Rincon Vista Veterinary Center, 1122 South Pantano Road, Tucson, Reviews and Appointments (2024)

Azure Ramsdell

27 Jun 2018

REPORT

They sent the kindest sympathy card after helping my beloved elderly Pomeranian over the rainbow bridge. It really meant a lot. Very professional and kind. Excellent quality of care as well.

Kristin Peterson

22 Jun 2018

REPORT

Amazing experience! They were able to get me in a couple hours after I called to make an appointment. Then once I was there, they got me in quickly, did a through exam on dog, and explained the reason... Read More

Amazing experience! They were able to get me in a couple hours after I called to make an appointment. Then once I was there, they got me in quickly, did a through exam on dog, and explained the reason behind each treatment suggestion. They were very kind and genuine. Definitely plan on keeping them as our regular vet. Read Less

Dave Haskins

11 Apr 2018

REPORT

Friendly and professional. I've been very pleased with the care my little fuzzball gets here. The staff really seem to care about their patients.

Dave Daveness

11 Apr 2018

REPORT

Friendly and professional. I've been very pleased with the care my little fuzzball gets here. The staff really seem to care about their patients.

Vicki Harris

30 Mar 2018

REPORT

We moved back to AZ from East coast. We had found a wonderful vet over there, and I was really concerned about finding a vet's office that would be just as great. Found it!! As a pet owner, y'all know... Read More

We moved back to AZ from East coast. We had found a wonderful vet over there, and I was really concerned about finding a vet's office that would be just as great. Found it!! As a pet owner, y'all know they're family. Super great, concerned and kind team. Mindy and Violet, thank you! Read Less

Julie Simard

14 Mar 2018

REPORT

This is a very caring vet. They are so kind and gentle with my little guy.

Malia Bojorquez

10 Feb 2018

REPORT

Thank you so much for getting me in today when no one would help me!!! It was a sad day but to have such compassionate individuals helping me through the process meant the world to me!!! Thank you aga... Read More

Thank you so much for getting me in today when no one would help me!!! It was a sad day but to have such compassionate individuals helping me through the process meant the world to me!!! Thank you again from the bottom of my heart! Read Less

Valerie Gsoell

29 Nov 2017

REPORT

I've been taking my cats here since I got a groupon to give them a try. The staff is great with my pets. When we had to make the hardest decision in a pet parent's life, the staff was very gentle and ... Read More

I've been taking my cats here since I got a groupon to give them a try. The staff is great with my pets. When we had to make the hardest decision in a pet parent's life, the staff was very gentle and so thoughtful about one of the worst days of our lives. We and our pets feel greatly appreciated by the staff, whether the news is good or bad. I definitely recommend Rincon Vista for anyone who loves their pets. Read Less

Louise

13 Nov 2017

REPORT

This was the BEST experience my best friend, Drake, and I had at a Vet office by far! We were so happy with the service and overall compassion everyone in the office showed us. From the helpful and in... Read More

This was the BEST experience my best friend, Drake, and I had at a Vet office by far! We were so happy with the service and overall compassion everyone in the office showed us. From the helpful and informative staff on the phone (who also helped accomodate my hectic schedule AND my horrible sense of direction!) to the techs who handled my baby with love and of course the Vet, who took her time explaining LOTS of info to me and genuinely cared about animals and their people, Rincon is too notch!!! I would highly recommend anyone who has a pet friend in need to please not hesitate and make an appointment here! Read Less

Lorraina Kestner

6 May 2017

REPORT

Been a customer at Rincon Vista Veterinary Center since 1994. They are always accommodating and friendly!

Ann Jarvis

1 May 2017

REPORT

My experience at Rincon Vista Veterinary Center could not have been better. Everyone shows they really care about your pet and they want them to be well - just as much as you do. I have been coming ... Read More

My experience at Rincon Vista Veterinary Center could not have been better. Everyone shows they really care about your pet and they want them to be well - just as much as you do. I have been coming here for over 20 years and they have taken great care of my 6 dogs. I would not think of going anywhere else. Read Less

Dawn Koelemeyer

7 Mar 2017

REPORT

Such wonderful, caring, and compassionate staff. Dr. Heist is fantastic.

