Kato Animal Hospital

My kitty’s been dealing with a swollen, irritated eye for the past few days, and I decided to bring him in to see a vet and get him checked out. I’m new-​ish to this area, so I just looked up the closest vet to me and found Kato Animal Hospital. Am I ever glad I did! I called at 9:30 in the morning, and Iroh was in to see a vet two hours later. He just has conjunctivitis, which will heal quickly with some eyedrops, but the care and helpfulness I received was fantastic. I was in and out in an hour, fully in-​the-​know about what was going on. Everyone was just great!
When Iroh needs to see a vet in the future, I know where I’ll be going.

As anyone with a beloved pet will tell you, having to decide to put them down will be the HARDEST if not most painfully sad thing you will ever have to do. Having said that I need to commend Dr. Kato and her staff for their exceptional services handling our lovely sweet dog’s final appointment.
From the day we called to book the appointment to our arrival, the staff did everything to facilitate and make the process as smooth as possible. As soon as we called to relay info of our dogs’ deteriorating condition they booked her in RIGHT away, and as soon as we came to the clinic there was no waiting as we were promptly ushered to a room that was readied for her.
Once she was analysed by the assisting vet and then deemed to be in fatal condition by Dr. Kato’s follow-​up, we were given our options in a gently civil, respectful and un-​biased manner, and once we decided our dog’s course of action, she described in careful detail what we could expect to take place. We were given ample last moments to spend with our pet after which the assisting vet technicians carefully and gently administered a sedative along with preparing a catheter to feed the euthanising fluid. I was especially grateful for the personalisation and tenderness the assisting vet had given our dog as she prepared the catheter and even placed a symbolic heart sticker on the catheter bandage site. Once the catheter was readied Dr Kato and the staff again gave us ample time to prepare and informed us of what to expect of the euthanizing process. As terribly sad as this was, I was relieved that my dog was very relaxed and that it took a very short time once the euthanizing agent was administered for her to pass to her afterlife, a life of no more pain, no more suffering and endless treats walks and bellyrubs.
I can’t say enough about every single staff members’ genuine kindness and accommodating manner and it’s very evident that they take their jobs caring for animals very seriously while having big hearts. Everyone was incredibly gentle yet focused on both our dog’s comfort as well as ours making sure we had more than enough time, we never felt rushed or harried at all.
All-​in-​all Kato Animal Hospital made a very difficult decision a stress-​free one, and delivered service with kindness sympathy and dignity.

Having recently moved into the area, and taking the reviews on this site to heart, I began taking my cats to the clinic in November. I’m extremely pleased with this facility, both as a client and as someone with years of experience working in a clinic. The staff are all very friendly and easygoing, and answer all my questions thoroughly. I’ve seen two vets, including Dr. Kato, and both were very good to my girls. Dr. Kato, in particular, is amazing: she had such a gentle touch with my abused rescue, who shows a lot of fear when placed in a carrier, let alone taken to a clinic. My furry kids are my best judge of a vet, and they have all been relaxed there. Most importantly, Dr. Kato worked with my budget and my often ridiculous insurance company to ensure my claim went through speedily, and my cat’s health was uncompromised, without pushing unnecessary work. Huge recommendation for this clinic!
EDIT: I just have to add also that the level of compassion here is really stellar. We recently lost one of our girls due to sudden severe illness and the staff were extremely accommodating in getting her seen, ensuring she was well cared for and that our insurance forms were handled (which of course is the last thing a bereaved pet owner wants to deal with). They also sent a sympathy card and donated to the OVC Trust in her name, which goes above and beyond what I expect from a care provider. Beautiful hearts work here.

I’ve been taking my two canine companions to Kato for over a decade now. Christine Kato, the head vet, is great and seems to have a good sense for picking the junior vets who have worked with her over the years.
The vets and techs have been great with working with my two rescue pals, gently giving me advice over the years, and putting up with all kinds of doggie wierdnesses — and rewarding them with kisses with the wierdnesses noted in their files turn into wonderfulnesses.
The gals on the front desk are always helpful about scheduling appointments within the limits of their business hours.
Several years ago, a couple of us picked up a little dog that had slipped its collar, run into the Danforth, and been hit by a car. The office helped us figure out if the dog was chipped (he wasn’t), and advised us on how to try and track down the owner. One of the vets came out to pat down Harry (Houdini, don’t you know) and make sure no bones were broken. I wouldn’t have expected free treatment, but I wasn’t expecting that quick check-​up either.
They’re quite up to date on debates on a variety of pet care issues which I’ve always found helpful when I’ve been mulling options over.