The veterinary team at Merrimac Valley Animal Hospital is committed to providing exemplary, stress free client and patient care. Our Amesbury animal hospital has been assisting pets and pet owners since opening our doors in 1968. Our long-standing history and reputation demonstrate our long-term commitment and dedication to our community. The Merrimac Valley Animal Hospital mission is to be an advocate for our patients. We are recognized as a practice of excellence, being leaders in service and innovative care.
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Merrimac Valley Animal Hospital had humble beginnings in 1968. Dr. Walter Brown opened the animal hospital in a garage next to his home near the current hospital and operated out of this small space until the current building was built in 1969. The site was a good choice due to its convenient location in Amesbury on Route 110 and its proximity to Routes 495 and 95.
We schedule office visits every day during regular office hours except for Wednesday and Thursday mornings when we do surgery. Our regular office hours are 8AM - 6PM, Monday through Friday and 8AM - 1PM on Saturday. Note that the following form is just a request, and we are unable guarantee that an appointment will be scheduled during the chosen timeframe.
Gretchen is one of our Certified Veterinary Technicians. Ever since eighth grade she has been working in the veterinary field. She graduated from Amesbury High School and then went on to receive her Bachelor's degree at Morehead State University. She is a native of Amesbury and lives with her 2 cats Lily and Steve.
Does your pet get anxious on the journey to the vet? And then, once here, they become even more stressed in the hospital? We understand. As a Fear Free animal hospital, our whole team works hard to go above and beyond to ensure your pet is happy and comfortable in our care. We also want to reduce or even eliminate the stress of your journey to the clinic.
Reviews (45)
Nancy Carpenter
Jun 21, 2022
Booktolight
Jun 12, 2022
This is are first time here. The facility was clean and up to date the front staff were attentive and freindly. We met Dr Odell she approached us by getting on her knee's and play with my dogs haha that put my dogs at ease and us too! So freindly and a genuine sprirt of kindness. It was evident she loves her job in this very difficult time for Vets and their staff to keep up with the deluge of animals post pandemic. We are happy to be here at your facility and hope for a long relationship. Update Ive been coming here for over 6 months now still pleased with care.
Allieya DePaolantonio
Jun 04, 2022
Dan Ryan
Jun 03, 2022
Everyone was so friendly and helpful as they always are! Gretchen was especially wonderful with Sophie. There was a doctor there last year, I don't remember her name, and she's no longer there, but I found her to be, let's just say less nice than the rest of the staff there. I'm glad to see she's moved on and you've found a phenomenal replacement for her in Gretchen! Thank you!
Barb S.
May 22, 2022
Neil Kelleher
May 22, 2022
Bri Hume
Apr 24, 2022
I was heading to Florida and needed to get my dog Mac all set to go, they got us in quickly and we're so kind and patient with him. I look forward to using Merrimac Valley Vet for many years to come for my dog and my cat! Thank you all for so being so kind, explaining things easily, and making sure Mac was all set to go to florida!
Alyson Dwyer
Feb 21, 2022
Maureen W.
Jan 11, 2022
I've been taking my dogs to MVAH for more years than I can remember, and never had a bad experience. The doctors and staff are kind and compassionate, and I know they want the best for my guys too. They never fail to explain what's going on, and always welcome any questions I might have. They've been very responsive in crisis situations, and caring and sympathetic when sad endings have come. I can't imagine trusting anyone else to care for my pups.
Imaschlepper
Dec 27, 2021
Lori Hilts
Dec 15, 2021
We have brought our animals to MVAH for many years. One of the most noteworthy aspects of this practice is the follow up. Whenever there is a test pending results or unresolved issues, there is always a follow up call or email. The Doctors and staff are always professional and empathetic to their clients. Although they may be a bit more pricey, it is well worth it considering the quality of service.
Kim Herrick
Dec 07, 2021
Teresa Glynn
Nov 07, 2021
William Messner
Sep 20, 2021
Robin Briscoe
Sep 20, 2021
Maureen Carolan
Sep 18, 2021
Jeannie V.
