All About Cats Veterinary Hospital — Local services in Kirkland

My 13 years old boy became sick recently, for the first time. He couldn't be moved or transported safely. Dr. Lester is the only vet he's ever seen. I live across the street from All About Cats and have run into Kathy Lester a few times, and called her once during their Covid closure to ask a couple questions about my cat. I called the office and asked to speak to Kathy the morning it was clear my cat was in trouble. She wouldn't take my call. I was told she was there but "busy" after she was told I was calling. The receptionist referred me to a mobile vet, who thankfully helped very much. She sent a prescription to All About Cats. When I attempted to refill the medication, I got a call from Dr Lester's vet tech. Informing me that this would be the last medication they would provide. That they had only filled this as a courtesy because they were "concerned" about my cat and I would have to talk to his vet with any further questions. Arrogant and condescending. Clearly Dr Lester was no longer my cat's vet. I am learning to walk again, after medical issues and, after eye surgery, beginning to see well enough to know that my boy has to lose a few pounds. If he survives. I can now see well enough to let Kathy Lester know that I and my therapist watched her dodge and weave around me today and actually break into a light jog to distance yourself from me, while I was doing my walk therapy. Your "concern" for your former patient was so very clear. Not a quick "how is he?", just an urgent attempt to go by me. We were almost side by side and you looked directly at me. I'm guessing my therapist will also write a review. I can only encourage readers and clients to carefully consider the possibilities if your cat is not a consistent visitor to this clinic. In my case, no one would take my call for questions about his condition, which I would have of course been willing to pay for.

Response to Kathy: That you seem suddenly open to discussing this further, is of no benefit to my sweet boy. I can only imagine that you and your staff simply shrug and say or think, 'We can't please everyone'. You and Dr Lester and your tech aren't auto mechanics who can pick and choose the easiest and most profitable jobs to accept. You make life and death decisions for those we love, when you are willing to be involved and the condition is very serious. In my case, none of you were willing. Or kind. Or even interested in doing what your profession involves and promises to those of us who trust you. Or, sadly in this case, trusted...

I didn't want to leave a negative review but I really did not have a great first impression of this place. I loved my previous experience with a cats-only vet clinic and I moved to the area recently, so I wanted to start bringing my cat here for regular care since it's pretty close by.

I tried to set up a first-time visit by calling the listed phone number during business hours. I called twice, no one picked up and the call went to voicemail each time. I sent an email to request an appointment and 13 minutes later, still during business hours, I got a reply saying that I need to call to set up the appointment and pay the deposit over the phone. And that first-time visits were booking 6-8 weeks out which I was ok with. I decided to try calling back the next day since no one picked up my calls. I figured I called at a bad time and would have better luck later.

The following day, I called again, twice, and no one picked up. I double-checked the number and confirmed that I was calling during business hours. I called two more times again, no pickups again. In total, I called 6 times and not once did someone pick up a call. And yet they were able to quickly reply to my email during business hours, to tell me to call them for scheduling?

I decided to call my previous vet clinic which is a little farther away. They picked up right after the first ring, so I scheduled with them instead. I'm disappointed that my first impression of All About Cats is that they were essentially unreachable. I was really hoping to bring my cat here due to the cats-only setup and it's close to where I live, but this experience has left a sour taste...

Another veterinarian recommended Dr. Lester to me because she thought he would be the best person to treat my cat's particular condition, and I couldn't be happier with the outcome. My cat recently had a surgical procedure done for a non-life threatening condition. Rather than having her come for several appointments for testing and then the procedure, they boarded her overnight without charge, which I'm pretty sure was for my own convenience because she was stable. Every staff member I talked to and personable and friendly. Dr. Lester in particular was very communicative and willing to answer questions, and I can tell he cares because he educated both my partner and me separately about aftercare, since I had to stay at work while my partner went to get her. He called me to make sure I had all the information I needed. This was also a procedure in which we had a good idea of what would happen but wouldn't know the exact details until x-rays were taken the day of the procedure, and he communicated with both of us to keep us updated. There were no complications, and my kitty is happy and healthy. Furthermore, the cost for everything was below what was estimated. Looking over my invoice, I noticed there were a couple things they could have charged us for but didn't. Kathy at the front desk is great as well. I had quite a few questions regarding payment and paying remotely, and she never once made me feel like I was being an inconvenience. It seemed like she genuinely enjoyed being helpful. I sincerely doubt you would regret choosing...