Reviews of Best Friends Veterinary Medical Center (Veterinarian)

Marshall Stowe

Excellent experience with caring people

K Ashley

So helpful with all animals and great new customer discounts! Definitely recommend to everybody

Justin Hardcastle

Super nice staff and vet. First visit is free too!

Marc Beyer

Dr. Walker is a great vet. She has taken care of my cats for 15 years.

Nicky Munoz

They saved my cat thanks you guys

Kari Smit

I have been bringing my cat to Best Friends for three years now and wouldn't take her anywhere else. Dr. Walker and her staff have taken excellent care of Kitty throughout diagnosis and treatment of her pancreatitis, and to a large extent have taken excellent care of me, an anxious cat mom, by listening patiently to my concerns and working with me to make informed decisions about Kitty's course of treatment. Dr. Walker has gone above and beyond what I would expect from a veterinarian; she has filled out a great deal of paperwork to help me recover the costs of Kitty's treatment, and once even called me at 9 pm with Kitty's test results while waiting at the airport to depart on a family vacation. Who even does that? I trust her and her staff absolutely and appreciate their care and professionalism in helping my sick little Kitty recover and thrive.

Jonathan Stracy

Dr. Walker and her staff are simply amazing. You can immediately tell that they truly love what they are doing and that they'll do their very best for your pets.

Adam Wood

For years Dr. Walker and Best Friends Veterinary Medical Center here in Portland have been taking care of my pets. She has always been caring, very friendly, and amazing. She is an expert veterinarian and the staff are very nice! I highly recommend others to see her and have referred many friends to her veterinary clinic.

Kate Paliakova

The doctor and the assistants are very knowledgeable, carrying and attentive. The best experience I've had in a long time.

Dirk Wallace

Dr. Walker and her staff are gentle, caring and professional. We have no doubt whenever we bring in our dogs or cat for treatment that they are in the very best of hands.

Chris Jones

Dr. Walker is amazing. She takes the time and answers your questions and provides options regarding the care of your pet. I would recommend her to anyone.

Katalina Klein

My Pitbull loves this place. Although he had painful ACL surgery here, he loves going back to visit. The staff loves him and plays with him. He feels very much at home and never wants to leave.

Beth Lavelle

Dr. Walker is fabulous. I was worried about my older cat Scooter, and was able to get an appointment immediately. Unfortunately, we had to put Scooter down due to cancer, but Dr. Walker was extremely sensitive when presenting my options and ensured that I didn't feel guilty for not being able to afford more treatment for Scooter. She even waited until after the Center closed and was quiet to euthanize him, and gave us the option of staying with him while he went to sleep. Super professional, very friendly, and sensitive to our tough decision to let Scooter go to kitty heaven. She even sent us a nice card the next week!

Clayton Lam

This is one of the best Veterinarians I have experienced. The staff is very friendly. The doctor is very thorough and presents you will options of treatments and care. They show genuine concern for your pet.

Ginny Cota

We are fairly new to Best Friends Veterinary in Monrovia. The staff is very knowledgeable, friendly and always willing to help or answer my questions over the phone. Our kitten was possibly facing a devastating disease and when the second blood test came back negative the whole staff celebrated with my husband and called me at home. Dr. Hardy is very thorough, informative, friendly and great with our kitten. I would highly recommend Best Friends to anyone looking for top notch veterinary services.

Katie Peters

I had a bit of an emergency (emergency to me at least) this morning. My pup somehow lacerated her armpit and I was in a bit of a panic to get her in. The woman at the front desk (sorry I forgot her name!) was so incredibly kind when I called and said I could bring my pup in right away. It was a huge relief! My dog is a bit of a spazz as well, so the vet is really stressful for both of us! Dr. Walker had a wonderfully calm and warm personality which was really reassuring since my dog (and I) can be really difficult. She was able to quickly clean the wound and staple it. She also noticed my dog's dewclaws needed to be trimmed and asked if I wanted them to do it while she was back there. It's something I always ask the vet to do whenever I bring my pup in, but in my panic I didn't think to ask. I really appreciated her noticing and asking to do it or I would have been kicking myself about it later. She didn't charge me for the exam because it was our first visit, which I thought was really nice since we came in as a bit of an emergency. The prices for the wound treatment were comprable to other vets I've been to, if not cheaper. Her being able to treat the wound without having to completely knock my dog out also saved me a ton of money. I also really appreciated that Dr. Walker herself was the one that came in to update and explain things to me each time instead of passing that off to a technician, I know this isn't always possible, but it was appreciated the this time. Again, it really helped to reassure me when I was flustered. They definitely earned my business today and I'm so happy to have found our new vet!

