Paws & Claws Veterinary Hospital

I want to start by saying I love most of the staff here. I always feel welcomed. My concern is that the quality of care has really tanked over the last year. I’ve had 6 animals that I’ve taken there and had years of great appointments but the quality has gone down hill. If you have a rescue that needs kinder, more compassion centered care, I can’t recommend this practice. Our cats vet, in particular, used to be incredible! Now, she doesn’t even to both to call herself even after a $1k cleaning/tooth extraction. I have a 15 year old rescue cat that was a barn cat for 10 years — he’s spicy. Instead of offering me a pan shot and antibiotic shot, they sent me home with three medications and a traumatized cat. Of course, I wasn’t able to administer these meds because he went into hiding for 3 days after the procedure. When I asked why they didn’t do the shots, the tech said, "because they’re expensive." Shouldn’t I be able to make that choice? Anyway, I don’t know what’s going on there but it seems like a profit over care situation. This may also explain the crazy turnover they’ve had over the years.

We have been using Paws & Claws since 2021 and would not think of going anywhere else. Our fur babies always receive the best care and the Doctors are very thorough. Everyone is extremely friendly and very professional. We would highly recommend them!

Dr. Kocel is a literal lifesaver! My senior Central American boa constrictor had a horrible situation while eating which caused her to need emergency surgery, I was distraught fearing I was going to lose my beloved Minerva but Dr. Kocel and her technician ( I’m so sorry I didn’t catch her name ) reassured me and go to work saving Minerva’s life, Minerva pulled through and now has sutures. She’s home and still groggy but doing amazing. To those considering taking your exotic baby to paws and claws DO IT!

My rainbow parakeet was had a growth inside is vent. cyst or tumor. Dr Mitchell has been very attentive to Sunshine. Giving me options and suggestions for helping him. She takes good time with you…no feeling of rush..We are going to try surgery next month..hoping to extend his life…and a more positive identification of cyst or cancer. I am so impressed with the way they show how much they care for your pet. Dr Mitchel. Is a very good avian vet..would not hesitate recommended her to care for your exotic pets

Dr. Kocel is the most caring Veterinarian. She cares for your babies and explains in detail about any health issues they are having. She won’t recommend needless testing. So if you want a caring Veterinarian see Dr. Kocel at Paws and Claws

The staff, especially Dr Kocel, at Paws and Claws are nothing short of amazing! I've taken numerous exotic pets here for treatment and I will not go anywhere else. They are compassionate, knowledgeable, and thorough. The prices are extremely reasonable. Highly recommended for your exotic babies!

I want to share my recent experience of losing my dog, Lucy. My wife and I adopted her from the Leon County Humane Society ten years ago this past summer when she was a puppy, and we took Lucy to Paws & Claws for her entire life. We didn't really bring her in often, just when she was sick which thankfully was infrequent. But, Lucy always got the best care we could ever want a pet to have. Early this year, I brought Lucy in for a persistent cough and Dr. Harby found tumors in her lungs and near her spleen. Dr. Harby saw Lucy a few more times throughout the year and I was grateful to have her. It's one thing to be a professional and help your clients make decisions for treatment, but the genuine empathy for what I was going through and her concern for Lucy's well being kept me coming back. Ultimately when we decided to not prolong Lucy's pain, Dr. Zanca came to our home to put her to sleep. Dr. Zanca's empathy for me and my family during such a tremendously sad event was more helpful than I can adequately put to words. Grief is not easy, and grieving a pet is no exception, but Dr. Zanca obviously cares deeply about animals and that only helped us in our situation. One thing I learned from this is that while having quality veterinary care to keep your pet healthy is important, it is equally important that a good vet also is the helping hand you need the most when you have to say goodbye to your best friend. I'll always be thankful for the doctors and staff at Paws and Claws for the care Lucy got in her lifetime and for helping her die with dignity in her bed at home.