Heights Hospital for Animals

100% do not recommend. Blindside you with excessive tests, medicines, and injections without ever asking for clear permission. Walked in with simple concern for my dogs nausea, and was billed upwards of $ 400 after blood tests when it was a simple anti nausea med fix. While Dr. Martinez is knowledgeable I feel scammed and taken advantage of. Takes the time to sit down and be thorough and answer every question but believe me, you pay for it. I really wanted to like this place.

I have been taking my dog and cat here for a few months now. Recently, my cat became ill and I took him in for a visit. Dr. Martinez and his staff were so patient, thoughtful, and thorough with the visit. I had a feeling that it may be serious and they were calm and realistic. After inconclusive X-​rays, we were sent home for evaluation over the weekend. While the cat was a little better Monday, I took him back because he still wasn’t quite back up to par. Dr. Martinez and his staff were once again took the time to assess the animal and talk to me about symptoms even though I did not have a firm appointment. After further evaluation and a follow-​up X-​ray, it was determined that there was a blockage and surgery was required. In addition to referring me to other vets and even taking it upon himself to shop prices, Dr. Martinez explained all of my options and the processes we were up against in clear and easy to understand terms.
In the end, Dr. Martinez did the procedure himself, shifting appointments and pulling on staff for this unforeseen surgical procedure (before his day off, no less). I really appreciated how gracious he was with his interactions and how generous he was with his schedule. Likewise, he kept a close eye on our costs and went out of his way to make sure we didn’t rush into an unnecessary procedure after the first round of X-​rays were inconclusive. The staff and technicians were supportive and responsive with my 5+ phone calls in a single day. I liked this vet before today and I LOVE them after. They went above and beyond and were the constant professionals. I will never board or treat my animals anywhere else.

We happily took our two cats to the Heights Hospital for Animals for the past few years because Dr. Duncan and his staff were very personable, conservative with treatment and great about communicating treatment options. Unfortunately, Dr. Martinez, the new vet, is on the other end of the spectrum.
We brought our cat in and explained his symptoms to the vet and his staff. Dr. Martinez suggested that a simple test would be run to look for the cause of the issues. A few hours later, we were called to pick the cat up, and we were greeted with a bill twice as large as any bill we ever received previously. The explanation: The initial test didn’t show any issues, so the vet (without asking or explaining the costs) executed a second test. Additionally, an unrelated X-​ray was taken (again without offering any explanation or option for us to decline that service).
We were disappointed with this experience. My wife was blindsided by the bill, and she didn’t think to consult with the vet before providing payment, but we called Dr. Martinez after we had an opportunity to review the bill (the same day). He wasn’t available, but he returned our phone call later in the afternoon. When we told the vet how unhappy we were with the (expensive) additional tests and lack of communication, he said something to the effect of, «I can see why you feel that way, and *maybe* I should have told you about the other tests before performing them.»
We asked why a second test needed to be performed if the first test was negative, and Dr. Martinez responded that in rare cases, the second test would show different results. We asked why an X-​ray was performed, and he said «We always perform X-​rays on older cats.» Did anyone communicate what they «always» did to us? Absolutely not. Again, he said, «We *maybe* should have let you know about that procedure.»
At no point in the conversation was Dr. Martinez ever apologetic about the service we received. The closest he got was suggesting that *if* we wanted to stay with him, he *may* be able to provide a credit on our next visit to his office. Fortunately, he and his team didn’t unilaterally decide to perform an MRI or something … That would have been hundreds of more dollars for them to charge that they *maybe* should’ve asked us about.
If you’re looking for a vet who will clearly communicate procedures, treatment options, and costs, there are plenty of vets in the area that will work for you. Under Dr. Martinez, Heights Hospital for Animals is not one of those vets.

Fantastic animal hospital. My girls little Chiwawa, Nolan, was spitting up foam and gaging one morning. I rushed him over. As soon as I brought him in I was greated by a friendly staff. The owner Kathleen rushed me back into a room. And w/​in 60 seconds Dr Antonio Martinez came in looked at the dog, chatted with me, reassured me that he will be ok — explained the protocol and took him away. They were able to give him anti nausea meds, massage his esophagus and provided him with some sort of liquid that helped push the beef jerky down. The x-​rays confirmed it. Fantastic job by the team and by Dr Martinez… I’m just lucky my girlfriend didn’t kill me for feeding her dog the beef jerky (i.e. dog beef jerky). Yikes!
Good prices too!

Dr. Martinez is phenomenal. He spends so much time explaining not only solutions but the causes behind the problems. He went above and beyond ruling out my dogs skin allergies by quickly doing a skin scrape, analyzing it, and coming back in with a plan get my dog back into tip top skin and coat health. The assistants are great — super friendly and they really get to know your animal. It’s like a special visit every time. I have been to a couple of places around Houston but am blown away but this vet!

