Pet Medical Center of Ames
Ames, Iowa
Reviews
Mekenna
1 Jul 2024
REPORT
Pet Medical Center Took Away My Cat’s Final Days.
On 6/11/2024, we brought our 10-year-old cat, Stitch, to Pet Medical Center after he started limping and screaming. They diagnosed him with pleural e...
Pet Medical Center Took Away My Cat’s Final Days.
On 6/11/2024, we brought our 10-year-old cat, Stitch, to Pet Medical Center after he started limping and screaming. They diagnosed him with pleural effusion and a fractured foot, prescribing Onsior and Furosemide. Stitch soon developed severe diarrhea, stopped peeing, and his paw began bleeding. Despite our concerns, the vet assured us everything was fine. When Stitch started vomiting blood, they finally referred us to ISU ER, where we found no fluid around his lungs and learned the medication was dehydrating him and causing the issues.
Further tests showed no fracture in his foot but revealed a lung mass likely indicating cancer. The misdiagnosis and improper treatment caused unnecessary suffering. They believe the cast they put on his foot restricted blood flow, causing tissue death in his paw, which was later discovered to be unnecessary as there was no fracture. Due to the news of cancer, it would be unfair to amputate his paw, and it would be unfair to keep him alive on an uncomfortable and dead foot. We are left with no choice but to put him down and believe we could have had more time with him, he is eating, drinking, and as happy as he can be, he just can no longer move on his foot.
The vet offered no satisfactory explanation or compensation, only defensive responses. The owner of the practice didn’t say sorry, wasn’t empathetic to what happened, and spoke over me on the phone. Stitch’s final days were filled with unnecessary pain due to their negligence. We could have had more time with him if his foot was healthy. Be cautious and consider this experience when choosing care for your pets, especially for complex issues. He was truly the best cat and I hope I can prevent this from happening to somebody else.
if you’re interested in viewing the detailed story you can find it here:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1-HADX20CIGQCTCUB5Metqpi3FpzKe80jhgogBV0UQnw/edit
Darren Van Gerpen
29 Jan 2022
REPORT
Pet medical center of ames has crooks for staff, con artists, didnt want anything but shots and the Dr conned me telling I couldn't get ithe rabies shots anywhere else we had to get it there and neede...
Pet medical center of ames has crooks for staff, con artists, didnt want anything but shots and the Dr conned me telling I couldn't get ithe rabies shots anywhere else we had to get it there and needed a wellness exam, she said she was liable, I'm wondering to who, I offered to sign a waiver, she just wanted the money, how unethical.been there a few times before and it always ends up being more than they say upfront and they always have crap that you have to do, like its a law or something, they are crackheads there, wouldn't trust them ever again, help fight ignorance and fleecing of the general population. Don't ise them for anything
Rebecca Dunham
20 Jun 2018
REPORT
Vet and staff here are very caring and welcoming. Vet is sensitive to the financial needs of pet owners and works with you. They saved my older cat who was really sick with antibiotics and a diet chan...
Vet and staff here are very caring and welcoming. Vet is sensitive to the financial needs of pet owners and works with you. They saved my older cat who was really sick with antibiotics and a diet change and now he's doing better than he had for years.
Savannah Hembry
25 May 2018
REPORT
I don’t even know where to begin. We took our dog there because he hadn’t been feeling well. Long story short we ended up at Iowa State two days later because he had gotten worse. He had a dangerously...
I don’t even know where to begin. We took our dog there because he hadn’t been feeling well. Long story short we ended up at Iowa State two days later because he had gotten worse. He had a dangerously high fever (she never took his temp) and was diagnosed with an often fatal virus. The Iowa State vet told us he would get in contact with the clinic to let them know so they could take measures to decontaminate. It’s been several weeks now and not even so much as a email or call apologizing and/or offering condolences for not diagnosing a virus that could kill our dog.
All that aside our experience in the clinic was sub par. I’m not sure how yelling at a scared animal is going to calm them down, but evidently that was her course of action. We later found out we were charged $110 for a blood test and Iowa State charges $22 for the exact same test. Our Iowa State visit was half the price and they did so much more in regards to diagnosing and caring for our boy.
Bottom line, we will not be returning.
Katy Schmolke
17 May 2018
REPORT
Always had a great experience here. Love Dr. Rizzo’s sense of humor and sincerity when taking care of my dog, who has had some odd health issues!
