Austin Vet Care At Metric

I have no complaint about their level of care. However, when I took my cat there to be put down, I paid $ 250.00!!! I have NEVER been charged such ridiculously high fees for that service before. And what was I to do? Make the poor thing wait/​suffer longer while I shopped around for a better deal that day? I’ve had many a pet, & put down many a pet when it was time to do so. It is never an easy day. But a 3.5 lb cat who is too weak to stand up doesn’t need much in the way of meds for this procedure; I can’t see how the drug or procedure cost is justified. «Well, there’s a $ 95 disposal fee, they said, when I exclaimed «You must be f***ing kidding me», when given the bill — okay, fine, I’ll deal with the $ 95. But an additional fee to get a paw print was about $ 25 – 30, if I remember right — and what I got was an envelope with nothing in it but a piece of paper, wrapped around a piece of card stock — on the card, her name and a paw print taken after she died, with a sad looking ribbon inserted through some punched holes. Pitiful. She deserved better. I deserved better.
Yes, they were very kind, as anyone would hope and expect. I just happened to have $ 250.00 at the time, but it was unusual that I did. I don’t think many people save up for their pet’s last day. I wonder if my lower fees in the past were due to my longevity with a clinic — I just moved to north Austin, and had only been there once before. Was I being gouged because I didn’t have a long term relationship?
Lesson learned: nice people, high fees; save up and shop around for your pet’s dying day.

Austin Vet Care is not only very convenient to where I work, but they’ve taken good care of my black lab, Chloe. I’ve saved literally hundreds of dollars having AVC spade Chloe and recently clean her teeth as opposed to taking her to a MUCH more expensive Westlake Animal Hospital. I also love that they are next door to Taurus Academy where I take Chloe for play care!

I love this place. Everyone there treated us kindly and professionally. Dr Brandes answered all of my questions. Angel was fabulous and again, we were treated with kindness from him. I know that they are a bit pricey but I don’t know of a vet who charges much less. I cant really afford to pay for the services but since everyone else is competitive I will go back because of the personnel. What can I say? Being nice to my dog goes a very very long way.

Awesome staff!!! I have been to more than few vetrinarians in my life and all have been snoddy and rude! I like that my pet is treated like family, and have the plans to stay with this vet for as long as I have pets!

If you don’t have a buget this place is for you
My Story:
We take our dog there cause we are new owners and ignorant to the whole process. Its close so the convenience was the appeal in this busy town. After regular checkups we speak of the fact that she will inevitably need to be spayed and microchipped. Thinking this was the norm we went to Emicipet for the spaying due to all the wonderful things weve heard about them. While spaying my dog at Emancipet we were informed that city of Austin has a program where they cover microchipping, free of charge. Something Austin Vet Care never mentioned. Everytime we would ask for medical advice they just would reply with open ended advice, making me feel like they don’t give advice for free. The lady at the front desk scowled when I asked if they had any association with camp bow wow (where we take our dog for daycare) which makes me feel like they were upset that we didn’t spend our money with them. They gave the same reaction when mentioning Emancipet, and when I asked their opinion of Emancipet the simply told me «they could complicate things» meaning that if I had her spayed there, something could go wrong. Yes, its surgery, I am aware of the risks no matter who is behind the knife.
The thing that prompted me to write this review is my last story. We went to have the dog checked cause she had what I suspect was a UTI. They gave us a list at all the test they could run and when I asked what the best course of action would be, they basically stated «we dont know». Basically trying to back me in a corner of having to pay for every test they offer. I agreed cause I love my dog and I want her healthy. So we left her there and came back to pick her up before closing. Our dog peed in the bottom of the cage so the test was «contaminated», charged us for the visit, charged us for the meds. Month later she has the symtoms again. We bring her in, give an ok to run the tests. We dropped her 2 hours before closing, which they said was plenty of time for them to run the tests and do what was needed. When we went to pick her up, she didnt pee so no tests were ran, but they still felt it just to charge us $ 50 for the visit.
Dont get me wrong, I spent a lot of money there because they always fixed the problem. And I don’t like reviewing people because I see it as «who am I to judge». But this place puts its profit before its patrons and the worse part about it is they use the pets, we all love and see as family, as leverage. Businesses that operate like this place should be put out of business so the vets who actually care can grow and become successful, they are the ones who deserve our money. But like my opening statement says «if you’re not on a buget, this place is for you» and unfortunately in Austin, there are plenty of people who have the cash to throw away on a vet that can come up with creative ways to charge you for everything

Beware! There’s a reason why there aren’t any newer good reviews. Nice people work here, but no one really has real training. It’s like they threw unqualified people into positions just to fill them up-​look at the website… the staff page says it all, plus it’s outdated. It’s overpriced, and be prepared for doctors to diagnose, then have you come in AGAIN and AGAIN and AGAIN and get charged each time… it would be nice if they got it right the first time. It’s a small clinic, they probably need to get the money somehow. They will try to talk you into buying unnecessary medicines for your pet, especially your cats, and I overheard the receptionists talking and it’s not because they want to help your cat, it’s for a promotion so they need to sell a certain amount! I left there after a couple months of wasting my time and money, and it was the best move I ever made!

