Very impressed with both the staff and the facility This was my first time visit to the Academy West facility. I was impressed with both the facility and the staff. It’s very clean and quiet. The front desk staff was very friendly, greeted us at the door and almost immediately took us back to the observation room. I took our 9 yr old Dachshund-mix for her vaccination. Typically this dog does not do well at the vets; very nervous, anxious and shaking. Also, if not muzzled, she could nip at the staff. On this visit, before the doctor came in, one of their technicians (Dennis) came in and spent some time with Pumpkin and was able to calm her down. She wasn’t shaking anxiously and we didn’t have to muzzle her. The doctor and Dennis were then very thorough and quick examining her and giving the shots. This was the most relaxed our dog has ever been on a Vet’s visit. Kudo’s to the team at Academy West. Read Less

Dr Kimmel is the best Vet, EVER, he's no nonsense and he never over charges for anything. He calls it like he sees it and he has a huge heart. I've taken my pets to him for years. I'll never go anywhere else. Read Less

Dr. Kimmel helped my 9 year old Golden Retriever survive when I thought I was going to have to put him down (he was in much discomfort and pain). He is 9 years old and had a tumor on his butt about an inch long and within three days it was the size of a baseball!! He said it had to be removed ASAP or he would die and I knew that...... Thanks to the staff and doctor at this place, I now have a new Vet that I can always rely on....... promise to keep making payments, you saved my dog's life!! My Vet For Life........ thank You.................... Read Less

They removed a growth from my dog's side. The entire process was excellent. The staff, aides, and veterinarian were all so friendly, polite, and professional. The operation was successful, and my dog healed rapidly. They called me each of the following two days to check on her. Even though there are many vets between where I live and there, I will certainly return. (the fees were a lot less than I expected). Read Less

Looking for a fantastic vet? Dr Kimmel really is the greatest. His staff is kind, compassionate and gentle. When we lost our first dog he was there going above and beyond to help us understand. Dr Kimmel is empathetic to our concerns and fears of losing our new family member to same condition. We highly recommend, Dr. Kimmel of Academy West Animal Hospital. ❤ our Vet Read Less

Sent my golden there to board for a weekend. Was in good shape so we boarded him for two weeks this time. He was returned in great condition. The staff was friendly and helpful. The facility is clean and the kennels don't smell. Highly recommend you try them. Read Less

This review is long overdue. When something is wonderful we should say so. Years ago I was not happy with an incident, I went to countless other vets and found that had I given this vet a chance I would not have wasted so much time and money on other vets. I would not take my babies anywhere else ever again. I think the thing I like the most about my vet is he is a straight shooter and does not candy coat things. All the people that work at Academy West are the best. I appreciate everything they have done for us. Read Less

We have a very old cat who is not able to care for herself any longer. As a result, her fur has become extremely matted, very close to her skin. We called several places who wouldn't even touch her but, Academy West said they would help her. I dropped her off and the groomer came out and talked about what we were going to do with her. I received several phone calls with updates letting us know how she was. They took their time with her because of her age and condition. To say we were pleased would be an understatement. Thank you Academy West for taking care of our little fur baby. We know she is very comfortable not having all those mats on her body. Read Less

I have been coming to this vet for 8 years now. When my dachshund was sick my other vet couldn't figure out what was wrong after 3 visits, so I brought my dog to Dr. Kimmel for a second opinion and he knew right away what was wrong! He and his staff have always taken extremely good care of my dogs, are genuinely concerned about every animal (and you!), and are very affordable. They have literally saved my dogs life and I will always be bringing my pets to Dr. Kimmel! Read Less

I would take my buddy and family dog Cody here for years. He loved them and the Vets and techs would take great care of him. Sadly, Cody got cancer and passed. I want to mention the vet tech Freddy. He is an awesome, caring guy, who was always there for Cody. Towards the end he was nice enough to clean up our dog, shave his ears and such, so he felt a little better his last few days of life. I knew Cody was thankful and loved him. The compassion the Vet and his Techs have and all of the help they have given us means so much to us. Read Less

