Austin Avenue Animal Hospital

Dr. John Tarleton's veterinary medicine practice in Georgetown, Texas has been our choice for more than 20 years. Why? He is honest. He has an encyclopedic experience base. He is ALWAYS tuned in to your family's feelings and the welfare of your animal. His is a family-owned and operated business. He conducts pet "shot clinics" as fund raising events for community churches, schools, scout troops etc. What else would you want? Read Less

Just took our dogs to a low cost clinic that Dr. Tarleton was at and the staff was all so friendly and sweet with our dogs. Definitely think it will be worth the drive to have him as our dogs vet since we just moved to this area. Read Less

I cannot say enough good things. The only bad thing I can say is that too many people know about it and it makes getting an appointment difficult. Dr. Tarleton loves what he does and not the money. I feel he doesn't charge enough for the great care he provides. I can't say that about many businesses and it is a clear sign that you are working with someone in it for the work and not the dollar. With that in mind, expect to wait, expect reduced office times and get great service and absolute honesty. Read Less

We take our two Catahoula's to Dr. Tarleton. He is an old school Vet who know how to care of animals. We had an emergency this morning with one of them today. I took her to Dr. Tarleton and even with a fully booked schedule, we got immediate care. The cost is also incredibly low! This is a great place and we are very happy with the care our dogs get! Read Less

I love Dr Tarleton! I have taken both of my dogs to him for various reasons and every time the charges are very reasonable. He is caring but no nonsense and straight to the point. My only complaint would be that I can't ever get anyone on the phone; it's always busy. I'm sure it's because the clinic is always busy. :) I absolutely recommend this clinic to anyone looking for care for their pets! Read Less

I've tried calling this place over the last few weeks. After about 2 dozen or so attempts, I have been able to actually get through once! The rest of the times the line is busy. It doesn't matter what time I've tried to call this place, it is always busy signal! Do they only have 1 single line or  do they leave the phone off the hook during their normal business hours? I also called at 2:55 pm, and whatdya know, it starts ringing but, of-course, nobody answers because closing time is at 3pm...oh well, I will have to move on to another Vet. Read Less

LOVE this guy and their staff! Dr Tarleton and very considerate and helpful. I've been other places in Georgetown and you pay out the ear for everything on top of a charge just to be in the office! Tarleton always charges us for what we need and rarely, if ever receive a charge for the visit itself. This guy loves what he does and he shows it! Read Less

Dr. Tarelton is an amazing vet. I rue the day that he retires. I took Samson to Petco for a general check up and to ask about the red flaky skin that was happening all over his body and the fowl odor in his ears. They sold me 2 medications for his ears and told me I needed to use medicated dog shampoo for his skin it ended up costing me over $300. Then a friend recommended Dr. Tarelton. He immediately recognized that my pups had allergies and gave him a shot and put a little cream in his hears. Within a few hours he had stopped scratching and within 2 days his skin was all cleared up and his ears cleared up just as quick. Dr. Tarelton even went so far as to recommend an at home method for keeping Sam from getting stinky ear no medication necessary. This saved us so much money I cant even explain it. My pups couldn't even ask for a better vet. Thank you Dr. Tarelton for your care and commitment. Read Less

This animal hospital offered a low cost vaccination clinic in Kyle in which I took my mothers cat to get vaccinated. They put on a great event! They offered additional amenities that were very well appreciated such as ice cold water & treats for pets && their humans! They were time efficient and very friendly! I would recommend this facility to anyone! Such a great opportunity & I'm glad I stopped by! Thanks to all the staff and sponsors/supporters of the event!!! You ALL did such a wonderful job! Read Less

Dr. Tarlton is hands-down the best veterinarian I've ever dealt with in my entire life. I would never take my pet anywhere else. As a matter of fact even if I move out of state I would fly back to see him for something serious. They honestly understand my dog is like my child and they treat us that way. Read Less

My dog had an ear hematoma.  Another vet wanted to charge a whole paycheck to fix it and put him through a lot of unnecessary procedures.  Dr Tarlton not only fix him for a GREAT price but his follow up was free.  I think Dr Tarlton is a great vet and really knows his stuff.  I'm never going anywhere else. Read Less

