Compassionate Vet Care for Dogs & Cats in Austin, TX

Yes, we're happy to welcome new dogs and cats to the Fernbank family. New-patient appointments are a little longer than routine visits because we take the time to review your pet's full history, do a thorough head-to-toe exam, and get to know both of you — this is the foundation of the ongoing, personalized care we're known for. If you have prior records from another vet, bringing them (or having them sent over) helps us pick up seamlessly, but it's not required to book. Whether you've just moved to Austin, adopted a new pet, or are looking for a more caring, less stressful veterinary experience, we'd love to meet you. Simply call or send the appointment form with your pet's basic information and the reason for the visit, and we'll find a time that works. We serve South Austin and the surrounding neighborhoods, and we're always glad to answer any questions before your first visit.

Fear Free is a certification program that trains veterinary teams to reduce the fear, anxiety, and stress pets experience at the vet — and it genuinely changes the experience for your animal. In practice, it means gentle, patient handling instead of forceful restraint; calming pheromones, treats, and non-slip surfaces; unhurried appointments so your pet isn't rushed; and reading each animal's body language to adjust our approach. For a dog who trembles in the waiting room or a cat who hides at the sight of a carrier, this makes an enormous difference — many of our patients who used to dread visits now walk in calmly. It's also better medicine: a relaxed pet is easier to examine thoroughly and accurately, so we catch more and stress them less. Our entire team is Fear Free certified, and it informs everything we do. If your pet has had frightening vet experiences before, tell us — we'll tailor the visit to help them feel safe.

Yes. We know that when your pet suddenly isn't well, waiting days for an appointment is stressful and can be risky, so we reserve same-day slots specifically for sick visits. If your dog or cat is vomiting, not eating, limping, having accidents, or just 'not themselves,' call us early in the day and we'll do our best to get you in. Because we have in-house diagnostics — bloodwork, digital X-ray, and lab testing — we can often figure out what's wrong and start a treatment plan in the same visit rather than making you wait for outside results. For true emergencies outside our hours, we'll direct you to a trusted local 24-hour emergency hospital and coordinate follow-up care once your pet is stable. Our goal is that you never feel stranded when your pet needs help. Being seen quickly by a team that already knows your pet's history is one of the biggest advantages of having an established family vet, and we take that responsibility seriously.

Transparently, because surprise vet bills are stressful and erode trust. Before any procedure, treatment plan, or surgery, we provide a clear written estimate and walk you through it, so you understand what's recommended, why, and what it costs before you commit to anything. For routine care, we're always happy to tell you prices up front over the phone or in the room. Just as importantly, we practice honest medicine: we recommend what your pet genuinely needs based on their exam and health, and we'll tell you when something isn't necessary — we never upsell. When there are options at different price points, we lay them out and help you make the best decision for your pet and your budget. We also believe in preventive care precisely because catching problems early is kinder to your pet and easier on your wallet than treating an advanced illness. If cost is ever a concern, talk to us — we'll work with you to prioritize what matters most for your pet's health.

Fernbank is a dedicated dog and cat hospital, and focusing on these two species is a deliberate choice that lets us offer the most current, expert care for them. Our team's training, equipment, and protocols are all optimized for canine and feline medicine, from vaccines and dental care to surgery, diagnostics, and senior wellness. We care for dogs and cats of every age, breed, and size — from brand-new puppies and kittens starting their vaccine series, through healthy adult wellness, to the specialized comfort-focused care that senior pets need. If you have an exotic pet — a bird, reptile, rabbit, or other small mammal — we're glad to refer you to a trusted exotic specialist in the Austin area, since those species deserve a vet with dedicated exotic training. For your dogs and cats, though, you'll find a warm, accredited, full-service home here for their entire lives, with a team that gets to know them deeply over the years.

It's simple: call (512) 555-0148 or send the appointment form with your name, your pet's name and type, and the reason for the visit, and we'll reach out to confirm a time that works for you. New-patient visits are a bit longer so we can review history, do a complete exam, and get acquainted, so let us know if it's a wellness check, a specific concern, or a sick visit and we'll schedule accordingly — same-day appointments are available for pets who are unwell. If you have records from a previous vet, having them sent over ahead of time is helpful but not required. We serve South Austin and the neighboring communities, and our team is always happy to answer questions before you come in. Choosing a vet is a big decision, and we'd be genuinely honored to earn your family's trust and care for your dog or cat for years to come. We can't wait to meet you both.