Johnston Street Veterinary Clinic

Negative experience: My Doberman, Sid, suffered longer than necessary due to negligent, inconsistent, financially driven, and emotionally exploitative care from Johnson Street Vet Clinic. Sid had enlarged lumps on his back and legs around the joints, plus chronic inflammation in a hind leg in his joints that flared with exercise but improved with anti-inflammatory meds. The only diagnosis mentioned by Dr. Leighton were cancer or hip dysplasia after minimal screening, barely listening to me, and claiming the lumps were harmless fatty deposits unrelated to the condition in his hind leg. Worse, Dr. Leighton falsely recorded that I wasn’t worried— why would I mention it at the vet if I wasn't worried? It shows he really was not listening to me. The next time it flared up, as ordered, I spent $1.6k on tests, all inconclusive, so $5 - 6k more for soft tissue scans was recommended. I said I have just bought a home and cannot afford that right now (7k all up).They said "through insurance?" which I don't have so they dropped it. No alternative diagnostics or empathy were offered. Another vet has since told me soft tissue scans before a joint tap is excessive and expensive. This year, Sid required anti-inflammation sparingly. At his vaccination, a younger vet doubted the lumps are fatty deposits, which are usually soft, and are more likely enlarged lymph nodes—hard and sensitive, related to his underlying condition. Other vets I consulted outside the clinic, immediately suggested Immune-Mediated Polyarthritis (IMPA), which is common in Dobermans. When I researched the condition it sounded exactly like everything I described when I first presented to Dr Leighton. Immune-mediated polyarthritis (IMPA) is an idiopathic form of arthritis, causing recurring episodes of lameness and joint swelling, usually in multiple joints. Yep, that sounds like what I described. I have now organised a joint tap (1.3k including surgical consult) with a specialist. My dog's health record at Johnson Street Vet falsely states I was aware Sid needed a joint tap and I couldn’t afford it. That is incorrect. Hypothetically, if they said "we need 5k...oh you don't have insurance, actually, we can diagnose for a little over another thousand", I never would have trusted them again with my dog's health. I would have left this clinic a year ago. So they falsify my dog's record to hide their exploitative behaviour to the detriment of my dog. As they recorded "owner aware needs a joint tap", the other vet didn't explain it to me. Very negligent. I believe their lack of explanation (of IMPA) is used as a tool so they can upsell the most expensive diagnostic tool, relying on your ignorance so you pay whatever they say. If they explained the likely condition IMPA, I would have seen that soft tissue scans are not the next step to diagnose, yet they are the most expensive. This year they changed the type of anti-inflammation medication without any consultation and I trusted them. Yet I went through an entire bottle that did nothing for Sid's inflammation so he was bed ridden for 10 days. Another vet told me the brands could have 20% variation in efficiency. As soon as I picked up the medication he usually receives, the inflammation when down almost immediately. So he didn't need to spend 10 days in pain. Another negligent act, switching the medication without consulting me. I would have never taken a risk of switching the medication from one that I know works for Sid if I was explained a 20% variation could occur.... In consulting with numerous other vets, the standard of care was already to much a higher standard. They took the time to explain everything and reassure me of conditions, diagnostic tools and potential treatment. I wish Johnson Street could have conducted a thorough physical initially, listened to how I described his condition, admitted they didn't know exactly and explained a plan for diagnosis while preparing me for costs. I wish they weren't so flippant with my dog's wellbeing and his care plan.

Fantastic experience: Highly recommend this vet practice in the heart of Fitzroy. Been here twice with my Dog & on both occasions, firstly with Leighton for annual jabs, & then Cassie last week I had an excellent experience. Their philosophy is that no one knows your pet better than you do & they really listen as to why you are there. Cassie was so thorough, caring, friendly & professional & she really took her time to diagnose what the problem was. Unlike some other vets, there is no feeling of ‘upselling /over servicing’ with unnecessary scans/ x rays/ tests etc. The price for the consultation & subsequent medication was more than reasonable. There’s real peace of mind having a fantastic local vet I can trust. Thank you- keep up the great work! 11th June 2025 Update: Needed to book an appointment on a Saturday afternoon as my 9 year old Dog started yelping for no reason. Squeezed us in on the same day & Leighton was fantastic! He’s caring, respectful & friendly & he diagnosed a rare but very treatable condition straightaway. Following medication my Dog is back to her normal & happy self. Thank you so much Leighton!

