Diamond Lake Animal Hospital

12/13/2007 Posted by ckris486

I love Diamond Lake Animal Hospital. It is a very comfortable atmosphere, and my dog Zoe loves it. I knew the moment we walked in for Zoe's first shots that this was going to be our vet. It is reasonably priced, and such friendly staff. It is the kind of place where they get to know you and your pet, and are excited to see you when you walk in the door. I always feel confident leaving my dog in their hands. If you love South Minneapolis, you will love this clinic. Dr. Oakes is very straight forward, and never takes up to much of your time. I would strongly recommend Diamond Lake Animal Hospital for any of your pets.

Pros: Affordable, and Great Staff

Cons: None

08/09/2007 Posted by ggalen

I am very pleased with Dr. Oakes and his staff. We were tired of the high prices at VCA clinics, and tried Diamond Lake on the recommendation of a neighbor. Dr. Oakes explains things well, and is very friendly.

01/08/2007 Posted by karinteder

I'm a great fan of Dr. Oakes and his staff.....similar to the other rave reviews, I've had them squeeze me in for a couple of emergencies. Dr. Oakes phoned me (to update my cat's status), kept costs reasonable, and explained everything with patience and compassion. He's a straight-shooter, and clearly loves animals. He's also terrific at talking about the simplest procedures without seeming in the least condescending. My cats are always at ease in his capable hands. His staff's pets roam the clinic, and are positive, knowledgeable, and compassionate.

Pros: Service

10/11/2006 Posted by petsgalore

My girlfriend brought her lab here after I suggested the dog had fleas. I combed her and found flea excrement so I was relatively certain this was the diagnosis. After the appt, I got a call from my girlfriend saying the dog does not have fleas but was told to give her benadryl for a skin allergy. The next day the dog is still itching, I comb her again and find 8 fleas!! No fleas my butt. At the very minimum, a veterinarian should be able to tell you when your dog has fleas. We called to complain and were basically told "Too bad, so sad. Your loss." Never again will I bring any animals here!!

Pros: Ummm...none.

Cons: The whole place!

05/31/2006 Posted by fourwinds

I have been taking my three cats and one dog to Dr. Oakes for three years now. I find him to be appropriately conservative regarding treatment and course of action, preferring the least invasive (and often most inexpensive) approach to solve whatever issue my pets have. I find his rates reasonable, his office staff professional and helpful, and his availability usually very good. I can usually get an appointment within a day or two of my call--sometimes the same day. Dr. Oakes is also a "good citizen" of the Twin Cities pet community. He offers a free exam for animals adopted through a shelter, provided you call within two weeks (if I recall) of the adoption.

Pros: Solid care, Community-minded, Not overbooked

Cons: n/a, n/a, n/a

05/22/2006 Posted by bloosdog

My animals have been patients of Dr. Oakes for years, and we have had nothing but positives to say. I, too, felt compelled to register on this site and add my review to counterbalance the two negative reviews below. Among other things, I appreciate Dr. Oakes' honesty--he doesn't pussyfoot around. I want information from my vet, not sentimentality. (I left a vet in the past because I couldn't take the cheesy 'performance art' from the vet himself, such as making me "say goodby" to my cat as she's being taken off for a surgical procedure. Is this what they're teaching in vet schools these days?) He provides options, and a realistic assessment of each option. My animals have received excellent care from him and from specialists to whom he has referred us. The entire staff is most respectful and professional. Congrats to all on a job well done!

Pros: great in emergencies!, informative, professional demeanor

03/20/2006 Posted by seamusmojo

My dog was bit by another dog and Dr. Oakes fit us into a tight schedule. He was very kind, and he only charged us $10 for the office visit. We are consistently satisfied with his care and his prices.

03/10/2006 Posted by sammi_the_westie

We have been taking our Westie to Dr Oakes for 2 years for the routine puppy stuff. Recently she became very ill. We called Dr. Oakes and he got her right in. Dr. Oakes and his staff ran many tests that all came back negative. We didnt think she would pull through, but Dr. Oakes didnt give up. After more testing Dr. Oakes diagnosed Addisons disease. He immediately started treatments. He kept her two nights to ensure the treatments were working. When we picked her up she was back to her normal energetic self. We couldnt believe it. Dr. Oakes explained the disease to us and let us know what we needed to do to control this disease. We are amazed by the amount of effort Dr. Oakes and his staff put into saving our Westie. His rates are very reasonable too. I highly recommend Dr. Oakes and his staff!

Pros: Dr. Oakes, Staff, flexibility

Cons: none

12/08/2005 Posted by maggswaggs

We have been taking our pets to Dr Oakes for about 20 years now, and there is no place else we would rather go. Dr Oakes and his staff are friendly and caring. If we have questions they are answered completely, and timely in a way that is easy to understand. Dr Oakes has let my 4 year old daughter participate in the exams on my cats by letting her listen to their heart with the stethoscope, check their teeth, and assist with vaccinations. If you have an emergencythey can usually juggle things around and get you in, if for some reason they can't they will help you find another vet that you can get in sooner. As for prices he is very reasonable, and will not recommend unnecessary medications or tests. Dr Oakes has a good rapport with his clients. The majority of which would not go anywhere else.

11/23/2005 Posted by dichard

I felt compelled to register at this site and write a review after I happened upon some negative reviews of this clinic. Dr. Oakes has been caring for our two cats for 15 years. He does not try to sell uneccessary proceedures or drugs. He has opened up scheduling time so that our entire family could be present for putting our animals to down. He waived all fees once when I brought a cat in for a foot injury that "spontaniopusly healed" in the waiting room. He has always shared useful information about our pets' conditions with me and my kids when we bring an animal in. Our family just got a dog from the humane society last night and I am looking forware to bringing her in to Dr. Oakes for a an exam to establish care. I recommend this clinic enthusiastically.

Pros: accommodating, informative, reasonable costs

Cons: none