Four Paws Veterinary Center

4.5 star rating
28 reviews Rating Details

Category: Veterinarians  [Edit]

5200 Wilson Ave S
(between S 51st Ave & Dawson St)
Seattle, WA 98118
Neighborhood: Seward Park
(206) 760-5200
Hours:

Mon-Fri 7:30 am - 6 pm

Sat 9 am - 1 pm

Erin W. said: "I had been to VCAs on the east coast, so when my dog got sliced by the vet (at Petco - that is another review entirely) on a Saturday, I figured I might try this place. There were places closer to where we live, but this VCA was able…"   read more »

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28 reviews in English

  • Review from Phil C.

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    • 0 friends
    • 21 reviews

    Seattle, WA

    5.0 star rating
    12/21/2011

    We take our dog Cleo to Four Paws and have been very impressed with them.  Dr Carson especially is terrific; she really looks at an animal thoroughly.  Previously we'd been at another vet closer to home (Atlantic Veterinary on Rainier) but were never happy with the very lackluster and seemingly uninformed approach to our dog's health... they just didn't seem to care enough to really assess her and think about what would improve her life, and we always had vague answers to any questions we asked.  In contrast, Dr Carson at Four Paws gave her a thorough exam, and recommended some treatment for her arthritis (she's 12 and a big dog) which has greatly improved her mobility.  All in all, she is a very caring, competent vet.

  • Review from Marie M.

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    • 1 friend
    • 8 reviews

    Seattle, WA

    5.0 star rating
    6/4/2011

    I transfered my cat from another too busy veterinarian practice to Four Paws and finally got the individual attention that my cat and  I needed.  I didn't feel any rush that there was another client more important than my cat right then and there.  Dr. Jones spent a lot of time with us and adjusted the medication for my senior cat. He gave her anit-nausea medication and fluids and called me back personally later that afternoon.  My cat is feeling terrific today and back to her old self.  

    I only wish I could find a human doctor with such interest and care.  Bravo Four Paws and Dr. Jones.

  • Review from kelly b.

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    • 2 friends
    • 16 reviews

    Seattle, WA

    5.0 star rating
    2/17/2011

    What a great group of people!

    After a  few bad experiences with our original vet we started looking for a new office. I found Four Paws on Yelp and I am SO glad I did.

    Everything is relatively inexpensive. I would pay an arm and a leg to make sure my pal is taken care of but luckily I didn't have to.

    The staff is wonderful. You can definitely tell that they actually like their jobs and really like animals. (unlike our old vet...)

    We took the pup there today for his neuter and most of my nerves were calmed b/c i KNEW they would take good care of him.

    HIGHLY recommend this office!!

  • Review from Seanna J.

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    • 13 friends
    • 12 reviews

    Seattle, WA

    3.0 star rating
    11/11/2010

    If I could rate based on each veterinarian, I'd rate Dr. Carson higher and Dr. Jones lower.

    Dr. Carsen was great with my dog, Penny. She curled next to her and was not startled by her size.  

    Dr. Jones was awful with my cat, Horace. He started diagnosing the problem even before he had looked at the cat, who was hiding under the counter.  

    His bedside manner was atrocious.

    I will not be taking any of my furry family back.  Unfortunate because I liked Dr. Carson.

  • Review from carrie L. B.

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    • 206 friends
    • 170 reviews

    Seattle, WA

    5.0 star rating
    6/13/2007

    I've never had more compassionate care and treatment for my animals. All three of the vets are thoughtful and comprehensive will can talk bluntly but carefully about the needs of my two cats and dog. I never feel rushed out the door.

    Dr. Anderson was able to take a urine sample from my cat while I watched. Amaziing. And that cat also had the quickest dang blood draw I've ever seen in my life. Wish they could do us humans that lickety-split. I'm waiting now for news. I know it will be bad, they've prepared me for that, it's just what kind of bad news at this point. Dr. Anderson and the clinicians were kind and optimistic. I'm keeping my fingers crossed. And my toes for good measure.

  • Review from Lissa M.