Doctor gets 5 stars. He's awesome, funny, and a genuine animal lover. However I'm not returning because my puppy had a broken leg and no appointment but wouldn't be seen for 6 hours. Triaging emergent walk in patients along with routine scheduled appointments should be improved. Read Less

Dr Kimmel is an awesome vet and does great surgery for a reasonable price, about a third of what other vets charge. The staff itself isn't very personable and they could be better on attitude but we have had at least 3 surgeries done here on our dogs and they all healed up beautifully and we saved over 1,000 on each surgery. I go to a vet to be in and out and for my animal and their health, not to be wined and dined and charged 1,000 extra for someone to have a nice conversation with me. Read Less

When we brought our 4 month old husky into this location I left thinking my puppy was in good hands. I then called 3 weeks later concerned that the dog food where I got him from was agreeing with him since he was losing so much weight. They told me over and over again not to switch his food and they wanted to put him on more medication. When I came in to get the medication I brought him in with me so they could see why I was so concerned. Instead of focusing on what I was saying, they were more concerned on weither my card was being ran as debit or credit. I end up leaving very irritated. A few days goes by I'm not only is he getting to the point where I can see his ribs and his, but now he has scabs and hair loss all over him from scratching himself so much. I call again and was told to put him on benadryl. At this point I also switched his dog food from "Earth Blend" to "Beneful Healthy Puppy". I call again a couple of days later because now those scabs are gashes and he just looks miserable. Instead of having someone help me I was put on hold over 5 times. Regardless if they have appointments, someone still should have helped me. Again, irritated, I end up hanging up and taking him to an emergency office. 300 dollars, and a shaved husky later I find out he has Demodex Mites and horrible infection. I understand completely that he got them from his mother. But I'm very unsatisfied with the lack of help I received, and that if we caught this earlier when I first called he wouldn't of had such a horrible infection. Definitely would never recommend this office.Read Less

I'd like to first say that I believe Dr. Kimmel is a good veterinarian. However, my experience was has not been great. My cat was scheduled to go into surgery to remove a number of sub q masses. The day before surgery a vet tech by the name of Dennis called to ask how my cat's skin was looking...this tech called me thinking my cat had already been through the surgery. After getting frustrated, I began to question the tech, who didn't even know when the surgery was schedule for or what the surgery was even for. Dr. Kimmel called me to apologize and verify the surgery information. Surgery day went out without a hitch. The day after surgery I had to get back into see the vet because my cat had torn out the surgery stiches (no bandage provided after surgery). The tech called me "MaMa" half a dozen times which I thought was disrespectful. Also, she began telling me how my cat tore out the stiches. This made me infuriated! No Duh, claws! I proceeded to slam my had on the exam table and told her that I wasn't a complete idiot. Dr. Kimmel meet with me shortly after and repaired the incision and provided a bandage. Day two after surgery, I called the office after seeing the plastic coated cotton pad fall out from the bandage. They didn't seem concerned that the rough cotten and bandage were now rubbing against my cat's incision..."no need to have it re bandaged". I then asked if my animal could have an additional pain med dose because he was becoming restricted in movement and more vocal..."no, he doesn't need a 3rd dose". I had only received 2 and a half pain med doses.....a human who went through surgery would have more pain medication than that!!! I'll never be going back. Read Less

Dr Kimmel and his staff are absolutely AMAZING!!! Our initial visit with them was for our cat who had a mass in his ear....all other vets said they wouldn't touch it or they wanted a ridiculous amount of money! Dr Kimmel was able to remove the mass for an affordable price and take such great care of our cat that we decided to move the care of all our animals. The most recent visit was very sad....we had to have our 15 year old dog put down due to health issues....the staff was extremely supportive and walked with us all the way thru the process from starting to end. You will not be disappointed taking your pets to Academy West!Read Less