Kate Cross

14 Feb 2017

REPORT

My dog was due for her rabies shot. The first estimate they showed me was over $400!! I scanned the page and asked them to explain each charge, the geriatric screening was the majority of the estimate... Read More

My dog was due for her rabies shot. The first estimate they showed me was over $400!! I scanned the page and asked them to explain each charge, the geriatric screening was the majority of the estimate >$300 (I of course declined) with the rest being flu shot, heart worm screening, bordetella DA2PP and rabies vac/office visit. Shots were given and health discussed, I was told she needed her teeth cleaned, they do have some buildup so I requested a quote. Before they came back with the dental quote they returned with an estimate for $111.xx I was caught off guard, it was apparently an estimate for glucosamine and other shots Dr.Heist recommended for easing arthritis or potential joint pain when discussing her health/age/slight decline, I didn't realize during the discussion that I was being sold on these as I made a mental note I would pick some up next time I was in Nogales. The dental cleaning quote came next; $524.00!!! Maybe I am just out of touch with canine health costs but this seems high, I know what human labs cost and the labs were excessive in comparison. I will call around and make a more informed decision before I say it's outrageous because maybe I'm just out of touch with animal care/screening cost compared to human. Either way the visit left me feeling like I was being up sold the entire visit. I am a very frugal person and price shop often. I have not price shopped veterinarians because I assumed prices were similar and had not previously been given such high price quotes, I guess canine care pricing research is my next project. Read Less

Tama Jarvis

9 Feb 2017

REPORT

I have been very pleased with Dr Heist and her team. They know me as well as my pets when I call or come in. They have went above and beyond when one of my pets had pancreatitis and required IV fluids... Read More

I have been very pleased with Dr Heist and her team. They know me as well as my pets when I call or come in. They have went above and beyond when one of my pets had pancreatitis and required IV fluids over the weekend. They are all very pleasant and explain everything they are doing and give you options to care for your pet. I couldn't ask for any place better for my pet's needs. Read Less

Cathleen Redfern

17 Jan 2017

REPORT

Agatha has been a patient for many years. How many vets do you know who get down on the floor, every time, to play with your pet so they think the exam is just part of a game? That's Dr. Heist! Eve... Read More

Agatha has been a patient for many years. How many vets do you know who get down on the floor, every time, to play with your pet so they think the exam is just part of a game? That's Dr. Heist! Even though there is a shot or something uncomfortable usually associated with her visits, Agatha knows when we turn the corner where we are going and can't wait to get out of the car. She also scratches at the office door if I don't open it fast enough! The entire staff truly cares about Agatha's well-being-from setting up the appointment to going out the door. Read Less

Darlene Dunnavant

18 Nov 2016

REPORT

Dr. Heist is the BEST VET I have ever encountered! SHE REALLY CARES ABOUT MY DOGS AND SHE SHOWS IT! Our dogs TIA MARIA & INDIANA BONES ADORE HER and see her as one of the PACK! Thank You for VERY pro... Read More

Dr. Heist is the BEST VET I have ever encountered! SHE REALLY CARES ABOUT MY DOGS AND SHE SHOWS IT! Our dogs TIA MARIA & INDIANA BONES ADORE HER and see her as one of the PACK! Thank You for VERY prompt access to your professional care, your friendly staff, and for the welcoming atmosphere of Rincon Vista Veterinary Center! YOU ARE THE GOLD STANDARD OF VET CARE IN TUCSON! PS. Just a little shorter wait times( once in an exam room) would be greatly appreciated though...Read Less

Maricela Martinez

7 Nov 2016

REPORT

A very positive experience on 11/5/16! The Vet was very thorough in examining my pet. She answered all my questions and overtly demonstrated kindness towards my pet and me! The Vet Staff is friendly a... Read More

A very positive experience on 11/5/16! The Vet was very thorough in examining my pet. She answered all my questions and overtly demonstrated kindness towards my pet and me! The Vet Staff is friendly and went out of their way to see us on the same day we requested help for our injured and precious Chihuahua...Chailatte! We will definately come back! Read Less

Jennifer Pihl

15 Oct 2015

REPORT

I met Dr. Heist while fostering. She is the most compassionate and caring Dr. I have 4 dogs and 3 cats. A few Dr.'s I have come across in the past are into the selling of product. Example: I we... Read More

