Alta Vista Veterinary Hospital

I had to take one of my dogs here for a late night emergency appointment after my dogs got into a fight at home. Luckily, my dog had one minor wound that just needed a cleaning. I will also add that she was in the process of being treated for some other health issues for her intestines at our regular vet down the road. When the vet at Alta Vista saw her, he began to tell me that we should have her blood ran, that she had a heart murmur and possibly heart disease. All based off her heartbeat. I let him know she had JUST had her blood ran a few days prior at the other vet and why wouldn't they have caught all these issues and he couldn't give me a straight answer. He then proceeded to try and intimidate me by being rude and condescending to run the tests. I declined and said I would take her to her regular vet and he then said if I waited anymore than a couple days she had a slim chance of "making it". I think it's completely inappropriate to try and scare patients into spending money for the sake of spending money. PS - My dog is alive, so thanks. And received awesome care at her regular vet. None of which included a heart murmur or heart disease because she doesn't have either. The front desk staff I will say was super kind and friendly so thank you to them. Read Less

This place traumatize my cat. I don't know what they did to her, she never use to be scared of the vets now she has to be heavily sedated for all her vet visits and that costs extra or the vet won't see her. Very pricey. Make false diagnoses. The front desk always seem to have a vulgar attitude. They never seem to smile. I don't go here anymore because of what I experience. Read Less

Just to start this place is awesome!!! My sister and brother in law invested so much time and money into their dog who had got Parvo. After paying a lot of money at an emergency unit and days of discouragement we found Alta vista!! From the begging Alta Vista was willing to go the extra mile to help stitch, not only stitch but helping comfort my sister. Each doctor and employee at Alta Vista went out of there to care for stitch as if it was their dog!! From watching him all night to syringe feeding him they did it all!!! The best part was a week at Alta Vista was half the price than 2 days at an emergency unit. After getting stitch to where they could bring him home Alta Vista still kept themselves available for any questions or concerns. Well on Monday we finally got stitch to start eating at home then he gave us a scare again, he started diarrhea with blood in it again. Not knowing what to do anymore my brother in law and sister had reached the peak of exhaustion and frustration!! They felt like they were just letting him suffer and they walked into Alta vista one more time but this time they were ready to stop the pain and put him down. If it wasn’t for the caring vets it probably would have happened! Instead, the vet said NO let’s try different foods and other different options. Well sure enough here we are 5 days from the last visit and stitch is eating, gaining weight and getting back to the hyper dog he was. Thank you Alta Vista for everything you have done for stitch and more importantly, for stopping my sister and brother in law from making a mistake, they would have regretted! You guys are awesome and we are forever grateful for the care you guys gave!!! Read Less

While staff was kind they cannot technically call themselves at Veterinary Clinic they barely even touched my cat when I took him in when he was severely sick altough hands were tied because I was going through an assistance program to help pay for the visit I was approved to get treatment for him however they did nothing more than send me on my way with some anti nausea he couldn't get down because he was essentially choking to death some antibiotic he threw right up because he couldn't keep anything down but then an i.v. bag and needles for me to do at home knowing full well he was dehydrated didn't even suggest giving him an i.v. there needless to say a few hours later my baby died gasping for air gurgling in my arms all I could do was hold him close and tell him I love him. They cost me my best friend. Read Less

Some of the staff are really nice but I've made 2 appointments here and I'm about to walk out again. I've been here over 1.5 hours on my only day off and the vet hasn't even see my dog yet. They have no idea how appointments work so don't bother making one just walk in like everyone else does I guess. I just want copies of the test results so I can go somewhere else. Read Less

I had to put my dog down and the staff was amazing here. This was the first time I've ever had to go through this and I am so thankful I went to Alta vista. There were simply outstanding. This was very difficult for me and they were very compassionate and understanding. They walked me through the process and allowed it to go at my pace. Thank you so much Alta vista. Read Less

