Independence Veterinary Hospital

"Very pleased with this hospital. Reasonably priced and got me in quickly. My usual vet was closed due to some maintenance issues but I needed someone to look at my dogs eye. He was not wanting to open it and I was afraid to waste any time having it looked at so he didn't lose his sight in that eye. They took him in right away and saved me from having to go to the emergency vet. The employees were very nice and the doctor explained that there was a scratch on his eye. Gave him meds and followed up a week later to see how it was healing. They called to check on him a few days later. It is slowly getting better and will follow up in about a week. I may have to change to this hospital. Very satisfied with them. The 1st picture is the day of his visit and the 2nd is the day after."

"I wanted to find a vet closer to home, but the staff was an unbearable experience… twice. I called to make a new appointment for Levi and immediately sent over the vet records as soon as I received the email from Independence Vet. I let the staff know if they needed ANY further information to contact me prior to the appointment. They had my dogs vet records for 6 hours prior to our arrival and upon arrival was upset they did not have the due date for certain vaccines, I had reminders on my records to indicate when vaccines were due (not done.) I apologized for this and immediately asked if they wanted me to call my vet. After being embarrassed from the huffing and puffing of the secretary she did call the vet, but proceeded to give me an attitude through the process. We as clients are not vets or vet techs, if information is needed you as a business need to follow up with clients (especially when you have 6 hours). I decided to chalk this up as, people have bad days. Until, I brought my other dog, Aria to the vet today. I walked into the office when no one else was there and was asked if I had my vet records, which I sent over a week prior. I simply asked if the secretary could find them because if not, I was going to resend them immediately for the appointment. She snapped at me. I did state the secretarial staff has been nothing but rude the previous and this time. There is NO reason to snap at clients for asking a question. Which I also had seen her do to another client in the waiting room… who simply asked if she needed to check in. Proceeding onward with the appointment, I had said Aria did NOT need a heart worm test because it was not necessary at this time (because it was not due) and she does not need to be on flea and tick, just heart worm. Having to tell the staff “no” multiple times is such a weird experience. The vet tech was persistent on the heart worm test and said SHE will not put my dog on a preventative without one. I told her the vet discussed with me, the test was NOT necessary unless she was off preventive for more than 6 months. She told me the vet had misspoken and given the wrong information. The vet had given Levi preventive without the test due to only being off it for a month. The whole situation felt scam-like to me. The vet had come in to discuss what was going on and said that I did not need the test because they had not been off of preventative for long. I don’t understand where the disconnect is coming from, but for the staff to undermine the doctor and speak so rudely to the clients is just inappropriate. Just to be clear the vet is a wonderful lady, she is kind and understanding. I will not go back due to the staff. I don’t think anyone deserves to be talked to in a confrontational way when multiple situations could have been prevented by simply following up with a client to make sure it became a stress free experience for the client and the doctor. Truly a waste of everyones time."

"I took my 12 year old pitbull to another veterinarian location who I will not name, and they prescribed him some antibiotics because they thought he had a respiratory infection. That was in April, 2023. I took him to this vet when I saw my dog not laying down. I heard crackling in his voice and knew there was fluid in his lungs. Within 3 days they made an appointment and sadly, after an X-ray they doc told me my dog had terminal cancer with a life expectancy of 1-2 weeks. I broke down crying of course but the doc was patient and understanding. He prescribed some steroids and I was on my way. I put my dog down the very next day via an at home euthenasia service. I think about my dog everyday and wish he had gotten an x ray months prior. Needless to say the experience at this vet was good all things considered. I haven't gotten a new dog yet, but when I do, I will bring them here."

"Dr. Smithwick is the best! Maggie and Daisy are fortunate to have the care she continually provides. Her professionalism and knowledge is only superseded by her bedside manner for our girls. Daisy would not be alive today if it weren't for her."

"I love the vets and staff at this practice! The staff is always welcoming and accommodating based on my pets age and needs. Dr Kier is hands down the most caring and patient vet I've had the pleasure to work with. He's careful to educate and offer a range of options but also very respectful of the owner's concerns and decisions. I hope to continue to bring my pets to this practice for many years to come. Thank you so much for sharing in the joys and the sadness when it comes to my fur babies."