Simply stated, if you are looking for compassionate and professional veterinary services in the Sandpoint area, look no further. I have driven 130 miles round trip for 25 years to have my animals seen at this office. From the reception staff, to the vet techs, to the folks in the billing department, to the talented vets, I have never experienced the quality of veterinary services, I have experienced at Pend O'Reille Vet. The doctors have walked me through many health issues with my pets and I have never been disappointed in a visit. Most recently, I have been grateful to work with Drs. Smart and Davis during circumstances with two of our family dogs that were very challenging and demanded a high level of devoted care. During both instances, where the lives of the animals were in the balance, I felt very informed of my choices so I might best advocate for our beloved pets. The care my animals have received has been phenomenal. However, the doctors' have also been remarkably sensitive and supportive for me. This is the place for your pets. read more

Absolutely the best care anywhere. Intelligent, caring staff. Prompt response. They seriously love animals and their owners. read more

Amazing service from the time I called in for an appointment to seeing the doctor and her assistant, Dr Richards and Bethany. I would highly recommend this veterinary. read more

Walked in today to just ask a question and the receptionist was extremely rude. There wasn't anybody else in the lobby but she acted like she really didn't want to be bothered with us. read more

I wrote a negative review back in 2023, and my complaint was answered quickly, kindly, and very satisfactorily! I've been a loyal client ever since. I recently realized my negative review was still popping up online, and just wanted to clear it up! Glenna, the groomer at the Pet Lodge is INCREDIBLE. I have a Maine Coon cat who is one of the loves of my life, but she is ALL teeth and claws any time I try to even brush her. Glenna must be a cat whisperer -- with Glenna, Shoshone (my cat) suddenly acts like she's at her very own personal Cat Spa, and just lounges around on the table while Glenna trims and combs her out. She's amazing, and I highly recommend her! read more

Pend Oreille Veterinary Service is a full service facility, offering not only top notch medical service but pet boarding, groom and training services as well. I've been a client at POV for more than 30 years and have seen a lot of changes. They used to see large animals and made farm calls, home visits, after hours emergencies, and exotic pets. But our community has changed and the clinic has had to keep up with the times. One thing that has not changed is the top quality service from ALL the staff. Their doctors are up-to-date on the latest research, treatments and procedures. Tech are well trained and confident. The facilities are modern and arguably the best equipped in the Panhandle. Most importantly, in my humble opinion, they genuinely care about your furry family member. I have more confidence in these vets than I do my own doctor! The Pet Lodge is an outstanding boarding facility, as well. Your pet couldn't be in better hands whether you are on vacation or just need daycare while out for a day of shopping, playing on the lake or up the mountain skiing. Not only are the kennels spotless but the staff engages with your pet regularly to minimize stress and discomfort. The groomers do an outstanding job at an exception price. The downside: it's nearly impossible to get an appointment. And finally, from new puppy to rescued adult dogs, the trainers at POV are absolutely up to job. Training for a puppy is the kindest thing you can do for yourself and your new dog (not to mention your neighbors). Where they really shine, again in my humble opinion, is helping you to understand and bond with that poor dog you couldn't leave in a less than acceptable situation. Most shelters do the best they can for animals but those animals can still suffer from what amounts to doggy PTSD. The trainers at POV are the professionals you need to give your new family member the life envisioned when you made that commitment. I swear Monica is Heaven sent! I know this review is lengthy but I wanted to cover all the bases. I hope it's helpful. read more

I'm so very disappointed in the customer service from Pet Lodge & Grooming affiliated with POVS. I called months ago to request a grooming appointment for our cat, who is difficult to groom, and who we've had groomed there several times before. They said they were booked through 2022,but would put me on the 2023 schedule. I never heard back from them, so I called to find out when our appointment had been scheduled for. I was told we hadn't been scheduled, and the groomer is now booked through 2023. They couldn't care less that they didn't do what they said they would do. I won't do business there any more, but they're plenty busy, so keeping me as a customer is totally unimportant to them. It's sad that this is how businesses are run these days. read more

Everyone is soo friendly! The professional and thorough attention to my sick Lucy was so comforting. They were excellent at explaining her diagnosis and the treatment they felt would best get her back to her happy fluffy self. They tested & treated her and she was 80% by next day. I've been bringing my dogs here for years. read more

My pets have been patients for decades. I took my dog in for an appointment due to a swollen gland near his rear end. They took the dog into the back to evaluate and came in the room with somber faces. They said there's a mass and it would be best to biopsy with bloodwork (which we authorized them to do). 7 days later we got the results back. Inflammation (not cancer). After the visit we paid the bill and it was over $420. On further inspection their bloodwork was astronomical. I'll take one example: They charged over $170 for a CBC (cell blood count). What they don't know is that I sell multiple different hematology analyzers (the analyzer that runs these CBC's). I've even had access to Abaxis (the system this vet uses). The overall cost to run a CBC is between $3.00 and $10.00 depending on the analyzer and volume they use. The profit this vet is making is shameful!! This is taking advantage of the love pet owners have for their pets. This is despicable and the lowest of the low. I would highly recommend you take your pets elsewhere or prepare to be fleeced! read more

