Iowa Veterinary Specialties Des Moines, Iowa

Very expensive. They do not care about your animal just when there going to get there next dollar. Terrible place.

I spoke with a receptionist named Kate on 12/8; my dog is an incoming referral patient. Kate portrayed a very aggressive and condescending tone when confirming my appointment and collecting my deposit. She spoke over me during the conversation and was combative when I questioned the appointment time as it was different than what my referring veterinarian had wrote down for me. Mistakes happen, no biggie. But her tone was so rude, I asked to be transferred to anyone else. I was connected with another receptionist, her name was Porschia. Sadly, she was just as delightful as Kate.

I called 20 minutes prior to me arriving with my emergency and was told to just call when I got there and they would come out to check on my dog. When I called as previously directed I was asked several unnecessary questions like for my email and numerous other questions that 100% been asked later. I ended up hanging up and walking up to the door to get help. They came to my car and brought my dog inside, at this point I wasn’t sure if you was alive or dead. After like 20 or so minutes I got a call saying that she was dead when she got there and then without time to process she wanted to know how I planned to pay for it and what my plan was. She was only 6 well taken care of everything was so sudden the day before she was running and playing like usual. I understand my emotions aren’t there problem but time to process this terrible event would have helped a lot. The cremation was quick and her ashes are in a very nice box. I will not be going back but I know they did all they could once they actually got out there it’s just sometimes I can’t not think that if they would have been just 3-5 minutes quicker she would still be here playing with her brother.

We were panicking when our dog was having an medical issue (seizure) They got us in very quickly, were great about communicating what was going on, the price and updates about how she was doing. Everyone from the receptionist to the vet techs to the vet were amazing and so caring. They took great care of our girl and the price was lower than we were quoted. We hope to never need an emergency vet again but if we do, we would go there again in a heartbeat.

Left me sitting in the parking lot for hours. Wanted an exorbitant amount of money to draw labs for a swollen leg. The worst vet experience I have ever had in 20 tears of having pets. GO ELSEWHERE

Poor customer service. Definitely trying to take advantage of the situation by wsy over pricing Wsited over 2 hours to be seen

All I can say is wow and thank you. My little 5 pounder gave your staff and absolute run for their money. She was scared and in pain and your staff did WHATEVER they could to calm her down and make her feel comfortable. At one point, I had to leave the room because she was screaming and was hard for me to watch. But EVEN while watching through the peep hole, I saw everything a dog parent would hope for. Tizzy was being a terror and basically biting people’s hands off in fear, and I heard multiple techs go, “oh my gosh but she is so cute though.” The comforted her. Also, Maya ABSOLUTELY went out of her way to make Tizzy feel safe. She earned her trust even in moments when she thought I didn’t see. She cared about my baby. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for making my girl herself again.

I've came to this vet previously before with my boyfriend's cat for emergencies. recently one of my other cats had been diagnosed with Diabetes. Been taking him to Afford A Care every week because something was always wrong. Afford A Care was always amazing with how they treated him and loved him as if he was their one, just wish they were 24 hrs. Just the other day my boyfriend and I had come home and had seen he was limp, not doing good whatsoever. We immediately rushed him to this Vet clinic as it was 3 A.M. We brought him in and they said they'd be able to save him but it would be $500+ to do so. He was in pain and his quality of life was deteriorating so fast that we didn't want to make him continue living in pain. We decided to euthanize and cremate him. They said it would also be around $500. My boyfriend had to run home to just grab an extra $50 as we were just a little short. They put me and my kitty in the room for euthanasia (very quiet and relaxed room, away from prying eyes). My boyfriend was taking a little longer than expected due to road construction. While my boyfriend was gone my kitty was crying out in pain. I had asked the vet if we could euthanize him now as it was breaking my heart hearing him in such pain. The vet had such a cold look in her eyes and no remorse whatsoever. She immediately said no because they needed all of the money. She was very adamant about the money. She showed no compassion whatsoever which definitely rubbed me the wrong way. It hurt me to know he was suffering and she didn't want to help ease his pain. I will definitely not be going back. Horrible vet. If you're going to be a vet then you have to show compassion towards your clients. I understand it can be hard as you deal with sick and injured animals but the vibes and her outlook definitely threw me off. Never going back again and definitely do not suggest others to go unless they are your only option.

Very friendly, knowledgeable people. My dog liked them too!

Dr Ribbey is one of the best! I have pet rats and she is awesome with them. She is an exotic vet, so she is able to see many animals. She has helped our sweet Fiona and our sweet Poppy twice now. She does an awesome job with them and is very friendly and compassionate.

