Harbour Cities Veterinary Hospital

We first visited Harbour Cities Vet almost fifteen years ago- to adopt our first fur family member, Logan. We were so impressed with the care taken during the adoption process that we decided we would make Harbour Cities Vet our vet of choice (even though we were living in Halifax). We also adopted Oliver from HCV the following year, before the adoption room was closed on-site. They were a treasured part of our family. Today, we continue to go to HCV for our new fur family members, Selina & Dustin. I have also taken pets of friends and family here for valued second opinions. I would highly recommend their services. The staff are efficient and informed and genuinely concerned for the health and happiness of our pets. They take time to explain issues and treatments and have provided tremendous emotional support during the more difficult times. Even during the challenges of Covid19, they have found a way to provide services in a way that reduces stress and provides comfort to us, humans. Very grateful to have this service in our community.

Made an appointment somewhat early for a vaccine date. No problem, no charge, see you when its time. Always what is needed, calmly and effectively. They have cared for several dogs over the years.

Great place, they care, they are kind, and mostly very knowledgeable. Jack and I appreciate them.
Cheers.

Honestly, all the doctors here are wonderful. They are timely, knowledgeable, responsive, and attentive to each pets needs. Staff is helpful and cordial. All around great experience.

Unfortunately, after being a client for over a decade, I had to cut ties with this clinic, and find a clinic elsewhere.
There has been an influx of newer desk staff in the last couple years, and they are the most rudest, inexperienced young staff I have ever met. Any time I have voiced a legitimate concern, they would become defensive and very disrespectful towards me. They just really need some more training when it comes to communication in my opinion.
Upon voicing my concern in regards to their behaviour, they would become even more defensive and point at their poster on their wall, which still confuses me, as they are the ones being inappropriate to begin with. I have the right to respect, as well.
I have always enjoyed my experiences in the past, but I just don’t feel it’s the warm, welcoming environment it once was.
The last visit I had, the staff actually had me in tears with how insensitive they were being towards me. (As well as not apologizing for their error) I hope no one else has to go through this.
Please harbour cities, do better for your future clients, and for your inexperienced staff.

Added comment: Harbour Cities would like to discuss the above concern after submitting this review, but I have already in person and on the phone, and the response was “you are more than welcome to go somewhere else”. So I followed their advice, and did just that. I no longer need a resolution as I took their advice to leave after a decade.

While reading other reviews that provide constructive feedback, Harbour Cities response is passive aggressive as you can see if you were to read them as well, and they have had communication concerns noted from other clients in the reviews. Not one review did they apologize for their behaviour and/or errors, but rather noted they are sorry for the clients “feelings from the event”. (Passive aggressive)
There are wonderful courses and resources available for communication, (I provide my own staff with the resources and they excel in communication), I highly recommend investing the time with your staff in accepting constructive feedback, and not using the respectful workplace sign as a crutch to treat clients with disrespect who have had sub par experiences.
My new vet clinic is warm, inviting and the staff go above and beyond for their clients. Their communication is also respectful and assertive. No aggression and no passive aggression like Harbour Cities staff.
Plus my dog LOVES her new care team! ️
She’s a senior dog and I can now focus on her care in her final years, rather than deal with combative desk staff each time she needs to seek care. It’s been a much smoother and enjoyable experience since leaving Harbour Cities. I only wish I did it sooner. ️

Always very good service at very clinic. Everyone is friendly and caring. This has been my vet office for 30 years

Manager just told me I would "be hearing from them ' in a threatening manor because I called out a staff member who told me she gave me $ she never gave me (500) cash
guess that hurts feelings also I thought I was vary nice considering I had someone smiling telling me a lie to my face

Going to this vet is not a privilege it is a problem
Also all this happened because they overcharged me in the first place

I called Wednesday afternoon to make an appointment and they said they could get me in the following Friday at 8: 10 am I showed up to be told there was no appointment made usually I wouldn’t mind so much but it’s a huge hassle for me to get my dog to come to the vet. She did offer to get me in the following Monday but I didn’t trust them to make another appointment at that point.

Very kind and professional. The vet gave some really helpful advice for helping our cat with a move.