Dr. Frasier is the most uneducated, greedy, and scheming vet at that hospital. I will go as far to say that this hospital is unfit to see any dog, cat, or any pet you may bring here. I just bought a rescue dog around the end of May. She had some open wounds on her leg and sides of her body when I got her, so I did the responsible thing and took her to the vet to get a check up. They told me the wounds on her were "hot spots" and to give her meds, and they would "clip and clean" her to get the wounds to heal ($400). 1 month later, the wounds get worse, and I noticed that she began to have other symptoms, so I brought her back a second time,  and Dr. Frasier tells me she needs surgery, her infection has spread and she need all of these lab tests done. Of course my husband and I want to do anything and everything to save her life, so we spend 1,100.00 in surgery fees and lab tests. Unfortunately, we found out she had Lyme disease and Valley Fever. After surgery, we got her on the correct meds and things got better. A month later, I noticed that one of her spots did not heal correctly and it started to puss up, so I brought her in again, they do another "clip and clean" and give me some antibiotics ($160). Dr. Frasier states to me that he will call in a couple of days to check on her. 2 whole weeks pass (before he calls to check) and she has taken all of her antibiotics and her spot (wound) is still oozing and hasn't healed. Dr. Frasier tells me that he doesn't know why it's not healing and to bring her in and run more tests to the lab. I am not a vet or anything, but why on earth would you put a customer through this? Your customers come to you for help and understanding not to spend hundred's and thousand of dollars to get nowhere. I am completely disgusted by this kind of treatment. I wanted to give this hospital let alone this doctor the benefit of the doubt but it is clear they want money. We don't have hundreds to keep giving you to fix what is going on with our dog. I have read similar Yelp reviews that match mine, you keep charging people for meds and surgeries and lab tests they don't need. This vet hospital is unethical and you all should be ashamed for how you run your business.  Almost two-thousand dollars later and my dog has had 3 antibiotic treatments, 1 surgery, and she still has to come back in for tests? What about the tests and cultures you have already taken and you said that she came back clear? This makes no sense whatsoever. I am truly warning every pet owner everywhere, DO NOT come here at all! WALK AWAY! Read Less

Dr. Marion is the best! He is genuine and honest and also doesn't try to rip you off! I came here for a second opinion. My dog had a hard time breathing and a couple days before I took him to Alta Vista I had him seen at another vet. The other vet told me to "watch his breathing" over the next few days. My pooch was struggling to breathe and I couldn't take it any more and I had to get him in somewhere ASAP. Thankfully Alta Vista's hours are super accommodating! Dr. Marion told me he had heart disease and we went thru the whole process of xrays and meds. I am very thankful I wasn't just seen and sent out the door. He helped me get my friend back on track! Thanks Dr. Favorite Read Less

I've been taking my dog (and now new puppy) here for 4 years. Over the past 4 years it has gotten progressively worse. I should've picked up on many clues over the years but kept going back.Here's some of my experiences:1) I never saw the same doctor twice2) I was told my 5 year old dog had a murmur and needed 600$ worth of work up. I waited it out and by the next visit, no murmur reported from the new doctor. Glad I didn't drop the 600$. 3) Inconsistent messages of care from the front desk, techs and vets. This would probably not be an issue if you didn't see a new vet every visit. Apparently they have a high turnover rate. I wonder why? If you do choose to go here. Take notes or a second set of ears because the messages always change. Vaccinating my puppy here was horrible on top of her having reactions to the vaccines. I will say that Dr Marion tried to make it right even though I was furious with the care my dog had been given. My advice is to make sure to see the same doctor every time. But I'm not sure that is even possible because of the turnover rate. 4) Rooms don't appear to be cleaned between visits. This is especially troubling to me as I have a new puppy who is not fully vaccinated.5) They will try to get as much money from you as possible. Just a warning as this has been my experience. I definitely overpaid for a "vaccine package." 6) The wait period for an appointment is at the very least 45 minutes. Sitting in a crowded waiting room full of animals. And a resident cat. I've never made it out of there in less than 1 and a half hours. 7) I felt that they used scare tactics to get me to buy procedures and medications that I didn't need. Sad to say this as I feel like I should be able to trust providers: do some homework if you choose to go here. 8) I did not call the doctor back when he left a message checking on my dog. Apparently he wanted to tell me she needed to be medicated next round of vaccines (which in my opinion, he could have easily included this in the message but I guess he wanted to tell me in person?)This resulted in me being told that my dog would have to wait 30 mins for the oral Benadryl to kick in (on top of the 45 mins I was in the waiting room) or pay for a Benadryl shot (10 min wait). I raised a stink. Why was there not some sort of note to get that started while I was in the waiting room?! Hmmm. Well like I said, Dr Marion made it right by comping the shot (which I do appreciate). I could keep going on and on. I will not spend a single cent or minute of my time on this place and I feel like others should be warned. Two positive things about Alta Vista are their operating hours and Dr Marion's attempt to make good on 4 years of terrible service. Read Less