I have been taking my American Staffordshire Terrier, Shea to this vet for about 3 years now, mostly for vaccinations, once for a bump that was removed and biopsied. It seemed adequate for that and since I had pet insurance this was the place to go on my list of providers. but about a week ago I took her there because she was just not acting herself. weak and just sickly. she is nine years old so I don't mess around and took her in right away. they could not find anything wrong, not that they did anything but take her temp and feel her tummy. I requested a senior blood work to be done, which they said came back fine. Two days later I get home from work and she is having cramping in the rear area, around the stomach and intestines, very lethargic and cold body temp. I took her in immediately. I did not know it but she had also vomited a little in the car. They again said they did not see anything wrong, but took an x-ray which took a long time. I had informed him when I was there the first time that I had switched her to a raw diet in December. He said he did not recommend that but when I had her there this second time, no mention was made of checking her for e-coli and I didnt know enough to ask him to. he had asked a tech to try to get a urine sample from her by taking her outside I guess, but that was unsuccessful. He came back in later with the x-ray and said he could find nothing wrong except her colon was backed up and full of poop. his diagnosis was constipation and to leave her in the yard for a while, otherwise he said I had a healthy dog who should live many more years . I got one more week. The following Saturday she woke up with the same symptoms. Unknowingly I'm thinking constipation again. I called the vet and they said just watch her over the weekend and see if she is better, if not bring her in. she continued to worsen, so when I called again I was told the Dr left for the day and there was nothing they could do, I had to go to the emergency clinic. In the meantime thankfully we all spent some time with her, she never acted in pain, just lethargic, cold, and the spasms now and then. But an hour later, she could not stand to walk, so we rushed to the emergency vet. They immediately said she was very critical, and "down" as they put it. After an hour of waiting for them to take x-rays and try to stabilize her, the vet came back and said it appeared that she had a perforated bowel which had leaked into her stomach and was septic. the option was surgery which being an emergency could cost up to $30,000, or to euthanize her. While we agonized and cried over this, my daughter, being a critical care nurse, explained that it was unlikely the surgery would help her. When I went back to see her, I could tell she was going, her eyes were already dilated. They put her on a gurney and we got about 5 minutes to say goodbye and then she was gone. In my heart I know that had this vet at Academy West insisted on cleansing out her colon and doing another x-ray, or even doing a blood test for e-coli because I have learned since this happened that a low body temperature in a dog is an indication of that, he probably could have diagnosed her correctly and performed the surgery before it went septic and possibly have saved my baby. As it is, I have lost my best friend and a large part of my reason for living. I am so angry at myself for not taking her somewhere else, among many other things. On top of that, when I called them this morning to cancel the appointment I had set on Saturday, I explained some of what happened to the receptionist. the vet has not called me to find out what happened or follow up in any way. Read Less

I had to get several kitties spayed/neutered and some were mine that I had opted to keep, others were my rescued kittens & mama. They offered a rescue discount and I spoke to a tech on the phone about prices and she was VERY helpful and sharing everything so I would feel comfortable with bringing them. Upon arrival I was greeted in a friendly manner and didn't wait long, Vet even said ""hello"" though this was just a drop off. I was happy to learn the Vet has kitties himself and would take good care of my babies. I received calls to update me and staff took time to explain everything to me with aftercare and a call to check on them. I was impressed to discover they also have boarding and grooming on site too. What impressed me the most is their dedication to animals, they have adoptable kitties in the lobby and appear to care about rescues, which is what I love to help with. No surprise costs or issues, my kitties are all healing well and appear very healthy. I would recommend this place to friends, rescues and that says a lot coming from someone who is active in a rescue and a dog/cat owner! Read Less

The staff is always so nice when I bring in any of my pets. They address my pets by their names and try their hardest not to frighten them. The doctor always plays with my cats, and tells me how cute they are (even if he doesn't really believe it). I have adopted two kittens from local shelters and I brought them here for their courtesy check-ups. I continued going here for all their other needs because I felt welcome and they offer deals to owners of a new pet. Also, when my 6 year old cat went missing, they were more than willing to allow me to post a lost cat flyer on the bulletin board in the lobby. Read Less