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    • 29 friends
    • 96 reviews

    Seattle, WA

    5.0 star rating
    1/2/2008

    My step-cat, Grace, is a biter.  She doesn't appreciate being poked or prodded or cooped up in a little cage in the car.  She doesn't, according to her daddy, take pills.  Period.

    This morning I took her in to Four Paws.  She liked watching the water feature in the waiting room, and the receptionist is the most soothing person ever.  I worried once we were back in the exam room, but no problem.  They got her out of the crate, weighed and examined her, and listened to her pathetic wheeze, all without the tiniest attempt at violence from either party.  What's more, they had her purring.  Purring!

    Either she's mellowing in her old age, or those Four Paws people have the magic touch.  

    Plus, they made her asthma medicine a meat-flavored liquid instead of nasty old pills.

  • Review from Brutha Bill ..

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    • 29 friends
    • 56 reviews

    Seattle, WA

    5.0 star rating
    7/6/2007

    We recently moved to Columbia City and this place was suggested by a neighbor and I am so glad I used Four Paws! Jake, our cat, had an in-grown nail that was piercing his pad(turns out he had two).

    My wife and I attempted to relieve him of this malady with no luck. I called Four Paws, had to leave a message describing my issue, was called back within an hour by Jenny and she was soooo nice. We discussed options, told me that the doctor just left for lunch and that she would talk with the doc for further suggestions and would call back. We weren't sure what condition Jake's pads would be like after the nails were pulled out. Called back within an hour to say to bring him in to have a tech look at them and if need be see the doctor for further action if things were bad.

    We get there and the staff was super friendly and I was already thinking that our experience was going to be a good one based solely on my phone call the day before with Jenny. They did not disappoint.

    Long story short: They Clipped the nails, dealt with the in-grown nails like it was nothing(turns out they weren't as bad as we thought). The whole time giving us suggestions on how to clip them(Jake wears soft paws) because we were not doing it correctly apparently. And Jake only hissed a couple of times to boot!

    As long as we are still living in the neighborhood Four Paws has new loyal customers.

  • Review from Will L.

    Seattle, WA

    5.0 star rating
    12/1/2007 11 Check-ins Here

    It's nice to be able to walk the dogs to the vet. They fricken hate it though. My old beagle used to start freaking out when we were about a block away. My pit bull/blue heeler, 'Carson,' realizes what's up when we hit the parking lot.

    I think I acted the same way when I was little and had to go get a shot.

    This is a great clinic, though. I've been taking my dog(s) to them for years now.

    First off, the technicians are all really awesome. Carson isn't a big fan of getting his toenails trimmed, and it usually takes two techs plus me to hold him down to get his 'razers' dulled. They're always very gentle (yet firm), talk to him sweetly, pet him, and spoil him rotten with cookies.

    They keep great records, and call and write to let me know when it's time to get shots. They also call to check up on conditions from previous visits (we think Carson has allergies, and they called recently to find out how a special food they prescribed was working).

    Recently, Carson developed an eye infection. I got worried and headed over without making an appointment. They took him in, examined him, and set up a treatment, with no hassle (fortunately they weren't too busy).

    The clinic is always clean, there's always toys and dog treats, and they even have hot water, tea, and sometimes coffee for the less fuzzy patrons. They also sell dog food and a limited amount of other supplies. (If you need more stuff, Ideal Pet Stop is a block North)

    Free parking in the lot outside, and they take credit cards. Yet another reason why my neighborhood totally rocks.

  • Review from Matt C.

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    • 4 friends
    • 34 reviews

    Seattle, WA

    5.0 star rating
    8/13/2009

    I moved to Seattle in February with the wife and 2 dogs (a German Shepherd and a Lab mix), and needed to find a vet for routine checkups, shots, etc.

    My wife took the shepherd to another vet to check the out (I think it was Rainier), and after her visit she said "No way".  I don't think there was anything particularly awful, she just wasn't comfortable with the vet.  It happens.