I met Dr. Heist while fostering. She is the most compassionate and caring Dr. I have 4 dogs and 3 cats. A few Dr.'s I have come across in the past are into the selling of product. Example: I went to a Dr. when I moved to Tucson, My dog was 17 and the Dr. wanted to do a echocardiogram on her. She was aging ..like me, and I had not had one yet! We moved into town and This other Dr. wanted to do dental on a 20 year old dog who is already weak. I said no, but they still wrote up the estimate. over one thousand dollars. I always kept up with dental and so on, but when there at an age where the risk outweighs the benefits. I have decided to move all my records to Rincon Vista. The staff is wonderful. I highly recommend Dr. Heist.Read Less

Damian B.

5 Oct 2015

REPORT

I took my dog a little chihuahua to this vet for a broken leg. I had to wait for almost 30 minutes before the doctor even came in. Then the doctor after us telling her that our dog will bite her if sh... Read More

I took my dog a little chihuahua to this vet for a broken leg. I had to wait for almost 30 minutes before the doctor even came in. Then the doctor after us telling her that our dog will bite her if she moves her leg continues to try to wrap her leg without a muzzle and got bit. Then after they finally took her back after quoting 598 just for the medicine and x-rays. The doctor called us to say that it would be able to simply sit the leg and wrap it. 2 hours later she called us saying we would have to pay an additional 400 even though she was not knowledgeable enough to sit and wrap a leg, a basic action and the brake was straight across. She then said we had to go to Valley animal hospital to someone who knew how to do it. The vet then called Valley animal after we left and then called us saying Valley was not taking new patients, lucky for them we were not new. I would NEVER recommend someone use this vet I spent 1000 just for them to essentially tell me it was broke. Read Less

Lindsey R

27 Apr 2015

REPORT

Love love love them!!!

Vitolo Rossini

17 Jan 2015

REPORT

Compassionate, and kind.. office was clean. Prices way too high. I was the only person in the office at 4:00 p.m., but still suffered a 20 minute wait in the exam room. Dr.Heist did not get down to th... Read More

Compassionate, and kind.. office was clean. Prices way too high. I was the only person in the office at 4:00 p.m., but still suffered a 20 minute wait in the exam room. Dr.Heist did not get down to the purpose of the visit, but rather tried to discuss other issues, and recommend other services (echo-cardiogram etc.). I geared her back to the ear trouble, and she said " I will write up an estimate, and send it in with one of the staff". I questioned this and was informed that the Doctor did not like to be present when money was discussed. After 10 more minutes alone in exam room, I left and went to the desk. I told the girl I would pay the costly office visit but I was leaving because I did not appreciate the mystery surrounding the pricing, or the word "estimate'. The estimate came back at just over $85 for the visit and a swab (not including medication which was separate) I left and spoke with another Vet office and was told the dogs ear was minimally irritated, and was recommended a solution of Vinegar and water to administer. The cost of office visit at the other vet was substantially less that Rincon Valley was, and the treatment and diagnostics included in the total $35 cost.Read Less

Jacqueline S.

8 Jan 2015

REPORT

I am so glad I found this place after moving back to Arizona. I have a Pomeranian with a history of stomach problems. When he has a flare up he winds up having a large amount of blood in his stool, an... Read More

I am so glad I found this place after moving back to Arizona. I have a Pomeranian with a history of stomach problems. When he has a flare up he winds up having a large amount of blood in his stool, and at that point I always take him to the vet in order to get him on medication to calm down his intestines and stop the bleeding. The office assistant made sure to try and get prior records on my dogs illness so as to assist the dr with her analysis of how to treat my dog when I arrived. When Dr. Heist walked in, I immediately felt put at ease. The way she talked to my dog made me trust her immediately. Some people might not do the baby talk with their pets, but I do, and the fact that Dr. Heist did I found really touching and special. My dog doesn't take easily to new people, but he actually rolled onto his back and let her rub his stomach (he has only let 3 people do this in the 4 years I've had him). She was so sweet and took her time examining him and putting me at ease over all the concerns I had. I cannot recommend this place enough. From how friendly, kind, patient and compassionate the office assistant and vet tech were, to how amazing Dr. Heist was, I will definitely be bringing my pets here in the future. Read Less

