
Pet Haven Animal Hospital
Pet HospitalMassachusettsMiddlesex CountyWatertownMount Auburn Street
153 Mt Auburn St, Watertown, MA 02472, USA
4.0
I love them so much and would recommend them to anybody. This is going to be long as I explain all the reasons why. You walk in and it's immediately obvious that they truly, authentically love both pets and people. The walls of the waiting room are covered in paintings of cats and dogs (not prints, actual paintings that I suspect were done by patients or friends). One corner has a bulletin board of cards and photos from patients, as well as photos and news articles documenting Dr. Campbell's service work abroad. They have coffee and tea and small candy for patients, treats for cats and dogs, and even a basket of towels that you can mist with Feliway (a pheromone spray) and drape over an anxious cat's carrier. There are a bunch of books about animals, including some for kids. It's just the total opposite of a corporate vibe - it feels very home-y and personal, which is also true of the practice overall. There are two vets on staff - Dr. Campbell (who I think founded the practice) and Dr. McCarthy. They're both amazing - knowledgeable, patient, kind - but I especially adore Dr. McCarthy because she gives off this energy of someone who not only loves animals and vet med but is also kind of a nerd about both. Maybe it's because I'm a nerd as well, but I find that both authentic and reassuring. Nerds don't cut corners. I've always been happy with my ability to reach the providers with questions between appointments. Occasionally I've emailed with a question (once or twice with a photo) and often the response has been that it's something I can just keep an eye on. They don't just automatically tell you to bring your pet in for an appointment if they don't think it's necessary. One time our cat was at the emergency vet and we were given a couple of treatment options, and I called Pet Haven to get an independent (read: not financially motivated) opinion on what we should do. I think it was Dr. McCarthy who called me back and said "I really think [procedure] is the way to go, and I spoke to Dr. Campbell as well and she agrees." It was awesome to have that extra support when making big decisions about care. I've always found their costs to be reasonable. About $100 for an exam, $200 for bloodwork. A couple years ago our cat had 10 teeth extracted and that was about $1300. I've never had any sense that they are inflating or adding unnecessary charges. So like I said, I love them and would recommend them to anyone without hesitation. There are two minor drawbacks that I'll mention for the sake of completeness. The first is that they will take my cat(s) back for exams/procedures and bring them back out to the waiting room afterwards, probably because the practice is a small space (I think dogs might go back with their owners, though). Given the choice, I'd rather stay with my babies, but it's not a dealbreaker for me. The other thing is that they have a hard time staying fully staffed, which has occasionally forced them to reduce hours or bring in relief staff. I don't think these things are the result any mismanagement on their part - it's just the tradeoff of having a small practice, that you don't have a lot of extra space or people. Finally - and this is very important - they have a fat, black office cat....and his name is Chongus. Don't you want a vet who would name their office cat Chongus?
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- (617) 924-1616
- pethavenanimalhospital.org
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Pet Hospital
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Welcome to Pet Haven Animal Hospital
For pet owners in Watertown, MA, and the surrounding communities, **Pet Haven Animal Hospital** stands out as a highly recommended and deeply cherished local veterinary practice. Located at **153 Mt Auburn St, Watertown, MA 02472, USA**, Pet Haven offers comprehensive veterinary care with a distinctively personal touch that sets it apart from larger, more corporate establishments. You can reach them by phone at **(617) 924-1616** or **+1 617-924-1616**.
Upon entering Pet Haven Animal Hospital, you are immediately greeted by an environment that radiates genuine affection for animals and their human companions. The waiting room is a testament to this, adorned with **original paintings of cats and dogs**, rather than generic prints, creating a unique and artistic atmosphere. One corner proudly displays a **bulletin board filled with cards and photos from grateful patients**, alongside news articles and photographs detailing Dr. Campbell's extensive service work abroad. This personal touch instantly conveys a sense of community and dedication.
Understanding that a vet visit can be a source of anxiety for both pets and their owners, Pet Haven goes the extra mile to ensure comfort. They provide amenities such as **coffee, tea, and small candies for human visitors**, and readily offer **treats for both cats and dogs**. A particularly thoughtful touch for feline friends is a basket of **towels that can be misted with Feliway**, a calming pheromone spray, to drape over an anxious cat’s carrier. The waiting area also features a selection of **books about animals, including options for children**, further enhancing the welcoming and educational atmosphere. This collective effort creates an environment that is the complete opposite of a sterile, corporate clinic; it feels very much like a second home for pets and their families.
