Reading Animal Clinic

I called the office upset that my dog was very sick, they kept me on the line and spoke with a doctor. I was given very clear instructions on what to do and they let me know who to contact if I needed help after hours. They take excellent care of my dog. I have been going to them for 11 years. Read Less

The entire staff greeted myself and my dog and took their time to make sure that we were both welcome and made sure my dog felt comfortable and at ease. The technician was thorough and knowledgeable, and the vet that I saw was patient and explained everything well. She also made sure that I understood everything and there was nothing that I was unsure of. The office was clean, well lit and had enough parking that I felt I could safely get my dog I to and out of the car without fear of other cars or traffic. Read Less

We have been going to Reading Animal Clinic for a number of years. They were very sensitive to the medical issues of our prior aging dog and helping our family to discuss care and making our decisions for her care.. We find the staff to be very courteous and very knowledgeable. They take the time to answer our questions, especially as we are now dealing with a newer breed for our household and have offered great recommendations in training tips. Read Less

Can't say enough about the staff at Reading Animal Clinic. Just started with them this year for our 5 cats. Three seniors and two kittens. They are caring and compassionate. Even though they hadn't seen our youngest boy yet, they stayed in touch while he was in the emergency hospital for panleukopenia and made sure our other babies stayed healthy. Read Less

Reading Animal Clinic, the BEST service and staff (Dr's and tech's and receptionists) I have ever had the pleasure to deal with, they love my pets (My Babies) just as much as I do!!!!! This should be the only place you should ever take your pets to! Thank you everyone @ Reading Animal Clinic for being so Great and welcoming and thank you for all the love and care you give to all my family members.... Read Less

This is a terrible place to bring your pet. Took my pug mix puppy here and initially thought they were great. After he turned a year old he was itching his ears like crazy for a few months. After doing some research I figured it was probably allergies, tried home remedies that didn't work for long, and finally decided that he needed medicine for it. We met with Dr. Thistle who tried to tell me it was scabies and that she needed to take a sample of skin from his ear to look at it under a microscope. Mind you I was six months pregnant at the time and sleep with the dog every night, so I was looking at her like she was crazy. I asked her if it was just allergies and she was adamant it was scabies. I knew she was playing me for a fool and felt I had no choice but to let her take a sample of skin from his ear otherwise she wasn't going to give me any Rx for his allergies. She "cut" a small sample of skin from his ear, which was all done in front me and and I could see she barely took anything. We waited 5 minutes as she looked at the sample under a microscope from another room. She came back and sure enough, it wasn't scabies! Now she was able to admit that it probably is allergies and gave me the Rx my dog so desperately needed. Needless to say I felt she was dishonest and just looking to upcharge me for a bull shit procedure. The medicine she prescribed Apoquel worked wonders for my dog and he continues to be on it. I now tried to order a refill for the Rx on 1800 pet meds because I refuse to give reading animal clinic any more of my business as I am still so upset about my last visit with Dr. Thistle. Well the website required a written Rx from her to fulfill to order. So I called and the front desk staff said she would fill it out and I could pick it up. Well I did, and sure enough she filled it out for the wrong dose she had originally put my dog on, which could be dangerous I imagine, and for only 15 pills which we won't get far with. At this point I'm so done with her and reading animal clinic. I was referred here by a friend who brings her dog here. I will now be telling her and everyone else I now in the area never to go here with their pets, and now I will be bringing my dog elsewhere. Read Less

I'd like to start by saying Dr. Linda Thistle is a phenomenal vet and we have trusted her with our pets for over 15 years. With that being said, the pricing is simply outrageous. Charging $15 to trim cats nails, $79 to DROP OFF blood work, teeth cleaning estimates of $2,000.... Needless to say I am in the process of finding a new veterinarian office. They make it unaffordable to care for my animals. Read Less

I've brought my cat here regularly since I've had him (about 3 years). Dr. Thistle and the other technicians are so good!  When my cat was having an issue digesting and defacating, they had great suggestions and care which helped him get better. With the diet and food that was recommended, he's been a healthy boy ever since! I will trust them to take care of my cat from here on out. I'd recommend this vet to anyone who wants a good one. Read Less

