.
You may have to wait a bit, and the building isn't shiny and brand-new, but the staff is caring and knowledgeable and the prices are affordable. We will be back. -
Review from Rubin M.
Cedar Park, TX
2/11/2012
If this is your only alternative to caring for your pet, by all means...go there! Just be prepared to be told different things by each individual staff member and be ready to get mad before it is over with! Some of the workers are condescending and extremely rude. Some are, some aren't! Stay far, far away from one named Judy. She appears to have serious issues. Long, long wait times and they won't let you comfort your pet. It was downright scary.
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Review from S. M.
Austin, TX
Updated - 10/20/2010
UPDATE:
We just took our two dogs to ATA last week for a full set of shots, labs (2 fecal & 1 heartworm), year worth of heartworm meds, and a month of flea meds. The total cost? $250. That would have cost us over $500 anywhere else.
They were short staffed again which was reflective of our time spent there. We were almost there for THREE hours. Be aware that you will need to set quite a bit of time aside when using their walk-in clinic. I was the 3rd person to walk in the door when they opened. I know that having 3 labs done really made our visit MUCH LONGER than normal. Was the wait worth it? DEFINITELY! We saved at least $200 or more by going to ATA vs. a standard vet clinic. ATA ROCKS!1 Previous Review: Show all »
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4/26/2007
What a blessing this place is for folks wanting to care for their pets, but not have a lot of… Read more »
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Review from Jenny B.
3/24/2011
Animal Trustees may be great. They may offer low-cost service and reach certain communities that wouldn't normally be able to afford their pet and/or make right decisions for their pet's health due to financial obligations.
However, there is one community that Animal Trustees of Austin are discriminatory to: The Geriatric Community. You heard correct. Past 10-years of age, they do not give vaccinations for your beloved pet. It is bad enough, that in old age comes grey hair and maybe a saggy belly, but my distinguished dog deserves just as much low-cost love as an incontinent, ill-behaved pup.
To even rub salt in the wound, Animal Trustees state on their website, "Please alert the medical staff IMMEDIATELY if any of the following apply to your pet: #5. Is over 10 years of age". I, like most people, can follow directions. I didn't need to drive all the way to Cameron Rd. to learn they don't vaccinate past 10 years. Save everybody time and the stress and put that on your website!
PS: SNAP in Houston doesn't discriminate for age. Looks like a road trip is in order. -
Review from Mike R.
Austin, TX
2/23/2012
I have taken my dogs here many times over the years. I always arrive early Saturday morning before the line gets long. Last time I was there I got heartworm tests, heartworm preventative, and a rabies shot for a fraction of the price of other Vets I've been to. On the day I went I lucked out and they gave my dog a free DHPP shot. I just hope they don't get too popular so the lines/wait time doesn't get too long!
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Review from Reba P.
Austin, TX
11/22/2011
First I would like to say this review is for one experience not the whole place. I like their mission and respect what they're doing. This is for the pretentious girl working the counter when in there.
I recently moved to Austin. I had a 6 month supply of heartguard from my old vet. I ran out around 10/18. It finally cooled off and I recently started a new job and moved into a house. I am about a week late on Heartworm. Which normally is not a big deal, but it turns out the neighbors next door in the new house are building a moat. Not sure why, but its full of stagnant water...aka a cesspool breeding ground for mosquitoes.
This last week its been warm again and the mosquitoes are everywhere. Its scaring me really badly and I think because of the weather changing they're making their way inside.
I asked them to sell me a one month supply of heartworm and they wouldn't do it. I explained the situation with Thanksgiving coming up I can't take my dog in before next week. They said they would need to do a test. I get it but my old vet said they would send along results. And records that he's had the meds.
If I was irresponsible would I be upset about this situation? So they have a policy and that's totally fine. But I am worried and the self righteous girl at the counter just kept saying you should be scared, you should worry. Oh my god mosquitoes he's at risk. THEN HELP ME. They offered nothing but to upset me.
So, I called the old vet and she's sending along new medicine. She said don't worry a few weeks overdue and he'll be fine. Try not to worry.
I get having normal rules. But this was not in any way shape or form trying to help or being compassionate. I'm in a pretty weird situation b/c how many peoples neighbors are building moats in 2011? This was telling me your SOL and basically getting an ego trip out of it. -
Review from Janeice C.