    Then we had to go out of town, and I needed a checkup for the lab.  Since Four Paws is about 2 miles away, I made an appointment.  Cooper and I went to get checked out, and the place is great!  The staff were all friendly and helpful, and the vet filled me in on all the details of the why's and how's of pet care in the PNW.  Not being from around here, I found things are done differently (like, no Lyme's disease, etc), and I had no clue going into the appointment.

    Being new to the area, they also printed out a 4 page listing of kennels in the area, and the vet tech sat down with me and hi-lited her favorites.  She had personal knowledge of at least 6 of the kennels on the list, and she told me the style of each.

    I didn't think the cost was that bad, personally.  I moved here from back east, and I thought the cost of the checkup was on par with our old vet.

    Long and short, both my dogs are patients.  Woof.

  • Review from Rachel B.

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    • 57 friends
    • 303 reviews

    Seattle, WA

    3.0 star rating
    8/24/2006

    The folks here seem friendly enough. And I must admit to extreme pickyness with regard to the vet I use for my very scaredy cat.

    But, pretty much I didn't feel like they really chose to investigate her issue. They wanted to send me off to a specialist with her. Well, she HATES to travel and since they are only a few blocks away from me I managed to get her up here twice. They just didn't seem to get the pain of getting her up there either.

    I dunno. I think I wanted a miracle and they didn't provide it.

    I have a friend that had a really great experience with them.

    So, these guys might be perfect for you.

  • Review from Niko O.

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    • 6 friends
    • 43 reviews

    Seattle, WA

    5.0 star rating
    3/23/2007

    Dr. Perotti has looked after our pets for years, even before she opened Four Paws. I appreciate her kind bluntness about our pets and is a good match for us. Now that Dr. Perotti's a mom, she isn't able to spend as much time at the center as she used to, but Drs. Jones and Anderson are also very kind and capable vets themselves.

    My only advice would be to get Four Paws to do as much as they can for your pet before having you go to a specialist -- see my other reviews on vet clinics.

  • Review from Brett S.

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    • 7 friends
    • 28 reviews

    Austin, TX

    4.0 star rating
    9/15/2009

    Just moved to the Columbia City 'hood, and since the pets' current Vet is on the far Eastside, I thought I'd give Four Paws a try after reading all the great views on Yelp.

    I was able to schedule an appointment on short notice, and when I arrived the person at the front desk was very friendly and helpful. They had already contacted my previous vet for the dog's records and were already fairly familiar with my dog's medical history. The dog and I met with a Vet (Dr Carlson, I think, who was very friendly, as was the Vet tech who also came along) who gave the dog a good once over before telling me what I already knew and prescribing exactly what I expected.

    Dr Carlson made an attempt to connect with my dog and I was pleased that she made an effort to not only get to know my dog, but to actually talk to me about my dog and his health, instead of talking 'at' me like a  lot of Vets do. Also, the charges were quite reasonable, and cheaper than my old vet on the Eastside. All in all, it was a good experience and I'll definitely be back.

  • Review from MiChin L.

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    • 5 friends
    • 59 reviews

    Seattle, WA

    2.0 star rating
    9/15/2009

    Dr. Olson has been ok for our cats since she's nice, explains everything thoroughly, and follows up in a timely manner.

    We saw Dr. Anderson once for an issue not related to weight, and she was adamant that our cats should only eat 1/4 cup of food per day.  They're both around 13 lbs.  So I took that suggestion for both of them and they both developed health issues soon thereafter.  They may or may not be related but I find it odd that two perfectly healthy cats now have problems that I need to manage for life when the only thing that changed was the amount of food they ate each day.  I of course later confirmed that cats this size should each have a whole can or 1 cup dry per day.  I refuse to see Dr. Anderson again; she doesn't know what she's doing when it comes to cats.

    Front desk staff is always very friendly and helpful.  However, most of the vet techs are young and seem very inexperienced.  The last tech who did a blood draw for one of our cats had to give him 3 pokes with 2 different needles and still could not get enough blood.  She also wounded him--he bled profusely from the injection site when she was finished.  My cat understandably hates the place now and cries non-stop as soon as we enter.

