If you've ever thought, 'gosh it's just so hard to please those Yelp reviewers,' I have news for you: it's even harder to please a terrified little dog who is about to be poked and prodded and inspected from nose to tail. But Avalon Veterinary Hospital earns 5 stars not only from this seasoned Yelper, but her terrified little dog, too. Our family has used Avalon Veterinary Hospital since I was born (and before I was born, too). From our Irish Setter with kidney issues, Lady, to our accident-prone chocolate lab, Jamie, to our chubby black lab with Lupus, Piper, then my anxious, overly-excitable pitbull Lucy, to our current, terribly-cautious and anxious (but excessively lovable) pitbull Layla Grace, we have had nothing but wonderful experiences with this office. Back in the days of the old staff, Dr. Moore even sat down for an interview with 12-year-old me for my career day presentation. (It wasn't any fault of his that I lost track of The Dream and ended up in a different profession, promise.) But seriously. It's like Avalon Veterinary Hospital did a Good Deed several lives ago and managed to snag the Most Empathic Humans On Earth as their staff. Everyone is so kind. I have brought every type of dog personality imaginable through those doors at one point or another and they have found a way to care for my pooch with loving kindness, respect, and patience. They listen and offer advice when I call an hour before closing panicked that my dog got into some cherries in the backyard. They don't mind that Layla Grace gets so excited to see them that she piddles in the waiting room. They ALSO don't mind that she's terrified of their floors and they have to carry her back for her toe trim. They send me reminders when she is due for shots. The day after a sick visit (or a panicked backyard fruit call), they call to check on her and see how she is feeling. They keep digital records of all of her shots and treatments so we have an easy way to pull the information for kennel stays or vacation trips. They even let me know when the flea and tick and heartworm medicine that Layla uses is on sale so I can stock up! Layla generally sees Dr. Vought when she goes in for her big checkups (she sees the techs monthly for toe trim and bum squeeze). Dr. Vought literally sits on the floor with Layla Grace, lets her crawl into her lap, and spends time patting and reassuring her before she even begins the exam. Layla loves everyone, but she LOVES Dr. Vought. And now, for the hard part. We lost our Lucy in the summer of 2016. It was very unexpected and happened very quickly. We brought her to Dr. Vought and Jen the vet tech. And those two were.... basically our first line of grief counselors. They made us feel safe, they made Lucy feel safe, and they let us spend as much time as we needed with her to say goodbye. They were so professional and yet warm, I knew everything that was going on, and felt safe and at peace that we said goodbye to our little girl in the best way we could. When we picked up Lucy's ashes, we found that they had made a mold of her pawprint for us to keep as well. We received a card in the mail that was signed by all of the staff, with heartfelt condolences and notes about how much they loved seeing our Lucy when she came in for visits. Jen also helped us find a grief counseling group in the area where we were able to meet with other grieving pet owners and start to pick up the pieces and move forward. I'm tearing up writing this and remembering all of this, but I think it's important to discuss. We are the caretakers of our little furry ones, and it's important to have a vet's office that you trust not only for the exciting, happy New Puppy visit, but also for the final visit when you have to say goodbye to your companion. Avalon Veterinary Hospital supports you through it all. They are there for your pup every stage of their life, and there for you, Dog Mom or Dad, through all of it as well. I'm so happy our Layla Grace has them caring for her and keeping her in tip-top, tiny-terrified-pitbull shape. We will keep coming here forever, even if they start charging me extra for all the excited-piddle cleanup. read more

They have seen my dog since she was a puppy. They have always been fantastic, 100% of the time. The service is personable, I never feel rushed. Excellent care! read more

The power went out minutes before I arrived for my American Bully's pre op appointment. They still took her back immediately upon arrival, performed the blood work procedure for labs needed and gave hand written labled medication needed for day of surgery. They did all this with flashlight lighting and an amazing team in good spirits helping my dog feel safe throughout. I am so thankful for the care and convenience of them still performing tasks needed despite circumstances. Highly recommend :) ​ read more

