Fort Road Animal Clinic

Yep - I too am surprised with any negative reviews. I've been going to Ft. Road and Dr. Mark for over 10 years and received nothing but caring, yet affordable treatment for my dogs and cats. Definitely better pricing than the larger multi-doc/service sites like those south of West Saint Paul .(southview animal... jeez, they have to finance having an MRI on site!?) Ft. Road is busy, and sometimes the front staff is in a hurry on the phone, but I understand, they are smaller, and they try to deal with everyone best they can. Dr. Goodell is getting new vets in, (Dr. Deb for one) and they seem good - of course I'm always partial to my "original doc" - but he needed some help, so I hope this just means that Ft. Rd. will be there for me for many years to come! Read Less

Yep - I too am surprised with any negative reviews. I've been going to Ft. Road and Dr. Mark for over 10 years and received nothing but caring, yet affordable treatment for my dogs and cats. Definitely better pricing than the larger multi-doc/service sites like those south of West Saint Paul .(southview animal... jeez, they have to finance having an MRI on site!?) Ft. Road is busy, and sometimes the front staff is in a hurry on the phone, but I understand, they are smaller, and they try to deal with everyone best they can. Dr. Goodell is getting new vets in, (Dr. Deb for one) and they seem good - of course I'm always partial to my "original doc" - but he needed some help, so I hope this just means that Ft. Rd. will be there for me for many years to come! Read Less

I like this place, just don't enjoy the prices they charge for some things. My dog had an exam a while back for a cyst and we weren't told it wasn't something they could do anything about then and brought her back when it reappeared, just for them to charge me $120 to tell me it would reoccur for the rest of her life. Read Less

There are a lot of good vets, but Dr. Mark is my favorite. In my experience, he's been very sensible and efficient while still being genuinely compassionate. As my dog completes her golden years, I will not hesitate to trust Dr. Mark to help me care for her and make the best decisions for her life. I can honestly say that when I hand the front desk my credit card for payment after a visit, I'm happy to be a patron. P.S. this review is not planted though I realize it totally looks that way. Read Less

Fantastic vet. Really kind, knowledgeable and honest. She did what our cat needed to get him healthy again without all the guilt/pressure that I've seen other vets use to get you to pay a lot on tests (to rule out extremely remote possibilities). Thank you! They're a rare find & I HIGHLY RECCOMMEND them. Love that it's s home for so many cats too :-) Read Less

Just moved to the W7th Neighborhood a year ago. FRAC has a great reputation through the neighborhood Facebook group. My pooch needed her vaccines updated, so we stopped by on one of our walks to make an appointment. We came back for the appointment a few days later and Zoey has a new vet!The prices were better than I expected, and they didn't try to up-sell me on heartworm treatments, special food, removing a little bump on her ear, etc. In fact, I have absolutely no complaints about any part of the visit, I just can't give 5 stars on something so routine. Hopefully, I won't have to use them for anything more serious for a very long time. :) Read Less

Dr. Goodell and his team have taken excellent care of my dog Sophie through the years. They are always courteous, kind, and knowledgeable about veterinary medicine. Their prices are very competitive and I never feel taken advantage of. I have referred several friends and family members to Fort Rd. and will continue to do so. Read Less

These folks are great.  Take my dog and two cats to see them.  In years past, I've seen other vets and have often had the feeling that I was being pressured to spend more money for tests and procedures that were really not necessary nor in the best interests of the animals.  Not here.  My animals remain happy and healthy and I feel like they are in good hands. Read Less

I am on my third dog with Dr Goodell and his team - they are such a wonderful group of people to work with. Kind, caring, compassionate as well as practical in their approach to treatment. Would recommend to anyone! Read Less

If you want your pet to die, take him/her here. This poor excuse for a vet LIED to me and said my dog had cancer and had no hope. It was suggested to euthanize my dog. Thank God the day I showed to put my dog down, a visiting vet to this clinic told me not to do it. She reviewed all his records and said there was absolutely no indication of cancer. She insisted I not euthanize  my dog. Instead she called and got my dog into the U of M vet hospital for a follow up. Five years later my dog is alive, happy, and healthy, and only because this SOB vet was on vacation and had a capable vet in his place. This man doesn't care about your pets. He clearly is incompetent and completely dangerous. He's sick! He should have his license revoked! I urge you NEVER to take your pets here! Read Less