I recently had an emergency situation where my dogs were attacked. I was in from out of town and took my dogs here immediately, remembering the clinic from growing up around here. I walked in carrying my dog who was bleeding and they didn’t even ask me any questions, they just grabbed my dog and started working on him. I was a complete mess and everyone was so calm, professional, and knew exactly what to do. They fixed up my dog quickly and checked the other two in no time. The Veterinarian was great and the price was completely reasonable. I can’t thank them enough for how they dealt with this situation and me. Hannah was also an amazing help to me.

I absolutely love Austin Ver Care at Metric. I just recently took responsibility of my moms dog who was deployed out of Washington. Our little puppy is very special to us since he is a service dog and were looking for a new Vet in Austin to get some shots. When I walked into this place it was very clean and felt very welcoming. The ladies at the desk were super sweet and the awesome service kept coming. Once I got to a room I was worried that I would get overcharged for just shots and worried they would want me to do a whole bunch of stuff on top of what he really needed. The vet was super cool, understanding, and never made me feel uncomfortable. I left only paying 60 for two shots and my first time fee which was awesome. They did tell me of other things my little man needed and it seemed pricy but it was stuff he actually needed and it’s well worth it when it comes to my dog. I would rather pay for great service and an awesome vet for my dog.
Also, the cherry on top which my mom loved to hear was that they called to check up on my dog after his checkup. To me that’s just really great service :). Thank you Austin Vet Care!!!

I cannot say enough good things about Austin Vet Care. In July while on vacation our little girl dog tried to escape and cut her stomach pretty badly and they were able to handle everything over the phone and gave our baby the best care needed. Since then, we have taken our other 3 dogs for minor issues and updating their shots. Each time we have gone, we have received nothing but exceptional customer service. The vets and vet techs remember our pets names, their previous issues and make the entire experience a more welcoming one. I truly appreciate the follow up call 2 – 3 days after to check on everyone.

I have used Austin Vet Care at Metric since before it was part of Austin Vet Care, and I have consistently received wonderful care for my pets. Even when I recently acquired a young dog who has tried to bite Dr. Brandes twice during exams they were patient with me and cognizant of helping me stay within a budget for my multiple pets.
However, the last few times I called to make appointments I felt as if the front desk staff did not listen to what I said on the phone. I had to repeat myself multiple times and provide information that I stated at the beginning of the call. Making the appointments themselves was like pulling teeth. I’ve never had a problem in person, but the phone skills need a little work.

My dog had gooey/​bloody stool so I got a sample and took her here.
Good:
The doctor/​staff were all pretty nice to my dogs (which is always a must!).
Meh:
Fecal Exam ($ 47) is somewhat expensive but expected.
Bad:
Medical Exam/​Consultation fee ($ 47) was unexpected. Their exam consisted of taking my dog’s temperature and weight, and their consultation was a Vet telling me things I already knew. He didn’t even touch my dog. He just told me to wait for the test, and that they’d call me when they get the result which was within 24 hours. The techs at Emancipet are more thorough when I bring in my dogs for routine vaccinations.
Anyways, 2 days later, my dog threw up and continued to have gooey stool so I called them and found out they had the test results but didn’t bother to contact me. Even though her tests came back clean, I would prefer a vet that actively tries to follow up with my dog’s health. They also asked me to come in for a follow-​up exam ($ 47) before they can administer any medicine. So what was the first exam for?
I’ll probably be looking for a different vet.

I have been with Austin Vet Care on Metric, for nearly 18 years & never had any of the problems some of the reviewers indicate they had.
All our pets have been seen by either Dr Brandes or Dr Tracy, they have always told us the truth. I have never found them to be «pushers», as Rachel D said in her review, they only prescribe what is necessary for my pets needs. I will continue to trust their judgement when it comes to the health of my pets.
All the staff are very friendly & helpful & go out of their way to assist you & I have no problem recommending family & friends take their pets to them.

Doctor, do no harm.
Apparently, this veterinary facility does not adhere to this.
I brought my dog there, left her there all day– because they asked me to so they could get a urine test– they never informed me that by being there all day, they would expose her to the possibility of getting sick with kennel cough. No option given. No suggestion for prevention. (my dog never is around any other dogs except her sister, stay in house or a run in our yard all the time).
7 days later, she gets sick (7 day incubation period).
I ask them to treat her and feel it is their responsibility to pay for it– since they got her sick.
There response– No. basically too bad. Not our problem. Even tried to tell me that she could have gotten it somewhere else… even though that is impossible.
Uncaring, cheap.
AVOID THIS PRACTICE!

