Expertise.com
2024

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Best Veterinarians in Des Moines

Our Recommended Top 15

We did the research for you!

  • Licensing
  • User Reviews
  • Mystery Shopping Calls

Our goal is to connect people with the best local professionals. We scored Des Moines Veterinarians on more than 25 variables across five categories, and analyzed the results to give you a hand-picked list of the best.

63

Reviewed

43

Curated

15

Top Picks

Learn about our selection process.

Providers

featured provider = Featured Provider

Website
Des Moines, IA 50311

Why choose this provider?

Heartland Animal Hospital is located in Des Moines, IA, and specializes in companion therapy laser treatments, dentistry, digital radiography, house calls, pain management, soft tissue surgical procedures, and surgical laser services. Owner Dr. Robert Culver has been practicing small animal veterinary care since 1987, and is a member of the AVMA, the AAFP, the IVMA, and the GDVMA. The practice is a gold certified cat friendly practice.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
5.0
Yelp
5.0 / 5 (7)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
Altoona, IA 50009

Why choose this provider?

Altoona Veterinary Hospital is located in Altoona, IA, and specializes in wellness care, immunizations, parasite prevention and control, dentistry, surgery, internal medicine, dermatology, and a range of other services. The practice has digital radiography, ultrasound, and other equipment in house, and is accredited with the AAHA.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.5
Google
4.5 / 5 (171)
Yelp
3.5 / 5 (8)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
Des Moines, IA 50310

Why choose this provider?

Iowa Veterinary Wellness Center is located in Des Moines, IA, and specializes in an integrated, holistic approach to pet health offering services such as wellness care, vaccinations, dentistry, acupuncture, chiropractic care, herbal medicine, laser therapy, and other services. The experienced staff is trained in both traditional western veterinary medicine and holistic eastern medicine, and both are used to maximize pet wellness.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
3.0
Yelp
3.0 / 5 (2)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
Urbandale, IA 50322

Why choose this provider?

Northwest Veterinary Hospital, P.C. is located in Urbandale, IA, and specializes in wellness exams, dental care, diagnostics, surgery, internal medicine, and other services. The practice is accredited with the Better Business Bureau, and has a pharmacy, laboratory, and radiology equipment in house.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.8
Google
4.8 / 5 (79)
Facebook
4.8 / 5 (36)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
Des Moines, IA 50310

Why choose this provider?

The Veterinary Medical Group of Des Moines is a veterinary clinic with locations in Des Moines and West Des Moines, IA that specializes in preventative care, diagnostic, spaying and neutering, dental cleaning, and other veterinary services.The clinic is open seven days a week, is AAHA accredited, has a separate hospital and boarding for cats, and offers free exams for rescued animals with the Animal Rescue League.

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
Des Moines, IA 50311

Why choose this provider?

Starch Pet Hospital is a full-service veterinary medical facility located in Des Moines, IA that specializes in wellness care, diagnostics, surgery, dental, laser therapy, and other veterinary services. Services are offered for animals of all ages from pediatric to geriatric. The practice provides care to the Des Moines Police Department bomb and patrol dogs and the Des Moines ATF canines.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.5
Yelp
4.5 / 5 (16)
Facebook
4.8 / 5 (1)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
West Des Moines, IA 50265

Why choose this provider?

Jordan Creek Animal Hospital is a full-service veterinary hospital in West Des Moines, IA that specializes in preventive medicine, radiology, general surgery, dentistry, inpatient and outpatient care, boarding, bathing, and other veterinary services for dogs and cats. The facility is AAHA-accredited, and the doctors and staff are active members of professional associations such as the American Animal Hospital Association and the American Veterinary Medical Association.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.7
Google
4.6 / 5 (156)
Facebook
4.9 / 5 (76)
Yelp
4.0 / 5 (5)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
Grimes, IA 50111

Why choose this provider?

Mobile Animal Health Care provides mobile veterinary services to clients in Des Moines, IA and surrounding areas. Services offered include physical exams, wellness and disease prevention, surgery, hospice, euthanasia, and more. The practice is mobile to provide uninterrupted attention to pet being treated in their relaxed home environments. The mobile unit is fully equipped for dental and surgical procedures and pharmacy.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.4
Facebook
4.4 / 5 (29)

Website
Des Moines, IA 50266

Why choose this provider?

Ashworth Road Animal Hospital PC is located in Des Moines, IA, and specializes in wellness care, preventive care, therapeutic treatment, and senior health care. The experienced doctors and veterinary staff take a team approach to pet health actively including pet owners in the process, and are trained and licensed providers of Companion Therapy Laser treatments. The practice is an AAFP cat friendly clinic.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.7
Facebook
4.6 / 5 (14)
Yelp
5.0 / 5 (2)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
Des Moines, IA 50310

Why choose this provider?

Riordan Pet Hospital is located in Des Moines, IA, and specializes in spaying and neutering, immunizations, parasite control, prescription pet food, dental, and microchipping services for cats and dogs. The clinic was founded in 1951, is family-owned, and has an advanced laboratory, radiology equipment, and a full pharmacy in house.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.7
Google
4.6 / 5 (28)
Yelp
5.0 / 5 (5)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
Des Moines, IA 50265

Why choose this provider?

