We have been taking our pets to Starch for a long time, perhaps 20 years. We have always received good service. The doctors and the staff care deeply about the health and welfare of our animals. From annual check-ups to major surgery we have gone through it all with both cats and dogs at Starch. I might have my favorites amongst the Vets here, but I would trust them all. Read Less

I had to have my dog's tooth extracted due to a complicated tooth fracture. My primary vet referred me to Dr. Takes at Starch Pet Hospital. Dr. Takes made the entire experience as calming and as positive as possible. She was understanding of my concerns and answered all my questions with honesty and genuine knowledge and kindness. Dr. Takes is not my primary vet, but through my wonderful experience with her, I feel confident & happy knowing that I can trust my dog, Coco, with her the same as I trust my primary vet. The front desk was kind, and their location at University West was clean and professional. Cannot say enough positive things about Dr. Takes and Starch Pet Hospital. Very reasonably priced and worth every dollar. Read Less

I had to have my dog's tooth extracted due to a complicated tooth fracture. My primary vet referred me to Dr. Takes at Starch Pet Hospital. Dr. Takes made the entire experience as calming and as positive as possible. She was understanding of my concerns and answered all my questions with honesty and genuine knowledge and kindess. Dr. Takes is not my primary vet, but through my wonderful experience with her, I feel confident & happy knowing that I can trust my dog, Coco, with her the same as I trust my primary vet. The front desk was kind, and their location at University West was clean and professional. Cannot say enough positive things about Dr. Takes and Starch Pet Hospital. Read Less

This has been our vet for years and when I called to tell them about my pet passing and that his ashes were being delivered and the other issues we needed to go over, whoever answered the phone didn’t even say sorry. I then told her thank you for saying sorry for my loss as a prompt or to coach her on how Jon empathetic she sounded and she proceeded to tell me goodbye. I will be looking for a new vet home after this!!!!!! Read Less

We just moved to Texas so I could go back to school and have "found a vet" here but when my dog got hurt, my husband immediately told me to call our vet in Iowa. They truly are my dog's pediatrician (and my cat's geriatric doctor) and we would trust them enough to drive 11.5 hours if need be. Although there was a full schedule today, they still told me that if my dog's nose didn't stop bleeding, they would open a spot for us (she doesn't know that we live in TX). They truly care about pet families. Please take your pets here because you would be doing a disservice to them if you didn't. When our dogs need their one year check-up, we will be making a trip to Iowa just for this clinic and staff. 😽🐕🐶 Read Less

These guys are awesome. They have cared for our pets for 15 plus years. While they offer premium care, the prices are very affordable. The head vet and owner is a christian guy and he seeks to provide affordable services to those who cannot afford fancy pet spa treatment. The staff is very friendly. They know me and my dog's name at glance. The vets always provide care options with thorough explanations of each. They also explain different prices associated with each treatment plan. Read Less

I can't praise them enough. They always have appointments available, even on Saturdays. I get my poodles groomed there as well. I had to put down my dog a couple months ago and it was the most positive experience I could have asked for. I am so thankful for the vets and staff at Starch. Read Less

I had to make an unfortunate trip to Starch when my cat Melvin had gotten sick. They scheduled an appointment for him that day and ran blood work to find out he had kidney failure at a young age. Dr. Halligan was so kind to us and incredibly gentle with Melvin. They kept him for the weekend and ran tests to help us hope for the best. Unfortunately the results weren't what we wanted and in the tough decision that no pet parent wants to make they helped ease the stress. She was so incredibly accommodating with us and gave us the time we needed. I couldn't say nicer things about them, from the calls I made checking in on him over the few days, to the moment we went to pick up his ashes. Thank you for everything Dr. Halligan and staff for your kindness. Read Less

This is the BEST place to trust the health of your best friends..Tried IA Vet Specialists and they only cared about money, not my pets. STARCH treats you and your pets like family...Love These People!!! Read Less

We have been taking pets to Starch for a long time, even before their current location.  We have had only the best service.  I would highly recommend them to anyone.   Dr Lori Halligan is my favorite, but everyone has been great.  The groomers take awhile to get you in, so plan ahead.  They even gave our cat Moe a mohawk once! Read Less

We have previously attended a different vet an hour away and was referred to Starch and University Pet by Trisha. I was SO pleased. We saw Dr. Frasuer and she was so kind and patient and thorough. This place is crazy busy but ALL of the staff were continually pleasant and helpful. We will definitely be returning and I greatly appreciated that they took the time with me and my dog and seemed to truly care. Read Less

I cannot say enough wonderful things about Starch. Dr. Lori Halligan was our veterinarian and she did a phenomenal job of explaining what was happening with our dog and several options. The price was incredibly affordable and we will absolutely be back for any of our pet needs. Read Less

I have brought my dog to Starch since I moved to Des Moines. Not only are they exceptional veterinarians, but truly wonderful people. They have always treated my dog and I with kindness and respect. They are honest in their recommendations and don't try to nickel and dime you for unnecessary procedures. My dog recently had surgery there and I couldn't be happier with how they cared for him. I will continue to return to Starch for as long as I live in Des Moines. Read Less

I can't imagine taking our pets to another vet. We frequently see Dr. Takes for our small animals - she is phenomenal and I especially appreciate how she takes time to lay out all your options and explain why she's recommending a specific treatment. Because rats don't have the longest lifespans we've seen her several times to put one of them down and she's incredibly compassionate in those hard times. On the occasions we've seen a different vet on Dr. Takes day off we've had nothing but great experiences. Read Less