The core of Pet Haven Animal Hospital's excellent reputation lies with its dedicated veterinary staff. The practice features two primary veterinarians: **Dr. Campbell**, believed to be the founder of the practice, and **Dr. McCarthy**. Both are highly regarded for their **knowledge, patience, and kindness**. Dr. McCarthy, in particular, is often lauded for her passionate and "nerdy" approach to animal care and veterinary medicine, a trait that many find both authentic and reassuring, as it suggests a deep commitment to thoroughness and precision.
Pet Haven prides itself on its commitment to accessible and responsible pet care. Patients frequently commend the ease with which they can **reach providers with questions between appointments**. The staff's approach is not to automatically recommend an in-person visit unless it is genuinely necessary. On several occasions, clients have reported receiving helpful advice via email, sometimes accompanied by photos, with the recommendation to simply monitor the situation. This thoughtful approach avoids unnecessary financial burdens and inconvenience for pet owners.
A shining example of their dedication occurred when a client's cat was at an emergency vet and faced complex treatment options. The client reached out to Pet Haven for an independent, unbiased opinion, specifically seeking advice that wasn't financially motivated. Dr. McCarthy promptly returned the call, offering clear guidance and even consulting with Dr. Campbell to ensure a consensus on the best course of action. This level of support during critical decision-making moments is invaluable and highlights their genuine concern for patient well-being over profit.
When it comes to costs, Pet Haven Animal Hospital is consistently found to be **reasonable and transparent**. Typical examination fees are around **$100**, while bloodwork might cost approximately **$200**. Even more involved procedures, such as a cat requiring ten teeth extractions, have been reported at a fair price of approximately **$1300**. Clients consistently express that they have never felt subjected to inflated or unnecessary charges, reinforcing the hospital's ethical approach to veterinary care.
While the overwhelming sentiment for Pet Haven Animal Hospital is overwhelmingly positive, it's worth noting a couple of minor points for complete transparency. Due to the practice's smaller size, cats are typically taken to an examination room for procedures and then brought back to the waiting room afterward. While some owners might prefer to stay with their pets, this is a minor logistical point and not a deal-breaker for the quality of care received. Additionally, like many smaller practices, Pet Haven occasionally faces challenges with full staffing, which can sometimes lead to reduced hours or the need for relief staff. However, these are generally understood to be trade-offs of a cozy, smaller practice rather than issues of mismanagement.
Adding to the charm and unique character of Pet Haven Animal Hospital is a very special staff member: their **fat, black office cat named Chongus**. The presence of a resident office cat, especially one with such an endearing name, further contributes to the hospital's warm, personal, and decidedly non-corporate atmosphere. It’s a small detail that speaks volumes about the genuine love for animals that permeates the entire practice.
In summary, Pet Haven Animal Hospital offers a refreshing alternative to the often impersonal experience of larger veterinary chains. Its combination of a **welcoming, home-like environment, knowledgeable and compassionate veterinarians (Dr. Campbell and Dr. McCarthy), transparent and reasonable pricing, and a genuine commitment to patient well-being** makes it a highly recommended choice for pet owners seeking quality care in Watertown, MA. Despite occasional staffing fluctuations, the consistent dedication to pets and their families shines through, making Pet Haven a true haven for your beloved companions.