Absolutely LOVE Dr Mark and Stephanie!! They are the most caring and knowledgeable doggie health care providers that I have ever had experience with...and I've dealt with my fair share. We moved to Forest lake, yet still drive to St Paul to see Dr Mark. I TOTALLY recommend this facility. Also, regarding the negative comments - Dr Mark is so knowledgeable that he doesn't always NEED to do expensive tests and such to determine some issues. He can tell just by a look or how your pet is feeling. I value no other person's advice more or trust anyone else more. Thank you, Fort Road for your many years of great service and for caring about my friends like you have. Laura Estebo Read Less

Dr Godell is great and taught us alot about our shar pei, problem is he gets other docs to stand i n for him and no warning when you make an appt. Our 5yr old just died because we were forced to go to a different vet because Dr Godell was not in for several days. The stand in vet told us to change his food he would be fine. He died from IBD a few weeks later. So sad. Read Less

Had an appointment set for shots for my dog.  Three days before the appointment I called to explain that my dog had gone lame in her back leg and that she was off food and other strange symptoms (she is 1.5 years old).  The person answering the phone was very matter of fact that they simply could not make room for her and that I would have to find someone else.  I explained that business was taking me to Europe and that this was an emergency. The clinic was not helpful and seemed bothered that I would dare ask to be seen as an emergency.  This is not what I want for my pet and have taken my $$$$ to another vet (who by the way made time to see my dog asap).  Just a thought vets are good people find one that is receptive to you and your pet. Read Less

Fort Road and staff are the most caring, helpful and would & have gone out of their way to treat each and everyone of our pet family members. They know how we feel about them and will see to it that they are taken care of in or out of the office. Thank you for all you have done for Our 13 babies (both dogs & cats) since you have been in your office. Would and do recommend you to everyone we know. Read Less

These people are so honest and down to earth. I used another vet when I moved to the suburbs and they wanted to put my 14 year old dog through some unnecessary testing so I went back to Dr. Goodell who gave me the straight facts and we ended up just switching her food. I feel really good about it and will be always making the drive to see him now. Read Less

We went to Fort Road years ago when we had cats and recently returned after getting our first dog. They are still awesome! Our rescue dog was mortally afraid of having his nails trimmed and went into full-on panic mode. Dr. Goodell is truly a pet-whisperer and managed to do what several other places could not, and trim our dog's nails. When they were finished they said, "that'll be $5" because it was their Friday special. Staff at the clinic are also wonderful. Read Less

Unfortunately, we will not be returning to this clinic due to frustration with communication. I called twice about having a growth removed from our dog. It's not even the cost of the procedure that was upsetting, it was the attitude with which my concerns were met on the phone. It's amazing how much different I would feel if the person on the phone simply said "I'm sorry for any miscommunication." Or "I'm sorry you're frustrated." Even better than saying "I'm sorry" would be to ask how my dog is doing. Because I am calling about her care, not my own. So show some compassion. Read Less

Beware of this place. My cat died when recovering from surgery because the vet had left the clinic for some reason instead of being there to make sure the cat was okay.  They are also vindictive. A friend posted a poor review of them in social media and they found out and took revenge on her.  I would never take an animal to this place again! Read Less

I needed to have my cat groomed, but she wasn't caught up on her vaccinations.  I knew this would add to the cost, but, hey, she had some serious mats going on in her long mane.  I called and they were able to get my best feline friend in the next morning.  First star.My son helped me transport our yowling pal to West 7th St.  We walked in and were greeted by Gus, the House Cat.  What can I say?  Gus is a "cool cat!"  He is super mellow, just chillin' on the counter. Second star.We were checking in and the technician came out while I was discussing just how much grooming would have to be done.  My cat didn't *really* need the lion cut or even a shave.  She won't let me brush her, so I just needed the mats removed from her back.  The technician said, "I can brush her out right now."  Third star.I helped hold my kitty while the technician promptly started breaking up the mats.  My cat sat there like she did this every day. ;) (Fourth star.)  Apparently she just doesn't like the way I brush her.  We conversed about our respective cats and then the technician told me Gus the House Cat has a homeless friend. At first I didn't understand how this could be so.  Well, Gus sits at the window at night and a homeless gentleman stops by every night and reads the paper to Gus.  The gentleman only made himself known in order to let the staff know Gus had a little weepiness in one of his eyes.  I got weepy just hearing this story!  This whole process took a total of maybe 10-15 minutes.  During this process, the veterinarian came over to say "Hi" and see how everything was going.  I like that.I went to the counter to pay and let's just say I was pleasantly surprised.  This tech saw I had a minimal need and did what was necessary to accommodate me.  Fifth star.I'm been having a rough time lately, and these kind gestures made my week!Fort Road Animal Clinic is getting cookies from me!!! Read Less

