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DownDog Veterinary Clinic

Veterinarian · Belmont, NC · reviewed since 2019

How the Experts Score is calculatedEach factor is scored 0–100 on absolute terms (standing in the category can only raise it), then weighted; problems flagged in review highlights or a recent slide in ratings are subtracted:Satisfaction 55%85+46.4Reliability 24%69+16.7Value 14%100+14.1Replies to reviews 7%70+4.9Craft & service penalty99−0.1Momentum penalty78−2.2Experts Score= 80Grade A: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39. Needs 10+ reviews.80SCORE
AGradeLetter from the Experts Score: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39, F = under 20.
#16 of 32 pet nutritionistsPosition by Experts Score among all companies we track in this category. · better than 52%
4.9 ★★★★★ 143 Google reviews · 24 photos
97%five-star reviews
4.73★last 12 monthsAverage stars on reviews from the last 12 months only.
7.4%1–2★ in 2 yearsShare of 1–2★ reviews in the last 24 months — or the 20 newest reviews when the company had fewer than 20 in that time.
46%reviews answered by the owner
Sep 2026latest review

DownDog Veterinary Clinic at a glance

Google reviewers rate DownDog Veterinary Clinic 4.9 out of 5 based on 143 reviews, with the owner responding to 46 percent of them. Clients frequently cite the staff’s friendliness, thorough communication, and ability to keep anxious pets calm during visits for vaccines, allergies, and emergencies. Pricing is often noted as lower than competitors. However, a few low-star reviews criticize specific medical decisions, such as early neutering and medication side effects, alongside complaints about perceived rudeness at the front desk during urgent situations.

  • Google rating: 4.9 out of 5 from 143 reviews (97% five-star).
  • Reviews on this page: 143 Google reviews (124 with written comments, 20 with photos).
  • Owner responses: the business replied to 46% of reviews.
  • Most recent review: September 29, 2026.
  • Service: Pet Nutritionist serving Belmont, North Carolina.

Data from Google, last updated October 25, 2026.

Score profile vs other pet nutritionists

Score per factor (100 = best)Each factor is scored 0–100 on absolute terms (star average, share of 1–2★ reviews, price verdicts…); standing within the category can only raise it, never lower it.. Strongest: value and craft & service; weakest: reliability.

Satisfaction85Reliability69Craft & service99Value100Momentum78Replies to reviews70Satisfaction: 85 (median 83)Reliability: 69 (median 77)Craft & service: 99 (median 90)Value: 100 (median 88)Momentum: 78 (median 100)Replies to reviews: 70 (median 58)
DownDog Veterinary ClinicPet Nutritionists median0 = centre, 100 = best
SatisfactionSatisfaction · 54% of the scoreRecency-weighted star average (2-year half-life), shrunk toward the category mean by review volume; the company’s own lifetime average as the prior; absolute: 4.0★ = 0, 5★ = 100.DownDog Veterinary Clinic: 85/100 on this factor. Category median: 83.A
85
ReliabilityReliability · 24% of the scoreHow rarely jobs go badly: share of 1–2★ reviews — 60% the last 24 months (or the 20 newest if fewer), 40% all-time; 0% = 100, 15%+ = 0; the category percentile can only raise it.DownDog Veterinary Clinic: 69/100 on this factor. Category median: 77.B
69
Craft & serviceCraft & service · penalty only, up to −10 pointsGoogle review highlights: Quality, Professionalism, Responsiveness, Punctuality — how rarely reviewers flag them as a negative, per review since highlights began; 0% = 100, 5%+ = 0. Subtracted from the score (up to −10), never averaged in — clean highlights are the norm, not a bonus.DownDog Veterinary Clinic: 99/100 on this factor. Category median: 90.A
99
ValueValue · 14% of the scoreCustomers’ own price verdicts (Great / Reasonable vs Overpriced) and Value highlights; 65% absolute (all “reasonable” ≈ 80, “great” = 100), the category percentile can only raise it.DownDog Veterinary Clinic: 100/100 on this factor. Category median: 88.A
100
MomentumMomentum · penalty only, up to −10 pointsPenalises only a real slide: last-12-month average below lifetime (−0.5★ = 0). Still 4.8★+ over the last year, or steady/improving = 100. Subtracted from the score (up to −10), never averaged in.DownDog Veterinary Clinic: 78/100 on this factor. Category median: 100.B
78
Replies to reviewsReplies to reviews · 7% of the scoreHow often the owner publicly replies to reviews under 5★ (1–4★). Needs 3+ such reviews, otherwise not counted; 65% absolute (80%+ replied = 100), the category percentile can only raise it.DownDog Veterinary Clinic: 70/100 on this factor. Category median: 58.B
70

Bar = this company · dark tick = category median.

