VCA North Portland Veterinary Hospital

I love my cats above all else - and so when I moved to PDX I started checking vet reviews all over the net a few months before I got here, not wanting to be caught without one if anything happened. North Portland Veterinary Hospital seemed to be what I was looking for. When one of my kitties got a cold shortly after we arrived, I knew who I wanted to call. Dr. McCoy was the vet I had my eye on specifically, but he had no openings that day. I was told that Dr. Warner could see us, and that she also had "quite a following". Well, after seeing her (and she is now our vet), I knew why.\r \r The first visit was 45 mins. She wanted to know everything about Gracie - living environment, other pets, vaccinations, health history... everything imaginable. Gracie, meanwhile, had started to purr and looked like she might want to move in. Having been with Dr. Warner for all of my four felines for 3 years now, and being an acute care nurse, I can say this: Dr. Warner is my favorite geek, and hands-down more

I have two cats and most of my friends take their dogs there as well. They ALWAYS have printed out an itemized list of options with prices from high to low. Taking an animal to the vet is not usually cheap but I feel their prices are reasonable. At one point I made arrangements to bring in a stray cat with an injury and they were so accommodating. At one point he escaped my carrier in the parking lot and 3 employees came out to help me track him down for over half an hour. Everyone there really cares about your animals and it shows. more

Please beware of several of the Veterinary Technicians. Please. I was shocked at the repeated instances of their clear ineptness, and abuse. Yes, outright abuse. I was able to observe/witness their abuse because I asked to be present in the large treatment (1) We have a 10 year old female Labrador, very very passive, 100% kind, never growls, never has bared her teeth, and is friendly to all people and all dogs. We needed 2 spine xrays (2 views) due to very significant low back symptoms. It was well known by our vet our dog is very scared of metal surfaces, even the surface to get a weighing. Putting a simple towel or thin rubber layer resolves the issue. A technician lifted up our dog and placed her on the xray table, a steel table. Our dog immediately became frightened and stiff and tense. One, then two, then three, then 5, yes 5, technicians, within 30 seconds, began rough handling our dog, trying to get her to lay on her side. They wrenched on her head, one technician to each limb, then wrenched at the limbs. When she got forcefully tipped over. One Vicious technician rammed our dog's head into the steel table & put all of her weight on our dog's head. I watched this from 6 feet away. Then, several technicians began Yelling at our dog. Abusive yelling. I was shocked and disgusted. Then, they abruptly gave up, and our dog righted herself to laying on her stomach, and was panting terribly & horribly frightened. I then stepped close, the technicians were laughing. Disgusting. Our dog then abruptly moved the edge of the table and was about to jump off. The technicians did nothing. I had to rapidly scuttle about 3 feet, and caught my dog 1/2 way off the table. My dog had a Spine Injury and jumping off of a 3-4 foot high table is horrible (for any dog). The older Abusive technician then said ""She was scared to do the xray because she saw you."" Wrong. My dog did not see me at any time, as she was faced in the opposite direction and I was behind her at all times. (2) Our dog needed a simple blood draw. A technician, in the same room, about 8 months before, began to stick a needle into the arm, and said ""woops I missed it"", and did it again, and again, and 4 times. On the 5th time, the young female technician said ""Oh I hit bone"" and laughed. I was 2 feet away, and I then directly stated ""Please I'd like a doctor to do this."" The two technicians looked at me in disgust, as if they didn't like my request. The doctor (Dr. Shanks) stepped in, and did the blood draw in 3 seconds. (3) Years before, our dog had an emergency, and the doctors at North Portland were great and helped her immensely. However, in the next 6 months, for follow up appointments, and regular appointments, Each Time we checked in, a technician would say, in a tone of voice like an energetic salesperson, ""Oh I remember your dog"" and would laugh and have a big smile, and add ""I remember the last time you were here for that emergency, Wow!"" Just disgusting, unprofessional, and disrespectful, and bizarre. It got to the point that I asked the office manager if he could convey to others that this is not appreciated. It had happened at least 5 times over months. (4) Our dog needed anesthesia, and I was 5 feet away from the anesthesia table. I watched them perform it Improperly. They gave too little anesthesia-medicine, and our dog began convulsing. They didn't set the IV correctly and it came out. The technician said ""Well it's blown"" and they had to do another IV, while our dog was suffering. They then carelessly put a gas-anesthesiology mask over our dogs face; it did nothing. Sickening incompetence. The doctors were consistently great. Every time. The technicians were horrific, almost every time. I wish I would have asked to be present during treatments in the past. I'm sure this occurred in the past. The hospital's response to my complaint? To not allow animal owners into the exam room. Doubly disgusting. They should have instructed the technicians on many things. more

