Dr. Lara Sparks is BY FAR the BEST doctor that you will EVER find in South Florida- and I don't say that lightly! My almost 9 year old Boxer girl was having serious issues with her teeth. She was also gaining weight pretty rapidly and was very low on energy (very strange for a boxer). I brought her to Dixie Animal Hospital seeking a second opinion for a dental cleaning and also some growths I had seen on her gums. Dr. sparks was not only very thorough with her exam but immediately called a possible thyroid problem due to her borderline lethargic behavior. She recommended blood work and advised me not to schedule the dental procedure until results came back from the lab. A few days later I get a call and sure enough, my dog has hypothyroidism and was immediately put on medication- 2 days later I could 100% see a difference in her demeanor: she's more active, more playful, and almost has a puppy-like behavior which I absolutely love. My review doesn't stop there- as she was asking me about my dog's diet and finding out I had her on a grain free diet , she immediately went to get a list of brands that were recently linked to heart disease by the FDA. Unfortunately, my dog's food was on that list so I switched her immediately. I had been to a different doctor not long ago and he never mentioned this report by the FDA so that is another reason I am grateful to Dr. Sparks! But perhaps the one I am grateful for the most is during and after my dog's oral surgery and cleaning. My dog had a ton of growths on her gums that had to be removed and teeth that had to be extracted. She required a lot of stitches and we knew that the after care was going to be key for my dog's speedy recovery. Dr. Sparks gave me her personal number in case I needed anything and was proactively texting me and calling me checking on my dog. The first night I was very nervous because I could feel my dog was in a little bit of pain, and so the whole time I was able to speak to Dr. Sparks, send her videos of my dog so she could asses how she was doing, she called a 24hr pharmacy at 1030pm just to send additional pain medicine in case my dog ended up needing it in the middle of the night, and now almost 2 weeks after surgery, not only is my little girl doing amazing, but Dr. Sparks STILL checks on her to make sure she's recovering well!! I have NEVER experienced this level of care from a veterinarian doctor EVER! Dr. Sparks is the sweetest doctor who absolutely cares about her patients and their well being! I CANNOT recommend her enough, and I am so fortunate that we finally found a doctor for our furry little girl (aka my "firstborn") who you can feel how much she cares and loves our four legged pals! We love Dr. Sparks and will continue to see her forever! Thank you again Dr. Sparks!!! read more

Been coming here for 6 years and they've taken care of all my dogs. They call to do check ups and always take them in quickly whenever they've been sick. read more

UPDATE after Dr Smiley killed my cat Since Dr Smiley tragically killed my innocent cat right in front of me, and she and the owner Dr Pegelow refused to speak to me afterwards about my questions/concerns as I wanted closure on the situation, I'll leave them all here, in hopes they have the decency to reach out to me personally. The PTSD and sadness I live with everyday is a true nightmare. And that fact that this vet/office has had zero compassion and refuses to talk to me, has made it all that much worse. I wanted to bring my cat in for a checkup, and Dr Pegelow (the owner) told me he was too busy to see my cat, and said to see Dr Smiley, when I asked which vet has the best bedside manner- but little did I know she had only been working there 10 days. They took my cat to the back for vitals, and Dr Smiley came in and said she couldn't do vitals because my cat was too stressed. Then she brought my cat in the room, and decided to aggressively throw a disgusting, ripped up towel over my cat's entire body and face. I would love to know why Dr Smiley did this in the first place- my cat didn't try to bite her, nor did she have claws (but Dr. Smiley didn't even ask me if she did). The strings of the towel got caught around my cat's teeth immediately when she threw it on my cat. Dr. Smiley freaked out and grabbed a ballpoint pen to try and get the strings out of cats teeth, causing her teeth to go through her tongue. Then her mouth turned blue and her head fell to the side, as she died in front of me. The doctor yelled to the assistant "go put oxygen on her" (yet I have read in another yelp review that dixie animal hospital told a patient they do not have oxygen machines at their facility) and 30 minutes later, dr smiley said my cat was dead and just said "do you want to leave her here or take her with you?" - no compassion nor explanation, and no offer to cremate or do an autopsy So here is the update of what happened after: When I left my initial online review about the above, Dixie responded to please call them to help them come up with a solution for this to never happened again. I called them, wanting questions answered, and Patrick the manager said Dr Pegelow and Dr Smiley are refusing to talk to me nor answer any of my questions. Instead, he said they were turning this over to their insurance company and not to contact them ever again. Once they turned this over to their insurance company, I was able to see the report that Dr Smiley wrote, stating that my cat died during the exam (even though we never got to the exam portion). It didn't say anything about the strings being caught in her mouth or her teeth going through her tongue. Luckily there were witnesses in the room who saw exactly what she had done to my cat. The death report also said she intubated my cat, but my cats mouth was clamped shut due to her teeth going through her tongue (my deceased cat was given back to me with her teeth still through her tongue so this can't be true... I have pictures of this) It also stated that my cat had a health issue for 2 weeks- which was not true and never something I said. Channel 7 news wanted to do a segment on what happened to warn others, and the manager at Dixie responded basically denying it, saying the information was untrue (all channel 7 news said was that my cat came in for an exam and I left with a dead cat... how can dixie say this is untrue?) So Dr Smiley killed my cat, had no remorse, didn't offer to cover costs for cremation or autopsy (likely because they knew they'd be at fault based on autopsy), refused to speak to me after killing my cat when I called her, and gave false information in her report. I also put this story on the next-door app when it first happened, and had many people come forward with their horrible stories of poor care at this office as well. I also read a yelp review that she killed another cat after killing mine. SO, Please beware of this place! They have caused me immense heartbreak that will live with me forever. I just hope Dr Pegelow or Smiley have the decency to speak directly to me to address the above, rather than just responding to this post with more untruths. That is all I had wanted from the beginning. read more

