Centretown Veterinary Hospital image

Centretown Veterinary Hospital

Veterinarian Animal hospital

One of the Most Reviewed Veterinarians in (Old) Ottawa


Address

955 Somerset St W, Ottawa, ON K1R 6R8, Canada

Website

www.centretownvet.ca

Contact

+1 613-567-0500

Rating on Google Maps

4.50 (413 reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Wednesday: 8 am to 6 pm
  • Thursday: 8 am to 6 pm
  • Friday: 9 am to 5 pm
  • Saturday: 9 am to 1 pm
  • Sunday: Closed
  • Monday: 8 am to 6 pm
  • Tuesday: 8 am to 6 pm

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: care (32) Centretown (26) vets (18) staff (17) service (17) clinic (15) time (13) years (13) recommend (11) experience (10)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 Siobhan F. 2 years ago on Google
    We had an amazing experience in bringing our cat to Centretown Veterinary Hospital. He was a senior with many different health conditions, and Dr. Finsten and all of the staff we interacted with were helpful and patient as we navigated a challenging situation. The team here are committed to providing excellent service and care despite the challenges posed by the pandemic. Highly recommend.
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 Gordon T. 1 year ago on Google
    Just an update as after my review below (from a year ago). We stayed with this firm, but purchased the food elsewhere. So just the annual vet visit now and purchasing flea and tick stuff. These people really have zero consideration when it comes to the time of their customers. We just cancelled a vet visit because they keep you waiting and waiting and waiting for something they told us was ready. They are unprepared and they are incompetent when it comes to service. This was two strikes now. They are not getting a chance for three from me. Ordered and paid for dog food in AM. Told them we would be in to grab it around 1pm. Show up at 125 and they are closed until 2pm for a "team meeting". Knock on window and phone several times. No answer. At 205 they saunter back from where they were. I waited outside the entire time but several others left.
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Anita H. 1 year ago on Google
    Centretown Veterinary took excellent care if my older cat Mr. Socks when he needed a tooth extracted. Team was very helpful and provided all the details we needed to take care of him as he recovers. We were very reassured by their followup call the madd after the surgery was completed, before we picked him up that afternoon. The post surgical information was much appreciated. I would recommend them to others looking for quality vet care for their fuzzy friends.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Vanja M. 3 years ago on Google
    The vets and staff at Centretown are the most helpful, kindest, and compassionate bunch. The care they've provided my high-maintenance cat over the years has kept me calm and sane during some difficult health issues. They're so lovely there that Kevin (my cat) looks forward to his vet visits, and patiently waits in his carrier because he knows he'll be getting so much attention soon. their prices are reasonable and standard for a bigger city vet, but the level of care they provide is invaluable.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jason L. 2 years ago on Google
    Unfortunately due to covid and the # of additional pets looking for care, I had a hard time getting my dog seen for allergies and GI issues. He was licking his paws raw and was going to be taken to the emergency vet in the next day or two. I think her name is Alison? Took my call, was very understanding of the situation and in less than 24 hours I got my dog seen due to a cancellation. Dr. Cooper saw my dog, did not rush considering how busy clinics are right now, and took the time to explain everything to me. 5/5 service and care. Thanks again!
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Sid 1 year ago on Google
    I can't recommend Centretown enough for your pet! My dog is excited to go to the vets and walks in with his tail wagging, until of course he realizes what's next but that should tell you that they take care of your little ones and treat them right. The reception and Tech's are all so patient and will take the time to respond to questions and give you guidance despite being super busy! If you want your little friend to be taken care of by the most loving, caring, and patient caretakers and professionals. Then come here! Dr Finsten is fantastic! Huge shout out to her!
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Nicole D. 10 months ago on Google
    We've been using them for about two years and they've been consistently helpful and lovely. Dr. Finsten always remembers our girl and cheerfully adapts suggestions to her preferences and temperament. We really appreciate the whole team there.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 Agustina M. 6 months ago on Google
