7-2-2024 - I stopped at Salem Valley Veterinary clinic to pick up some NexGard for my 4-year-old Jack Rusell terrier. At the same time, I asked the reception people to have Veterinarian Sarah Slater, my dogs Vet call me ASAP because my dog Tarah was scratching and biting herself incessantly and I was concerned. I was told they would have her call as soon as she arrived the following Monday. 8-5-2024 - Over the weekend my dog's condition worsened significantly and being alarmed I called the Clinic at 8 am when they opened. I was told that Dr. Slater doesn't get in until 8:30 to 9:00 am so I had to wait. I waited until 10 am and hadn't heard from them so I called again and was told that I had to be patient, the doctor had several emergencies this morning to which I replied, my dog is chewing herself bloody, scratching herself raw. I'd say that's an emergency wouldn't you. I was again told to wait. 12:00 Noon - I figured that as they hadn't called, they likely wouldn't and I called another local vet who was kind enough to squeeze my dog in at 3 pm, Clark Veterinary Hospital in Old Lyme. At 2:15 pm the doctor from Salem finally called and asked me what was up with my dog. I told her I was quite annoyed by the fact that she had waited almost to the end of the day to respond and that I had already found a new Veterinarian in the area who agreed that she'd see my dog. I went on saying that I knew my dog had a fever, likely some internal infection, was bleeding from areas she had scratched, had stopped eating and refusing to walk, and that she should have made an effort to answer my calls earlier. She apologized and said that she didn't know that I had been in the practice three days earlier, said she had two emergencies first thing in the morning and put the blame on the receptionists answering the phones needing more training never taking responsibility for her own actions. She then asked if I wanted my dog's records transferred to Dr. Clark's office and I said I did ASAP. 3:00 pm Arrived at Dr. Clarks office and was told that my dog had a high fever and a severe bacterial infection and that my suspicions and concerns were well warranted My opinion of Veterinary clinics has festered into total contempt. It seems that the whole industry has been bought up by big corporations who take over, increase prices and decrease services preferring to push the easy fix over doing the work to find root cause and in my opinion, this is reprehensible behavior when they like doctors promise to do no harm. Case in point, Colchester Veterinary Hospital gave Tarah Apoquel as a puppy fully knowing it's a dangerous drug in dogs under a year and should never be used. My puppy developed aggression toward anyone who came within ten feet and she also lost all confidence turning into a fear biter and frequently has night terrors. I took her off the drug and moved her to Salem Valley, fully thinking I'd have a much better experience than what I had at Colchester and after that experience, I have been looking into starting a class action law suit against Pfizer and their drug Apoquel. The main doctor in Salem, Robert Barratt was my horse vet for many years and it pains me to have to write this about his business but my animals are family members and I don't appreciate anyone who doesn't take their health and safety as seriously as I do and as such, this review is being written. I can not and will not recommend Salem Valley Veterinary Clinic and would suggest you do your homework as you would for yourself or any of your loved ones. Find a doctor with a 4.5-to-5-star rating and become a client with them. Avoid anyone with a lower rating and read the reviews!!! People who experience bad performance from medical "professionals" are not likely to plant a story but more likely to state the truth and that information can be used to draw an educated conclusion as to who you wish to provide medical services for your pet. read more

Been bringing my dogs here for 15 years to Dr Barrett. But since he has stepped back the place has changed I thought my dog was having a stroke and when I called they were too busy to see him or really even talk to me and sent me to the emergency vet then when I tried to order medication he needed for the problem they wouldn't sign this prescription unless I brought him to them for a checkup after the emergency vet the front desk is awful and the doctor is always too busy to even talk to you I'll never go back read more

Dr. Baratt is knowledgeable, professional, and down to earth. I have brought my dogs to him in different occasions and can attest about his care, expertise, and dedication. He's one of the best specialists one can find in the state: fair, scholarly, and kind. read more

