Briar Patch Veterinary Hospital

I have been extremely pleased with the care my animals have received from Dr. Lyboldt at Briar Patch. My dog is always greeted as if he were a king. I am always treated with respect and am given several options for the treatment of my pets. I recently adopted a new kitten from the SPCA and she, also, was given excellent care for her initial visit. I recommend this clinic, and Dr. Lyboldt, with the highest confidence.

I have been taking my animals to Briar Patch since 1987. In that time I have had five cats and three dogs. I can’t imagine a more competent and caring staff, from the moment we enter to the good-​byes on the way to the car. And this has been true no matter which doctor we see. I’ve always known the doctors at Briar Patch to be thorough, sympathetic, and diligent. And though I understand Dr. McMaster no longer sees patients, I know that she has hand-​chosen the doctors who practice there now, under her general management. The thing that really stands out about the entire staff at Briar Patch is that they really, genuinely care about my animals and me, and are willing to listen to whatever I need to share about my pets’ troubles. My animals have always received the best care at Briar Patch, and I never feel as though I am being rushed in and out, just to make the business more money. Anyone who has had a negative experience should give Briar Patch another try, because they are, quite simply, among the best veterinarians and technicians here in Ithaca. Furthermore, if you think Briar Patch is more expensive than other places you’re just plain wrong; clearly you haven’t priced competent veterinary services at other local hospitals. Briar Patch is definitely NOT on the high end.

I have been taking my dogs to Briar Patch for 8 years. What I appreciate most about the practice is their dedication to educating me about the numerous options available for my animals. I have always found their staff knowledgable, friendly, diligent and incredibly responsive. When I was dealing with end of life issues with an older dog they were always wonderful about making me feel comfortable balancing what I could reasonably afford with doing the most I could for my dog. I was always very appreciative of their compassion and understanding. I can’t recommend this practice strong enough!

My husband and I used Briarpatch for years and although they were on the expensive side — we appreciated the wonderful care they gave our canine family members — which we have 3. A few months ago we brought all three in for their annual visit and were really miffed with the nickel and diming we received on the bill. Like $ 4.75 needle disposal for each shot, $ 11.00 to set up a new medical record for our new puppy. Not to mention about 50% of our visit was spent trying to sell us on a variety of tests and meds. So we were deciding whether to return — and delayed getting part 2 of two of our dogs shots for a few months there. We were told when we originally complained about the bill our next visit would just be shots with a technician and wouldn’t be much. So I finally called and made the appointment for the shots — we went yesterday. I was very confused because a supposed 20 – 30 minute visit became another sell job with the vet and tech. I understood when I was handed a $ 318 dollar bill charging us for two more «annual visits». We were so upset and just received a message from the office manager blaming us telling us it was our fault for waiting a couple months to bring them back — that it was their practice to examine a dog before giving immunizations. Would have been nice to know this upfront! And to boot — our puppy was scheduled to be spayed there next week — which I have now canceled and rescheduled elsewhere. When I contacted the new vet about the spaying — they told me we should wait 2 weeks after the immunization our puppy received to have surgery. Briarpatch was going to do the surgery in one week. I do think the vets themselves are ok — just think the practice has become way too focused on the dollar — losing sight of why we chose this practice for the last several years. We’ve moved on!

I have been taking my animals to Briar Patch for a few years now. I have always been happy with the quality of care! They not only are fantastic with my dogs and cat, they also have amazing people skills as well, which is a wonderful combination for a vets office I had a hard time finding in the past. I trust them completely and feel my pets are in good hands when they have to go to the vet! I would recommend them to everyone!

Since Carolyn left, the quality of care here has suffered greatly. Heartless disregard for what this practice once stood for, and for the animals & people they carelessly serve. Do yourself & your beloved pets a favor and go elsewhere.