I brought my puppy to the clinic for the first time this week and I can't say enough about how friendly and professional everyone was from the front desk staff, to the vet technician, and then Dr. Thistle who examined my puppy. The staff spent time answering ALL my questions and I never felt rushed. I will recommend this clinic HIGHLY to all my friends with pets. If you are looking for an animal clinic, this is the one to choose. Read Less

This clinic is wonderful, I have two cats and a dog that I bring here, never disappointed. The doctors and staff have been thorough, professional and kind. I would highly recommend them to anyone. Excellent healthcare and the price is always within the estimated amount.Read Less

This place is the worst vet I have ever gone to. I brought my dog in here for the first time not only was it over priced they charged me 15$ for nail clipping. No vet ever has charged me especially since my dog is a teacup I mean her nails are smaller than my fingernails. Also the vet I had was so focused on just making sales and giving my dog all these shots when no vet every gives my dog 5 shots in one day especially when she is so small and will not be able to walk. Then she pushed on my dogs trachea 3 times where she kept choking and ever since she did that she has not been breathing the same rushed her to the ER in Woburn on Saturday night. The vets here even said NO VET SHOULD EVER PUSH ON A DOGS TRACHEA. I will never ever go to this place again or ever refer them to anyone. Read Less

This place is the worst vet I have ever gone to. I brought my dog in here for the first time not only was it over priced they charged me 15$ for nail clipping. No vet ever has charged me especially since my dog is a teacup I mean her nails are smaller than my fingernails. Also the vet I had was so focused on just making sales and giving my dog all these shots when no vet ever gave my dog 5 shots in one day especially when she is so small and will not be able to walk. Then she pushed on my dogs trachea 3 times where she kept choking and ever since she did that she has not been breathing the same rushed her to the ER in Woburn on Saturday night. The vets here even said NO VET SHOULD EVER PUSH ON A DOGS TRACHEA. I will never ever go to this place again or ever refer them to anyone Read Less

I have been bringing my dog Buster here since he was a baby. He's almost 7 now and they're fantastic here! They've taken incredible care of him through out his life. What did it for me is when buster was attacked and needed staples and a cone and they had to drain an infection as it became abscessed not even 24 hours after the initial bite. They respond right away to my emails if I ever need them, and they care! My dog actually really enjoys going if you can believe it. Always a great experience here! Never a painful wait!Read Less

Compassionate and knowledgeable staff. They treat my 4-legged family members with care and consideration of any special quirks. Willing to answer any questions and make thoughtful recommendations. Love them!! Read Less

Absolutely no compassion from the Doctors at Reading Animal Clinic! My older cat, 16 years old, was very sick when I brought him here. Instead of some compassion and understanding, I was given an attitude and talked to as well as treated poorly. The doctors were very rude and more concerned about money and how could I pay verses the caring and wellbeing of my cat. I wouldn't even bring a dying toad to the clinic! Read Less

This place and the people in it are fantastic. I have been to other animal clinics and I can say without hesitation that this place is one of the best. Our Big Blu has epilepsy and I know he is in the best hands here. Read Less

I am very happy with the care, professional expertise, cleanliness of the office and follow-up after the dogs visit. Very convenient, easy parking and love the fact we were seen at the time scheduled for appointment. Read Less

Best animal clinic we have ever used. Cannot say enough about them. From reception to the docs to the facility to the prices. This isn't as much a business to them as their calling. LOVE READING ANIMAL CLINIC! Read Less

I can not say enough amazing things about Reading Animal Clinic and their staff. To find veterinarians who are so understanding with all the individual needs and the different personalities each of our three dogs has brought me to tears. To have Doctors for our dogs that are not "afraid" or skittish to handle them due to their breed has been a blessing. It has been strenuous finding Doctors who were comfortable around our Cane Corsos and we have finally found a staff who is. The staff at Reading Animal Clinic have treated our dogs with the greatest care and love, and knowing that they understand my male corso is more comfortable being in a patient room with me during all visits, even just a shot, and the fact that the staff always makes sure that this happens, is more than I could ask for. They really take veterinarian care to a whole different standard of personalizing each experience. They have never made me feel rushed, and they have always answered every single question with thoroughness. Even when they helped me take care of one of our foster pitbulls, we worked together to find the best and most affordable treatment plan. Sorry this is so long! But if you love and care about your dogs (animals) the way we do, you will understand why it is so dire to have such an amazing staff of people who are there to care for them. Thank you all for everything you do! Read Less

