We brought our dog in earlier today (Sunday morning) for the first time and had a really good experience. The waiting room was pretty busy, but we were seen within about five minutes. Our dog had poked his eye on a fence and fortunately avoided serious injury. The staff were really courteous and interested in Dobby. They felt like there wasn’t a serious issue in triage and actually let us go without charging us, after answering all of our of our questions and telling us what to look for. We were really nervous going in, but to be honest things went more smoothly than even my best expectation. Read Less

Unfortunately I have had to use emergency services at IVRC more than once and each time I have been treated with kindness, support, and compassion for myself and my pet. A few days ago I had to say good bye to my friend and family member Diesel. The staff did everything they could to keep both Diesel and I comfortable. Thank you and thank you for the very nice flower arrangement showing your continued thoughts about us. Read Less

We are fortunate to have such an excellent 24hr facility in Des Moines. All the staff are extraordinarily helpful and kind. They’ve done several procedures on our standard poodles, not the least of which was a procedure to correct a ruptured cervical disc which caused complete paralysis. Today, Piper is running around the yard. Read Less

I recently took my dog Jimi Hendrix there and he was very ill with a tumor and the care he received from the front of the house to the back of the house was amazing. Dr. Adams and her staff were able to correctly diagnosed Jimi and care for him until his passing this week. Thank you for the best care and for understanding pets are our family. PS: The flowers were beautiful! Read Less

I will forever feel grateful to the IVRC for their quick and attentive treatment to our 9 year old lab diagnosed with lung cancer in Feb. He LOVES going to this office and I truly believe it's because of how well he is cared for by Amy and Dr. Adams and all of the other staff. They treat him like he is their own. Thank you for answering ALL of our questions, being patient, and always offering the best care. We believe his future got brighter the moment we walked into your office 3 months ago. Thank you, we are forever grateful for you! Read Less

Best place in the world. Been her many times. Appts are not that mandatory as it is actually 24/7 ER, but best to call & alert them to your impending arrival. Yes, vet charges are HIGH, but this clinic charges less than the other "specialty clinics".Remember that these clinics specifically have Veteranary surgeons, oncologists, radiologists, etc This is a place that can give care usually not available to private or small town vet clinics throughout the state. Read Less

Our family pet, Mia (black&white terrier mix) needed some attention after cutting her chest and abdomen on what we think was barbed wire while out on a run. Even though she’s pushing into her teens she runs harder than ever and the cuts didn’t even phase her! But, after calling all over Des Moines and driving around for awhile we finally were referred to IVRC. Everything about my experience here couldn’t have been any better. From the front desk staff on the phone and in person, the technicians who made both of us feel comfortable and Dr. Carolyn Stafford, who was very informative of the plan of care that she felt would be best, as well as the cost upfront. I can’t say anything bad because I feel that these people truly love animals and care that their patients and their owners are treated promptly and with care! Amazing job!Read Less

I have brought my pets here on more than one occasion,. The staff are wonderful. They are very knowledgeable and thorough in their assessments of your pets. In the unfortunate cases of a pet loss, they are thoughtful and caring. I couldn't recommend them any more highly. Read Less

They saved our cat's life when we didn't think he would make it. We were referred to IVRC from our normal vet clinic after we brought in our cat who had suddenly become lethargic and was peeing blood. We knew it wasn't good, but in an hour our cat had turned for the worse and it was found he had a bladder stone lodged in his urethra and his kidneys were failing quickly. We rushed him down to IVRC and they immediately took him to the back and got him set up to save his life. They gave me the estimate which was high, but i appreciated it because they gave worst-case scenario pricing and it turned out to be much less. They also told me he needed surgery, gave me their estimate and told us to feel free to look around for a better deal. After IVRC nursed him back to health, we got him to our normal vet who did the surgery, and they took him again afterward so that they could monitor him overnight. We are soooo very grateful for all that they did and are so happy to have our cat back home, happy and healthy! Read Less

Cat got really sick and no other vet would look at her because it was a weekend and they were booked. This place was great. It’s pricey but I guess it’s worth the peace of mind for my furry companion. I wouldn’t use as a regular vet due to pricing but it’s great for emergencies! Read Less

