My husband and I absolutely love Family Pet, both the Norwalk and West Des Moines locations. They are very communicative and the staff is incredibly friendly and helpful. We have been going through some challenging health situations with our cats and they have been nothing but supportive and kind. They treat our pets as if they were their own. Highly recommend.
This review is long overdue. I've been coming to see Family Pet Veterinary Center for almost 12 years coming up in June '26.
All four of my dogs have been patients from birth, one of them took her last breath in their office a few years ago (Coco RIP). When we had to say goodbye to our sweet Coco due to a brain tumor she had, the team was so well coordinated to ensure we felt comforted, as they demonstrated their love for our Coco and compassion for our loss. I think the moment Coco took her last breath, my cry of pain and sorrow reverberated throughout the entire office, but somehow, we knew we were not alone in our grieve, the amazing staff who had known Coco for 6 years also hurt with us. I could feel their hurt for us and that brought comfort at the same time. Dr. Ryan was there through it all, Sarah was our point person guiding us through it, Ben could not handle it and just came to the room where we were to say a quick goodbye and hugged Coco with tear in his eyes. The front desk staff was quiet and were sad as well. It was long goodbye!
Coco was a regular since birth; she was well known by the staff in WDM and Norwalk, as she had all the medical problems one can imagine, (Thank goodness for Pet Ins). I almost thought we needed a punch card since we were there so often, or maybe she had a crush on Dr. Ryan and wanted to come see him often. LOL! Not sure! Anyway, every time we came to see Dr. Ryan, he ensured she was checked thoroughly and provided his best diagnosis and remedy. I always knew Dr. Ryan would do his best to help my sickly doggie. Also, Coco went through several dental procedures and could not have been in better hands than with Dr. Jen. She is a pro at this!
I'm left with three dogs now, two are getting older and one remains early years. But no matter what our situation is, FPVC is always gracious with their time and expertise to help care for my dogs.
Dr. Jen had a bit of a challenging dental situation with my Amelia last year. Amelia's tooth was difficult to extract due to how the tooth was fractured, but because Dr. Jen is a genius at what she does, the dental procedure went well and successful. She has used Amelia's case to show her work to others who are learning dental procedures for animals.
When I found out I had breast cancer, the team sent me a sweet card encouraging me to be strong! Also, when Coco died, I got a sympathy card from them as well. What amazing group of people who not only care about my dogs, but care about me! I can't tell you how that fills my heart with joy and appreciation!
I have so many other wonderful stories and experiences that I would like to write about, but it would take me a very long time to share, it's been almost 12 years and 4 dogs, but here is what I can tell you in a nutshell about this veterinary clinic and why I use their services:
They are professional
They are knowledgeable in their field
They don't over prescribe
They don't over sell you
They are super friendly
They are prompt
They are compassionate
They are organized
They are clean in both locations
They know my name and my dogs' names
They have flexible hours
They make time when I don't have an appointment (day drop off)
They make my dogs feel at ease
They give me peace of mind
I'm sure I'm missing more...
Oh! Yeah! their new building is beautiful! But it's more than a building, the staff is what it's important, they are like family to my doggies!
Thank you all for being there for me and my dogs!
Special acknowledgements to the staff: Ben, Allie, Emma, Sarah, Morgan, Meghan, Courtney, Kayla, Kelly and I apologize to those I can't recall at the moment. You've all been super sweet!
Dr. Jen and Dr. Ryan my dogs' HEROES!!!!
With much appreciation and love,
Alex, Pilot, Amelia, Ramona and Coco
P.S. May God always bless this business and the people who run it!
Used to see Dr Jen in West Des Moines years ago and loved her care of my pet rabbit with special needs. Now Dr Kate Siller is the exotics specialist and she has been amazing! She and her team have been fantastic at communicating anything and everything they can in advance of taking our new rabbit (also with complex needs) to see her for some imaging and procedures - and we hadn't even been to their office yet! If I didn't live 45 minutes away she would definitely be my pick for a primary vet for rabbits. Thank you for your patience and attention to details with us, Dr Kate!