Star ratings

143 Google reviews we collected

  • 5 stars13897%
  • 4 stars21%
  • 3 stars00%
  • 2 stars00%
  • 1 star32%

Praise vs complaints

Phrases our text analysis found in 124 written reviews

  • Praise19795%
  • Complaints105%

PriceGoogle asks reviewers whether the price was great, reasonable or overpriced; these are their answers.

Price verdicts customers left with their Google review

  • Great price338%
  • Reasonable563%
  • Overpriced00%
  • Not sure00%

Topic share

How often each topic comes up in the written reviews

  • Staff & attitude7938%
  • Would recommend3818%
  • Quality & results2713%
  • Speed & response2412%
  • Communication199%
  • Honesty & trust115%
  • Price & value94%

What customers talk about

We read 124 written reviews and marked every phrase about these topics. The same colors are highlighted in the reviews.

  • “I can’t say enough about the wonderful, caring staff who took care of my sweet girl!”
  • “Would absolutely recommend, these guys know what they are doing!”
    “AVOID THIS VET AT ALL COSTS!”
  • “Kimmel took the time to thoroughly review his medical history, understand what we had already tried, and walked me through our options.”
  • “Following an unexpected injury, they squeezed me in—same day.”
  • “The veterinarian was thorough, patient, and answered all of our questions.”
  • “I have NEVER felt this level of trust and care with any other vet in Charlotte, and while she specializes in sight hounds, I would trust her with any…”
  • “She is fair and honest and always helps to create a plan that best meets the needs of your pet.”

People customers mention

  • Kimmel 61 reviews
  • Charlotte 9 reviews
  • Sarah 6 reviews
  • Ballantyne 5 reviews

praise complaint · found by our text analysis, Google review wording unchanged.

Reviews for your job

Customers hired DownDog Veterinary Clinic for 1 kind of job. Pick one to see what they paid and said.

Recent reviews

Mary5 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · 3 weeks ago★★★★★

I can’t say enough about the wonderful, caring staff who took care of my sweet girl! Following an unexpected injury, they squeezed me in—same day. Immediately, my dog felt at ease. Thank you so much to Dr. Jennifer Kimmel and her staff for the expert care for my pet.

Reasonable priceLarge animals
RichLocal Guide · 20 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · a month ago★

We took our baby, Lola, here for her itching which we thought was due to allergies. That is likely the case since Charlotte is a very allergic city. The doctor pre3scibed Apoquel pills and Cytopoint shots to help control the itching. Within a very short time (a couple days) she developed severe diarrhea and lost…

MarkLocal Guide · 96 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · a month ago★★★★★

Dr. Kimmel and her team exemplify all the traits of what a good veterinarian practice should be. For the big and small stuff, she keeps us updated through every step of the way, talks to us about all treatment options and always chooses the options that the most cost effective and pertinent for the given situation.…

JEANLocal Guide · 23 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · 2 months ago★★★★★

Great place to bring your pet; super friendly and professional. Will definitely keep as my pet's primary care vet.

Reasonable priceService not listed
Silvia9 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · 2 months ago★★★★★

Dr. Kimmel and her staff were wonderful with my recently adopted dog. It seems like he had been abused before the adoption and I wanted to make sure that he was at peas during the vet visit. He was really peaceful and didn’t seem frazzled at all.

Reasonable priceService not listed
OlenaLocal Guide · 15 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · 2 months ago★★★★★

We brought our dog Coco for his first consultation, and we were very impressed. The staff was friendly, caring, and professional. The veterinarian was thorough, patient, and answered all of our questions. We felt very comfortable and confident in the care Coco received. Highly recommend this clinic! 🐾

Large animals

Photos

Customer reviews

4.9 ★★★★★ 143 reviews on Google · rating breakdown

Reviews from Google, shown as published (original wording, unedited).

Jobs customers hired them for — from Google's service tags and the review text
Team members customers mention
Filter by topic — each topic is highlighted in the reviews in the same color
Mary Newbegin5 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews Mary has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

I can’t say enough about the wonderful, caring staff who took care of my sweet girl! Following an unexpected injury, they squeezed me in—same day. Immediately, my dog felt at ease. Thank you so much to Dr. Jennifer Kimmel and her staff for the expert care for my pet.

