The Vet Life (2016– ) User Reviews

Solid show overall!

[royzhang-76639 · 9/10 · 27 July 2019]

I recently stumbled upon clips of this show on Animal Planet's youtube channel and just fell in love. The stories about the animals are either touching or lighthearted most of the time. I immediately binged the rest of the show within the next week.

I did notice that a lot of people were complaining about the show being too scripted, focusing too much on the vet's rather than on the animal themselves. Admittedly there is a lot on the vet's and their families in this show, but i think having this sub-plot is the whole point. I personally think the personalities are really enjoyable, and it's nice to kind of see their family life. Sometimes it feels scripted, but I'm not really expecting jaw-dropping writing for a show like this. The combination of the animal's stories and being able to actually see these vets outside of work is what keeps me coming back.

If you wanted a fully educational show that fully focuses on the animals with in depth analysis of their condition (including receptionists talking about how much money each procedure is going to cost), then this probably isn't the show for you. I'm sure there are plenty of other shows on animal planet that can provide that for you, but I think having a more light-hearted show like this is nice! (And I really don't care to see patients paying their bills for their procedures...)

Great Family Show

[cmeducate · 9/10 · 6 May 2019]

I'm not that into TV nor animal shows but this captured my attention. I was able to watch it with my kids and learn something.

Bingeworthy

[meike-linz · 8/10 · 10 May 2021]

As a European I'm very particular about my pet tv shows, since we do have some very different ideas about pet-care than a lot of the US.

I love that they explain the dangers of keeping pets intact and the importance of proper diet. It's become one of my favorites along with Jackson Galaxy <3 The dynamics between the vets are very entertaining and how they treat the patients makes your heart melt.

Also I don't believe any of the clients shown here have to pay for the procedures or at least get a big discount for being on the show. And anyone complaining about scripting and the show being too far from "real life": You simply CAN'T document the regular daily life in a vet clinic, it's fast, messy and there would be no time to explain about patient history and procedures to the camera. It's a TV show and for what it is, it does a damn good job.

Awesome Program

[thecreolechef · 10/10 · 3 June 2017]

Finally a show that mixes family and work life equally. A show that shows the Vets going out into the community and provide their services for free or at a discount. Keep up the good work Dr.Blue, Dr.Ross and Dr.Lavigne. I had stopped watching Animal Planet because of the many bad programs they have. Like, My Cat From Hell, Tanked and Finding Bigfoot to name a few. But because of The Vet Life I'll give them another chance.

Love,Love,Love this show.....All of it Each and Every One!!!!

[tonimarzella · 10/10 · 10 June 2017]

This show on Animal Planet is wonderful. I laugh every time we see it. I think it is one great family show that the youngest to the oldest can enjoy. We are from Detroit, and to see these three doctors and their families love their jobs, and their families like they do is so inspiring.

Do Not Cancel this show.....Ever. It is Great!!!!!

This show has it all

[garrison-43269 · 10/10 · 28 May 2017]

Every episode Blue, Ross and Lavigne diagnose, operate on and treat dogs, cats and a variety of exotic animals. They always tell their clients exactly what the problem is, how they think it happened and how they will treat it. I've learned from watching this show. But, what I especially enjoy is their relationship with each other and their families. In a world filled with so much alienation and dysfunction, the warmth and love between these friends and their families makes my week.

Love this show

[roxanneradican · 10/10 · 4 March 2018]

These guys are great out if all the animals shows I watch I love this one best hate when it goes off and can't wait for it to come back with another season

Awesome show

[designerfox · 10 February 2018]

I love this show, it's a blessing to see how these people treat animals and the love and care each of them show for all the fur-babies and other animals. Love this program!!!

Educational & funny

[andsue-77687 · 10/10 · 8 May 2018]

I've seen all episodes through S3 E5, E6 not available yet. It's educational & interesting to learn about so many different animals, birds, reptiles etc. The relationships between the doctors is heartwarming. They each have a great sense of humor and make me laugh at least once an episode. It's good to see them with their families outside of the clinic. I will continue to watch the show. Surgery segments not for small children.

To those who are saying:

[kparkslpn · 10/10 · 10 February 2020]

If you are complaining about not actually hearing the price of a procedure being discussed you should think of 2 things. First off I can guarantee you no pet owner that is struggling financially would just say "yep, take him and I'll risk the thousands of dollars". They discuss it and it's edited out because of time constraints and there is a lot more interesting things to discuss/witness than that. Also I can't afford a big surgery on my baby boy and I wouldn't want my financial constraints aired on national/international television. Also I am sure the people who are on the show and have agreed to have their families and pets filmed get a discount that they don't want to make public and also may vary from procedure to procedure. To the "Vet Tech" if you have seen all the things you pointed out you should have also seen that Dr. Lavigne explains the difference in when they wear the full sterile PPE and when they don't go in the surgical suite. Also you should think that the reason the Vet Techs are asking questions you feel they should know the answer to is most likely so the doctor can have a "reason" to be talking about what they are doing and why.

