VCA Shelden Animal Hospital Louisville, Indiana

This establishment claims to have a No Fear Policy and when I brought my cat here when he was a kitten, we had a wonderful doctor who was very kind and patient with our nervous boy. He loved coming here! However, due to some scheduling needs, we were given Dr. Sheldon, who made zero attempts to be patient or calm with him, and instead had her assistant hold our cat down while she gave him a shot of antibiotic. After that, he had a fear of going to the vet. We requested not having Dr. Sheldon anymore and the office said we wouldn't and yet kept assigning us to her despite our objections to be seen by the other doctor. Our boy would come home from the vet and vomit for hours from the stress. During the pandemic, he became really sick and we called in hopes of getting him seen. They said they were too busy to see him (an EXISTING PATIENT) and said go to an emergency vet instead Took him to Shively Animal Hospital. He had a 102 fever and a lung infection. Nearly died. We switched vets permanently after this. Much better off now.

Our animals have been patients here for nearly 10 years. Despite the higher than average price, we have kept coming back because Dr Dixon is a great vet. However, recently it has become nearly impossible to get in, with no attempt to accomodate in order to see a sick pet. We were told to either wait or go to an emergency animal hospital. I'm not sure what the point of paying the prices that we do and trying to build a relationship with the doctors is when we're basically turned away when we really need help. Very disappointed and will likely be seeking another vet if things don't change

I was so happy to find out there was a fear free place near me. Both my cats have anxiety with the vet/new people especially Mellow. They go above and beyond to make sure they are comfortable and I really appreciate that. As a 4th year vet student, I am happy with Dr. Knighton and Dr. Dixon's knowledge and they definitely know what they are talking about. Cream is a huge "ladies" man and loves hanging out with the vet assistants and techs and I was really happy to see him comfortable. He had really bad dental issues this summer and they were able to see him right away and get the dental that he desperately needed. My other cat Mellow has had a really rough past and is handled with great care anytime she comes. Payton (I think that was his name) handled Mellow expertly and efficiently today during her wellness exam and her levels of anxiety at the vet were the lowest I have ever seen. They are expensive but the quality and expertise make it worth it. As a veterinary student going into the field shortly, I am proud to recommend them to anyone that is looking for a place that is high quality and really cares about your pet.

I took my lab here for 13 years. First, Dr. Dixion was amazing. He was very caring, always followed up and I felt like provided the best care for our baby. With that said, we lost our lab in the Spring and just got a new puppy. We have chosen to take our puppy elsewhere because I felt in the last few years the service had VCA had shifted. I always left feeling like someone was trying to sell me a timeshare or something. From the minute you walk in it’s all about the money. It’s sad because 10 years ago that’s not what this vet was. They have become more worried about the bottom dollar that than the care.

I cannot recommend this Vet AT ALL. We were told to bring a stool sample in when we visited. We brought one and turned it in when we checked in at front desk. After our visit, I called THREE times to get the results back. They told me I would receive an email. It never came. Finally they returned our last call and told us that they had thrown the stool sample away and never performed the tests. They said it wasn't included in our first visit coupon. However, NO ONE bothered to tell us that. They just threw the sample away and never returned our calls! VERY poor customer service. Also, the physical exam was terrible. The Vet felt her spine and listened to her heart and that was it! She said they don't like to upset the animals on their first visit. Unbelievable. Run as a fast as you can from this poorly operated business.

My dog loves going to the vet. The doctors and staff are ALWAYS super nice, caring helpful. Every time we go here it's a great experience! Would definitely recommend to anyone looking for a new vet!

Our Toy Poodle had to have surgery on his intestines to remove a blockage. They didn't tell us they were shutting down for the next week for their vacation. They brought him out right after surgery and handed him to us. They said "Just don't let him jump to much and if you have any problems, DON'T call us, we'll be on vacation next week. Call a animal hospital. He started foaming at the mouth so we took him to Shively Animal Clinic were he past. They said they should have told us to keep him caged for at least 3 days, longer would be better. The Vet there couldn't believe they just handed him to us.

Fourteenth consecutive year we've seen Dr. Shelden and her staff for our two shihtzus' annual checkups. She and her staff are so kind and knowledgable, always offering any new, up-to-date information. We are four generation clients and …

First let me say that all doctors at this clinic are very good vets and I have recommended them often. I have been a customer for 8+ years and today was the first time I needed them for a sick pet that needed to be seen today and I was referred to the emergency vet. Why do I need a relationship with a local vet if they are unable to see my pet when they are sick? I have been seen with another pet at the Emergency Vet after hours and was not happy. I called two other local vets and both said they do their best to work in their customers with an urgent need same day. One of the vets that did not have any open appointments offered to work my pet in today even though I was not their regular customer. Shout out to Mt Washington Animal Clinic!! I will now find a new vet for two reasons: I want a local vet the sees my pet during normal business hours when it is necessary 2. Sheldon is the most expensive practice in our area even for routine care—why would I pay those rates when I don’t benefit from their knowledge when my pet is sick? I now know for this vet it is all about billing for every minute and leaving no room in their schedules for sick pets. Of course they are going to say it is about you being seen at the time of your appointment but you decide which one really makes sense. I am sad to be moving to another vet but I want my pet to be seen by the vets I have a relationship with —vets I trust.

