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Huff Patricia 100 years after opening its doors, clinic renews its commitment to continue serving Laurelhurst neighborhood and the surrounding communities for decades to come. Pet Samaritan Clinic in Portland, Oregon, is a full service veterinary facility which offers the latest state-of-the-art surgical and medical treatment options for your dogs and cats. Visit our facilities today or take a virtual tour! We at Pet Samaritan Clinic value feedback from our clients. Here is just a small sample of the hundreds of happy and healthy pets that we have cared for since 1920.
Services
Our staff has special fear/stress free training with Board Certified Animal Behaviorist Dr. Jacqueline Neilson to ensure that we cater to the needs of each pet who walks through our door. Our Cat Zone is a special cat waiting area dedicated to the comfort of your feline friend. Use our special cat comfort cubby or a pheromone infused towel to make your pet feel safe and secure while they wait. Special treats and music just for cats helps kitty feel less anxiety during their visit. We practice fear free handling techniques to reduce stress.
Experienced Veterinarians - At Pet Samaritan Clinic, you will see our veterinarians have many years of experience treating animals. They keep their medical knowledge current by attending continuing education courses and seminars multiple times per year. Client Care Advocates - Our kind and compassionate reception team is always here to give you the best advice about booking your appointment and getting your questions answered quickly. They are always ready to greet you and your pet with a smile. Our experienced receptionists will handle all your customer service needs.
Annual dental exams and cleanings are recommended to protect your pet from many health problems and help them maintain a healthy and clean mouth. Proper diet and nutrition can help your pet fight against disease, maintain a proper weight, and promote the overall well-being of your pet. Annual wellness exams evaluate your pets overall health, detect problems before they become serious, and keep them on track to live a long, healthy life. We're equipped to perform routine radiography services to identify many types of illness or injury when pets are sick or suffer a trauma.
During our regular office hours the Pet Samaritan Clinic is prepared to handle any emergency on a priority basis. Please call us immediately if you feel that your pet is experiencing an emergency. Outside of regular business hours please call any of the 4 local emergency vet locations open for 24 hours:.
Reviews (29)
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Justus Strong-Rico
Jun 14, 2022
I have a very anxious little pup and the staff was so good to her. They were polite of her boundaries and did their best to do their job while being safe for both them and Millie. They also had the opportunity to run test and charge me a few hundred extra, but they found a solution to my problem before testing was done and saved me a few hundred dollars. They looked after myself, my pup and my wallet. What more can u ask for in a vet visit?
Erin Willems
Jun 14, 2022
The care we've received at Pet Samaritan has always been great. No complaints there. My only complaint is their prices. Of course, taking your pet to the vet is always expensive, but Pet Samaritan is the most expensive vet I've ever been to. Last week, our dog had some bloodwork, chest X-rays & a prescription for anti-anxiety meds & the total was just under $900.

We went there because they were one of the few clinics accepting new patients when we got our dog back in Sept., but we are currently "shopping" for a different vet that is not so expensive.
Pooja Apple
May 20, 2022
Super kind staff! My pup got her vaccines and checkup here and didn't whine or bark at all! They also have their own insurance plan that makes my pup's first year of care more affordable. Lovely experience all around.
Sam R.
May 14, 2022
Update: prepare to also be bombarded with marketing emails begging you to review them. Unsubscribe from one survey provider, and they'll send three more! Be careful what you wish for. Downgraded from 2 to 1 star. Mediocre first impression. I filled out all of the requested information with my new patient appointment request. Then they called and asked me to repeat everything.

They said they didn't receive the information, but I received a copy of it after submission. So they were missing vital information about my cat when we arrived. Repeatedly asked the same questions by different staff members throughout our visit. Terrible first impression of the clinic itself. Chaotic environment. Extreme, overwhelming body odor smell.

Bad experience with the doctor/staff. I was asked to hold my cat still during the shot. I have never been asked to do this at another clinic. They usually have a vet tech to assist. Thankfully I was wearing long sleeves. Seems like they might have a staffing shortage. Unimpressed by the level of care. We are used to doing an annual fecal exam. These folks did not seem to think that was necessary.

