VCA Avondale Veterinary Hospital Introduce
For pet owners in **Des Moines, Iowa**, and the surrounding Central Iowa area, finding a single, trusted facility that offers a complete range of services is highly valued. **VCA Avondale Veterinary Hospital**, located on E Army Post Rd, meets this need by operating as a full-spectrum animal care center. It functions as an advanced animal hospital, a veterinarian clinic, a dog day care center, a pet boarding service, and a pet groomer, all under one roof. This comprehensive model simplifies pet wellness by allowing Iowa residents to manage most of their companion animal’s needs—from routine vaccinations to advanced surgery and daily care—in one consistent, professional setting.
The hospital is known for its commitment to providing an environment that prioritizes the emotional and physical well-being of its patients. As a **Fear Free Certified** and a **Cat Friendly Practice**, VCA Avondale actively works to reduce stress, anxiety, and fear during veterinary visits, which is a major comfort to pet owners and makes for healthier, less traumatic experiences for the animals. Their medical approach is broad and deep, encompassing primary and specialty care, advanced diagnostics, and support services designed to keep pets healthy and active throughout their lives. This includes a forward-thinking perspective on pet wellness, offering services ranging from routine medical care to advanced therapeutic options like pet rehabilitation and holistic medicine.
The professional staff at VCA Avondale understands the profound bond between pets and their owners. This empathy is particularly evident during the most difficult moments, such as end-of-life care, where the team is frequently praised for their compassion and support in facilitating final preparations with dignity and understanding. While the complexity of advanced veterinary medicine can sometimes lead to varying outcomes and challenges in communication—as with any major medical center—the hospital's foundation is built on a broad clinical offering and a genuine dedication to compassionate treatment for the dogs and cats of the Des Moines metro.
VCA Avondale Veterinary Hospital is conveniently located in the southeastern area of Des Moines, making it easily accessible for residents of Des Moines, Pleasant Hill, Carlisle, and surrounding Polk County communities. The hospital is situated at a key location for easy vehicular access:
- **Address:** 4318 E Army Post Rd, Des Moines, IA 50320, USA
Understanding the needs of its diverse clientele, the hospital provides excellent physical accessibility features for those visiting with pets or with mobility challenges. Key accessibility points include:
- **Wheelchair accessible entrance**
- **Wheelchair accessible parking lot**
- **Wheelchair accessible restroom**
To ensure the highest quality of care and minimal wait times for all pets, **appointments are recommended** for most veterinary and ancillary services. This planning measure helps the hospital manage its extensive range of care, from scheduled surgeries to dog day care drop-offs, efficiently.
VCA Avondale Veterinary Hospital is a multi-faceted facility offering services across veterinary medicine, preventative care, and specialized pet support. The scope of their offerings is extensive, allowing for seamless transitions between medical treatment and ongoing care like rehabilitation or boarding.
Their comprehensive service list includes:
- **Primary and Preventative Medical Care:**
- **Pet Physical/Wellness Exams** and routine **Veterinary Visits**
- **Pet Vaccinations** and **Pet Microchipping**
- **Flea & Tick Prevention For Cats & Dogs** and **Heartworm Prevention For Dogs And Cats**
- **Health Screenings** and **Pet Laboratory Services** (On-Site Diagnostic)
- **Pet Nutritional Counseling** and **Therapeutic Diets**
- **Advanced and Specialty Medical Care:**
- **Advanced Dental Care** and routine **Dental Care**
- **Soft Tissue Surgery**, **Orthopedic Surgeries**, and **Pet Surgery** (including **Pet Spay & Neuter**)
- **Disease Control** (e.g., **Diabetes Care**, **Pet Cancercare**)
- **Emergency And Critical Care** and **Urgent Care**
- Specialized areas like **Animal Internal Medicine**, **Canine Orthopedics**, and **Cat Hospital** services
- **Pain Medication** management and **Arthritis & Pain** support
- **Alternative and Rehabilitation Services:**
- **Pet Rehabilitation** and a **Rehabilitation Facility**
- **Holistic Medicine** and **Alternative Medicine**
- **Animal Chiropractic** and **Pet Chiropractic Care**
- **Canine Massage and Rehabilitation Therapy**
- **Ancillary and Support Services:**
- **Dog Day Care** and **Dog Day Care Center** services
- **Pet Boarding Service** (including **Cat boarding** and **Other pet boarding**)
- **Pet Groomer** and **Dog grooming** (including **Dog ear cleaning** and **Dog flea and tick treatment**)
- **In-House Pharmacy** and **Home Delivery** for **Prescription Refills**
- **Pet Counseling** and **Behavior Support**
VCA Avondale Veterinary Hospital is distinguished by several key features that benefit Iowa pet owners seeking comprehensive and compassionate care:
- **Fear Free and Cat Friendly Certification:** The hospital actively employs techniques to minimize stress and anxiety in both dogs and cats, ensuring a calmer, more positive veterinary experience.