    The staff at the clinic were all very nice, the lobby/waiting area is very nice and clean as well. We had great expectations when we first went in with our cat that unfortunately were not met when we walked into the examination room. The room itself is very nice, however it is decidedly not a sterile environment. On the examination table were multiple towels, fur was visible on them from other pets. Our cat did not want to get out of the carrier (for obvious reasons) so we saw that he was already hesitant about the space. The scale on which he was weighed had a thick blanket on it that our cat was very uncomfortable by - he sniffed at the blanket and hissed at it. Strewn around the room were other blankets, an open garbage receptacle, cardboard boxes with more blankets in them. Fur from other animals covered every surface, and the smells from previous pets must have been obvious to our cat and posed a threat to him. It's alarming to me to find a veterinary office in this state, and it makes me wonder how our doctor was surprised that our cat was nervous, hissing at everyone and everything in the room. The only solution the vet gave us was to reschedule the visit, and worst of all, gave us a sedative and told us to come next time with our pet sedated in order to make the situation less stressful on him. I really question this decision - why not just clean up the room, remove all blankets and towels where other pets have been, and conduct the visit this way? I have taken my cat to other vets where the examination rooms were clean, sterile, and without any blankets or towels and other traces of other animals, and he's never hissed at either me or the vet, or anything else in the room for that matter. Any medical environment should be clean and sterile, a veterinary office should be no different. I took the sedative home and rescheduled the visit, but eventually decided that it was in the best interest of my pet to cancel the visit as I really cannot trust a vet who has an office in such disarray and who has such disregard and misunderstanding for the basic behavior of a common domestic animal such as a cat.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Stef O. 2 years ago on Google
    Fantastic clinic. Super helpful and kind. No matter how busy they are, they always make you feel valued. Joni's vet, Dr. Cooper, has always taken such amazing care of her. We're going to miss her very much when she retires, but we know everyone at Centretown will treat her with the same level of care and professionalism.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 Nova S. 1 year ago on Google
    We chose this place due to how close it was to our residence and the fabulous reviews. It was a big shame to receive sub par service, an overcharge of 200$, and have our puppy examined without our supervision. We went in for a pre check up for spaying and blood work and were charged $450. Our regular vet would have charged $90 for a similar service. There was no explanation of charges, the receptionists were eager to rush us out. The doctor 'forgot' to answer our very simple question and pretended to not know that dogs take tic prevention medicine (also didn't know the dosage). Moral of the story: you can receive better care for your loved pet at a quarter of the price at other clinics. It is bizzare that the owner is not allowed to supervise their pets physical exam. As responsible pet owners it is our job to advocate for our pets and make sure they are being treated with respect and gentle care. 0/5 stars.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Frank H. 1 year ago on Google
    I first started using this vet when I got my 2 cats back in 2017, mostly because of the location and because of the reviews. In all honesty, back then, I think I received some amazing service. It seems the pandemic changed this place. Many canceled appointment during the pandemic, which led my healthier cat to be without a vet visit over the course of a couple years. Also, over the last couple years, my cats had many health issues and it was almost impossible to get in touch with anyone here. You have to call multiple times to get someone to answer and they more often than not aren't able to help you with appointments; I was always referred to 24h Vet Emergency Hospital, even for non urgent events during business hours. Being my only experience with a vet in the city, I thought that might have been how things are done, but now that I've been at other vets, I know better. Most recently, I called to get an appointment and left a message hoping they would call me back soon. They did... 48 hours later. By then my cat had been registered as a new patient in a different clinic, and had already been seen twice by the vets there. Too little too late. At this point in time, I really can't comment on the quality of the service here; I haven't really had any in years..... I have a second cat that I will bring elsewhere when it's time for his annual check.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Lana M. 1 year ago on Google