Extremely crowded lobby upon departure made for a lack of safe distance (re: COVID and re: pet comfort). I was hoping this place would work since it's so close to my home, but we will look elsewhere.
Julianne Lau
May 09, 2022
It's always a wonderful experience to visit with my 6 cats. The staff is amazing and Dr Shaddock is the best. We will follow her wherever she goes. Due to my cats being Savannah's they are very difficult to handle at times, but everyone is amazing with them.
Virginia M.
May 04, 2022
For more than 18 years, I remain a proud customer of Pet Samaritan because of their caring and kind, and prompt service. No matter if I bring my pets in for annual physicals (and I recommend Pet Samaritans' insurance plan which is affordable) --- or, nail trims, etc. Everyone, from the Front Desk clerks to the Techs and especially their fine staff of Veterinarians never disappointed me.

When my one cat had to be put down in an emergency situation, the Techs were at the front door when I arrived and ready to help. My Vet (Dr Ericcson) was so kind and allowed me time to say goodbye to my best friend. Days later I received a Sympathy card which had all the staff's signatures. It was deeply moving and heartfelt. My cats are in good hands at Pet Samaritan.
Molly Tveite
Apr 07, 2022
Wonderful clinic! Compassionate, friendly and efficient. I was able to get in next day as a new client when my dog wasn't feeling well. The vet tech and veterinarian were very friendly, caring and helpful. The vet was able to diagnose the issue without a lot of expensive testing and provide medications with detailed instructions upon departure.
Jen Sotolongo
Apr 05, 2022
My dog is really not a fan of the vet and I felt confident that Dr. Shattuck and the vet tech heard me when I gave them instructions on how best to manage him during our new client visit. The fear-free approach is key to successful visits for us and the entire staff was understanding of my dog's needs due to his anxiety. The only reason I am not giving 5 stars is because the reception desk is immediately behind the doors where dogs come and go, forcing them into the same very small space.

It is not an ideal set up for reactive or anxious dogs or cats who are afraid of dogs, etc. If they one day renovate, I hope they'll consider moving the front desk elsewhere!
Jill Fransen
Mar 14, 2022
Pet Samaritan has great front staff and the best docs. I love when they get down on the floor and talk to our girl face to face. Violet has never been afraid to go in and her tail wags the whole time. They are kind but even more importantly, they are knowledgeable! We love Pet Samaritan and are so glad we chose them when Violet came into our lives 2 years ago.
A. J.
Feb 07, 2022
My pets have been seeing Dr. Shattuck for the last 2 years and have had good experiences. Today I brought my cat in to see Dr. Kennedy and they ended up being very rude when I spoke to them, as soon as we began the phone call I sensed Dr. Kennedy was already hurried and annoyed that I had follow up questions. They suggested a test that my pet had already done multiple times, and were very condescending when I said I didn't want do this same test just to be inconclusive again.

They had the wrong information about the symptoms my pet was experiencing and overall had poor communication. I had to ask to speak to Dr. Kennedy when they had their assistant call me with incorrect information, and did not even address all of the things I wrote on my cats intake forms. They told me that they had given me a referral to a specialist in the past which was inaccurate.

I have spent thousands of dollars on bringing my cat in this last year and didn't think it was fair to pay again when Dr. Kennedy did not even do a full exam, they did not give me any new information, and they just wanted to repeat the same test my regular vet Dr. Shattuck had done in the past that ended up being inconclusive. Dr. Kennedy told me I needed to collect my cat's paperwork and go find a new vet.

When I called the front desk to ask if I would be able to get in with my regular vet Dr. Shattuck (who knows the issues my cat has been having and could continue working on his treatment plan), they told me my cat was no longer welcome to come to their clinic. All of this happened without my regular vet being present, or even having a chance to speak with them about my concerns.

Overall Dr. Shattuck is a caring vet, I have even written a positive review for her in the past, but it seems Dr. Kennedy is too busy to do a proper exam, will dismiss your concerns, and then ban you from the clinic when you stand up for your concerns. I believe the other negative reviews for this place speak for themselves, it seems like this is not the first time Dr. Kennedy has treated a customer this way and evidently will not be the last time.

I will be finding a vet who truly cares about my animals and will not rush through the appointment and suggest useless tests for extra money. Looks like it's been said before but I'll stress it again, Dr. Kennedy please learn to use some empathy!
Erin Schmith
Jan 14, 2022
We've been going to Pet Samaritan for years with multiple pets. Affordable for cats compared to some places. Really like all the staff, vet techs, and vets here. They've always taken good care of our pets.
Ciera Moberg
Nov 26, 2021
I just moved to the neighborhood and wanted to establish vet care in the area which led me to Pet Samaritan Clinic. I have a dog that is very anxious in veterinary settings and especially sensitive to needles. The front desk staff, vet tech/assistant & vet were all welcoming, kind, and personable. I greatly appreciate my vets willingness to let me do all of the required handling/ restraint while she administered vaccinations & that since it was a pretty routine checkup, we didn't have to be separated (which my dog also appreciates).