    FYI, a vet exam (that usually lasts 5 minutes) will run you about $50.  A feline blood screen will cost you $125.  Drugs seem to be reasonably priced, but beware that there is a "minimum cost" on some prescriptions and you'll pay for it even if you don't need as many pills.

  • Review from reese h.

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    • 20 friends
    • 175 reviews

    Seattle, WA

    3.0 star rating
    12/3/2009

    Closest vet, came reccomended.

    I felt a strong "upsell" in our consultation...and after the visit, we were $300+.  yikes.  But our cat is a special one, so why not?

    The vet personally called to give test results, I commend that.  All aces.

    Supplements are priced about $15 extra then online & was annoyed when I learned how much more I paid.

    If puss puss needs professional attention, I will be back...and fork over the $$.

  • Review from stir b.

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    • 4 friends
    • 2 reviews

    Seattle, WA

    5.0 star rating
    10/28/2008

    I agree with all the reviews below that the vets are fantastic, as well as the receptionists and techs.  Everyone was very nice and patient with both me and my dog Pixie.

    Beyond the very good care and service though, can I take a minute to talk about the ambience? When I first when in I thought I was walking into a SPA.  I've been to several vets that just feel very white and sterile, and this one actually had decor. And I kid you not, a table top water feature.

    It was so great to actually be able to relax at an appointment and not feel like you're in a hospital.  

    Good job, Four Paws!

  • Review from Amanda S.

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    • 14 friends
    • 16 reviews

    Seattle, WA

    5.0 star rating
    1/13/2010

    This is my favorite vet I've ever been to (and my dogs are senior citizens now!). Dr. Carson is so tender and great with my two dogs that she sets me and the dogs at ease. Normally my dogs like to yap at other dogs since everyone is always so uptight at the vet, but for some reason at Four Paws, there's not one bark. I think it's that due to the whole environment there.

    Dr. Carson and the whole staff are great, and they are all concerned with not racking up a huge bill if it's not necessary. I find them reasonably priced too, and I don't mind driving over from West Seattle to see them. Awesome!

  • Review from Joshua R.

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    • 3 friends
    • 2 reviews

    Seattle, WA

    5.0 star rating
    11/29/2009

    Amazing experience that can be only be described as 5 stars worthy!

    My dog had a bad run in with another dog in the dog park. After the fight I noticed his ear was bleeding and drove straight to Four Paws. Immediately, they took him in, treated him and we were on our way. I've never seen service like that in the veterinary world. I refer them over to anyone looking for a reliable service for their pets.

  • Review from L. P.

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    • 0 friends
    • 2 reviews

    Seattle, WA

    3.0 star rating
    7/6/2010

    I've been taking my dog to Four Paws for a few years now.  The receptionists and vet techs have always been extremely nice.  Dr. Thomas-Jones is friendly enough and it's very close to where we live.

    However, we recently had a bad experience with them.  My dog started having diarrhea on a Sunday and that evening started to vomit during night.  We usually plan to bring her to doggie day care but thought it was best to keep her home to rest up.  Since she's always had constipation problems, we didn't think much of the diarrhea, but were concerned with the vomiting.  When I got home from work, she changed completely.  She was extremely lethargic, couldn't hold down water, and was bleeding from behind.  I took her to Four Paws immediately.

    The receptionist was very nice and told me to have a seat and that she would check with the vets to see if they could squeeze in my dog.  It was 4:30 and they were closing at 6:00.  15 minutes later she came back out and said they were busy with clients but she'd let me know as soon as she heard from them.  Another 15 minutes went by until I was finally told that they couldn't see my dog and they wanted to send me to an after hours clinic.

    This upset me since it took them a half an hour to tell me this, meanwhile my dog threw up on their floor.  She was extremely sick and they weren't even going to take a look.  I don't mind being sent to another clinic if you can't take her, but at least the vets should look at her even if it's just for two minutes and then tell me that she needs to go elsewhere, rather than having us wait around a half hour while she gets worse.