Sarah Larson

I've never been to a more caring, attentive vets office before. I have a timid dog who is terrified of the vet. We recently moved here and Best Friends is where I decided to go, and I'm so happy I did. The doctor and nurses were all wonderful. They listened to my concerns and worked with me to make sure my dog was as comfortable as possible. They clearly know what they are doing and care enough to accommodate special needs. Thank you so much. I'll be a using you for everything. <3

Rachel F

Dr. Walker is fabulous! Her "bedside" manner is gentle and engaging. She is knowledgable and will be upfront and honest with you regarding treatments, supplements, or surgery. Not only is Dr. Walker great, her staff is too. The women at the front desk are always cheerful and smiling. Whenever they call about one of the animals, they are caring and not rushed. I've interacted with this business quite a bit lately, as one of the dogs my boss employs for her practice has had issues. Everyone has been very understanding and great!

Kathleen Parker

I have used this practice for more than 20 years. Dr. Hollifield and staff have always taken good care of my pets, and me!

Mari M

Dr Walker is the best vet my dog has ever been too. He is a very sick dog and she has always been very thorough with his treatment. She gives all the options for treatment and follows up to see how he is doing. I have gone to other vets but Dr Walker is by far the best vet in town. Plus, her office is right around the corner from where I live!! But I can't afford to go to her anymore, which is sad.

Ang A

Last year we lost our beloved companion, Carlos The Dog. It was the hardest experience reality with his aggressive cancer. We weren't sure when the final moment would be. We were worried it may happen at night or on a weekend when the outfit was closed. Dr Walker offered to do a home visit and stayed she would be available at any hour. She offered to proceed her personal emergency number so that we could relax knowing he wouldn't suffer in his last moments. She was beyond supportive and is a wonderful Dr., all around. I would highly recommend this veterinary clinic above all others. The VERY BEST care. They work with you financially when you need it. The staff are equally great and do amazing job all around. Follow up care is always pursued and offered. Have an unrelated question about your pets? Ask away. Need your pets scripts filled... Np! Everything you need is here and with the most exceptional care and love. We will never go anywhere else now that we've found the best!

Stephanie Johnson

I can NOT recommend Dr. Walker and her staff enough. Dr.. Walker treats your four legged baby as her own. She is considered part of the family!

Stefanie Arnold

They were all super friendly and gave great attention to my pooch.

Nancy Anderson

My dog Sammy has received excellent care from the dedicated, professional, caring and competent staff at Best Friends Veterinary Clinic. Dr. Walker is an excellent veterinarian.

Kevin Hagan

Dr. Walker is the best Vet I have ever worked with in my long history of working with DVMs. She is extremely compassionate and cares greatly about the pet and understands that a pet is like a person within the structure of a family. That would mean nothing if it were not for her clinical competence which is extremely high! She is the Doctor House of Vets. I Highly recommend her. She is NOT the cheapest vet I have ever worked with but by no means is she the most expensive and as it is with some things in this world cheapest is not best. SHe is the best and at a fair price. HIGHLY reccommended!

Jamilee Shaffer

Great staff and good service

Jennifer Betz

I highly recommend this veterinary clinic. Dr. Walker really cares about pets and it shows. My cat was at another vet clinic for 4 days in the hospital. They thought she ate something but they were not doing anything about it. My friend suggested I go see her vet. Dr. Walker knew right away my cat needed surgery. She removed my husband's ear plug from her belly. She saved my cat. I will always go to her and will tell all my friends you can trust her that she knows what she is doing.

Glenn Brown

Dedicated, detailed and truly concerned about your pets! Great staff always friendly and willing to help.

Liz Inserra

It makes me sad that a vet would try to take advantage of people when their animal is sick. We took our cat here because he was not eating for 2 days and without doing and tests she said it was most likely cancer then she proceeded to give us a list of tests she would need to do which would come to $1500. My husband and I decided to take our cat to DoveLewis which only cost us $515 which included ER exam, labs, ultrasound and hydration and our cat is back to his happy self. Additionally Best Friends Vet double vaccinated both of our cats last year which could have harmed them. My husband and I had previously taken our cats to Full Circle vet in Lake Oswego which we absolutely loved but due to convenience of its location we tried Best Friends Vet which was a mistake.