Austin, TX
5/12/2011
This clinic and their vets and staff really care about the dogs and cats they treat as well as the pets' humans. The staff is wonderful and the prices are very, very affordable. I have never had a problem with any of the surgeries performed on my pets but I have heard several horror stories. To tell you the truth, I would not have my little Shih Tzus altered at this clinic, for them, I use my wonderful vet at the Burnet Road Animal Hospital.
They also care about the community and helping to keep down the number of unwanted pets in Austin. I have used this clinic for many, many years to spay and neuter my cats as well as the many ferals uncaring people have dumped near my home. They also give shots, check for heartworms and microchip while pets are having their surgery. I found out about a year ago that they will also do orthopedic surgery which is definitely a plus. -
Review from Ryan N.
Austin, TX
4/12/2008 ROTD 5/24/2008
So one fine evening I'm out enjoying a cigarette on my porch, when this emaciated little cat darts out from my fence, sees me, and immediately turns right back around toward my neighbor's yard. Bored, I call out "kitty kitty," and I'll be damned if she didn't do a quick 180 and head back my way. She gives me a once-over, circles me a few times, and eventually decides that I am trustworthy. Much head-scratching and leg-rubbing commences.
But this cat is in bad shape. Ribs showing. Patches of fur missing. Open wounds.
I consult my roommate. "Dude--do you have anything we can feed her? We likely will be adopting a cat if we do, but I don't see as how we can't."
She looks like she's on her last legs (literally, she has a pronounced limp). I am not, you see, made of stone.
We fully intended for her to remain an outside cat, but when the neighborhood "thugcats" kept stealing her food and we kept finding fresh wounds, we knew she was not cut out for life on the streets. Time to take her in for shots and tests.
Animal Trustees of Austin, just down the road from where we live, came through like champs. Tests for FIV and feline leukemia were done, vaccinations given, the whole works. And all done without, somehow, freaking her out. Something about how these people deal with a scared, confused cat put her at ease (me, too). Final bill: $62.
So now Joan's (the cat) fur is growing back. The limp is almost completely gone. She now spends her days in relative comfort lounging on the couch and chasing the odd bug that finds its way into the apartment. And whining for people-food. But we're working on that one. -
Review from Kelly S.
Austin, TX
2/21/2010
I read a lot of Yelp! reviews. Sometimes because I'm too chicken to just walk into a restaurant and need the rundown first. Sometimes because Yelp! reviewers are entertaining.
This is the first time I'm actually taking the time to write one and it's because ATA is THAT awesome, amazing, valuable and represents the things that make our city so great.
Please support this organization in any way you can. Others will agree, but you can read below for my specific story.
Having been pretty much a lifelong dog owner, and recent rescuer, who found herself without canine companionship, I'd been perusing the shelters and craigslist looking for the right pup for me. I wanted to adopt an adult dog and get or keep them out of the shelter. After 2 months of searching, enter Bunny, a corgi-heeler mix.
Someone on CL had found her as a stray, listed her as such, found the "owners," and gotten her back home, only to have the "owners," bring her back two days later.
So I come across a picture of this goofy little girl, and immediately meet her. Adoption and doggie spoilage ensues.
Flash forward about 2 weeks, including hours of training and playing, and I've taken a day off to have her tested for heartworms, vaccinated and potentially spayed. I found ATA when looking for low-cost spay/neuter clinics, because, while the amount of love I have to give is infinite, my bank account is not.
So, Bunny and I go bouncing into ATA last friday, sign up for our appointment, leave, and come back ready for all manner of unpleasant doggie health-type things.
The receptionist coos over her, the vet tech takes us back to do his vet tech thing, and I ask about a micro chip. He says we should check to see if she already has one, and begins scanning. Turns out she does. Hmm... strange, since her "owners," didn't seem to be taking very good care of her.
Shots are given, temperature and blood are taken, and we're about ready to go home, when we get called back into the exam room.
Bunny has owners attached to that chip. Not the ones who claimed her and then gave her back to the craigslister. Actual owners who wouldn't have given her up for the world. Her name is really Candy. They've reported her missing, lost for about a month. The little friend who's slept in my bed and kept me company for a couple of weeks apparently had a big ol' family who was devasted about losing her.