I was referred here by a different veterinary office because they knew this office would be able to get me in sooner. Alta Vista has awesome hours.  I called and they were able to get me an appointment 2 days later. I was super happy about this. Apparently, they have many more rooms and much more staff, hence the ability to get me in sooner.The lobby and exam rooms are clean. There is a separate waiting area if you have a kitty and would prefer to wait there with your cat. I came in specifically looking for a check-up, senior cat blood work, and a urine test for a UTI. They did not try and push anything more than what I came in for. He actually tried to tell me my kitty probably didn't need a UTI check because he's male and it's not really common for male cats to get them. We did the urine test anyways to be safe and to make me more comfortable to know he was having behavioral issues rather than a medical issue. From the time I got there, plus kitty check-up, blood/ urine work-up, to paid and out the door was a total of 1 hour. The vet called me the next day early in the afternoon with the lab results. I was worried I was going to have to stay on top of this and was very happy that he called me. I was unable to answer the phone, but he left me a very detailed message about the results, what the results meant, and what I would need to do if my kitty continued to have any issues. I am super happy with this vet office. Read Less

I had to take my dog to them. Seems she has developed a floating kneecap...she's 14 years old. These people are So Caring. My vet was Ms. Jang, I believe. She is a very kind person, handled my dog with tenderness and, she is very smart. I thought I might have to euthanize my dog, so I was so relieved. Great support staff as well. Read Less

They really care. I've gone there in the past and now in the area again. Hours are great! Prices don't kill- I took in a blocked kitty. Now one that ate some twine. Super friendly and try not making you wait forever. Read Less

I went here over the weekend because my pup was doing real bad, they told me he was okay and I would wait an hour and a half to see a doctor. My poor dog was not STABLE and could not wait, I ended up taking him to another place and the doctor told me he was in really bad shape and I had to put him down. Alta vista is terrible, please do not take your pet there Read Less

They area readily available to see my pets and are will work with me to find a time that works with my schedule and theirs. Their extended hours are greatly appreciated. The office is clean and the lobby area is large. The wait for the vet to arrive to the appointments is a little bit long, but they are always great and patient with my pets so it's definitely worth it. On top of it all, this is the most affordable vet I have ever been to. Read Less

Horrible staff!!! I called ahead was informed that they would indeed help a cleft pallet puppy we are trying to save. My foster drove 20 plus miles to be told no. Then maybe they vet will see her. Mind you this puppy has already seen our vet and was just leaving from the vet. They then refused to teach to tube feed charged a 65 dollar fee bullied the foster into paying the fee before she could leave ALL WHILE I WAS ON HOLD TO PAY THE FILL!! HORRIBLE VET!!! Only wanting money and not caring they are stealing from a 501c3 not for profit!!!! We work off of donations!!! Read Less

Alta Vista was so kind to me and my cat as he was dying of cancer. It was a heartbreaking time and they treated me in my blubbering state with empathy and gentleness just like how they treated my cat. They worked hard to knock down my costs and didn't try to rush me in and out of there. Bless this vet clinic.Read Less