Drove here from Northern Wisconsin for an unusual surgery which had been done here before. Well worth the trip. These people are wonderful and patient with incredible skills. I would return again if necessary in order to get such superior care. Read Less

I took my service Dog Sheba to the Iowa Veterinary Referral Center on the evening of the 5th of February since she was in critical condition. It was difficult for me to see her in so much pain because her and I had a very special relationship. She was my working partner, my companion, and my best friend. When I found out she had Addison’s Disease I had to retire her and find her a new home. I was not able to financially care for her life time medical needs and t...he vet offered to find her a home with one of the vets. I am very upset at the way this place treated me. In the process of signing the papers to release her to the vet I asked what I was signing, and no one would answer me at the desk. They would not update me on the rest of her stay at the hospital. When I asked around when would Sheba be able to leave the hospital and which vet she was going home with they pushed me away like it didn’t matter. Since I didn’t know when she was leaving the hospital I wanted to go visit her on Saturday. I go over there, and they finally told me she has already left the hospital and the name of the vet who took her home. They didn’t let me say bye to her or call me to let me know she was going home and with whom. I feel that I deserved at least that much and an apology. See More Read Less

Not a good hospital charges are outrageous went to another hospital they charged me a like a 1/3rd what this one did told me to call a poison hotline that costs me 50.00 really. Sorry excuse for a hospital not out to help your pets really just want that money. As for the service they couldn’t tell me why my dog was throwing up said oh I see a blockage she may need surgery took her to another vet after a 500.00 bill from this poor excuse for a hospital and vet told me she probably had an upset tummy nothing was seen in scan charged me a 120.00. Could not believe it!!!! You should be ashamed! Read Less

This expedience caused me a lot of unnecessary heartache. Firstly, the cost was not communicated to me clearly at all. I thought I was going to be spending much more than I actually ended up paying. Secondly I was told 2 different things about her diagnosis. I was told there was nothing wrong with her and that she colonitis. They also said my cat wasn't in pain but prescribed pain meds anyway (which I haven't decided if I will use). It really seemed like the pain pills were given more for the ease of my nerves than my cat's pain. I'd like to put my trust in a vet when they say that my pet isn't in pain, but I don't understand why I was given pain medication ? The expiration date on the pain meds given to me is for today's date even though it's meant to be given over the period of a week. I don't know what the actual expiration date is. The official diagnosis on the sheet sent home with me says "unknown cause of periodic i appearance and pain..." but I was told it is colonitis. Lots of spelling errors. My cat's weight was left at 0 on other paper work given to me. This lack of attention to detail is concerning... was the same kind of care given to my cat ? I left feeling confused and exhausted. Questions were not really answered but more talked around. I can't recommend this place and will not be going back if I can avoid it. Read Less

My dog was hit by a car and the first visit was fine, they were pessimistic about his condition even though he only had a broken wrist. We came back a week later to get his bandages changed and came when no one else was waiting. They talked to us once and then left us waiting for two hours before we had to ask them how much longer. They had completely forgotten we had been waiting. Very unprofessional and they told us not to make an appointment to just walk in, but completely ignored us for two hours. They didn't put a splint in the first time which they should've and the break didn't heal (No surprise). Honestly avoid going here if at all possible. Read Less

This place is definitely money hungry. I have taken my dog there 2 times. Other than taking for ever and double talking about everything. They are unorganized on what the left and the right hand is doing. Ex:: A lady came out and talked to me about test to run. She said it was a prostate wash and something else sorry, can't remember. When we left hrs later. It wasn't a wash at all just another exspensive test the came back inconclusive for anything. First x-rays that's roughy $300. Ok well that didn't help bcuz now we have to do a $500 ultrasound bcuz they weren't sure what the voided spot was. Well that showed pancreatitis. With a lg prostate. Blood work another couple hundred. $1600.00 this time (roughly $900.00 the first time.) Took pain meds and antibiotic home. With the recommendations of neutering, prostate wash I thought he all ready had. There is a lot of rude and arrogant people there. There's a few nice people but. I don't need anyone giving me attitude when I just need some answers. They know how to make you feel guilty if you don't do this or that. It's like have some compassion. If they really cared about animals they would do what they could to help. Work with people on paying or only run tests they know will find something to keep the bill low. Unfortunately, to my knowledge they are the only 24hr vet. Guess that means you can charge hundreds of dollars and be rude bcuz, you know people have no other options. Read Less