Fantastic experience: An exceptionally good vet practice, great staff who look after my Devon Rex cats very well

Negative experience: Very bad experience, do not recommend this vet. I felt like I was being bullied into making a decision to euthanize my cat.

Fantastic experience: The love for animals is clear and appreciated. Thanks, Leighton

Negative experience: I know there are a lot of good reviews but I am going to give an honest review based on our experience. Our cat received cryotherapy at this clinic about 9 months ago. It went well and our cat was well looked after during surgery. Sadly, we weren't provided any information on follow-up care post surgery - e.g. put sunscreen on his nose or keep him out of the sun. 9 months later, he needs cryotherapy again - we learn that this possibly could have been avoided if we had known and provided sun-smart follow-up care. This time, however, we are told he needs dental work done as well, plus thyroid medication. All of which are fine. However, we are told to do this all *at once* - which we later find out (from another vet who provided a second opinion) that it is dangerous to put a cat under surgery when they have an unhealthy thyroid. Therefore, it would be best to get his thyroid in a healthy state before proceeding with surgery. For this reason, plus the general vibe of the clinic, we don't really trust the vet had our cat's best interests in mind - as a good vet would prioritise the cat's health needs rather than do it all at once. Thus, it felt they were more interested in just getting money from us. This vet is also typically higher priced than other vets we've approached. I am sure they are great for some pets and pet owners. If it's working for you, great. However, this wasn't our experience and wanted people to be aware.

Negative experience: Wish I read the other negative reviews before we booked an appointment to this place. Booked for that day (Saturday) and had a consultation with a rude and judgemental vet named Richard (I believe was his name from memory). My partner and I are not please by the unprofessional behaviour that was displayed by the vet himself during our consultation. The vet we saw was rude and jumped straight to conclusions. During a large part of the consultation, he did not acknowledge me (even though I was providing the answers), he kept directing his attention towards my partner and did not even look my way the whole time and kept asking my partner questions about my cat and then for my partner to ask me the same questions. My partner was more there for support. He did not ask me directly which was very rude and unnecessary. This experience made me feel very confused and uncomfortable. He did not try to understand what I was trying to say about my cat. Just beyond disbelief the way I was treated and judged by this man. Very disappointed and Very unprofessional. I don’t recommend this place to anybody. Cat was also very stressed out after vet visit. Place was loud and not cat friendly.

Fantastic experience: Great little vet clinic. Consultation fees are little exxy but what isn’t these days

Fantastic experience: Very easy to book, beautiful stuff

Positive experience: okay

Fantastic experience: Great vet practice.

Fantastic experience: Highly recommended. The vets have looked after our whippet boy for over 5 years and we are always happy with the vets there.

Fantastic experience: The vets at this clinic have been very informative and helpful. Highly recommended.

Positive experience: Friendly service

Negative experience: Muy mala gestión de la documentación. Una veterinaria muy desorganizada. Tenía que hacer un visado para mis gatos y, tras confirmarme que conocía el proceso y podía llevarlo a cabo, hizo los papeles mal, no me atendía ni cogía el teléfono. Finalmente, tuve que ir a otro veterinario, empezar de nuevo y pagar todo por duplicado. No la recomendaría. No me parece seria.

Fantastic experience: Highly Recommended. Compassionate and Caring Staff.

Fantastic experience: Absolutely love this place. Very happy with the way they look after my boy xx

Fantastic experience: My boys are always so well looked after at Johnston St Vet.

Fantastic experience: Always friendly and caring staff.