Took our dog there with a growth on her paw. They did bloodwork and charged us over $500 and made another appointment for a few weeks later. One doctor called us and discussed the surgery she was going to perform. When we went back a few weeks later, they had switched doctors on us. The new doctor took x-rays, charged us over $500 again and then told us we need to go somewhere else to get the growth removed from her foot. I think they just are just concerned about how much money they can get out of you. We will never go back!

Dr.Shelden has been taking care of my family pets since I was 9 years old. We started seeing her in the mid-90’s and as I have become an adult she now takes care of my sweet boy,Teddy. My parents still see Dr.Shelden with their latest pet as well. Over the years I have recommended several clients to Dr.Shelden who have also come to see that she is one the best vets in our area. I could on with the compassionate care she’s shown as we’ve had to make quality of life decisions for our family pets, or how she literally saved our sweet boy, Frank, bringing him back to life from liver failure. Most recently it has been my 65 lb/10 year old Shepherd mix,Teddy. We undergo all preventive services offered by her clinic for Teddy. This really helped us to know that a cancer diagnoses was in the very early stages. Teddy successfully had two masses removed at the surgical vet, and Dr.Shelden stayed in touch with me to ensure he had appropriate pain medication, antibiotics, and follow up care. As always, Dr. Shelden took the time to address my concerns as a pet parent, and take care of Teddy. We just had a follow up this past Saturday, and I must say the clinic’s “Fear Free” approach is paying off. Teddy strolled in sniffed around, and was completely relaxed due to the combination of anxiety medications ahead of our visit and the new techniques taken by staff over the past few years. I drive out of my way past at least 5-7 other vets in the east end of Louisville to stay with Dr.Shelden- she is the best!

I just erased my original post. Obviously there was some miscommunication and dr sheldon has went above and beyond. I was just in a panic becsuse my baby was sick...dr sheldon has made my baby feel better again and it's appreciated thanks..

Very caring for my dogs.

I moved my 120 pound English Mastiff to be seen at this vet clinic in Early 2019 after the vet she had seen her entire life (6 years) scared her to the point of constant anxiety at home and not acting like herself and not wanting to get into the car for trips to grandmas or the park. I loved the fact that they were certified fear-free and on our first visit, they didn't try to man-handle her to get her exam, they sat on the floor with treats to earn her trust. My girl had some serious urinary issues and Dr. Peckham was in for the long haul. After quite a bit of testing, blood work, urine cultures, etc., Dr. Peckham and Dr. Knighton came up with a treatment plan. Shortly after the execution of the treatment plan, my girl went into kidney failure and went downhill VERY quickly (which was a side effect of one of the drugs, but I took a risk to help her get better). Dr. Peckham was by my side the whole time, texting me asking how she was doing, giving advice of how to get her to eat, etc. When I told her of how she was having trouble breathing, she suggested I took her to a local hospital. She could have left it at that, but she called the hospital, told them of her case, contacted someone she knew that worked there, and kept tabs on my girl throughout the night. Unfortunately, her big heart couldn't keep up and she passed while staying overnight at the hospital. I drove out early that morning to pick her up from the hospital, and on the way home, I wanted to drop off some canned food and supplies that were no longer needed to the office. Katie quickly answered the phone as she was one of the main vet techs who helped us. She asked how she was doing and I told her of her passing. She met me in the parking lot to collect the items I brought with me and hugged me as I cried, and asked me if they had taken care of her after-care. The hospital cremation fees were very pricey, so we were going to take her home to bury her. Katie looked up the prices of cremation through them, and it just made sense to let them take care of her one last time. I wanted a ink print of her paw for a tattoo so I asked if they could do that before the cremation. Katie said they don't normally do that, so I offered to run up to Walmart to get an ink pad and get it really quick. Katie said they might have an ink pad in the office, if not they would go to Walmart and get one. Dr. Peckham, Katie, and Emily became family and I could not have asked for better ladies to take care of my baby girl. I am so grateful for the sincere care and love they had for their clients.

Wow. What an incredible veterinarian office. The "Fear Free" certification they have is no joke. Our 12 week old puppy is still behind on being socialized due to the pandemic, and I was worried that she wouldn't be cooperative. The technicians were very generous in rewarding her behavior and by the end of the appointment, there was no shaking, no nervousness. It was like they had come and stayed with us in our home for a week with how comfortable she was with them. Additionally, I'm grateful for the in-house "insurance" they offer. I use quotations around the word "insurance" because it's more of a payment plan to spread the costs of her vaccines, visits, and eventual spaying, but they outlined how it lets them cut overall costs for me as well. Frankly, I was a little suspicious about it going in, but the technician was very helpful in showing me how much a year's worth of appointments and treatments that a puppy SHOULD be getting would cost with and without the plan. Overall, I'm happy to drive the 20 minutes across the city to this vet because they really are great at what they do. Thank you Dr. Knight and the rest of the crew, looking forward to our next visit!