Sandy McCoy

19 Jun 2014

REPORT

My doberman, Tony, has gone to Rincon Vista since he was a pup and Dr. Byrd was there. He was a wonderful man/vet. Now we have Dr. Heist and love her too. She is so great with Tony and makes me feel r... Read More

My doberman, Tony, has gone to Rincon Vista since he was a pup and Dr. Byrd was there. He was a wonderful man/vet. Now we have Dr. Heist and love her too. She is so great with Tony and makes me feel reassured every time we're in there. Highly recommend them. Great location, wonderful techs, and the price is really reasonable. Convenient east side location is a HUGE PLUS!!! Read Less

W B.

15 May 2014

REPORT

New vet here, Dr. Auburn Heist. Love, love, love her. My Maltipoo has such severe allergies he was beat red and itching non stop all the time. My previous vet gave me meds but never too much advice ... Read More

New vet here, Dr. Auburn Heist. Love, love, love her. My Maltipoo has such severe allergies he was beat red and itching non stop all the time. My previous vet gave me meds but never too much advice on how to avoid this in the future. Dr. Heist said to remove all treats other than natural treats and continue on the holistic food like it have been and prescribed some meds, special shampoo and VIOLA, he has never been better! I had also tried all sensitive skin shampoos, aloe etc to no avail, the one she sold me is great and he does not mind it a bit. The total bill was less than $225 and that is a great deal! Glad she bought this practice! Highly recommend her and staff, all huge animal lovers and friendly. She's got my business! Read Less

David H.

18 Jan 2014

REPORT

Great people to work with. Especially Nicolette. Appreciate their honesty and patience.

Maria Garcia

6 Dec 2013

REPORT

I don't see how these people had such a bad experience with Rincon Vista. My dog was also a patient of Dr. Bird and with his passing things at the clinic have just recently taken a turn for the better... Read More

I don't see how these people had such a bad experience with Rincon Vista. My dog was also a patient of Dr. Bird and with his passing things at the clinic have just recently taken a turn for the better. No one will ever be Dr. Bird but Dr. Heist is a wonderful vet. She was very caring and knowledgeable with my dog. The staff at Rincon Vista is also great. So friendly and caring for my pet. The prices are very reasonable for Tucson. I'm highly satisfied with the care my pet received from Dr. Heist and her staff. I will continue to bring my dogs Deliah and Rico to see them.Read Less

Katherine Connors

30 Nov 2013

REPORT

My appointment was for urine analysis for my female dog who has had surgery, I am very disappointed in this group - evidently they have taken over Dr. Bird;s practice. The vet came in after the tech... Read More

My appointment was for urine analysis for my female dog who has had surgery, I am very disappointed in this group - evidently they have taken over Dr. Bird;s practice. The vet came in after the tech had the urinalysis ( was overcharged comparable to other vet's charges for this); the vet didn't even see where Honey's stitches were! I will be picking up my records and changing vets. This vet appeared to see us for about 5 minutes - checked Honey's heart and billed $130. Not acceptable. No full exam for that amount of money. I have had dogs for 40 years and the quality of vet care is not what Gary Bird would expect.Read Less

Lawrence Fuller

24 Sep 2013

REPORT

Talk about a cold reception! We have been using this vet clinic for years, when Dr. Gary Bird was the DVM (he passed away recently, much to our surprise). Back then the clinic was alive and vibrant wi... Read More

Talk about a cold reception! We have been using this vet clinic for years, when Dr. Gary Bird was the DVM (he passed away recently, much to our surprise). Back then the clinic was alive and vibrant with cats and a few dogs hanging out at the reception area. There was a fish tank as well in the waiting area. Dr. Bird's staff was always smiling, cheerful and great with all the animals that came in through the front door. The last time we saw the clinic and Dr. Bird was about 2 years ago when we had to put down our beautiful Yorkie. Dr. Bird was always professional and - at the same time - caring towards the needs of your loved ones (pets). So why am I giving the clinic one star?We recently brought our dog in to the clinic to have a check-up. We were concerned about a few issues. The new owner is Dr. Auburn D. Heist and she has made a bunch of changes to the look, and atmosphere of the clinic. No longer is there a feeling of love when you come in! Everything is sterile looking and plain. No more personal pictures allowed in the reception area! And the doctor herself is apathetic, and interested in doing things that would cost more money. In fact, we feel that she only is interested in money and not the animals she is supposed to care for. We recommend changing vets if you are currently using them. I do not feel that she is honoring Dr. Birds memory in the way she is running the clinic.P.S. I don't think our dog liked her much, either! Read Less