  • Price assessment: Reasonable price
  • Services: Large animals
Jocelyne Martinez7 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews Jocelyne has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

Finding a great vet after moving across three states is difficult, especially with two dachshunds and very different needs. Dr. Kimmel has been an absolute pleasure to work with. My dachshund Oakley has severe allergies that became significantly worse after moving to the Texas now North Carolina. We moved from Oregon. Dr. Kimmel took the time to thoroughly review his medical history, understand what we had already tried, and walked me through our options. Rather than immediately turning to steroids, we developed a plan with his Heska allergy treatment, Apoquel, and medicated shampoo for his yeast-infected toe beans. He is noticeably happier and doing much better. Oakley is going on 5 years this December. Then there’s Bourbon, our dachshund puppy, who comes in every 4 weeks for puppy preventative care. Dr. Kimmel has been incredibly thorough with her vaccines, preventative care, and spay. She kept me updated throughout her procedure and even took the time to discuss what to watch for as Bourbon’s adult teeth come in. What I appreciate most is that Dr. Kimmel genuinely listens. I am not afraid to speak up when I have doubts or concerns with a topic. She is patient with my endless questions, explains everything clearly, and gives me honest, thorough information without making me feel pressured. Her team also follows up after appointments, which says a lot about how much they care. Both of my dogs leave happy and comfortable, and Oakley’s allergies are much more manageable now. I’m incredibly grateful to have found a vet who treats my dogs with the same level of care and attention I would want for them myself. Dr. Kimmel and her entire team are wonderful. Bourbon, Oakley, and I are so grateful to have Dr. Kimmel and her team.

  • Price assessment: Reasonable price
  • Services: Service not listed
Rich FurrLocal Guide · 20 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews Rich has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

We took our baby, Lola, here for her itching which we thought was due to allergies. That is likely the case since Charlotte is a very allergic city. The doctor pre3scibed Apoquel pills and Cytopoint shots to help control the itching. Within a very short time (a couple days) she developed severe diarrhea and lost her appetite for the most part. My wife did a lot of research and discovered that these are very real side effects of these drugs. We believe that any vet worth being called one should have known this and never prescribed these drugs to any dog. Outrageously bad practice!!! I took her to an emergency vet who did a very thorough workup and agreed completely. Never should have been prescribed!!! AVOID THIS VET AT ALL COSTS!!! And DO NOT believe any of the 5-star reviews. She probably had family or friends write them! She could kill your beloved baby.

Mark ManningLocal Guide · 96 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews Mark has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

Dr. Kimmel and her team exemplify all the traits of what a good veterinarian practice should be. For the big and small stuff, she keeps us updated through every step of the way, talks to us about all treatment options and always chooses the options that the most cost effective and pertinent for the given situation. I have NEVER felt this level of trust and care with any other vet in Charlotte, and while she specializes in sight hounds, I would trust her with any pet, regardless of breed. Thanks to Dr. Kimmel and the team for taking such good care of our babies!

JEAN PAUL CarrionLocal Guide · 23 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews JEAN has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

Great place to bring your pet; super friendly and professional. Will definitely keep as my pet's primary care vet.

  • Price assessment: Reasonable price
  • Services: Service not listed
Silvia Chaves9 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews Silvia has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

Dr. Kimmel and her staff were wonderful with my recently adopted dog. It seems like he had been abused before the adoption and I wanted to make sure that he was at peas during the vet visit. He was really peaceful and didn’t seem frazzled at all.

  • Price assessment: Reasonable price
  • Services: Service not listed
Olena KontsemalLocal Guide · 15 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews Olena has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

We brought our dog Coco for his first consultation, and we were very impressed. The staff was friendly, caring, and professional. The veterinarian was thorough, patient, and answered all of our questions. We felt very comfortable and confident in the care Coco received. Highly recommend this clinic! 🐾

  • Services: Large animals
Colin Sutcliffe1 reviewTotal number of Google reviews Colin has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

I came here recently for my cat, and they did a great job with him. The staff and Dr. Kimmel are helpful, professional, and knowledge. They also charged me just over half of what my old vet would've. They're going to be my regular vet from now on.

Morgan Brooks2 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews Morgan has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

My cat, Barbara, and I had the best experience at DownDog! Everyone who B interacted with was so nice and gentle. They a stressful situation so much easier. Could not recommend this place enough!

  • Price assessment: Reasonable price
Lindsey WLocal Guide · 132 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews Lindsey has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

I forgot to post a review but felt I needed to. Dr.Kimmel and staff are so wonderful! My pup is absolutely terrified at the vet and has to be sedated etc & it’s always a semi traumatic experience. I switched from another vet in Ballantyne due to them not really trying with scared dogs. At DownDog they sat down with my pup, used very low voices and went above and beyond to make it a much better experience. Also the inside is not like being at the vet, its very comfy and cozy which I love!!!

  • Price assessment: Great price

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Business details