I am a new client. My old vet passed away in May 2020. After 26 years we needed to find a new vet. Shelden Animal Hospital and Dr Knighton have come to the rescue. Our 14 year old senior beagle mix Sophie , needed some updates on her RX …

I usually don’t leave reviews but I had to for this place. If your animals are members of your family and not just pets this is the place for you!!! You will not find a vet or staff more dedicated and caring about your fur baby. They are so gentle with your fur babies even if they have to get shots the vet will make sure they aren’t scared or in pain and by the end of the visit she didn’t want the vet to leave the room she made a new best friend. I can guarantee next visit my Harley baby will be running back into the building to see all the new friends she just made ! Hands down best vet I am a lifer now unless I move 4 hours away but I’d totally make the drive for anything less! Max stars across the board !!! Keep being awesome people you all are the best !!!!

My first experience with this business was unfortunately a hard one. My fur baby was extremely sick. I call Sheldon and even though the epidemic has restrictions in place, they worked me into their schedule. I had called several places just to be told to take her to a 'hospital' that are normally rushed and very uncaring in my opinion. Sheldon welcome us and saw her asap. She was in complete kidney failure and the doctor help us make informed decisions at a vary hard moment. We ended her suffering but she passed with a very caring professional who took the time to know her if even for a moment. I am very thankful for the treatment my Meow Meow received and extremely thankful for the Doctor (I was so upset that I have forgotten his name but thank you) that saw us and the staff. I highly recommend this vet to anyone who needs one. I will be returning with my other baby's to make sure they are healthy and cared for by true Professionals!

I have been taking my German Shepherd, Harley here since he was a puppy. The exceptional staff has always taken great care of him. They really get to know all of the pets that they see and treat them like their own. As my dog has grown and …

Preface: Assistance staff was super friendly, I really liked them alot and so did my puppy GSD. When it came to actually vets (saw both female and male) I wasn't pleased with …

This place is awesome. I came here because I adopted a cat from the puurfect day cat cafe and was given a free visit plus up to 250 in free treatment. Everyone i came in contact with was so nice and took the time to get to know you and …

We had to put my fur baby down today. Dr Dixon was the best. We were torn up and dreading it. He did not rush us, let us take our time with him and we told him when we were ready. He explained everything before doing it, and was very caring and loving! I would highly recommend this place. We’ve been going here for a few years, but really love it now!!

Dr. Shelden & her staff are the BEST around!! My mom has taken her cats there for years & I have to, until I moved to Middletown & recently adopted a cat, I took her to a vet near me for the convenience & because I work so many hours. I …

There are vets that are in the business for their love of animals... and then there are vets like this one that are in the business for the love of MONEY. …

Great experience:) staff was great and super helpful towards getting the best experience for Ollie!! Very helpful with payments even telling us where we could get treatements cheaper! High recommend

Went there for the first time today. They took great care of my dog and really took their time explaining everything to me. Loved the vet and the vet techs!

The only reason I booked this place; 1) the reviews 2) you could make appointment online. That said; the reviews are not ligament (if you chose to look at "most recent" you'll see a review was given 2 months ago and the response given was over a year ago). The receptionist was the best part of our appointment, very sweet! Technician enters; every. single. word. that left her mouth was something she was trained to sale. Had I bought their "time share" aka pet insurance it would be $330.00 per year, when she explained the treatment plan for one visit is was $450.00, everything on the treatment plan was covered on their pet insurance. They're not in the "care of animal business", they're in the let's scam as much as we can and take advantage of the intelligence (or lake of) of our customers. The "we are the only blah blah blah in the state" is complete BS! Many vets use this exact method, however they don't try to add value, to a service, that is already in place in order for you to buy into the extreme pricing. COMPLETE JOKE! 1.5 hours later Bentley finally got his shots, nails trimmed and blood work (BTW you're in the room watching them draw blood, they want you to know how awesome they are) and I was never so glad to vacant a place of business.

DR DIXON AND HIS STAFF TREAT YOU LIKE FAMILY! THEY ARE SO THOROUGH WITH THEIR EXAMS AND TREAT YOUR 4 LEGGED BABIES LIKE THEY ARE THEIR OWN!!!! DR AND STAFF ARE SUCH AN AMAZING TEAM ABOUT EXPLAINING PROCESS AND PROCEDURES=WILL BE BACK & WILL …

This is the best place to take your pets! I have been going to Dr. Shelden for almost 20 years now. I randomly chose this office from the phone book, but I haven't been anywhere else since. Dr. Dixon and Dr. Peckham are both equally as …

For honest and dedicated care for you and your pet, make an appointment with Dr. Dixon!