VCA East Bay Veterinary Emergency

Reviews

• CB

  Cynthia Brown

  5 days ago
  1.0
  Beware! Concerning Communication and Treatment Decisions My dog collapsed at home with clear signs of dehydration (tacky gums). We arrived promptly, and the team performed thorough diagnostics (bloodwork, blood pressure, abdominal X-rays, and ultrasound). I’m grateful that all serious conditions were ruled out. However, several aspects of the visit were troubling: • Despite describing my dog as “severely dehydrated,” no hydration was provided for approximately 3 hours while tests were run. When I asked why fluids hadn’t been started sooner, the veterinarian said they withheld subcutaneous (SQ) fluids because “if we keep him overnight we’ll put him on IV.” When pressed further, she stated that SQ fluids “take 12 hours to absorb,” implying they were significantly less effective than IV. This felt misleading—SQ fluids are a standard and effective treatment for moderate to severe dehydration in stable patients. • After results came back negative, the veterinarian cited his blood pressure reading of 180 as a key concern and stated it “should be at 120.” She did not mention that the normal systolic range in dogs is typically 120–160, nor that readings of 180 or higher are very common in the stressful environment of a veterinary clinic (white coat syndrome). • Additional minor findings were highlighted as part of a “cumulation” of reasons for overnight IV and monitoring: slightly/moderately elevated protein and liver values, enlarged prostate (expected in unneutered males), and moderate intestinal gas (no obstruction noted). When I specifically asked about white blood cell count, the response seemed hesitant—it was completely normal but had not been volunteered earlier. I declined overnight admission given the clean results for serious issues and my dog’s stable condition. We received SQ fluids and went home. He improved steadily and was fully back to normal within 24 hours—eating, drinking, eliminating, and energetic. While the diagnostic testing was comprehensive and ultimately reassuring, the delay in hydration, the incomplete explanation of blood pressure norms, the framing of SQ fluids as inferior, and the emphasis on minor findings to justify expensive overnight care left me feeling the recommendations were not fully transparent or in my dog’s best interest.
• RR

  Roshan Razavi

  Dec 24, 2025
  5.0
  We are so grateful to VCA East Bay Veterinary Emergency on Sunset for the incredible care they gave our dog, Frannie, during a very stressful time. The entire staff from the front desk to the back were kind, attentive, and compassionate, and they made us feel supported every step of the way. Dr. Lenz and Dr. Wong took the time to explain everything clearly and thoughtfully, and Angel, our vet tech, was especially gentle and caring with Frannie. We never felt rushed or pressured. The team focused on what Frannie truly needed without any upselling. Seeing how much better Frannie felt when we picked her up the next day meant everything to us. We felt confident that she was in excellent hands and are deeply thankful to the whole team. Highly recommend.
• SR

  Stacey Ruiz

  Dec 12, 2025
  5.0
  We recently had to take our dog Mimi here due to an unexpected illness. Unfortunately, she had to be put down. The doctor and staff were so sympathetic and caring. They gave us all the time we needed with her. A few days later we received a sympathy card in the mail with her footprints and a sweet note. Truly touched our hearts during a very difficult time. Thank you for your wonderful team.
• PP

  PPando23

  Nov 30, 2025
  1.0
  ⭐ A Place Where Your Dog Goes to Die – My Experience at VCA Antioch & Dr. Marian Chu If you are thinking about taking your pet to VCA Antioch, especially under the care of Dr. Marian Chu, let me save you the heartbreak: don’t. This clinic is the definition of cold, careless, and utterly money-driven. I have never in my life encountered a veterinary staff so unprepared, uncomfortable, and downright scared of the very animals they are supposed to care for. Watching professionals act intimidated by my dogs — gentle dogs who have been seen at multiple clinics without issue — was the first red flag. How can you claim to work in animal care when you can’t even approach an animal without recoiling? And here is what truly reveals their priorities: My pet was severely ill — pooping blood, lethargic, not eating, dehydrated, and clearly in distress. We had already paid $2,100 for care to be done or at least started. But the reality is, they never had an ounce of compassion from the beginning. The moment they realized I did not have the additional $5,000 they demanded, their indifference became even more obvious. There was no emotion, no concern, no humanity — just blank, cold faces and a complete lack of interest in helping a dying animal. And the only thing they said to me — while my pet was suffering — was: “Anything else we can do for you?” As if my dog was a customer service interaction, not a living being fighting for his life. Their “care” boils down to this: If you don’t have more money, they will let your pet suffer or die without hesitation. Meanwhile, there are veterinarians who understand what compassion actually is. Dr. Colosi is someone they should genuinely call and learn from — a true model of empathy, patience, and real veterinary care. And comparing this clinic to VCA San Leandro (BAVS) only highlights their failures more. San Leandro/BAVS treats pets like lives worth saving. Antioch treats them like invoices. What I experienced at VCA Antioch was not veterinary care — it was greed, fear, and a disturbing lack of humanity from the very first moment. If you love your animal and want even a shred of compassion during critical moments, avoid this place at all costs. To me, VCA Antioch is exactly what the title says: A place where your dog goes to die.
• RT

  Ronald Thompson

  Oct 11, 2025
  5.0
  It's ok but expensive

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