Halligan Lori DVM

For pet owners in Des Moines, Iowa, and its surrounding communities, Starch Pet Hospital, located at 2222 University Ave, Des Moines, IA 50311, USA, stands as a long-established and highly regarded institution within the "Pet Hospital" category. While the provided name is "Halligan Lori DVM," online information strongly suggests that Dr. Lori Halligan is a veterinarian associated with the well-known Starch Pet Hospital. This facility has been serving the Des Moines community for over 70 years, a testament to its enduring commitment to animal health and client trust. They are readily reachable by phone at (515) 283-1576 or via text at +1 515-283-1576, ensuring convenient communication for all pet-related inquiries and appointments.

As a full-service "Pet Hospital," Starch Pet Hospital is dedicated to providing comprehensive medical care for pets, guiding them through every stage of life. From the first vaccinations for a new puppy or kitten to specialized geriatric care for senior pets, their aim is to be a consistent and compassionate partner in maintaining optimal pet health. Their approach emphasizes not just a list of services or a state-of-the-art facility, but rather the compassionate and skilled team that drives their care.

The environment at Starch Pet Hospital is meticulously designed to foster a positive and comfortable experience for both pets and their owners. Given its long-standing presence and positive reputation, the facility likely balances historical reliability with modern amenities. You can expect a clean, organized, and inviting atmosphere from the moment you step through the doors. Waiting areas are typically configured to minimize stress, potentially with separate spaces or considerations for different animal temperaments. Examination rooms are equipped with up-to-date diagnostic tools and maintained to high standards of hygiene. The strategic location on University Avenue likely provides easy access and adequate parking, contributing to a less stressful visit. The overall goal of the environment is to create a welcoming and reassuring space where pets can receive the highest standard of care with minimal anxiety.

Starch Pet Hospital, operating as a full-service "Pet Hospital," offers an extensive array of veterinary services designed to meet the diverse needs of companion animals. Their commitment to comprehensive care spans preventive measures to advanced medical and surgical interventions. Key services generally include:

• Wellness Care and Vaccinations: This is a foundational aspect of their practice, focusing on proactive health management. Routine wellness exams are crucial for early detection of health issues. They offer tailored vaccination protocols to protect pets against common and serious diseases, ensuring robust immunity throughout their lives. This also encompasses comprehensive parasite control, including prevention and treatment for fleas, ticks, and heartworms, which are vital for both pet and public health.

• Dental Care: Recognizing the critical link between oral health and overall well-being, Starch Pet Hospital provides comprehensive dental services. These include professional dental cleanings under anesthesia to remove plaque and tartar buildup, addressing periodontal disease. Dental X-rays are often utilized for thorough assessment, and extractions are performed when necessary to alleviate pain and prevent further health complications. They also educate pet owners on at-home dental hygiene practices.

• Diet & Nutrition Counseling: Proper nutrition is fundamental to a pet's health and longevity. The clinic offers personalized diet and nutrition counseling, helping owners select appropriate diets based on their pet's age, breed, activity level, and any existing medical conditions. This guidance can range from general wellness diets to prescription therapeutic diets for specific health issues.

• Spay & Neuter: These routine surgical procedures are central to responsible pet ownership, helping to control pet overpopulation and providing significant health benefits for individual animals. The hospital provides safe and efficient spay and neuter surgeries, emphasizing pre-operative screening and post-operative pain management for optimal recovery.

• Diagnostic Services: When pets exhibit symptoms of illness, accurate and timely diagnosis is paramount. Starch Pet Hospital is equipped with in-house diagnostic capabilities, typically including a full range of laboratory tests such as blood work (complete blood counts, chemistry panels), urinalysis, and fecal examinations. Advanced imaging techniques like X-rays (radiography) are routinely used to diagnose orthopedic issues, internal organ conditions, and foreign body ingestions. The availability of these tools facilitates rapid and precise diagnoses, allowing for prompt treatment plans.

• Medical Treatment: For a wide array of illnesses and chronic conditions, the hospital provides effective medical management. This includes the diagnosis and treatment of conditions affecting various bodily systems, such as gastrointestinal, respiratory, dermatological, and endocrine disorders. They manage chronic diseases like diabetes, arthritis, and thyroid issues, often involving ongoing monitoring and adjustments to treatment protocols.

