Iowa Veterinary Specialties

3.5
371 reviews

About

VeterinarianAnimal HospitalUrgent CarePet Boarding ServiceEmergency Veterinarian Service
For over three decades, Iowa Veterinary Specialties has been a trusted partner in pet health. More than just an animal hospital, we offer a comprehensive range of services, from 24/7 emergency and urgent care to specialized surgical procedures, including TPLO and knee surgeries. Exotic pet wellness visits are also available by appointment. Our convenient drop-off service provides flexibility for busy pet parents. At Iowa Veterinary Specialties, your pet's well-being is our priority.

Location

Iowa Veterinary Specialties
6110 Creston Avenue, Des Moines, IA
50321, United States

Hours

Reviews

3.5
371 reviews
5 stars
217
4 stars
12
3 stars
7
2 stars
6
1 star
129
  • JC
    Jordan Christensen
    Sep 14, 2025
    5.0
    I usually don't write reviews, but wanted to write one here. I took my cat in on a moment's notice due to complications from a procedure that occurred the previous day. This procedure was done by a different provider who recommended I take my cat here as the case was emergent and he needed care beyond what they could give. The staff is great, they sent timely updates (either via call or text message), and were friendly even when I was not. I would recommend IVS over other emergency vets in the area due to the staff, level of care and communication. They set up my overly anxious cat with a "bird watching" tv to help him relax and eat. All emergency vet care is expensive, but they offer various payment plans and I did not feel as though unnecessary exams or procedures were being forced upon me. My end bill was also well below the initial quoted amount. I also appreciated that I was given an itemized bill with associated costs upon discharge. I did not feel swindled and there are some places that I have gone and left feeling that way. Overall, this is a great place. All cases and experiences are different, but I would recommend IVS over other emergency vets in the area. They saved my cat and that's all that matters to me in the end.
  • SC
    Sara Corujo
    Sep 13, 2025
    5.0
    This morning while dog sitting my parents’ older dog, Tia, she suffered a series of serious complications in my care. We were initially referred to Blue Pearl Emergency Clinic on Merle Hay Road. My father had called ahead, explained the emergency, and even set up an account. Unfortunately, upon arriving with Tia, I was met with a front desk staff member whose demeanor was cold, dismissive, and lacking in empathy. In that moment, I knew that if this were Tia’s final hour, I could not bear to go through it in such an environment. I began calling around to other local clinics, explaining the situation, and was referred to ISV. From the very first phone call, when I spoke with Grace, I felt reassured. She was compassionate, understanding, and full of empathy. When I arrived, she welcomed me, and the team immediately took Tia back for care, helping me navigate an incredibly difficult situation with kindness and patience. Soon after, I met Dr. Kate, who was truly an angel in this experience. She carefully assessed Tia and, while her prognosis was not good, she took the time to understand my mother’s wish of being present if Tia were to pass. Dr. Kate volunteered to hold Tia in her care, providing sedation and comfort until my parents could return from Kansas City. Thanks to her expert knowledge, compassion, and respect for our family’s wishes, my parents were able to bring Tia home and spend precious time with her. Although Tia’s health continues to decline, the empathy, professionalism, and care shown by Grace, Dr. Kate, and the entire ISV team made all the difference. In one of the most stressful and emotional moments, they brought peace, dignity, and love. I am deeply grateful and would wholeheartedly recommend this facility to anyone in need of emergency care for their beloved pets. Thank you, Grace and Dr. Kate, for your extraordinary kindness and compas
  • ST
    sara thomas
    Aug 30, 2025
    5.0
    My baby boy boxer had tplo surgery there 4.5 weeks ago. Through this whole process they have treated my boy and myself very well. I am a nervous mom and they have done everything to make me feel more confident. I chose ivs based on my son's experience. He had a 6 year old dutch shepherd with cancer. He was taking her there for chemo. It was during the height of covid. They allowed my son to stay with his dog for her chemo. That is compassion to the highest level. These are our babies and they get treated as such at ivs.
  • SL
    shaylah lou
    Aug 21, 2025
    5.0
    Last week my father and I had to bring our poor baby into this hospital and unfortunately made the tough decision to euthanize our pup. The room which the euthanasia took place was well decorated and very comfy🩷 The staff is very kind, attentive, professional and welcoming! We were fortunate enough to get in a room quickly. This was the only vet/hospital that was open during the weekend when this occurred and I have zero complaints. I couldn’t thank this vet and their staff enough. I went to go pick up my babies ashes today and the premium package is everything I could’ve hoped for. The ashes come in a beautiful wooden box inside a high quality velvet draw string bag along with plenty of mementos. Thank you so much ❤️‍🩹🥺
  • AC
    A. Cosentino
    Aug 17, 2025
    5.0
    This place is absolutely the best. Do you wait if your pet doesn’t need urgent care, yes. But I would want my pet taken back 1st if it was an emergency. This place is cleaner than most hospitals. The prices are extremely fair. I would highly recommend taking your pet here.