this is one of the best vet clinics in the city (i've been to several). i've only had a bad experience with one doctor, but have heard good things about her from others (must be personal). the rest of the doctors here are wonderful; they seem to have become vets because they actually care about the animals - not to make money for themselves and the practice. i HIGHLY recommend Dr. Fletcher and Dr. Warner; they are the kindest and most understanding vets i have EVER met! the clinic is clean, professional, and provides the best of care - i trust all 4 of my children to them. more

The caring, professional veterinarians and staff are just one of the things that keep me coming back to North Portland Veterinary Hospital (since 1982.) I've tried others in a pinch, but have not returned to any of them. We love Dr. Shanks and Dr. Warner and Dr. Barnes and...well, you get the idea! I always feel my pets are getting the very best care available when I bring them here. And I must admit, they provide the best of care to me, too, 'cause I'm always a worried mama. One of the very best things, is they don't wisk my babies away from me to do treatments behind the scenes. The treatment area has always been open to me, and that makes a HUGE difference to me and my pets. I can stay with them to help keep them calm and less frightened. I highly recommend this fine group of people. Pros: Being able to stay with/visit my babies when hospitalized Cons: So far from my current home more

I have seen several vets at North Portland and I have consistantly been impressed with their level of care, professionalism, and results. When my cat had a urinary blockage at the beginning of this year, and was at Dove Lewis, I was weighing my options, as my cat had been blocked many times in his life. The PU surgery was being recommended from the drs at Dove but I was scared of the procedure as well as the cost. I went to North Portland to get some advice and Dr. McCoy literally went over the whole procedure with me and showed me instruments and pictures and answered all of my questions, never pushing me one way or the other. He was so informative and gentle. Not many drs perfom this delicate surgery but he does, and offered to get my cat in the very next day. Throughout the entire process, Dr McCoy was communicative and always available when had questions. Long story short, he saved my cat's life and my cat has been happy and healthy ever since. \r \r I have seen other drs ther more

I have been taking my miniature poodle and kitty to North Portland Veterinary Hospital for many years and have always left with a smile on my face due to the friendly and compassionate staff. They are there for me when I have an emergency or routine visit. I trust them implicitly. Their clinic is truly state-of-the-art and they really know their stuff. Dr. McCoy is our usual vet, but I would trust any of the several veterinarians who work there. If you want the best for your animal friends, this is the place to go to. Pros: Dr. McCoy and his compassionate, knowledgeable staff Cons: None! more

My wife and I have five cats and a dog now and have had numerous other pets over the past 15 years. No other vet clinic has provided higher quality service than Dr. McCoy and his staff. We've always felt our pets have been lovingly cared for, including exemplary care of both us and our beloved pets when their lives came to an end. The many friends and family we have referred have all had the same high opinion of NPVH. I think "Pug Lady" must have been smoking crack. more

Well I have to say the woman with the pug must be a complete nut job. I took my 6 year old dog with severe dental problems to see Dr. McCoy for the first time, and he was excellent. I have owned dogs all my life and been to many different vet. clinics. North Portland is by far the best around. Upon meeting Dr. McCoy he is beyond gentle and caring with the animals. Dr. McCoy cradled my dog as if he was his own. My dog was cranky and in severe pain, Dr. McCoys gentle approach made my dogs exam a breeze. Anyone with half a brain could tell upon first meeting Dr. McCoy that is a seasoned Veterinarian that absolutely loves animals. I 100% trust this place with my animals lives. more