I cannot believe these posts. Mark has been our vet for nearly 25 years now and he is absolutely one of the best. I travel 40 minutes to get to him and I wouldn't have it any other way. He has soooo much experience and has a lot more knowledge beyond ""just giving shots"" like one review says. That is just plain absurd! I've had every emergency that a pet owner can possibly have and Mark has always been there for us. One review talked about a cat's tail getting caught in a door and how Mark amputated when he didn't have to. I had the same amputation done to my cat under the same circumstances and for the pain the cat was in, it had to be done because trying to save the tail would have been an excruciating process for the animal. Mark doesn't believe in just throwing medicine down into your animal just so he can charge ya tons---some people appreciate this and others---based on the negative reviews----interpret it as being ""limited in his knowledge"" or ""not caring"". His credentials are the best---he knows his stuff. He can basically just look at my cat, listen to what I have to say, and know what is wrong....he doesn't have to do all the expensive tests and traumatize the animal further. His experience is phenomenal! And there have been MANY times where he has said, ""No charge, this ones on me."" Sure, he isn't Jesus---every vet loses animals----albeit sad, it's a part of the job.....it's happened to me, too When an animal can't speak, we have to make good educated decisions based on what we see and sometimes it doesn't work.. It doesn't mean that Mark is negligent...he's human. These review are extremely unfair. OF COURSE another vet is going to say, ""Well I wouldn't have done that....."" So if you don't like Mark, then don't go-----it frees up the slots for when the rest of us want appointments. Read Less

I just moved to St. Paul and needed to book an appointment for my cat, Laela, ASAP.  I called a few other places in my area but none of them could get me in for a week, Fort Road got me in that same afternoon!  The Clinic looks like a house, and is pretty small, but the front desk staff was very friendly and Dr. Goodell was right on time for the appointment.  He greeted me with a big smile, friendly handshake, and must be the cat-whisperer in disguise because somehow he got my "I hate the world" cat to be as calm as if she were sitting on my lap on the couch!  I don't know how he did it, maybe she picked up on his calming demeanor.The procedure was over in a few minutes, quick and efficient, and he even took the time to show me how to give Laela her pills.  I left Fort Road Animal Clinic with a happier cat, good recommendations on her care, and an all over great vibe from the whole staff.  I'll definitely make them my vet from now on! Read Less

Several years ago my do had an obstruction (where she ate a few foreign objects) She didn't pass them right away but Mark assured me they would pass. Well they didn't, by the time he did surgery she was so weak she didn't survive the recovery. I blame myself for trusting him and not taking her to another Vet. I will never make that mistake again. Read Less

I've been taking my animals to see Dr. Gooddell for atleast 20 years. He's very nice and knows his stuff while his staff all knew my dogs named and cared about them too. My cat which was an outside cat lived to be 22 years old and my two dogs (chihuahuas) lived to be atleast 15 until they got sick with a heart condition that chihuahuas are known to get. I now have 2 new dogs and i still go to Dr. Gooddell and always will. Read Less

We had been going to fort road animal clinic for years. We brought every pet to this place. At first, everything was ok because it involved simple check-ups and shots. Then, our dog Nickie started to get sick, her paws were dry and cracking, and she had some dry spots near her nose and eyes. We brought her to the clinic, and they made it seem like it was our fault she was like this, because we didn't bathe her enough. They ended up giving us medicine, and told us to put some cream on her paws. After a few weeks of her not getting better, we took her to a different vet, but it was too late. The other vet had said the medicine they gave her was for a bladder infection, which she did not have. They did testing on her dry spots, but her immunsystem was shoot, and we had to put her down. If we would have went to this doctor in the first place, we probably would still have our dog to this day. Read Less

We have been taking our animals to Dr. Goodell for almost 3 years now on a friend's recommendation. What I like about him is that he is a bit more ""country vet"" than city vet. He always lets us know what our options are for treatment, including the most extreme (expensive) options, but he is pragmatic about quality of life issues and understands that not everyone will spend thousands to keep their elderly cat alive when they are suffering. He is careful, however, to make sure the correct decision is being made when confronting life/death issues. We have lost 2 pets in the last couple of years, and his counsel was honest and non-judgemental. When we first started seeing him, our boxer had a tumor removed from her foot. At our last vet, she had a similar procedure done and it cost us $1500.00, so imagine my surprise when we received a bill for only $500.00 from Dr. G! He is a a wonderful vet at a great value. Read Less