I cannot say enough good things about the doctors at POVS. Very professional, compassionate, and knowledgeable. I would not consider taking my dogs anywhere else. read more

We have been utilizing the veterinary and boarding services for the last 18 months and were generally pleased with their services until recently. We boarded our 2 dogs on June 26th and 27th. All medical and shot records were current based on requirements of Pend O'reille Veterinary Services. Nine days later our small dog began coughing excessively. We took him to the vet immediately and after $230 they indicated that he could be suffering from kennel cough. Our other dog also started exhibiting similar symptoms so he is also on medication. Our dogs were not in contact with any other dogs outside of the boarding area. We feel we were charged an excessive fee for a condition that our dogs could have only contacted at the boarding service. It is our belief that Pend O'reille Veterinary Services should absorb this cost. Based on our experience we will be moving our business to another veterinary service. Jim & Jan Smith read more

Max, my 4 year old German Shepherd has suffered from the effects of ticks for over a year. He developed severe Pruritus losing nearly half of his fur. He lost approximately 25 pounds. To my shame, I knew nothing regarding the cause of his condition and relied on POVS doctors. Those who treated Max clearly did not know either. When the itching stopped after taking antibiotics POVS should have known the problem was microbial. But they did not. From their recommendations we changed food three times as they would only consider diet as the cause for Max's condition. After POVS switched doctors and then finally gave up I researched the problem. Yes, a little late, however, I now know how to help Max. As for the many hundreds of dollars POVS has cost me needlessly, well, that's part of my lesson as well. In closing I wish POVS loved dogs nearly as much as they seem to love money. read more

So helpful and kind. My dog always seems to be more relaxed then I anticipate; which I am grateful to the competent staff that always treats him very kind. read more

As a client of over 20 years we have had numerous experiences at Pend Oreille Veterinary Services. I can honestly say that we have never had a negative one, or ever felt rushed,ignored or not had our pets' needs met in the most competent and loving way. From serious illness to wellness checks, the front desk staff, vet techs and doctors have made us feel so welcome and treat us like family. We have always been totally informed in all situations and feel as if our input as pet parents matters. The compassion we have felt during the most difficult times has been incredible, which to me is a hallmark of a well- managed and first-rate clinic. We'll never go anywhere else to meet the health need of our precious "fur kids"! read more

Dr Ponsness is very caring and compassionate doctor. She dogs in to find the answers and consults with other specialists if she needs to for more advice on treatment. The vet techs we have had are friendly, kind, and personable. We drove from 40 minutes to see Dr Ponsness because she is so knowledgeable and caring. read more

oor communication and access. I scheduled a 3:00 appointment, received a voicemail reminder that my appointment was at 3:00. Got stuck at work, called at 2:50 saying I live across town and am on the way, the receptionist said that was fine. Got to the office at 3:07 and the technician rudely said if I "was the 2:45", my cat wasn't going to be seen. The receptionist felt bad and asked other technicians if they could keep the appointment but they couldn't. The receptionist asked if I wanted to reschedule. I would have appreciated not driving back and forth across Sandpoint, with my upset cat, and could've avoided that when I called from my driveway had I really been the 2:45. Would not recommend this veterinary office. My voicemail clearly says 3, I called, I apologized profusely at 3:07, and to be treated rudely by that technician. Will be taking my cat somewhere else. read more

We moved to the area almost two years ago and brought my 6 cats and two dogs records to them and established them as our vet so when we needed to come in they would be in their client list. My pets have been healthy so we have not gone to the vet yet. Today I called to schedule an apt to get one of our dogs rabies booster shot. They told me that because we did not come in and make apt's for healthy animals they were not their patient even though they have their records. They are too understaffed and do not have the ability to take care of the patients they have so we need to find another vet. I am very disappointed in their policy. If they could not take care of the customers they have then they should not have taken new ones but accepting records and agreeing to be their vet and then turning me down when we call is not professional. I will be picking up our records and have to start all over to find a new vet. I would not recommend them to anyone as they do not commit to their customers. read more

Phenomenally caring crew of professionals. Super people and compassionate doctor. Very accommodating on timing for my non emergency emergency and never once made me feel like an overprotective parent. I will be using them in the future! read more

If you need anything done urgently, go elsewhere. If you need friendliness or any amount of compassion this is not the office for you. I have been to 3 vets since having my dog in 10 years and these guys are the ABSOLUTE worst. Totally incompetent, totally unable to help. Apparently calling in medication that is life saving is a 5 day ordeal here. This wasn't the case in Seattle or Salt Lake City where we saw other vets. I'm not sure why the most basic of tasks is so hard for them, but we are switching providers so if anything emergent happens our dogs don't die at the hands of these people. read more

The staff is incredibly patient, accommodating and friendly. They truly treat your pets as if they are your own. The facility is spacious, clean and welcoming. I can't say enough good things about the entire operation. Namely, Dr. Laurel Sundberg and Dr. Christine Smart. Thank you for taking care of my pets while I was in from out of state. They don't make them like you! read more