- **One-Stop Pet Care Center:** Beyond medical treatment, the inclusion of an onsite **Dog Day Care Center**, **Pet Boarding Service**, and **Pet Groomer** creates a singular, convenient hub for almost all pet needs.
- **Advanced Medical Capabilities:** The facility offers a wide array of sophisticated services, including complex **Orthopedic Surgeries**, **Pet Rehabilitation**, **On-Site Diagnostic** services, and specialty care for conditions like **Pet Cancercare** and **Diabetes Care**.
- **Compassionate End-of-Life Support:** The staff is frequently praised for providing deeply caring and thoughtful support during difficult times, assisting with final arrangements with immense compassion.
- **Accessibility for All:** Offering a fully wheelchair accessible facility, including the entrance, parking, and restroom, demonstrates a commitment to serving all community members.
- **Convenient Pharmacy Options:** The presence of an **In-House Pharmacy** combined with a **Home Delivery** option for prescription refills significantly enhances client convenience.
To inquire about services, schedule a routine visit, or learn more about their dog day care and boarding options, Des Moines and Central Iowa residents can contact VCA Avondale Veterinary Hospital directly.
- **Primary Phone:** (515) 262-6111
- **Mobile Phone (also available for calling):** +1 515-262-6111
- **Physical Address:** 4318 E Army Post Rd, Des Moines, IA 50320, USA
Choosing VCA Avondale Veterinary Hospital is an appealing decision for Iowans who prioritize a holistic and comprehensive approach to their pet's care. The most significant benefit is the remarkable breadth of services, which transforms a routine vet clinic into a complete pet lifestyle support center. Being able to access **Advanced Dental Care**, complex **Soft Tissue Surgery**, and **Pet Rehabilitation**, and then drop your dog off at a trusted **Dog Day Care** or **Pet Boarding** facility, provides an unmatched level of convenience and continuity of care in the Des Moines area. This single-source model means your pet's health records, care philosophy, and trusted professionals remain consistent across their entire spectrum of needs.
A crucial element that draws many local clients is the hospital’s commitment to making the veterinary experience as low-stress as possible. Their **Fear Free Certification** and status as a **Cat Friendly Practice** signal a dedication to not just treating physical ailments, but also considering the pet's emotional comfort during visits. This focus is particularly valuable for owners of anxious or fearful animals. Furthermore, for those facing the heartbreak of a pet's final days, the demonstrated capacity for **Compassionate Care** and support during end-of-life transitions is a powerful testament to the staff's humanity and professionalism, providing immense comfort during the toughest moments.
However, as pet owners navigate complex or chronic illnesses, the experience at any major animal hospital can be challenging. It underscores the vital necessity for owners to maintain proactive communication, ask probing questions about diagnostics and treatment options, and advocate tirelessly for their pet. While VCA Avondale offers an unparalleled range of medical and ancillary services, the best outcomes always result from a collaborative partnership between a deeply concerned pet owner and a dedicated veterinary team. Ultimately, for the Central Iowa family seeking advanced medical care, holistic treatment options, and convenient lifestyle services like boarding and grooming, VCA Avondale Veterinary Hospital offers a comprehensive and compassionate solution.