There is no better Veterinarian in Texas than Dr Tarleton. I've been taking my pets to him for decades. The couple of times that I tried using a veterinarian who was closer to me I only regretted it horribly. Dr Tarleton genuinely loves and cares about all animals, and he treats both animals and humans with respect and kindness, and empathy. Aside from that, after he puts in a full day at his own clinic, he does shot clinics all over Central Texas every single day...and he is always happy and smiling. You can't help but love him. Read Less

ABSOLUTELY. BY FAR THE BEST VETERINARIAN in the Country. Dr. Tarleton goes above and beyond any I've ever known. He's treated all my pets and my rescues,when I rescued, for decades. There is NO OTHER VET I TRUST LIKE I TRUST HIM. It is so obvious that he does what he does from the heart and love for animals. He doesn't try to scam you out of money for unnecessary treatment or products. In fact, he goes out if his way to cut your cost, while giving the utmost best for your pet. He's just SIMPLY AWESOME! God Bless Him! There is a special place in heaven for people like him. Read Less

I can't say enough great things about Dr. Tarlton and his team.  Every once in a while you come across a man that truly loves what he does.  It's reflective in how he runs his business and how he treats his customers.  My dog FiFi was in dire pain.  Another Vet wanted me to take her into emergency surgery costing thousands.  I was blown away and thought this could be the end.  A good friend of mine who knew Dr. Tarlton & his wife Lana suggested I give them a call.  They called me back and we discussed the recommendation from the other Vet.  Long story short not only did Dr. Tarlton figure it out over the phone but he took FiFi in and fixed the issue the very next morning.  I had to travel out of town for business that day and called Dr. Tarlton from a parking lot outside of a client's office.  I was overjoyed with the news and feedback on the operation.Reading through some of the other posts online only proves what I've already known about this great man.  Its so refreshing to know that no matter what your pet needs are that this team will give you the straight honest scoop.  Honest, affordable and unbelievably gifted.  I know FiFi is very grateful as well.  Thank You, Thank You, Thank You!!! Read Less

Just to let anyone know. If you have a pet or farm animal you should go to this Vet. He is the kindest, smartest, most knowledgeable, vet I've come across. They are great Christian people who are more interested in helping others than racking up your vet bills. I went through 16 different vets in Brownwood and here in the Austin area. And this vet is the best and most affordable vet there is. Half the cost and twice the care. . Read Less

I've taken my dog and cat to this vet for a few years and I couldn't be happier! Dr. Tarlton is amazing and you can tell he is in the business because he loves animals and not to make money. My cat that is afraid of everything loves to go there and purrs every time he has his hands on her. He is truly magical. I'm so very thankful for his work and hope he stays open for many years to come... Read Less

Dr. Tarlton cares about what he does.  His prices reflect a caring doctor that wants the best for his furry friends.  We have been using him for dental cleaning, neutering and shots for the last 8 years and could not be happier.  Would recommend him to anyone. Read Less

We have been bringing our animals to Dr. Tarlton for several years now. I appreciate so many things about him and his team! 1. His first priority is the animals. Not decor for the office, not making a buck, etc.2. Up front and honest. Our older boxer had two surgeries for large forming lumps. After the second, he nicely told me she couldn't handle another surgery, wouldn't be fair at her age (14). I asked him what should I do if she gets another. His answer, love her. Simple but helpful to prepare ourselves.3. Love they help the schools, communities, and animals with mobile vaccinations. I just call and ask when is the next time they will be in my area. Never fails it's within the next few weeks! Read Less

Amazing! To Doctor was so friendly and helpful! He's not my normal vet but I needed my Mastiff fixed asap! He got us in and for a reasonable price!  And gave me the run down on how to make sure we get the best results!!! I will definitely come back if my vet isn't handy! He's obviously very loved by his patients! !! Read Less

It's my experience there are animal people and people people... rarely one is the other. Dr. Tarlton is no exception. Who cares. I want him to take excellent care of my dog and cat, not me... reasonable prices and excellent care. That's what you'll get. The rest (modern, clean office, organized, chipper phone skills) are not really important to me when it comes to vets. If it's important to you, this isn't for you. Dr. Tarlton is a wizard with animals. Both my skittish fur babies love him! Thank you for staying in business all these years and loving our animals, Dr. Tarlton! The day you retire will be a very sad day for us.*Expect to be very persistent trying to reach them. It is what it is. Read Less

