Leslieville Animal Hospital

TLDR: Vet told me my dog had a heart murmur, he does not have a heart murmur. DO NOT GO HERE.

I went here earlier this year after moving to Toronto with both my 12 year old Dachshund and my partners cat. We both work from home and after a rough move to Toronto had decided to travel to Mexico with our animals. So after doing our research online, calling the airline we wanted to fly with, consulting friends and family that live in Mexico, and calling SENSICA and talking to an agent there we made a vet appointment to get the health certificate you need to fly and travel to other countries with your pets.

At our appointment we explain to the vet and vet assistant why we're there and they misunderstand us and try to book both animals for all their shots, which they already had, and deworming for my partner's cat. We explain they're both up to date, all the services and people we'd previously spoken to, and that at this point all we'd need is to have them checked out and, if everything's clear with their health, get a health certificate signed by the vet for both of them.

The vet wasn't the kindest to us, if I'm honest, and looked at us the entire time very quizzically. She excuses herself for a moment and comes back with a document that's entirely in Spanish, neither my partner or I at this point are fluent enough to be able to read in Spanish, and says that her boss (who we weren't available to speak to) actually travelled to Mexico with his pets a month ago and when he arrived he had to fill out this exact document.

We were stunned as no one in the vet's office was even able to read this document or tell us what we'd need to enter Mexico, just advising us that we "better call again and double check" because "it just seems weird", "somethings not right here", etc.

We pushed back politely and repeated that we had talked to everyone that we could and we'd gotten approval from multiple airlines, SENASICA themselves, and even went the extra mile to talk to friends of ours that had done a similar trip. So we'd like to proceed with the check up and get the health certificates.

The check up is really the reason for my 1 star review and why I'm coming back to write a review almost a full year after the experience. My partners cat was checked and was totally fine, as to be expected we spoil him rotten; but when the vet listened to my dogs heartbeat she looks at me and says "You know he has a heart murmur, right? ".

I was obviously shocked as this is the first time I've ever heard a vet tell me there was even an issue with my dogs heart so I said no, I didn't know that. And she doubles down and tells me that his heart beat is inconsistent and immediately moves on. I was expecting her to follow up on it, offer next steps, more information, anything; but she just told me he has a heart murmur and then left the room to go print two health certificates stating that both animals were okay to travel.

I've since went to three separate veterinarians and none have confirmed my dogs alleged heart murmur. I pretty much just went in here and paid upwards of 300$ for two health certificates and a small heart attack for myself.

Oh and we had zero issues flying with both animals!

**Edit**

After reading through more reviews here it looks like this is a totally normal thing for them to do to their customers. Multiple pet owners have been told their pets have some wild health issue and then withhold proper care or even more information. Save yourself the scare.

I was told my dog urgently needed an ultrasound in the next week (he seems fine to me, but obviously I’m gonna believe the professional, who was quite bad at communicating but sure put fear into me) and that they might not be able to do it in that time frame but would let me know. I’ve called back multiple times over the last two days and they can’t even tell me if they can see him for an ultrasound next week or if I have to look elsewhere. I thought it was urgent. I don’t understand putting urgency and fear into someone about their pet then not treating it with any urgency at all.

Leslieville vet is great they are thorough with my 2 new kittens and didn't overdo the cost for everything. The staff is terrific and thorough also l would recommend this vet to everyone

I really like this clinic for my two dogs Thor and Nala. My previous vet of 46 years passed away and it was hard to find a place where I felt comfortable knowing that my dogs would be the top priority. The only thing that i think that could be worked on is because my dogs are so close they need to be together otherwise there is a lot of howling. They do only like to have one pet at a time which I totally understand but like anything in life sometimes you have to be a bit flexible and they were. Thank you Dr. Brittany for taking such good care of Thor and allowing Nala to make sure he was safe. I would totally recommend this clinic to anyone who is looking for a place to show compassion and care to your pet.