    In the end, we went to Emerald City emergency clinic which we had a great experience with.  Very costly, but they told us that she was so dehydrated that it was potentially life threatening and she needed to stay the night for IV.  She was much better the next day when we picked her up.  It's just too bad the Four Paws vets couldn't  take a peek at a dog who was in a potentially life threatening state.

    We still might take her there for basic appointments for convenience, but any time she is really sick, we'll be going elsewhere.

  • Review from Gian B.

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    • 5 friends
    • 34 reviews

    Seattle, WA

    3.0 star rating
    3/26/2009

    We used to bring our cat and dog to Four Paws. When it was just Dr Perotti, we received excellent care (from her and all the staff). Now there are a bunch of vets, and the others are not nearly as helpful. Plus, we never seem to get Dr Perotti anymore. They have also started charging for everything and require an exam (an extra $40) each time we go in, even if our pets had their yearly exam a month before (happened twice). We stopped going because it became too expensive. If you get Dr Perotti, she is great! The others... not so much.

  • Review from dot h.

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    • 4 friends
    • 24 reviews

    Seattle, WA

    5.0 star rating
    2/24/2008

    i used to take my cat here for acupuncture to help her with the side effects of chemo.  it may sound strange, but it really helped.
    she has been gone now for a few years but i will be forever grateful for the compassionate care she, and we received.
    highly recommended.

  • Review from Katie C.

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    • 17 friends
    • 37 reviews

    Seattle, WA

    4.0 star rating
    5/3/2010

    Doctor Perotti is excellent. She's very knowledgeable and is very patient in explaining medical options and advice to us.  Our dog broke several bones in her paw on Friday night, and the clinic squeezed us in between appointments on Saturday morning.  The x-rayed the foot and suggested a cast, but also referred us to a specialist for a second opinion. This indicated that they weren't totally just looking for business, but also cared about our pet. Overall, we have been very satisfied with the follow-up from Dr. Perotti and the vet-techs.  My one reservation is that the appointments are kind of pricey ($30-40 for a exam).

  • Review from Andrew R.

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    • 6 friends
    • 33 reviews

    Seattle, WA

    5.0 star rating
    10/1/2009

    This is an awesome vet! I love the staff. Prices are reasonable and they are extremely trustworthy! Cannot say enough good! Love you guys!

  • Review from Austin E.

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    • 0 friends
    • 9 reviews

    Seattle, WA

    5.0 star rating
    3/5/2011

    Friendly, professional and usually on time. They always call to remind you the day before and are pretty good about getting you in last minute for emergent issues. They inform you of what your pet needs but aren't too pushy if you don't want/can't afford to do it.

  • Review from k t.

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    • 0 friends
    • 4 reviews

    Seattle, WA

    5.0 star rating
    2/13/2011

    I have had great experiences with the vets and staff at Four Paws.  They have been wonderful for all three of my dogs.  One of our pups was sick and the vet explained the different treatment options available and the pros and cons of each option including the cost.  I really appreciated their support while he was sick.  I highly recommend Four Paws.

  • Review from AxA S.

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    • 0 friends
    • 1 review

    Seattle, WA

    5.0 star rating
    9/29/2008

    These folks are the absolute best - no question about it.  Dr. Perotti and her team are so skilled, so current in their evidence-based practice, and so incredibly caring.  From the folks at the front desk, to the techs, to the vets themselves - you won't find a better clinic in town.

    My beloved cat Chloe had been vomiting all night long (on a Friday night, of course), so we had to make an emergency appt with Dr. Perotti on Saturday. She didn't even blink about seeing her last minute.  Chloe was very dehydrated and we weren't sure what was wrong.  Dr. Perotti listened carefully to the history I gave and quickly came to a decision to go for the most conclusive and least invasive test first (an x-ray with barium).  In order to read this test, she would have to keep Chloe for a few hours and return AFTER CLINIC HOURS ON A SATURDAY to check on the results. She did so without hesitation - focused on providing the best possible care for my cat.   After grim results, we decided to transfer Chloe to the emergency hospital. I called Dr. Perotti for her opinion about Chloe's treatment and even though she was not in the office that day, she called me back within an hour and spent considerable time talking through the care plan with me.  Every day, Dr Perotti called me to check on how Chloe was doing!  She offered assurance, guidance, and a trustworthy opinion every step along the way.  My cat could have gone down a very dark road, but because of Dr Perotti's attention to detail, quick action, and expertise, Chloe is romping around the house happier than ever.  
    If you are seeking compassionate and expert staff and the most amazing vet in town, Four Paws is the place for you!

