Balsam Animal Hospital Waynesville, North Carolina

Not for snakes! I scheduled an appointment for my snake and the receptionist told me that the vet there would be able to help my snake but by the time the vet called me during his appointment he told me that he works with mostly dogs and …

I have used Dr. Kern for years with multiple pets. From my daughter's fish, lizards, hamsters, and birds, to the family dogs and cats. He has gone above and beyond to save animals that there seemed to be no hope for. He is as good with the owners as he is with the pets. His staff is friendly and professional and genuinely care about the animals they see. Dr. Kern's dedication to his chosen profession sets him apart. I would recommend him without hesitation to anyone that needs outstanding pet care.

When my parents got me my first puppy around 10 years old, we started bringing our pets to Dr Kern. My dog got amazing care her entire life. Even once I moved to Asheville and later to Hickory, I still drove all the way to Dr Kern so she could see her regular vet. With Dr Kern and his staff's care she lived to a nice senior age. The day we had to peacefully let her go the entire staff showed so much compassion. My parents still bring Dr Kern their 2 cats. One of my Mom's previous cats was diagnosed with a very serious life-threatening condition. Dr Kern went above and beyond to find various treatments to give him the best care and give him the best chance at survival, while being considerate to what my family could afford. With Dr Kerns guidance the cat kept improving and survived a condition that most people on Google are mourning losing their cats to after getting it diagnosed if you look it up. He was totally cured, got to completely come off the medication. Years later once I moved to Hickory somehow my cat was diagnosed too. The nearby vets wouldn't use the same treatments Dr Kern did even when I asked, and only demanded surgeries for thousands of dollars I didn't have, no alternatives. So I drove almost 2 hours for her to see Dr Kern, because I knew I could trust him with my cat. That was MANY years ago, I have another cat now. Her basic vaccines she's getting locally, but you can ABSOLUTELY bet that if she's gets diagnosed with something serious, I'm trusting Dr Kern yet again. From age 10 to age 37, I've never met a more compassionate vet, that is so patient and thorough at explaining things, and he definitely cares just as much about my pets as I do. And right now I know my parents 2 cats are being very will cared for. I recommend this office to anyone I know in the area. I'd give more than 5 stars if Google would let me.

Dr. Kern and his team were very caring and attentive during the difficult time of laying our sweet Cade to rest. We are very grateful for Dr. Kern and Balsam Animal Hospital for being there for us during our time of need. Thank you!

I have only recently been introduced to Balsam ... I volunteer at a cat shelter and have been fostering a sweet little kitty with a badly injured eye. I have been so impressed with first of all, the accessibility of this place. I have been able to speak to the staff as well as Dr. Kern re: any issues or concerns I have with my foster. I was never made to feel that I was doing something incorrectly, or not providing the proper care. In particular, Dr. Kern takes the time to explain what he is doing or what he would like to do, and that is SO important. I have been able to get a same day appointment when needed. This is not an easy thing to do at the other larger vet centers. And it is not because there is a lot of down time at Balsam... it is a busy place. But they try their best to accommodate. Thank you Dr. Kern and staff for working well under pressure and in a difficult area.... your patients are unable to tell you what they are feeling, and quite often don't show you the thanks you deserve.

We called 6 Vet clinics and could not get seen for our dog who wouldn’t walk .Dr. Kern’s clinic worked us in and diagnosed and treated his problem. His Tech also did an outstanding job.He was walking the next day!

I'm always very happy with the service and attentiveness I receive from Balsam Animal Hospital/Dr. Kern & his staff. Although my dog isn't always excited to be there because he is nervous at most visits, he is treated well and everyone is patient with him. All of our needs are met at each visit and I have no complaints... I definitely recommend BAH, thank you Dr. Kern and staff for all that you do.

Dr Kern is one of the Best Vets around. He always listens and talks with you about concerns I have. He never hurries you out. All the techs and front office are very caring and respectful

This was the worst veterinarian experience we have ever had. We will not be using or recommending this veterinarian practice in the future. The vet tech and the veterinarian were very rough when handling both of our cats. Dragging them from their carriers, squeezing them, grabbing them by their necks, forcing them flat on the table during the exam. All of this was completely unnecessary, as both cats are docile and very well behaved during vet visits. The rough treatment stressed out both cats and I have never seen a veterinarian handle animals this way. The scale they used to weigh both cats was visibly dirty, as was the floors and exam table of the room we were in. After weighing one of our cats, the vet tech claimed she saw “flea dirt” on that nasty scale and tried to push a flea treatment. Both cats are indoor only and have never had fleas while in our care. After the exam, the veterinarian agreed both cats are flea-free. We wanted to discuss weight management for our oldest cat, and came prepared with the measuring cup and food we use. We were accused of lying about the amount we feed each day and rather than offering helpful medical advice, they just told anecdotal stories of other cats and what worked for them. None of that applied to our animals and how we feed them. Unclear and last minute communication regarding medical records (despite us asking questions about this process well in advance). The vet tech even admitted to us that they had not reviewed the records sent to them before the visit. That was made clear when they tried to give both cats a shot they had already received within the last 8 months with their old veterinarian. When I declined these shots, I was questioned and lectured and told I would have to email the records to prove they already had these shots, despite the fact they already had the records on hand, but just hadn't looked over them.

Didn't ever answer my question... just super rude on the phone I'm hard of hearing and they made me seem like I was stupid. Hate this place Go to the animal hospital of Waynesville instead they're far better to go to and they don't have rude staff ????‍♀️

Always very satisfied with the service my pets receive at Balsam Animal Hospital. Dr. Kern is very attentive to my concerns and goes beyond my expectations in the diagnosis, treatment, and care of my kiddos!