Fantastic experience: Here's a short story on why we gave them 5 stars. We were leaving on a trip to MEL with our dog Thor. He is on a special diet which part of is the Prime 100 crocodile and tapioca roll. Usually on trips we freeze portions, take them in an Eski and then freeze them on the other end. On this recent trip we were concerned as we had a stopover before reaching Melbourne. Once the roll goes off our dog would struggle without it. I rang the clinic to see if we could order a roll for our arrival into MEL. The lovely reception person was super helpful and called me back to conform a roll would be available for our arrival and where to pick them up from ( the groomer up the road ). We did this and we were so grateful we did as we needed it. Thank you team for being so helpful even though we are not your customers. If ever we so happen to live in MEL we know where our dog would go for his vet visits.

Fantastic experience: my doggie come 1st time for vaccination, the staff was nice, dr sinjun very nice, attentive check, will give good explain and advice. Good place for pet to see the vet.

Fantastic experience: Great. Highly recommended Updated 22/1/24 Once again I'm extremely impressed/blown away by Dr Lizzy! I have 2 rare breed cats Lavey and Xenomorph, and dr Lizzy has been amazing! On one occasion dr Lizzy was not available and we meet another male vet. He was awesome and would ensure that dr Lizzy knew we had attended and would pass on his consult notes to her. I am "that cat owner" and im pretty fussy as I have had some bad tbh horrendous experiences at another clinic and dr Lizzy absoultly puts me at ease. Thank you dr Lizzy from Pazuzu, LaVey and Xenomorph

Fantastic experience: A++++ clinic. Dr. Sinjun is the best vet I’ve ever come across. He provided a free over-the-phone consult from interstate and a consistently high level of care and treatment for my pet without $$$ tag. Highly recommend.

Fantastic experience: Fantastic staff. We needed to get vaccinations and neutering, and the first thing reception in the phone did was go through fees before we even booked. It was more expensive that I’d realised and beyond my budget, so the person I spoke to referred us to Lort Smith for a cheaper alternative. I’m actually really impressed and when finances improve I’ll be taking our dog here. Takes a solid business to provide that sort of transparency and service.

Fantastic experience: Kind staff and great parking, brilliant

Fantastic experience: Fantastic!

Fantastic experience: The absolute best! We have owned many, many animals- yes we are old and lived in many places- Lizzy and co are outstanding. Caring, professional, communicative and easy to park- yes that is important. We travel through a couple of suburbs to reach Johnston St because of a poor experience with a vet and, we will keep doing so.

Fantastic experience: Have had the best experience at this vet with my beloved French bulldog, Clifford. They actually care about animals and that is evident in every interaction I have had with them. Clifford had hurt his neck and was in a lot of pain. I called and couldn’t get an appointment for a few hours but they said they’d see him if we came in. They gave Clifford pain relief and attended to him right away and I am so grateful to them all for looking after my baby with genuine care.

Fantastic experience: Been elsewhere previously..easy to get an appointment..lovely staff

Fantastic experience: My cat is a very ornery lady and the vets are always so patient. I think they do as much to keep me calm as they do her.

Positive experience: I am very grateful for the future in dealing with a good company that is always convenient & helpful with all inquiries. I will continue to use the services that the clinic provided for me & I'm sure I'll be treated with respect every single contact I have & I'll refer them to others that are seeking their services. Hopefully I can utilise the services I require & I will enjoy the kind & genuine people that work there. Thanks very much for everything!%

Fantastic experience: I wouldn’t usually write google reviews but I’ve had the best experience with Johnston at vet over the last 2 years. All the vets we have had take care of our cat have been exceptional - with special mention to Dr SVB (I think your name was Sarah - you were wonderful!), Dr Jarryd, Dr Sinjin, Dr Richard, Roisin and all the staff behind the front desk. I always get anxious regarding my cats health (childless millennial behaviour) and the staff at Johnston st have never made me feel stupid from bringing him in for a visit. They have great availabilities and the staff at the front desk provide really good advice regarding when to visit. Cannot recommend this clinic enough. Wish I could give the crew 10 stars.

Fantastic experience: These ladies got my dog and I in straight away Lucy was amazing wit Juno and the whole experience was super easy

Fantastic experience: Honestly the best vet I’ve been to… I wouldn’t take my pup anywhere else!

