Best Friends Veterinary Hospital

Dr. Riggs and his team at Best Friends do an outstanding job taking care of my Canine Companions for Independence service dog Carlos. Dr. Riggs is the official vet for CCI's North Central Regional Training Center, located in nearby Delaware, OH. He took care of Carlos as a pup, from when he was six weeks old until Carlos and I graduated from CCI Team Training in November of 2009. Carlos has loved being back at Best Friends! We had chosen and gone to another vet at first which was closer to home, but came back to Best Friends because we knew that Dr. Riggs and his colleagues know Carlos best. It is so worth the 45-minute drive! Dr. Riggs and his team at Best Friends are the only people I trust to help me care for my best friend! We wouldn't dream of going anywhere else! Read Less

For almost 34 years our family has been with Best Friends. The staff are outstanding- so welcoming and caring from the moment you walk in until you leave. Dr Ritchie and Dr. Riggs are the most compassionate men when it comes to our pets ( we have had 7 dogs and cats over the years), and their honesty and knowledge is incredible. I have recommended many of my friends and neighbors to this hospital and as long as I have a pet, I know I have a home with them. Josie (our 12 year old chocolate lab) looks so forward to being there but most especially the dog treat when we sign out :) Thank you for many years of caring for my babies. Read Less

This is a veterinary BUSINESS.  They exist to make money.  While the staff is very friendly and kind toward the animals, every "fix" is terribly expensive.  We've been going there with our dog for two years, but no more.  Example:  the dog spent a day vomiting for no apparent reason.  They suggested $600 worth of tests (not treatment, mind you, just the tests).  When I declined, they suggested some very expensive dog food -  $20 for 6 days' worth. This I bought, but as the dog was better by the next day, it obviously wasn't the result of new dog food.  This is just one example, I could give more, but they're all about the same type of story. Read Less

We have taken our dog to Best Friends for years and find them to be very professional, knowledgeable and caring. She actually looks forward to visiting them. Dr. Rex and his team are top notch and we wouldn't think of taking our dog anywhere else. We have many friends who also use Best Friends and they feel the same way. See some people talking about pricing and all I can say is you get what you pay for........go to Best Friends you won't be disappointed. Read Less

Not loving it. They are expensive and nickel and dime you. More importantly, the Vet owner (Rex) didn't return message after two requests. Not acceptable. Just switched to Healthy Pets. They seem great, great reviews, reasonable AND groom and board. Read Less

My family has taken our dogs to Best Friends since it was in a tiny building tucked behind a drive thru. I wouldn't take my sweet pup Rocky anywhere else. Rocky has severe vet anxiety and everyone there is always patient and kind, coming up with solutions for his anxiety and always refusing my apologies for his jumpiness. Dr. Riggs in particular is a miracle worker--the only person who can stick my dog with a needle and still have Rocky excited to see him! But all of the vets, techs, and employees are wonderful. The prices are definitely on the high side but I think it's reasonable for the market they're in, and the incredible quality of care they deliver. Thank you, Dr. Riggs and staff! Keep doing what you're doing! Read Less

We've been coming to Best Friends since 1980. We currently have our 5th & 6th dog. Dr Riggs is a compassionate doctor. I can't imagine taking Daisy and Rosie anywhere else. We plan to move 125 miles away this year, but I plan on continuing to trust Dr Riggs with their health. <3 Read Less

My friend got the worst news three days before Christmas. It was confirmed that her beloved rescue cat Ralphie had an aggressive oral cancer. She made the heartbreaking decision to have him put down the next day. The entire staff at Best Friends showed its true colors. With dignity and love, for my friend and for Ralphie, they made a terrible situation bearable. Their kindness, gentleness and compassion was above and beyond. I am so grateful to and for the entire staff of Best Friends Veterinarian Hospital! Read Less

We have trusted best friends with our pets for over 20 years and I can't stress how much we love them for all of their kindness and help with our fur babies. They've helped us with strays and truly have the animals best interest in mind. Love them! Read Less

Our experience here is mixed. Two of the three Vets we really liked. The third not at all. If it was only about the Vets I would have ranked it higher. I don't "hate" anyone or anything so a one was out of the question and there is no option for zero. My issue is the incredibly greedy practice of selling medicine for your animals that is 20 to 25 times the price of what you can purchase the exact same medicine at your local pharmacy. A $4 to $6 medicine at two local pharmacies is $125 at this Veterinary practice. To add insult to injury when I asked the woman at the front desk if this medicine would be available at our local grocery store she said "I don't know". I have to call BS on her answer. This antibiotic is very, very common as I found out from a respectable member of Veterinary medicine. So now, I question the integrity of this practice and I refuse to do business with those who lack integrity. The saying "a fool and his money are soon parted" is very true and today I was that fool. Tomorrow will be a different story as my four pets will never step inside this practice again. Buyer beware! If it happened to me it can happen to you...Read Less