I will be posting daily to ensure that no one ever uses this business. Just when your worst fears are happening, your beloved pet dying in front of you, they won’t talk to you until you’ve paid $500. Then they tell you have to run x amount of tests and it’s going to cost $1300 but don’t worry we have a credit plan. Multiple test, cat seems better, no diagnosis, cost $1300 and you have to pay before we will give you your beloved pet back. Oh but wait my kids didn’t qualify for the credit plan because they don’t have a credit history (isn’t that good? They pay for everything with cash). Now what? Their response? Call family friends or your bank because you don’t get your pet, who we performed multiple test on and have no idea what’s wrong, back. They take advantage of people that are terrified their pet is dying and milk them for every dollar they can. Go to BluePearl!

I paid for an unnecessary shot and was advised to pay 700 plus dollars for testing that was inconsistent with my dogs symptoms. I felt IVS just wanted my money and I left more concerned than when I got there. I'll never go back and wouldn't advise if you want reliable advise for your pet.

Took our dog in after he fainted twice. Got there at 10 pm and was there for 7 hours. They finally told me that he was dehydrated and they need to put him on an IV 7 hours later. I was told that they were extremely busy but the parking lot was empty besides my car for multiple hours. It took 7 hours to tell me my dog was dehydrated and you still didn’t give him fluids. Then suggested to keep him overnight. You already had him over night and didn’t do anything why would I keep him there for another night. I’ve had multiple vets in Des Moines tell me to stay away from this place. Unfortunately had no other choice with the holiday weekend.

I'm still thankful for the 24-hour veterinary services. The doctors and technicians here are super friendly and very knowledgeable. I was in and out with my canine emergency within an hour. Dr were kind enough to explain everything to me and issue prescriptions on the spot. Thanks again Iowa veterinary specialties.

We brought our 12 year old lab to IVS in an emergency and they worked quickly to get him stabilized and monitored him over night calling multiple times with updates. He was unable to walk so a tech came out and carried him in herself and everyone treated us with compassion while being up front about what could be wrong. The staff always ran any potential charges by us prior to doing anything so we were aware of the cost and agreed. I felt very fortunate to live so close to IVS when we needed them!

My two year old golden retriever had visited this clinic twice within the past three weeks (both minor emergencies). We were greeting immediately once off the phone with the techs. The techs arrived in the lobby and were very attentive to me as an owner and my dog. Took extensive notes, and asked many questions to help in his care. Once dropped off, I waited for about a hour to see the status (which is fair for an emergency clinic). Dr. Blake worked with my dog on both occasions, and she is phenomenal! Explained everything to me in a professional and friendly manner. She even gave an estimate on the services that will be provided, and got the okay from myself on tests that she suggested that they run. They really took good care of my little golden boy, and the techs really seemed to enjoy him. The prices were very fair for emergency care, and I was able to use my pet insurance as a direct pay, and only had to pay my deductible and 10% that was no covered by insurance. Highly recommend for emergency care.

Last night I came in with my dog who was in a lot of pain. The wait took awhile, but they were able to see him, diagnosis him, and give him meds. I felt as if the veterinarian was extremely pet focused and the girl I spoke to on the phone about his meds had compassion; as well as knowledge about how to help him out. Often 24/7 places are steered clear of due to prices, but our dog’s bill was 1/2 to 1/3 of what I thought would cost… Due to the fact we only knew his leg was hurt. Great job guys and we’re greatly appreciative.

We were referred to IVS from Ingersol Animal Hospital, because our 9 year old Choc Lab was loosing fur and acting mildly lethargic. IVS took him into their backroom and after a couple hours I asked what was going on? They listed several tests they had already done and were looking at more tests. I asked, how much do I owe so far, and they told me $1300. I was like OMG and they wanted to charge another $1000 on more tests. I was in financial dire straits at the time and said "you should have asked before running up such a large bill". They said without more tests, our dog would die. They said Gatordog would need $300 worth of medicine each month for the rest of his life to treat Cushings Disease. I called my wife and she said bring him home where we can care for him as he passes away. We could not afford any more tests and certainly not $300 per month for drugs. A few days later I found out our neighbor's dog had the same symptoms, and our Doberman started to show some of the symptoms also. A friend recommended Starch Pet Hospital, so I took Gatordog there to be seen. They said Cushings Disease does not spread from dog to dog, so IVS 's diagnosis is not correct. They combed Gatordog's fur and found out the problem was mange (dog scabies). So one vet visit and medicine for a total of less than $100 solved the problem and Gatordog recovered and has been fine ever since. IVS's diagnosis was so grim we actually thought of euthanizing Gaterdog so he would nor suffer. We love Gatordog so much we cried for days thinking we were going to lose him and about putting him to sleep. We were so financially strapped after going to IVS, we were behind on essential bills for months afterwards until we could catch up. IVS broke our hearts, stole our money and had us nearly kill our much loved dog. IVS is a terrible place; they care more about making money than caring for pets. They should be ashamed for missing such a simple answer to our Gatordog's health and charging so much for unneeded tests. PLEASE if you LOVE YOUR PET, go to a vet that cares for you and your pet and not just about making money. IVS SHOULD BE CLOSED!