Fantastic experience: I will be forever grateful for the care and compassion Roisin and Cassie showed me and my dying pet. The candle and paw print was such a beautiful gesture. Thank you so much JSV. I honestly couldn’t recommend this practice enough xo

Negative experience: Weren't able to offer avian medicine.Not the practice for my needs.

Fantastic experience: JSV is a wonderful vet practice - they're thorough, caring, and understanding. They take great care of my boys and ensure they receive the best possible treatment.

Negative experience: I do not recommend this place. We have had some appointments before and they were fine but last time, I booked an appointment over the phone and once I was there they told me the vet had to perform an emergency surgery, which I can understand, but they should have call me or send me a txt message to inform me that they won't be able to see my cat. I find this very unprofessional. Since I took the day off from work to take my cat there and payed for transportation too. Edit: Thanks for your reply Aaron, I did my booking for 3:30 p.m not 2:30p.m I also mentioned that to the reception team. Part of growing up as a business is acknowledge your mistakes in order to prevent this to happen in the future. Is a shame that the admin team has change this much in the last months.

Fantastic experience: Excellent experience with the staff. I was lucky enough to have Layton assist my 13yo Keeshond who normally gets very anxious at the vets. He established a great connection with her and she was even happy to follow him out of the room to get her bloods done. His knowledge and communication was excellent and he was happy to call me the following day with her results. I couldn't have been happier with experience.

Positive experience: Friendly and caring staff but I think this clinic is better suited for dogs - the puppy school right on site is noisy with a lot of traffic in and out. My cat was very stressed out by the visit

Fantastic experience: Really great vets have always been amazing with my dog and got us in for an appointment within a few days of calling.

Fantastic experience: Very friendly clinic that’s tidy and spacious. I recently changed to here after moving to the neighbourhood and I find it priced better then where in used to go in Malvern.

Fantastic experience: The vets are so friendly and answered all of the questions I had. They also have some seats so you can bring your dog early, or relax with a coffee to get your dog used to going to the vet. Love this vet, they really helped me when my dog was unwell and were so supportive .

Fantastic experience: friendly and knowlegable team. clean, bright, airy space.

Positive experience: Sometimes a bit of a wait after your appointment time.

Fantastic experience: Great staff. Lovely atmosphere

Fantastic experience: I have to avoid walking my dog near this vet because she tries to pull me in there and whines because she wants to see the nice people at Johnston St Vet!

Positive experience: Helpful vet. It’s rather hard to find parking

Fantastic experience: My little golden retriever got a nasty hotspot over the weekend and after going to the animal hospital plus going to a vet in port Melbourne it still looked so bad, it wasn’t until we came to Johnson street vet that he actually got the treatment he needed. I called up in the morning in hopes we may get in this week and they managed to not only get me in that day but called me back to say they had a cancellation and can see him earlier! Along with super friendly staff at the front I was so grateful for the vet that we saw, he gave me so much advice and information on how to treat him aswell as long term care and how to avoid them in the future. This is the third time coming here and I will NEVER trust anyone else ever again with my dog. They’re so incredibly thorough and they treat every animal that came in as if it was their own. I am so grateful for all the team here. You all are absolutely the best!!! I will be spreading the word to everyone!! Blu is very happy to be in such great hands there! Thankyou so so much!!

Fantastic experience: A trustworthy vet with nice staff and short wait times to get an appointment

Positive experience: People are very friendly. They took good care of my dog when he got spayed surgery. He even went to puppy school here which was amazing.

Fantastic experience: Excellent response to previous admin issues. Bookings were amended and look after my both dogs now.

Fantastic experience: Epitomises “local vet”. Given the inner city location they surprise with small town sense of care, attention and service. No doubt their stellar service is the reason it’s at times difficult to get an prompt appointment so book in advance and get to know a local vet for urgent or emergency visits. Other than that, highly recommended.

Fantastic experience: We love Dr Lan

Fantastic experience: So professional and friendly and easy for a newby pet-owner

Positive experience: Great customer service.