Pros: 1.) Dr. Debbie Heidrich - she is incredible. If I could rate her alone, I'd give her 5 stars. She's cared for my dogs for over 10 years. I followed her to Best Friends from VCA Westerville. She's by far one the most knowledgeable, thorough, compassionate veterinarians that's possibly ever graduated vet school. She's fantastic with nervous dogs, sick dogs, and she quite frankly just has an awesome personality. She follows up. She follows through. If she doesn't know something (which is rare) she finds out and gets back to you. 2.) the vet techs - I've never met a vet tech at Best Friends that I didn't like. They're all sweet, gentle with the animals, and knowledgeable. Now let's get to the Cons, and the reason why this isn't a 5 star rated facility. Cons:1.) PRICING - the prices on EVERYTHING at Best Friends Animal Hospital are GROSSLY overinflated...and I mean horrendously. I priced a half a dozen animal hospitals/vets with the same or better veterinary credentials and similar business models. Best Friends' competitors are more competitively priced on every single thing from exam fees to blood tests to X-Rays. Even vaccinations are cheaper just about everywhere else. Speaking of exam fees, multi-pet discounts are exponentially better at every other place I called. Furthermore, when I spoke to the owner, Dr. Riggs, I asked him how much a standard office visit cost. He told me he "didn't know," and that he "didn't have a computer up in front of him right now so he wasn't able to tell me." Dr. Riggs is the man who sets the fees in the office and the only person who can "ok" a fee discount or a refund of any kind. He's the "money guy." How does the owner of a business not even know how much an office visit costs? Yikes. 2.) Dr. Riggs - I'm sure he cares about animals, but it's evident he cares about cash more. He knows nothing about the business side of the very office he owns, yet he refuses to waive a $50 blood draw fee for one of his best clients (me!) who spends over $14,000/YEAR (and none of my pets are even sick!) at his business. His reason? He says to me that, "if I don't collect THAT $50, it's 50 less dollars I'll have to pay my staff." THAT was his reason for not waiving a $50 blood draw fee for a blood test he insisted on repeating on my dog - a test that had JUST been done 47 days prior with normal results. A repeat blood test for my dog, who wasn't sick, but was just there to get her teeth cleaned. All I wanted was to just NOT have to pay ANOTHER $50 considering I JUST paid it 47 days ago for the same blood test that came back normal. This is not a man who cares about animals first. This is a man who cares about squeezing his clients for all they're worth. Dr. Heidrich is the only reason I even rated this place 2 stars. If she wasn't there I'd give it 0. However, if Dr. Riggs left and Dr. Heidrich started running the place, I'd come back in a heartbeat and change my review to 5 stars. The only reason I didn't leave a year ago and kept forking out money hand over fist is because she's such an incredible doctor. Read Less

First time dog owner so I really wanted a good vet. This place went above my expectations. Dr. Heidrich is one of a kind. She is not only amazing with animals but extremely helpful with anything regarding to your animals health. They may be pricey but it is absolutely worth it. Read Less

Dr. Riggs and the staff at Best Friends take great care of our two huskies. They have been our vet for many years - we drive a long way to see them, but they care about our family and we wouldn't think of going anywhere else. Read Less

We had a medical dog and Dr Latimeir went above and beyond researching ways to help our fur baby. We were able to get her on the phone whenever we needed to discuss something about her conditions. When we moved to hilliard, we still continue to use them because of the great care. They are NOT all about the money. They have always gone over the best options and suggested we start small and go from there. They are a business and services cost money. It's a simple concept. Their patients do not speak which makes their job even harder. Everyone i have interacted with there has been wonderful and I call a lot I recommend them highly. Read Less

My dog/child was attacked by a stray cat and even though she had minor injuries I went into worry/panic mode and called the closest vet that was still open which was Best Friends Veterinary. It was about an hour before closing with no available appointments when I called and they made the time to see her and I am so incredibly grateful! The staff was extremely friendly and I will definitely be returning there for her future puppy needs and check ups! Read Less

Dr. Riggs and Dr. Heidrich are the best veterinarians ever! They have helped my beloved dog so many times and today they performed a procedure and never gave up!! The procedure was a success and they showed so much compassion to both my dog and to me. They listen, suggest options, educate on the options, and compassionately guide you through the process. Their staff is first rate also and always help with a smile. We are forever grateful to Best Friends Vet! Choose them if you are searching for a forever vet home!! Read Less

We had taken our 11 year old lab mix to another vet for years. When she became ill, another local vet with multiple locations insisted on extensive testing and even an exploratory surgery to determine what was wrong. Uncomfortable with that course of action we went to Best Friends. Dr. Riggs & Dr. Lattimer suggested a change in diet and some oral meds. We administered the meds, changed her food, and our special girl improved immediately...!!! Everyone there is pleasant and they really work to earn your trust and take care of your pets. We will be going exclusively to Best Friends. Great Staff and Great Care. Thanks Best Friends! Read Less