Animal Doctors Veterinary Clinic, PC is located in West Des Moines, IA, and specializes in preventive care, surgery, dentistry, and hospital services for pets. Dr. Kevin Sanders has special interests in animal dentistry, dermatology, internal medicine, and surgery, and is able to treat ferrets, reptiles, rodents, and rabbits. Dr. Judith Lloyd specializes in feline veterinary care, and is a member of the American Association of Feline Practitioners.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.9
Google
5.0 / 5 (24)
Yelp
4.5 / 5 (6)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
Des Moines, IA 50313

Why choose this provider?

Highland Park Animal Hospital is a full-service animal hospital located in Des Moines, IA that specializes in wellness care, boarding, vaccinations, preventive care, parasite prevention and control, dentistry, specialists referrals, and other veterinary services. The hospital provides detailed treatment plans for all surgeries and hospitalization including costs and estimates.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.7
Facebook
4.7 / 5 (20)
Yelp
5.0 / 5 (2)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
3.8
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail
––

Website
Des Moines, IA 50320

Why choose this provider?

Animal Lifeline of Iowa is a no kill animal shelter in Des Moines, IA that specializes in shelter and veterinary services for animals who are unowned, handicapped, injured, abused, pregnant, nursing, orphaned, or have some other special need. Services include adoption, vaccinations, heartworm checks, preventative care, and more. The shelter was incorporated in 1987, and is a 501(c) 3 charitable organization.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.8
Facebook
4.7 / 5 (2)
Yelp
5.0 / 5 (2)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
3.8
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail
––

Website
Johnston, IA 50131

Why choose this provider?

Veterinary Dermatology Consultation Services is located in Johnston, IA, and specializes in skin and ear exams,allergy testing, laser therapy, skin biopsies, therapeutic bathing, and other animal dermatology services. Owner Dr. Kristin Holm, has been practicing veterinary dermatology since 1999, and serves as a dermatology consultant for the Veterinary Information Network, and other clinical practices in addition to practicing at her own clinic.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.9
Google
4.8 / 5 (18)
Facebook
5.0 / 5 (8)

Website
Des Moines, IA 50316

Why choose this provider?

Spay Clinic is located in Des Moines, IA, and specializes in vaccinations, spaying and neutering, dentistry, outpatient surgery, diagnostic medicine, diabetic treatment, and other services for cats and dogs. The clinic was established in 1977, and offers affordable pricing options. No appointment is needed, walk-ins are welcome.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.3
Google
4.3 / 5 (510)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Introduction

    If you're a pet owner, you're probably familiar with companion animal veterinarians. This type of vet is a general practitioner who provides preventative care, diagnosis, treatments, and surgical services for dogs, cats, and other common pets. Some vets specialize in the care of exotic animals, including birds, reptiles, amphibians, and pocket pets. There are veterinarians for livestock and large animals, too. These vets focus on providing care for cattle, horses, pigs, and other animals on the farm.

    Veterinarians can choose to specialize in areas such as nutrition, oncology, cardiology, and many others. The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) currently recognizes more than 40 fields of study and 22 veterinary specialist organizations nationwide.
  • How often should I bring my pet in for an exam?

    This depends on the age of your pet. Ideally, puppies should have their first vet visit between six to eight weeks old, and kittens should see the vet within one week of bringing them home. Healthy adult animals need a checkup once per year. Vets recommend two exams per year for senior pets (age 10 and up).

  • What are the benefits of having my pet spayed or neutered?

    Aside from preventing unwanted pregnancy, sterilization has other benefits for pets. Spayed females won't go into heat, and they have a lower risk of developing ovarian cancer and mammary gland tumors. Neutering males reduces aggressive behavior, territorial marking, and roaming urges. It also eliminates the possibility of testicular cancer and can reduce the chance of prostate disease.

  • Should my pet be on heartworm medication?

    Dogs are very commonly affected by heartworm disease, so they should be on medication to prevent it all year long. Heartworm preventatives are available as topical “spot-on” medications, monthly chewable pills, and injections that are given every six to 12 months. Heartworms are less common in cats, but preventative medication is still recommended.

  • How often should my pets be vaccinated?

    In general, puppies and kittens need several types of vaccines every three to four weeks until they're 16 weeks old. Depending on the vaccine, your pet might need a booster shot every one to three years. Pets that are indoors-only may require fewer and less frequent vaccinations.

  • Are you supposed to brush your dog’s or cat’s teeth?

    Poor oral hygiene can lead to dental disease in animals as young as two to three years of age. To help prevent this, vets recommend that you brush your pet's teeth at least two to three times a week. Dogs and cats should also have a professional dental cleaning once per year.

  • Is it safe for my cat or dog to be vegan?

    According to the ASPCA, cats need a diet that's high in protein and taurine, which can only be found in meat and other animal products. They also struggle to digest carbohydrates from plants. Dogs can eat plants, but it's difficult to provide adequate nutrition for them on a vegan diet.

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