Fantastic experience: The staff are very Nice and my cat and I are very pleased

Fantastic experience: I can not thank the team enough for the care and genuine love they showed my darling Isabo. Isabo left this world in the gentlest way possible. It has been devastating to lose her but when I called in our hour of need and despair we were were so well taken care of. She knew no more pain, just love.

Fantastic experience: Very happy with Johnston St Veterinary Clinic for my cats. Generally able to get an appointment when I need it, and have the option to be put on a call back list for potential cancellations during the day (and they DO actually call you).

Fantastic experience: I’ve got a high-anxiety rescue, and these folks are so, so great with him - often doing home visits so he’s chill and gets all the care he needs.

Fantastic experience: Amazing service and a really thoughtful team who care deeply about your pets.

Fantastic experience: Look after my dog so well

Fantastic experience: Great vet, very caring

Fantastic experience: Good friendly service. Affordable. Will return!

Fantastic experience: The staff here are so professional and caring - our British shorthair is super anxious about vet visits but the staff are always so so good with him! I always feel like he is in safe hands when we’re here, and it’s so reassuring to know the clinic is just round the corner. Thank you!

Fantastic experience: The Johnston Street Vet team are so patient and kind. My 40kg dog has really bad anxiety at the vet after a traumatic experience at an emergency vet hospital in 2020. Since then he's extremely difficult to manage in a vet setting due to his size and fear response. Sedation is required for really basic exams, and administering the sedation is a whole ordeal in itself. The team at Johnston St are SO accomodating and do the most to make sure my dog gets good quality care despite his challenges, sometimes performing examinations in the waiting room or even outside if that's where my dog wants to be. It can't be easy dealing with traumatised animals, but they go out of their way to help us both feel as calm as possible. Being an inner city vet, they're not the cheapest option available, but I find them so worthwhile and they don't push you to purchase their in-house products. They're thorough with aftercare and followup instructions and take the time to answer my questions and talk me through options. Their bedside manner with pets is great but also with their owners. They're compassionate and I feel so comfortable with all the staff members. Their flexibility extends to educating me on how to provide care to my dog where possible, which helps me feel autonomous despite my dog's limitations. I'm really looking forward to working with them to counter condition my dog when COVID permits.

Fantastic experience: Amazing staff and service 100% recommend

Positive experience: The vets here are very good.. Only reason for 4 stars, is because it's very expensive! I mean, all vets are... But this one is very pricey.... My dog was seen by vet, for about 3-4 mins, given some medicine and it cost over $200!! (Just some regular anti biotics!) **You can not get treatment for your animal unless you pay upon visit. So if you're a little short of cash, they won't see your pet... Which is really sad I think you have to be a long time customer before they would even consider seeing your pet without payment on the day.... ** Apart from the expense, the girls out the front are super friendly, really nice girls. Customer service is great!

Fantastic experience: Friendly staff, They take care of my pup very well

Fantastic experience: Most caring wonderful team - these people are amazing.

Fantastic experience: Always very thorough and kind, our dog actually gets excited when he realises we're at the vet!

Negative experience: Be careful when you make appointment they will not inform you or ask your consents that they will charge you if you can’t turn up for the appointment instead they will said had sent sms a day before the appointment of the charges which I did not receive. I turned up late today and Paige mentioned about the absent fees. OMG, is this a vet for caring or vet for money strategy?I am glad did not make it today also will patiently wait if they can charge me to appoint a justice lawyer towards the issue as I had been threatened,good luck to all victims my replied to your answer: kindly check the CCTV if i ever rude to your staff and do not need to accuse me to get your rating high also i have call up the nurse Paige when i was drving toward your vet as i arrived 15 min late from my appointment not 45min...well, where is your policy and consents also the sms that if Patron late need to pay charging fees,you aren’t replying the review to help your vet improvement instead just trying to accused and make it like my mistake..keep short and simple,there is no need for me to ellaborate much as your future patient will understand.I have all my phone recorded as the first day I called up the vet for enquiry if you would like to pursue further.Plus the cctv can prove how many patient were there and the vet walk in to be my witnesses if I ever be rude.By common sense I will run out the vet quickly after been told need to pay late arrival fees.Again, i am threathen by your replied

Fantastic experience: Care, consultation and compassion during covd19 with the heart breaking decision to say goodbye to Bobby. Thanks JSV.