I have two German Short-haired Pointers who ,in their relatively short lives, have gotten in to every sort of trouble you can imagine- eating sunglasses, eating Advantage flea control, eating half a bag of dog food, allergic reaction to a bee sting, eating clumping cat litter. But the most traumatic was when our dog Remy chewed on the end of a live extension cord , electrocuted himself and severely burned his mouth. I rushed Remy to North Portland Vet , which is a few blocks from our house, assuming they might send us to Dove Lewis. But they immediately saw him , got him comfortable and monitored him all day. He was able to see their dental/oral surgery specialist that same day. After over a month of weekly visits while his burns healed Remy had surgery to remove 2 teeth and a small portion of his lower jaw bone that had been damages by the electrocution. He is now back to being a ball dog. Our regular Vet is Dr.Shanks , who we love ,but we have seen nearly all the Vets at one time or another and they are all outstanding as are the techs and receptionist and all who work there! Pros: Dr Shanks is the Best! more

I've been taking my cats to North Portland since I moved to the neighborhood a few years ago. My experience with the clinic is extensive, as I have several cats, a couple of whom have urinary problems. I've used the clinic for occasional emergencies as well as more routine vists and procedures (neutering, dental work, diagnostic tests). Remarkably, every vet we've seen there is very personable and highly competent, and cares deeply about animals. The techs and administrative staff are also very competent, friendly and courteous, and love animals, too. In addition to their excellent care, I also very much appreciate the fact that they don't try to push expensive but unneeded services and products on their clients. I've had occasion to vist a number of clinics in different cities where I've lived, and North Portland is by far the best. Pros: Excellent vets, superlative service more

I have been taking my pets to North Portland Veterinary Hospital since 1981 when I originally moved to Portland. Dr. Warner has provided the most caring and compassionate care possible--even to the extent of coming to our home to euthanize our cat Bradley in 1999. She felt it would better for both Bradley and us to have the euthanization take place in the beauty and tranquility of our back yard gardens in familiar surroundings as opposed to having it take place in the clinical setting. More recently we have experienced an ongoing medical condition with our dog Rosy and once again Dr. Warner has provided the utmost care and concern in her efforts to stabilize Rosy's condition. The staff is knowledgeable and they show concern and care every time we need to visit with one of our 4 pets. We always recommend to our new friends and clients that NPVH is THE place to take their pets! more

The Vets at North Portland are all GREAT, but Dr. Warner is the best ever. Her compassion and caring attitude towards both pet and owner is beyond compare. I have recommended her to many of my friends and will again I am sure! Plus the cost of services is quite reasonable compared to other vets. Dr. Warner is always willing to offer solutions to fit my tight budget,never pushing unnecessary expensive procedures. I now drive 30 miles to this location, and it is well worth it. Dr. Warner is great with my Cats and Dogs. I have been seeing her for about 13 years. Dr. Ross Weinstein, who specializes in exotics does a great job with our Rabbit. He has generously donated countless hours to the Rabbit Advocate's group to help rescued rabbits in need of medical care. Dr. McCoy; the Owner is our favorite Veterinary Dentist. The pets love his gentle dentistry.\r Even the office staff and techs are special. They really care about you and your pets. As you can tell, I just can't say enough good things about North Portland Veterinary Hospital. I just wish that I still lived in that neighborhood.\r Pros: reasonable prices more

I've brought my two dogs to North Portland since it was on Killingsworth. Over the years, we've seen all the vets there and they have been professional, caring, friendly _ and have spent all the time necessary to answer my questions. Doctors and staff were especially caring when my older dog needed surgery _ she's fine _ and when I had my old cat euthanized. Meds are quickly refilled. I have no hesitation recommending North Portland to any pet owner. I still go even though I've moved to Southeast. Pros: Example: best croissants in town Cons: What are the drawbacks? more

