I have been using this place for years, and always wondered why people posted so many negative reviews, now I understand why. I called on Tuesday for a an appointment today, and made a note of the date and time on my calendar. I was early like I normally am, but they "had no record of his appointment. They are literally treating him like a walk-in patient (I literally just overheard one of the staff say that) and we have now been here over an hour and a half. I am very close to just walking out the fucking door and finding a new vet. This is RIDICULOUS!!! Read Less

Dr. Gonzalez and Bryan are nothing but incredible at what they do. As a pet parent to two guinea pigs, it's extremely important to me that a vet knows little pets like mine as well as bigger pets like cats and dogs. Affordable and experienced exotic vets are difficult to find, but Bryan and Dr. Gonzalez are wonderful at what they do. My piggie Nora ended up needing surgery, but Bryan helped keep me calm and informed throughout the process. I'm forever grateful for their help and loving care, it means more than they know. Thanks, Lakeside! Read Less

I too am confused at how many bad reviews there are for this vet. I took my dog here last week for a checkup and for vaccinations. The staff was open and friendly with me and my kids. They weren't pushy and I never once felt judged or looked down on for not wanting any extra services they offered like I have at other places in the past. Dr. Gonzales was very friendly and knowledgeable and took the time to go over my dogs health with me as well as wether services would actually benefit my dog or just be unnecessary. I received a text message and an email from the vet with his test results the next day. Read Less

Dr. Gonzalez is an extremely kind, thoughtful, competent, and thorough veterinarian. I will not see any other very as long as I'm loving on Richmond. Her compassion for animals and dedication to helping families keep their animals healthy and happy is apparent! A+! Read Less

Dr G and her entire staff was amazing and saved my dog’s life. My dog, Alice, is a rare Hamiltonstovare and a top wining show dog and they treated her like family. I know that Alice can be a diva but they embraced all of her quirks with a giggle. The entire staff was amazing when it came to off the wall testing requests that came in last minute. They were all amazing when it came to explaining everything that was going on and respecting my knowledge in that I’m not an average dog owner, as I’ve been showing dogs for 20 years now. Every person involved in dog sports should come to this practice as they embrace our needs without question. Dr G’s experience set me at ease when it came to the level of care that Alice would receive. Alice is now home and enjoying life. Read Less

I've been bringing my pets to Lakeside Animal Hospital for over ten years - and for good reason. Dr. Gonzalez, and more recently, Dr. M., as well as all the veterinary assistants and staff, have always cared about my animals as much as I do. In addition to excellent medical treatment, they go out of their way to give the animals love and reassurance. From cats to lizards and snakes, if my kids need care, I take them to Lakeside. Read Less

Drs Gonzales and McKercher recently treated my dog with concern and great care and compassion. I have been going to Lakeside forever - many generations of pets - and they have always been thorough, providing accurate diagnoses and treatment. Dr. Gonzales has been wonderful throughout the years and I am happy to have such a good trusted vet. Read Less

Brought our new addition, 'Chuckles', (handsome little guinea pig), for a check-up. Staff & both veterinarians were so nice & helpful explaining things that were of concern to us regarding Mr. Wewewewewe. Don't know if that translates well, but it's his "I want more MINT leaves"!!! noise. Definitely recommend Lakeside Veterinary for 'exotic' pets as well as domestic. Read Less

Had a great experience at Lakeside! Everyone was friendly and the vet and vet assistant were very knowledgeable. Dr. Gonzales took her time talking to me, assessing my cats and answered all my questions. The clinic was also very clean and looked new and inviting. Read Less

My English Bull Terrier was rehomed to me after she had been attacked and became highly fear aggressive. The staff at Lakeside Animal Hospital were so very patient and reassuring to her! At first she needed sedation for her vaccinations but now she wags her tail at everyone and settles down for pedicures and her shots with no problems at all. I cannot praise Dr. Marissa Gonzales enough! Not only is she kind and patient, she is an excellent diagnostician! She picks up on even the slightest changes and is always spot on in treatment or recommendations. I could not be more pleased!! Read Less

I am so discombobulated with Doctor Gonzalez you did that surgery and you knew that the dog had cancer if that was the extra! When I took my doggy to the er she was gasping for air because she was bleeding internally and severely anemic! She passed away in my arms; it hurts so bad it’s like a piece of my life is gone and still out if 3,000. I would have never thought this would bappen; I trusted you; I recommended everyone to you but it seems like you were just about 💰: I promise you won’t have good luck with it! Besides the way you treat your staff is ridiculous you addressed Amanda in front of people about her work ethics and that was so unprofessional! I am so hurt i just don’t want to do anything because my pet is gone! Thank you for nothing!!! Read Less