Went on a rec and absolutely happy I took my pup here. Vet was very nice and my doggy wasn't afraid of him. Appt was fast and he answered all my questions. I will say it took me 3 days to get someone on the phone and schedule an appt but it was worth it. Apparently they use the same phone line for cc transactions. Read Less

I just moved to Austin, Texas and most vet clinics seem to charge an arm and a leg, well at least in my opinion. The clinic I took my dog to in Wisconsin was always fair and reasonable on price as well as the service and I was afraid of not finding the same type of care here. I was talking to someone about where they take their pet to and they told me about Austin Avenue Animal Hospital. I called on a Friday when they were closed as I didn't know the hours and they immediately called me Monday morning for a same day appointment. I am more than pleased with the quality of service. I would recommend anyone to come here that is looking for a decent and fair priced pet clinic. Read Less

Aw, don't dis the guy because he doesn't like phones or fax machines! Haha I agree, I called his office once and whoever I talked to didn't seem to like talking on the phone but that doesn't say diddly about what kind of vet the man is.I found him years ago when I was broke and needed shots for my dog. I used him every year after that and told everyone I knew. If you've ever been to his vet clinic right after work you may just find yourself in line for awhile. That's how popular it is. We have two dogs and a cat now and it's $60 total for all three. They sell heartworm meds at the clinics and I have yet to have it shoved down my throat. If I can't afford it that day I try to politely decline but I went to another clinic (Wells Branch) one year because they offered a free exam and comparable vaccination prices and I'll be danged if the vet wasn't all up in my stuff about heartworm meds. She kinda had an attitude with me like I was an irresponsible pet owner. No, I'm not irresponsible, which is why I was there getting my dog's shots. I just couldn't afford extra stuff until the next payday but I was too embarrassed to say that. They sent me a postcard the next year, I didn't go back. One year one of the women working with Dr Tarlton asked me if I wanted heartworm meds and when I said no (I already had some) she started to push the issue but I'll be danged if Dr Tarlton didn't tell her it was ok and to not push it before I even had the chance to say I had some already. And honestly, the way he handles our pets, he has obviously been doing it for a long time and truly loves it. Our cat won't let anyone get near her but she always lets him give her her shots. He doesn't even do anything special. I guess it's his vibe ;)  He's the only one we can have do it. She's too skittish for anyone else. Read Less

My first encounter with Dr. Tarlton was at a Lake Travis High School FFA shot clinic. He has a great bedside manor with pets and owners alike, and our entire community fell in love with him. When the time came for my dogs to get their teeth cleaned, I called my local vet and several in Dripping Springs and Marble Falls.  I was quoted $300 per dog, plus any additional things that may come up. Really?  That is expensive!  So, I called Austin Avenue Animal hospital and was told that the cost would be $75 per dog.  One of them also had a fatty tumor under one of her legs that I wanted removed, and they took care of it at the same time. Total bill:$200. Awesome! Here is another really cool part.  I drove an hour to the hospital, and I had the flu.  They initially asked me if I could pick my dogs up in 5-6 hours. I asked them if they could just call me as soon as I could pick them up so I could get home since I was sick and had to drive an hour.   They asked me if I could come back in an hour- everything would be done, and the dogs would still be pretty knocked out, but I could do that if I wanted to.  It was a life saver!I will continue to drive the hour it takes to get to Austin Ave Animal Hospital. They are so worth it! Read Less

This man is a true saint when it comes to human compassion for your pet. I would recommend this veterinarian to anyone who takes care of their pet. I lost my little dog today, and I know he was a God send. God bless this man. Read Less