I'll start with they saved my dog from dying, I am grateful. BUT, some of the people there are in the business of giving you the run around like they are trying to sell you a used car warranty. They WILL-try to sell you on testing that doesn't need to be done. Some testing needs X-rays , yes of course, but full spread on every test know to NASA, I DONT THINK SO. Arrange something with your current vet for after hours emergencies if possible. These people prey on the unfortunate folks that have no other options . SAVE YOUR PETS , SAVE YOUR WALLETS GO TO YOUR REGULAR VET AT ALL COST! Read Less

I took my kitty in due to a suddenly very painful foot. They treated both of us with gentleness and kindness. His exam and splint/bandage were done in a timely manner and I cannot speak more highly of them. As with all ERs, it costs more than your regular vet but thank goodness for them! Read Less

If you have to receive services for your pet for emergency reasons, IVRC is the place to be. I was a complete wreck when my dog ate something she shouldn't have. But they were all so compassionate and understanding. I trusted them with my baby and the made sure she was safe and taken care of. The company does great things but it's the people who work there that are the miracle workers! Sharon and Gina and Dr Reimer and all the staff are so wonderful, brilliant, and compassionate. I am so grateful for all of them! Read Less

From the wonderful Dr. Janssen who was so patient with us, to the vet tech who sat down on the ground next to me and my pup to talk everything over while I was upset.. I cannot even begin to express my gratitude and appreciation to everyone at IVRC. I was emotional and scared and they were there every step of the way. They spent a ton of time with my fiancé and I and called me frequently to give me updates on my Miley. They went above and beyond and I'll never forget how good they were. It's never good to have to take a pet to the ER but they made it as easy as possible. A million thank yous! Read Less

Everyone at IVRC was wonderful! They could have been really grumpy for having to work on Christmas, but they were all nice as could be. I felt that my dog received excellent care. The Doctor even called me at 7am the next morning to give me an update on my dog after having to leave him overnight for observation. Read Less

My best friend Birdie the Cat was diagnosed with Feline leukemia here and they helped us through the grieving process as it was too late. She was put down at this place when it got so bad she couldn't move and just cried and moaned. One of my saddest memories was here. They did a clay paw print, and they cremated her, then put her in a beautiful box decorated with flowers for us with a golden name plate. My grandparents take they 3 dogs and 2 cats here for anything from checkups to diet decisions. Wonderful staff, sort of pricey but worth it. They also have a lovely waiting room with free beverages. Read Less

My Min Pin, Libby, needed emergency care followed by a hospitalization this weekend. I cannot say enough about how incredible the doctors & staff have been! The doctors have updated me twice a day, always asking if I have any questions, and would tell me a timeframe of when to expect the next update. They are extremely skilled as professionals and very compassionate to each & every fur baby parent. Such a welcoming & supportive environment. Not only the staff, but empathy and prayers from the other fur baby moms & dads who I was blessed to interact with. I will most certainly consider IVRC as my go-to provider for any future concerns - HIGHLY recommended! I can't wait to bring Libby home this afternoon! Thank you all, again, for your help!! Read Less

My 6 yr old Spinone, Rio, had fractured his elbow in 2 spots and we had the best experience and treatment for him. Dr. Brent Reimer and staff were awesome to not only my dog but also to us. They were very thorough with explaining the injury, the surgery and the recovery process. So thank you for all you did for us and do for everyone else. Read Less

To all the people at IVRC I thank you for all the work you do I didn't have Monte with you long but you're staff was so kind and considerate from the moment we walked into the door you guys helped make the hardest thing any pet owner has to face just the slightest bit easier you all have a tough job thank you for your professiobalism Read Less