Sep 03, 2021
My fur baby "Penny" had a veterinarian and the truth is that I did not want to return to that vet primarily because my last visit there was to say goodbye to a most beloved brother to Penny by the name of "Buddy". I still tear up just writing this. The staff was warm and ever so kind. They made my first visit there with Penny super easy. I was offered more than one treatment option without feeling like I was being over sold or pressured in any way which I had been in the past. Thankfully the treatment I chose worked almost immediately and now Penny is back to her old self. They are seamless, transparent, kind and affordable. Penny now has a new vet.
Tyrus Melvin
Aug 25, 2021
Tessa
Jul 23, 2021
Our dog Clover has been coming here since he was 10 weeks old, and he has always been happy and excited to go inside. The staff are very responsive to all of our emailed puppy questions, and they have advised us well to ensure he has a healthy start in life. He's no longer a tiny puppy but is still very wiggly and happy to see everyone there, which I take to be a great sign!
We also have two cats who are registered here, and they genuinely seem less traumatized coming home from MVAH than at previous vet clinics. The vets and technicians know when not to push too far, if a cat has just had enough on a particular day. MVAH is a great vet clinic, and as long as we live in the area, our pets will be registered here. Now if I could only get that one desk person to stop calling our dog a "she". But that's not really an issue, in the big picture of things. :
We also have two cats who are registered here, and they genuinely seem less traumatized coming home from MVAH than at previous vet clinics. The vets and technicians know when not to push too far, if a cat has just had enough on a particular day. MVAH is a great vet clinic, and as long as we live in the area, our pets will be registered here. Now if I could only get that one desk person to stop calling our dog a "she". But that's not really an issue, in the big picture of things. :
Chris E.
Jul 22, 2021
Valerie McCaslin Dittman
May 06, 2021
Norman Lemcke
Dec 21, 2020
There are too many things that make the team at MVAH so incredible. Here are my top reason why I recommend them: 1. The entire team is awesome. They are friendly, engaging, professional with a sense of humor and you can just feel they love what they do: 2. Everyone, especially Vet Techs Kim, Gretchen, Rachel and Michelle, have been caring for my dog Hillary sine she was 8 weeks old.
They always greet us with smiles and treats (none for me) making sure Hillary feels safe and protected. The team of vets are just wonderful. They take their time with my dog, explaining what they are doing in an exam. They are current on all treatments and always tell the truth about your pet. There is no heavy-handed pressure pushing tests that are not necessary; 3. I enjoy taking Hillary to the vet almost as much she likes going.
They always greet us with smiles and treats (none for me) making sure Hillary feels safe and protected. The team of vets are just wonderful. They take their time with my dog, explaining what they are doing in an exam. They are current on all treatments and always tell the truth about your pet. There is no heavy-handed pressure pushing tests that are not necessary; 3. I enjoy taking Hillary to the vet almost as much she likes going.
Ed Berry
Jun 13, 2020
I have just recently started using Merrimac valley animal hospital and I feel comfortable bringing my dog to this establishment and would recommend them to anyone in the future. Keep up the great work and training and your service will always be unmatched. Patience and love for animals and taking care of there health is vital. Amazing place to bring your animals to be analyzed and helped with the longevity of the companions life. They also offer an amazing payment plan. Thanks for all you do and keep up the great work ladies and gentlemen.
Nikki Raffenetti
Apr 25, 2020
Barbara Zimmermann
Mar 25, 2020
Jim Carey
Oct 06, 2019
Catie S.
Sep 28, 2019
William P.
Aug 05, 2019
Recently I returned from a camping trip, but before we left I stopped by the Salem Animal Hospital to purchase the dry food that Sanda (my cat) l eats. They were out of stock, but gave me a script for it. I stopped by the Merrimack Valley Animal Hospital on Rte 110 in Amesbury to purchase the food. The girl at the front desk asked if Sandal was a patient.
My response NO. She said she would need the vets approval to sell the food to me. She took the script with her which called for 8 lbs. of Hill's W/D with 2 refills checked off. When she returned, I was told they will sell me 4 lbs. and not any more until I brought Sandal in for an examination. I was pressed for time so I took the 4 lbs rather than try to go elsewhere.