They have taken such good care of our dogs that after we moved to Hilliard, we still continue to go here. They truly care about your animals. One of our dogs has the craziest medical problems. The doctors have gone home and done extra research and have called to check on her progress. When our other dog passed, they were so wonderful during a difficult time. They even made a donation in her name to a local wildlife conservation. 5 stars for sure! Read Less

Our family has been taking our dogs here for 23 years (office used to be on Smoky Row). They've been there for us for everything and helped take excellent care of our furry family members- thanks in part due to their surgical center and skilled staff. When the time came to say goodbye to our last fifteen year old friend they were extremely accommodating to our needs and his. Now I have a puppy which they've done a wonderful job keeping happy and healthy. You get a real sense that everyone here is truly passionate about animals and loves them dearly. I have absolutely nothing but positive experiences here and I would highly recommend them to anyone in the area.Read Less

Dr Riggs and staff just got my 2 year old beagle/corgi through a serious illness and surgery.  The staff is very caring, compassionate and professional. There was not a moment through our ordeal that I doubted the quality of care she was getting. Dr Riggs called within 24 hours of her discharge to check on how she was doing post-surgery. I have taken my animals to Dr Riggs and Best Friends for many years now and would not hesitate to recommend them to family and friends. Read Less

Dr. Riggs squeezed me in right away on a Friday morning after my little buddy woke up his eye swollen shut. We were in and out in a very reasonable amount of time. He took the time to educate me on what was going on and how to go about making him better. I left with peace of mind and very happy with how the visit went. The staff up front were very helpful and pleasant to work with. I strongly recommend Best Friends Veterinary!Read Less

I have four dogs that go to Dr. Coate, and the care she and everyone at BFVH show is amazing. Dr. Coate ALWAYS calls to follow-up - I don't have to call her, which is so much different from my previous vet.I recently recommended a friend of mine whose vet could not figure out what was wrong with her pooch. Dr. Coate tried some medicine, but it did not take. So Dr. Coate checked the availability of MedVet for an ultrasound. When they were going to take two weeks, Dr. Coate persisted, checked with the OSU clinic, and found a time for my friends' dog that was just 48 hours away! My friend was kept constantly informed, and did not have to call around on her own to find where to take her dog: Dr. Coate did that ON HER OWN! The dog is doing better, and Dr. Coate and BFVH have again shown what so many have already said: They really care about the animals they treat, and routinely go out of their way to do whatever is needed, even if that means involving other clinics in the area. I would not take my 'fur kids' anywhere else, and my friend was so impressed, she won't anymore either! Read Less

Thank you to everyone there for making Mr. Bojangles first appointment a positive one! I was a little worried how his anxiety would make him react....you handled it excellently! Thank you for all the suggestions and advise as well! He's quite the handful but second chances in his life will change that. Thank you! Read Less

Just want to thank God and Best Friends Veterinary Hospital!!! We came very, very close to losing our beloved dog, Bogey. Thanks to the quick thinking of Dr. Rex Riggs and his staff....our Bogey was saved. It was a very scary few hours....but because of their expertise and understanding, we will be taking our pet back home with us today!!! They offered the best service in terms of health care and life-saving services, but also support to our needs and feeling during these stressful hours. Thank you again Dr. Riggs!!! You and your staff are THE BEST! Read Less

The only vet clinic in Columbus I trust my animals to!!!I live on the other side of town from Powell, but I still drive 30+ minutes to go to Best Friends. They take wonderful care of my animals, and I always feel like their health is the primary concern of the doctors and staff. Their prices aren't the cheapest, but I feel they are worth it. For example, when my dog was diagnosed with diabetes they went out of their way to explain and demonstrate how to care for him, and actually checked-up on me to make sure I was handling it alright. I recommended them to my mother, and she now also drives 30+ minutes to go see them, and they have taken care of her animals impeccably.They are hands down the best vet I have ever gone to, because I feel like they actually care about my animals, rather than just my checkbook. They make me comfortable that they know what they are doing, and why they are doing it, which is why I keep going back.I cannot recommend them highly enough!!! Read Less

The vet is right by my house, so it was convenient to go there. Their prices are not bad, and they seem to know what they are doing. I left them because every time I walked in there I felt like I was walking into a used car dealership. I don't like being upsold for things that are questionable. I could not walk out of there without spending $200. The worst part is they made me feel like I was skimping on my pets health if I didn't do what they recommended. I gave them two stars because they are capable of taking care of my pets and their prices are not outrageous. Just beware of the upselling and unnecessary visits to line their pockets. I spite of them being within walking distance from my house, I will no longer be going there. Read Less

Make an appt on a weekend when substitute vet is in the hospital. The sub told us what was wrong as he watched our dog walk in. This was after 6 visits ($175) each with the normal vets. Next stop was the animal hospital to have her put put down. Read Less