Eric Weber
1 Feb 2018
REPORT
Black Cat is the resident greeter! Picked up the tabby for my mother.
Kent Bachman
25 Jan 2018
REPORT
Doc Rizzo is the best. She cares for our little dog ginger as if she were her own. Ginger actually loves going to the vet.
Sona Cornelis
22 Dec 2017
REPORT
I've been going here for years with all my pets...I trust Donna to keep my furbabies healthy so they will live long happy lives!
Thomas Rodamer
26 Oct 2017
REPORT
I've taken my cat here for 3 years. People say they are high priced, but I shopped at every pet medical center in Ames before coming here and this place was definitely the least expensive. They have d...
I've taken my cat here for 3 years. People say they are high priced, but I shopped at every pet medical center in Ames before coming here and this place was definitely the least expensive. They have definitely taken good care of me and my cat Charlie. Dr. Rizzo is very good at her job and takes great care of the animals.
Genie Mack
9 Aug 2017
REPORT
I love the staff and doctors here! They took very good care of my cat and dog. We used to board our cat here all the time. They helped do laser treatments on my dog's leg after her surgery.
Lacey Snyder
29 May 2017
REPORT
Dr.Rizzo and her staff are so kind and knowledgeable! They are very affordable and helpful with different options for all situations. Couldn't recommend anyone else!
Carrie Dodd
24 Mar 2017
REPORT
Look somewhere else for your pet needs. This place was rude, and quite unprofessional. Not mention way overpriced. The "Dr." that saw me was unhelpful and seemed more concerned about entertaining t...
Look somewhere else for your pet needs. This place was rude, and quite unprofessional. Not mention way overpriced. The "Dr." that saw me was unhelpful and seemed more concerned about entertaining the girl shadowing him. Dr. Rizzo wasn't any more pleasant to deal with. I will not be trusting this place again.
Marc Champoux
13 Feb 2017
REPORT
Friendly staff, and fair pricing
Danielle Robison- Engeman
24 Jun 2016
REPORT
Rizzo is awesome.
Colin Coulter
18 Jun 2016
REPORT
PMC has always been top notch. Efficient appointments, good at handling our dog, always available to answer questions. Made getting medications easy. Even when we moved to Des Moines we would still ma...
PMC has always been top notch. Efficient appointments, good at handling our dog, always available to answer questions. Made getting medications easy. Even when we moved to Des Moines we would still make the trip back up to go to PMC. Now that we've moved they got us our pet records right away and told us what needed to be done at the new vet. The staff is helpful and Dr. Rizzo is an oddball but knows dogs 100%, I hope there is a vet of her caliber around here.
Kayla Hoskins
27 Mar 2015
REPORT
The people were really friendly. I took my cat Butters there but the pricing is just so crazy high. I also didn't like the fact that the pricing was never accurate to what they said over the phone a...
The people were really friendly. I took my cat Butters there but the pricing is just so crazy high. I also didn't like the fact that the pricing was never accurate to what they said over the phone and things just kept piling onto my bill. I went in for a neuter exam and shots which was supposed to be $86---then he just gets shots for $119! and I'm told he's getting neutered in 2 weeks and it's gonna cost $140! I'm a college student and definitely not made of money.
Aja L.
9 Apr 2014
REPORT
Dr. Rizzo was in a really terrible car accident years ago and mentally never completely recovered. While she's a kind and loving woman, she really shouldn't be practicing anymore.
Sarah C.
14 Oct 2013
REPORT
We trust our pets in the care of the Pet Medical Center of Ames and have since 2007. We've seen different vets like Dr. Rizzo (who is a legend!) and Dr. Niemand over the years. They have both given ...
We trust our pets in the care of the Pet Medical Center of Ames and have since 2007. We've seen different vets like Dr. Rizzo (who is a legend!) and Dr. Niemand over the years. They have both given us EXCELLENT care.One of the things I liked most about Dr. Rizzo was how clearly she'd outline the treatment options for your pet, step by step. What she'd try first - something inexpensive and non-invasive. But she'd be sure to say what we could do after that, all the way up to surgery.Once, even after we moved away, we called Dr. Rizzo and she helped us out. It was above and beyond.I'm also particularly pleased that they only to laser declaw, and utilizing 'alternative' therapies like physical therapy for animals. Their end-of-life care (for both people and pets) is very gentle and understanding. They have a comfortable, cozy space (not an exam room) for families to be with their pet as they pass. They offer cremation services, and will offer the option of paw print momentos.I really feel cared for when I come. And bonus? The dogs and cats at the front counter are always happy to get a pet from you. ^^
Megan Smith
3 Dec 2012
REPORT
I've taken my basset to the Pet Medical Center of Ames for a few months (vaccines, heart worm preventative and treatment, flea and tick preventative and general health checkups). However, I just calle...