Annie Greenhalgh

Dr. Walker seemed just fine but I was displeased by the "hard-sell" I experienced from her staff. I came in only for check-ups for my dogs and just to get up to date on vaccinations. My first issue was I was asked to bring a fecal sample for analysis but I was not told that there would be a $49.99 charge for fecal analyses. I feel they could have been more upfront about that and it would then give customers a chance to consent to this. My next issue was the hard, emotional sell that the vet tech (didn't catch her name) was giving me about not opting in to special programs that seemed totally unnecessary. I was made to feel like I neglect my dogs' health because I won't do the "Senior Wellness Program" which was a $275 service consisting of vitamins and check-ups. First of all, I have religiously taken my pets to veterinarians and this is the first time I've heard of such a thing and also this is the first time I felt like I was trying to be convinced this frills were necessary. The vet tech said she wished I would reconsider my choice not to do all of the services named below (other than the check ups, vaccines, fecal analyses). I was told that my use of OTC flea/tick/etc protection won't cut it. To be honest, this was completely ridiculous to ask such a sum and insist on all of these things. And this comes from a dog owner whom has studied dog nutrition, makes her own dog food & mixes supplements to add into it, trains her dogs every day and monitors health closely. I don't think I would ever be considered neglectful of my dogs' health & happiness but yet I was made to feel that way by the vet tech and her patronizing talk. Check-ups and vaccines and the fecal analysis (50/each dog) = 264 Senior Wellness Program = 275 * 2 dogs= 550 Dental Cleaning = 650-950 (range, let's say 650 to keep it on the low end to play devil's advocate) * 2 dogs= 1300 Parasite preventative medications = 276 (138/6 month supply of Trifexa) * 2 dogs = 552 TOTAL ESTIMATE = 2,666. All I came in for was check-ups and vaccinations. I definitely would not make Dr. Walker my veterinarian because of the apparent policy of pressuring me to buy more and more.

C.E. Frederick

Exceptional veterinary care here so far.

gayle sadowski

This is one of the most compassionate, caring staff and Physician (Dr.Walker) you will find in Portland. They all truly care for the animals that they see.

jocelyn safko

Had to find a place in a pinch and this ended up being such a gem right around the corner from my new apartment. I unknowingly adopted a pregnant cat and when I needed help they got me right in and the staff was so genuine and kind. They all listened to me and my concerns while other places tend to be emotionless and cold. (Why I left my previous vet) I called one day and when I thought they wouldn't get back to me they did later on in the evening out of business hours. Then the following week someone called to check in on her pregnancy and that they had been thinking about us. This kind of service is so rare these days and reassured me I chose the best place for my pet. I highly recommend taking your pets here.

Lisa Perry

I have been going to this Vet for almost 3 years now and I have continued to get more and more frustrated with the care that I have received for my dog. Most recently was the way I was treated when I called in for some medical advice. When the vet tech called me back with an answer from Dr. Walker she failed to even answer my question but responded by telling me that I need to use a medication that requires a prescription from the Vet to treat my dog for motion sickness rather than answering my question as to whether or not I can give my dog meclizine. Meaning I would need to bring my dog in for a visit and get this medication, this place really likes to rack up your bill and make money. When I asked the vet tech if she had an answer to my original question she told me “we are not allowed to give medical advice out to people that are not our customers”……I have been taking my dog there for almost 3 years! She then proceeded to tell me that my sister is our customer and not me…..once again I have been taking my dog there for 3 years my sister doesn’t even live here! The vet tech then proceeded to call me back and tell me that they do not recommend that I give my dog meclizine but that it is safe and gave me the dose I should use. Then to top it off Dr. Walker calls me back that evening, at dinner time, on my husband’s phone, not mine. She started the conversation by asking me what my profession is (irrelevant) and then told me that she does not have readily accessible information to drug formularies and is unfamiliar with ever using this medication in dogs for motion sickness. She failed to ask me any questions regarding the dog’s symptoms when traveling in a car and rather assumed that the dog had motion sickness induced vomiting, which is not the case. Her lack of clinical care is saddening. She seems to be swayed by drug companies to use the newest medication out there rather than using her training to determine appropriate treatment decisions.

