Trustworthy Reviews for Better Decisions
Reviews are one of the most important tools pet owners use when choosing a vet. LocalVet is committed to maintaining a fair, transparent review system that benefits both pet owners and veterinary businesses.
How Star Ratings Are Calculated
Each clinic's overall rating is a weighted average of all approved reviews. Here is how it works:
- Reviewers rate their experience from 1 to 5 stars.
- The overall rating displayed on a listing is the arithmetic mean of all published review scores, rounded to one decimal place.
- More recent reviews carry slightly more weight to ensure the rating reflects current service quality.
- A clinic needs at least 3 reviews before its star rating is displayed publicly.
Who Can Leave a Review?
To leave a review on LocalVet, you must:
- Have a registered LocalVet account (Pet Owner or Business Owner).
- Have a verified email address.
- Not be the owner or an employee of the clinic you are reviewing.
Writing a Helpful Review
The best reviews are specific and fair. Consider mentioning:
- The reason for your visit (check-up, emergency, surgery, etc.).
- How the staff treated you and your pet.
- Wait times and the overall experience.
- Whether costs were communicated clearly.
- Whether you would return or recommend the clinic.
Can Businesses Respond to Reviews?
Yes. Verified business owners can post a public response to any review on their listing. This is a valuable opportunity to thank clients for positive feedback, address concerns raised in negative reviews, and demonstrate professionalism. Responses are visible to everyone who views the listing.
Are Reviews Edited or Censored?
LocalVet does not edit reviews. However, reviews that violate our guidelines — such as those containing spam, personal attacks, or irrelevant content — may be removed after moderation. Both the reviewer and the business owner are notified if a review is removed.