But I was not happy. If that isn't a money grabbing scheme, I don't know what is. In the past I have never had difficulty taking a script to another vet and getting the food. Merrimack Valley is very handy for me and I might have considered changing vets, but certainly would not after this experience. I never heard of such a thing. It was script from and signed by a vet and they hesitated to honor it. Disgusted with them. If I did business with them I certainly would watch my bills very carefully.
My response NO. She said she would need the vets approval to sell the food to me. She took the script with her which called for 8 lbs. of Hill's W/D with 2 refills checked off. When she returned, I was told they will sell me 4 lbs. and not any more until I brought Sandal in for an examination. I was pressed for time so I took the 4 lbs rather than try to go elsewhere.
But I was not happy. If that isn't a money grabbing scheme, I don't know what is. In the past I have never had difficulty taking a script to another vet and getting the food. Merrimack Valley is very handy for me and I might have considered changing vets, but certainly would not after this experience. I never heard of such a thing. It was script from and signed by a vet and they hesitated to honor it. Disgusted with them. If I did business with them I certainly would watch my bills very carefully.
Debra L.
Apr 10, 2019
The Merrimack Valley Animal Hospital Veterinarians and staff are just about the best that I have encountered. I, myself, am a Physician therefore I am very selective concerning the care of my 2 toy breed dogs. They are knowledgeable, friendly, they treat my dogs as though they were their own, they are attentive and never impatient with my questions. I HIGHLY recommend MVAH - Truly exceptional and serious about the care of animals
Andrew S.
Feb 01, 2019
My girlfriend and I recently got a kitten as our first animal. Driving by MVAH often we decided we would go there. We got the kitten from a friend so there were no previous vacs or neutering done. It was fairly expensive. That being said you get what you pay for. The staff at this vet is unbelievable. They truly made us feel like we mattered and we were special.
They seem to genuinely care about your pet and we feel like we got the best care for our cat. Speaking to a friend that is a vet intern who toured the location, from what she says it's the cleanest and most equipped she's seen in her education. That comment truly helped us decide to get our cat neutered there. Everything went smooth and I will continue to bring our boy to Merrimac valley. Thank you! Of course we have to attach a picture of our love with this review :.
They seem to genuinely care about your pet and we feel like we got the best care for our cat. Speaking to a friend that is a vet intern who toured the location, from what she says it's the cleanest and most equipped she's seen in her education. That comment truly helped us decide to get our cat neutered there. Everything went smooth and I will continue to bring our boy to Merrimac valley. Thank you! Of course we have to attach a picture of our love with this review :.
Sue Constantine
Sep 20, 2018
I just had the best experience at the MVAH! They really care about animals AND families. Not only did they take excellent care of our family dog and her complicated anesthesia needs, but they were kind enough to squeeze in the procedure for me as I was only in town helping my elderly dad with his dog for a few days. They have consistently given our dog, Lola, excellent, thorough and careful care and I highly recommend them for your beloved pet too.
Deb Montecalvo Edmands
Jun 17, 2018
I just want to let everyone know how caring and kind the staff is at MVAH. It was time for my poor Buster boy to cross the rainbow bridge. They were all so kind and supportive to my family as we made this hard decision. They gave me time with him and let me tell them stories of his life. It meant a lot. Thank you and continue to do what you do!
Marco S.
Mar 14, 2018
I had used another local vet for 25 years and through some very unfortunate events i needed to find a new veternarian hospital. I knew of MVAH and heard great things about the hospital.i have brought my 2 bichons there for exactly one year now and let me tell you.they are fantastic. Everyone there. Michelle. Rachel. Kim. Gretchen. Dr Odell and of course Dr Wojicki.(sp?).and the rest of the staff.are great!
Easy to make an appointment.the prices are more than reasonable and the care of my beloved bichons is top notch! They are warm and friendly and very honest and can be trusted with anything they tell you about your pet or what you do or do not need to do for your pet. I am very happy customer and consider them like family trusting them to do the best they can for my pets. Happy to be a customer Marc Shaffer
Easy to make an appointment.the prices are more than reasonable and the care of my beloved bichons is top notch! They are warm and friendly and very honest and can be trusted with anything they tell you about your pet or what you do or do not need to do for your pet. I am very happy customer and consider them like family trusting them to do the best they can for my pets. Happy to be a customer Marc Shaffer
Kitty F.