Paul Buck

I would echo the other comments of those feeling they were stuck with sales pitches or made to feel guilty if services were not followed through. We brought our two dogs in for checkups, and were recommended dental cleaning in addition to the pre-op and routine lab testing. We followed through and both dogs teeth were fine though one slightly worse (I'm a human dentist). Procedure went fine and dogs and staff cared for them well. About 4 months later we brought the dog with cleaner teeth back in to have some lumps biopsied and we requested that Dr. Walker remove the lesion and send it for pathology (my wife is a human surgeon). Unfortunately the Dr. walker forgot to call us with results until we called her about a month later and discovered the specimens were never sent to pathology. Fortunately she thought they were lipomas but based on cytology. Additionally we noticed another dental cleaning on the bill - on the dog with the cleaner teeth and only 4 months after the first cleaning. Although the care was very good, we just feel nickel and dimed and not listened to. We do not plan to return even though the location is very convenient for us.

Lisa Dobbs

We are new to Best Friends Veterinary and quite honestly, I am blown away by the care, attention and follow up provided by Dr Walker and her team. We had been taking our dogs to the same vet in the Seattle area for many years, and I now see that their care, was adequate at best. At BFVMC you and your pets are truly special. Our first visit for our two dogs (one is a senior), lasted over two hours. The girls were tested and evaluated, follow ups scheduled, and referrals made to other animal professionals (internist, oral surgeon). We were surprised one evening by a 9:30pm phone call from Dr. Walker, who was at our building with a prescription for our older dog. She "happened to be in the neighborhood" and dropped it by, saving us a trip. I now know what quality veterinary care is like, and really appreciate the time and attention provided by Dr. Walker. I feel like my dogs are in excellent hands, and I trust her to listen to us, and help us make the right decisions regarding their health. If you pets are important to you, then you need Dr. Walker as your vet.

James Mattson

Love this vet.

Annie W.

I have known Dr. Walker since 1991, when she was the vet for our first labrador. I have been truly stunned by her equaled knowledge, skill and genuinely caring heart. Such a combination is rare! I have always felt that she has truly cared about our four legged family members. I have never in 21 years felt pressured to spend for the sake of business interests. A thorough range of treatment options and the clinical rationale behind them have been presented to me with care, ethical concern for my pet and respect for my budget, even when I had to hold back treatment for the next pay check. When my lab - who was that once in a life time dog - was dying, Dr. Walker went above and beyond what any of her colleagues would have done, to care for him and for me. No grief therapist in the city could have been as supportive as she was. She is not only a highly skilled vet, she is person with a rare largeness of heart. If my dog had a potentially lethal condition, I would drive to Vancouver, BC to see Dr. Walker, if I had to.

Dorothy Koopmans

Dr. Hardy and his staff at Monrovia, CA Best Friends Veterinary Medical Center are attentive, kind, and empathetic to my 2 cats needs. They are always willing to answer questions over the phone and appointments are readily scheduled or changed at my convenience! They really cater to their clients and pets! Thank you for being such a great veterinary service! Dorothy K.

Jamie L

Nice staff and vet, but not worth a $438 bill for vaccinations and a check up. I’ve lived in Europe and in various US cities and have never paid anywhere close to that amount for my dog’s primary care.

Mr. Adam Sailer

Vets rule

Andrew Stronach

So we used to take our cats here, no longer will be doing so. One of our cats had recently been throwing up and lost weight. Dr. Walker recommended a bunch of tests and observation which told us nothing $450 later. Recommended their house brand food that is sold to vets only and is extremely expensive. Talked to a local pet shop owner who said that there were better quality hypo allergenic foods available for half the cost. So was he telling the truth? Yes. A quick search online indeed confirmed that there was better food out there for half the cost. I was shocked that a vet would recommend this food till I found out that the company marketing it only sells to vets so you have to buy it at the vet = more visits and money. Just wish the vet would have number one and first told us to try a hypo allergenic food and that there food they sell was a rip off. This was the second time that all the recommended tests showed no results and it seems that we always are getting scared into doing some type if test or service. Going to try someone else.