Pet Haven Animal Hospital Photos










Pet Haven Animal Hospital Location
153 Mt Auburn St, Watertown, MA 02472, USA
Reviews
I love them so much and would recommend them to anybody. This is going to be long as I explain all the reasons why. You walk in and it's immediately obvious that they truly, authentically love both pets and people. The walls of the waiting room are covered in paintings of cats and dogs (not prints, actual paintings that I suspect were done by patients or friends). One corner has a bulletin board of cards and photos from patients, as well as photos and news articles documenting Dr. Campbell's service work abroad. They have coffee and tea and small candy for patients, treats for cats and dogs, and even a basket of towels that you can mist with Feliway (a pheromone spray) and drape over an anxious cat's carrier. There are a bunch of books about animals, including some for kids. It's just the total opposite of a corporate vibe - it feels very home-y and personal, which is also true of the practice overall. There are two vets on staff - Dr. Campbell (who I think founded the practice) and Dr. McCarthy. They're both amazing - knowledgeable, patient, kind - but I especially adore Dr. McCarthy because she gives off this energy of someone who not only loves animals and vet med but is also kind of a nerd about both. Maybe it's because I'm a nerd as well, but I find that both authentic and reassuring. Nerds don't cut corners. I've always been happy with my ability to reach the providers with questions between appointments. Occasionally I've emailed with a question (once or twice with a photo) and often the response has been that it's something I can just keep an eye on. They don't just automatically tell you to bring your pet in for an appointment if they don't think it's necessary. One time our cat was at the emergency vet and we were given a couple of treatment options, and I called Pet Haven to get an independent (read: not financially motivated) opinion on what we should do. I think it was Dr. McCarthy who called me back and said "I really think [procedure] is the way to go, and I spoke to Dr. Campbell as well and she agrees." It was awesome to have that extra support when making big decisions about care. I've always found their costs to be reasonable. About $100 for an exam, $200 for bloodwork. A couple years ago our cat had 10 teeth extracted and that was about $1300. I've never had any sense that they are inflating or adding unnecessary charges. So like I said, I love them and would recommend them to anyone without hesitation. There are two minor drawbacks that I'll mention for the sake of completeness. The first is that they will take my cat(s) back for exams/procedures and bring them back out to the waiting room afterwards, probably because the practice is a small space (I think dogs might go back with their owners, though). Given the choice, I'd rather stay with my babies, but it's not a dealbreaker for me. The other thing is that they have a hard time staying fully staffed, which has occasionally forced them to reduce hours or bring in relief staff. I don't think these things are the result any mismanagement on their part - it's just the tradeoff of having a small practice, that you don't have a lot of extra space or people. Finally - and this is very important - they have a fat, black office cat....and his name is Chongus. Don't you want a vet who would name their office cat Chongus?
May 07, 2025 · Mary BushmanDr. Campbell is fine but the reception staff is disorganized. It is difficult to get a timely appointment, they constantly are trying to reschedule and, the straw that broke the camels back, they cancelled my appointment without informing me.
Jan 20, 2025 · Meg Lashof-SullivanWonderful Staff, love Dr. McCarthy. She is kind, compassionate and an excellent Veterinarian.
Dec 24, 2024 · Phyllis ZammutoFirst two visits were fine and a nice vet helped with our puppy’s ear infection and medication for his allergies. Today’s visit- the vet was one we had not seen before. She was an older woman and she really spoke at us instead of to us or with us. She made incorrect assumptions about what our dog eats and his vaccines and the medications hes on. She could of just asked us. She also charged us for a tick test that she implied she did not actually do because “isint he on simparca?” This place has records of all of our dogs vaccines and medications and this vet just couldnt be troubled. Maybe she was tired on a Friday afternoon. I honestly wrote a much much harsher and more critical review a few hours ago but I dont think it was beneficial to share all of the details of how little this vet made us feel and how uncared for our little fur partner was. I hope this was a one off situation and maybe this vet got her medications confused or had too much caffeine or something. Next time someone who is supposed to provide medical care does not introduce themselves and immediately jumps to totally incorrect conclusions about things they should easily be able to see in their records and talks very quickly at me, i will know to walk out right away. Thank you to the first dr who helped our pup but this third visit was so painful that we can never go back and put our dog in a situation where they can get extra vaccines, incorrect medication, and a question whether the exams that were supposed to be done were actually performed. I hope this doctor reads this review and finds it an opportunity to reflect. I could tell she really liked Senge’ and has kindness in her. But we just wanted to be talked to in a kind respectful way. If there is any chance your pet will be seen by this dr, I recommend you look elsewhere.
Sep 14, 2024 · Boris BarkWe had a wonderful experience at Pet Haven. My five year old cat had an enormous growth between her ears. I'm from chicago and had seen vets in both boston and chicago. I was quoted no less than 4000 dollars-- not even including a biopsy. Just removal. We were devastated at the prospect of not being able to take the Best Care of PJ. ENTER, Pet Haven. Doc practically scoffed at mentions of the 1000s of dollars quoted by previous vets. She and her staff took wonderful care of my kitty-- which we could actually afford. PJ was instantly happier after the procedure. Her quality lof life has certainly improved. All thanks to Pet Haven. Waiting area is clean and comfortable. Staff is punctual, informative, and friendly. Great experience. Before and after photos attached
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