I wound up here today with my 9-​year-​old dog who had an object stuck in his cornea. Austin Vet Care on Lamar sent us up here. We were seen immediately. I was impressed with the vet and the tech’s rapport with my dog; at our usual shot clinic, my dog has to be muzzled, but here, he was calm and went along with the staff’s requests, poking, and restraint.
I was especially impressed with Dr. Smith’s expertise. She was able to remove the object from his cornea without anesthesia. The tech gave him his first doses of follow-​up meds in the office, showing me how to administer at home. And best of all, the whole thing was very reasonably priced: less than the cost of a traffic ticket!

I followed Dr Tracy from her former practice (Chase Memorial) where she treated my beloved geriatric pooch (like family) until she passed away at age 15. Dr Tracy is caring, compassionate and professional. My current baby loves Dr Tracy, but she’s in LOVE with Summer. She actually LOVES going to the vet. Can you say that about most dogs/​vets? The other staff are friendly and helpful, too. And Hercules, the office cat, is just the coolest cat ever…

The staff is very friendly and helpful, and are fantastically caring with my kitten, who isn’t the biggest fan of the vet. My kitten is a shelter kitten and had parasites, which AVC @ Metric helped her get rid of, and most recently has had pink eye and suspected herpes from the shelter, as well. Vet Care on Lamar wasn’t fantastic, but our regular vet, Austin Vet Care @ Metric, has helped her on the road to a healthy eye in the last several days.
As a note, when I brought her in for suspected parasites (because her littermate’s parent notified us she had parasites) they didn’t give us meds right away (as she wasn’t showing symptoms) but wanted to check first. I appreciate that they didn’t choose to treat and medicate before knowing if we actually had a problem. They could have easily done otherwise.
I really appreciate their care.

Took my little fur kid back for a re-​check, ear infection gone. She even lost 2oz :)
I don’t think I will ever take my lttle gal to anyother Vet.
Staff always helpful and friendly.

We’ve been taking our 2 dogs and 2 cats to Austin Vet Care Metric for going on 4 years now. I do think they are very attentive and caring. The staff is friendly and the facilities are nice. I think the doctors are competent, experienced and knowledgeable.
In the last year + I’ve noticed a lot of heavy sales pitches for pricy «routine checks» at annual exams such as fecal screenings for indoor cats and a menu of bloodwork options for healthy young dogs. We also get a ton of postcards for semi-​annual exams (huh?), reminders for shots they’ve already had and dental work which we do not routinely have done. I’m less convinced some of the new lab work is for health reasons but more for AVC’s pockets. You also can’t get them to administer a routine shot without a standard $ 50 «office visit fee» tacked on.
The fees and unwanted, unnecessary extra services are frustrating, but the staff’s friendly, caring attitude and love for animals make up for it. Unless we truly can’t afford them anymore, or they make services we really don’t want mandatory, I don’t see us switching vets.

Have had great experiences taking my cats here. Dr. Brandes is really caring. He has helped me create a diet plan for one.

Let me preface this by saying that as a «Best in Show”-type of doggy momma, I’ve seen my share of vets both in Austin and in other parts of the country. My tiny little heart dog, a 4.5-lb chihuahua named Deacon, loves Austin Vet Care so much that he repeatedly tries to get himself killed in order to visit Dr. Tracy Karlinger-​Smith (popularly known as «Dr. Tracy») and the vet techs at Austin Vet Care. A couple of years ago he decided to have an allergic reaction to a bee sting and went into anaphylactic shock. A few months ago he decided to stick his head in his German Shepherd friend’s food bowl and ended up with puncture wounds in his neck. Two weeks ago he thought it was a good idea to get right under the feet of my clumsy-​ass doberman, who shattered his tiny hindpaw to shit (broken in five places). But that corrective surgery was actually done by Dr. Dudley who works next door to Dr. Tracy, so I digress. I should save that for another review.
The point is that Deke likes Austin Vet Care and so do I. The vet techs and receptionists are friendly and absolutely fawn over all of my pets – the tiny death-​defying Deacon in particular. Dr. Tracy is also the woman to see if you have house rabbits. I recently had to have a bunny put to sleep who had become paralyzed in both back legs and consequently had an accident involving one of her rear paws. Neither Dr. Tracy nor the attending vet tech looked at me like I was crazy for bringing in an invalid rabbit with a swollen back paw. They truly understand how much people’s pets mean to them and they are supremely empathetic.
It can be difficult to find a vet who strikes the right balance between approaching injury and illness with aggressiveness versus reasonableness, but Dr. Tracy really does fit that bill. She’s knowledgeable and thorough and will take time to answer any questions you have. She also has a great bedside manner and a «way» with animals, which you pet owners out there know is more important to you than you can rationally explain.
Prices are pretty solidly mid-​range for Austin proper; you can probably go to Westlake if you want to pay 30% more or Round Rock if you want to pay 30% less. I moved from the North side to the East side over two years ago, but I like Dr. Tracy enough to make the drive. Not every vet we’ve gone to is Deacon-​tested and Deacon-​approved. :)