Balsam Animal Hospital Introduce
Welcome to a closer look at veterinary care in the beautiful mountains of Western North Carolina! For pet owners in and around Waynesville, finding reliable, compassionate, and skilled veterinary services is a top priority. This article will introduce you to Balsam Animal Hospital, a local establishment dedicated to the health and well-being of your furry, and sometimes scaly, family members. We'll explore what makes them a go-to choice for many North Carolina locals, from their convenient location to the range of services they provide, all while maintaining a friendly and professional approach.
Understanding the local options for pet care is crucial, and Balsam Animal Hospital stands out for its commitment to the community. Whether you're a long-time resident or new to the Waynesville area, knowing where to turn for routine check-ups, unexpected illnesses, or ongoing health management for your pets is essential. This overview aims to provide you with all the necessary details to help you make an informed decision about your pet's healthcare provider right here in North Carolina.
Balsam Animal Hospital is conveniently situated at 1628 S Main St, Waynesville, NC 28786, USA. This prime location on South Main Street makes it easily accessible for residents throughout Waynesville and the surrounding communities in Haywood County. For those living in nearby towns such as Canton, Clyde, or Maggie Valley, reaching the hospital is straightforward, typically involving a short drive along well-maintained roads. The ease of access is a significant benefit for pet owners, especially during emergencies or when needing to schedule routine appointments.
The hospital's location ensures that pet owners don't have to travel far for quality veterinary care. This central positioning within Waynesville helps to minimize stress for both pets and their owners, making visits as smooth as possible. Parking is generally ample, allowing for hassle-free arrival and departure. For anyone in the Western North Carolina region seeking a local veterinary clinic that is both reputable and conveniently located, Balsam Animal Hospital offers a practical solution for all their pet care needs.
Balsam Animal Hospital provides a comprehensive range of veterinary services designed to meet the diverse needs of pets in the North Carolina community. Their offerings cover various aspects of animal health, focusing on preventive care, diagnostics, and treatment. While specific details on every service might vary, the general scope of their practice includes:
- Preventive Care and Wellness Exams: Regular check-ups, vaccinations, parasite control, and nutritional counseling to keep pets healthy and prevent diseases.
- Diagnostic Services: In-house laboratory testing for blood work, urinalysis, and fecal exams, as well as digital radiography (X-rays) to aid in accurate diagnoses.
- Surgical Procedures: Routine surgeries such as spaying and neutering, as well as more complex soft tissue surgeries, performed with careful attention to patient safety and recovery.
- Dental Care: Professional dental cleanings, extractions, and other oral health services to prevent dental disease and maintain overall health.
- Emergency and Urgent Care: While not a 24/7 emergency clinic, they often accommodate urgent cases during business hours, providing critical care when immediate attention is needed.
- Pharmacy Services: Dispensing a wide range of medications, including prescriptions for chronic conditions, pain management, and acute illnesses.
- Microchipping: Offering microchip implantation to help reunite lost pets with their owners.
- Pain Management: Developing individualized plans to manage acute and chronic pain in pets, improving their quality of life.
It's important to note that while they offer a broad spectrum of services, specialized care, particularly for exotic pets like reptiles, may require specific expertise. As highlighted by a customer review, while Dr. Kern has experience with some reptiles, for complex or unusual cases, seeking a veterinarian with extensive specialization in that specific species might be advisable to ensure the highest level of care. For dogs and cats, however, Balsam Animal Hospital is well-equipped to handle most common health concerns.
Balsam Animal Hospital is recognized for several key features and highlights that contribute to its reputation as a valued veterinary practice in North Carolina:
- Knowledgeable and Kind Staff: Customers consistently praise the staff, particularly Dr. Kern and individuals like Hattie, for their knowledge, kindness, and calm demeanor. This creates a reassuring environment for both pets and their owners.
- Genuinely Caring Approach: The team at Balsam Animal Hospital is noted for being genuinely caring, demonstrating a true commitment to the well-being of the animals they treat. This compassionate approach fosters trust and comfort.
- Punctuality and Efficiency: Appointments often start on time, a testament to their organized and efficient practice, respecting clients' schedules.
- Fair Pricing: Many clients find the cost of services to be quite fair, offering value for the quality of care received, which is a significant factor for local pet owners.
- Commitment to Communication: The hospital strives to maintain open communication with pet owners, discussing findings, treatment options, and ensuring owners are well-informed about their pet's health.
While the hospital excels in many areas, it's worth noting that for highly specialized cases, especially concerning exotic animals, clients might consider consulting with a specialist who has extensive experience with that particular species, as indicated by feedback regarding reptile care. However, for typical canine and feline care, the hospital's features demonstrate a strong dedication to providing quality, empathetic, and accessible veterinary services to the North Carolina community.