I've taken my basset to the Pet Medical Center of Ames for a few months (vaccines, heart worm preventative and treatment, flea and tick preventative and general health checkups). However, I just called to schedule a followup check up and the girl couldn't even find him on the boarding record list from when he stayed to get his heartworm treatment.
On another occation I went in for a booster per the request of the vet. When I got there they didn't even have my appointment on record, but squeezed me in with a vet I'd never met before. Due to the lack of communication between my vet and the front desk staff, this new vet had no idea what my dog needed. Luckely I did and eventually she agreed to do the booster and she also did the heart worm test that essentially saved my dogs life.
I might of stayed because of the great care the new vet gave, but I'm afraid this might be the last straw.
Alex D.
12 Jan 2012
REPORT
The best veterinary clinic around. I would recommend this place to everyone. They really care about my cats and like to make the whole process of being examined and vaccinated as easy and comfortable ...
The best veterinary clinic around. I would recommend this place to everyone. They really care about my cats and like to make the whole process of being examined and vaccinated as easy and comfortable for them as possible. I have never met anyone working here that I didn't like or trust when it comes to healthcare for my pets. They are very helpful and make sure you know the best way to care for your pets. They are also very reasonably priced and don't inflate prices like some veterinary clinics I have been to in the past did.
Sarah G.
14 Apr 2010
REPORT
I loved taking my cat to Pet Medical Center when I lived in Ames. The staff always showed the kind of care and respect that makes you tell they really love animals as much as their owner's do.
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Book an Appointment
Online booking unavailable
Please call
(515) 232-7204
Business Hours
Monday
Mon
08:00AM-18:00PM
Tuesday
Tue
08:00AM-18:00PM
Wednesday
Wed
08:00AM-18:00PM
Thursday
Thu
08:00AM-18:00PM
Friday
Fri
08:00AM-18:00PM
Popular Hours
Closed on Sunday
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Pet Medical Center of Ames
Ames, Iowa
Business Hours
Monday
08:00AM-18:00PM
Tuesday
08:00AM-18:00PM
Wednesday
08:00AM-18:00PM
Thursday
08:00AM-18:00PM
Friday
08:00AM-18:00PM
Popular Hours
Closed on Sunday
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No data for {{popularHourDay.text}}
Closed on {{popularHourDay.text}}
Reviews
Mekenna
1 Jul 2024
Pet Medical Center Took Away My Cat’s Final Days.
On 6/11/2024, we brought our 10-year-old cat, Stitch, to Pet Medical Center after he started limping and screaming. They diagnosed him with pleural e...
Pet Medical Center Took Away My Cat’s Final Days.
On 6/11/2024, we brought our 10-year-old cat, Stitch, to Pet Medical Center after he started limping and screaming. They diagnosed him with pleural effusion and a fractured foot, prescribing Onsior and Furosemide. Stitch soon developed severe diarrhea, stopped peeing, and his paw began bleeding. Despite our concerns, the vet assured us everything was fine. When Stitch started vomiting blood, they finally referred us to ISU ER, where we found no fluid around his lungs and learned the medication was dehydrating him and causing the issues.
Further tests showed no fracture in his foot but revealed a lung mass likely indicating cancer. The misdiagnosis and improper treatment caused unnecessary suffering. They believe the cast they put on his foot restricted blood flow, causing tissue death in his paw, which was later discovered to be unnecessary as there was no fracture. Due to the news of cancer, it would be unfair to amputate his paw, and it would be unfair to keep him alive on an uncomfortable and dead foot. We are left with no choice but to put him down and believe we could have had more time with him, he is eating, drinking, and as happy as he can be, he just can no longer move on his foot.
