Parkwood Animal Hospital

I moved to the area in 2012 and chose Parkwood Animal Hospital because they were close to my apartment. Now I've moved further away and I drive the extra distance there because the people are friendly and knowledgeable and the service is fantastic. I know my kitties are in good hands and will receive the highest care. Read Less

I moved here from PA and heard of another great vet hospital, but I also came along Parkwood and after doing the research Parkwood sounded the best care for my fur baby:) 2 years with Parkwood animal hospital and Im very happy I chose them for their excellent care for my kittums:) Read Less

We've been coming to Parkwood since we adopted our cat from a coworker that was leaving the state in 2010.  We didn't want to shake her up more by changing her doctor, so opted to stay with the vet her previous owner had been taking her to.  They have been wonderful!  They've helped us with a kitten adoption from the shelter, a stray kitten my husband found on our front porch who infested the rest of our cats with fleas (who has since found a loving home with my sister-in-law, hallelujah!) and another stray kitten I found in our church parking lot that had another infestation that I won't go into.  Anyone seeing a theme here?  I can absolutely speak to the fact that they are very good with old house cats, kittens, and strays.  Unfortunately, our poor Cocoa, who first brought us to Parkwood got kidney cancer and passed away recently, so I can also attest to how wonderful they were at an extremely difficult time.  They made her last months as comfortable as possible while also helping my husband and I cope and figure out how to explain what was going on to our 3 year old.  They really went above and beyond! Read Less

Dr. Stech and her team at Parkwood Animal Hospital are the best! I mean that. I've been to several other vets in Durham and my Labrador wasn't receiving the care he needed. A friend recommended Parkwood Animal Hospital and they are great. They care about my dog and they treat me like a normal human being. They don't run unnecessary tests to run up your bill, like other vets. They tell you what they would do, if they were in your situation. And that is huge. I've had Parkwood Animal Hospital perform regular stuff like flea & tick, and yearly shots... to major stuff like having my dog's front tooth extracted. They give me peace of mind. And they restore my dog's health. And they don't perform unnecessary stuff. They'll let you know what you need and what you can wait on, or leave out entirely. Because of this, when they tell me to do something, I do it, knowing that it is best for my dog's well-being. I'm super glad I found Parkwood Animal Hospital and I can't recommend them highly enough. Read Less

I had a "falling out" with my old vet (we did not communicate well) and needed a new vet to come to my home to euthanize my beloved, 18 year-old cat when she became too sick to treat. Dr. Rowe came to my house and was as gentle and loving as one could hope for in a vet. I've taken my other cats to her, since, and she is just wonderful. She also has a wonderful staff supporting her.Read Less

We've worked with many veterinarians over the past 40 years, and we are truly grateful for having found Dr. Stech and her team. The entire team at PAH are the most compassionate and professional that we have ever dealt with. Dr. Stech's kindness and professionalism in helping us through the loss of a loved pet will never be forgotten. Thank you all from the bottom of our hearts. Read Less

My dog has been around the block and finally finding Dr. Rowe and Dr. Stech has been a blessing. They are 2 of the very best vets. A rare breed of vets who are experts in their field and can diagnose many things based on knowledge and experience. They will recommend testing when appropriate, as opposed to most vets these days who immediately resort to a million unnecessary tests that nobody can afford. Top quality care at very reasonable costs. Read Less

The vet techs were caring, attentive, knowledgeable, and very helpful! I feel the level of care is up to par in technology but more importantly the level of concern and compassion is bar none. I usually come in late Friday afternoons and the staff always act like my dog is the most important patient in the building and they never show any signs of indifference or malaise even though it's close to quitting time. They have a room for me almost immediately or instantly. In fact they are so in tuned with the schedule they immediately know who I am and my dog's name. I never felt hurried or my concerns weren't completely discussed. I can't speak enough for the staff and Cindy Rowe has always been thorough in her full comprehensive evaluation and physical of my dog. Explaining everything in detail. She has a very special connection with dogs (same with the vet techs) that makes my dog trust her immediately (even while giving shots, etc). Money has never been a concern but I appreciate the fact that they openly discuss the pros and cons of performing each and every test/vaccination and the cost needed for each one. She even takes the time to query my dog's behavior, travel patterns, etc before recommending extra tests/vaccinations. My dog happens to hike a lot all around the Appalachian trail so she suggested a few extra vaccinations. I've always opted for every test and vaccination she recommended. I've seen 2 good friend's dogs die or suffer who hike a lot because they were not properly vaccinated (for tick diseases that are not native to NC). However they never pressure you about getting anything extra. They just lay out the facts, odds (depending on your dog's lifestyle), and prices. I've been to a few other places with other dogs and I would never go anywhere else. I was recommended to this small hidden clinic from a trusted friend and it is truly a hidden gem. One last thing I would like to mention. When they say they will call with test results on a certain day. I've ALWAYS gotten the results that day. The office is run very well. My dog and I always walk out of their with a very positive reassuring feeling. Ok so maybe just me but my dog had a good time and liked the treats and attention. =) I just want to highlight once again that the office and vet techs are just amazing. Other places the office and vet techs perform their duties in a basic assembly line fashion. The minute you walk into this clinic you and your pet are immediately addressed with personal genuine attention. My dog actually gets excited about coming. They care about each animal they see and follow up with all results quickly and professionally.Read Less

