Tender Touch earns consistent praise for patient-centered care: vets sit on the ground with nervous dogs, offer exam space adjustments mid-visit, and make end-of-life moments peaceful on the lawn rather than in a stressful lobby. Staff across reception, tech, and veterinary teams are named repeatedly as skilled, kind, and genuinely invested. The facility itself is calm, clean, and plays gentle music; wait times are reportedly short. Reviewers-many with 10 to 20+ years of loyalty-describe no hard sell, transparent cost discussion, and clear explanations of why treatments matter. Dr Barr, Dr Audrey Barnett, Dr Howard, Dr Theissen, Dr Hedlin, Dr Koster, and vet techs Toya and Brianna are specifically praised. One caveat: a few reviewers call the clinic expensive, though most who mention price say it is fair or "wonderful" value.
Since 1999, their website claims AAHA accreditation, Cat Friendly Practice certification, and a full menu from wellness exams to surgery, dentistry, ultrasound, and lab work. The 4.8 rating across 865 reviews (94% five-star) places them well above the local average for general veterinary care. Long-term customers continue using them even after relocating away, and rescue-dog owners note that Tender Touch skills-not prior trauma-rebuild confidence in fearful animals.
Review evidence is limited. The practice, operating since 1999 in Baker, holds AAHA accreditation and Cat Friendly Practice certification. Their website lists spay/neuter surgery, dental cleanings, radiography, ultrasound, lab diagnostics, vaccines, parasite control, microchipping, and cat adoptions.
Staff and volunteers shine brightest during adoption: many adopters report feeling welcomed, guided, and grateful, especially for special needs animals. The vet clinic side is fractured. Some reviewers praise affordable care and attentiveness (notably a foster-to-adopt success with post-surgery support), while others describe vets as rude, dismissive of concerns, and inaccurate in diagnostics, leading to delayed treatment and loss of trust in the organization.
Most reviewers praise the clinic's low cost and caring approach, with longtime supporters highlighting their mission and some staff showing genuine gentleness. However, consistent complaints surface about front desk miscommunication, disorganized records, and inconsistent handling of anxious animals. Recent reviews suggest some operational improvements, though experiences remain variable. Staff quality varies significantly by individual. Dr. Obrien receives specific praise for expertise; other vets have been criticized for impatience and rough technique. Presurgical quotes sometimes feel inflated. The clinic operates as a busy, mission-driven practice, which works for some families but leaves others frustrated.
Last updated 2026-07-05