The vet offered no satisfactory explanation or compensation, only defensive responses. The owner of the practice didn’t say sorry, wasn’t empathetic to what happened, and spoke over me on the phone. Stitch’s final days were filled with unnecessary pain due to their negligence. We could have had more time with him if his foot was healthy. Be cautious and consider this experience when choosing care for your pets, especially for complex issues. He was truly the best cat and I hope I can prevent this from happening to somebody else.
if you’re interested in viewing the detailed story you can find it here:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1-HADX20CIGQCTCUB5Metqpi3FpzKe80jhgogBV0UQnw/edit
Darren Van Gerpen
29 Jan 2022
Pet medical center of ames has crooks for staff, con artists, didnt want anything but shots and the Dr conned me telling I couldn't get ithe rabies shots anywhere else we had to get it there and neede...
Pet medical center of ames has crooks for staff, con artists, didnt want anything but shots and the Dr conned me telling I couldn't get ithe rabies shots anywhere else we had to get it there and needed a wellness exam, she said she was liable, I'm wondering to who, I offered to sign a waiver, she just wanted the money, how unethical.been there a few times before and it always ends up being more than they say upfront and they always have crap that you have to do, like its a law or something, they are crackheads there, wouldn't trust them ever again, help fight ignorance and fleecing of the general population. Don't ise them for anything
Rebecca Dunham
20 Jun 2018
Vet and staff here are very caring and welcoming. Vet is sensitive to the financial needs of pet owners and works with you. They saved my older cat who was really sick with antibiotics and a diet chan...
Vet and staff here are very caring and welcoming. Vet is sensitive to the financial needs of pet owners and works with you. They saved my older cat who was really sick with antibiotics and a diet change and now he's doing better than he had for years.
Savannah Hembry
25 May 2018
I don’t even know where to begin. We took our dog there because he hadn’t been feeling well. Long story short we ended up at Iowa State two days later because he had gotten worse. He had a dangerously...
I don’t even know where to begin. We took our dog there because he hadn’t been feeling well. Long story short we ended up at Iowa State two days later because he had gotten worse. He had a dangerously high fever (she never took his temp) and was diagnosed with an often fatal virus. The Iowa State vet told us he would get in contact with the clinic to let them know so they could take measures to decontaminate. It’s been several weeks now and not even so much as a email or call apologizing and/or offering condolences for not diagnosing a virus that could kill our dog.
All that aside our experience in the clinic was sub par. I’m not sure how yelling at a scared animal is going to calm them down, but evidently that was her course of action. We later found out we were charged $110 for a blood test and Iowa State charges $22 for the exact same test. Our Iowa State visit was half the price and they did so much more in regards to diagnosing and caring for our boy.
Bottom line, we will not be returning.
Katy Schmolke
17 May 2018
Always had a great experience here. Love Dr. Rizzo’s sense of humor and sincerity when taking care of my dog, who has had some odd health issues!
Eric Weber
1 Feb 2018
Black Cat is the resident greeter! Picked up the tabby for my mother.
Kent Bachman
25 Jan 2018
Doc Rizzo is the best. She cares for our little dog ginger as if she were her own. Ginger actually loves going to the vet.
Sona Cornelis
22 Dec 2017
I've been going here for years with all my pets...I trust Donna to keep my furbabies healthy so they will live long happy lives!
Thomas Rodamer
26 Oct 2017
I've taken my cat here for 3 years. People say they are high priced, but I shopped at every pet medical center in Ames before coming here and this place was definitely the least expensive. They have d...
I've taken my cat here for 3 years. People say they are high priced, but I shopped at every pet medical center in Ames before coming here and this place was definitely the least expensive. They have definitely taken good care of me and my cat Charlie. Dr. Rizzo is very good at her job and takes great care of the animals.
Genie Mack
9 Aug 2017
I love the staff and doctors here! They took very good care of my cat and dog. We used to board our cat here all the time. They helped do laser treatments on my dog's leg after her surgery.
Lacey Snyder
29 May 2017
Dr.Rizzo and her staff are so kind and knowledgeable! They are very affordable and helpful with different options for all situations. Couldn't recommend anyone else!
Carrie Dodd
24 Mar 2017
Look somewhere else for your pet needs. This place was rude, and quite unprofessional. Not mention way overpriced. The "Dr." that saw me was unhelpful and seemed more concerned about entertaining t...
Look somewhere else for your pet needs. This place was rude, and quite unprofessional. Not mention way overpriced. The "Dr." that saw me was unhelpful and seemed more concerned about entertaining the girl shadowing him. Dr. Rizzo wasn't any more pleasant to deal with. I will not be trusting this place again.