She was very gentle & sweet with him & prioritized his comfort. As stressful as going to the vet is for us, this was one of our least stressful vet visits yet! They even offered him some cheese :)
Alexander R.
Nov 04, 2021
Positive experience during difficult times. Dr. Kennedy and team provide an invaluable service given all the constraints during the pandemic. I found Dr. Kennedy to practice with grace and humility. Her staff was focused, courteous, and professional. Some of these reviews on here made me second guess myself before coming in. I can only say majority of the recent negative feedback here lack accountability or compassion during trying times. I'm grateful to Dr. Kennedy and team for being able to see Felda and provide quality care and excellent patient experience. Start to finish with all staff members, THANK YOU.
Nicole L.
May 03, 2021
Iv been taking my dogs to this clinic for over 5 years now! Dr. Kennedy is extremely knowledgeable and the staff is always helpful and friendly. I wouldn't dream of taking my fur babies anywhere else.
Ursula M.
Oct 20, 2020
Really disappointed in this practice. The people who work there are spotty, either they are friendly and try to be helpful (props to them!), or extremely disenchanted and disengaged. Previous low-star reviewers note the apathy and lack of detail in care, and they are not wrong. They don't seem to be managing Covid well compared to other practices I've interacted with.

They are busy and rushed. Or maybe this is how they always have been. TWICE I was given the wrong dosage of medication. (This is a huge oversight). In their reply below they mention not having this written down in our chart. That's yet another oversight, because it did happen and I had to personally drive back to get additional medication I'm now in the process of making a difficult decision about a dog we have in our care, and the way they handled it was not only unprofessional but insensitive.

Highly recommend Kenton Animal Hospital or Overlook Animal Hospital if you're looking for a vet that cares. Our other dogs go there and I've only had the best experience and client care.
Jonathan I.
Oct 12, 2020
This is my second visit for my dog for a teeth extraction. Upon the first visit is where they told me that my dog needed this operation pains in his back molar. During the initial conversation I was told that the procedure would cost some where around $200. This morning's drop off I was "estimated" it would cost $850+. I understand how estimates work but that difference is criminal and misleading. I'm not going to not pay for the operation but the person who quoted me the original cost is not capable and will lead others like me to find other vet clinics.

They are handling COVID well, but if you are going to pay vastly different rates and can't get feed back (visually - due to the pandemic), honestly I will take me and my buddy elsewhere. This is my last visit with them.
Holly R.
Sep 28, 2020
Staff was a little unhelpful and didn't follow up on the questions I had, which happened multiple times on two different appointments. A little too expensive for me to continue to deal with that level of apathy/ennui from a medical team. None of them gave me an educated vibe. I am also a little skeptic of how they treat my cat since covid I can not monitor what they are doing and she seemed pretty traumatized for exams, and not nearly as much from other visits. Said they cleaned her ears but they looked EXACTLY THE SAME. Considering that they didn't really help me with my questions/concerns It didn't build my trust in them to do major treatments long term.

Chart notes from the vet were a little unprofessional and not helpful of how to get my cat to gain weight, just ranted how thin she was. Since covid is making it hard to get into a vet, I guess I would use them if necessary, but it's not my top choice.
Scott S.
Aug 26, 2020
- had a surgery appointment for my dog, Pet Samaritan did not tell me until I lliterally dropped my dog off that our regular vet (to be performing the surgery) had "left the practice a week ago to move to Texas" - friendly techs, but incredibly unfriendly, unsympathetic vets - they offer take $ of your bill if you write a positive Yelp review -- not worth it. stay far away
Rhea K.
Aug 04, 2020
My family has lived with cats for over 30 years and we have taken our pets to various vets in the Portland area. Recently we took a cat to Pet Samaritan Clinic for the first (and last) time. Sal had a scrape on her side and seemed to be in pain. Our regular vet was completely booked for days. The vet at Pet Samaritan called to tell us she could not complete the examination because Sal became very upset and combative.

The vet assured me it was impossible to sedate her to complete the examination because of her out of control behavior. Sal is a small 7 year old house pet with no behavioral problems. We have never had a similar experience with any other cat or any other vet. Surely the people who work at a vet clinic should know how to cope with a frightened pet in pain. We ended up at Dove Lewis Clinic, which successfully examined and treated her. Our experience at Pet Samaritan was distressing, time consuming and a complete waste of money.
Steve Y.
Jul 15, 2020
I would definitely avoid this clinic. I've taken my pet there twice since 8 months ago, and I was happy with them until 2 days ago. I had called and asked if they would prescribe something for my furry one to help take the edge off of her nervousness and anxiety over fireworks in my neighborhood. I was called back by an employee named Kentessa. (Tessa) She had my concern all wrong, and stated that my dog needed to be seen by a doctor and examined since my pet had a urinary problem.