BEWARE OF WOLVES IN SHEEPS CLOTHING!!!! Brought my Husky in for an ear infection. They over sedated him. They cleaned them and applied medicine. They trimmed his nails. ALL this for a grand total of $745. Are you crazy for these prices. You estimated me $400 and came back with this amount. Overpriced for services given. Results were never attained. Waste of time. read more

Additional update on our Husky after visit to our vet. Our Husky was taken to Dixie strictly for a bath that included a sanitary clean up. We learned from our vet which is not Dixie that what our Husky has is not a hot spot. Dixie went to close to the skin when performing the sanitary clean up and this created the reaction that you see in the pictures provided herein. Again, no consent was provided for Dixie to shave the tail and area toward the back. Our Husky is now on antibiotics as a result of Dixie's negligence. read more

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Dixie Animal Hospital has always had an incredible staff with an incredible heart. My childhood dog was treated here and it was easy to come back when I had a pup of my own. Dr. Sparks was EXCEPTIONAL and I don't say this lightly; one of the most comforting doctors in the best and worst moments of your pups life. Now with out new addition it was only right for him to her patient as well. From puppy stage day 1 to everyday health she has what's best for you and your pup. read more

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Still as good as it gets!!! Had to take one of my babies there recently to have a benign tumor removed from her paw. :( Thank goodness all is ok. Still, as always, love, love, love Dr. Rainy! Dr. Kittrell, Julie, Krisel and Patrick- all of you are wonderful! You guys have always been great with my furry family, and human family included. Thanks again for your continued quality of care. read more

Staff is great. Vets are all great. Alexandra is phenomenal with the animals. They discussed all of the pricing options for testing, meds and food. Prices were reasonable. I highly recommend this hospital for all pets. read more

Brought my cat in with bleeding issues and coughing. Left with a $600 plus bill 45 minutes later and they never even saw or treated the wound that was causing the bleeding. Called them back and they told me I said it was from the stool! Never again will I bring my animals back to them and I'd highly recommend people got elsewhere as well....over priced and apparently not trained enough to listen and diagnose animals. read more

We have been taking our pets (first a dog, then cats) for years and get great conscientious service. They do a good job of notifying us of when appointments are due and show a compassion for our pets. They do a great job with follow-up phone calls to let you know about test results, etc. I'm not sure how many other vets' office I pass by to get to the Dixie Animal Hospital but it is several. I wouldn't trust my pets with anyone else! read more

