Simona Ortale
I contacted Front Street Animal Hospital specifically looking for a nutritionist, not a general vet, as I already have a veterinarian at Yonge & St. Clair. My 3yo Chihuahua is overweight and I wanted structured support: goal setting, accountability, and regular check-ins — not just being told what kibble to buy. I clearly explained this during my first phone call. At the appointment, I met with a very young veterinarian who mainly discussed which kibble to use and initially set my dog’s calorie intake to 173 calories per day. There was no plan, no follow-up structure, and no accountability, which was exactly what I said I was trying to avoid. It felt no different from my previous experience elsewhere. When I asked practical questions — for example, whether it was appropriate to suddenly drop from a larger daily intake to 173 calories and whether my dog might feel excessively hungry — the answers felt very approximate and uncertain (e.g., “maybe we can start from… 200?”). This did not inspire confidence in the guidance being provided. The consultation lasted about 30–40 minutes and cost $170, which I was not informed about in advance. The food was not included and had to be ordered separately. For comparison, my regular clinic charged $60 for a similar consultation and provided a 5kg bag of kibble plus an additional bag of treats at NO CHARGE. Clear pricing and scope should have been communicated upfront. Based on what was delivered, the cost felt disproportionate to the value and did not align with what I requested. If you’re specifically looking for a structured weight-loss program or nutrition accountability, I recommend clarifying exactly what services you’ll receive and the full cost before booking.
