The staff is friendly and extremely efficient. Dr Melvin Howard takes the time to explain and has given my dogs excellent care!

I made an appointment with Carolina forest animal clinic and they cancelled it wuth out notorizing me in anyway.....

Best Vet in Jacksonville!

The veterinarian, Dr. Howard was gentle and caring toward my dog. He did all he could to determine the cause of my 12-year-old dog's breathing difficulties and to treat him. Unfortunately, my dog did not respond well to the treatments because he was quite sick and died a couple of days later. Kudos to Dr. Howard for doing his best to save him. I will say I was shocked when I received the bill for my dog's tests and treatment. When you visit this clinic, be sure to ask about the costs involved with the various tests, treatments etc. because as a client you are not informed of the charges or asked if you consent as you go along, until the end of the visit. Imagine my surprise when I was told I owed about $600. I also should have asked about euthanasia for my dog, since he went home to linger and suffer for a few days to my great pain and regret. Also, just know when visiting this animal hospital the vet tech, Tina, is extremely rude and uncompassionate. She was cold and uncaring and rudely raised her voice to me and the one and only other client who came through the door during my nearly 3 hour stay. She may be a fine vet tech, but she completely lacks people skills and empathy.

Never take your beloved pet here! My first clue should have been the empty waiting room. The vet tech was extremely rude. My dog was in obvious distress, breathing shallow and rapidly. The tech’s priority was paper work and getting my dog’s previous records from MI. She rudely asked me questions to the point that I asked if I should take my dog elsewhere. She loudly defended herself and her rationale for making my dog wait for treatment while she finished her paperwork. The only reason I stayed was because I heard the vet’s kind voice from the other room and knew my dog needed immediate attention. The vet tech was also rude to the only other patron who came during my 3 hour stay. The veterinarian, who apparently was not one of the owners was kind, compassionate and dedicated to finding out the cause of my dog’s difficulties. After the first x-ray it was clear my 12-year old dog was in congestive heart failure. I expected his case to be terminal but the vet explained with treatment dog’s can survive. I should have asked about quality of life and to what expense but I was taken by surprise. I later learned that pet owner’s spend $100 plus a month to treat congestive heart failure and that eventually the medications stop working and your back to square one, but the vet never spoke of that. He continued to run tests including a second x-ray and blood work. Additionally, he attempted several treatments that unfortunately did not improve my dog’s condition. All the while nothing is being said about the costs involved. In the end, the uncompassionate vet tech coldly informed that my bill was nearly $600. I told her I only had $300. She made phone calls to the owners and I was told they couldn’t wait for the money and insisted that I go and borrow money from family. My family lives in MI! The money became the most important part of the visit. She couldn’t have cared less that I was taking my dog home to die and only needed some time to gather the rest of the money! I readily agreed to sign a promissory note and they released me and my dying dog. The next day the vet did not phone as he said he would to check on my dog’s condition. Apparently, my dog and I were no longer a priority because we still owed them their precious money. The call I received was from the heartless vet tech who asked only about the remaining payment. She never asked about my beloved dog. I told her I would put the check in the mail the next day, as I had no intention of stepping foot back in that clinic to deliver the check. Obviously, they were really counting on the remaining nearly $300 to pay their overhead, since most people in Jacksonville have wisely taken their business elsewhere. Word to the wise; the same owners also own Onslow Veterinary Hospital. Save yourself from the pain and disappointment!

Carolina Forest Vet not only has the best atmosphere I have ever encountered, but also has the best vet...Dr. Howard that I have ever found. I have lived in 3 different states and used different vets in all of them and this is hands down the best of all of them. You truly get personal friendly, personal service every time. I fell very lucky to have the priveledge to take my pets there. Anyone who loves their animals and wants the best care for them, this is the place to go. Tina Acevedo