Marc Champoux
13 Feb 2017
Friendly staff, and fair pricing
Danielle Robison- Engeman
24 Jun 2016
Rizzo is awesome.
Colin Coulter
18 Jun 2016
PMC has always been top notch. Efficient appointments, good at handling our dog, always available to answer questions. Made getting medications easy. Even when we moved to Des Moines we would still ma...
PMC has always been top notch. Efficient appointments, good at handling our dog, always available to answer questions. Made getting medications easy. Even when we moved to Des Moines we would still make the trip back up to go to PMC. Now that we've moved they got us our pet records right away and told us what needed to be done at the new vet. The staff is helpful and Dr. Rizzo is an oddball but knows dogs 100%, I hope there is a vet of her caliber around here.
Kayla Hoskins
27 Mar 2015
The people were really friendly. I took my cat Butters there but the pricing is just so crazy high. I also didn't like the fact that the pricing was never accurate to what they said over the phone a...
The people were really friendly. I took my cat Butters there but the pricing is just so crazy high. I also didn't like the fact that the pricing was never accurate to what they said over the phone and things just kept piling onto my bill. I went in for a neuter exam and shots which was supposed to be $86---then he just gets shots for $119! and I'm told he's getting neutered in 2 weeks and it's gonna cost $140! I'm a college student and definitely not made of money.
Aja L.
9 Apr 2014
Dr. Rizzo was in a really terrible car accident years ago and mentally never completely recovered. While she's a kind and loving woman, she really shouldn't be practicing anymore.
Sarah C.
14 Oct 2013
We trust our pets in the care of the Pet Medical Center of Ames and have since 2007. We've seen different vets like Dr. Rizzo (who is a legend!) and Dr. Niemand over the years. They have both given ...
We trust our pets in the care of the Pet Medical Center of Ames and have since 2007. We've seen different vets like Dr. Rizzo (who is a legend!) and Dr. Niemand over the years. They have both given us EXCELLENT care.One of the things I liked most about Dr. Rizzo was how clearly she'd outline the treatment options for your pet, step by step. What she'd try first - something inexpensive and non-invasive. But she'd be sure to say what we could do after that, all the way up to surgery.Once, even after we moved away, we called Dr. Rizzo and she helped us out. It was above and beyond.I'm also particularly pleased that they only to laser declaw, and utilizing 'alternative' therapies like physical therapy for animals. Their end-of-life care (for both people and pets) is very gentle and understanding. They have a comfortable, cozy space (not an exam room) for families to be with their pet as they pass. They offer cremation services, and will offer the option of paw print momentos.I really feel cared for when I come. And bonus? The dogs and cats at the front counter are always happy to get a pet from you. ^^
Megan Smith
3 Dec 2012
I've taken my basset to the Pet Medical Center of Ames for a few months (vaccines, heart worm preventative and treatment, flea and tick preventative and general health checkups). However, I just calle...
I've taken my basset to the Pet Medical Center of Ames for a few months (vaccines, heart worm preventative and treatment, flea and tick preventative and general health checkups). However, I just called to schedule a followup check up and the girl couldn't even find him on the boarding record list from when he stayed to get his heartworm treatment.
On another occation I went in for a booster per the request of the vet. When I got there they didn't even have my appointment on record, but squeezed me in with a vet I'd never met before. Due to the lack of communication between my vet and the front desk staff, this new vet had no idea what my dog needed. Luckely I did and eventually she agreed to do the booster and she also did the heart worm test that essentially saved my dogs life.
I might of stayed because of the great care the new vet gave, but I'm afraid this might be the last straw.
Alex D.
12 Jan 2012
The best veterinary clinic around. I would recommend this place to everyone. They really care about my cats and like to make the whole process of being examined and vaccinated as easy and comfortable ...
The best veterinary clinic around. I would recommend this place to everyone. They really care about my cats and like to make the whole process of being examined and vaccinated as easy and comfortable for them as possible. I have never met anyone working here that I didn't like or trust when it comes to healthcare for my pets. They are very helpful and make sure you know the best way to care for your pets. They are also very reasonably priced and don't inflate prices like some veterinary clinics I have been to in the past did.
Sarah G.
14 Apr 2010
I loved taking my cat to Pet Medical Center when I lived in Ames. The staff always showed the kind of care and respect that makes you tell they really love animals as much as their owner's do.
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