Awesome staff.. all team workers! Took care of our Miniature Pinscher who had to be put to sleep after 17 years.. they were soo caring.. prices not too bad also!! Thank you Alta Vista.. we will be back!Read Less

I really wanted to love this place and did when we first took our cat. The wait was long to be seen for an appointment, but the staff was amazing with my cat. She had a number of sores around her neck and head that just wouldn't go away. They took a few questions, got a sample and determined it was a bacterial infection. We have two other cats and they told us not to worry about the other two if they hadn't already gotten it as it was rare among cats. They gave her a steroid shot and we took home antibiotics. Her sores started to go away but returned and the vet was kind enough to give us more antibiotics without bringing her in again. A week later we noticed another one of our cats was getting the same sores. Thankfully, this one was much more tolerant to letting us look her over at home. It turned out all along our cat had FLEAS and had passed it to her sisters. As our cats are strictly indoor cats it had never occurred to us to look for fleas. I thought my girls were just itchy from an infection that we were told they had. Despite having 'looked our cat over' it was never once suggested to us that she might have fleas. Had we been told we would have started a flea treatment immediately. In all we spent over $250for the visit, both rounds of antibiotics and a steroid shot. I'm so happy we didn't end up taking our other cat with sores. After a few days of flea treatment and combing out the fleas both of their sores are much better. Needless to say, despite how nice they were we will not even be visiting a vet that can't even figure out that our cat has something as simple as fleas again. Read Less

The staff of Alta Vista are angels. My daughter had her 17year old cat for almost half her life. When her little best friend was on his last journey we didn't want to see him suffer any more. They welcomed us near closing time and comforted us while being gentle and kind with our little cats passing. These are people that care. Read Less

Just a wonderful place for your pet. The facility is a little older, but they more than make up for it in caring for your loved pet. They went the extra mile in caring for my Gracie. They are kind, compassionate and very good at what they do. Thank you for looking after my Gracie! Read Less

Everyone we came into contact with were very professional and caring. The hours are very convient with those of us that need pet care out of the normal hours of most vets. I highly recommend Alta Vista. They took excellent care of my dog that means the world to me. Read Less

We moved to Montrose the first of the year, and I looked at several veterinary websites before choosing Alta Vista. When it was time for Henry's shots in February, I made an appointment. We arrived on time and did not have to wait. The staff was very welcoming and professional, and Henry stopped shaking almost immediately. Dr. Renee and I discussed the meds he should be on now that we are Colorado residents, and she gave me several good ideas about dental care that do not involve surgery. All in all, I am delighted with Alta Vista Animal Hospital. Read Less

Excellent vet care in a respectful environment. I was very impressed with Drs. Sotiaux and Rousselle, who took very good care of my sweet boy Bubba cat. They both took all the time I needed to discuss Bubba's situation and options. The techs were also very sweet with Bubba. Overall I really felt that he was in good hands. My only minor criticism is that it was sometimes difficult to phone in when the clinic was very busy. Read Less

My husband and I have taken our two Springer Spaniels to Alta Vista for over l2 years. We have been pleased with the professional care they have received.. Most recently we had to have one of our dogs put to sleep. The Doctor and staff showed exceptional compassion and con- ducted them selves beyond duty. Our pets bond to us like children and we wish for them the finest treatment in life and death possible. We received that treatment at Alta Vista. . Read Less

In May 2015 I had to put my 14.5 year old Beagle down due to incurable illness. After a bad night and knowing my regular vet could not see my dog on the weekend I called Alta Vista and explained the situation. They took me right in and were compassionate and caring. I opted for the individual cremation. Of course I was emotionally a wreck the day I had to do this, but when I came back a few weeks later to pick up the ashes I was pleasantly surprised to find the ashes had been placed in a beautiful carved wood box. It made everything feel better as some friends told me their vets put the ashes in a paper bag or a plastic box. I can't say enough good about Alta Vista and if I lived closer to them I'd use them for everything. I'll definitely go there again if my regular vet is not available. Read Less