I need to share this extremely traumatic experience at Dixie Hospital. Just this week, I was able to catch a stray kitten that appeared in my backyard, I was able to feed him and nurture him for a week and he was doing really well. He was skinny, but he was eating very well, gaining weight, everything seemed to be improving. The kitten was extremely gentle and was getting better every day. I decided to take him to the vet just to check his health and make any necessary tests so he would continue thriving. At the vets the little kitten was very scared, in distress and very afraid, not coping well with the situation/environment. The vet/ Dr. Smiley took him to the back and proceeded with whatever tests they were doing and after 10 minutes came outside and said the kitten didn't make it, that he had a cardiac arrest. And they were doing everything they could to bring him back. 10mns later she came outside and said the little kitten was gone/ he died. This left me in complete disbelief. This kitten was doing fine and improving day by day. In my attempt to make him feel better and make sure he got all the care he deserved, I took him to the vet and he lost his life. I am so heart broken and cannot find a logical reason for this behavior from the vet/Dr Smiley - the kitten was pushed to levels of stress that took us to such a terrible outcome, he lost his life.The vet/Dr. Smiley should have STOPPED any and every test/procedure if the kitten was too little/not strong enough and sent him home until he would be able to cope with the situation. The clinic did not offer to do an autopsy or cremation. I have an adult cat, and I will not be taking her to this vet anymore. PLEASE, if you see/feel your animal is in distress and not responding well to a vet, take him home, let your pet calm himself down and set appointment for another day. This situations should be avoided by the professionals, vet and clinic staff, if they do not do what's in your animal best interest/welfare, look for alternative care/vets/clinics. read more

I went today to see Dr Pegalo. I was super impressed with how thorough and knowledgeable he is and he gave me some great advice. All the staff were very friendly and nice and it's obvious they all love being in that environment. I would highly recommend this place. read more

After moving from out of state I was very happy to find this practice. The front desk is always extremely helpful and the vet techs are always friendly and punctual. The various doctors I have seen have provided compassionate care and treatment for my animals. This will be my lifelong vet. read more

The Dr was so nice and took care of my dog so carefully. The office was great and the secretary that hung up on me previously apologized to me. I would highly recommend this veterinary clinic. My dog got his teeth cleaned under anesthesia. And is totally fine. With alot less teeth. But his teeth and gums were very bad. read more

I went to this facility as I wanted a veterinarian that takes appointments and was conveniently located to my home. Based on the Yelp reviews as well, I had high hopes going in. I took my Rottweiler in because she was limping/favoring her right front leg. She also had been lethargic and had a lack of appetite. The facility was clean, and I didn't have to wait long at all to be seen. The attending vet, Dr. Rainey, examined the dog and administered a shot of Vetalog, which did in fact allow the dog to regain mobility in her leg. After this, things go downhill. When I asked about the dog's lack of appetite, this doctor responded in what I felt was a rather condescending manner, this dog doesn't need to eat, as if to construe the dog being overweight. IMHO, I don't think 100 lbs. is overweight for a purebred Rottweiler. No other advice was rendered. Then, on checkout, I tried to receive a discount that they offer new patients on their website. I was refused the discount by 2(!) receptionists who said it didn't qualify. When I asked for the business manager, they said the manager was out. Luckily, a 3rd employee heard my protestations, and overrode these two and gave me the discount. After I looked at the bill, I also saw the dog was given and charged for a fecal exam that I wasn't even asked if I wanted. (I probably would've given permission had it only been explained). 4 days later, Dr. Rainey called me to follow-up. I appreciated that, but again, when I advised of the dog's lethargy and lack of appetite, he just said in essence the dog didn't need to eat so much, and did not offer any other advice. Subsequently, over a 3 week period, the dog's appetite ebbed even more. I went to our old vet, who at least did an x-ray, and found an enlarged spleen with tumor. Long story short, my beloved Rottie died on June 5th. I don't have a crystal ball, and I don't claim to know veterinary medicine, but perhaps if more had been done on the first visit by this vet whose Yelp profile purports years of experience, the outcome may have been different. I'm happy the other Yelp reviewers 5-star this place if their animals receive good care, but I came away with a really bad vibe about this place. I would one-star it, but like I said, the facility's location and cleanliness were good. Happily, I recently rescued/adopted a dog from Miami-Dade Animal Services. In the adoption documents was a document advising of several veterinary offices offering a free 1st office visit for the adopted animal, Dixie Animal Hospital being among them. Although the offer is commendable, I most certainly will NOT be taking my dog there, based on my experience. read more