Avalon Vet Clinic is amazing, busy, efficient, with the best staff team; and Dr McGowan as an incredible dedicated compassionate Vet. She successfully healed my kitty Zoe's long term wound when other Vets failed previously pushing me to amputate a limb. Dr McGowan hung in there and inspired me with her dedication to get the wound healed. Bravo to her and the staff at Avalon!! Many thanks & blessings, Susan Dominique read more

Avalon Veterinary Hospital - Zoe - Veterinarians Near Me - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

My pittie is petrified of getting her nails trimmed. The clinic worked with me to pre medicate my dog for the visit so that she would be more comfortable. Lyndsey and Tyler were her techs. I cannot recommend them enough. They went above and beyond making the room a calm place for her. For the first time in 4 years, we were able to successfully trim her nails. read more

DO NOT TAKE YOUR PETS HERE. If I could give this place zero stars I would. Been a patron of this vet for a few years now. Today I called up to have my cat put to sleep. She was suffering, and needed urgent care. I called and was told that the earliest appointment they could get me in was two weeks from now. So you're telling me as an established patron of this office, you're going to make my poor sick cat SUFFER FOR TWO WEEKS BEFORE SHE CAN BE PUT DOWN????? She can't eat or drink, and now you want her to SLOWLY STARVE TO DEATH? What kind of F-ed up establish allows this? I found a better establishment to take my animals to...one that was kind and compassionate and could get me in tomorrow. They won't be getting any more of my money or time. read more

Avalon Vet went above and beyond and everyone is so caring. My cat wasn't feeling well and they were able to get him in right away unfortunately he had kidney failure and we had to euthanize him but Dr. Seremet and Emily were there with us the entire time, explained everything, answered all our questions as to if we are doing the right thing. They moved us to a bigger room so we could be more comfortable. I appreciate how they cared for our cat and were even emotional telling us what was going on with him. Definitely recommend this place to anyone looking for a place to take there animals. read more

I showed up for my dog's first appointment only to be told they had no record of an appointment (they had all my info, however). I explained to the receptionist that when I scheduled, another dog had a seizure in the waiting room and I was put on hold while she assisted. Afterword, she finished booking the appointment (or so she said). The receptionist merely offered to make another appointment for later in the week. When I asked if I could still be seen that day, she said "We don't accept walk-ins." I am baffled. I am not a walk-in. I made an appointment. To be clear, I am not angry about the mix-up. I know from experience that a dog having a seizure is traumatic, so I understand how this could happen. I even offered to call back when it happened. Yes, the fact that they couldn't see me isn't ideal, but what really prompted me to leave a review was the complete lack of empathy from the receptionist. There was no apology or understanding. She treated me like a fool who just showed up with my dog expecting an appointment. A walk-in. Naturally, I didn't schedule another appointment. It is it the week before Christmas and I've already taken time off from work to go to the vet once. And when all was said and done, I realized I didn't want to take my good boy to see people who don't take responsibility for their actions, don't show empathy, don't apologize when they make mistakes. Avalon Vet is officially on my Naughty List. read more

I worked in the vet field for 8 years and I'm not exactly happy with this place. We had an emergency with our very old dog and we knew we had to euthanize her. They said we would have to wait 5 hours until they could see us. My husband literally said, "so you expect me to sit here and watch my dog dying for the next 5 hours?" And all the receptionist said was "I'm sorry". When you have an emergency, that means you have to come in RIGHT NOW, who tells someone to wait 5hrs for an emergency?!? We never did when I was a technician at any of the places I worked. Their prices are high too. Almost $40 for a fecal sample to be tested. Flea and tick meds were $120 for a 6 month supply; you can literally get it anywhere else for half that price. They always seem to have a very expensive suggestion for any problem. Our other dog has a "very small heart murmur" according to the vet yet she is talking about echocardiograms and all the way to heart surgery. I listened to alot of heart murmurs in my vet tech days and no one was all that worried about them. Considering a new vet. read more

I've never had a bad experience here. With COVID-19 precautions in place, you stay in your car and call to let them know you are there. The staff is very friendly and the service is pretty quick. They are reasonably priced too. This is where I will always take my cats. read more