I had been going to Fort Road Animal Clinic for about 2 months. I made numerous appointments. Mark was trying to get a handle on my dogs health on a ailment with his skin. He assumed it was an allergy. He treated it as that. After the first visit I had made about 3 appointments and my dog was not getting better. I spent about 550.00 on all those visits. On a day I could not get my dog into his office, I took my dog to a different Vet. That Vet diagnosed him with sarcoptic mange and treated him. The regiment took 2 weeks to get some progress. Not to mention only 49.00 dollars for the visit and then 80.00 for the prescription. For 129.00, my dog is now moving forward to recovery and I am releived I have a answer. Some maintenance needs to be done. My dog suffered for 2 months when he did not have to. Mark Goodell's office was expensive because he did not want to admit his limitation on knowledge of diseases. He maybe o.k for vacinations and a neutering but other ailments he is not very good. I can see what people mean he is expensive. It's not his standalone pricing. its the fact of numerous appointments because of misdiagnosis that gets expensive. Read Less

After reading the reviews I thought I would give the benefit of the doubt. 3 weeks ago I ran into paying 150.00 and honestly never was told what he was doing till done. Then walked out and paid right away, was surprised about the price, not to mention I really do not know what he did. My dog was still ill till I brought him else where. My dog was barking when there so the Vet did not really touch my dog. The reviews that are positive maybe true but so are the bads ones. I did end up paying him for no cure and had to shell out more money to a vet who actually knew what was wrong. I do want to mention the vet at fort road did not know what was wrong, but gave medicine anyways. Pretty much a let down for my dog and me. Read Less

I've been using Fort Road Animal Clinic as my vet for years. I've always been satisfied with the cleanliness and presentation. In my experience they are well priced. The staff is personable and cares about my animals and their health. They know their clients by name, and patients as well! It is nice to walk into a place and feel welcomed by a simple greeting and without stating your name, they know who you are! Most importantly my animals love the staff and doctors, and vice versa. I highly recommend their services. Give them a call, they would love to meet you and your furry friends! PS Angie the receptionist is new, give her a break Mr. Negativity Read Less

The total opposite of what Todd S. stated in his review. I wouldn't take my beloved companions anywhere else. Dr. Goodell does a thorough hands-on exam at a reasonable price, follow-up care is good and the staff is very friendly and sympathetic. Also, I have never had difficulty in getting an appointment scheduled when I requested it -- they have always been accommodating and found time to squeeze us in. I also know several employees at a large local dog daycare and two very popular local trainers that would not take their own dogs anywhere else. Read Less

I ran across this profile 2 weeks ago and I just had the feeling that people are being mislead. Whether honest people believe Mark Goodell is good for thier pet or the office is writing the reviews I don't know. This was my experience with Fort Road Animal Clinic. I wished I had a computor at the time of my visit with Fort Road Animal Clinic or I would of wrote this earlier. I did bring my cat to Mark Goodell 2 years ago and I will not do it again. I do remember it was hard to get an appointment and when I did, Mark did not say alot of what was wrong and just gave a prescription. At that time when I attempted to make an appointment after a month or so and mentioned my cat was still sick, the staff on the phone seemed uninterested. I did end up going to another Vet and now that Vet retired. Since it is impossible to ignore bad experiences. I think it important to know the truth that Mark Goodell has some fallbacks. Read Less

I have been taking my pets to Dr. Goodell for over a decade. I used to live close to his office, but now drive over 45 minutes because I think he is worth every minute of the inconvenience. He truly cares about our pets. We have solved many problems over the phone and he has gone out of way to help us when we faced serious decisions about our pet's care. That is what I think a good vet is for- anyone can give a shot, standard treatment but for me it is about who you can trust with a member of your family when facing a complex or serious health issue. He has given us great advice on ""special needs"" dogs we have adopted. Some of the problems have been behaviour based, some based on need for surgery or treatment of a complicated problem- where it is difficult to even get to a diagnosis. He is no-nonsense and WILL NOT over-treat your animals, a problem I have found on the few occasions that I had to bring a pet into an emergency clinic or local vet due to some special circumstance. I have always found him to give us all our options, have trusted his advice and wouldn't even consider taking my ""furry kids"" to anyone but Mark. He is a rare gem and a compassionate, caring human being. I am grateful that we have him. Read Less