Fantastic experience: Absolutely amazing to deal with and have gone above and beyond to help with my situation. 10/10.

Fantastic experience: Great vet for our puppy, very diligent

Fantastic experience: looked after my elderly gentleman 19yr old poodle x Ernie clipped his nails

Negative experience: When we took our cat here to check if she was pregnant, the vet didn’t know how to operate the machine and the nurse had to help him. I asked if a pregnant cat was allowed to get vaccinated, and again the vet didn’t know and said he would need to call the company and give us update. It’s been a week and I haven’t received any call.

Fantastic experience: Good for a dog grooming as well.

Fantastic experience: Great Service & explain actions of conditions.

Fantastic experience: Excellent friendly staff. Very reasonable price and great advice. Our dog loves visits to this vet

Fantastic experience: Really friendly and professional staff. Great with all the animals they work with. My dog loved them.

Fantastic experience: Great service

Fantastic experience: My doggo and I absolutely love Johnston Street Vet Clinic. The team here are so friendly and professional, they really help to keep my anxious girl relaxed during visits and take exceptional care of her whenever she is in. Now she doesn't have any issues going in for appointments! We're so grateful for the staff here!

Fantastic experience: Nice place, excellent vet who took the time needed to address my dog's problems. Very helpful.

Fantastic experience: The whole crew over at Johnston St Vet are kind, empathetic to new owners and informative. Cannot recommend enough!

Fantastic experience: Lovely staff and always take great care every visit!

Fantastic experience: Johnston St Vet was our local vet until a few years ago when we moved house. When our very old beaglier was sick and needed to see a vet urgently, we couldn't get into our local so called Johnston Street who managed to squeeze us in. While it wasn't ultimately good news for our beaglier, Jarryd was wonderful in explaining the diagnosis and the best course of action. They were very sympathetic and caring, and we couldn't be more appreciative. Would not hesitate recommending them to anyone (and actually often do).

Negative experience: We took our 4mth old puppy here as she was experiencing symptoms of kennel cough. The vet spent 5 minutes with her and told us it was "reverse sneezing". 48 hours later, her symptoms developed into vomiting, loss of appetite and fatigue. We took her to another vet to find our she has a nasty virus which required immediate antibiotics. For how much you pay, you'd expect an accurate diagnosis. Will not be coming back her or recommending Johnston Street Vet to anyone in the future.

Fantastic experience: We brought old Max here, now he's like a young puppy again after some great care and a good diagnosis :)

Fantastic experience: There very dedicated, friendly & I heard they let pay off any bills

Fantastic experience: Great service great people

Fantastic experience: Very friendly staff. Took care of our kitties very well.

Fantastic experience: Great service, also provided great haircuts to my pups

Fantastic experience: Lovely vet - very friendly and have taken very good care of our greyhound, Banjo.

Fantastic experience: Always friendly and helpful.. even with my difficult dog! Staff are all lovely.

Fantastic experience: Thank you guys for looking after little BowieCat when she was a tiny tot and her maw and paw were gallivanting in Europe. She went in a kitten barely able to wipe her own bum and learnt some street smarts in the 2 weeks thanks to the resident kitties and catmates which we are thankful for x

Fantastic experience: Great Vet. We know Our puppy is in good hands when we go there!

Negative experience: Absolutely horrible place, no professionalism, liars straight out lies about everything and manager Amy should be fired , I don’t understand how she is in the business of customer service. Disgusting behavior on her part

Fantastic experience: Took my little Pook here. The vet was very thorough and presented a well reasoned treatment plan. Pook seems to be doing well. She is much more loving and more outgoing. Poor thing was in pain and we never realised.

Fantastic experience: Finally found a thorough lovely Vet for our Poppet. Poppet now free from pain and seems much happier in herself!!