South Congress Veterinary

I cannot say enough good things about this place! I found South Congress Veterinary through my own research of vets in my area. I also found out the rescue coordinator for the animal rescue I foster for (TLC Animal Rescue) goes here too! Definitely a good sign as far as quality and pricing goes! Their prices are incredibly digestible for any budget and they don't push you to perform any services that aren't absolutely necessary, which can be a lifesaver on your wallet. They're great with both cats and dogs, and I'm always really pleased with the care and attention they've given mine. The one area where there could be some improvement is the overall hygiene of the facility, which very much smells of dog. If that bothers you, then this may not be the best place for you; however, this is certainly not a dealbreaker for me. Quality care, affordable services, and honest people are the main traits I look for in my go-to vet. For all those looking for the same thing, look no further because this is the place for you!!! :) Read Less

They were so so gracious, sweet, and caring when I came in to see them. The woman who works there, I didnt get her name, but she gave me lots of hugs when I was crying, comforted me, and genuinely cared about my pet. I would recommend them to anybody; they are such outstanding people. Read Less

We've been taking our dogs to South Congress Vet for the last tens years and really appreciate the level of care our kids get. They're are caring, knowledgable and very reasonably priced. Betsy and Dr. H truly care about your pets health! Read Less

There is no disputing that this place could use a little 409 and a cleaning rag but there is also no disputing that the folks here sincerely love animals. I've taken my dog here for routine check ups, teeth cleaning, and medications. The team is great with my chihuahua and the pricing is very reasonable. They have always gone out of their way to be helpful and they don't try force you to  do and pay for things that aren't needed. Read Less

They truly care about you and your pet! Betsy is absolutely awesome! I can't say enough great things about this veterinary clinic! Thank you for taking such good care of my doggies, Harley, Peanut and Toby! Read Less

Hands down our favorite vet, ever. They are compassionate and take very good care of our four fur kids. We visit quite often due to the amount of dogs we have. We take our four each year to have their teeth cleaned and not only do I feel comfortable leaving them with Betsy, I know I won't have to take out a second mortgage on my house.We love love love South Congress Vet! Read Less

Took my little chihuahua here for a deep teeth cleaning in the summer of 2014. She was 8yrs old at the time and had never had a cleaning before, which I was so embarrassed about but the wonderful staff didn't make me feel like an awful pet owner. They were kind and attentive and took great care of my baby, even extracted a few loose teeth that were going to fall out on their own. I was AMAZED at how affordable the service was, not even $130 AND that applied a $20 discount since it was our first visit. Great people, great work, and I will absolutely be coming back. Read Less

Please don't let looks fool you! My dog received his teeth cleaning and extractions here when we lived in Austin and I actually drove back to this vet after we moved to Dallas for his annual cleaning. The staff is really sweet and took good care of him. The services are super affordable and I believe I received discounts on both visits due to a special they were running. Read Less

It's not all about looks. Although the waiting room was quite unkempt and there wasn't enough seating and space, what got me was the open trash cans in the exam room with items that looked like they should have been disposed of in a hazardous materials secured bin. What does my dog do right when we walk in? Bee line to the trash and sticks her face in it before I realize what happened. Gross! The people seemed nice enough, but we found a different vet. Read Less

You can tell the staff clearly love animals! Brought my cat for a teeth cleaning, exam, and medication for a hot spot all for roughly about $200. Ironically we went primarily for the dental exam as we had spent over a year and many different treatments for his hot spot with no relief. He had to live in a onesie or a cone. I can't thank you guys enough for taking the extra time to treat this issue. Also - it is not the cleanest office area, but it won't stop me from coming back. It's hard to find people who really care and are not just in it to line their pockets with $$$$.Read Less