Muffin is always pleased to go see Dr. Gonzalez at Lakeside. She passed her glucose curve with flying colors this month! She also had a very nice grooming from Heather on Friday. She wants to tell all of her friends what a good experience she always has when she visits there. Read Less

I don't quite understand why there are so many bad reviews here for this practice. Living in Richmond, it's hard to find a vet that will see rabbits. My rabbit got very sick last week, wasn't pooping, eating or drinking. I took him to see Dr. Gonzalez because she is one of the few vets that will actually see rabbits and are open until 7pm. The office was timely and so was Dr. Gonzalez and her assistant Natalie. Everyone was very kind towards me and my rabbit. My rabbit ended up being admitted as a critical care patient. He was kept overnight and was given the appropriate treatment. I went to check on my rabbit after I got off work the next day because they have visiting hours! :) I was able to interact with him where he was kept. His resting area was spacious. My rabbit ended up feeling better that same evening. He was given fluids to help his GI tract. They kept him for one more night to ensure he was at optimal heath before he was discharged. The staff was very patient with me when I would call to check on my bunny. He's currently on antibiotics and I was able to call the vet's office and speak promptly with Dr. Gonzalez's assistant on whether or not to continue the course of therapy as I was running out of abx. This is the place I plan on going to, should I have any further problems with my bunny. Read Less

I took my dog Teddy to Lakeside Animal Hospital when he was sick. It just so happened that we were new to the Richmond area and he did not have a vet. Dr. Gonzales said that she would run some tests, sell me medication to help him get better, and get me the results of the tests immediately. The tests were run and I was willing to do anything to make my fur baby better. Of course, payment needed to happen immediately, but as for the immediate results of my dogs tests that I was going to be called with, that did not happen. I called the office over and over again to find out what was wrong with my dog. It took two weeks and then I was sent an email with the results. After more tests and lots more money being spent my dog is still sick and he is no better. I'm very disappointed. If you love your animal take them somewhere else. Read Less

I had a great experience. All of the staff was really great. I thought there was no hope for my grandmother's cockatiel I brought in. They went out of their way to diagnose him knowing I had a small budget. Then they nursed him back to great health! Now he's is flying around daily loving life! Many thanks to Lakeside Animal Hospital Read Less

Bernie the hamster was sick and I call a couple of places and know one would look at him. Finally, I call Lakeside Animal Hospital. They gave me an appointment and the Dr. saw Bernie. He was given a few test and medicine and is doing great now. To me this place it's cleaner then an human hospital and the staff is so nice and friendly. I love this place Read Less

One of our six-year old fire-belly newts was obviously sick and we weren't sure what to do.  Not every vet will care for amphibians, so after a online search I found a few to call. Only Lakeside was willing to talk to me over the phone.  I spoke to a vet tech who helped us figure out what was wrong, make our sick newt comfortable during his last days and keep our other newt healthy.  I am so grateful for the compassionate advice we got from Lakeside. Read Less

They have treated me and my dogs with the highest level of care and respect. They are honest and friendly. Doc will tell you the facts without walking around a difficult answer or topic when it concerns your pet, and I really value that. New renovations are awesome! Read Less