We were (regretfully) referred to this specialty vet clinic in the hopes they could help our dog. We had concerns over a fast growing lump in her mouth, and were told that unless she wasn't eating it wasn't an emergency. Well it eventually grew so large that she was bleeding out, and had to be put down after a months worth of time had been wasted. You're telling me that's not emergency worthy? Do not recommend this vet whatsoever, look elsewhere if you actually care about your pet. read more

After being turned away from numerous vets that "don't take new patients" or didn't have specialists on staff to see my elderly and sick rabbit, salem valley squeezed me in to have him euthanized...the doctor took her own time (that was not scheduled) to come in the operatory and answer my questions and reassure me that my choice was humane. Also discussed the unlikely, but possible alternatives- no pressure, but reassurance from the whole team. I was given plenty of time and privacy with my guy as I was saying goodbye. The staff as a whole were pleasant to interact with in such a difficult time. Thank you so much for seeing me today. read more

We followed Dr. Hunt to this practice and transferred our records. They were filling our dogs prescriptions and then suddenly stopped! We made three calls. Two went unanswered and the third, a woman who identified as the office manager, answered the phone. She told us that our dogs are not patients and not only would they not fill any further prescriptions but that they are not taking new patients. Our dogs are on meds that they need for the rest of their lives and now we are scrambling to get our dogs what they need. Our recommendation ... do not waste your time with this practice! read more

Continued wonderful attention from all personnel and the loving care, good humour and thoroughness of Dr Slater. Very happy to recommend Salem Valley Vet. as it was recommended to me. read more

On March 10,2019 Dr Baratt cared for my loving therapy dog for dental cleaning and evaluation. She died a horrific death less than 2 days later at Pieper ER. The medical diagnosis on arrival and after 2 hours of extensive testing she was grave and her liver showed toxins. Pieper vet advised that she was over medicated or a tech made an error. Ultimately, her death was caused by Dr. Baratt and staff. One year later I am still mentally traumatized by the senseless death of my companion. Additionally this tragedy cost me $7700.00 that included Baratt's charge and emergency medical care. The cost is nothing compared to the loss of my precious girl. Unprofessionally, he never acknowledged her death. read more

Extremely poor excuse of a veterinary office. Don't come here unless you want your time wasted. I wish i could rate the "renowned skills" of this specialty practice and its owner but it's complete BS. If you want over two weeks late test results that result in you having to put your dog down (of which the owner himself wanted to 'wait to see' the results to 'see what to do next' this is the place for you. If you never get the results then yeah I guess you don't really have to do anything! I seriously question the knowledge and sense of urgency of Dr. Baratt. With that amount of schooling and 'expertise' you would think he knew better. I would hate to think this lack of urgency had to do with the color of our skin. If you want poor communication of said results where no check ins or updates or given (still haven't received them either), this is the place for you. They did absolutely nothing for my baby and what chance she could've had was completely wasted. They claim every case is important, but apparently not. None of you cared. They strung us along and gave false hope while my dog practically bled to death. If this is how you run a business you do not deserve to be a business at all, this goes for all of you. You should be ashamed. Essential components of running a business is having people skills and communicating effectively, of which they completely drop the ball. I would never recommend this vet to ANYBODY, don't be fooled by the specialty label. I wouldn't trust these people with a microwave cup of noodles. I can only hope someone treats their loved ones as they treated mine. read more

We had a wonderful experience at Salem Valley Veterinary Clinic! Our pup needed a tooth extraction, yet she's difficult to handle for any veterinary care. The staff was so understanding and willing to help our pup get care with the least amount of stress. Dr. Baratt and the vet techs were communicative throughout the surgery process (a huge plus for a worried owner) and explained everything clearly. Most of all the care was excellent and our pup is recovering well and on her way to a pain-free mouth! thanks to all who helped care for our Frannie at Salem Valley! read more

Dr. Slater and staff have always been able to resolve my dog's issues whether minor or serious in a most kind manner. I am so thankful that my Penny is in their care! read more

Salem Valley Veterinary Clinic is hands down the best vet I have ever been to! Dr. Baratt was absolutely amazing in terms of his "bedside manner", expertise regarding the dental surgery my dog needed, and follow up. The rest of the staff was so welcoming and efficient as well! Highly, highly recommend Salem Valley Veterinary Clinic! read more

Dr. Barrett and his staff are amazing. Well worth the travel. Thank you for making my dog happy again.