You people need to think about these things before you start being rude on a public forum. Imagine if your coworkers were to do that to you on your social media platform that all your customers would see....

Better than most vet shows on TV but could use improvements

[rotpaw · 6/10 · 22 September 2019]

So, as a Registered Veterinary Technician, I am probably more critical than most who watch this show. I will say compared to most TV vet shows this one is better than most but still has room for improvement.

First and foremost, they show multiple surgeries with no surgical gowns, while it does seem to be only growth removals and neuters if you are in a surgery suite you need to be wearing surgical gowns, no exceptions. It is no wonder clients feel they overpay for procedures when you are shown doing surgery without sterile clothing (would never happen in human medicine or TV show). Also while I know surgical masks are uncomfortable, they belong above your nose not under.

While I know this is a TV show I find it degrading when you describe basic procedures to your technicians or they ask basic questions (if they are indeed registered technicians??). If they do not know these things they should never have graduated from tech school nor assist in surgery. If they are indeed not registered tech's then they should have the title "assistant" when the titles are shown on camera. Maybe you are describing things for the public viewing audience but it appears you are telling your tech something very basic for something they should already know the answer .

The one thing I find very upsetting about all Veterinary TV shows is they never discuss pricing with clients (I know pricing varies in different locations) but you recommend (for example) a TPLO for a dog and never indicate that it is a $5,000 surgery, which most people would have difficulty paying that amount of money. Also the basic post surgery instructions given is not even realistic, not one mention of the 2 TPLO's I have seen your practice do on TV about the severe complications that could arise without 100% supervision/confinement and many times a cone isn't even mentioned. While some might think it is boring to hear these guidelines, I think you just might help someone if it is included.

The editing could take a professional review, way too many times I have seen a pet taken out of the cage to "go home" with a bandage on the leg to cover the IV, to cut to you releasing the dog with no bandage. Picky, probably.....

Overall, I love the family atmosphere of your show and letting the public in to your family life to show vets are humans (think some people forget this). Also the amount of community involvement your practice has is great.

With so many people these days questioning the integrity of their vets, with a few adjustments I think your show could be a great teaching tool and help change views of the public.

Breath of fresh air

[doogie-52166 · 10/10 · 10 September 2019]

Still catching up on Hulu. I'm on the 3rd season, and it just keeps getting better. The functional-family, human element of this show makes it uniquely refreshing. The medicine is solid, even if a bit scripted out of necessity. These Docs are genuine, and an inspiration to all who get to know them through this show. Keep up the great programming!

It's probably just me

[divedeep-46704 · 6/10 · 5 October 2022]

But when I sit down to watch a vet/animal show I actually and wanting to see.. animals. This show is cute but it seems over half of the content is focused on the people and families of those who work in the vet clinic. Im sure this is great for those who want to see animals in a vet context and also want to watch a lot of personal time of the vets themselves. For me I find myself just continuing to skip parts where the vets are eating with family, going out to dinner, going to the hospital, talking about themselves, ect

It totally could just be more but if you are looking to watch a vet show which primary showcases vet cases of animals then maybe look elsewhere.

Wannabe celebrities first, animals second--or third.

[orinocowomble · 1/10 · 17 August 2016]

I really wanted to like this programme, and looked forward to it. I know it's basically a "reality" show with animals, and I know they are scripted, but this one is painfully obvious. Dr Blue is the funny guy, always coming up with some impossible idea that--gosh!--just happens to work out right on time, just the way he wants.

Maybe I'm strange, but personally I watch Animal Planet and animal documentaries to see the animals and learn about them. Yeah, okay, a little human interest is normal. Recently though, when it comes to animal programmes it's all about the presenters and/or the vets, the wannabe celebrities. The focus in Vet Life is on their families, their personal lives (at least as scripted for the show) and themselves, with a shot or two of the animals thrown in. They have this new, slick, modern clinic. "Your cat needs surgery right now." "I'm in your hands," smiles the client. Not one question about how much it's going to cost. You never see the receptionist mention billing, or money. In fact they manage to give the impression that it's all a public service; it might possibly all be free, if you didn't notice those lovely brand-new looking expensive homes...or are they sets for the show?