Nov 14, 2017
Janice McGrath
Oct 18, 2017
Karen H.
Jul 28, 2017
Unfortunately, with three bad experiences, I cannot recommend this facility. 1. Our dog was diagnosed with cancer by this facility, had surgery at a specialty vet, and we were then told the surgery was unnecessary as lump that was removed was not cancer. 2. When it came time to put our dog down, the needle for the injection bent on insertion, and the second injection took a very long time to work, and his death process was so not good.
It was so awful to watch and so not the way any animal (or human) should go. 3. Our cat was diagnosed with pancreatitis and given different food. He continued to not eat and we took him to another vet and he was diagnosed with cancer. An accurate initial diagnosis would have saved our cat three weeks of misery.
It was so awful to watch and so not the way any animal (or human) should go. 3. Our cat was diagnosed with pancreatitis and given different food. He continued to not eat and we took him to another vet and he was diagnosed with cancer. An accurate initial diagnosis would have saved our cat three weeks of misery.
Alexandra S.
Mar 02, 2017
Glenn M.
Jun 11, 2015
My cat is a very difficult patient and the staff there is AMAZING, kind and very understanding. They also took the time to explain to me anything I didn't understand and answered all my questions. I've been brushed off by another animal hospital in the area which is why I will stick with these guys.
Nancy S.
Apr 03, 2015
My cat loved her visit. OK I may be exaggerating a bit. I want to thank the entire staff and Dr Wojiki for making her the most comfortable I have ever seen her at the vets. The staff was patient and let her come out at her own pace instead of turning her upside down and dumping her out (we have had that happened at another place before) I appreciated the time the doctor took with us discussing her most recent bad bathroom behaviors. Turns out she has an infection.
She will be getting some medication and we will be visiting again for a follow up. The clinic is clean and roomy, the staff was very friendly, cost is always a factor for us and was thankful to have a plan that worked within the budget.
She will be getting some medication and we will be visiting again for a follow up. The clinic is clean and roomy, the staff was very friendly, cost is always a factor for us and was thankful to have a plan that worked within the budget.
Christine Y.
Mar 15, 2015
MVAH has very kind staff who love animals and treat animals and their owners with respect. Merrimack Valley Animal Hospital accommodates pet owners when expenses are high. They allow you to choose the best plan and course of action and do not put any pressure on you. Very knowledgable doctors and well trained staff with a great way with animals. After a pet appointment, staff call or email to check-in on your pet. Very thoughtful. Clean and well cared for facility. I highly recommend MVAH!
Julia L.
Mar 12, 2015
I found this to be an excellent clinic. The hospital itself is clean and up to date. The technicians were very friendly and well trained, they really seemed to know what they were doing. And the doctor was willing to answer all my questions and I felt like I could trust her to take good care of my pet.
C. S.
Nov 02, 2014
M. M.
Feb 19, 2014
Yes. the parking lot is EMPTY for a reason for sure.! I left here a few years ago have a cat & a dog. Dr. W. was always talking down & very negative. Always gave the place another chance (years). After talking to other pet owners in town I found I was not the only one feeling this way. I guess that's way they put up a sign outside saying."Accepting New Patients" So glad I moved on when i did.!
Mme T.
Apr 19, 2013
It was pointed out to me that a negative review was posted for the vet I go to. I have to add my experience which is nothing but postive. I have had excellent care from MVAH for several pets over the years. The vets have been nothing but kind and helpful, the techs/support are the same. They went above and beyond for me in one instance I will never forget.
I have been here for routine and emergency situations. I like this animal hospital so much that I continue to travel out of my way to see the vets there, I am closer to two other vets but choose to go to MVAH. I recommend them without hesitation.
I have been here for routine and emergency situations. I like this animal hospital so much that I continue to travel out of my way to see the vets there, I am closer to two other vets but choose to go to MVAH. I recommend them without hesitation.
Larry D.
Jul 28, 2012
Avoid this place. Overpriced, always up selling you stuff you don't need. Never walked out of there for anything less than 250. Has a bad reputation in town. I think the the techs and receptionists are fine. Never got that warm and fuzzy from any of the vets, who try to sell you stuff you don't need. Have heard horror stories from other people in town. Pets died while in thier care and they didnt call immediately. Place should close