I have been going to Harbour Cities Vet for years. They are my trusted animal clinic and I would recommend over and over. All of the vets, techs and staff are so kind and compassionate. Love this clinic! So grateful to have them in my Dartmouth neighbourhood.

My cat had his annual appointment, and they treated both of us really well. They even found arthritis in his hip that he had been hiding from me, and now he uses medication that works for him. He is more like his old self.

Very kind, caring and compassionate here—at all levels. You and your pet will be comfortable and well-looked-after!

I love bringing my two cats here. As a first time pet owner I’m super picky about where my cats go because I want the best possible care for them, and these guys hit the mark. The vet remembers who we are every time we go, and it makes it feel very personal which I enjoy. You can tell that the staff here are dedicated and love what they do. I have never once felt nervous about leaving my cats there for procedures. And I like to be able to budget my expenses, and every time I ask they’re very transparent with prices and other costs and I very much appreciate it. I won’t be taking my pets anywhere else

Incredible vet staff! I took my beloved cat here about a month ago and no complaints! They even called to make sure he was adjusting well to his new medications.

I have been taking my animals to Harbour Cities since they were on Pelzant St. And have always been happy with the service and love of animals they have.

My husband and I love our Harbor cities veterinary. Awesome staff and our Pug and Beagle Spaniel love it there as well!

Our very first experience at this clinic was absolutely awesome. Thank you so much. My Marvin is feeling much better already. Dr O’Keefe is so very nice thank you for taking care of my big guy.

I've been taking my two cats here for the past 5 years and recommended them to all of my friends with fur babies. Dr. Jessica O'Keefe is incredibly kind, attentive, and warm! All of the staff are wonderful. I feel like they treat every animal as if it were their own. 5 stars.

Staff is very nice and service is usually prompt. Sometimes difficult to have your call answered and the building could stand to be renovated.

I love the veterinarian team at the Wyse Road Harbour Cities Veterinary Hospital.from start to finish, I felt like they really care about the animals, and they have great 'follow up'. Which I really appreciate.

The staff is AMAZING! My pup very much doesn't like strangers, but he absolutely LOVES going to see the Vet

First time I used this vet as my son told me they were good and reasonable! I found the staff great and the Vet was very nice, even with the outcome not what I wanted the service was still great as they don’t control the results!

The veterinarian was very nice and really good with my pet. I felt relieved that my pet was in good hands with knowledgable staff. I have been going to Harbour Cities for 20 years and they have always been great.

My cat has developed asthma in the last year. Dr Marryatt has been treating her and so far her meds are working well!

Also, I just picked up my cat’s prescription the other day, and a staff member had drawn a little macaroni noodle on the bag bc my cat’s name is Noodle. It made me laugh so hard.

You guys have helped us numerous times with Marco now as we manage his diabetes and you've been nothing but helpful! He is healthy and happy, which makes US happy too. Thank you so much for making that possible.

I love the services in this place! Great profesionals! Very helpful staff, fast booking, reasonable Price. It was awesome!

Overwhelmed and overworked, the veterinarians and staff at this vet are always polite and helpful. Be patient and kind because they really do care. ️

Fantastic I was given an appointment here as my regular vet didn't have any. We got in quickly and they treated by girl so well. Thank you

I have been taking my rescues to Harbour Cities Vets for a number of years and learned very quick that this clinic is in it for the health and well being of animals which is one of the reasons I continue to bring my precious fur babies there. Everyone there is amazing, kind, compassionate, full of knowledge with valuable advice. Dr Paige is a phenomenal vet for so many reasons but what makes her stand out the most is how she explains everything at a level we can understand rather than using big medical terns that none of us would have a clue what she is talking about. Taylor is not just the clinic Manager who keeps the clinic running smoothly but she is also someone who treats us and our fur babies like we were family. Even in the sadness of losing one of our much loved fur babies the staff of Harbour Cities walk through those hard times with us by wrapping their arms around us and letting us know that they feel our loss with their kind words of compassion.

