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Holden Veterinary Clinic Anyone can have a job, but we have a passion. Our mission, at Holden Veterinary Clinic, is to enhance the human animal bond through progressive, compassionate veterinary care. We are committed to preventive medicine, to client education, and to constant furthering of our education, so that we may continue to bring modern medical and surgical techniques to our patients.

Be sure to check out our special offers and pricing for the products and care your pet needs most! We sincerely appreciate when you trust us enough to recommend to your friends, family, and neighbors that they too bring their pets to our clinic.
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I am Danielle Friend, a 1995 graduate of the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine. I have been practicing medicine and surgery in Massachusetts since the summer of 1996, spending 8 years at a large, progressive small animal practice in Dracut. I am Dr. Bridget D'Onofrio, a 2011 graduate of Mississippi State University- College of Veterinary Medicine.
The Holden Veterinary Clinic team would like to welcome you to our site and our hospital. We hope that it will give you some insight into our commitment to caring for our clients and patients. Since that day, the Holden Veterinary Clinic has been known for excellent medical and surgical care in the Holden area.
In addition to our full-service veterinary offerings, we have even more services for anything you and your pet may need. Microchipping has become a very popular and safe way to identify your pet permanently and you as the owner in the unfortunate case that your pet is lost. Microchipping involves placement of a small electronic chip the size and shape of a piece of rice just under the skin in the neck area. A needle is used to inject the chip. The injection is comparable to a regular vaccine injection.
Please note that this is only a request, someone from our office will contact you shortly to confirm a date and time for your appointment. For New Patients, please allow an additional 10 to 15 minutes prior to your appointment to create a medical record and patient file. For After Hour Emergencies, Please Contact Fosters Small Animal Hospital at Tufts University: 508-839-5395.
Reviews (26)
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Kelly Burke
May 27, 2022
The vet did a great job with our dog's annual visit and avoided putting him under
Lauren Elias
Apr 16, 2022
Both Bodhi (my dog) and I absolutely love everyone here. Everyone is kind, attentive and so informative. Bodhi starts crying and wagging his tail the second we pull into the parking lot. He is just finishing up his heartworm treatment and cannot rave enough about how wonderful everyone has been. They've even assisted me in having some of his treatments and medications covered. I wouldn't take him anywhere else. My family has used Holden for our cats and our dogs for the last 15+ years. We just love everyone and the exceptional care they give.
Duffy Mullin
Mar 13, 2022
Friendly staff, great service. My dog is always happy to come here and they treat him well. They are very transparent about prices and let you know an estimate up front before performing any work. Will definitely be back.
Donna Wallace
Oct 12, 2021
We have 3 cats that are cared for by Holden Veterinary Clinic. They have a very caring and patient staff. Veterinarians explain things thoroughly and present options for care when needed. Highly recommended.
Bonnie Colon
Oct 01, 2021
I always get quick, professional response to questions and concerns for my pet.
Christine Nahkala
Sep 21, 2021
My 2 cats like the folks at Holden Vet. Knowledgeable, caring people. Thanks!
Stefanie Sawyer
Sep 19, 2021
Everyone is very friendly and professional. However, getting into this place is what I imagine its like getting into the White House. I can understand extra precautions due to covid, but they are extreme here. You call from the parking lot, are told someone will call you back (which takes at least 5-10 mins), then that person asks you a ton of questions, after which is more waiting in the parking lot and then finally a tech comes out to bring you in.

I spent an obscene amount of money on my dog at her first visit here. Again, the staff is very nice, friendly, and knowledgeable. My 3 stars is more so for the wait times and price tag.
Kimberly Amato
Aug 06, 2021
I initially chose Holden Vet Clinic because after calling 3 other clinics, they were able to get my newly adopted kittens in for a wellness visit the fastest (3 weeks instead of 2.5 mos!). When we went for our visit, I loved the "family owned" feel and service so much more than the VCA clinic I've taken my pets to for the past 25 years. They have good COVID protocols and allow one pet parent in for visits, but also offer curbside if you prefer.