John Doe

11 Jun 2013

REPORT

Whoever I dealt with on the phone (6/11/13 2:45 pm) had a completely bad attitude. I called with a credit card to pay an office visit free from the day before, but first asked if it was possible to d... Read More

Whoever I dealt with on the phone (6/11/13 2:45 pm) had a completely bad attitude. I called with a credit card to pay an office visit free from the day before, but first asked if it was possible to debit 15 now and the remainder on Friday, simple yes/no question right? Well all I got was a crap-storm of attitude "WHO CHECKED YOU OUT?!?!" "THAT IS AGAINST POLICY!" "THIS IS A PLACE OF BUSINESS.......SIR...." "SHE SHOULDN'T HAVE LET YOU LEAVE!!!" Well she did the right thing as I didn't have cash, debit or CC at the time, I just took my dog down there last minute cos I was worried. I dont appreciate the attitude. DR. was nice, the lady who checked me out the previous day was nice, however Ill be trying a new vet who doesn't hire people like this to begin with.Read Less

FM L.

27 Jul 2011

REPORT

I just moved to Tucson from St. Louis and I had to get my dog licensed and to get her annual shots. When I called for an appointment, the receptionist was very friendly and nice. I was able to get a... Read More

I just moved to Tucson from St. Louis and I had to get my dog licensed and to get her annual shots. When I called for an appointment, the receptionist was very friendly and nice. I was able to get an appointment within 30 minutes after my phone call, so that was a plus. When I arrived, I did not have to wait to be shown into an exam room, so that also was a plus. Exam Room:The exam room had a park-like bench to sit on while we waited for someone to come in and see us. Also, there was an exam table that was folded up against the wall kind of like an iron board that is held up by the wall. There was also a computer system, which the vet center utilizes to update patient files, etc. Connected to the room is a door that leads into the vet tech/vet area, which is where the vet entered from. Vet Tech:Bailey and I waited for about 5-8 minutes in the exam room before a vet tech came in to ask us a few questions. When she came in, however, she didn't really show any affection towards my dog. She didn't even pet Bailey when she walked in, which seems odd since at my vet in St. Louis I am quite used to the Vet Techs petting any pet that is waiting to be examined. She didn't even seem to care much or even pet my dog when she was taking her temperature or even her heart rate. The Vet Tech definitely did not seem to like animals/dogs very much. Vet: Dr. Gary BirdAfter the Tech got the necessary information, we waited for Dr. Bird, which wasn't too long of a wait. When he came in, he was definitely a friendly man. First he went to the computer to see what information he had on my dog and then he got down on the floor and sat down, while petting my dog (as any vet should). He was definitely kind and friendly, trying to gain the trust of my dog before getting her shots. He was also very informative regarding the types of diseases that my dog could get since we moved to Tucson (ie. Valley Fever) and what kind of preventative medication she should get (ie. heartworm meds). He definitely didn't try to sell me unnecessary things and even when he found out that I give my dog Sentinel, which he doesn't sell, he didn't try to convert me to something he sells. He told me to continue with Sentinel and that he could write a prescription for me to get Sentinel from my usual medication provider. Overall:Overall, a good vet center. I am not 100% in love with the vet since my old vet went way beyond what I expected from her while I lived in St. Louis, so it's hard to reach her level in my eyes. As for costs, they were not unreasonable. For her shots, they ranged between $10-$13.50 and the Office Visit/Exam was $28.00. The fecal exam that I got for an intestinal parasite screen was the most expensive, which was $43.50, but at least I do not have to get a fecal exam too often. I liked the fact that I didn't have to wait and that costs were reasonable, but the vet techs need to show more affection towards the pets since they are the patients afterall. Read Less