I continue to be impressed with Parkwood - the staff is wonderful, caring, and always available to answer my questions, and Dr. Stech is a fantastic vet. My cat is not a happy camper most of the time, and she did so well there. They are always available via email or phone to answer my questions, and have provided wonderful care. It's nice to have a vet that works with you to understand your pets health and does so in a positive way. Their office is easy to get to, clean, and arranged well - it's flows well. I would highly recommend this vet to any pet owner who wants a positive experience for themselves and their pets. Thank you! Read Less

We recently took our pet to Dr. Stech and Parkwood Animal Hospital. The Doctor and her staff are caring and kind. We appreciated the concern and experience demonstrated by Dr. Stech. She is very thorough and knowledgeable. Overall we were extremely pleased with Parkwood and recommend them for veterinary services. Read Less

The outside of this clinic doesn't look like much, but this place is a true hidden gem. We've been taking our fur-babies (2 cats and 1 dog) to Parkwood since 2008 and they have always received incredible care. We've been through all kinds of medical mishaps with our animals, and we truly appreciate the attentive care they've gotten which is still sensitive to our financial limits. Dr. Tarkington is no longer there, but when our cat had a flare of fatty liver disease he did a fantastic job of laying out the options for further diagnostic workup and explaining them in a way that we understood and could make the best choice for our beloved kitty and our financial means. Now Dr. Stetson owns the practice and there have been several positive changes I've noticed including re-negotiated (lower) rates for labwork and a new electronic resources for keeping track of your pet's medical history. Recently, our same kitty was sick with a lower urinary tract infection and blockage and had to stay overnight. It was such a comfort to know that Dr. Rowe was there taking excellent care of our beloved Bandit. And the staff has also been wonderful every single time we call or come in for an appointment; one of the vet techs (Matt) has been there since we started taking our cats to Parkwood in 2008! When I had to leave Bandit overnight it was a tremendous comfort to already know and trust the people who would be caring for him. Now he's back at home feeling 100% better.Basically I just can't say enough wonderful things about this clinic. They really care about their furry patients (and the pet parents) and we're so happy to take our beloved fur-babies there! Read Less

I brought my dog to the Parkwood Animal Hospital and I am very happy with the service.  The staff at the front desk is very attentive to my dog's needs and keeping what he uses in stock so I never have to wait for it.  The doctor took her time to really give my dog a good once over looking at and also take the time to listen to me about what is going on with him.I am very happy with this veterinary office and I do hope that eventually they can get a little more room.  :) Read Less

We have been taking our pets to Parkwood Animal Hospital since it opened in 1983. Dr. Tarkington and Dr. Rowe have helped us keep our dogs and cats healthy and when it was time to say good-bye to them, they were sensitive and caring towards us and our animals. More than once Dr. T was willing to come to the car to administer the final injection rather than traumatize an animal already in stress and discomfort. I remember another time when he sat on the treatment room floor with me, a reference book in his lap, as he desperately tried to figure out what was wrong with my suddenly sick dog. I have always felt that my pets' treatment was the result of a colaborative decision-making process whenever possible. Once we took a sick gerbil to the practice, and they didn't bat an eye. They treated the gerbil with care. When our daughter was a teenager she joined the ranks of many through the years who worked at the clinic in afternoons after school. That strengthened our bond with the docs and staff. I like that expansion, sales, and the bottom line have not been Dr. T's priorities. Animals and their people have been. Thank you, Dr. Tarkington, Dr. Rowe, Dr. Anderson, and staff. Read Less

Through many years with many dogs, and with specialty treatments in big cities and small towns, I have never had a better vet. Bruce Tarkington has diagnosed conditions the NCSU vet hospital missed. And his treatment approach respects your pet's comfort and well-being and your emotional and financial needs. He talks to you like you're smart, giving you treatment options, and will discuss them with you as long as you need. He is accessible to you and has respected by the specialists you might need. Wherever you live, he is worth the drive. Read Less

Dr. Rowe & Dr. Tarkington have been my vets for over 20 years. Not once have I ever witnessed anything that would give me pause about utilizing their services. I was stationed in Norfolk, VA, and still brought my kids to them. Yes, they are that good. I am a vet student and they are the type of doctors that I want to be. Read Less

I was referred to this tucked-away little animal hospital last March when we got our pooch, Phinnigan. I was glad it was referred because there are tons of (higher-priced) animal hospitals in a very close distance to choose from. Every staff member there has been absolutely wonderful! My fur-baby had some problems when we first got her, but they took every, affordable-on-me measure to ensure her health. I loved that we immediately felt like a part of a little family. Now every time we have to make a visit, they remember us by name and always shower Phinni in affection. I highly recommend them to anyone looking for a great, inexpensive provider for their fur-baby! Read Less

This is a wonderful practice. Drs. Tarkington and Rowe are both very professional, but also very personal. They give loving care to all there patients, I have taken my babies to them for over 11 yrs. They cared for my babies as if they were their own. Dr. Tarkington, cried with me when I had to put one of my babies down due to end-stage renal failure. He offered, kindness, sympathy & even more...empathy. Dr. Rowe diagnosed my youngest baby with a condition that could have taken her from me if not caught soon enough for surgery. I highly recomend this practice. If you love your baby(ies) they will love them too. Their concern truely shows in how they care for their patients and treat their patients mommies & daddies, Read Less

I lived in Durahm in the mid-80's and used this vet hospital and was delighted with the place. I moved back a year ago and am traveling cross town to have my dogs seen by Dr. Tarkington. He has a clientele that includes show dogs and breeders - this in itself speaks highly of the clinic and staff. Read Less