First time visitor here with two nervous nelly dogs and a 15 lb baby in tow, I had my hands full! I accidentally parked on the east side of the building, which is not for the hospital, so note to self, go west next time!
My appointment was for 3:30, (I got there about 5 min before). The main lobby is very nice with really cute artwork and the lighting was mostly natural so it defiantly didn’t have a «hospital» feel. The exam rooms we simple and neat. I saw the doc by 3:45, that includes initial paperwork (a signature) and weights for both oober skiddish dogs.
Long story short I met with Dr. Hansen and Stephanie (?) the tech (?). They were absolutely lovely, took their time explaining things were really sweet to the pups and got us in and out in under 30 minutes. And… Stephanie helped me walk my dogs all the way to the other side of the building where I was parked so that I could more easily carry my baby in his car seat. What a relief!
My only gripe would be that they charge ~$ 170 for 6 months of trifexis. I bought it, I got home and checked on pet meds and it was going for close to $ 100, yikes! Lesson learned. I blame that on myself so no star deduction for these guys.

So awful! Price, customer service, and helpfulness was all terrible. The only positive is that the creepy vet was very sweet to my dogs.
Our visit– The staff is extremely rude from the second they answer the phone. They are sighing and sounding like they would rather be anywhere else in the world the whole conversation. The actual vet is a little creepy with awkward jokes and strange looks. When they gave my dogs their vaccinations, they had 2 people holding my 6 lb dog and blood was squirting everywhere. I have never seen that happen before. They quoted us $ 750 to have my dog fixed and my husband just about jumped out of his skin and called to get another quote from another vet that charges $ 300.00. That is a HUGE difference! I didn’t even know people could mark up a surgery that much.
Now– I am trying to get them to just confirm that my dogs need heart worm and flea protection to 1800 petmeds because unfortunately this is who did their last exam. I am not asking them to agree with me buying from there. Just the same prescription that they would write: asking if they could say it over the phone. I very nicely explained this to the receptionist. Katy at the front desk refused to do this. She was very rude about the whole thing and I let her know I would be writing this review. She did not seem to care. That speaks for the business as a whole. If someone said «I am going to write a bad review because of this service», I would hope my employees would know to step it up and try to do something to change that. Nope! Nothing!
Normally, If a customer is upset, a place of business tries to offer alternate solutions to be helpful. My vet from last year did that very thing. They have not seen my dogs in a year, but wanted to help in any way possible because they could tell I had been dealing with Idiots that know nothing about customer service.
I will avoid all contact with this AWFUL place. I pray that no one else as to go through this. I have recently moved here and I am totally regretting my decision of using them. If I were the owner of this business, I would make Katy take some classes in customer service.

Very professional staff — and you get seen on time! A huge change from my experience with Banfield. Everyone on staff is very friendly. It is a little bit on the higher side price-​wise for the initial visit cost, but it is worth it in order to have people that I can trust to take good care of my pets.

I unfortunately had to use this vet because the breeder I bought my puppy from only gave me a two day health guarantee. All of the other vets were booked so I had to go here!
WOW am I glad I read the reviews before going! Otherwise, I would have been shocked! The vet would not answer my questions. I started to ask him about vaccinations and he literally said «I don’t answer questions — I just administer the shots.» He told me that any questions I had could be answered by the nurse who he continued to tease the entire appointment! At one point, he scooted out of the room and said «sorry I don’t answer questions,» as he closed the door. The whole experience was almost comical!
You would think after only having a puppy for a day that he would answer at least one question I had. Imagine if a human Dr. did this to you. Would you go back?
The staff at the front desk and all of the nurses are knowledgeable and sweet. They are the only reason I’m giving this review 2 stars.
Please consider other vets before making an appointment.

Dr Duncan is very Profesional and caring !

I called a day before to get my 6 month old puppy in for runny red eyes and a cold and was able to make an appointment right away. Dr. Duncan seemed so very knowledgeable and sincere. I will continue to use Dr. D in the future and would recommend him to anyone. Great local Heights location, great Vet, and great and friendly staff.

Our labs and we love Dr. Duncan and his wonderful staff! The facility is very nice and the boarding area is really spacious and has a great feel– each dog (ours stay together in one room) is large and feels open. If you need a vet in the Heights/​Garden Oaks/​Rice Military area– check them out! You will be so glad you did :)

Dr. Duncan and his staff are the best! My dog is usually skittish around new people and used to hate going to the vet, but he loved coming here. Dr. Duncan takes his time with the dogs and makes sure they are comfortable before he starts examining them.
I agree with the previous reviewer in that he’s not out to make a buck. I was worried about one of my dog’s dewclaws getting caught on things and Dr. Duncan advised me to wait until he needed his teeth cleaned to do surgery to remove it in order to avoid having to anesthetize him twice (and pay for it twice!). They also offer overnight boarding services for a reasonable price, which is super convenient. We’ve missed going to Dr. Duncan since moving out of state. If you’re looking for a knowledgeable but personable and caring new vet, Heights Hospital for Animals is your place!

I am a big animal lover. I have 2 cats and 2 dogs. My last vet was on the west side of Houston. Sad to be torn away by miles I was searching for a vet in the heights area.
I drove by the Heights Hospital for Animals a dozen times. Unfortunately no one has written any reviews about the clinic. I decided to try it out anyway.
The Heights Animal Hospital only has one doctor, Dr. Duncan. So when you make an appointment, their is no waiting in the lobby (love). The staff was super friendly and Dr. Duncan was superb. He is a graduate from Texas A&M and very knowledgeable of animals.
I would highly recommend Dr. Duncan and his staff to take care of your animal loved ones.