  • Review from Marcy U.

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    • 0 friends
    • 1 review

    Seattle, WA

    5.0 star rating
    4/4/2010

    I can't say enough good things about Four Paws. Our dog had had a traumatic experience at the vet we took him to the previous week, to the point that he was afraid to get in the car. Four Paws was recommended to us by a friend. As soon as we got there we knew it was a good place. The receptionist (I wish I'd gotten her name) came over to greet him. Then the vet tech, Jillian came out, and made a big fuss over him. She led us to the examining room, and I was happy to see that the examination table is folded up into the wall. They don't have it down if they don't need it. It would have scared our dog. Jillian spent a lot of time with our dog. She sat down on the floor to play with him. Then Dr. Carson came in, and SHE sat down on the floor to play with him! He had a lump that she wanted to check, and although we had to hold onto him she did the needle aspiration so quickly we hardly believed she had done it! Then she went away for a few minutes to do the tests, and came back to tell us it was just a fatty lump. The cost of the visit was about 1/2 of what we have paid elsewhere.

    They also have a list of boarding places because we are going on a three week vacation.  There were some terrific places, and we chose one that met our needs perfectly, Arcadia Dog Ranch in Lake Stevens. It's a "free range" place, no kennels. The dogs sleep in a big room with couches and a TV. And for dogs who are especially nervouse, they get to stay in the house with the owner. This will be great for our dog during his first couple of nights away from Mom and Dad.

    So the next time you need a vet, check this place out!

  • Review from Amanda G.

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    • 2 friends
    • 5 reviews

    Seattle, WA

    5.0 star rating
    8/11/2010

    Four Paws is a fantastic vet! The staff there is super compassionate and very patient with worked up puppy parents. We recently lost our dear dog Margot to cancer and Four Paws was absolutely incredible during the entire ordeal. Dr. Olsen went above and beyond the call of duty in helping Margot through her last days-even doing a house call just a couple of days before leaving on her own maternity leave. As things got worse with Margot we had more and more trouble getting her in and out of the car and Dr. Olsen graciously called a vet that was closer to our (Lake Union Vet- Dr. Waterhouse who is also amazing) house and asked that he do Margot's blood work etc so we didn't have to transport her so often. Dr. Olsen is also a pet acupuncturist and after Margot passed even made a donation in her name to a doggy acupuncture society (side note: if your doggy is having pain please consider acupuncture. For about three days after each treatment Margot bounded around the house like a puppy. It really made a difference in her quality of life). I can't say enough good things about Four Paws and highly encourage you to check them out!

  • Review from Kate C.

    •  
    • 0 friends
    • 22 reviews

    Seattle, WA

    5.0 star rating
    4/20/2010

    I am a total neurotic pet owner.  My dog is my baby and I will spare no expense.  After a AWFUL experience at the Vet clinic on C. Hill on 15th....I switched to Four Paws.  Skeptical after my horrid experience at the last vets, I was pleasantly surprised.  Dr. Olson was great and the staff was nice, great vet tech's, etc.  They have been great about squeezing me in when I'm convinced my dog has worms (and she never does...).  I have a giant breed dog and its not easy to get her around but she really doesn't seem to mind going to this vets because its never been a bad experience for her.  I always request to see the same vet and have recommended them to 3 separate friends who are all happy with this vet.  I was recommended to Elliot Bay Animal hospital by a friend with a giant breed dog as well.   EB is way out of the way for me and after hearing they've charged my friend $20K for services, I recommend giant breed owner stay away from them.

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