Anyone in the Georgetown or surrounding  area that is looking for a vet, I have one!!!!!  Today is not my first visit by far to see Dr Tarlton but I finally decided I needed to give a recommendation for him.  First time we went to see him Gunner had busted through a large glass window and had severed his leg almost off, seriously.  Emergency vet gave us an estimate of $2800....We asked them to clean up the wound real good, bandage it up and send us home with pain meds along with pain injection that knocked him out so he was not in pain and the bleeding was stopped.  Went to see Dr Tarlton as soon as he opened (2 hrs later) and he did the surgery along with antibiotics and pain meds for SUBSTANTIALLY less and it included weekly bandage changes and check up. Today, I took Gunner because of his right eye.....I know his office visit is ONLY $30 so I expected to walk out with meds and eye stain for atleast $50-$60.....nope.....it was less than expected!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  That included office visit, medicine and eye stain (corneal bruise due to new Grand-puppy in family) and 2 new syringes for their monthly Ivermectin doses, I could no longer read the old one.  I love the care he gives....He never makes me feel rushed even when we have been in for other things such as shots.  If you are looking for a fancy  clinic, this is not for you but if you are looking for someone that cares and is willing to give you old time remedies and tell you how to use the stuff you already have in your pantry or medicine cabinet instead of loading you up on alot of prescriptions and charge  a VERY reasonable price, this is it. I also asked about gunner's stinky breath, he checked his teeth, we had already had blood work on him recently there and he asked what we were feeding....he told me he just has stinky breath....I know some others would have immediately told us to have a dental done (we already did that a couple of  years ago somewhere else and did NO good) He does large animal and small.  Yes the office is an old farm vet office,  yes, it is just him, his wife and one older gentleman as their vet tech but....I have never received but the best of care for our dogs.  He also does shot clinics around the Austin area for local fundraising for schools, boy scouts etc.As far as others giving a bad review due to the older gentleman that is a vet tech....I have not had any dealings with him so I can not say. Read Less

Growing up in this town, I did at one point take my pup to this vet... because I didn't know any better. I found the visit to be very short for an annual and the doctor didn't ask any questions. I didn't think much of it and I found another vet (a little more south on the same road).Having now worked in the animal care field for 8 years(vet offices, kennels, day care facilities, etc.) I now see that this vet had a less than desirable manner of care and his customer service was nonexistent. I now work at a doggy day care and have had to attempt to get records from this vet a number of times. The whole reason we had to call them this time was because the vet had charged the owners for a vaccination, but did not put on the record that it was done. After trying to contact them a number of times for a particular kiddos records, they sent a very rude email to the pup's parents. This really rubbed me the wrong way because I do care about making sure our clients are well taken care of! When I finally was able to get through to the vet, he passed me over to a receptionist who told me that it was against the law for them to release any vaccination history to anyone other then the parent or another vet.... I call 10-15 vets a day asking for vaccine updates on kiddos so their parents don't have to worry about it, so I know that this was not the case. I even called another vet to check this information. By the end of the call, they still gave me a verbal confirmation that the pup was up to date (did not give me the date of vaccination) therefore breaking the law by giving me information that they claimed I could not have earlier in the conversation.So.... They lied to not just me, but their own client! This did nothing but give me the impression that they were unorganized and lazy. I'm sure the doctor is amazing to some clients out there, but good luck getting them to come through on records after you've left their stone age office. Read Less

I don't know where the jerks below who wrote negative reviews come from. They must work for other vets. We took our dog to another vet and left with a bill of over $250.00 and medicine to give for a month. They did all kinds of blood work and said it was erlicia, a tick disease. After a month no improvement. I took her to Dr. Tarlton and without a moments hesitation he recognized her problem as a sprained back and gave her a shot to reduce the inflametion. The charge $30.00 This doctor who has practiced for years has forgot more than those other vets know. Read Less

I wish I could give negative stars. My dog has been vaccinated through him but I didn't have my paperwork. I did have the tag and so when I went to my local Petsmart in Houston to have him groomed we needed to call and verify and get his rabies vac expiration date. He hung up on me twice, told me I didn't need the expiration date, demanded I apologize to him for delaying his business with his customers in the waiting room and refused to give me the expiration date until I apologized. He repeatedly insulted me and told me I would feel stupid when he gave me the date as if I cared. Good vets keep good records and like repeat customers. I will not be one of those. Don't go to this jerk who looks for opportunities to insult regular clients. Read Less