VCA Avondale Veterinary Hospital Services
Dog Day Care Center
- Cat boarding
- Dog daycare
- Dog grooming
- Other pet boarding
- Other pet grooming
Pet Groomer
- Dog ear cleaning
- Dog flea and tick treatment
Veterinarian
- Advanced Animal Hospital
- Advanced Dental Care
- Alternative Medicine
- Animal Hospital
- Animal Internal Medicine
- Arthritis & Pain
- Behavior Support
- Boarding & Grooming
- Bone & Joint Support
- Canine Orthopedics
- Canine Respiratory Illness
- Cat Friendly Practice
- Cat Hospital
- Certified Canine Rehabilitation Therapist
- Compassionate Care
- Dental Care
- Diabetes Care
- Diagnostic Laboratory
- Diets Supplements
- Disease Control
- Dog Care
- Ear Care
- Emergency And Critical Care
- Eye Care
- Flea & Tick Prevention
- Flea & Tick Prevention For Cats & Dogs
- Health Care Services
- Health Screenings
- Heartworm Prevention
- Heartworm Prevention For Dogs And Cats
- Heartworm Prevention Medications
- Holistic Medicine
- Home Delivery
- In-House Pharmacy
- Management Consulting
- Medical Care
- Medication Medication
- On-Site Diagnostic
- Orthopedic Surgeries
- Pain Medication
- Parasite Prevention
- Pet Adoption
- Pet Cancercare
- Pet Care Advice
- Pet Counseling
- Pet Food
- Pet Health
- Pet Health Care
- Pet Rehabilitation
- Pet Safety
- Pharmacy Services
- Prescription Refills
- Prevention Pet
- Prevention Treatment
- Primary Care
- Rehabilitation Facility
- Skin Care
- Soft Tissue Surgery
- Specialty Care
- Support Services
- Therapeutic Diets
- Urgent Care
- Urinary Care
- Veterinary Healthcare
- Veterinary Medical Service
- Veterinary Medical Services
- Veterinary Visits
- Wound Care
Animal Hospital
- Animal Chiropractic
- Canine Massage and Rehabilitation Therapy
- Care Club
- Pet Chiropractic Care
- Pet Laboratory Services
- Pet Microchipping
- Pet Nutritional Counseling
- Pet Parasite Treatment
- Pet Physical/Wellness Exam
- Pet Spay & Neuter
- Pet Surgery
- Pet Vaccinations
VCA Avondale Veterinary Hospital Details
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Amenities
- Restroom
Planning
- Appointments recommended
VCA Avondale Veterinary Hospital Photos










VCA Avondale Veterinary Hospital Location
VCA Avondale Veterinary Hospital
4318 E Army Post Rd, Des Moines, IA 50320, USA
VCA Avondale Veterinary Hospital Reviews
babiesquestionsjobfeelfurexamsunderstandingdiagnosischeckgrooming
★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1One week ago today I took my best friend to see the people at Avondale. Baby girl was a 14-year-old pomeranian that had a huge spot in my heart. She was like one of my children.But unfortunately had developed a cancerous mass on her belly. These people were the most Caring and compassionate people that I have ever dealt with it was like they felt my pain shared it with me. This was the toughest time in my life. A decision.I did not want to make but also knowing that she was a decision I must make. She crossed over the rainbow bridge as I held her paw. She was my best friend and they gave her the best care I could ever imagine. They then facilocated all of her final preparations so that she could be with me forever.If only in memory. I extend Heartfelt thanks to the most caring compassionate and loving staff I have ever experienced. I miss you so very much Baby girl.