I start crying. A lot. Not a little misty-eyed, but big giant tears. I've grown so attached to her, but she's not really mine. In fact, she had just left their spay/neuter clinic about two months ago, headed home to recouperate with her real owners.
The vet and vet tech both handled this situation SO gracefully. While they did go ahead and call the owner before letting me in on the situation, they never once made me feel as though they thought I had taken her from her family. They allowed me to wait there for the owner, and informed me that they've seen this type of sitiuation before and that it was totally understandable that I was heartbroken.
Through my tears, I ask how much I owe for her tests and shots, and without batting an eye, they said I owed nothing. I plan on making a donation in the amount of a full checkup, just because of how good they were with Bunny/Candy, with me, and because they run a great organization. -
Review from Mata H.
Austin, TX
6/2/2009
VERY DISAPPOINTED AND INSULTED.
I've been to Animal Trustees quite a few times in the past and was happy with the service I received, but just recently my husband and I had a terrible time which negated everything that happened previously.
Back in November of last year, my husband and I found a chow mix wandering around the Oakwood Cemetery in East Austin. I'm a sucker who just can't say no to a stray, so we decided to rescue him. There was no way for us to keep him forever because (a) he was too big for a household that already has five pets (b) he doesn't get along with my cats at all and (3) I'm allergic to him. We decided that we would just pay for his medical treatment (he's heartworm positive) and then find him a good home.
My husband and I don't have much money, so Animal Trustees was our first port of call because we know that they do cheap heartworm treatment. When we went to get a heartworm test, we immediately encountered a very snotty receptionist who was talking down to other clients in the waiting room. Admittedly, these people probably hadn't been taking as good care of their pets as they should have done but, hey, they'd taken the time to come to Animal Trustees, and that's a helluva lot more than many people do. If you want people to provide consistent veterinary care for their pets, then lecturing them in a condescending, disrespectful manner in the waiting room is NOT the way to go about it.
When it was our stray's turn to get attention, we were soon on the receiving end of this woman's acid tongue. The dog was scared when the vets tried to give him a heartworm test, and they had a lot of trouble trying to muzzle him. Apparently, he snarled at them and was aggressive. Of course, this is not a good thing, but please remember that this dog was not really ours and we had had no time to train him. We had just recently rescued him, and were trying to get him better, so we could pass him onto a owner who could better deal with his behavioural issues.
Despite the fact that we had rescued this dog and were trying to help treat him, we got a lecture from the receptionist about how we were terrible and irresponsible dog owners. We explained that the dog was generally very sweet-natured and calm, and that he would behave a lot better if only one of us could go behind the scenes and help the vets muzzle him. For some reason, this was not allowed, and so the dog contined to be problematic because there was no-one there to comfort him (although he eventually did get a heartworm test).
A month or so later, my husband encountered the exact same situation when he took the dog back to get the first round of heartworm treatment. He was not allowed to be anywhere near the dog while the vets tried to muzzle him. In the end, the vets decided that the dog was "too aggressive" to get treated, and my husband was sent away, told never to return because he got angry and tried to argue with them about their decision. If this wasn't bad enough, the vets had somehow managed to pump the dog full of sedatives in preparation for the heartworm treatment. These sedatives really affected the dog quite badly, and made him sickly and depressed for a couple of days afterwards! It's shocking that he should have been filled with drugs only not to receive the treatment.
I understand that vets and vet techs should not have to be endangered by an animal but the fact is that this dog is simply not an aggressive dog. He can be aggressive, sure, when he's scared, but he would have calmed down had my husband been allowed to comfort him.
Finally, I was insulted to be treated in such a rude and disrespectful manner by Animal Trustees staff. Yes, the dog was problematic but many stray animals have behavioural issues, and should they just be euthanized or be left to wander the streets because they've been abused in the past? We really tried to help this dog and it really wasn't our fault that he had never been given any proper training before we found him.
I don't think that Animal Trustees should be so rude to people who rescue animals on a regular basis. They should also be more considerate of the financial backgrounds of the people who are their customers. We don't own a car, and took three taxis to their clinics (at a total cost of about $60!) to try to solve this dog's heartworm issues. This was money we could ill afford.
