VCA Fairmount Animal Hospital

Reviews

• SS

  Shruti Shah

  Dec 10, 2025
  1.0
  Hasty and unprofessional. Yesterday I went for a scheduled appointment here hoping for a second opinion on my cat’s ongoing GI concerns. I sent all of her medical records ahead of time so the discussion could be productive. Unfortunately, my experience was disappointing. After a long wait period and being brought into an exam room more than 40 minutes past our scheduled appointment time, the veterinarian entered the room and immediately delivered a firm, pre-formed conclusion that my cat was fine without first asking questions or engaging with the specific concerns I was there to discuss. Although she said she was giving me her “objective opinion,” it felt biased — as though her conclusion had already been made from the records before meeting us, rather than through listening and discussing. She repeated that she was “trying to provide reassurance,” but it did not feel reassuring; it felt like judgment about the legitimacy of my concerns. She prefaced several comments with “I don’t mean to be disrespectful,” but the interaction itself felt dismissive. There was no clinical reasoning offered, no back-and-forth conversation, and little effort to address the specific questions I asked. Instead, my concerns were attributed to being a first-time cat parent, being an internal medicine resident, or “reading too much.” I can acknowledge there may be some truth in that, and I do respect her experience and expertise — but I would have appreciated clearer communication and some explanation behind her conclusions. I was only there to advocate for my cat. When I asked direct questions — including whether a prescription diet is indicated — the answers were vague and contradictory. I was told constipation is unusual in a young cat, yet the hard, dry stools my cat has been having were described as “within normal limits.” I was told a prescription diet wasn’t needed for that specifically, but “maybe” a hydrolyzed protein diet could help if she had GI sensitivity contributing to her vomiting episodes — without any reasoning or guidance on how to make that decision. I had additional questions, but there was very little room to ask anything. Instead, I was offered a referral to a specialist — not because she felt further evaluation was medically necessary, but because she seemed uninterested in discussing anything in depth. The referral felt patronizing, more like outsourcing the conversation than supporting us. The interaction was unexpectedly blunt. When I became overwhelmed and tearful, I was handed a box of tissues as the vet left the room in a rush. As someone who works in healthcare, I value honesty and straightforwardness — but those only help when paired with reasoning, dialogue, and empathy, which were lacking here. Given the cost of the visit, the time involved, and transporting my cat through snow, the encounter felt like a genuine waste of resources. I had hoped for a collaborative and respectful discussion. Instead, I left feeling unheard, dismissed, guilty, and embarrassed for even seeking help. I will be seeking veterinary care elsewhere — with someone willing to engage respectfully and clinically with concerns, and for whom communication and compassion are part of their practice. I wasn’t planning to write this review, but I feel it’s important to stand up for myself — and in case it helps someone else choose the right fit for their pet.
• MD

  Mary Driscoll

  Dec 9, 2025
  1.0
  My beautiful kitty had to be put to sleep after she could not be seen at FAH. I called for an emergency appointment, was told nothing was available and, if it really was an emergency, I should go to the emergency vet in Auburn. I did that and my kitty was diagnosed with Feline leukemia, which she has been immunized against since her birth. The staff at the emergency vets could not have been nicer, especially in contrast to the treatment at FAH.
• MA

  Marissa Adams

  Nov 25, 2025
  1.0
  Very rude staff help forced into getting services was told that I wasn’t supposed to use my free coupon for my pet first visit extremely rude. I will never go back.
• TB

  Theresa B

  Nov 10, 2025
  4.0
  Great staff clean facility.
• JA

  Jacqui Aldinger

  Oct 15, 2025
  5.0
  Bridgette (Veterinary technician) is one of the most compassionate humans I have ever met. She helped us and our dog feel comfortable during an unsettling time. Can't thank her enough!

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