VCA Blue Cross Animal Hospital of Amherst

4.6
243 reviews

About

VeterinariansVeterinary Clinics & HospitalsVeterinary Specialty ServicesVeterinarian Emergency ServicesVeterinary Information & Referral ServicesPet Services
Each VCA hospital has health and safety protocols in place based on health care best practices as well as state and local guidance and regulations.

Location

VCA Blue Cross Animal Hospital of Amherst
3921 Main Street, Amherst, NY
14226, United States

Hours

Reviews

4.6
243 reviews
5 stars
206
4 stars
13
3 stars
4
2 stars
4
1 star
16

What are people saying?

AI-generated from recent customer reviews

Compassionate Care

Many customers praised the staff for their empathy and support during difficult times, especially when dealing with end-of-life decisions for their pets.

Staff Professionalism

Overall, the staff received high marks for being friendly, knowledgeable, and accommodating, with many customers noting their willingness to answer questions and provide thorough explanations.

Mixed Experiences

While many reviews were positive, some customers reported negative experiences, particularly regarding communication issues and perceived high costs for services.

Emergency Services

Several customers expressed frustration over the lack of emergency services or same-day appointments, indicating a shift in the practice's ability to accommodate urgent care needs.

Long-term Trust

Many long-time clients expressed their loyalty to the practice, highlighting consistent quality care over the years, although some noted a decline in service.
  • SB
    shan billups
    Nov 13, 2025
    5.0
    We are incredibly grateful for the exceptional compassion and support shown by the staff during the difficult time of putting our beloved Watson to rest after 13 years. The kindness and thoughtfulness we received will truly never be forgotten. We have entrusted the care of our dogs to this practice for a long time and have consistently been pleased with their outstanding service. A special thank you to Dr. Horton, Courtney, and the entire behind-the-scenes team who were by our side through the whole process. During what was a tough day, your presence and efforts made it as peaceful as it could possibly be.
  • TR
    TABITHA Ryan
    Aug 29, 2025
    1.0
    Olivia attempted to solve a problem between myself and a rude office secretary and only made things worse. She not only treated me with disrespect after I was dropping a thousand dollars there that I decided to cut the services I was receiving that day and decided to look for a new vet. They were very expensive anyway.
  • KL
    Kristen Lane
    Aug 22, 2025
    5.0
    Staff are wonderful - welcoming, knowledgeable, patient. Whenever we’ve needed to get an appointment for an emergency, they fit us in quickly. And they always take the time to answer our many questions. They seem to genuinely care about the well-being of our dogs, and that makes them top marks in my book.
  • AV
    Aum “V”
    Jun 27, 2025
    5.0
    Last week, I had to say goodbye to my sweet dog, and while it was heartbreaking, I’m deeply grateful for the way Dr. Horton and the team at VCA Blue Cross Animal Hospital supported us through it. From the moment we walked in, we were treated with empathy, patience, and understanding. Dr. Horton took the time to explain everything with such kindness, never rushing, and always putting my dog’s comfort first. She helped me feel confident in my decisions and gave my dog the peaceful, respectful goodbye she deserved. The staffs were all kind and supportive. I am forever grateful.
  • SP
    Shenita Phillips
    Jun 24, 2025
    1.0
    I scheduled a "Free First Exam" for my dog and was dissatisfied with the services provided. Upon arrival, we had to wait for a room to become available. Once we entered the examination room, I observed dog hair on both the table pad and the examination table. I brought this to the attention of a staff member who entered the room; however, she indicated that they had conducted a quick cleanup. I requested a more thorough cleaning, and her response was unprofessional in tone. When the veterinarian came in with an assistant who kept commenting on my dog being cute and cuddling his face, my primary concern was his dry, itchy patches. To distract my dog during the examination, the veterinarian provided him with a stick covered in cheese. Although my dog appeared calm during the examination, the staff alleged that he growled, a sound my son and I did not hear. They requested permission to muzzle him, which I granted, although I was puzzled by this request since my dog had displayed no signs of aggression. Following a brief examination of his heart and ears, I inquired about the specifics included in the "free exam." I noted that they did not check his eyes or teeth, and when I asked about his paws, the veterinarian stated that I could lift one for her to examine. I declined, and she hastily inspected his paw, deeming it fine, but this did not constitute a comprehensive examination. Before the visit, I had contacted VCA to ascertain what the free exam entailed. However, the services provided did not match the information I received over the phone. I conveyed my concerns; nonetheless, the veterinarian concentrated on the necessity of placing a sample under a microscope for diagnostic purposes, which would incur a fee of $55. She then mentioned the required medication, leading to a total estimated cost of approximately $300. Consequently, my dog did not receive a genuine "free exam," as no thorough evaluation was conducted. The veterinarian equated the visit to a human wellness examination, which typically includes a comprehensive assessment; however, this was not the case during our appointment. As we exited the office, my son noted that the doctor communicated with me as if I were unfamiliar with the circumstances, and I concurred. I possess adequate knowledge and understanding of the matter being discussed. Additionally, outside the examination room, the doctor remarked, "Make sure you explain all the charges so she can understand," accompanied by laughter, which I found to be disrespectful. I was frustrated with the extra costs for the microscope examination after the vet had already identified the likely problem. The "free exam" felt like a tactic to lure in customers for expensive services. The veterinarian acknowledged my frustration and continued to apologize for the service received. My dog showed no signs of aggression, and the assistant interacted with him without problems. I was very disappointed with our experience and will not return. I intend to request a refund.

Frequently Asked Questions About VCA Blue Cross Animal Hospital of Amherst

What are the main operating hours for VCA Blue Cross Animal Hospital of Amherst?

The hospital is open Monday to Friday from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM, Wednesday until 8:00 PM, and Saturday from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM. It is closed on Sundays.

What types of pets does VCA Blue Cross Animal Hospital of Amherst primarily serve?

The hospital primarily serves cats and dogs.