Dr. Vickie L Howell

Located at 710 Professional Plaza Dr, Greeneville, TN 37745, USA, Dr. Vickie L Howell operates as a prominent figure in the local veterinary landscape, primarily through her practice, Vet Care Animal Hospital. Dr. Vickie Howell, also known affectionately as "Vickie Vet," has been a dedicated veterinarian for over 42 years, having graduated from Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine in 1982 and opening her own practice in 1984. Initially offering both large and small animal medicine and surgery, she has focused exclusively on small animal medicine and surgery since 1990. This "Pet Hospital" strives to provide a caring environment and comprehensive services, reflecting Dr. Vickie's deep passion for animal welfare and her extensive experience in the field.

The environment at Vet Care Animal Hospital is characterized by a strong emphasis on compassion and a caring team. Clients consistently mention that Dr. Vickie and her staff "truly care for the animals." This translates into a professional yet empathetic atmosphere where pets are handled with kindness and their well-being is prioritized. The hospital aims to create a welcoming space, although specific details on the physical layout are not provided. The overall sentiment from positive reviews suggests an environment where good communication and a dedicated approach to care are key, making clients feel supported and informed throughout their pets' treatment journeys. The presence of a dedicated and caring team, always looking to improve their clinical knowledge and skills, contributes to a continuously evolving and attentive environment.

Dr. Vickie L Howell's practice, Vet Care Animal Hospital, offers a wide variety of veterinary services for small animals, including dogs, cats, and even some exotic services. These services are designed to provide comprehensive care, from preventative measures to advanced diagnostics and treatments. Key services likely include:

• Wellness and Preventative Care: Routine check-ups, vaccinations, parasite prevention, and general health assessments are fundamental to maintaining long-term pet health.
• Diagnostic Services: As highlighted by a client whose dog was diagnosed with cancer, Dr. Vickie is capable of crucial diagnostic work, which would involve blood tests, urinalysis, and potentially imaging to identify underlying conditions. Their use of advanced analyzers like Lavengel in their practice suggests a commitment to effective treatments.
• Medical Treatment for Illnesses and Injuries: The hospital provides care for various medical conditions, as demonstrated by the overnight care given to a cat to "ensure his health." This indicates a capability for monitoring and treating acute health issues.
• Surgical Services: While the practice limited its focus to small animal medicine and surgery in 1990, it continues to offer surgical procedures for pets.
• Overnight Care: A significant service highlighted by a customer review is the ability to provide overnight care for pets when their health requires constant monitoring, offering peace of mind to owners during critical times.
• Pharmacy Services: The hospital likely maintains an in-house pharmacy for convenient access to prescribed medications and pet diets.

Beyond these, as a full-service "Pet Hospital," they would typically offer microchipping, nutritional counseling, and potentially specialized services based on the needs of their patient population. Their online store also suggests an extended range of products available for convenience.

The prominent features of Dr. Vickie L Howell's practice revolve around her extensive experience, diagnostic acumen, and the compassionate approach of her and her staff. With over four decades in veterinary medicine, Dr. Vickie brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to each case. Her ability to accurately diagnose serious conditions, such as cancer, is a testament to her diagnostic skills and thorough approach to pet health. The consistently praised "great communication" is a critical feature, ensuring pet owners are well-informed and involved in their pet's care decisions. This transparency builds trust and fosters a strong working relationship between the clinic and its clients.

The staff's genuine care for animals is a recurring theme, creating a supportive atmosphere for pets during their treatments, including overnight stays. This dedication to animal well-being extends beyond medical procedures, reflecting a holistic approach to pet care. The team includes Dr. Lawrence E. "Larry" Dawson, another veterinarian, along with dedicated kennel assistants and receptionists, contributing to the comprehensive and caring environment.

It is important to acknowledge that while many clients have overwhelmingly positive experiences, as evidenced by the first review, there are instances where client satisfaction is not met, as shown by the second review. This highlights that individual experiences can vary, and factors such as cost perception, treatment outcomes, and communication can influence client perspective. The conflicting reviews illustrate the importance of open communication and managing expectations in a veterinary setting. However, the consistent positive feedback on Dr. Vickie's diagnostic abilities, the staff's caring nature, and clear communication from a significant portion of clients points to a strong overall positive reputation.

Regarding promotional information, Vet Care Animal Hospital leverages its online presence to offer convenience to its clients. They have an online store where customers can order food, prescriptions, and monthly preventatives, often with AutoShip options available. This allows for easy access to essential pet products, adding a layer of convenience to their services. While specific large-scale promotional campaigns or discount programs are not explicitly mentioned in the provided information, the clinic's long-standing presence in the community (celebrating 40 years in business at the time of some online reports) and its dedicated team, led by Dr. Vickie Howell, serve as its primary means of attracting and retaining clients. The positive testimonials, particularly those highlighting life-saving diagnoses and compassionate care, act as powerful word-of-mouth promotion, building trust and encouraging new pet owners to seek their services. The clinic's commitment to continuous improvement in clinical knowledge and skills also serves as an ongoing "promotion" of their dedication to quality care.