Now we are $60 down, and the dog still has heartworm! We can't afford to go to a normal vet for the treatment quite yet, so the poor dog will just continue to get sicker and sicker.
Thanks, Animal Trustrees! -
Review from Jill M.
Houston, TX
11/27/2007
I actually got to watch a dog get neutered when I took a tour of this facility. Man oh man, are these doctors efficient! It took under 3 minutes, seriously. I was impressed. The doctors and staff here really care about the best interest of the animals they treat and for the welfare of the Austin animal population in general. You can get pet medications cheaper here than at any other vet or even http://petmeds.com. The prices are available on their website if you want to get the details.
One slight inconvenience is that the regular clinic wait can be really long and they don't seem to take appointments. For neutering, you do make an appt, but you still have to wait a while for your pet to be seen.
Another drawback for me is the location. This isn't the part of town I'm normally in. There were some run down apartments nearby and a creepy looking circus themed bar across the street. I was actually not feeling that safe about leaving my car parked on the street. But, as it turned out, my car and I were fine.
Side note--I saw a lot of chihuahuas and what I think were pit-bulls here. As it turns out, those are the 2 most popular breeds in the state. Interesting, eh? -
Review from Katherine P.
Houston, TX
Updated - 2/4/2010
Cheap, quick, and easy.
Bailey, the patient, doesn't agree it was quick or easy.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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6/30/2009
First and foremost, this place is phenomenal.
Although I have had pets before, I was never their… Read more »
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Review from Felicia G.
Sealy, TX
6/7/2011
The other night my roommates were watching my dog Hoss and not knowing this would happen at all, Hoss jumped the 3rd story balcony. Not knowing what to do, we took him to the only place we knew of. When we got there, they were extremely sarcastic and condescending. For those of you who have been there before, this is a VERY nice clinic. They have nice furniture, instruments, and touch screen computers in every office.
My boyfriend and I are college students so we can barely afford anything, and this isn't considering that I just got out of the hospital and our apartment caught fire a week ago...
Anyway, when we told the vet tech that we couldn't afford anything, he just laughed and was like
'If I could get rid of the monetary system I would, but I can't so you have to pay".
This asshole wouldn't do anything to help him or even prescribe him pain medication, so we had to wait 7 hours in order to take him to the Animal Trustees of Austin.
These people were so nice and generous. Unlike the other vet, they actually cared about our dog and not just about money.
They ended up doing the surgery and everything for us, held him overnight, and did it all for FREE. Im not saying they make these exceptions all the time, but they helped us out So much. When the lady told me I just bawled all the way home.
I just want to say, I love these people, I love this place, and don't waste your time going anywhere else.
I can't wait until I do get some money and can donate a couple hundred to them. -
Review from wenting x.
Jersey City, NJ
4/23/2010
I'm a college student that is trying to get through school, go out with friends, go eat out once in a while, and have a dog at the same time. so i appreciate Animal Trustees so much because this place really does have the most afforable prices for your pets. Of course you have to keep in mind that this place isnt the nicest clinic to take your pets, BUT if you are wanting to keep them safe and healthy on a budget, then this is the place the go. the staff is friendly and they offer many services just like the more expensive clinics.
The only thing is that this place gets packed really quickly, so you need to be there in the morning right when they open if you want to be on their waitlist for vaccinations. they will not give out any more shots if their supply is done for the day, so get there early!! -
Review from JenCraze B.
Austin, TX
1/25/2008
Cheap, caring and quick! For $88 bucks... I got my dog neutered, medicine, shots, microchipped (and I'm not in the FREE zip code), cone around neck and nails clipped.
To walk in the door at my vet for a neuter was $240! Huge savings!
They are VERY busy and out of the way for me, so I am not inclined to use them as my everyday vet (not even sure you can), however I HIGHLY RECOMMEND them for getting your pet fixed.
I put my money where my mouth and gave them a (small) donation...just to let the doctors and staff know how grateful I was at the savings & good care!
Jennifer -
Review from Jaye B.
Austin, TX
8/5/2007
Yay Animal Trustees! After being disappointed in what my vet wanted to charge me for an annual exam and yearly shots ($400 total. They wanted me to get a panel of tests since at 7, they consider my dog a senior, but couldn't really tell me what they were for, a vaccine I'd never heard of that they couldn't tell me about what it prevents, and $85 for a combo hearworm/flea prevention pill).