    We were left in a bind for our vacation when our dog hotel called to say our dogs vaccines were expiring while she was booked so they couldn't take her, leaving us with 3 days to get her vaccines up to date. Centretown squeezed us in and put us at ease!!!! Thank you for all that you do!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 D T. 1 year ago on Google
    Great first experience for our senior cat! We recently moved to Ottawa and had to find a new vet. Dr. Lynes was absolutely lovely and welcoming. Very caring vet.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Tamara H. 11 months ago on Google
    This was our first visit to Centretown Veterinary Hospital. I was very impressed with the service I received and how well Lily was treated. Would highly recommend.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Nicole C. 1 year ago on Google
    We brought in our 2 cats because we were looking for more personalized service. Our previous clinic got so big, while our pets were well taken care of, we wanted more of a smaller clinic approach. Dr. Black and the staff at the Centretown Vet Hospital delivered on all accounts. Dr. Black took time to go through everything and provided great recommendations. The vet techs were fantastic as were the front desk staff. Couldn’t ask for more!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Chris R. 9 months ago on Google
    I find it hard to rate places like this. It’s definitely not a beautiful location, it’s not as if you go into the rooms and feel better about your pet being sick. Though that would be really nice… I feel that a lot of the times I’m being told the worst situation possible and it turns out to be not that bad. That’s one’s thing I would change. Also pricing, they should make it free ☺️.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Pierre C. 10 months ago on Google
    I am very pleased with my first visit at Centretown Vet. Hospital. The staff was very kind and understanding and made me feel at home. Bringing a pet to the vet can be stressful on its own, but the vet herself was very compassionate and understanding. She offered many suggestions, and together as partners, we treated my baby. Thanks so much for a positive experience. Pierre Chartrand
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Catherine K. 1 year ago on Google
    The team at the Centretown Vet Hospital have been providing excellent care for our beloved family pet and practical, judgement-free guidance to us as pet owners for years. We highly value their compassionate care and highly-efficient operations.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Cristina P. 1 year ago on Google
    Centretown staff is friendly, knowledgeable, and very attentive to Leo's needs. Dr. Finsten is hands down the best vet one could ask for, and I've interacted with several over the years, both in Canada and in the US. Her patience and knowledgeable advice truly elevated the level of care we now provide to our little one. Big thank you from Leo and us <3
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Alice K. 2 years ago on Google
    I started going to Centretown Vet when I adopted my cat from the Humane Society 4 years ago. They have been wonderful in every way. I now bring my 9 month old cockapoo there as well. I feel like the Vets and supporting staff there really care about the animals, as well as people. They are taking Covid regulations very seriously, so for all my appointments lately I speak with the vet over the phone. It has not changed the service whatsoever. My dog has major separation anxiety and the vet gave me the best advise she had but ultimately said we can refer you to a Veterinary Behaviourist as well, which I opted for. So now with a mix or training and medication my dog is improving with her anxiety. Another example of excellent service during the pandemic was her spay. They provide pain medication before hand to relax the animals. They called me when her spay was complete to tell me how she was doing, and explained how she's the happiest dog they've ever seen - wagging her tail while they are talking even though she's too sleepy to open her eyes. The surgery was also done very well I assume because she healed extremely quickly and seamlessly, even though I couldn't manage to keep her calm at all - the sedatives I was giving her to stay calmer during the healing process were no match for this energetic pup. They took into consideration her anxiety when discussing the surgical onesie vs. cone, saying they recommended the onesie. It's the thoughtfulness like that that I really appreciate. I would absolutely recommend them to anyone looking for a vet clinic in Ottawa.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Marc C. 1 year ago on Google
    The staff is absolutely amazing. My 2 dogs and 2 cats are treated like Kings and Queens. Never any hassles, and pet and owner always greeted with huge smiles
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 Pranay C. 1 year ago on Google