I was very happy with Dr. H and the South Congress Vet Clinic. I had heard that dental care was affordable here. Having recently spent over 2K in vet bills for a corgi dying from cancer, and misc vet care for my 11 year old, and a newly adopted dog, I needed a financial break. I got it here. Willow's teeth sparkle and the puppy, Muriel, no longer has that extra baby canine that was going to mess up her bite. Yes, depending on what accident has recently happened, you may smell something you might prefer not to. Not a big deal. Anyone with animals or kids knows that as soon as you clean up one thing, another event must occur - it is some sort of cosmic balancing act. Dr. H took care of a walk-in while I was there, gave advice and recommended an over-the-counter med, and sent them on their way without $$. He has quite a large rescue operation going - I can only admire their tireless dedication in a never-ending battle. I am deeply grateful that I could get my dogs dental work done before it impacted their health without spending another $600, my bill came in less than $200 for both animals, including anesthesia, etc. A BIG THANKS to Dr. H/SCVC for excellent work at a price I could afford and for his caring technicians who kept my dogs from freaking out. Read Less

So no, this is not the most luxurious vet in town and it's not hip, it's not even spotless. However, if you have something routine that you need done, this is a great place to go! Every other vet in town will not give my cat a sedated nail trim, or they will do it for $200, which is ridiculous, especially considering this has to be done every 8 weeks. She is too anxious and will destroy any vet tech that touches her with a nail clipper. South Congress vet did this service for $25 and were absolutely amazing and accommodating. Scheduling was easy and everything went seamless, so happy my baby finally got the trim she needed! Read Less

Well I'm kind of mixed on this vet here's my review coming from a certified vet assistant myself. Im going to start with the parking is very limited. The building itself was hard to find from where I was coming from even with my GPS on. The waiting room could definitely use some cleaning and a fresh coat of paint. The chairs in the waiting room had bags of dog food sitting on them and random things around, I found it to be cluttered and not really professional.  Once I was taken back into the exam room I looked around and saw visible dirty baseboards in the room, dog hair not from my dog and a small exam table also kind of old and dirty, again not something that's professional for a vet. And again could use a good scrubbing and a coat of paint. The building itself is older on top of it being dirty. The vets were nice but noticed one of the female vets had bleach stained sweat pants on which isn't very professional. I think the vets themselves have their hearts in the right place but do not do a very good job presenting themselves or the establishment they are running. The prices are very cheap they don't BS you and say "it could be this much not really sure though" they're straight up with you on prices. Overall I wouldn't feel safe taking my animals here especially for a surgery etc. you never know how dirty the surgical room is and what bacteria could get into your animal with how dirty the rest of the building is. I truly believe if they presented themselves and there building better they would attract a lot more people. Read Less

I took both of my Chihuahua's, Kurt and Tillie in to get their teeth cleaned and it was great!  They were awesome with my dog's and very reasonable in price... you can not beat this place.  The looks of the clinic are not that great but the doc and staff are so very friendly!!  I'm changing from the vet I use in Tanglewood and am going to start taking my dogs here! Read Less

This doctor does not care about your pets' health. DO NOT TAKE YOUR ANIMALS HERE. I took my kitty, Dora, in to see him last week, as she was having trouble breathing and acting weird. He dismissed her as "allergic and constipated", and sent her back home. She threw up a few hours later and I took her to another vet. She was experiencing CONGESTIVE HEART FAILURE and was immediately put in an oxygen tank and given diuretics to drain her LUNGS as they were FILLED WITH FLUID,   and later diagnosed with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (genetic heart disease). :(Dora would have died had I trusted South Congress Vet and not sought a second opinion. Read the reviews. This doctor doesn't care about your pet. PLEASE take your furry friend ANYWHERE ELSE. Read Less

I am leaving this veterinary clinic with 1 star because I can't leave them with 0.  I came into this clinic early Monday because my cat was not feeling well and was having issues breathing.  The vet, after doing a check up, kept mentioning it was "weird" that her temp was low and that he wasn't sure what that meant but concluded that she was having an allergic reaction along with a bit of constipation so he gave us some laxative, gave her a vitamin b shot, charged me over $200 and sent us on our way.  Later that day I took her to Brodie Animal Hospital, who expressed clear concern this vet let us leave as my cat was showing "text book signs" of congestive heart failure.  If I had followed this vets recommendation my cat would not be here today.  Take your animals elsewhere. Read Less