The staff was friendly and helpful, and the energy in the clinic was calm, warm, and welcoming, not hectic and sterile feeling. After meeting Dr. Casey, who I loved, and seeing how she and the techs loved what they do and the fur babies they care for, I immediately switched my older kitty of 16 years to Holden Vet Clinic as well. It's not the closest vet clinic to my home, but it's worth the drive and I highly recommend them! I only wish I found them sooner!
Barbara Hazen
Aug 06, 2021
You were literally a God send on my darkest day. I will be forever grateful for your willingness to see me, for the professionalism and the care you provided my little pup. Not to mention the reassurance you instilled that everything would be okay. From the girls at the front desk to the intake and the incredible knowledge of Dr. Claunch -- it was, by-far, one of the best experiences I have had with a veterinary clinic. I am truly blessed to be a client and will never look further.
Kelly O'Day
Aug 03, 2021
Welcoming and professional. Great first visit. Chuck full of info!
Alexis King
Jul 05, 2021
Dr. Friend was so helpful and attentive during my first visit with my fur babies. She took the time to research my dog's rare-ish condition, and sent me reading material so I could learn what she was learning. I really appreciated that kind of extra attention. We're very happy we made the switch!
Shelley T.
Mar 23, 2021
I switched to Holden Vet after moving closer to Holden. From the friendly staff who answered the phone to set up an appt, to the wonderfully friendly and thorough "Dr. D", I knew I made the right choice! Very impressed with their knowledge, genuinely caring, promptness of responding to questions and the time everyone takes to explain things.
Will Darling
Jan 30, 2021
The staff and vets have been amazing here. They care about their patients and I usually get follow up calls checking in on how things are going. My dog is definitely a hot mess so I am here pretty frequently for all his issues. The vet always takes time to explain to me what's happening and talk through our options for medication. When I first started going here they were able to diagnose my dogs condition, which my previous vet missed /overlooked for a long time. Really can't say enough good things, would recommend this vet clinic to anyone.
Mar M.
Feb 06, 2020
Our rescue dog and cat LOVE Holden Vet! They've had some pretty major issues due to their past and received such a good care. Dentals, erlichia, you name it. It's a little on the pricey side, I've heard people say. I'm just happy we have such a good reliable place to go so near. Dr D'Onofrio is very professional and we can always reach her.
Jessica R.
Sep 04, 2019
I was a client at Holden for many years. A few weeks back one of my dogs seemed "off" so I stopped in to make an appointment. I was told they were booking out a few weeks for an exam. I was a little upset and booked an appointment. A few days went by and she started having diarrhea. I called to see if I could get her in, because the diarrhea was not getting better.

I was told they didn't have any appointments available and to try calling at 8 AM. Unfortunately that next morning my dog was in respiratory distress and we had to take her to an emergency facility where she was diagnosed with congestive heart failure. A few days later we had to put her to sleep. I'm not sure why a veterinary clinic would continue taking on new clients if you can never get your current patients in when they are sick. We have decided to find a new hospital that is able to see our dog when they are sick. It is unfortunate, because we love the Veterinarians, they are all wonderful.
Briana L.
May 24, 2019
I will never recommend this place to ANYONE. I have been bringing my dog to this vet since I got her as a puppy. To have all of her shots done and a yearly check up cost me approximately $500+. I recently moved out of state and my dog was showing symptoms of being ill. I called three times for advice on things I could do throughout the day to help manage her symptoms until I was able to bring her in for an exam.

The first time I called at 12:00 to ask a question, I received a call back at 7 pm that night. The second time I called during business hours and it went to voicemail and it took 45 minutes for someone to call me back. I finally got a hold of someone and she refused to listen to me about my dogs symptoms she just kept yelling over me saying I need to come in. (I was trying to but I work and live in New York during the week).

After that, I called to speak to the practice manager and still no one has called me back. I had a family member go pick up all of my dogs vet records so I can find her a new vet and the vet tech at the desk told them that I wasn't cooperating and wasn't willing to get help. Overall the absolute worst experience especially when they are so over priced.

The vet is never available and if you ever call with a question they say they need to leave a message for the doctor and call you back. Most times you wont get an answer for a day or two. After this terrible customer service experience I called the Community Animal Hospital in Shrewsbury and they were incredibly helpful. They had a nurse talk me through things I could do to manage my dogs symptoms in the mean time and made me an appointment immediately. Their facility is clean and beautiful and their prices are great.
Kassidy M.
Aug 15, 2018
Great vet clinic! The staff is amazing with my two dogs. I love Dr. Tebo. She's so sweet and very thorough.
Daniel O.
Aug 07, 2018
The doctors and support staff at Holden Vet have always been amazing. Everyone was always incredibly supportive and understanding. They truly care about you and your loved one. The only complaints that I see are about money. Sorry, but keeping your pets alive and well does come with a cost! The people here are fantastic, and truly care for you and your pet. We are incredible appreciative of the love and care that they have provided us, and would never look elsewhere for a clinic. Thank you!
Christine J.
Nov 18, 2017
If you just love spending tons of money on your pets because you have nothing better to do with your money then you would love going here. They are very thorough and they do a good job and they charge for it. I love my animals but I'd like to see my kids go to college. Just my opinion
Liz C.
Nov 16, 2017
I chose Holden Veterinary Clinic for my pet rat when she needed to have her teeth trimmed. I had called around and they had the best prices by far. The doctor not only trimmed the teeth but made recommendations about other health issues that should be addressed. Keep in mind, I'm there with my pet rat. At no point did the doctor nor any of the staff make me feel like my "unconventional" pet or my love for her was any less important than if I had brought in a cat or a dog. Sadly, a couple of months later, I ended up bringing Ramona rat back to Holden Veterinary Clinic to be euthanized after her health took a turn for the worse.

I can't say enough about how accommodating and comforting the doctor and the rest of the staff were during that tough process. A couple of weeks later, they sent me a sympathy card for my pet rat with wildflower seeds to plant in her memory. It was a really nice gesture. I have two other pets and I trust that they, too, will be in good hands with the doctors at Holden Veterinarian Clinic.
Robin M.
Oct 09, 2017
I had to bring my pup in for a check as she was having symptoms! HOLDEN VET staff were extremely friendly and supportive. I got an appointment that day. Dr Friend was lovely with Chloe! She sat on the floor and performed her exam in a play like manner which is perfect.eliminates that anxiety and fear factor animals may show at a vet setting. Staff is so friendly and professional.