We have had our cat and our service dog treated here and I will never take my loved ones anywhere else. Today we had to put our dearest Radar to sleep and the compassion these people showed was amazing. I'm so grateful. Thank you read more

Highly recommend Dr. Vogel. He has taken great care of my pomeranian that has Cushing's disease and now has seizures. He has help maintained a good quality of life for him and I am very pleased how he has really cared for my pet. read more

We've always been happy with the vets at this place so we rolled the dice on the groomers. So awful! We took our beautiful dog in for grooming. We told them that we understood he was matted and that he would need to be groomed quite short. We made a specific request that they leave hair around his face and head, where he wasn't matted. From what I've heard there are two groomers on staff, one good one and one bad one. I guess we got the bad one. Bronwyn was super matter of fact, all business, not friendly at all, and didn't even bother to listen to or follow our basic request. We were horrified when we picked up our little guy only to discover that he was processed through without any thought for our request. He kept his head down for the next two days and just isn't himself. Makes us wonder what happened in there during the 5 hours he was there! Here's an idea: install a webcam so we can watch our pets while they are there for grooming so when they get man-handled or otherwise brutalized we can come in and save them. Shame on you Bronwyn. You really don't know what you are doing. Will not be back! read more

I love this vet office. They also have a groomer that is amazing. I love being able to bring my girls in for a 1 stop do it all. (Of course my dogs might not) I walk in and they know my name, and my 2 girls names by heart. I love this place! read more

Good Vet but a very expensive one. They think we're rich people here in Sandpoint I guess. Had animals all my life this is the most EXPENSIVE vet I've ever been to. That includes California!!! read more

I really enjoyed my experience with this particular animal hospital. I only paid $10 to have my Guinea Pigs nails clipped and I was able to sit and watch. They were very gentle with her and all of the staff were very friendly. Would definitely recommend. read more

After hours emergency care is an important service because weekends are long and a pet can die waiting for an office to open on Monday. Small practices cannot afford to offer this so we appreciate someone who does. They are justified in charging extra for it. My experience with Pend Oreille's after hours service is mixed. In 2012 our lab, Laika, pounded down lots of water while fetching balls from the lake at Dog Beach. She became lethargic and had to be carried to the car. By evening she became very bloated and it was obviously serious, so we called Pend Oreille. Dr. Mary Jane Davis quickly diagnosed the problem as canine bloat--Laika's jumping with that massive load of water caused her stomach to flip, preventing fluids from exiting her stomach. It's normally quickly fatal, so we brought Laika in immediately. She was so bloated that blood circulation was cut off to her abdominal organs and she was unlikely to survive the night. The normal treatment is surgery to rotate the stomach back into position, but it was late at night on Fourth of July weekend and no assistance was available to perform surgery. Instead, Mary Jane intubated Laika and with our help was able to relieve enough of the pressure to survive the night and delay the surgery until later. I have no doubt that Dr. Davis saved Laika's life that night on a holiday weekend. Five years later another dog, Malcolm, developed lethargy and shaking on a Friday evening. By this time we were with a different veterinary office that did not offer after hours service, but Pend Oreille says you don't have to be a regular patient, just call. By the time we called at 9:30 pm Malcolm had deteriorated and had left a bloody, liquid, mucous stool. There was no answer so we left a message describing his condition. By 1:30 am Malcolm had deteriorated further and it had become evident to us that he was dying. We made him as comfortable as we could and he seemed to rest calmly between short episodes of shaking and continued expulsion of bloody fluids. His final twenty minutes were agonizing as he howled and tried to run while laying on a rug. He expired at 4:30 am. We didn't receive a call back from Pend Orville Veterinary Service until 8:30 the next morning. His cause of death was most likely the mast cell cancer we had been treating for two years and he probably would not have lived in any case, but Malcolm deserved a more kind and peaceful passing. read more

I can not give Pend Oreille Vet a good review. Our dog had an abdominal surgery here and she was not recovering well from the anesthesia. It was then that the vet who performed the surgery told us (paraphrasing), "Some dogs have a mutant gene that makes it difficult for them to metabolize certain drugs. It is often seen in herding breeds." One of her coworkers said, "We have a saying about this: White feet, don't treat" The vet who performed the surgery added later, "Had I known, I would have used a different drug and minimized the time of the surgery." Well, she DID know. She had a herding dog with white feet, and an older dog besides. She just failed to plan appropriately. After three days in a cage on an IV we thought our dog would recover better at home. There were some signs of recognition, but she wouldn't eat, she wouldn't drink, she couldn't walk in a straight line, her vision seemed worse and she would just walk in to walls or corners. It was like she had had a stroke. It was heartbreaking. It looked like she was suffering so after another three days we just couldn't put her through anymore so we had to have her euthanized. She died peacefully at home at least. We knew the surgery would only extend her life a few months, a year at best, but they actually shortened her life. I regret taking to her to Pend Oreille Vet. They did more harm than good. read more