Got my two dogs' teeth cleaned today. I was nervous because the building was old but that does not reflect the care they received while inside. Very sweet workers that are thorough. Got 15% off the teeth cleaning and the total was less than $300 for both boys! Best price in town and they took good care of the boys who were happy when I picked them up. No shaking or nervousness for my two tiny Yorkies who did well with anesthesia. Did not opt for the blood work but if you're worried it is very affordable. Awesome place! I will be coming back! Read Less

Betsy and Bruce ~ are the most caring and loving when it comes to my 15 year old dog Shelly- I don't care if it doesn't look sterile (up to some people's standards) in there- it's clean where the surgeries are taking place. I trust them with my pets absolutely!  That's all that matters to me:) Read Less

I am not very experienced in veterinary services other than taking my childhood pets to the vet with my mom. That being said, this place is nothing like my childhood vet's office. For one, it looks like it's dirty. But the way I look at is: my big kittens are dirty little scoundrels so they should've felt right at home. It didn't offend me. For crying out loud, our pets sit in their own excrement on a daily basis, lick their genitals and some dogs eat their own droppings. This place isn't FECAL dirty, nor did i need a shower after I left, it's just a bit run down. The staff was great. One of the ladies (is she a pet nurse? I have no idea her title) has truly found her calling and really does love these animals. I think that's great! And the doctor was thorough and found a problem (an inexpensive problem) that I didn't even know they had. Ear mites!!! Ewwww!!! lol One appointment for 2 cats, stool tests, ear tests, general check up and medication for their ears came to $90-something and I thought that was more than reasonable. If this place were a pediatrician's office that would be one thing. But it's for your pets and mine were treated and cared for. I got more than what I paid for, in a very rare and GOOD way. Read Less

A great compassionate clinic and staff, along with extremely reasonable prices. If you require a sterile hospital type environment with uniformed staff and shiny new veterinary equipment and lots of "med-speak" when discussing your animals' care, this is probably not your place. If what you want is excellent and truly compassionate care for your beloved furry family member, I highly recommend SoCo Vet clinic. I have had many animals over the years, which translate into lots of veterinary care and subsequent costs. I have been to dozens of clinics and vets in many cities and states over the years. In my experience, my animals have received just as good care, many times even better care at the low cost clinics I've gone to. Clinics like SoCo, allow people on tighter budgets to have good veterinary care for their pets. Read Less

Took my dog to South Congress Vet this morning. There is no excuse for the level of filth this place has. A smell of pets in a vets office is typical but the amount of pure grime on every surface was repulsive. I'm was so thankful I had canceled his teeth cleaning because I would not have felt comfortable letting them use tools on my dog. The tech used a disgusting thermometer that was laying in a drawer full of hair and dust. The exam room had blood & dirt on the walls and floor. I didn't even want to set him on the table. I left has soon as we got his heart worm medicine. I have taken pets to veterinary clinics my whole life and this was the most unsanitary one I have ever seen. I understand you may be looking for a good deal but do not sacrifice your dogs health for a cheap visit to this place. Read Less

If you have pups and have not friended yelper Tara M. yet, you should.  She is a bundle of energy completely devoted to our four legged friends and is a leader on what to do and where to go with fur babies.  For a while, I noticed she would walk Boxers at South Congress Vet Clinic and always seemed to enjoy herself. I wanted some of what she was getting from these sweet pup babies. So I joined her. The dogs are amazing and no matter what they have endured, how they look or their age, I always love them.  Some may have sores, or cut up ears, or their ribs show because they are malnourished, but each one is happy, loveable and just wants a bit of human kindness.  I will never forget my first dog walking experience. "Lois Lane" was found in a dumpster with her little puppies, all of them dead.  Yet after our walk when I knelt down to hug her, this sweet girl had enough spirit to lick my face.  Another amazing part of my adventure with South Congress Vet Clinic, is knowing that the rescue dogs are housed here through donations, Austin Boxer Rescue and the tremendous kindess of the clinic.  Which brings me to Betsy, "vet tech animal lover keeper of the flame sweetheart".  She gets to know each pup when it arrives and can report to the walkers their dispositions, health and other special needs. (If Yelp allowed the "heart" symbol, it would go right here.) Read Less