I have been getting my dogs taken care of by Don McCoy and others at NPVH since 1979. Don sets the tone for the place, and he has attracted smart, caring vets to work there who compliment each others special skills, talents, and professional expertise. Over the years I have experienced them to have a balanced approach to veterinary care and medicine. The treat the dogs with empathy and respect and are up to date in their approach to veterinary medicine. They emphasize cost effective preventative medicine and good old fashion dog care, but are also able to offer good modern state of the art medicine. That said, if your dog has a medical or surgical problem that is best taken care of in a specialty clinic they will suggest that without being asked to, and will refer you to someone who can do what is best for your dog if NPVH cannot offer what is best.All at a reasonable cost. What more can someone ask for?The one review in regards to the pug... sounds to me like an owner who does not kno more

We had an emergency with our 11 year old lab mix, he wasn't weight bearing on one of his hind legs, our normal vet office wasn't open on this particular Saturday. We did the research and decided to give this place a try. What a fabulous experience!! The vet we saw was running a little late but that's okay. Our dog is quite a talker and was telling everyone what he thought, the front desk staff were great, didn't mind his incessant chatter at all. The vet was very friendly and seemed to have a solid knowledge base, discussing options for our dog's heart murmur (which wasn't the main issue). He did a complete annual exam along with checking out his leg and offered multiple options for treatment, from no cost to higher cost. Overall if we didn't love our current vet we would use this place for long term care. Prices were comparable and affordable. Pros: Great vet, did thorough exam, presented options without pressure, great waiting room Cons: None! more

I couldn't disagree more with the previous review. I've worked at 2 veterinary clinics, and North Portland Veterinary Hospital tops anything I've ever experienced. I thoroughly trust all of their doctors, and the staff is amazing. The technicians are all skilled, the doctors' assistants are very friendly and knowledgeable, and the front desk staff goes out of their way to make it a fantastic experience overall. They may be more expensive than other clinics in their neighborhood, but they are very comparable to places of similar caliber in the Portland metro area. If their doctors recommend something for you pet, you can be sure that it's for the good of the animal, not out of avarice. Hands down, best veterinary hospital in Portland (and possibly Oregon!). Pros: service, veterinarians, warm and clean atmosphere Cons: none! more

"My husband and I went to North Portland Vet because it is close to our house and we'd heard good things about it. The first time we went we saw Dr. McCoy. He was extremely rough with my dog, insisting on using a rope to drag her to the exam table instead of letting me pick her up and put her on it. She has no problem going to the vet, but she was visibly nervous after being dragged across the room. We decided not to see him again, obviously. The next time we went we saw Dr. Warner, which was a better experience. However, our most recent visit will definitely be our last. Our pug had an ear infection, a very common thing that we've dealt with throughout his life. During the visit, my husband mentioned how difficult it is to trim our pug's nails. The vet said they could do it, no problem. Well, when my husband went to pay, he saw that the nail trim was $38! We were charged the "normal" fee of $23 plus extra fees for two "holders" and a muzzle. I was outraged! If you are goi more

The Vets at North Portland are all GREAT, but Dr. Warner is the best ever. Her compassion and caring attitude towards both pet and owner is beyond compare. I have recommended her to many of my friends and will again I am sure! Plus the cost of services is quite reasonable in comparison to other vets. I now drive 30 miles to go to this location, and it is well worth it. Dr. Warner is great with my Cats and Dogs. I have been seeing her for about 13 years. Dr. Ross Weinstein, who specializes in exotics does a great job with our Rabbit. He has generously donated countless hours to the Rabbit Advocate's group to help rescued rabbits in need of medical care. Dr. McCoy the Owner is our favorite Veterinary Dentist. The pets love his gentle dentistry :)\r Even the office staff and techs are special. They really care about you and your pets. As you can tell, I just can't say enough good things about North Portland Veterinary Hospital. I just wish that I still lived in that neighborho more

I moved to the North Portland area and thought I would give this Vet Hospital a try for my new kitten. I am a former Certified Veterinary Technician and found that this place pushes options that I know are just part of a money making scheme. They did not give me any options and pushed for things that my cat was not going to need. After I told them that my cat did not need some of their ""recommended"" options they gave me a snotty attitude. I asked for a itemized list of costs for the options they suggested. What I recieved was a sheet of paper with all the options lumped into one price, not what I asked for. When I told them exactly what care I wanted for my pet they flat out told me I had to do it their way. If a clinic is not willing to itemize out the options for you don't trust them. more