I stated to her that it was NOT a urinary problem, and informed her that it was because of my dog's reaction to fireworks. She was rude and condescending to me and spoke to me as if I was an idiot, and spoke "down" to me. I asked her to please have someone else call me back as long as it wasn't her. The call I got back was from a Dr. Kennedy.

I explained what happened with Tessa and told her I was unhappy with the tone and treatment I had received. Dr. Kennedy did not apologize to me, nor did she sound empathetic in the least. She basically spoke to me the same way that Tessa had a few days earlier. I told her that I would not be returning to their clinic again and she was rude to me yet again and told me that it was fine and she'd send me my final records and again, was cold and rude to me. Wow.

Not an apology for my previous treatment, no understanding or empathy whatsoever. Dr. Kennedy's exact words when I told her I wouldn't be back: "Fine. I'll send your file to you." If they treat people like that, I shudder to think how they're treating the animals behind closed doors. I absolutely have never received this kind of treatment from any veterinarian clinic in my life.

I will now search for a new animal hospital that knows the importance of kindness and empathy. These people should be avoided at all cost. My message to them is this: EMPATHY, people. Show some respect and don't speak down to concerned guardians of our precious pets. Also, when someone tells you that they're not coming back, at least TRY to pretend that you care about that and express regret to hearing such things.

I have a lot of friends, and I happily posted my horrible experience with your clinic on Facebook and by simply talking to others. You deserve it. One last thing: When I received the file on my furry loved one, I immediately noticed that they had her information wrong. They had her birthday WAY off, wrong age, wrong breed, (she's not a poodle) which further solidified their incompetence.
Nancy H.
May 27, 2020
I have a dog with cancer In the middle of a pandemic the vets ( Dr. Kennedy) is willing to do a phone conference and get me a new prescription for pain medication for the sweetest dog on earth. Wow boy do I appreciate it. Life saver. (My dogs oncologist was not so flexible.) The vets at Pet Samaritan are willing to support your pet through their toughest challenges.and there by supporting you.
Milena T.
May 23, 2020
I have always had a really wonderful experience at Pet Samaritan with my dog and cat. The staff has always been friendly and understanding. I feel that the vets have always given me honest suggestions about what has been absolutely necessary vs. something to think about for the future. My dog has had some minor mystery symptoms and previous vets at VCA heavily pushed for expensive tests that all ended up being inconclusive.

Yet they still pushed for more tests. At Pet Sam, the vets have always said my dog is healthy and that further testing can be discussed if there are any concerning changes. I greatly appreciate Pet Sam for this honesty. I would definitely recommend them!
Allie B.
Mar 30, 2020
I used to come here regularly for my cats checkups, but after I moved and split with my partner I couldn't afford to come here anymore. They were always great for checkups and used to have a few sweet receptionists working there who I always really liked. I called them one day in tears because my cat had been battling thyroid cancer-my ex took her to the vet, gave me a prescription for her and I just followed dosing instructions.

I was made aware that even with surgery or radiation it was unlikely she would live through treatment or long afterward. When it was time to put her down, I was very upset and just trying to find a place that would be able to fit her in so I could minimize her suffering. It was evident she was very sick just from looking at her. The receptionist asked me for her records, which I didn't have because my ex had taken her.

She began treating me like I was there to kill my cat, and they insisted on doing $350 worth of tests on her to diagnose her. Mind you, I don't make a lot of money and that was a significant cost to me. I was beside myself and just wanted to end her misery, and all the receptionist did was treat me like a criminal trying to kill my beloved companion.

In my grief I agreed to tests so she wouldn't have to suffer any longer. The vet who saw me was sympathetic and very understanding. He was a relief(?) vet just covering for the day and I wish he worked at a regular clinic because I would go in to see him anywhere. Before I left I paid my bill, which was $480, nearly my entire paycheck. It was worth it to make sure my cat didn't die in agony.

I was furious about the way the receptionist treated me and at no point did they ever explain why the tests were necessary. Just an overall horrible experience and received no sympathy or comfort from this horrible woman working the front desk. I will never return here after the way I was treated. I never received a sympathy card like other vets offices do, was never offered any comfort besides some time to sob and say goodbye to my sweet little cat.