I've taken my animals to this clinic for several years.  It is true that the vets and staff are kind and compassionate and very accommodating.  This does not always mean that the medical staff are skilled enough to manage non-routine medical issues.  This is where they fall short. If you pet has medical needs beyond the routine, I would look elsewhere.  I have had to seek specialized treatments at the Mass Vet Referral Hospital in Woburn, Angell Mem in Boston for problems that were misdiagnosed by Dr. Thistle and staff. I switched most of my pets over to Dr. Zannotti in Winchester, except for one cat, which still goes to Reading Animal.  She is old and lucky enough, so far, to have had no medical issues whatsoever.  So for now, I keep her there. Read Less

I have been going to Reading Animal Clinic ever since my pet Lab, Bella, was a puppy in 2008 - 8 years ago. I have never had a bad experience at the Clinic. The quality of care is always outstanding; their knowledge and the techniques they use to explain their care is easily understood and comforting. The staff at the desk is courteous and always cheerful and ready to answer questions. I like the online access to purchase medications such as tick and flea control. Bella had her annual checkup today, June 2, and as always, we had a great visit. Thanks Al Fiorita North Reading Read Less

All of the doctors and staff at this clinic are compassionate, caring and go out of their way to help everyone. I have had nothing short of a wonderful experience and recommend them to all of my friends. I love my dog more than I love my husband and would never settle for less with him. Thank you, Reading Animal Clinic for being a place where I can be sure my pup is in good hands! Read Less

Our dog has been a patient at Reading Animal Clinic all his life, and he is now 9.  We mostly see Dr. Thistle, (who we love!), but the last two visits we have seen Dr. Flynn. Dr. Flynn is an excellent veterinarian, and very caring and compassionate.  Our dog developed stomach issues (vomiting) this past week and then on Friday afternoon we noted some lethargy and green mucous from his nose.  I called but they were already closed, so we cared for him overnight and called first thing in the am.  They were already fully booked but Dr. Flynn squeezed us into the schedule, treated our dog with fluids and antibiotics and saved us a very expensive trip to the ER on a weekend.  The instructions she gave us for caring for him at home were thorough and practical and a day later our dog is much improved and more like his old self.  I cannot recommend Reading Animal Clinic too highly, if there were 10 stars that is what I would rate them! Read Less

Last month I brought my sweet cat who was having labored breathing to Dr. Thistle at Reading Animal Clinic who misdiagnosed him and he died at home the following day. Prior to that, he was seeing Dr. Flynn at the same place because he was scratching himself bloody and excessively grooming due to itching and she prescribed a steroid to help control the itch which didn't work at all, so Dr. Flynn suggested that I take him to a dermatologist in Westford MA. The dermatologist ran several tests and determined that he had a severe allergy and said we should begin by treating him with a steroid to calm it and prevent infection asap . The dermatologist also informed me that the steroid Dr Flynn had previously prescribed is completely ineffective in cats so she prescribed the correct one which did the trick. Of course that was after my poor cat suffered for another month unnecessarily and costing me about $1,200. The staff is super friendly and accommodating however the medical care my cat received was absolutely shameful. Read Less

Been going to this clinic for ~ 8 years for our dogs and cats. Switched from a chain vet clinic that technically did ok, but just felt no connection. The clinic is very professional and supportive. Always finds a quick spot to see our pets if the need is urgent. Read Less

Today was our puppy's second visit with Dr. Thistle. She's great with our dog, and with us. Today, a middle school student was there to shadow for a couple of hours. I loved Dr. Thistle's interaction with the student, too. Great overall experience, from the moment you walk through the door. Great team! Ozzie's in good hands here. Read Less