    Hate to post this review. I would not be returning with my dog here. We have been going here for past two years. The prices here are higher than any other clinic. They do not have an emergency line aswell. Expect to wait 15-20 mins to have someone come out to grab yiur fur baby for their appointment. My dog has been having issues with his ears and a lot of brown reddish wax built-up and we were concerned about earmites. We took him in and they told us its nothing to worry about and charged us hefty $400 for a cleaning solution and a squirt in ear medicine. Told us to clean his ears for two weeks and we will see all of the built up gone. Month and half later my dog still has the same issue and we dont really wanna take him jjst again to be charged another 400 for over the counter cleaning solution.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Amanda N. 1 year ago on Google
    We had a great experience with Centretown Veterinary Hospital. After being less than pleased with the care and cleanliness of the previous vet clinic we took our senior cat to, we made the switch over to Centretown Vet. The office staff are great, and the vet's knowledge was top notch. Super friendly and kind service!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jean Y. 2 years ago on Google
    My dog Brady had been with Centretown vet since 2017 when we first adopted him. I was very fortunate to have Dr. Finsten as his vet since she joined the practice. Brady had a lot of health issues, including separation anxiety, food allergies, gut issues, dental issues, and worst of all he had lyme disease, so kidney disease was a risk. Unfortunately that became a reality but fortunately we received amazing care from Dr. Fisten and amazing customer service from all of the vet techs and receptionists. I can't thank you enough for all of the patience, advice, and quality of care that you provided Brady, especially towards the end. I know he was a much loved visitor of the clinic (too often!) and really appreciate all of your compassion and professionalism throughout his life and especially his treatment. I would really recommend Dr. Finsten and Centretown Vet to anyone who is looking for good quality care for their pets.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Juanita B. 3 years ago on Google
    I really have always had a positive experience here! The staff here are just wonderful!! My cat, Belmont, receives great attention and care. I cannot say enough good things about this hospital and the people who work there. So grateful to them for the time and patience they take to care for not only our furred and feathered friends, but for us as well!! Keep up the fantastic work!!🥰😻
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Ross H. 2 years ago on Google
    We switched from Britannia Heights vet whom we found to be rude and a generally unpleasant experience. Centretown is a welcome change. Very friendly staff and good experiences for our puppy.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Dawn P. 2 years ago on Google
    Dr. Finsten and her team are excellent, caring humans. They give great advice and service. My cat and dog love it there!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Lisa M. 2 years ago on Google
    I’m thoroughly impressed with Centretown vet, they are responsive, compassionate and give you thorough explanations for their recommendations. The vets also respond by email with all the details from tests and treatment plans made. Yes, they are super busy but as is all the vets right now in Ottawa. They were able to book us within 48 hours for ‘emergency apt’ and provided us with guidance over the phone on next steps, sign and symptoms to look for and a plan going forward. Unfortunately, we needed to put our dog to sleep & despite it occurring at the emergency vet, we received flowers and a card which was unexpected and lovely. Highly recommend ❤️
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Tyler W. 4 months ago on Google
    Come with money or pet insurance This veterinary clinic is expensive and outsources payment plans to Scratch. There are few loan companies out there that are less predatory than Scratch and you would be better off taking a LoC / working with the interest rates on a credit card than company. If you are low income, struggle or need compassionate pricing this place may not be for you. In the slew of vets that were not accepting new animals, this place really pulled through for us last minute From the moment we stepped in, the vet and staff were friendly, accommodating and professional. Our dog Henry has an issue with his ear and we went from being unsure and worried to calm and collected after being thoroughly explained everything that was going through the vets mind as she did what she needed on our boy. It’s also important for me to note that they did a wonderful job at making sure we understood what aftercare was needed, where to get it and how to safely apply. Edit: our surgery ended up being on the lesser end of their estimation, surgery went smoothly and our boy is recovering safe at home. We HIGHLY recommend this vet.

