Poughkeepsie Animal Wellness

I’m leaving this review to share my honest experience, not to attack anyone.

My Golden Retriever has seasonal allergies. For the past two years, she experiences itching and hair loss about once a year. Last year, I brought her to this clinic and the veterinarian at the time diagnosed her quickly. The treatment was reasonably priced and effective, and my dog recovered fast.

This year, I returned because I trusted my previous experience. However, the veterinarian had changed. The consultation was very brief, and before I even had a chance to clearly understand the diagnosis or treatment plan, I was told the total cost would be over $930.

When I asked why the cost was so much higher than last year, the staff told me this time my dog was given a “new allergy medication” that would supposedly work for life and eliminate the need for future treatment.

However, when I returned for a follow-up about 30 days later, I was told something completely different: that my dog would now need to take this allergy medication for the rest of her life, and that I should immediately schedule and pre-order the medication through the clinic.

This contradiction made me very uncomfortable. My concern is not about spending money on my dog—I am willing to do that. What troubles me is the lack of clear, consistent communication and the idea that a dog with symptoms occurring perhaps one month per year would need lifelong daily medication without a thorough discussion of alternatives, risks, or long-term impact.

As a pet owner, I want to make informed, ethical decisions for my dog, not feel pressured into an expensive, lifelong treatment plan without transparency. Unfortunately, this experience made me feel confused and uneasy rather than supported.

Our first visit at P.A.W was efficient, professional, caring and perfect! The facility is easy to find and clean. Also MEGAN was phenomenal in answering ALL of our gazillion questions and getting us in and out with ease for getting our cat, Tai spayed! And the best part, there was no hidden fees as the other places. The price set over the phone is what we PAID and they were very reasonable. We will definitely recommend this place and use it in the future! Thank you for making a tedious process super comfortable and easy! 🐾
January 2025

Pleasant and courteous staff. Always go above and beyond for our dogs. On my last visit they made my nervous dog feel at ease and spent time calming and reassuring him before they even started the exam. I left feeling confident and reassured.. all of my concerns and questions were answered.

Poughkeepsie Animal Wellness is everything we had hoped to find in a Veterinarian & support staff. From the moment of checking in for the appointment, to the time of checking out, the staff and Veterinarian were kind, loving, compassionate, and explained what to expect and needed care after Lucy's procedure. During her procedure until her operation was completed they made sure to keep us informed making a stressful situation easier. Our Lucy is home and back to herself! Thank you Dr. John, you and your staff are truly a find. Advice to anyone reading this review, this is where you want to bring your furbaby from well checkups to surgery. We live 1 1/2 hours away, despite the time & distance, we will never go anywhere else.

Brought my two Akitas here for the first time and had a great experience. The medical staff and veterinarian (Dr. John) were very professional and provided great care for my dogs. I needed many things completed to get there standard health items updated, as well as have my male neutered and other issues resolved. To that end, everything was handled in one day and my male healed much quicker than expected as a result of the high quality surgery completed. This is where I’ll be taking my dogs moving forward!