Hands down the absolute worst emergency vet I've ever taken any of my animals to. They did not care for my animal, made it seem like our emergency was not an emergency, let my dog sit in pain for over 3 hours before seeing him.They also provided an estimate, and of course went over it with no explanation, but offered to take off his antibiotics to get to the right price. Today I got a letter that I should seek alternative emergency vet care. Not a problem, went to you bc others were full. NEVER again. Angie- maybe you should follow up with the customer before writing a letter concerning something you know nothing about. THANKS!

If I could give them zero stars I would. The vet was horrible to my dog. She didn’t want to give me any information and threatened to send him to ARL bc I did not have 6K to leave my poor dog over night, it didn’t even include any form of testing. HIGHLY recommend going to Blue Pearl. They are actually understanding and work with you.

We took our dog in because he started having trouble breathing. He had an episode where he was struggling to breathe at all so we took him here as an emergency. Took them three hours to say that they couldnt find out anything without more tests but that he is fine. They said theyd get the paperwork for us and we'd be all set to leave. 40 minutes later we had to walk in ourselves to see why the paperwork was taking so long. Big waste of time and money and our dog is still struggling to breathe.

My cat broke it's leg, and we brought it to this place. They took 5 hours for the initial visit, and it costed $650. That was outrageous, and I live an hour away. After I picked him up and brought him home, he had only been home for an hour before the cast starting falling off. So I had to drive all the way back and get it put back on and they dragged the visit out for 2 hours! 2 HOURS JUST TO GET A CAST BACK ON! It shouldn't have been this long and the receptionists were very unpleasant.

Give us $500 up front!!!! Or we let your beloved pet die!!!!!

They made me sit in the car for 2.5hrs, and did literally NOTHING for my dog. Not even IV fluids! After I demanded they released my dog to go to another clinic, they tried to have me sign a legal doc saying I wont sue?! How about you worry more about fixing pets. If you were able to do that correctly in the first place, you wouldnt ever need to worry about being sued! Stay away.

They’ve taken really great care of our dogs. We had one in their ER and most recently our other in their oncology department for CT. They’re very communicative about what they’d recommend and providing estimates prior to taking any action. There is also a form you sign confirming cost.

Waited almost 3 hours on a Tuesday afternoon just to have my dog seen. They charged 3 times the normal price of a vet and couldn't even provide a diagnosis. They were rude and couldn't care less about their jobs.

Taking my 14 week old puppy to IVS a few weeks back was not a very positive experience. We were most disappointed with the lack of responsiveness and the 6+ hours it took to have some x-rays read. But hey, for about $1600 you can have a puppy babysitter for the day! And hopefully, the front desk staff remembers to give you the bag you brought with your dog (that has medical files and PII in it) rather than giving it to another pet’s owner with a “similar name”.

They literally saved my cat's life. Thank you guys!

Took our cat in. We called after 2 hours of waiting and the vet lied to us saying they had called multiple times. They prescribed us a med that was needed for 6-8 weeks and took us that we would get doses 2 weeks at a time and to just call when we needed them. They are now trying to charge us for a full checkup and won't give us the medication.

We took our dog in because he lost control of his back legs on a Sunday. They were able to get him in quickly and were very nice and professional. Their diagnosis was incorrect. They he probably needed a MRI and to take him to Ames. They thought he had a spinal injury that would require surgery. We made the decision not too and to wait to see our vet and I am forever grateful. He didn't have a spinal injury but instead an infection. We were not told he had a fever. I am happy they sent all their documentation over and my vet decided to put him on antibiotics and anti-inflammatory. By the end of the week he started walking again and now has regained 98% of his mobility. I appreciate them amd their professionalism. I want to let people know it's ok to get a 2nd opinion especially when faced with a possible major cost of surgery.