I had taken my one-year old sick rabbit to Lakeside and Dr. Gonzales only took one look at her, did not listen to my list of symptoms, nor did she do any further tests. My rabbit came home and was doing okay for less than a month when she was sick again, displaying similar symptoms, but this time with more intensity. So, I called Lakeside to ask for some medical advice. I told the receptionist of all the symptoms I was seeing and after talking to Dr. Gonzales, he told me to bring my rabbit in on Tuesday (four days later). I was not comfortable with taking her in so late so I called back immediately and asked for another option since my rabbit looked very sick. The receptionist talked to the doctor again and assured me that bringing her in on Tuesday should be fine. However, the next morning, my rabbit's condition worsened and she became paralyzed. My family was panicking and tried to find anyone who would be able to help and were finally able to find an emergency vet that was 45 minutes away. When we reached the clinic, we had realized that my rabbit already died. The exotic pet vet there said that rabbits are very sensitive animals that only show symptoms at the very end. Therefore, they need to be seen as soon as they display any signs of distress. Upon hearing this, it surprised me that our regular vet, Dr. Gonzales, was so unconcerned about my rabbit's symptoms, especially considering she was an existing patient.I called Lakeside two days later to cancel the appointment and to let them know of my rabbit's death. I asked for Dr. Gonzales to call me back and I was told it would be done first thing when she came in. I waited all throughout the day and called again in the evening to just leave a message for the doctor. I asked that if Lakeside was not able to provide care for a sick animal that they simply let the person know that the animal should be taken to another facility immediately, especially when knowing its medical history. This was so that another family would not have to go through the same panic, distress, and heartbreak that my family went through. I thought that this would be the end.Around 9pm that night, I received a call from Dr. Gonzales. She wanted to let me know that she was not responsible for my rabbit's death. Dr. Gonzales was very disrespectful and unprofessional to me on the phone, saying that I was not taking good care of my rabbit and that's why she died. However, I had not said that she nor her clinic was to blame for my rabbit's death, only that she and her staff disregarded me and did not offer any other options when they were not able to provide my rabbit with the care she needed. I kept explaining to her that I did not want another family to go through the same pain as I did but she disregarded my comments and continued to explain why she was so qualified and hardworking. Even after multiple times of me asking to end the phone conversation, Dr. Gonzales continued to talk down to me in an extremely condescending tone, leading me to tears as I was still grieving over my rabbit. She told me that most emergency vets were not knowledgeable enough to treat rabbits, but I learned through experience that this was not true. It was very obvious to me that she wanted to take the attention off her clinic and just attack me instead. She even made excuses saying that the front desk staff was not trained well and therefore is not to blame for not relaying life-saving information. I truly wonder if this is how she treats all pet owners who have just lost a beloved animal.DO NOT take your beloved pets to Lakeside Animal Hospital. Dr. Gonzales is not knowledgeable on the behavior patterns and the seriousness of symptoms in exotic pets, as she clearly was not with mine. She does not truly care for the animals she "treats" and has no compassion for the owners. Her staff is clearly not trained to handle such situations and she only makes excuses for her own lack of action. Especially if you have a rabbit, take it anywhere else before you bring it to Lakeside. You may be able to save your pet's life. Read Less

I love Lakeside animal Hospital. Gillian at the front desk and Dr Gonzalez are always happy to see my dog Devo, even though Devo can be a ten pound bundle of attitude.  An exam is always a bit tricky with my dog but Dr G and her Vet techs are calm and gentle with her. Dr Gonzalez takes time to explain things and seems genuinely interested in my dogs health and well being.  Devo has been seriously ill a few times do to "dietary indiscretions",  on top of getting through those difficult times Dr Gonzalez has been supportive in helping me find a diet for Devo that works.  I'm Glad to have Lakeside on my side. Read Less

Staff was friendly and professional. An emergency came in during my appointment so it took a little longer than planned but was well worth the time. They answered all my questions and explained everything they were doing. I didn't feel like they were pushing extras, just doing what was best for my dog. I'm happy to return.Read Less

I have been a client for 12 years. I am very pleased with the treatment of all my pets by Dr. Gonzalez and her staff. She takes her time and has lots of patience in a loving way with them. This past week my dog needed IV fluids, medication and observation for a couple of days, she got the very best care. I recommend Lakeside Animal Hospital. Read Less

Dr Gonzalez is such a wonderful vet. She always takes the time to go the extra mile to take care of my pet and to explain things throughly. Her patience and care mean so much. The staff is pleasant and the clinic clean. I highly recommend Lakeside Animal Hospital to everyone! Read Less

I've known Dr Gonzalez for over 20 years and I've been taking my animals to Lakeside Animal Hospital since she bought it many years ago. She is the only vet in the city that I will take my babies too! The love and attention she gives them means so much too me. The time and patience that she gives to me when I'm asking a million questions is a rare thing to find in this age, as most places want you in and out quickly so they can bring more money in the door. Dr Gonzalez and her team have also made house calls when I've been unable to get my dog up and out of the house on own. I can't recommend this clinic enough and I always tell my friends about her when they adopt a pet and they will come back and thank me every time !  She's the best! My pets and I thank her so much for her time and care! Read Less

Brought in our little rescue dog, Ollie, for an exam and heartworm test. Staff was friendly, accommodating, and Dr. Gonzalez was very professional and personable, and went to great lengths to explain the process of heartworm disease. The vet assistants were very gentle with Ollie and Ollie seemed to feel comfortable with them, had no complaints and had a stellar visit. Read Less

