Lakeside Animal Hospital

Lakeside Animal Hospital is a veterinary clinic in Henrico (Richmond), Virginia, located at 5206 Lakeside Ave, Richmond, VA 23228. On Google it has a 4.1/5 rating from 365 reviews. Recent feedback includes positive comments about thorough veterinary care and courteous staff, alongside concerns about communication, exam expectations, and the cost and sequencing of diagnostics for a sick pet.

Services

•Wellness and new-client exams (one recent review describes a limited check associated with a vaccine visit)
•Vaccinations, including rabies and a flu vaccine mentioned in reviews
•Diagnostic testing for urinary issues, including urine testing
•Diagnostic imaging, including ultrasound and x-rays
•Treatment for infections with prescribed antibiotics (example given: bacterial UTI)
•Flea/tick treatment mentioned in a review

Pricing

Pricing appears mixed, ranging from around average to above average depending on the visit and diagnostics discussed in reviews.

People

Reviews mention Dr. G, Liz, and an owner named Suzi.

Reviews

Google reviews list a 4.1/5 rating from 365 reviews. Recent themes include long-term clients describing Dr. G as thorough and clear in explanations, and positive notes about staff professionalism and kindness. Critical feedback includes dissatisfaction with how a “free new client exam” was described versus what was performed, and a detailed complaint about feeling overcharged for diagnostics (ultrasound, x-rays, and related fees) during a visit for suspected UTI, along with concerns about communication and a lobby confrontation; that same reviewer also noted a follow-up conversation with the owner, Suzi, who listened and discussed improving communication and staff training.

Reviews for Lakeside Animal Hospital

Note: Showing the 5 most recent Google reviews out of 365 we track in total. Recent reviews may not be representative of overall sentiment.

Jessica Ramsey

Yesterday

I brought my dog in with a voucher for a “free new client exam” and $25/dose flu vaccine. On the voucher says that she would get a complimentary wellness check. However, after a few minutes in the lobby they came to grab my dog to take her back without needing me back there because it would be quick. They didn’t perform an exam. When I asked about this they said it was just to check her weight and her heart rate to make sure she was in good enough health to receive the vaccine. Don’t offer a free wellness exam if all you’re actually doing is listening to the animal’s heart rate. If this is what your practice considers a “new client exam” maybe specify what that actually entails so that I didn’t have to go elsewhere to get a real exam.

larry wilston

5 days ago

Dr. G has always been great to our dogs!! She has been my vet for over 20 years!! She is very thorough and explains everything!! Wishing her practice continued success!!

Kira Does it

Liz was Great

Lance Russell

6 days ago

Final review update. 7/14 - I will no longer use this vet. I gave them a second and third try. In the end we just don't see things the same way. My dog's condition has not really improved and actually added a new symptom since starting treatment here. I was also confronted in the main lobby in front of another pet owner, several nurses/staff, the previous owner (still primary vet as I understand it) and the new owner finally walked out from the back to observe. It was not appropriate to push for a confrontation in that setting, but it's done and over. Take the info here and use it how you see fit. Good luck. Update 6/22 - The owner, Suzi, contacted me and we had a very good conversation. While the experience was still frustrating, I appreciate that she personally contacted me to discuss my concerns to get to the root causes. She did not merely attempt to invalidate my concerns, she listened. She allowed me to express my thoughts completely and to respond with information that should have been provided during our visit. I can tell she is working hard to overcome previous problems. She is truly vested in providing quality care for animals and communication to pet owners. Our conversation ended with a better understanding on my part of the necessity for the tests/treatment provided and an understanding on Suzi's part that communication during the visit, explaining these things would have gone a long way. She assured me that she would take the opportunity to use this experience to provide training to her staff. The primary intent of the training being to improve communication with pet owners. Based on this conversation, I will consider giving LAH another chance. Initial review - One Star I will share that I am frustrated and feel like I was excessively over charged for unnecessary procedures. My dog was suffering from a potential UTI. They recommended an ultrasound to check out his bladder. When that came back inconclusive, they recommended xrays. They ultimately relied on the simplest test to make the final diagnosis of a bacterial UTI! They simply waited to conduct that test after they had me sold on all the unnecessary procedures. I understand this is coming after the fact, but I feel it is important to point this out. I, like many pet owners, felt concern for our family member that cannot speak for himself. I have to trust the vet to proceed in his best interest. I also expect that the vet will not suggest procedures that are not yet necessary. Use a strategy that keeps things simple and costs down. I am sure someone can/will say who am I to say what is or is not necessary. That is the point. They should know what is and is not necessary and not play on fear to manipulate acceptance of procedures that are not needed. Why did they not start with the urine sample. Check for the simplest answer first, rather than playing on my concern for my friend. The diagnosis of a bacterial infection that simply needed antibiotics should not have cost me over $1000. We did have a few additional things added on at the same time, flea/tick treatment and a rabies shot. Take those away and I was still charged an excessively high amount for the ultrasound, xrays, consult of the radiology, urine test and antibiotics. The ultrasound and xrays were completely useless other than to pad their invoice from my perspective. I was also charged a "same day" appointment fee. I would say that I might understand if they were busy to the point that they were "fitting us in", but there was no one else in the lobby or waiting area when we arrived. They were not busy to the point that our visit caused them a challenge to their schedule. The more patients you see, the more you make. This type of charge when you are not busy seems like a way to make up for not being busy! I will not return here. I read previous reviews on other platforms, and I should have known, but what choice do you have when your friend is suffering? Take him to an emergency vet clinic, where you might expect this kind of treatment?

brett blackburn

2 weeks ago

I had a great experience at Lakeside Animal Hospital. The staff treated both my pet and me with kindness and professionalism, and the care was excellent. Their prices were also very fair. I highly recommend them!