We have a dog who became ill due to having a stone in her bladder. The other vets wanted to charge so much we were talking about putting her down. John Tarlton did the surgery at a price we could manage. We have brought our animals to him before and have no complaints. His office is not up to date modern type. You have no frills you will not be offered a cup of coffee while you wait. You will have an animal that is treated for what is wrong. I have and will continue to recommend him. Thank you for saving my dogs life! Read Less

save your pets from this guy took my dog to the school that he was at to get shots and he hates pit bulls so he stuck my dog in the neck and didnt inject the Vaccination pulled then needle out and said thats it even my kids said hey you didnt inject her its still in the syringe he put the two syringes in the box with the other new needles all pit bulls are not bad my dog was very good she even sat down on her own so he could give her the shot i went to the school and told them what he did they reviewed the tape and sure enough he stuck the dog that came in after us with the same needle guest he want my dog to get sick and die sad when people in the medical field let there prejudice affect there decisions in life !!!!!!! Read Less

We first saw Dr. Tarleton when I took all my pets to a shot clinic that the Scouts were having. Dr. Tarlton was extremely nice, especially after spending all morning out in the hot sun. I started taking pets to his office for treatment, as needed, after that first Shot Clinic, because I love how Dr. Tarlton has a natural love for animals. He doesn't just try to make money off his patients with unnecessary tests or procedures, and he has always been very sympathetic to their needs. I have known him to be anything but kind and have a wonderful tableside manner. He genuinely loves animals. I have never had any trouble getting any records of any kind from his office. Read Less

Went here to get shots for Dog because its cheap and I was out of work. Doc was rough with Dogs, kind of a grump. a Year later I need to board the dog while I go out of town on business. The Kennel needs a copy of their paper work (The doc never gave me any) I tell them the Docs number, they call me back, he wont give out that info. Okay, they arent asking for my SS number or my address just to confirm shots. SO I CALL and he gives me a run around about not being able to give me that info, BS. Its MY DOG, you cant give me my own INFO? I drove up there and demanded my info, so he takes forever digging through his files and comes back 20 minutes later with it. Thats why he wont look it up he doesnt want to look for it the lazy bugger. DONT COME HERE, there are better vets who service you better Read Less

I was so impressed with this vet. He came highly recommended by a friend, and we were thrilled with the affordability of the services. Other offices were charging up to five times more than this office. He won't do all the frills unless you think he should. If you have doubts or concerns, you have to communicate your wishes for more tests or whatever the case may be. I respect this approach because so many times tests that do nothing to help the situation are done, and the customer pays high prices for services that were not necessary. The office is not impressive at all, but you have to realize that this is how he can afford to charge so little for services. The more frills, the higher the cost is going to be, so while it may be a con for the asthetics lover, it is a pro for people who care more for cost effectiveness and service. I disagree with the negative reviews. If you think the doctor is wrong, it's your job to get a second opinion or ask the doctor to look more closely and ask about other tests that might be performed. I haven't had any problems with this doctor's practice. People I know who take their dog to this doctor are very happy, and I've been very pleased with his service and prices. Read Less

This is a country-style doctor that is to the point, quick, yet still cares about the animals. I completely disagree with the other negative reviews. Their staff is to the point and while may not be chatty, who really cares? I've never found them to be rude. The office hasn't been changed in decades, and there is no fluff involved in this practice. But, again, I don't care about that. Their prices are great, especially compared to others around town. They are fast and courteous and I wouldn't ever take my animals anywhere else. Read Less

A year ago my dog had an infected cyst on her head but not knowing what it was I asked the vet to diagnose her. He rubbed his thumb on the top of it and said it was ""just a little bit of gristle, it'll be fine."" Gristle? On my dogs head? Ok then why does it keep getting bigger and ooze puss when pressure is applied? When I asked this, I got the same answer and was told to not worry about it. So, I brought my dog to another vet who properly diagnosed it as an infected cyst and gave her antibiotics. The cyst went down and there have been no problems since that time. Read Less

I called from another veterinarian to get vaccine information transfered. (Just dates) and the man on the phone answered saying ""animal hospital"" and when I asked for the information he said we dont give out the info. I explained that I needed it for medical reasons and he responded very very rudely, almost yelling ""I TOLD YOU LADY, WE DONT GIVE THAT INFORMATION OUT EXCEPT TO ANIMAL CONTROL"" THey are rude and incompitent! DO NOT GO THERE. if their doctors are anything like their staff, I worry for your animals well being. Read Less