VCA West Los Angeles Animal Hospital

Reviews

• LM

  Linda McDonald

  4 days ago
  5.0
  We are deeply grateful to the entire team at VCA WLA Hospital for the exceptional care they provided to our dog. From the moment she arrived, it was clear she was in the best possible hands. The staff went above and beyond—providing not only expert medical care but also constant communication, reassurance, and compassion during an incredibly stressful time. They kept us informed every step of the way and treated both our dog and our family with such kindness and respect. Their dedication and commitment truly made all the difference. Because of their efforts, our beloved dog is still with us today, and we will never forget that. Thank you so much for everything you do. Sophie McDonald
• GF

  giusy frizzo

  4 days ago
  1.0
  I am heartbroken writing this. My dog Zip was my companion for 16 years — my little shadow, my comfort, my family. She trusted me to protect her, and I trusted VCA to help me care for her. What happened instead has been devastating. Zip had known kidney disease, with a creatinine around 3 (Stage 3). Despite this, she was diagnosed with congestive heart failure without proper confirmation — no echocardiogram was done. Based on that unverified diagnosis, she was treated with medications, including diuretics, that can put significant strain on the kidneys. Shortly after, she went into acute kidney failure. Instead of stabilizing her, her condition declined rapidly. I watched her weaken, knowing something wasn’t right, but trusting the medical decisions being made. Her first hospitalization cost about $5,500. As things worsened, I had no choice but to continue care at ASEC (also part of VCA), where I spent another $35,000–$40,000 trying desperately to keep her alive with fluids and intensive support. Despite everything, she did not survive. I want to be fair — Dr. Hare was kind and compassionate, and I am grateful for her humanity during previous hospitalizations . But my experience with the cardiology department was extremely disappointing, and at times felt careless. I also experienced a lack of basic compassion from management. Despite already leaving about a $4,000 deposit and having spent tens of thousands of dollars with VCA over the years, I was not allowed to briefly go home to retrieve my credit card to pay a remaining $1,600 balance. In a moment of crisis, that felt cold and inhumane. What haunts me most is that a simple echocardiogram could have confirmed — or ruled out — heart failure before exposing her to treatment that carried known risks for her kidneys. That step was taken after administering the medication that put Zip in acute kidney failure . I trusted them with her life. Zip deserved careful, thoughtful medical decisions. She deserved a chance. Instead, I lost her — and I will always wonder if things could have been different. She was my heart, my shadow, my world — and a piece of me left with her.
• PT

  Pamela Thompson

  6 days ago
  5.0
  Took my beloved senior Chihuahua to the ER at 7am Easter Sunday. He needed some specialized tests which they were well equipped to perform. They explained all my options and the pricing to my complete satisfaction, including where I could find less expensive surgery. I elected to wait with my Joe rather than leave him there and they went above and beyond to make us comfortable. The doctor just called me as promised to talk me through test results and confirm the plan. This is the third pup I’ve taken to this hospital in an emergency and received excellent care each time. Thank you so much West LA VCA!
• CC

  Catherine

  Apr 4, 2026
  1.0
  I had my dog in there on March 1st for hot spots. I got a gel prescription for her but it did not help. I called last week to see what other options there were. I was supposed to get a call back within 24 hours. No one got back to me so I called myself. I was told a Cytopoint shot would help her so I made an appointment for today. A nice gentleman was told to call me and ask me exactly why I was coming in. Which is bizarre to me considering I made an appointment solely for the shot and did not need a checkup because she was there for the same reason a month ago. I also received this text after booking: Hi VCA WLA here-Yes, Cytopoint injections are highly effective at treating hair loss (alopecia) and hot spots in dogs by controlling the underlying itch. By neutralizing the proteins that trigger itching, it allows skin to heal from irritation, biting, and licking. A single injection provides 4-8 weeks of relief for allergic dermatitis. Hope this helps :) When I asked the gentleman to confirm with someone that it would help her hotspots, a technician told him “no that doesn’t treat hotspots”. I asked him if he could find a doctor to ask. One passed him in the hall while I was on the phone and she said “no I’m not going to talk to her. Tell her to make an appointment”. So now I am still on hold while I am crying because my poor dog is ripping out her hair every single day with a cone on and the gel isn’t working. I don’t understand why they are always so rude here, push so many tests and procedures on you so one appointment goes from $200 to $2000, and I can’t even get someone to tell me if I should still get my dog this $100 shot today. The treatment is and always has been so poor. I have taken FIVE dogs here over the past 14 years.
• SL

  santiago Laurel

  Mar 12, 2026
  5.0
  I had previously heard mixed feedback about VCA hospitals, which initially made me hesitant. After what I experienced with my dog, I can confidently say that the neurology team at VCA West Los Angeles Animal Hospital completely changed my perspective. My dog Stormi became very sick around the holidays and began experiencing neurological symptoms and seizures. It was an incredibly stressful situation, and I was trying desperately to find help. From the moment I contacted VCA, the difference in professionalism and compassion was clear. Even when they were extremely busy and it was around New Year's Eve, the staff took the time to speak with me with patience and empathy. They even provided guidance and information about other hospitals when their neurologist was unavailable at that moment, which showed they genuinely cared about my dog getting help. Stormy was eventually treated by the neurology team and underwent advanced diagnostics, including an MRI. She was diagnosed with a rare fungal infection affecting the brain. Dr. Caitlin Doran and the entire neurology team, including Hanna and the incredible staff at VCA West LA, were absolutely amazing throughout the entire process. They were compassionate, knowledgeable, and always communicated clearly with me during a very scary time. They squeezed us in when we had urgent issues, answered questions, and treated Stormy with genuine care. Because of their expertise and dedication, my dog is now doing incredibly well. Doctors and staff like the team at VCA West LA truly make a difference in people's lives. Veterinary medicine takes a special type of person, and the people working here clearly have both the skill and the empathy that this profession requires. I will always be grateful to them for helping save my baby. If you ever need a neurologist or specialty care for your pet, I cannot recommend this hospital enough. Thank you, Dr. Doran and VCA Hospital. From Stormi

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