For residents of North Carolina looking to connect with Balsam Animal Hospital, here is their contact information:
Address: 1628 S Main St, Waynesville, NC 28786, USA
Phone: (828) 452-1868
Mobile Phone: +1 828-452-1868
It is always recommended to call ahead to schedule appointments or to inquire about their services and hours of operation. Their friendly staff will be able to assist with any questions you may have regarding your pet's needs or to guide you through their service offerings. This direct line of communication ensures that pet owners in the North Carolina region can easily access the care and information they require for their beloved animals.
For pet owners across North Carolina, particularly in the Waynesville area, Balsam Animal Hospital stands out as a highly suitable choice for their veterinary care needs. Their convenient location on South Main Street ensures easy accessibility for both routine visits and urgent situations, minimizing travel time and stress for both pets and their owners. The comprehensive range of services, from essential preventive care to advanced diagnostics and surgical procedures, means that most common pet health concerns can be addressed right within their facility, providing a one-stop solution for local families.
What truly sets Balsam Animal Hospital apart, and why it resonates with the North Carolina community, is the consistent feedback from satisfied clients. The recurring themes of knowledgeable, kind, and genuinely caring staff, including Dr. Kern and the veterinary technicians, highlight their dedication to providing not just medical treatment, but also compassionate support. Pet owners appreciate the fair pricing and the punctual nature of appointments, reflecting a practice that values both quality care and client convenience. While specialized cases for exotic pets might warrant a highly species-specific expert, for the vast majority of local dogs and cats, Balsam Animal Hospital offers a reliable, empathetic, and professional environment. Their commitment to the well-being of animals, combined with their accessible location and comprehensive care, makes them an excellent and trusted local resource for pet health in Western North Carolina.
Balsam Animal Hospital Photos










Balsam Animal Hospital Location
Balsam Animal Hospital
1628 S Main St, Waynesville, NC 28786, USA
Balsam Animal Hospital Reviews
I am so grateful for the care Balsam Animal Hospital provided to me and my pup! Dr Kern is so knowledgeable, kind and calm. Hattie was amazing, so friendly and genuinely caring. My appointment started right on time and the cost was quite fair. Thank you!
Apr 23, 2025 · Rosa MillerI am sharing this because I hope if you have a reptile that you find a specialist and someone with vast experience. I am not giving 1 star to Balsam for their care of dogs and cats. When we adopted our bearded dragon I called around to find a vet with experience and Dr.Kern does have experience with Iguanas and Bearded Dragons but unfortunately for me, not enough. I brought my almost 2.5 year old bearded in because he had hardly any appetite and was losing weight, perhaps a bit lethargic but otherwise no symptoms. Doctor Kern called me in the afternoon to discuss “Teddy”. He stated he had pooped but the vet tech did something with it (I’m guessing discarded) so it could not be used to test for parasites (which would have been the first thing to do). I explicitly asked them not to perform an enema on my little guy (this can kill a beardie). The doc the stated that he was concerned because my beardie had lost so much weight and was only 384 grams. I weigh my beardie at home and knew that was way off. When i said as much to doctor Kern he stated that they had a new scale and perhaps the vet tech didn’t know how to use it properly and he would double check. As expected he was 422 grams. We then discussed possible treatment. Dr Kern didn’t have the right size tubes to check bloodwork, but said he would order some and we could bring my beardie back in for bloodwork at that time when those arrived. We discussed treating him for parasites, even though we couldn’t check for them and then I hung up the phone. Within an hour Dr. Kern called me back and told me that my beard was dead …that he was given meds and within 20 minutes of meds and fluids he started opening his mouth wide and gagging all signs of aspirating, which tells me either Dr. Kern or one of his vet tach forced meds too quickly down his throat and he aspirated and died. I certainly don’t believe that it was intentional, but just lack of experience that I lost my beardie. I failed him! I want other people to be aware of what happened. If you have a reptile of any kind, please find a very experienced veterinarian that specializes in that species. I sure wish that I had!
Apr 22, 2025 · RebeccaDr. Kern and his team members are the absolute best! I have complete trust when it comes to the medical care of my lab, Lucy. They have been caring for Lucy since she was a couple months old and she is now eight years old. Lucy bounces into the office with such excitement to see all of her “friends”. Thank you for loving my girl!
Jun 21, 2025 · cheri garnerLucie hurt herself jumping down from an elevated tub after a bath. She was limping by the time we got home. I carried her outdoors and inside as she had no desire to walk. Dr. Kern saw her the next morning. After a few X-rays and an exam he advised me nothing was damaged and some pain meds would help her as the body heals itself. This was a big stress relief for me. Thanks to Dr. Kern and staff for excellent service and kind handling of my Lucie.
Feb 06, 2025 · Tom HaleBella and I really feel at home, and knowing that a Veterinarian visit is a comfortable experience takes the anxiety out of our visits. The Veterinarians and staff are knowledgeable, friendly and down to earth people. All of these aspects makes going to Balsam Animal Hospital a breeze.
Jan 30, 2025 · Carolann Poole
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