The "mobile clinic" trailer was laughable; you could see that the mud had been artistically placed, and the interior was brand new and sparkling clean, despite the half-dozen masks and pieces of paper tossed on the floor. I was pretty convinced that the "old paint job" was some kind of acrylic wrapping over the real trailer. And since when is a veterinary clinic "a brand"? Do they remember that oath that they took when they became vets, the one that starts, "Primum, non nocere"--first, do no harm? Well, I guess the show itself does no harm...but it does the profession no good, either.

Best Vet show ever!

[kathleenrose39-82-885577 · 10/10 · 7 October 2019]

Like the pace of the show and the balance of showing work and personal relationships. Most of a all love that they show mainly dogs! But, there is a good mix of barnyard and exotic animals. The Vet Techs and supporting staff are wonderful. Plus, the Docs are super funny!!!!

Love these guys!!

[fiftycentqueen · 10/10 · 9 January 2020]

I want to move to Houston just so my cat can be a patient at Cy-Fair. Great group of people.

Wow!

[tjdamato-66733 · 17 August 2019]

I watch most of the vet shows and this is by far the best of them all! Keep up the great work of helping animals and keeping us very entertained!

II look forward to these shows

[johnfiester · 10/10 · 4 May 2019]

When you come up with o vet show you need to have one that make it different from all the myriad of others out there. This show to me does it. It has humor, veterinary care, and friend and family. As a RN I can tell you that a strictly clinical program would be either very boring or depressing.

I think people missed the concept

[kparkslpn · 10/10 · 14 February 2020]

It's called 'The Vet Life'. Not 'Vets, Vets, Vets'. The whole point of this show is to talk about the vet work 75% of the time and family life 25% of the time. It is really about the life of a vet. What is so hard to understand about this guys???

This is The Best Vet show on Animal Planet. It needs to air earlier with more episodes during the week!

[myraco · 10/10 · 11 August 2019]

I LOVE this show!! I wish they aired more of this show. They need to have more B2B episodes as this is truly the best veterinary show on animal planet!!!

Best accident I ever found

[minikiny-41531 · 10/10 · 11 August 2022]

I came across this show trying to find something to watch with nudity and f bombs. I have really enjoyed this show! I am a dog person but watching this show has taught me so much about other animals (who knew a beaded dragon was loveable??). The explanations shared are interesting and I'm sure help others like myself look at our animals a little differently. Like the doctors says, the owners know their pets and should go with that instinct. The staff's compassion, interest and familiarity with the animals keeps you watch. (And hoping Dr. Blue will win something, anything! :) I am looking forward to the next season soon.

Great show with great vets!

[jaimedw-37287 · 10/10 · 29 October 2022]

I just recently watched the episode that involved a stray cat being mangled, with a back leg removal surgery. These guys knew going in that this was a stray cat, but instead if doing the obviously cheaper procedure, euthanize, they went ahead with the more complex and more expensive life saving surgery. This just shows that there are vets out there that care about the lives of all beloved animals and it really touched my heart. Ive never reviewed a tv show in my life, but I had to this one. The vets on The Vet Life are AWESOME! I only wish there were more like you all. I also mean the vet techs and nurses there as well! You all are FANTASTIC!!!

More animal care, less not so funny humor.

[mountjudith · 1/10 · 8 October 2016]

I agree with the previous writer. Everything is too slick and shiny. Dr. Blue is painfully not funny. The animals are an after thought. Beautiful houses, beautiful families, expensive dinners, expensive clinic but almost no "vet" in the vet life. The other two Dr.s try to talk about the animals a little bit, but Dr. Blue ruins it. I'll be watching something else when this "sideshow" is on. I like Dr. Dee and Dr. Jeff and Dr. Pol (another channel). They actually treat and talk about the animals. Even animal Cops Houston, the vets show true compassion and concern for the animals. I don't think that many people care to watch rich vets flaunt their money and life style, (good for them) but I think that they watch for the care of the animals. At least I do.

LOVE THIS SHOW!!!!!!!!

[mdsevern · 10/10 · 29 October 2022]

I thought they canceled VetLife, I would have been so disappointed. I sent so many emails trying to find where you guys were? And requested no cancelation please. 10/29/22 turned on Animal channel there you where. Not sure if it's reruns? What a positive show. Nothing negative. To the person who made the comment "Too much drama" your incorrect. Doctors keep doing what you do. Dr Blue where can I get a My Vet Rocks tee shirt? It's a good feeling seeing real life Vets serving the community. Hope to see many more episodes, wish you all success. It really would be nice to see more questions asked then you go to commercial. Thanks to you all.

Good overall

[odandme · 8/10 · 13 October 2020]

I have always enjoyed veterinarian and animal rescue shows. I particularly like how this show gives a status update of each animal at the end. I don't like seeing so much reality tv-like family drama. I feel most of it is unnecessary and takes away from the animals. It is ANIMAL Planet after all.