Wow! My dog Roxy was down, throwing up..not eating her food. I really knew something was wrong when she didn't chase her ball. I took her to Alta Vista and she was ended up being very very sick, after several days in the hospital and mutiple blood transfusions she is doing well. I know that her medical issues will require medications for a long time but Thanks to Dr. Hesser and everyone else she is currently doing well. Back to herself playing ball! I can't express enough how happy we are with Alta Vista! Read Less

I has guests over on Sunday for Easter. It was great...we had way too much food and CHOCOLATE. While we were outside visiting my 3 dogs decided it would be okay to climb on the table and eat all the candy and chocolate! I panicked and called my sister she referred me here, having use the emergency animal hospital in the past I was so worried that I was dealing with cost of 3 dogs at once. The staff was great they made my dogs vomit the chocolate and such then kept them in the hospital for a few days. It did cost alot but I was dealing with 3 trouble makers and it was still less than what I spent on 1 dog at the emergency last year. I'm so happy with the service and my dogs seem to be doing great. I will keep coming back but I hope not too soon. Read Less

We come to Arizona every winter and stay until the middle of April from Idaho. Our Chocolate Lab Penny go into tiff with the another dog while we were walking her. My husband and I were panicking as poor Penny's lip and neck were all marked up,it was a Sunday evening. I went online and called around. There were places open but cost so much and frankly were rude on the phone. I came across this hospital and called.... the receptionist was so nice and told us to come right in. We drove 30 minutes to get Penny there but we are so glad we did. All she needed was some cleaning up and medications. We were lucky that no surgery was needed and she is doing fine.This is a great place and Penny recommends it! Read Less

I took my dog into Alta Vista so that they could remove a tumor in her abdomen. I ordered a biopsy to be done on the sample of tissue removed so that I woudl know what I might be up against. Unfortunately, I only could afford half of the $1200 procedure and they could not send out the sample to be tested until I paid down the entire balance. When I paid the remaining amount a few months later, they lost the sample. Since then I've had no idea what was wrong with my dog. I noticed she was fatigued again and felt it might have something to do with this issue so I was advised to bring her in again. Not only were they going to charge me for the tests, but the $40 visit, which only was necessarry because I had no idea what was wrong with her because THEY LOST her tissue sample. They simply lost it! Not only was it unprofessional to have lost the sample, but they made no efforts to find out what was wrong with her by offering to take another sample like a professional clinic would normally do. A year later, she is really sick. Her liver and pancreatic counts are high, her whole system has been flushed (at a reputable clinic this time) and she isn't getting better. I now have to spend $365 on an ultra sound to find out if she has another tumor. If they had kept her sample, I could know what I'm up against. If I'm up against cancer, I'd know to just try to make her comfortable until she passes... but what if I'm not? What if it's something treatable? I am spending money hundreds of dollars to find out what I should have been able to find out a year ago for a $125 biopsy. This place is dishevled and makes no apology or efforts to correct its life altering mistakes. I wouldn't come here if it was the only veterinary clinic in AZ! Read Less

Alta Vista used to be a great place to take your animals. It has become increasingly bad over the years and I have pulled all of my business from them. The technicians were abusive and added items to my bill that I declined. They turned a docile, loving but sick puppy into a monster through their mishandling. Obviously don't know how to handle animals well at all. Price have climbed and service has plummeted. Beware and avoid. Read Less

Amazing people! Everyone was VERY kind here, including Meghan and Angie! I've taken all my pets there, and every visit has consisted of timely visits, kind staff, and nothing but the animals best interest at hand! The prices are worth the service, and you get what you pay for! I believe the owner has done very well in his business and hiring on a fantastic team! Thank you! Read Less

Alta Vista has been the worst vet experience of my life. They are all about the all mighty dollar. So, if you care anything about the way you and your pet are treated I would recommend staying away from Alta Vista. Read Less