  • 5/5 Cara D. 5 months ago on Google
    I've been bringing my cat to Centretown Vet for the past 2 years and everytime has been great. Every staff member I've encountered has been so kind and patient and makes my shy cat comfortable. Recently when my cat had to undergo a stressful surgery I still experienced the same kind care I've become accustomed to at Centretown Vet. Specifically Dr. Lowe answered all my questions about the surgery and was so patient and reassuring so I felt very comfortable for the procedure. If you're looking for great vet I highly recommend Centretown Vet.

  • 5/5 Emma T. 4 months ago on Google
    We had such a wonderful first time experience at Centretown Vet this week. Our senior cat was having some issues and we were able to get a same day appointment. Everyone we encountered was kind and professional. Dr. Katie Welmers went above and beyond when treating our cat (with such patience!) and really listened to our concerns. When she called with the blood test results yesterday she was so kind, helpful and informative. We'll be using this clinic for both of our cats going forward.

  • 4/5 Bianca S. 7 months ago on Google
    We really had an overall amazing experience on this clinic!! The whole team is fully prepared -from the emails we changed before the appointment...they have an excellent customer care- to the vet care itself- vet assinants were super nice and specially the veterinary. My chihuahua is very nervous and anxious and both dr. Rebecca and dr. Black were absolutely patience with her!! We went there twice because first Time my pet was too nervous and they didn't charge us for that. In fact you can see that they're really worried with your pet Health and wellbeign. Looks like they'll never offer something to just take money from you. Amazing!! I really want to keep them for next years. For sure ! 😀

  • 5/5 Jo O. 4 months ago on Google
    Excellent service. They have been taking great care of my dog since 2020. All through the lockdown they were incredible, and ever since too!

  • 5/5 Justin R. 9 months ago on Google
    I love this vet. My apts are regularly on time. Every time I visit the clinic everyone is so friendly. The vets are very friendly and so knowledgeable. I feel like my cat is so well cared for. Wouldn’t hesitate to recommend

  • 5/5 Courtney C. 9 months ago on Google
    Dr Lowe and the whole team is awesome. As a first-time pet parent, I've struggled a lot with the steep learning curve of pet ownership/guardianship but everyone at CVH is always so understanding, compassionate, and ready to help no matter my questions/concerns. I am very grateful for the care my dog has received here since he was a puppy.

  • 5/5 Lindsay B. 8 months ago on Google
    Great clinic and great people! They're always so sweet to my pup and take such good care of him. They explain things really well and give treatment options depending on your budget.

  • 5/5 Kai 1 year ago on Google
    New patient. The staff are kind, the vet was so helpful and nice. She recommends other vaccines based on the dog’s habits; in the past, my old vet made me anxious and worried about vaccines my dog didn’t need. They’re not exploitative the way some clinics are!

  • 5/5 Melissa A. 1 year ago on Google
    The staff are amazing and friendly. The service and ability to shop their store / confirm appts online is beyond convenient. Their masking policy makes me feel safe and appreciate how much they value their staff and patients, keeping our health in mind is everything. I feel so confident bringing my cat Haggis here I truly have nothing but positive things to say.

  • 2/5 Jen A. 1 year ago on Google
    When I started bringing my dog to Centretown Vet I felt they were one of the best in the city. I don't know what happened, but over the past few years I don't think I ever came across the same vet twice. I believe continuity in care is extremely important, especially given that our animals can't talk. It seems to me the vets at this clinic are constantly changing, or the receptionist was always booking with different ones. I believe this led to a tumour not being detected in my dog. Which eventually killed him. What I kept being billed for was bloodwork - which was always normal. I also paid for medications that the vet thought might help, rather than the vets recommending the testing that was needed to find the real issue. What I later found out when my dog died is that what he needed was an x-ray or ultrasound of his abdomen. I am not a vet, and I can't imagine the pressures they are under. And I am sure they do 200% their best and are only human. However, my feeling is that pets can not get quality care if they are always seeing different vets who are not familiar with their issues and subtle changes to their physical appearances. I had brought my dog to Centretown more than 4 times for checkups and bloodwork and not once did anyone of the vets recommend an ultrasound or x-ray to check his abdomen. Yet, when I took him to a vet in New Brunswick while visiting a friend, the vet there right away felt his abdomen when giving him a physical exam and immediately asked if his belly was normally swollen. He had been like that for the past 2 ish years..over the same period that I had brought him into Centretown for fur loss (a symptom of cancer) . His belly was never detected or noted by vets at Centretown, so I assumed they examined him and found it normal. With the vets refusing to allow owners to accompany their pets I wonder what physical exams the dogs are actually getting by the vets. I would suggest insisting on video appointments in the future to ensure vets are thoroughly examining animals and not relying on bloodwork for everything. I have no idea of knowing either way, however I can only share my experience and I hope it is helpful for other pet owners and might save your pet's life one day.

  • 5/5 Grant Andrew D. 2 years ago on Google
    Even after moving out of the neighbourhood, I continue to bring my cat to CVH for his check-ups. Efficient service and scheduling, plus a down-pat COVID protocol for vet visits.


Call +1 613-567-0500 Open on Google Maps

Trends



Last updated:

Similar Veterinarians nearby

Last updated:
()