This place is terrible. Yes everyone is "nice" and it's clean but that's about it. The medical knowledge, maintenance and thoroughness in exams is horrible. These doctors are a joke. They have misdiagnosed my German on multiple things. My poor dog had Lyme disease for a YEAR. I kept bringing her back and they kept telling me it's just growth spurts and that's why she's limping. My friends dog died because of their negligence as well. If there's nothing wrong with your dog sure they're great to grab your money for simple vaccine and tell you to have a nice day and you think oh what a nice place. You don't know if a doctor is good until you have a problem. And these doctors are a big JOKE. read more

We're not regulars at the clinic because I go back to MA for the vet. At our most recent visit, our vet said my senior dog didn't have long left and he seemed fine so we took him home. We got to say our good byes before things turned for the worse. With the pandemic, I didn't want to drive back to MA the same week so I called around here. Salem Valley was the most reasonable with their fees and service. Another vet clinic wanted an extra visit, all medical files forwarded and extra fees before they will put him down. I understand the reasoning behind that but it was too much for me to handle at the time. We were able to get an appointment and everything was handled professionally. Unfortunately, euthanasia had to be done outside and they had a nice secluded lawn area in the back (versus in your car in a parking lot). It was for the best - by fur baby got to enjoy some fresh air before he made his way to the rainbow bridge. read more

Gave them my dog for a dental procedure and they left him alone while he was coming to, bite his tongue and pierced it was bleeding everywhere they had to put him back under and ditch him up. Gave me my dog back covered in blood. Then I was hoping with a different surgeon and situation I would have better luck. Wrong. I brought my female puppy for a spay. They give me no time frame and when I call 8 HOURS after I drop her off I'm told the doctor had just arrived. When I asked WHY they asked me to bring my dog 8 hours before surgery they said it's policy and when I asked for a time frame I was told they didn't know I asked to speak with someone who did and I was told by the business manager that the "receptionist don't have to know things like that" "and if You don't like It you can pick up your dog" I'll be sure to go back to colchester vet!!! read more

Worst worst worst place ever!! The customer service at the front desk needs an overhaul! We won't go back....EVER!

This morning, a Saturday, we contacted Dr. Baratt because our 11 year old lab has a cracked tooth. Even though our dog, Maggie, was not a patient of his, he spent quite a bit of time talking with us. He had us text him photos and then immediately called us back. When discussing all the options, he actually ended up recommending the most conservative and least expensive one. Within the following two hours he emailed an estimate of charges that we could show to our insurance company. We were quite impressed with his knowledge and compassion and feel very comfortable bringing our dog to him for her care. read more

The best vet experience I have ever had. I have used 4 other vets in the area and this is by far my favorite. I scheduled an appointment very quickly. I had no wait at the appointment. I was immediately able to schedule a spay appointment for less than a week away. The prices are as reasonable as anywhere and the people more nice, helpful, and honest than I have experienced before. read more

Update....My dog was redone by a local Vet Hospital after her incision came open and tissue was hanging out. The bleeding was hard to control but I stayed up all night holding pressure. Ten more days and the 20 staples come out! All the Salem Vet would do is look at a photo sent and call me to tell me to go elsewhere for help. Poor customer service. read more

Been going here for years with multiple animals. They are fantastic, yes, not perfect but as close as one can get, one of the best I've ever been to in 30+ years of pet ownership. Dr. Slater is awesome. The person who wrote that bad review just didn't take proper care of her Dog after it had major surgery, obvious the dog didn't have a collar, so go get one! And obviously the incision came open because they probably let the dog run around to much so the incision opened, you can't blame Salem Valley for improper after care by an owner! read more