There are a million places that will treat you better in a pinch that won't try to bleed you dry, or treat you like a criminal for trying to end your pet's suffering.
Sergio F.
Dec 12, 2019
Our last visit to the clinic was the final straw. We took our dog because she was coughing and at the time their system was not working, so they could not check the records. The vet said she would review the records when the system is back up. Weeks to more than a month passed and nothing; no call. No follow up to see how our dog is doing. That is NOT customer service.

In previous visits, we got the feeling that the staff that works there, including the vets, do not have a sense of care for their patients. We've had extremely long wait times, both waiting to be seen when we arrived early on time for our appointment and also for the medication. You may be walking distance for us, but we're going somewhere else next time. Our pets deserve better.
Nicole L.
Sep 06, 2019
I have been taking my fur babies to Pet Sam for over 15 years! The staff is extremely compassionate, very knowledgable and professional. The Doctors have always been amazing and treat the pets as if they were their own babies. The customer service and follow up is beyond excellent. I would highly recommend Pet Samaratin to anyone looking for the best care for their pets.
Nicole K.
Sep 04, 2019
PET SAMARITAN IS AMAZING! I have had the best experience at this clinic! The staff is so helpful and sweet every time I come in. The prices are great, the atmosphere is inviting, and the doctors are very knowledgeable! They provide the up most care and respect for the animals and I honestly can't see myself taking my fur babies anywhere but here!
Portland T.
Aug 27, 2019
On the 27 of August I had the Worst visited ever never in my life while having my pets have I ever been so disrespected. The Vet Kennedy was so rude to us told us that our cat was really sick by only touching her and looking at her after I told her I had to go and we were going to look for other resources because I couldn't afford the x-rays that were $300 she decided to call the humane society and make up lies my gf told her she was going to go to work she got really upset and started telling us that our cat was going to die by midnight if I did not take her somewhere where they had surgeons and even asked me if I wanted to utilize my kitty!

And even threaten us by saying the she will call animal service on us in front of her clients after leaving the place and going to Hannah the pet society they told us that my kitten was 100% healthy even called pet Samaritan to make sure they have a second opinion the veterinarian at Hannah had X-rays done on the cat there is nothing wrong with my cat I would never return to Pet Samaritan clinic and I will make sure that everybody knows how rude and disrespectful they were with us
Sunny E.
Nov 20, 2018
I'm fairly new to Portland and hadn't established a vet for my two cats yet. I thought this could be the perfect place as it was walking distance from my apartment. I brought my older cat here just for a check up. They were running behind schedule so I had to wait an extra 20 minutes past my appointment time. Not a huge deal - I wasn't in a rush that day and I know emergencies come up.

When I did see the doctor, it was someone different than who I'd scheduled with. She told me the doctor I was going to see what still in surgery. Again, not a huge deal, it happens. She quickly looked over my cat and mentioned she looked good for her age but needed her teeth cleaned. She also mentioned blood work just to check that everything was fine, but that it would be $300+ dollars for a blood panel. WOW.

I said I'd think about it. I also asked her to check my cat's anal glands since she's had problems in the past. They did and said they expressed them since they were a bit full (gross but it happens!). When I checked out, it was nearly $200 (which included a first time patient promotional discount they were running)! I lived in NYC for 6 years and never paid that much.

It would have been one thing if I got an attentive exam and thoughtful care, but after waiting for 20 minutes, the doctor was in and out and didn't seem to care much. $200 for a quick exam and anal gland expression is nuts. Then, my cat seemed to be in pain for the next couple of days. I've never seen her act that way after having her anal glands expressed.

It seemed like they didn't do it with enough care or finesse which caused some irritation. I didn't like that. They also emailed me a quote for having her teeth cleaned. I'm not kidding - it was $1,200 which INCLUDED a discount. And that didn't include any extractions if she needed them. No thanks. I don't doubt that this place is competent, but the level of care I received based on what they are charging just doesn't match up. Maybe I'm not shi-shi enough to come here, but there are better vets in PDX for the money.
Ginger H.
Jan 19, 2018
I wasn't impressed. I felt I didn't get my questions answered by the vet and the visit was very brief. On the search for a holistic vet who had time to give extra care to my pets. On the positive side, the location is convenient and the assistant was great. After reading the condescending clinic comments on other reviews I am lowering my rating. Of course people are still upset months after their pets have died. I felt the responses were so callous. I am looking for a new vet.