I want to add an excellent review of this hospital after my experiences over the past year. I'm located 30 to 45 minutes away, depending on traffic, but my regular vet was limited on staff and hours for a while and we were having a hard time getting appointments unless we wanted to come in as an emergency and pay an extra fee. This hospital is now owned by Dr. Cirillo, a vet we loved years ago at our usual practice, and their staff includes Dr. McGowan, another vet we love who has treated my past pets. So we thought we'd give this hospital a try. They've gotten us in without fail within a day or two each time we have needed them. If our doctor wasn't available, we have seen others and they have all been excellent. Recently, one of my dogs needed a dental and a small tumor removed and we went here since anesthesia makes me nervous and we have so much trust in this vet. Everyone from the front desk to the technicians were fantastic in ensuring a positive and safe experience for me and my dog. Their facilities may not look as high-tech as some veterinary hospitals but they provide first-rate care, and their prices are fair and don't make you feel taken advantage of. Highly recommend and we'll keep making the trip to see them. read more

Avalon Veterinary Hospital - Isaac has had wonderful care here but, as it's still a vet, remains skeptical :) - Veterinarians Near Me - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

This place is amazing. They are always so helpful, and very pleasant on the phone. I've brought Rascal here for two separate visits; once for a checkup and boosters, and a same day visit for some gross issues. The first visit went smoothly, and all the boosters done with the least amount of stress to my Beagle. The second went just as smoothly, even thought she needed to be tortured a little bit with some poking and prodding. The staff explains everything and gives you good estimates of time and cost before they complete things. It's really stress relieving when you know what's going on before it actually happens. read more

Dr. Griffin and Jacquelyn were excellent! So nice, fast and efficient! Made my Mo feel super comfortable thank you!

In my opinion, an absolute joke. If one schedules an appointment, shows up on time for said apponitment, one would think you would get some kind lof service, even if it was bad. Or one could just wait 20 minutes twiddling thumbs before deciding to leave. Apparently the 3 counter people were overwhelmed with the empty waiting room, though they had zero problem interacting with customers walking in later. Cest la vie. read more

Since the new practice took over have not had a good experience. All they care about is money. I took my dog for a wellness check looked at his feet , ears and skin $431 are you kidding me. And never saw the tumor big as a softball in his chest read more

Be careful this place will nickel and dime you to death. They tell you a price then when u get there they tack on or tell you that your pet needs a bunch of extra test and things that you don't really need to get the bill higher! I'm serious. So research your pets condition or suspected condition before you go in there. They don't care if you just had an full exam A month ago they're still going to try to charge you for an exam on top of whatever, even if you just need a vaccine or some kind of medication. you might be able to get a urinalysis or store dropped off without having to pay an office visit but they still will try to tack on extra things you don't need. X-rays are outrageously priced! $120 for one picture! Aside from that Dr. McGowan is an angel I can't speak for the rest of them very much. I have found that almost every vet in Pittsburgh area is all about money more than caring about and helping these animals. Coming from Colorado where I worked with Planned Pethood + a.k.a. Dr. Jeff on animal planet who is the kindest most affordable, wonderful vet on earth it's real sticker shock! read more

My son and I had to take our beloved cat into the Avalon Veterinary Hospital because she was terminally ill. Due to COVID, we had to coordinate her care through the phone and wait in the parking lot while they assessed her condition. Darlene and the other vet techs were outstanding. Dr Michelle Lancia was kind, considerate, sensitive and extremely professional. The entire staff treated our cat and her grieving family with extreme gentleness and understanding. Avalon Veterinary Hospial is the gold standard in Veterinary care. read more

after having a terrible experience with Avalon vet 2 months ago I started with a new vet to get my pup established...less than a week later and 5k later to remove a tumor(not small) that Avalon missed during his annual physical. thank god it was caught early. still waiting to see if it's cancer thank goodness this new vet caught it. read more

Review update : my other cat jumped on a hot glass stove top. ‍ again they got me in right away and were so kind to him. He managed to get the bandage off and I brought him back free of charge and the fixed it. Fast forward and the same cat needed six teeth removed. The vet tech was so sweet to me and even let me go out the back to avoid a waiting room seeing my red teary eyed face. She called me multiple times to give updates. He recovered just fine. They have loyal customers now. :) read more