Michelle Bloemers

We had sort of an emergency where our dog, Elliot, figured out how to unlock and open the front door to our apartment, and we needed a place for her to go that day while my husband and I were in school. Best Friends was awesome and without hesitation welcomed Elliot into the office in just a couple hours. Dr. Walker and her team came through for us in a difficult situation and we truly appreciate it. Elliot also received and exam and some vaccines, and was treated so well. We could tell that she was comfortable with them. We cannot thank Dr. Walker and her staff enough for being there for Elliot and us.

Stephanie Valdez

Dr. Walker and her team are the best! I love how Dr. Walker will take the time to listen to your concerns and have multiple methods of care ready. Anytime I have a question they’re always available to help!

Stephanie MacAllister

I had a sick 21 year old cockatiel that visited other vet hospitals and was never correctly diagnosed. Better Friends diagnosis the problem correctly and treated him till he was well. I highly recommend this gem of a veterinarian medical center.

Rebecca Armistead

My dog and I have been going to Best Friends Veterinary Medical Center for years and I have experienced growing dissatisfaction. What started as a great local vet has become increasingly expensive and has employed scare tactics regarding my dog's health to "encourage" me to buy pharmaceuticals directly from them. I began dreading going to the vet more than my dog! They finally lost my business when I called to get a quote on a very simple test and they said that they can't give quotes over the phone and I would have to come into the office to even get pricing for basic services. When I expressed my incredulity, the staffer was rude and unapologetic.

Katlynn Nicolls

Truly disappointed with this vet. Went in with a completely healthy cat for her shots and walked out with a higher vet bill than I have ever had before (I have had 3 cats). Part of her "plan" was to take a stool sample and get it to them within a few days. But, when they called a few days later it wasn't about the sample, but about more options they would like us to have done there so they can get more money. On top of that, they were disorganized--giving me a different animals records when we left and insisting that I must be mistaken when I went back to get the right ones. Will never go to again.

Steve

We have been enormously pleased with the professionalism, compassion and quality of care our dogs have received from Dr. Walker and her staff. We've seen her for almost five years now and appreciate her greatly. She's expensive, to be sure, but thorough and skilled.

Linda Waters

BFVH is a wonderful place to take your pet. Everyone there treats you and your pet like you are a part of their family!

Rachel White

Phenomenal care all around. From the moment you take in your pet they provide thorough and compassionate care. Following your appointment they keep in touch by calling to check and make sure everything is going okay with your pet. Wonderful service and wonderful care!

Jess Petrovich

Dr. Walker and her staff are extremely dedicated to keeping their patients healthy. They take time to explain things to you and answer your questions, even when they are swamped. Our dog had a tooth abscess on a Friday and was seen in clinic and worked into the operating schedule that same day (saving us an expensive trip to urgent care). I felt completely comfortable leaving my sick dog with them all day because I knew they would take good care of her. The entire staff stayed late and made sure that she got the care that she needed. Dr. Walker called and checked in on us the next morning. I have been to other vets before that make you feel bad for asking questions or charge you a lot without explaining things to you. My experience at Best Friends Dog Clinic has been the complete opposite of that and I would recommend them to any of my friends or family looking for a reliable and caring vet for their dog.

Teresa Yawn

I went here a little over a month ago when my silly cat ate styrofoam like a ninja. Dr Walker was patient, and knew exactly how to care for our defensive kitty. They even recommended we go to a cafe near by so we didn't have to wait and worry and I ended up loving the cafe. Less than two days later the staff called to check up on our (butt of a) cat. No matter where we move in Portland or around they will always be the place for our cat kids

Sharlene Cartier

Dr. Hardy is a great Vet - we recommend him highly. He has been our Vet through the last three dogs now. One nice thing is that there is no waiting time when you make an appointment. He also has a great staff.

J S

Really wonderful, caring folks. I took my two parrots here for checkups and, when one of them got sick, for surgery. They were incredibly caring and professional about each and every service they offered. I can't say enough about how great they are. You're in good hands.

Elizabeth Ann

I'm new to the area and hadn't found a vet yet. Took my cat in suddenly for blood in the urine, and they were so sweet and helpful. I'm an ICU nurse and they gave excellent medical care to my cat, and supported me through the stressful day. I highly recommend this place!

Katie Evans

Terrible experience. Overpriced and billing was not properly explained. Will not return.

Skye Cutler

Good care. Just wayyyyyyy overpriced.

Emily Barnes

ALWAYS running behind. I've lost count of how many hours I've sat waiting for my cats to be seen. Time to find another vet.