• Surgical Procedures: As a "Pet Hospital," Starch Pet Hospital maintains a well-equipped surgical suite for a variety of soft tissue and potentially some orthopedic procedures. Beyond spay and neuter, common surgeries include tumor removals, foreign body extractions, bladder stone removal, and wound repair. Patient safety is a top priority, with comprehensive pre-surgical evaluations, anesthetic monitoring, and post-operative pain management protocols in place.

• Emergency and Urgent Care: While not a 24-hour emergency facility, Starch Pet Hospital handles urgent and emergency cases during their regular business hours. This means they are prepared to address acute illnesses, injuries, or sudden onset conditions that require immediate veterinary attention. For after-hours emergencies, they would typically provide referrals to specialized emergency veterinary hospitals in the greater Des Moines area.

• Pharmacy Services: For convenience and immediate access to necessary medications, the hospital likely maintains an in-house pharmacy, stocking a range of prescription medications, parasite preventatives, and therapeutic diets.

• Microchipping: To aid in the recovery of lost pets, Starch Pet Hospital offers microchipping services, providing a permanent form of identification linked to owner contact information.

• End-of-Life Care: Understanding the emotional challenges of saying goodbye, the hospital offers compassionate end-of-life counseling and euthanasia services, focusing on providing comfort and dignity to pets during their final moments and support for grieving families.

Several features contribute to the strong reputation and effectiveness of Starch Pet Hospital:

• Decades of Experience: Established in 1948, Starch Pet Hospital boasts over 70 years of service to the Des Moines community. This longevity speaks volumes about their consistent quality of care and enduring trust from generations of pet owners. Such a history indicates deep-rooted expertise and adaptation to evolving veterinary medicine.

• Compassionate and Skilled Team: Online reviews frequently highlight the professionalism, kindness, and genuine care exhibited by the veterinarians and staff. The focus is on providing a welcoming, skilled, and compassionate partnership in care, emphasizing the human-animal bond.

• Highly Rated by Clients: With a significant number of positive reviews, often citing excellent service, caring staff, and effective treatment outcomes, Starch Pet Hospital has clearly built a strong reputation for client satisfaction. This positive feedback reinforces their commitment to high-quality care.

• Convenient Digital Tools: The hospital offers modern conveniences such as the "Happy Healthy Pets™ app," designed to simplify and make pet healthcare management more convenient for owners. This demonstrates a commitment to leveraging technology for improved client experience.

• Community-Oriented: As a long-standing local "Pet Hospital," Starch Pet Hospital is deeply embedded in the Des Moines community. This often translates to a strong understanding of local pet health trends and a dedication to serving the specific needs of the area's animal population.

Starch Pet Hospital actively engages in promotions and offers to provide value to their clients. While specific, current promotions are always best confirmed by direct inquiry, common offerings from a "Pet Hospital" of this caliber include:

• Pharmacy Savings: They explicitly mention a focus on "New Low Prices" in their pharmacy for medication and food, indicating a commitment to affordable pet care. This is a significant benefit for ongoing medication needs or specialized diets.

• Wellness Plans: As mentioned on their website, they accept wellness plans, which can help pet owners manage the cost of routine health expenses. These plans often bundle preventative care services at a discounted rate, making regular check-ups and vaccinations more accessible.

• Pet Insurance Acceptance: Starch Pet Hospital accepts pet insurance, a crucial financial tool for unexpected accidents and illnesses. They encourage pet owners to consider insurance for peace of mind and reimbursement for unforeseen vet costs.

• Treatment Financing Options: For existing medical conditions or significant unexpected expenses, they advise inquiring about financing solutions like CareCredit and Scratchpay, offering flexible payment options for clients.

• Seasonal or Special Offers: While not explicitly detailed, it is common for veterinary hospitals to offer seasonal promotions (e.g., dental month discounts, senior pet wellness packages) or special offers for new clients or specific services.

For detailed information on services, current pricing, or to schedule an appointment, pet owners are encouraged to contact Starch Pet Hospital directly at (515) 283-1576 or via their text line at +1 515-283-1576. Further details about their team, services, and commitment to compassionate care can be found on their official website. Starch Pet Hospital, with its experienced team including veterinarians like Dr. Lori Halligan, continues to be a trusted and essential resource for comprehensive and compassionate veterinary care in Des Moines, IA.