I called AVALON VETS an ask them how much it would cost to euthanize my 1 cat , she gave me a cost $160 to$180,that was the first time.The second time i called they said $220 to $260. so i do believe they are after MONEY.They make their own PRICES up.the Doctor,s that had the place before didn,t charge nearly that much.That is so terrible to charge outrage,s price,s. read more

For over 20 years the Avalon Veterinary Hospital staff has treated my pets: cats, rabbits, fish, and a turtle. The prices are very reasonable, and I've never been charged for follow-ups. Dr. Fitzgerald provided an affordable diabetes treatment plan for my cat to prolong his life; the prognosis went from a few months to three healthy years. When my cat suddenly had kidney failure from diabetic shock, I was only charged for the treatment--not the emergency appointment fees. The staff was extremely considerate when my cat passed--some who knew him were even crying. My other cat gained a reputation as a menace. But the staff never complained--not even when she required four people to hold her down just to get her shots. When I was sold a diseased turtle a a child, Dr. Moore was very kind and did not charge for the visit nor the medication. He recognized my interest in science and patiently answered all of my 11-year-old questions. He even showed me how he made slides and how his microscope worked. (I later studied biology and worked as a lab tech, so thanks.) Dr. Moore also took exemplary care of our rabbits, who all lived unusually long lives. On a practical note, they require ALL animals to be in a cage or on a leash. I once had a well-behaved cat, who was too sick to chase the dogs, wrapped in a blanket since his collar would have been over an open wound...But they generally enforce the cage/leash policy for the safety of all animals. There is a small parking lot next to the clinic or you can usually park pretty easily on the cross-street. read more

Avalon Veterinary Hospital - Veterinarians Near Me - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

See all

I've had great experiences at the Avalon Veterinary Hospital. We've taken our dog there for routine things (shots, ear care), and also for a mystery sickness which the vet was very involved with diagnosing and treating (she actually called to check up on him personally). The staff remembered him and loved seeing him visit. I've recently taken my cat here, who has a growth on his arm. He has to have it removed, which Dr. Bigger explained can be done there and quoted me an EXTREMELY reasonable price. I am so pleased with the services my pets have gotten at the Avalon Vet I wouldn't think of going elsewhere. The staff and the vets are all extremely friendly and knowledgable. The only thing keeping it from 5 stars is that it location is pretty small, and the exam rooms are only divided by curtains (no doors). Sometimes my cat gets pretty stressed if a dog is in the room next to him. read more

We have been taking our 5 (yes 5) dogs here since we moved to Bellevue in September of 2014. We have never had any problems and they are always so kind to our "kids" when we bring them in. In July of this past year our female Chihuahua was diagnosed with a heart problem. This was something that was very upsetting to us. The staff was so helpful every time I called in with any little question. Dr. Verret was the primary vet for her and she was very comforting. This past Friday our female greyhound got into a little tiff without terrier on most dogs this injury would be no big deal-but with greyhound skin it was more serious. Knowing it would be I called Avalon Vet at 8:38 PM ON A FRIDAY and they said there would be an emergency fee but bring her in. Dr. Verret was also on staff this night. A new haircut (she needed to be shaved), many staples, and a drain later Patty was as good as new. They were all so patient and understanding. They didn't make me feel bad at all for keeping them on a Friday. If I had to stay at work almost two hours later on a Friday night I wouldn't be so jolly. All of the other doctors we have been in to see and all staff have always been friendly and very loving to all of our dogs. They always make a big deal about how cute any animal is who walks through the door. What fur-parent doesn't love that?! In short I am so glad they are so close by and to the Friday night staff if you are reading thank you thank you thank you. -Cora, Ryan, Doug, Patty, Sonic, Ella and Winston read more