I moved to Waynesville on Thursday, which is the same day that my dog started throwing up. He did not eat anything for three days. I called several vets in town and none of them would see me because I didn’t have an appointment. I didn’t have an appointment?? I had told them how very sick my dog was and their concern was that I didn’t make an appointment. On the advice of my real estate agent who takes her dogs to Dr. Kern, I showed up at his office. From the very moment that Amber met me at my car to the moment that Dr. Kern called me to talk with me about my dog, this office was caring, compassionate and most of all competent. My dog is so tiny (3 pounds) and felt so awful that Amber didn’t even put him in a cage until the Vet could examine him. Instead, she kept him up front with her. I was so incredibly grateful to them for caring more about my dog than their schedule. After an anti-nausea shot and a shot of steroids my little buddy is almost back to his old self. He is eating again and clearly feels so much better. Thank you Dr. Kern, Amber and everyone else who cared for my little Teddy.

BAH is exactly what a veterinary hospital should be. It took us quite awhile to find a local vet like all of the others we have visited around this country. Thank you, Dr. Kern. You and your staff are the best. Our three dogs were much calmer, and we were given all of the information we needed in a well organized and friendly, not overbearing fashion. Our dogs will be in very good hands..

What a wonderful vet clinic❤️. We are traveling and our dog developed vomiting and diarrhea. We found this place and Dr Kern took care of her. He was so caring and gave her all the help we needed. I highly recommend Balsam Animal Hospital

Dr. Kern saw us on very short notice and late in the day after we found our dog with a block of rat poison in her mouth. They took excellent care of her, and really did their research to make sure she was being treated properly for the type of poison she ate. Dr. Kern gave us plenty of resources for what to watch for as a sign of trouble, and sent us home with preventative medication and communication to our regular vet (we’re not local) just to make absolutely certain she would be alright. We were very pleased with the staff’s gentle care, and also felt the bill was extremely reasonable! Thank you Dr. Kern and Staff!

Dr.Kern is an excellent Veterinarian! However his secretary is not. Our dog is now considered palliative care per Dr.Kern. We were told at the last visit that Mac did not have to return for any blood draws due to the little amount of time we have left with him. We were also told the medication would be refilled without any visits. That all we had to do is call the office and they would call it in. Not only did I bring him to the visit I also had someone with me who heard this conversation. Dr.Kern's main concern was that Mac maintain comfort. How is this supposed to happen if he can't get a refill. I was told Dr.Kern is not available till Saturday. Mac deserves to live out the remainder of his days in peace and comfort and not suffer due to office rhetoric and lack of empathy.

It is my first time owning a cat, so I had many questions walking in. Immediately the girls at the front desk answered all of my questions and even went into detail explaining what my cat needs and doesn’t need in order for her to be …

If it were not for this fantastic staff and Dr Kern my poodle Niki might have died. These are now my go to people for my dogs ...

My dog is older and developed a lump on her eye as well as a swollen right side of her face which in my mind was an emergency. I live in Sylva and was told multiple times that places near me were not excepting new clients or the earliest time to see a vet would be months from the time I needed an appointment. Called Balsam Animal Hospital and they were able to get me in that same day. My dog ended up needing to get the lump removed and a tooth extracted and Dr. Kern and his staff did an amazing job making me feel comfortable leaving my dog and even more comfortable with the summary of what was done, her current wellness state and how to proceed going further. Prices were extremely affordable and I LOVED my interaction with everyone here, they were extremely friendly and organized! I look forward bringing my other dog in for a wellness exam and continuing to build an ongoing relationship with them. HIGHLY recommend!

Doctors and staff at Balsam Animal Hospital are the BEST!! The compassion and care they have for our pets and us, as owners, are phenomenal. …

Non alarmist, kind, patient, and very complimentary of my kitties. I'm very happy to have them caring for my pets while I'm here. They were able to get me in Monday morning 1 hr after I called for a minor emergency and cared for my Lucy so well she didn't even hide when we got home. Dr. Kern does one of the best jobs I've ever experienced talking to me and making sure I understand what they want to do and why, and what options are available. Recommended to me by my parents, who are very picky about who takes care of their animals as well. They genuinely love their animals here.

What an incredible group of knowledgeable and caring staff. Thank you Dr. Kern for everything -Surgical recovery it's going great and just as you indicated! A+ group of folks. Highly recommended Veterinary Office!

Dr kern is very nice , an he will return your calls on anything an is willing to put forth information to help you more with your pet , really great vet, I would like to thank dr more an the staff, for wht they try to do to help …

Very nice people who saved my cats life...

This man told me my dog was not pregnant on October 29th 2019, I had an appointment at Hawa to have her spade a week later. After they spayed her a week they told me she was definitely pregnant ???? whenever they went into spay her. Now I …

My animals have received excellent care here. Yes, the medicine is expensive at the counter but the vets and support staff are more than helpful with finding the same meds at lesser costs off site.

Very Impressed! Efficient and were able to get me in when my yorkie was having eye issues. Dr. Kern is very thorough and caring. Front desk was great also.

I’ve been bringing my dogs here for quite a while and am very fond of Dr.Kern, but after what I witnessed today I will NEVER be coming back!! Anyone who treats their employees this way, with no regard to the clients or to the employees does …

Visited a different animal hospital and waited almost 50 minutes for a 'Emergency visit'. My baby was so sick. Left there and went to Balsam Animal Hospital. They took my baby right in. Very friendly and caring unlike previous vet. Thank you BALSAM. YOU WILL BE THE ONLY PLACE I WILL GO TO IN THE FUTURE.

My animals love these guys, great staff, very compassionate! Never disappointed