Hi , this is for the person who said her dog almost died waiting to get meds refilled. First of all, with a animal that is epileptic, you DO NOT wait until you only have one pill left to call the vet, this is the owners fault NOT THE VET. Secondly, you should have you pets meds at Walgreens or local pharmacy, they will give you emergency pills until you can get ahold of the vet. I cannot believe how you blame the vet for your irresponsibility of a pet owner to keep the prescription current and enough to keep your dog free of seizures. Shame on you for being demanding and irresponsible. I would never do this to my animals. Read Less

Ugh, I never thought I'd have to defend my vet. I would never take my pets any place but the best because I love them. I've been going to SoCo for 2 years now! 1. There's a reason they don't have high turnover, in fact one of the receptionists continues to work Saturdays because she ""loves it"" even though she got a new job somewhere else. Yes, visually it may not the most pretty place, but express you concerns and they will tell you the truth - they do not own the building, it was built by a man in the 1930's and therefore can only keep it clean and functional; they cannot replace anything other than their own equipment. Besides, clothes can come out of a wash stained, but still clean! Stains don't mean unsanitary AND they really care for animals! They have a lot of new equipment from the last 6 months. The smell: IT'S AN OLD VET CLINIC and they work with numerous certified animal rescues, there's a lot of animals coming and going that they care for. In fact I only got involved with Austin Boxer Rescue because of SoCo vet and rescue groups are about as picky as you can get for animal care. As far as not taking walk ins - that's cause they're busy. I've been in on Saturdays and watched them take in emergencies and I only go 4 or 5 times a year, so I know that they are not heartless. Besides, do you go to your doctor's office and expect them to take walkins? No, if it's an emergency you go to an ER! Mosquitoseatu - the dog with the elbow cyst that ""almost died"" - you wrote that the ""doctor's are misleading"" and about a ""new patient fee"". First off, they have ONE doctor. Second SoCo has NEVER charged a new patient fee (Capital Vet on S. Congress DOES)! I would have never gone to a place that charges that kind of fee nor would I recommend them. I like SoCo, they have the best care where it counts, I have faith in their staff, and if you have concerns about anything ask them! Read Less

Brought my dog in the first time for a dental and vaccinations. The staff was very caring and sweet to my dog. I was expecting the dental to be very expensive since another vet clinic estimated it in the $400 range. I got a dental for a dachshund and vaccines for only $117 and they gave the pre-op blood work and nail trim for FREE. These people aren't trying to make a buck; they actually care about animals and make it easier for there owners to care for them. Read Less

I called the morning of my dog needing his refill for his epilepsy medication. It is the same day every month he gets his refill. I kept getting an answering machine. I left several messages as my dog had been having Grand Mals all night and morning. I finally got through and explained to the receptionist that my dog needed his refill ASAP. This was at 11:50 am. She puts me on hold for almost 15 min. I hung up and tried to call back, only to get the message that they GO TO LUNCH FROM 12 TO 2PM!!!!!! SO SHE HUNG UP ON ME SO SHE COULD GO TO LUNCH!!!! I tried calling back after 2pm until the evening. By now My dog has had a dozen Grand Mals or more. I try to call back the next morning at 8am and get the message ""we will be colsed until next wednesday."" WTF?!! EXCUSE ME? They leave a emergency vet number, its AM/PM veterinary clinic. I call them and they tell me I have to bring him in for an evaluation, they wont refill his meds over the phone. So, why was this the emergency # for my vet if I have to pay hundreds of dollars to get my dog his pills? South Congress should have informed me, and everyone else whos dogs are on meds that they were planning to be negligent. My dog almost died because of them. I got him to AM/PM as he was dying. He is still sick, hospitalized and may not make it thanks to the B*tch who wanted to take lunch early. A huge thank you to AMPM vet for taking care of him though! Read Less

I have been going to SoCo ever since adopting our 2nd dog through Austin Boxer Rescue. We went there on there recommendation since SoCo is a sponsor for many rescue groups in town. Dr. Hardesty and Betsy are both professional and easy to work with and they have helped me with everything from puppy shots to having to let my dog go when it was time. What makes a Vet clinic isn't a fancy sign or a plasma TV and IKEA lounge in the waiting area, its the people. That's where SoCo excels. Read Less