Sick and tired of being "upsold" by every vet I've seen in town, and never walking out for less than $300 anywhere for just shots, an exam and flea and heart worm prevention, I decided to take the advice of some fellow yelpers and give Animal Trustees a try.
I got there at 8:40 on a Saturday morning, and while it took me until about 11:30 to be seen, I didn't mind. There were so many dog owners in the waiting room that we had a great time talking and playing with our pets.*
When we did get seen by the vet and the tech, they were great. Super nice, super proficient and just all around easy. And it was the first time ever that my dog hasn't been up in my lap or behind me in a vet's office. He didn't even balk when on the table.
They did accidentally give him a rabies shot (he's not due until next year), but the vet was super nice, and explained to me that he would now be good through 2010 and they didn't charge me for it.
In the end, for an office visit, bortadella, and distemper/parvo vacine, heart worm test and 6 months of heart worm preventative, and 3 months of flea preventative, I paid a whopping $95.
Tomorrow, I'm probably bringing home a sister for my dog, and you can bet, with two I'll definitely be going to ATA for all of their basic care.
*I did find out later, that like Bird's Barber Shop, you can go put your name on the list and leave and come back. If you miss your name being called, you go to the top of the list when you get back. -
Review from Erica R.
Austin, TX
2/15/2010
They have a phenomenal bedside manner like I haven't experienced anywhere else, and that counts for a LOT when you've got a dog who freaks the F out during a checkup. Some foul things happened in that examination room, and neither the techs nor the doctors batted an eye.
The cost savings, compared to other vets in the city, may be ginormous, but you wouldn't know it from the quality of the care. Understanding. Compassion. Professionalism.
If your pet is generally in good health and needs a spay/neuter, routine checkup, flea or heartworm medication, or microchipping, I simply don't understand why you'd go anywhere else.
Animal Trustees izz tha bees knees!! -
Review from Wendy L.
11/6/2009
I wish I had heard of this place sooner instead of going to another vet located in Austin who charged more than ATA does. ATA was amazing when I took my puppy in to get his yearly shots and were very friendly. You could tell the people helping me really loved animals. There was a slight wait even in the morning but it was definitely worth it. They made all the shots and treatments I needed very affordable.
Also when I had them trim my puppy's nails, he was terribly whinny but they found it very entertaining especially when she hadn't even touched the nail clipper to his nail yet. They were very nice about it and even tried to console him while they were doing the process. I wish I had known about ATA sooner and their staff is amazing! -
Review from Hanh T.
Houston, TX
1/24/2010
I am taking care of my big brother's cat, Spike and took him to ATA for his annual rabies shot. Since the cat was living outdoors for a little while, I got him tested for everything too, and his results came out negative.
ATA is staffed with very nice people. It was my first time in a vet animal clinic and we waited in a separate waiting room for cats. In less than 30 minutes, we were seen immediately by vet assistants that were very nice and very knowledgeable.
When we checked out, the services were very cheap. Rabies shots were like $10 and testing was around $40. Again, I decided to get him tested since the cat was an outdoor-cat previously. We also qualified for free microchips for living in East Austin. I also got Revolution for flea and ear mite control for the cat for about $12 per month supply.
I felt the prices were affordable, the service was very nice & kind, and I felt that my concerns were heard and answered. I recommend ATA for low-income individuals and families very much!Listed in: Reliable Services
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Review from Nita N.
Austin, TX
1/23/2009
Animal Trustees of Austin is such an asset to this city! They are a non-profit organization that offer very low cost vaccinations and spay and neutering services. I discovered them when I first moved to Austin and Elroy needed to get his vaccines updated, but I did not want to pay the exorbitant prices at the vet's office. To get your pet vaccinated, an appointment is not required; however, I believe you do have to make an appointment to get your pet spayed or neutered.
The vets and techs there are incredibly friendly and clearly love what they are doing. When you take your pet in for vaccines, they give your loved one a quick exam to make sure that everything looks good before proceeding to the vaccines. They also carry flea and heartworm prevention meds at a discounted price.