Have been going here for many years. Always feel confident with the staff and care my best gal is getting. Victoria left me well informed and the individual attention she gave us left me feeling confident and well looked after! Highly recommend.

Absolutely love the staff and vets at Leslieville animal hospital. They are so good with my shy, anxious cat. They are always careful to make sure the experience is as least stressful as possible. The vets are great at answering questions and explaining what my cats need.

Extremely happy with our recent experience. Our vet (same as last time) took lots of time to explain about dental hygiene as that was the reason for our visit. He suggested how to introduce the whole process of brushing to our small dog. All the staff are friendly and caring. This is a great neighbourhood resource!
UPDATE: JUNE 23,2023
Our annual visit yesterday was a very positive experience for both me and our small dog. Our dog was greeted by name by Annika when we arrived. Corrinne, the vet's assistant, asked some preliminary questions, then the vet, Dr. Yamada (he's great!), asked more based on previous visits and did a thorough checkup. After vaccinations and claws getting trimmed, Emily prepared our bill and we were ready to go. All the staff are super.

First time visit to the clinic. Very pleased with the service. Our large (70+lb) mixed breed dog had an ear infection.
A bit pricey than our previous vet (consult and drops $360). Will be returning for future care.

Really positive experience every time!

Front staff is super polite and welcoming and when possible they try to accomodate around your needs!
The vets are wonderful, we only ever had one ok experience where the vet wasn't super compatible w our pet but still did a good job helping us!
Every othet experience has been perfect!

I love they don't price gouge or try to scare you into extra things thay aren't needed and respect their customers!
Thank you for your great care! <3

Leslieville Animal Hospital is an important part of keeping my cats healthy and helping them live their best lives. I find taking the cats to the vet stressful and really appreciate the supports the staff and vets put in place to make it as easy as possible. We've always had great, thoughtful, expert care and I appreciate how hard the team works to do a very stressful, hard job well. E.g, yesterday my little kitty was very anxious about being there and the vet brought her a towel sprayed with feliway to hide in while he examined her.

Excellent experience! All staff went above and beyond to make my dog comfortable and happy, deliver awesome treatment and give thorough and useful advice. Highly recommend and I’ll definitely be sticking with this clinic

All the staff at Leslieville Animal Hospital were SO kind from the first phone call to the end of our visit. Our 18 year-old cat was not doing well and we knew she would have to be euthanized. All the staff were respectful and helpful, Brittany took the time to explain the entire process and we were able to spend some time with Annie and say goodbye.
They sent a lovely email and mailed us a sympathy card. We're very grateful for their care.

We trust our pets with Leslieville Animal Hospital - and no others. Percy, Penny, & Bruce are in the best hands, and my spouse and I always feel care for our cats.

Amazing experience with this clinic and staff today. Our 4 year old miniature daschund suddenly had pain in her hind legs and spine. We immediately called around and Leslieville Animal Hospital was so kind and accommodating. Dr. Brittany and the entire staff made us feel at ease right away. Our daschund received the help she needed right away and the price was completely reasonable. We couldn't be more satisfied.

Leslieville Animal Hospital was great -the staff are courteous, knowledgable and very friendly.

Friendly staff, very attentive and patient, explained procedures; transparent about pricing and happy to answer questions.

Leslieville Animal Hospital has always shown Kindness and Concern with our dog! We appreciate all the kindness we have been given at Leslieville! Dr. Avery is very gentle and loving to our dog! Thank You Leslieville for all you do! Rated One of the Top Animal Hospitals in Toronto!

I recently brought my baby Bella to this hospital and everyone there was so friendly from reception to the doctors.
All my uncertainties quickly went away I appreciate this hospital so much!

Have had only good experiences with the vets and surgical team at Leslieville. Super empathetic and kind people, and they’ll try to arrange everything as soon as possible for you. At a time when vets are in short supply in the area, Leslieville manages to maintain priority of your pet’s health. Much appreciated