I had to have my beloved cat of 14 years euthanized yesterday. From the initial phone call to ask for fees to the actualy procedure could not have gone better. I had called another South Austin Vet and they wanted $40 for an exam and $40 for the procedure. I knew my cat was dying. I didn't need him to suffer more with an exam and I certainly felt the fee was too high. The South Congress Vet staff only charged for the euthanizing. They were understanding and kind. From now on, they will be my Vet Clinic. Read Less

I love my dogs. I want nothing but the best for them, but I don't equate paying the most money with getting the best care or experience. The first time I took my dog to South Congress Veterinary I was distraught and at my wits end. She was young and had her first parvo shot, but before her next round of shots she had contracted parvo. She was taken to a ""highly recommended"" vet just off of Lamar around Enfeild. The vet at the clinic ""seemed"" nice enough, but the charges were so damn high. I thought that for the required treatment, I really had no choice. I should have known better than to leave her there. The vet turned out to be unsympathetic and cold hearted and before my dog was well, she had to be moved. After a terrible experience and being told that I my dog was ""obviously not really a priority of mine"" I was blessed to find SCV. From the minute I walked into the door, Betsy treated my baby like her own. After I brought the info from the vet I had just left Betsy looked at the invoice and treatment information and scoffed at the price and unnecessary charges and add ons. She didn't make me put money up front to treat my very ill pet, in fact she didn't even want to discuss money right then. Money took a backseat at that moment to the health and care of my puppy. My dog made a full recovery and I couldn't have had a better experience. The charges were more than reasonable (practically half of what I already had to pay at the other vet with twice as much care and treatment) and I was able to make payments. I have loved them every since and always tell everyone I know to take their pets there. It may not smell the best, it may not look the best, but it is a diamond in the rough. It is a relief to find people that treat you and your pet with respect and compassion, and don't make you feel guilty that you cannot afford to spend thousands of dollars on your pet's health. Read Less

The vet technicians and Dr Hardesty are really caring people-- they are definitely interested in the well being of animals and not interested in making a profit. (There isn't a sales rep trying to force special organic dog shampoo on you at the front desk.) They are genuinely interested in your pet's health. I've been to several vet clinics in the area and can say interacting with the vet techs and veterinarian can be difficult-- some of the ones I've encountered can be really cold and uninterested in what the owners want to know. The price is well below average here, but the service is wonderful. The only downside would have to be the cleanliness of the clinic. They would do very well to invest in a swifer or a broom and a deodorizer, but the enthusiasm and attention your pet receives is well worth putting up with hair on the floor. Read Less

I have used South Congress Vet Clinic twice now - both times for dental care for my dog. I will continue to use SCVC because of their low cost dental care - but will take my animals to another Vet for other routine care. The reason....the place stinks to high heaven....seriously people - can you afford a mop and some soapy water? The idea of having to wait for any period of time in the waiting room is enough to make me pay twice as much at another clinic for the same service. And I would never consider leaving my dog there overnight - if the waiting room smells this bad - I can't imagine what the kennels must smell like. Read Less

I brought my dog into South Congress Vet to get a large cyst on his elbow drained. I called and made the appointment the day before I told them I would need the cyst drained and wanted to see about getting it surgically removed. When I got there the people at the front counter were very friendly. I went into the doctors room where they were going to treat my dog. The doctor repeatedly told me that he could not perform the surgery to get the cyst removed because he just really did not want to. He also kept hinting to me that he did not drain cycts that often and really did not want to do it again. They also charged me about 20.00 more than the other vets I talked to to get the cyst drained. I will not go back to this vet. I feel misled. The main reason I went to the vet in the first place was to get established get the cyst drained then save up to get the surgery. Now I will have to pay a new patient fee somewhere else. Read Less

I've been a customer for about 3 years now and can't say enough good things about this place!!! My dogs are no longer scared of going to the vet. They seem to look forward to it! They love Betsy who always greets them with kisses. You can tell that the staff really loves animals. They are all so friendly and genuine. And their prices are the best in town! They aren't your normal vet that tries to upsell you unnecessary services or products. They just want all of the animals in their care to be happy and healthy. Other vets can seem cold, rushed, and uncaring. I always leave South Congress Vet Clinic with healthy dogs and all of my questions answered. Read Less

