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Western Animal Clinic

Updated 2026-07-06 · 1,309 reviewed · 191 listed · Scored from 512 Google reviews · How we rank ›

4.7(512) 85 composite score See reviews on Google ✓ Verified
General Veterinary CareSurgery & Specialty CareLow-Cost & Affordable CareEmergency & Urgent CareExotic & Avian Care
Western Animal Clinic
Services
General Veterinary Care, Surgery & Specialty Care, Low-Cost & Affordable Care
Reviews
512

What recent reviews say

Dr. Shiarella and his staff deliver honest, unhurried care at prices that don't sting. Reviewers praise his diagnostic eye (one caught kidney disease by smell), refusal to push unnecessary tests, and the clinic's rare walk-in policy that eliminates emergency surcharges. Multiple longtime clients credit him with surgical saves and complex condition management across 15+ years of loyalty.

The tradeoff is visible: first-come parking-lot waits are the norm, and one recent complaint describes being locked outside during heat without updates. Phone communication can be curt. But regulars treat these waits as the cost of access to a vet who listens and keeps bills fair. Dr. Shiarella is named repeatedly; Stephanie's blood-draw skill is mentioned by name.

Praised for
  • no-pressure straightforward vet
  • caring compassionate staff
  • reasonable affordable pricing
  • walk-in availability no emergency fee
  • skilled diagnostic and surgical care
Watch-outs
  • forced to wait in car during hot weather
  • long waits without communication
  • sometimes rude phone staff
skilled-vetscaring-bedside-mannertransparent-pricinggood-with-anxious-petscompassionate-staffknowledgeable-vetslong-wait-timesfriendly-front-desk
Best for: Long-term pet owners who value honest advice and affordability over convenience.
Think twice if: Long wait times and outdoor parking in bad weather may strain patience; phone staff can be short.

Strengths

  • Walk-in first-come-first-served model (no emergency premium)
  • Dr. Shiarella's diagnostic insight and no-BS approach
  • Transparent affordable pricing
  • Surgical and complex case experience

Worth knowing

  • Dr. Shiarella named consistently across 15+ years of reviews
  • Stephanie praised by name for skilled blood draws
  • Walk-in availability without emergency surcharge
  • Surgical saves reported (throat growth, cyst removal, broken arm)
  • Cushing's testing mentioned
  • Dental work offered at reasonable rates
  • One reviewer noted vet detected kidney disease by scent before bloodwork

What reviews say by service

General Veterinary Care
Longtime clients (15+ years) credit Dr. Shiarella's straightforward diagnostics and preventive care.
Surgery & Specialty Care
Reviewers report successful cyst removal, broken arm repair, and throat-growth detection during cleaning.
Low-Cost & Affordable Care
Multiple reviewers highlight fair pricing and dental work at reasonable rates.
Emergency & Urgent Care
Walk-in model with no emergency fee; clients note peace of mind from being seen same-day without surcharge.

How it compares

  • Rated 4.7 against a 4.58 average across the 174 general veterinary care businesses listed here.
  • Has more Google reviews than 74% of the businesses in this directory.

How we scored this

Ranking Method
Star rating 80
Review volume 100
Review recency 100
Review sentiment 67
Profile completeness 100
Verification 30

Rating breakdown

5
433
4
40
3
9
2
2
1
28

Common questions

Do I need an appointment?
No. Western Animal Clinic operates first-come, first-served. Arriving early is advised as waits can be long.
Is there an emergency fee for walk-ins?
No. Unlike most clinics, there is no emergency premium for same-day walk-in visits.
Do they offer dental care?
Yes. Reviewers mention reasonably priced dental cleanings and work.

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Last updated 2026-07-06