I've been taking our cats there for several years now. They treat them with tender loving care, which is very important to me! I'm also impressed with the way they take time out to explain things to me when in-home-treatment is required, to ensure I'm comfortable handling. Thanks to all of you! Read Less

I love love love Starch Pet Hospital! I have taken my cats there for 10 years. They are such a good and caring clinic! Starch treats myself and my fur babies with such love and care and knowledge. Everyone is fantastic there! It calms me to know my Ginger was in good hands! Read Less

I can't say enough good things about the care our pets receive from ALL of the people at Starch. From the doctors to the technicians to the front desk people....they are all top notch. A very sincere and special shout out to Dr Halligan and Bri for their professionalism and knowing exactly how to handle a very difficult situation. Read Less

The vets at the pet hospital are great. I would have given the hospital 5 stars except for one thing. The front office staff seem to think it necessary to burn a scent candle beginning in the fall and throughout winter. I have severe allergies and the space is too small to burn a candle like that. In the time it took for me to pay my bill, my eyes and nose started running and I nearly lost my voice. I complained about it last year to no avail. My point is that if it affects me that much, what is it doing to the animals? It must be horrid for them. They should not stop burning the candles just for me, but they should be mindful of the animals and not burn the candles. This is the clinic at 2222 University. Read Less

Been using these guys since they were on Forest ave years ago, my grandmother started with her dogs, then us kids would bring home every stray there was and since I am her age when she first started using them I have never went anywhere else. Dr. Laurie Halligan, excuse the spelling if wrong, is wonderful and the whole team are very sweet. Gizmo 11 and Maggie 7 are still seeing her and we have had to put two babies to rest there as well. I gave never felt mir compassion. Great Vet!! Read Less

I have taken my pups here for the past couple of years and I love that the doctors always has my girls best interest at heart and never just do something to make money. They also are great with working with you with costs. The first time I had to take Lexi here she had to have 5 teeth removed. They were great in making sure the cost was affordable. I also love the fact that when I took my other dog Zooey to have her teeth cleaned (at the recommendation of our primary vet place) the Dr called and told me that her teeth were not that bad and the tarter on their was minimal. She advised that she wouldn't want to put her under for a two minute cleaning and personalized it even more by letting me know if it was her dog she would not do it. Love the honesty and shows they are not about doing procedures for money.  I highly recommend this place. The only thing is I wish they would get on board with care credit would be even more helpful! Read Less

i adopted a german shepherd (thru pet rescue) in 2003. i immediately took dakota to dr. martz (aka starch pet hospital at 22nd and university). dakota had a few health issues which dr. martz was able to resolve.over the years i always took kota to starch for health concerns or checkups. kota saw different doctors and technicians at starch throughout her life. the staff was always well trained; professional; and, affectionate with kota (a shy dog).later in kota's life dr. martz found a tumor in a rather delicate area. he was able to remove most if not all the tumor without compromising her ability to "move her bowels". it was an aggressive form of cancer that returned. dr. martz had no qualms about referring kota to an oncologist at iowa state u./lloyd center where she could get specialized treatment and chemo not typically found in a vet clinic.between dr. martz and i.s.u. kota's life was extended 3 years - 3 years of a good quality of life that i had my "buddy". kota eventually passed away but, at the average age for a g.s.d.i will eventually adopt another pet rescue dog - most like another german shepherd. the first thing i will do is take the dog to dr. martz or any of his staff vets for a checkup and vaccinations (if needed).on occasions i had to board kota at starch. i always felt confident that she was well taken care of.Dec 21, 2015 Read Less

Only Place to take your Pet.  Dr. T is amazing. She also works at University Pet Clinic.  We had to put our dog after 16 years down.  After 6 Months we are looking for another pup.  Dr. T will be our Vet again.  Very caring!! Read Less

My kitty Buggy at age 14 was having issues with his liver values being higher than they should, Dr Taken immediately ran xrays and did a thyroid panel on him and found out that he has hyperthyroidism Buggy had been seen by my regular vet for almost 2 months with high liver values and had lost a full pound and my regular vet never once thought of a thyroid panel, my Buggy would have wasted away and died had it not been for Dr Taken being so through in his care, I am impressed and very thankful, I have been dealing with some very sick kitty's for over a year now and have had lots of contact with many vets both medical and holistic along with 2 well known pet hospitals so I know a good vet when I see and experience one, Much gratitude for helping my Buggy Read Less

It's hard to find a vet in the Des Moines area who treats small animals/exotics. We found Starch Pet Hospital when we were looking for a vet to see my daughters hamster-Dr. Takes does an amazing job.  We were so impressed that all of our animals will be going there in the future. Read Less

Love the service I receive at Starch!  Have taken my 2 Poms there for care since I have had them, and the staff is always so welcoming and warm when we visit.  We have boarded with them also, and have had many great experiences.  We did return home early from a trip one Sunday, and were able to go pick up the pooches outside of normal business hours.  The vets are so honest and caring- my dogs are not nervous at all when we go in, and the visit is always stress-free. Read Less

We have been using Starch Pet for our puppy, Bali, since we first got her and all of the vets here are very gentle and sweet. Bali leaps out of the car when we get there and is very relaxed in the exam rooms. This week, we had her spayed at Starch and the process was so easy and the doctors were amazing. I called halfway through and one of the nurses offered to go in the back to check on her, letting me know she was just resting but out of the anesthesia. I'm very impressed with Starch's excellent customer service and their love for our pets. Thank you!p.s. There is also a sweet little office kitty that Bali loves to play with - this is the only cat I've seen that can roll and play with a puppy - adorable! Read Less