After taking my dog to get a dental check up from this establishment, I brought my dog home to find that he had developed new symptoms such as indigestion, loss of appetite, and bleeding lips. I'm not a veterinarian, but I do know this is not natural and did not just come about by coincidence. I took my dog to another vet and found out that my poor dog was given a strong acid during his teeth cleaning that it ended up hurting his lips so badly he couldn't eat. Not only that, the vet prescribed him antibiotics for these new symptoms, which resulted in severe indigestion. I was not very happy with the service and tried calling the vet, but no one returned my messages or phone calls. I will definitely not be visiting this establishment again. Read Less

I've been using SoCo Vet clinic for almost 4 years now. I've tried a few other vets but I always come back to SoCo. Everyone on staff is really nice and obviously loves animals! Dr. Hardesty seems very passionate about his job, he cares more about helping animals than making big bucks! He takes time to answer any questions you have and he tries to explain everything in terms you'll actually understand!! I have a Boston Terrier [known for their snorting] that absolutely adores Betsy (because Betsy loves to snort at her!) They are so funny, snorting at each other, then my BT starts licking all over her face :] The office is small, no frills, but it's clean and welcoming. The prices are very reasonable, no hidden fees. If you have an appointment, the lobby wait is never more than 5 mins. The hours are kinda odd - closed on Wed & Sunday && a break for lunch each day from 12-2. I just moved to North Austin, but I don't mind the 45 min drive across town, && I won't go anywhere else! Read Less

I paid only $68 for my dog's teeth cleaning with no extra fees for extractions, gas, etc. AND, they clipped his nails as a nice surprise and didn't charge me of course. My former vet was going to charge me $250! All of the staff genuinely love their jobs and the animals they work with. Wonderful customer service. They also house several (8 at the moment) Katrina pets and abandoned Austin pets. These animals are available for adoption. Read Less

This is the best veterinarian in the history of veterinarians. He takes tons of time to explain everything to you, never prescribes a medicine or procedure that he deems unnecessary, and always cares for and treats your pet with the utmost respect and care. He's not in this for any other reason than the love of the animal, which is evident the moment you walk in the door. His staff is incredible, especially Betsy. He doesn't charge astronomical fees either. He'd rather you bring your animal in to be treated and have done what needs to be done than pad his pockets. The same procedure performed at another vet (when Dr. Hardesty was closed and it was fairly urgent) cost me more than double what he charged for the exact same thing when it had to be repeated later. In a word, excellent!!! Read Less

Bruce and his staff are the best, I have several animals and they are always helping me to find ways to cut cost when I treat them, without cutting quality! Their prices are very reasonable and the care my dogs and cat receive when I take them in is absolutely wonderful. My dogs remember the staff and are excited to see them every time we have to visit. I highly recommend this vet clinic to everyone I know. Read Less

Bruce is not only a kind, empathic professional, he is the best value I've ever encountered in pet care. I canot recommend him highly enough. The office is kind of funky and parking is awkward. And they have so many Katrina pet refugees the place is a bit smelly at time, but the guy is a great vet and he is VERY affordable. Read Less

Too many times a teeth cleaning for my dog was estimated to cost between $290 and $350 plus an extra $10 per tooth pulled. I have a tiny toy dog who's breed is notorious for having dental problems as they age. My dog was a gift and had I known his dental expenses would wipe out my mortgage payment every 6 months, I think I would have been forced to give him back. But then I found Dr. Hardesty! This man is AMAZING! I'd recommend that everyone take their animals to him. He's been known to get on the phone and talk to me if I have a question. He's easy to get into-- no week long wait for an appointment. His staff is terrific! He is great with my little dog who just seems so happy to see Dr. Hardesty every 6 months. And did I mention that he allows me not to make a new home out of a cardboard box? I get to keep my limbs, too, and still buy groceries. He's done the same job for me for MUCH much less money! And the man is nice! I can't imagine ever wanting to go to someone else now that I've found him! Read Less