Nothing but good things to say about Dr. Rainey and the staff. We came here with our Boxer for a second opinion..he was in rough shape and we couldn't get a clear diagnosis from the previous vet. Within a few minutes of seeing him, Dr. Rainey recommended IV fluids and an ultrasound. The fluids brought him back life but the ultrasound confirmed our worst fears. He had terminal cancer. We decided to let him live out his time as long as he wasn't in pain. We were lucky enough to have him around for another 2 1/2 months. In that time we had a few emergency visits at the office. The staff was always very accommodating in scheduling him in. Highly recommended..Five stars isn't enough of a rating..add five more. read more

We've been bringing our dogs here for over 15 years. We wouldn't go anywhere else. The staff is friendly and helpful. We can always get an appointment. The doctors are terrific and if you speak up, they won't do anything that you don't want to do. They just take great care of you and your pets. read more

I took my dog here to get put to sleep. The staff was sympathetic. The doctor was very elderly and somewhat less sympathetic but accomplished what needed to be done. The costs were fair. read more

I have been going to Dixie Animal Hospital for years! Recently moved to Coral Gables and the drive became very time consuming. Tried a vet closer to the Gables, was disappointed. I immediately realized that the drive was definitely worth it! Dr Rainey and the staff are very knowledgeable, wonderful, caring and honest! Highly recommend them. read more

Absolutely wonderful, that is honestly all I can say. Dr. Pegalo is an exceptional veterinarian and is truly caring and passionate about his profession and his patients. It shows in the smallest of details..... From little thank you notes after every visit, little goodies to give to your pets, to sometimes multiple personal follow up calls from the Doctor himself just to make sure their patient is doing well! I am serious, sometime multiple...!! They jot down everything!!! This high level of care and detail is rarely seen with my own primary care physician, little less- my vet- and I have been to a few, so it's just really nice to see that is the level of respect and care they are giving my animals. My cat once had a small complication from surgery all because she kept picking at her stitches and Dr. Pegalo answered not just my call but email as well to give me advise over the phone based on the pictures of her leg I sent them. I was worried and he helped make sure to tell me what to do and really in my eyes, went above and beyond. I don't care where I might possibly move in the future.... I will always bring our animals here and they will forever be our family vet. :) They really care as much as you do and really deserved this overdue review. :) read more

We have brought our dogs and cats to Dixie Animal Hospital for the past few years and are very happy with the doctors and staff. The facilities are clean, well-maintained and don't smell like a vet's office (at least on the half dozen times I have been there.) Dr. Rainey epitomizes the old school vet that we truly needed as our terrier mix declined in health. He offered practical advice and guidance while not going overboard on tests and "rule-out" procedures. As we dealt with a difficult situation, Dr. Rainey regularly called us to check on our dog and showed that he truly cared about the well being of our dog and our family. I would recommend him to anyone with pets within driving distance of Dixie Animal Hospital. read more

This place is an outrage!! To start, the main doctor at that facility seems to only take appointments when it's convenient for him. Once I finally got my pup in to see Dr. Pegelow, he ran ten different test on the pet without even consulting with me first!! Not to mention, all I could hear was the crying in the background when they took my poor baby to the back. To top things off when I went to check out and pay for my $600 bill, the heavy set lady with the dark hair and glasses was the absolute rudest to me when I simply asked for the bill to be broken down to me. She shrugged off everything I would try to ask her and at times seemed like she was completely ignoring me. That place is a complete disaster and I would not recommend it to my worst enemy! Fair warning... STAY AWAY! read more

I adopted a cat a few months ago and I was worried about getting the proper vet care but when I went to Dixie Animal Hospital I felt right at home. The receptionists were nice, the vet assistants were gentle and sweet and the doctors are patient and explained all the questions I had and gave me a new cat kit with a lot of handy information. I'm so glad I live close by so I can bring my cat in any time. They really care about animals here as everyone seems really happy to help. read more

I can't say enough good things about the staff and Veterinary doctors at Dixie. Dr.Rainey is the best ever. He was so kind, supportive and compassionate when we had to put our sick old dog to sleep. It was a devastating experience made better by the staff and Vets. They even sent a sympathy card to our house. I know our Mac was treated with love till the very end read more

After speaking with Patrick and giving Dixie Animal Hospital another chance for boarding, they did a much better job with communication. Jeffrey called ahead of our boarding to inform us of the fees associated and did a thorough overview so we know exactly what to expect and avoid sticker shock. Not sure if they changed policy or if I just had a note in my file that we had issues before but regardless they did a great job with service recovery. They really do live animals and I feel comfortable leaving our four legged kiddos here read more