This place is absolutely horrid. It's amazing how they are even open still. I took my cat there a year ago and we were in there for three hours. The room had hair all over the floor and table and there was an old crusty prescription pill container open with a thermometer in it and it was labeled "lube". I asked the front clerk for a cat treat since we had been in there so long and she scoffed at me. When I finally did see the vet, she and her tech were extremely pompous and rude. Don't waste your money on Dr. (Not so speedy) Gonzales! Read Less

Horrible experience. Took my sick cat here for the first time and was very disappointed. First, we had to wait at least 30-45 minutes to be called back into the exam room and there was nobody in the office ahead of us. Second, the vet we saw was not Ms. Gonzalez, it was some other vet lady who could barely speak English and seemed to be very new. It took another hour and a half for the vet and technician to take blood work, give my cat some IV fluids, and prescribe medicine. Thirdly, the sick visit cost $75 just to be seen by the vet, which is outrageous! The normal visit is about $65. I have switched vets to Riverside, and can have my pets seen for just $49 for sick and wellness check--all same price. Fourth, the vet office is so dirty and old. Riverside is new and clean! Would never recommend anyone go to this expensive, slow vet office, unless you want to be in the office all day and pay tons of money for horrible service. Read Less

Saw Dr. Perez as a walk-in for vaccines for my dog. Her and her staff were very friendly and very kind and gentle to my dog who has quite a bit of anxiety. Other vets have been unable to give vaccines in the past and we have tried medication before the visit, none of which worked. This vet and her staff took the time to slowly go through the process as to not cause more stress and it worked. I really appreciated the extra time and effort and getting the job done!Read Less

I have birds and so lakeside is the only place that I can take them..but even if that wasn't the case I wouldn't take them anywhere else. Dr. Gonzalez really cares about her patients, is very knowledgeable, and takes much time with them and with us parents. :)Read Less

Me & my boyfriend have been taking our ferret there for the past 6-7 months due to a referral from a close friend. The staff is very polite and nice. They make you feel welcomed & show love to all the animals that come through. The vets are very knowledgeable of all animals that come through. Overall, very happy my friend recommended this animal hospital.Read Less

If I could give this place zero stars I would. To put it simply, don't bring your reptiles, or likely any animal, to this clinic. I took my bearded dragon Muggle, here after he seemed to lose his appetite for a bit. He appeared healthy and seemed active for the most part, so I honestly just assumed we would be in and out as more of a checkup. No so. Our vet thought bloodwork and an X-ray were necessary. I wanted to do what was best for my pet so I agreed. This is where everything went really wrong. My pet was his normal self when he went in to the office. But after 10 minutes of "X-rays and bloodwork", he was barely breathing, listless, and stressed. He couldn't even open his eyes. The vet scrambled around and talked about things like tumors, and what we could do but it was clear she knew he was going to pass, and he did- as soon as we got home. I am not unrealistic. I totally understand the fact that my pet could have been more sick than I thought- but he was not dying when he came in to the clinic, and I have NO IDEA what they did to him that made him die of stress within a few hours. I was really upset, but I wanted to know more information. I paid over $300 for this visit, largely because they ran bloodwork and an X-ray. The vet had mentioned getting in touch with me on monday to check on him and starting him on barium to see if he would improve. Monday came- no phone call. Tuesday came- no check in. I was curious so I called in Wednesday to see if the bloodwork came in. The receptionist said it hadn't but they would call when it did. At this point I just wanted some answers. I suspected something went wrong in their office- they might have taken too much blood, etc. I never got a call back about the bloodwork. I did get a call two weeks later to get feedback about our visit. I told the person exactly what happened- how we never had our calls returned by the vet, that he died the same day, how this was the first contact they had had with us in weeks about a pet that was supposedly severely ill. The receptionist said they would let the vet know our concerns. No surprise hear- I have yet to hear anything back. I so wish I had never taken my pet to this place- he would probably be alive right now. I totally understand that he might have been sick- but he would have lived longer, and been happier if I had never taken him here. I am sure of that. I received no warning beforehand that their bloodwork and X-rays could cause harm to my pet, and I don't typically believe this procedure would stress out a pet to this degree. I believe that this veterinarian was fully aware that they made a life threatening mistake in their back room and and they did not want to admit it. Please don't take your pets here. Read Less