My dog had to have back surgery, they were very informative, called twice a day , until we got to take her home. They were very good to her & very compassionate. She is recovering so fast and getting back to ol' self. Read Less

We brought my 2 year old lab in after seeing another vet twice. He was very sick and although we couldn't save him, the experience we had was as positive as it could be. The staff and doctors were very thorough, gave us options and prices and in the end helped us through the euthanasia process. I know they truly care about the patients and the owners. We were treated with such compassion and dignity through it all. Read Less

This is our second experience with IVRC. These people care more about money than animals and compassion. This clinic feeds off of grief and advises owners to do what is most expensive not the most effective or reasonable. Also wouldn't help to euthanize my dog who had been diagnosed at Affordacare on SE14 with kidney failure two days prior without paying them an extra $60 for a "quick look over" IVRC is a very nice soothing setting but they are in it strictly for the money and will play off of your grief and emotions. If you have endless amounts of money to spend on your pet then this may be the place for you but if you want straightforward answers and an honest prognosis then go somewhere where the money is secondary to the health and wellbeing of the animal. Read Less

My mom took her dog into IVRC on Friday, because our vet had sent us there because her dog needed URGENT care. They did some X-rays and found out that my moms little dog had a collapsed lung, & some air around her heart & lungs..they then proceeded to do oxygen treatments on her. We were then told that she would need a $5,000 surgery...now that's a lot to spend on a dog...but considering my moms dog was only 2 years old, my family felt that it was worth it. So after paying half of the $5,000 they told my parents the surgeon would be in to access their dog...(this was around 11:00am on Saturday) the doctor said he would give us a call after he accessed her and before they started the surgery..WE GOT NO CALLS, it came to about 4:00pm on Saturday that my dad proceeded to call the vet & ask what had been going on & how the accessing went. It was then that the vet went on to tell my dad that our dog had not made it through the surgery & had passed away. We didn't even get a call saying they started surgery. This made us furious as it would anyone that was told they would get a call before anything went on. We got absolutely NO calls from the doc or surgeon. My dad had to call them, and when he called them he got some of the worst news any pet lover could get. We will never be taking our animals back here & I suggest if you can find a different animal hospital it would be for the best. They clearly did something wrong that they attempted to cover up. Do NOT take your pets here. Read Less

what a great, wonderful, kind, caring group of people in this office, tonight i took my blind/deaf mastiff in and they were so wonderful with him giving him the extra time he needs, Dr.Janssen and the staff, you treated Keller like he was just as important to you as he is to us, I thank you again. Read Less

what a wonderful group of people!! Had my blind/deaf mastiff in their office they were so good with Keller, gave him the time and extra attention Keller needed, best of all Keller really took to all of them!! Thank you so much!! Read Less

Thank you for helping our beloved Stewie enter Heaven peacefully. And thank you for all the love you showed us and the delicate care you gave Stewie. The entire staff is amazing, thank you for not making us feel like just another family losing their dog. Thank you for your caring and compassionate love. Read Less

We came to IVRC due to our beloved dog of 13 years started having seizures all the sudden and he passed away.  We rushed him to IVRC and from the moment that we stepped in the door, the staff was so very compassionate and helpful.  The doctor that took care of him for those two days was simply a blessing as she was so sweet and gentle with him and took time in explaining everything that was going on.  I just can't explain how caring the doctor was, she was wonderful and compassionate given the very difficult situation.  Thank you so much from the bottom of our hearts!  We appreciate IVRC and their loving staff! Read Less

Very impressed today by the professionalism and thoroughness of the team at IVRC.  My lab has been having issues with eating and high liver enzyme levels.  After my regular vet recommended me go to IVRC for an ultrasound I was super scared.  They made me extremely comfortable during the entire appointment.  They were able to squeeze me in for an appointment to avoid an emergency fee knowing the severity of my dog being seen.  Dr. Streeter and her technician were amazing and very thorough in delivering news and diagnosis.  It's never easy going to these appointments when your loved one isn't feeling well so it's nice having people put you at ease.  It is always expensive going to these specialty vets but you will get vets with knowledge and experience at IVRC.  Highly recommend for a local vet hospital and emergency clinic. Read Less