May 06 · Curtis ArnoldI’ve gone back and forth about writing this review because the events happened a few years ago, but the truth is, I’m still carrying the hurt from how things were handled near the end of my cat’s life.We had been clients at Avondale for about two years after moving to the Des Moines metro. For a while, we were very happy with the care, but when one of our cats began vomiting frequently and losing weight, things took a turn.We agreed to all recommended diagnostics — biopsies, X-rays and diet changes — and were eventually told it was likely IBS. For about six weeks, things seemed to stabilize. Then suddenly, his condition worsened, and we had to take him to the emergency vet on a Saturday.That’s when they found a mass pressing on his bladder, in a location the emergency veterinarian believed was inoperable. We were devastated. We had followed every step, trusted the process and still ended up here.When we contacted Avondale the following Monday, we were surprised by the lack of urgency or empathy. When I finally spoke with a vet, she said she could attempt the surgery. Wanting more clarity, I requested a referral to Iowa State for an oncology consult. I was told it would be sent, but when I followed up with Iowa State a few days later, they had never received any records.That was the final straw. We sought out another veterinarian for palliative care, and our cat passed away a week later.I understand that nothing could have changed the outcome by then, but I wish we had spent less time treating symptoms and more time understanding what was really going on. I still don’t know how the mass was missed during the first round of imaging, and I carry guilt that our food-motivated cat spent his last good months on a restrictive diet that likely didn’t help.I know this is a difficult profession. I’m not writing this to place blame, only to share our experience. Near the end, I felt like a number, not a concerned pet owner. Three years later, that still hurts.
May 31 · Andy PollenDr. Groos and technician Jo are always my go-to for dental care for my pets. Dr. Groos is the best vet in the area for dentistry, hands down. And Jo always goes above and beyond to make my dogs feel at home while they are at the hospital. Thank you both!
August 04 · LauraSTAY AWAY!!! KEEP YOUR ANIMALS SAFE!!!Below you will see two pictures. One of my dog today and one of her only 7 weeks prior directly leaving the previous groomer. Golden Doodles, as with any Doodle, have curly hair that tends to mate very slightly in the butt area where they sit. My previous groomer always simply brushed it out and if she had to cut it out, she would cut only it out. This place is lazy. This groomer not only decided to go ahead and shave my entire dog in the middle of winter when it is below zero outside, but also decided to CHARGE me for DEMATTING service. I now have to put clothing on the dog until her hair grows out long enough to keep her from freezing to death when going outside to go to the bathroom. Not only all this but charging me a total of $153 for this was an INSANE amount. All the extra shots they wanted is way beyond what any other groomers will want and even though I had them ALL, they still wanted a fecal test. You are grooming my dog, you aren't treating her for worms! Your keeping her in a kennel when your not cutting her anyway! There is NO other contact with ANY other dogs!! This is the worst place I have brought my dog to in 9 years of her life. BECAUSE she is a Doodle and it needs done every 6 weeks, that is over 70 times so I think I know what I am talking about. Also, the wait! It was literally over a MONTH because they have this 1 groomer who only works 3 days per week. STAY AWAY!!!
January 26 · Christopher BootheI had the pleasure of working with Dr. Marshall and her exceptional vet tech, Alexus, during the process of importing our puppy from Iowa to Hawaii, and I couldn't be more impressed with their professionalism and expertise. Dr. Marshall's knowledge and experience in veterinary care were truly remarkable. She guided us through the complex paperwork and requirements with ease, making the whole process stress-free.Alexus, the vet tech, was equally amazing. She made sure our Nani was comfortable and relaxed throughout the entire journey, and her compassion was truly heartwarming.Dr. Marshall and Alexus went above and beyond to ensure our puppy's safe and seamless transition to Hawaii. I can't express my gratitude enough for their dedication and support. If you're looking for a veterinarian and vet tech who genuinely care about your pet's well-being and are experts in their field, I wholeheartedly recommend Dr. Marshall and Alexus. They are an outstanding team, and I couldn't be happier with the service they provided.
November 07 · Sophie Donquixote
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