HARBOUR CITIES VET CLINIC ROCKS AT BEING THE BEST HOSPITAL FOR ALL ANIMALS.we love and appreciate them as they are the HEROES of our animals.and we thank them for being who they are

This is my favorite place to take my pets. They are very loving and do excellent work I'm very pleased everytime I go

I’ve taken my cat to them for 4 years, always friendly service, well educated staff and my cat trusts them

Excellent care and understanding here. Love this place. Hours of operation at location on door are wrong though check the website before you visit for correct times

We have always found Harbour Cities Veterinary Hospital to be a wonderful place to take a pet who is sick or just in need of some supplements. They treated us and our two pets with gentle, reassuring kindness not only to my two small dogs but to me as well. I would recommend Harbour Cities to anyone looking for phenomenal pet care that is also fairly and reasonably priced.

I've taken my dog Zoe to this clinic exclusively (based on proximity to my house) since I got her, and now that I've moved I still drive further to take her here because they take such good care! Excellent follow up after we've been in with any issues - especially during COVID restrictions, where I couldn't accompany her inside, they were so great with her and she's got no issues following them in the door! I recently became aware of their Pay it Forward initiative and they do such good things for people with pets that I am happy to give them my business! We've dealt with Dr. Marryatt and Dr. O'Keefe, and Taylor and Amy Lee as well.all great experiences and Zoe is happy seeing them all!

This clinic is top notch, not only did they adhere to Covid19 restrictions but Dr. Marryatt took the time to consult with me about behavioral issues and put me at ease for other small issues. She is very knowledgeable and put my mind and heart at ease. She is definitely a credit to her profession.

Where do I begin?
I made my appointment for 2 cats over the phone and it was discussed that I'd never been there before. I assumed as a first timer they'd welcome me and instruct me well. When I arrived they seemed to have no clue what to do with me as they were full. (I wondered what they did all day for everyone before me? Why the confusion?) I explained my appointment was at 6: 40 for two cats (they only had it booked for one). To my surprise they asked me to wait out in my car and that they'd come get me. I assumed they'd come get me for the examination but no. They did it without me which i did NOT like (my cat is very touchy and will put up a fight. He'll only let me handle him). It should have been explained over the phone that I couldn't be in the room and I wouldnt have wasted my time going. A girl brought the cats back to me, quickly told me the teeth cleaning would be $1000 per cat and she really didn't feel like answering any more of my questions. Her answers were short, final and unfriendly.
I will not be giving them any of my money nor will I have my pets as their patients. The entire experience was a cloud of confusion and disorganization and VERY unhospitable - not one of the women in there even smiled. I felt unwelcome. The service was abhorrent.
Too bad so sad.

Terrible experience. I was told at the payment desk that I had a nutrition recommendation that had not happened.then they rushed to fix it and the technical pointed a bag of food in their store without asking about any allergy info of my dog. In fact, if my dog ate what they recommended he would be in trouble. He is allergic to grain and the food was grain based.but how would they know if they had never asked me. Sounds like a very solid dietary recommendation

Very good with updates on Mia. Explained every thing to me in lay man's terms. Covid 19 rules followed. Excellent and well informed staff.

Attentive vets and techs and fair prices! Highly recommend. Never feel like I’m being forced unnecessary treatments unlike the last vet I went to.

Every thing was great. Everyone was friendly, our appointment went quick and Dr. Marryatt was awesome as usual.

Covid-19 ready. Welcoming and friendly staff. Carlos is treated like a King. Information is relayed in an understandable way. The first vet visit since covid began and I felt comfortable with the environment. Thanks.

I recently lost my pet rat Boo. I asked for paw prints more then 3 times the day she was euthanized. They told me to wait a week and I could come pick them up. A week layer I call and they said no request was put in. It takes me 4 days to get someone who says that paw prints are stored in the mangers office and there were none there. I asked to speak to the manager, so now I wait, again! Oh and just to add they already got rid of her body so they couldn't go back and take the paw prints. They had no problem taking the $165 to euthanize my rat for a communal burial but screwed up on takong my last physical connection to my rat. Shame on these people!

By far the greatest get clinic I ever went to, Dr. Farrow was amazing with my rabbit, I couldn't be more pleased with his work:)

The staff here are great!
We bring both our cat and our Greyhound to these guys, and they're always great. Friendly staff and they are great with our animals. Would recommend them to anyone!