The only drawback to having a walk-in clinic that offers great services is that it can get pretty busy, so the wait can be a couple of hours at times. But, I've gone right after work on a weekday before and the wait was really short. There were only two other folks ahead of me. On the weekends, however, you might want to show up well before they open, otherwise, bring a book or some magazines with you to keep you occupied while you wait. -
Review from Bek S.
Austin, TX
1/19/2008
The vets here obviously love animals. My dog sits right up on the metal table and lets the nice lady stick things in her. And they always give her cookie bones! Ten bucks a visit plus whatever shots/pills etc. (cheaper than anywhere else I've seen). How could these people possibly do a better job and provide a better service for what they charge?
The waiting line can be a drag: you have to drive there to sign up, then wait half the day or leave and drive back again. It would be great if you could call in and get your name on the waiting list, get an estimate on the wait, leave your cell phone number, or something. There isn't any outdoor space there to hang out with your dog, and sometimes the other dogs in the waiting room get snappy. But ATA would have to charge more to have the budget to do anything about this, so you can't complain, just be prepared. -
Review from Andrea C.
Austin, TX
10/28/2009
ATA is a non-profit organization who's business is solely based on the welfare of the animals. They referred me to Animal Medical Center (since they currently didn't have a vet that did dental work) and assured me that Dr. Farmer at AMC would give me the prices that ATA gave.
I gave them a call, told them I was referred by ATA and had an appointment 2 days later. No antibiotics before the procedure, no 48 dollar blood work fees, and I even had the option to choose if I wanted a pain injection, pain pills, antibiotics and the use of a catheter/fluids during the procedure. This easily saved me over 100 dollars.
I dropped him off at 8 am and picked him up 3pm - I chose pain pills and antibiotics and left with a total of 267 dollars! The vet I visited before ATA quoted me 800 dollars for the SAME procedure. I am so grateful that places like this exist. It's organizations like this one that are truly passionate about the welfare of animals. If it wasn't for ATA thousands of sick and injured animals would be left untreated. -
Review from Erica C.
9/24/2010
I love Animal Trustees! They provide great care for your best furry friend at reasonable prices. They people there are incredibly nice and are passionate about animals!
They are open Tues - Sat and it's by walk-in only. I've gone on a Friday and Saturday and I've been in and out in about 1 hours time. If they get really busy they will give you a time to come back. -
Review from Sarah M.
Austin, TX
10/26/2006
Animal Trustees of Austin is a wonderfully economic alternative to the pricey full-service vet. Founded in 1993 as a non-profit organization, ATA is a dual wellness and spay/neuter clinic. Although they will NOT treat sick or injured animals, if your cat or dog is healthy, I would highly recommend ATA for annual vaccinations, flea/tick/heart worm needs, general tests and spay/neuter surgery. They also offer a $30 microchip...the miracle pet finder. :)
Their fee schedule is listed on their website at http://www.animaltrust..., but to give a general idea, their exam fee is $10, a rabies shot for cats is $7, and a heart worm test for dogs is $12. The most incredible thing? Spay/neuter surgery ranges from $25-40. You can't beat that.
Why not five stars? Their hours are strange (Sat.9-6; Sun.12-4; Mon.-Wed.12:30-7:30). Also, be forewarned...due to the severely discounted prices, there are extremely long lines. Don't be surprised to wait 1-5 hours on a weekend. Here's a hint: go an hour before opening and get your name on the sign-up sheet. You may save yourself 1-2 hours.
Future visits? I'll be a regular. -
Review from sara g.
Pittsburgh, PA
11/27/2007
We just took our dog, Brutus, to Animal Trustees to have him neutered and the experience was great! The people there were so friendly, nice and helpful. The wait to get him checked in was about a half hour, but thats to be expected. And when we picked him up, they explained everything to us, the cone, the medications, how he was during everything. So awesome!
And it was cheap and so easy! I will recommend ATA to everyone I know! -
Review from Emily H.
TX
5/27/2007
The Animal Trustees is an amazing organization. They offer most of the normal vet services at a really reasonable price.
I like the comparison to Planned Parenthood that Chewy used. I took my cat there to get neutered and, although I am not a cat expert, I think they did a good job. It was super reasonable and they were so nice and gentle with my baby.
I would definitely continue to go to the Animal Trustees because I like to support great organizations like them. Plus low price vet care always rules.