Unfortunately Dr. Ann's response to my review is not an accurate account of what occurred. It amazes me that after the fact people justify their actions. I'm wondering why you recommended sending Abby home with an iv? My father had to ask where to take Abby so she could get the care she needed. Only then, after you performed unnecessary tests did you tell him about the specialty hospital. The care you provided our dog was awful and I hope no one has to go thru what we did. I stand by my original post. This vet is only out for the money. Yes, anger does play a role....what you did to Abby and my family would make anyone angry. Look at your other reviews...they have a common theme. read more

Avalon Veterinary Hospital - Veterinarians Near Me - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

My senior cat has just recently started having health issues and AVH has been wonderful with her. She needed to have 2 pulled that were infected. They gave me a cost estimate going from the least I could expect to the most, depending if she had complications. She did not and the cost was lower than the lowest quote. She's doing remarkably well and has been back for a skin issue. She had been put on a prescription food for some decrease in renal function. After pricing it elsewhere and on line, Avalon's price is comparable, if not a little less. I took her there for the first time 10 years ago and was not happy with the clinic. The vet tech at the time did not even seem to be an animal person, calling her an "it" and saying "wow, it's old." The clinic looked shabby and run down. I returned recently out of necessity as my car was not running and I could walk there. Boy am I glad I did. Much improved. read more

Do not bother to call unless you are new to the area. Not accepting new patients. I inquired into taking our pet there after reading great reviews. Unfortunately my review cannot be as good. read more

My dog hurt his back one evening, a day that this office was open late. I called to see if I could bring him in and they suggested emergency vet hospital. I called two of them, one had an 8 hr. wait and another a 12 hr. wait. I called this office back in tears because my dog was in pain and they would not let me bring him in for two days. I called the next day to set up an appointment but was told they couldn't see him for almost two weeks. Needless to say I was extremely upset that they could not squeeze him in especially when I told them the issue. read more

You will not find a better primary care veterinarian than Dr. Stephanie Clauss whom practices here as well as their sister location, Big Rock Hospital. She has excellent technical and keen observational skills. Her empathetic approach and bed side manor are second to none. I had a 20 yr old Himalayan cat to whom she carefully tended back to health when two other vets from other practices recommended he be put down. Their prices at both locations are excellent. I am blessed to be located within a half hour drive of both practices, but would be willing to drive a couple hours to see her. read more

I have had nothing but great experiences here. We've been taking our two cats here for three years now and are very happy. I would recommend them to anyone who asks. A few months ago one of our cats got sick and they were very prompt in returning my calls and answered all questions i had. They also made it very easy to get the medicine and food we needed. read more

The team has been great with my two dogs and cat. They calm my nervous elderly Golden with their patient and gentle approach, they have been supportive during a time of grief as I had to put an old friend down after 16 years together, and they are always able to squeeze me in to be seen if I have a sick/injured pet. Not to mention their affordable pricing! You would not be disappointed to bring your pet here! read more

I want to Thank Avalon for FINALLY helping my Newfoundland. 9+ years ago Avalon was our go-to vet. We lived in West View. After Moving to Pine, we had a mobile Vet. It was convenient, having 4 Newfies and a Beagle. This past year I had Mobil vet out twice to treat Hunnys reoccurring ear infections. Nothing worked, and her solution was 4 antibiotic pills a day for life. I gave up and took her to Avalon. They still had the medical records for another of our Newfies with ear infections ( the treatment given then worked) The new protocol given to Hunny worked!! I was given lots of options for her treatment, and went with the basics before more involved treatments and her ears are better! Hunny is a 10 yo senior Newfie. I'm so glad I went to Avalon! read more

Very unprofessional Not concerned about a pets well being. Make mistakes that will not own up to. Rather argue then do the issue at hand. Bad attitude if owner of pet becomes upset. The pets become irrelevant in the assembly line visits read more

This vet just rips people off. With the rising prices of literally everything right now they're adding to the problem. They mask it that they are doing what's best for your pet but then they stick the $400 price tag on there and give you no real answers. When my cat was on her last few days of life they refused to give her pain meds that they had previously gave to her and said they would need to do blood work first before they would give her any. She was literally dying why would I bring her in for blood work? I just wanted her to be as comfortable as possible. This vet wants your money. And if you can't afford what they tell you you need to then they insinuate that you are a horrible pet owner who doesn't care about your animals. Couldn't be further from the truth in my case. Don't go here. Wexford vet is the best and will be getting all of my business from now on even though it's further. read more