I have been doing business here for over 6 years - and this is an amazing practice.  Every single person is there to improve the lives of companion animals - and their people.  Every vet is awesome - each visit is an opportunity to learn more about how best to care for my dog because they are at the front of all the new products and treatments.  Dr Shurland, Dr Thistle and everyone are amazing caring professionals! Read Less

I love Reading Animal Clinic and Dr. Thistle! This past Saturday, I had to put my oldest dog, Spring, to sleep. I was so grateful to find out that Dr, Thistle was there! She was absolutely amazing! She was so understanding and compassionate. Dr. Thistle put me at ease during a trying time, and was excellent with my dog as well. She truly made a difficult time much easier for me to handle and cope with. I have two other dogs that Dr. Thistle also cares for and she is amazing with them as well! Zoey and Maxie love her! I have already recommended Dr. Thistle to many friends whose animals are now her patients too! Thank you for being there on Saturday Dr. Thistle! I appreciated it! You have inspired me to finish my application to the Vet Tech program at Mount Ida College! Read Less

We are happy customers! We have been seeing Dr.Thistle for a little over two years now. She was recommended to us by a family member. She answers all my questions thoroughly. The office always responds quickly to telephone calls and scheduling is super easy. Hopefully we will be going here for many years to come! Read Less

We have been bringing our pets to Reading Animal Clinic for years and greatly appreciate the personal attentiveness, understanding, and patience that all the doctors and techs have shown our pets. We also appreciate that, for every situation, options are always presented in a way that doesn't pressure us into choosing the more expensive option. I trust that our pets are getting the best possible care at this clinic. TOur thanks to all the staff! From Wendy Dennis and Steve Breton. Read Less

We've been bringing our cats here for the past 27 years and will continue to do so. The vets along with the rest of the staff are knowledgable, professional, friendly & caring. Our cats have never been stressed out during visits. We will be bringing our two kittens there. Read Less

Dr. Thistle is an amazing and talented vet. My dogs absolutely adore her. My family has gone to Reading Animal Clinic for decades with both our cats and dogs. I now live in Swampscott but we are all so attached to Dr. Thistle and the other lovely ladies that we prefer to drive a bit further to be with our furbaby extended family! :) Read Less

We have used this clinic for almost 10 years now. We love Dr. Thistle. She is very compassionate, knowledgable and helps to make your visit as pleasant as possible. Would highly recommend her as a vet for your pet. Read Less

The vet was great, explained everything, and was much sharper with his observations than the vet at Woburn Animal Hospital (q. v.), and perhaps not so much on a mission to "maximize revenue." I got an appointment right away, and everyone was very pleasant. I don't know what these other commenters are talking about. In particular, unless Lynn is a vet herself, I wouldn't be too quick to take her word on what caused her dog to become "deathly sick." There's more to that story. Read Less

I have been very pleased with this vet clinic. Staff is always nice and accommodating. I've seen both Dr. Shurland and Dr. Thistle, but Dr. Shurland treated my cat while we were trying to figure out what was causing his GI issues. One thing that stands out in my mind with this vet was that we needed help getting my cat to take parasite medicine for giardia. You would think two able bodied adults could manage to get a 12 lb cat to take a pill and liquid. But no. Reading Animal Clinic told us that we could bring the cat in every morning for a week so the vet techs could pill him. They didn't recharge for the medicine, they only charged $25 for the week - which is so worth it to me and my sanity! With the vet techs pilling my cat, they were fast and efficient and got my cat out of there fast.They are cheaper than some of the other area vets, I think a visit was about $50. I've recommended them to another cat owner and they also loved them. Read Less

I have only been once so far, but I brought my two cats in for a checkup and it was great.  The staff couldnt be nicer and the building was really nice. Prices were reasonable.5/2/2011 update- I've been back many times and I'm still a fan. Dr. Thistle is great with our dog and cat (s). The staff is very accomodating and even came outside and gave my wimp of a dog his kennel cough vaccine in the parking lot when I couldnt drag him in the door! Read Less