I moved too far form my old vet so I tired this one. It was horible my dog was a youngster and he was their to get shots and the man looked like he had been in prision and he pulled my dog but when my dog backed up they pusehd him into the table the table went swinging and he had a HUGE not on his head for about 2 months. I had to get my son to take my granddaughter outside bedcause how upset she was and i dont blame her. Then I got a puppy we went their to get him checked out and found out her had a heart problem and my granddaughter started crying the doctor told her to stop it he would be fine. Which I thought was very rude and after about 5 people came in to listen to his heart like hes just some experiment! I later had to put him down which means the doctor is a liar and when i came in i called beofre i did and they made me weight their while i was histarical for about 30 mins. Just holding him knowing that he was going to be killed was the worst day of my life if i had to cut off my own wrist it wouldnt be as painful. Ever since then I drive the 35 miles to my old vet. DO NOT GO THEIR IF YOU CARE AND LOVE YOUR ANIMAL AND EVEN IF YOU DONT YOUR ANIMAL DESERVES BETTER THAN THAT. WORST PLACE EVER I WOULD BE BETTER OFF GOING TO A HOBO OR A 7 YR OLD! Read Less

Ive lived in Arizona all my life and this is the best Vet hospital by far. I did my research on line as many of us do and this office was close to me and my new home I just moved into. I read the past reviews and most were great with the one or two who were unsatisfied, but we all know that we cant please every one. No matter how far you bend over backwards to please them (PMS I guess). I first called and was greeted by their receptionist, friendly and very informative. I take my dog in and the place is an older building yes but not dirty in any way. I then get to see a technician. She looks at my dog from head to toe and asks all the routine questions and then it surprised me when she asked me how I was doing? we talked a bit about my dog and life with him at home and even about my other pets . I thought to myself this is great. To be honest with you I first thought she was the Dr. until she said she was just the tech and I would be seeing the Dr shortly. I found it very pleasing when she not only wanted to address the problem my dog was having, but also wanted to get to know me and my pets on a personal level. She was very helpful and was so gentle and genuine with how she approached my dog ( he can be a bit scetchy/ scared) all the information she was giving me was wonderful. I saw the vet and he was great! we joked around a bit about pets and the economy and well I just have to say, it made me feel as if I had known them for years. My dog was calm, relaxed and seemed to really enjoy the company he was in and so did I. I was so impressed by them that I even called back that day to ask who my vets name was (I couldnt remember) and the technician who saw me. I just wanted to say I have found my new vet and you guys are awesome!!! thank you Dr. Kimmel and Lily you are truly the best. Read Less

My daughter recently lost her pet and we took him in to be cremated and the staff was so compassionate while we were there, then last night we recieved a hand written letter in the mail expressing there sympathy for her loss - it was so touching. Thank you Read Less

I have been coming to this clinic for a while and I always feel like my cat is treated like the princess she is. The doctor is great, the staff is caring and the drive is very convenient (even if I moved far from this place I would still drive the extra miles.) They offer boarding and grooming too, so I never have to leave this place. I board my cat there and feel good that I know she is in good hands. I highly recommend this hospital! Read Less

If you love your pet, never take them to this office!! I took my 11 month old puppy here to be spayed and was appalled by everything, from the staff to the cleanliness to the customer service to the way they treated animals. I was unsure of the place from the moment I walked in, but figured it probably wasn't a ""dirty"" place, just an older building. The woman at the front desk was rude to the customers as they walked in. The vet tech that took my pup and myself back into a room was unfriendly and cold towards myself and my little girl. She argued with me over the breed of my dog (who is papered), talked down to me, and was not at all friendly with my pup. As she was taking her back she just took the leash from me and started taking her back - no ""say bye to mommy!"" or ""come on little girl!"" - nothing, just took the leash and started to walk out with her. I grabbed the leash back to stop her so I could at least say bye to my baby. Still, against my better judgment I figured I was just being ultra picky and that if they were a veterinary office they had to be okay. They over-anesthesised her, she was sick the whole rest of the day, and didn't come out of it for two days. I was told that dissolvable sutures would be used, and my boyfriend was told that they were when he picked her up - we were told she did not need to come back to have them removed, they would dissolve in a couple weeks. A month and a half later I looked at her cut (still there and not healed!) and noticed what appeared to be sutures in her wound still!! I took a pair of scissors and cut one end and pulled out three inches of fishing line type sutures. I called them and asked if they normally lie to their clientelle like this and was fed a line of BS and told that I should bring her in to have them look at it. No way is my dog or any other pet of mine going back there, EVER! I told them no thanks, I'd never take any pet of mine back to that place. Take my advice, terrible place. Read Less