You can tell that EVERYONE at HOLDEN VET loves animals. Plus, Dr Friend got back to me on a Saturday when the office was not open. Overall a great experience. Never hesitate bringing your pets to HOLDEN VETERINARY CLINIC!
Sally Gore
Aug 12, 2017
The vets and the staff at Holden Veterinary Clinic could not be better! They are knowledgable, friendly, helpful, excellent communicators (listening and advising), and work in tandem with us to make sure our animals get the best care. I've recommended them to a number of people without any regret.
Kim P.
Jan 18, 2016
I cannot ask for a better veterinary practice for my pets. I implicitly trust the care of my pets to them. When our first Beagle Minnie was diagnosed with a heart murmur, they took exceptional care of her until it was time to transfer her care to a cardiologist at Tufts. When we adopted our current Beagle Willy, he came to them with a multitude of health problems including a collapsed ear drum. Dr.

Friend needed a specific diagnostic camera that was available at another vet's practice out of state and she went out of her way to get the device. When our Guinea Pig passed away, they sent me a sympathy card with everyone's signature from the practice. The receptionists are super friendly and helpful. I've been going to this practice for years and look forward to many more years of their expert care.
Shannon R.
Nov 10, 2015
A $2,000 tooth?! After $300 of drops, shot and suggestions, they told me our kitty needed a 2k tooth to be pulled. I told them I might get a 2nd option, then they told me "don't you want top notch veterinary care for your pet?" Made me feel guilty. Went elsewhere with same care.
Fs F.
Oct 28, 2015
I brought my elderly dog to the clinic as he was having some new issues, and he was seen by Dr Downes. While his issues were unknown he was not in immediate medical urgency. We scheduled a time for x-rays the following week and, because of dental issues, he was given a shot of Convenia, a 2 week antibiotic despite not having actually confirmed an active infection.

My dog is easy to pill and this shot turned out to be extremely poor judgement given his age and known health issues. He was still quite lively, engaged, eating, drinking when he went in, and within 4 days he was physically destroyed by this drug, as MANY animals have experienced. I don't know why he was given a shot that, given he was having very sporadic, short seizures, a drug that is acknowledged to cause them.

Here is known, reported adverse reactions to this drug in foreign markets, from the drug label itself: FOREIGN MARKET EXPERIENCE: The following adverse events were reported voluntarily during post-approval use of the product in dogs and cats in foreign markets:DEATH, TREMORS/ATAXIA, SEIZURES, anaphylaxis, acute pulmonary edema, facial edema, injection site reactions (alopecia, scabs, necrosis, and erythema), hemolytic anemia, salivation, pruritus, lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea, and inappetance.

Research the drug and you will discover many pets of all ages have died from this drug, as mine did. Despite claiming that they haven't seen a reaction to it in their practice, I was told he died of something he hadn't even been diagnosed with, by this or any other vet. Please do yourself a favor; make sure your pet never receives this drug- even if some animals get it without complication, they haven't determined why some animals both young and old and otherwise healthy have this reaction.

While any reaction to a drug can occur, very few that list DEATH as a first reaction should be used lightly. Barring that, check on every drug your vet wishes to administer and demand informed consent. After speaking with my former long term vet out of state and the emergency vet who euthanized my darling dog, I've since learned that many vets do not use this drug because it is deeply toxic to a lot of animals and they don't know why.

One Dr claiming they never saw a reaction to it has no bearing in medicine, and with animals it's very easy to declare a pet died because of something else because very few go forward with an expensive necropsy. I had no choice but to euthanize him as he was so quickly destroyed by a drug that has done the exact same thing to hundreds of animals.

It was not a RARE reaction. My dog suffered horribly before his passing, and while I know he wouldn't have lived forever, he would not have died in the manner he did and would still be here today, sleeping at my feet and being deeply loved. ETA: I have now received a copy of his medical records from the office, and about 75% of the facts are entirely wrong.

Despite having copies of his vet records in hand, Dr Downes was incapable of getting his history right. She even claimed that she spent 90 mins with us when in fact she was 20 mins behind and we had a 30-40 min appt length. Her lack of attention to detail is in virtually every fact. It is no surprise that she couldn't read the warning on the drug insert( her own words, as stated in the record) that states it causes seizures, and she gave him a drug that is known to induce seizures.

My initial review was in large part to alert pet owners to the issues with Convenia, but reading the poor notes and glaring inaccuracies in Dr Downes record of care I cannot recommend this veterinary practice as a whole.
Candice M.
Jul 02, 2015
I decided to try out a new vet after I moved to Holden & I am glad that I went with this place. They are so friendly & kind to me and my pet. The office times are great & even though my little Moo is starting to cost me a small fortune, I am happy that this is the vet that I have chosen. Such a difference from other places I have gone to.