I really can't say enough about the Avalon Veterinary Hospital. They greet my cats when we come in like we have just walked into Cheers :) Dr. Clauss and Dolly are absolutely the most amazing women I know and I would follow them to the moon and back. I have taken all four of my cats there for years and wouldn't trust any other place the way I trust them. Thank you thank you thank you guys for all you do!!! read more

The doctors are very kind and helpful but the gentleman that answers the phone is very rude and unpleasant. I also wish there was something else that could be done during COVID times to escort my very anxious dog into the office. I can't imagine how he feels when we leave him with a "stranger" when he isn't feeling well. read more

I started taking my cat here when she needed an emergency visit a few months ago. The receptionist was upfront with costs, which is extremely helpful. Dr. Osche will call and check up afterwards and recommend helpful practices. The staff is friendly and welcoming. The practice is clean and the hours are better than most animal clinics. read more

They do NOT care about animals. I had been taking bothof my dogs there for 4 years for regular veterinary care. My youngest dog came down with stomach cancer while I was unemployed, she needed to be euthanized and I made an appointment, put my poor bloated sick dog into the car and took her for her final visit. They demanded I pay up front before she was even seen by a vet and I asked for billing, having been a years-long patient who has always paid I didn't think it would be an issue, especially considering the pain my dog was in. They refused to do the euthanization and would rather leave a sick animal (years long animal patient of theirs! ) in pain and suffering than to do the courtesy of sending a bill to a regular customer. DISGUSTING. Who does that? Never will I take another animal there, I now have a new vet that actually cares about animals and how they feel and whether they are in pain. UPDATED FEB 2016: Owner of this veterinary practice finally figured out what Yelp is and contacted me for details about my experience. I provided her with the necessary information and she harassed me implying my dog was not a regular patient because there were a few years that she didn't have a visit. Well no, she was in good health and didn't need to be seen. Regardless she had been seen there at least 5 times since 2008. That was who we considered our vet. She then insisted my dog HAD been euthanized there (SHE WAS NOT ) and asked me to change or remove my Yelp review even though I had asked her to please stop contacting me because I didn't want to have to emotionally relive this HORRIFIC experience every time she contacted me. I am not changing my review nor am I removing it. This review was the truth of what happened. So if that gives you a little more insight into how this business is run, there you have it. PS: Check Google Reviews for more sad stories and also Search Avalon Veterinary Clinic Pittsurgh on Facebook for yet another horror story from another patient from October 2015. read more

I was hesitant about taking my kitty Chills here due to some of the reviews I read. BUT they are AWESOME ! Please do not base your decision off of the reviews alone, everyone's situation is different. I know one thing, they saved his life. He was literally dying in front of me and now he is home cuddling with me. We definitely aren't in the clear yet, but they helped him to get on that path and he is still here. Everyone was very helpful and friendly. Also very knowledgeable. They called me twice a day with updates. I would also like to thank John, one of the owners of the practice. I am forever grateful to you and your staff. Thank you so much ! read more

Where to begin. I guess I'll start with me taking my last cat there about two years ago because I was worried he was sick. He cried constantly when I left his sight. I assumed he was trying to tell me something so I brought him to AVH where he had been seen before. The vet simply wrote "meows too much on" on the chart and prescribed Valium. Hoping to get a different vet next time I took my other cat there. Everyone is always very kind and loving to him, but it always takes the vet at least 40 minutes past the appointment time to see him. Not to mention, they are always so overbooked that I am forced to sit in the waiting area with at least 4 barking dogs at once. Their owners try to calm them, but my cat shudders and shakes in his cage and I am unable to hold him and comfort him. You try holding a scared cat in a room full of dogs. I won't be returning to AVH. read more

They kept trying to staple my poor dogs infected wound. After taking her to another vet, I was educated about wound care. After she was treated properly, she healed quickly. read more