Great place, caring and kind staff. I would do anything if I would have taken my dog, Buster, there instead of Iowa Vetrinarary Specialties, where they did nothing to save his life and were mean to boot. Read Less

What a blessing to have your company take such precious care of my baby, Zina!!! I was so freaked out to see her so spooked and not feeling well! Its like a whole new pup pup has come home, very happy and finally hungry and happy!! Thank you for your fabulous work!! Thank you from the tip of my soul!!! Read Less

I can not say enough good things about this clinic.  I've taken both my dogs here for emergencies and both the office staff & the vet were so kind and caring.  They took the time to carefully explain what was happening with my pets and made sure I understood the instructions for home care.  I've seen different vets here and both were very compassionate and gentle with my pups.  I heard about this clinic from a friend of mine who told me how wonderful they were to her when her dog needed an emergency visit and I agree.  I would highly recommend this clinic to anyone--you'll be in good hands here! Also, they are an open 24/7. Read Less

Very talented vets and staff that cared tremendously for our dog that was in very bad shape when we arrived. We left the IVS clinic when they were getting off track and taking too long (days) to isolate the issue, and when we got here they made it a priority to get our dog scheduled for an ultrasound ASAP. We would've paid 20-30% more for not as fast or quality care at IVS (they focus more on money and scare tactics at IVS...grrrr). When we were super stressed, IVS added to it and IVRC was amazing. All of the vets for the most part left IVS a few years ago and launched their own clinic: IVRC. It's what IVS used to be. Read Less

My mom's small town vet referred her precious jack russell terrier here after the hometown vet couldn't find a diagnosis for her listlessness and nausea due to inability to perform certain blood tests and xrays.  IVRC provided mom with a quote, which didn't matter because she'd pay whatever it costs to fix her dog and get her back to health.  Unfortunately, IVRC charged a bunch of money but really did nothing to get to the root cause of the issue!   Roxsey was admitted to inpatient at IVRC on a Friday, where they started IV antibiotic treatment and supposedly were going to run a bunch of tests.  Had it not been for mom commenting on her face swelling, I doubt any vet would have even bothered to check inside Roxsey's mouth to see if an abcessed tooth was the cause.  Once that was suspected, they decided Roxsey needed a skull exam or a dental xray.  Well, this place (which is a REFERRAL CENTER that presumably has the tools to diagnose health issues) doesn't even have the capability to perform dental xrays, and they also won't bother performing tooth surgery, that has to do be done back at the vet that she was referred from!  Mom called several times over the weekend to speak with a vet about her dog's health, and every time, the admin that answered the phone would have to run questions back and forth because the vet couldn't be bothered with getting on the phone.  When mom finally goes to pick up her very special dog, she was charged for the skull exam and the dental xray, even though they performed NEITHER of those tests!  They graciously agreed to "knock 100 dollars off", but then refused to provide copies of the tests that they supposedly did perform, which indicates they are scamming her out of more tests that they didn't actually do.  Either that, or the already unhelpful admin girl was too lazy to click 'print'.  When mom finally got access to one of the liver tests they ran, mom noticed that her dogs liver enzyme was at 100 (where 10-100) is normal, and the next logical question out of my intelligent mom's mouth was "um, this is kind of on the high side, are you sure something's not wrong here?"  and the admin looked at the paper, shrugged, and said "well, it's high-normal.  what else do you want me to say?"    This place was a joke.  I'm an Iowa State grad and I'm already upset the vet didn't just send her to Ames in the first place since this place charged just as much but didn't actually do anything for the dog.  I made a phone call to Iowa State's vet med center after googling "small animal vet", at 7pm on a Wednesday night, got an answer on the third ring, and they transferred me to a vet to have a conversation about my mom's dog, all the way from Austin, TX, even though the dog wasn't a patient of theirs.  Don't waste time with IVRC, they can't help you.  Only ISU cares about your dog's health. Read Less