VCA Regional Institute for Veterinary Emergencies and Referrals

Reviews

• JG

  jada geddie

  3 days ago
  1.0
  I want to begin by acknowledging the veterinary technicians, who were professional, gentle, and compassionate with Chloe during a highly stressful visit. Their care and demeanor were exemplary and greatly appreciated. Unfortunately, my experience with the attending veterinarian was deeply concerning from both a clinical and communication standpoint. Earlier in the day, I had been advised to return for a second visit for a comfort-focused injection (estimated $50–$65) due to Chloe’s acute worsening respiratory symptoms, including heavy panting, excessive “honking” episodes, shaking, and rattling in her lower airway. I had spent the afternoon contacting multiple primary-care veterinary clinics in an attempt to obtain x-rays as instructed to do so from my initial visit, but no appointments were available until the beginning of the following week. Based on her progressing symptoms, returning to the ER was medically necessary to ensure her comfort and safety. Upon entering the exam room, I was immediately presented with two treatment plans: • A diagnostic and treatment plan including sedation, radiographs, and multiple medications totaling approximately $750 • A pain management plan including several medications totaling approximately $320 Despite clearly communicating my unfortunate financial limitations, I felt significant pressure to consent to one of these plans. When I asked questions to clarify the necessity of the X-rays and the sedation, the doctor responded rudely and dismissively, stating she would never perform an X-ray without sedation instead of providing clear guidance or discussing alternatives. I understand that sedation policies may differ between veterinary offices, but as someone who is not an employee or veterinarian at this clinic, I was obviously unaware of this requirement prior to the visit. The originally recommended comfort injection was initially dismissed as just an over the phone “estimate,” despite confirmation from the receptionist prior to my arrival. Only after prolonged discussion and significant emotional distress was the originally recommended $65 comfort injection provided exactly the intervention I had been instructed to return for. Additionally, during Chloe’s bath at home earlier today, I observed two teeth marks near her gums and one on her neck. When I reported these to the doctor, she immediately dismissed my observations and refused to examine the areas I indicated, claiming there were no wounds other than the two on the top of Chloe’s head. This demonstrates a concerning lack of thorough assessment and attentiveness to my reported findings. Chloe is now home following the injection. She is sleeping but snoring very loudly and taking rapid, shallow breaths. I just keep taking in every moment with her, with a heavy heart. While the veterinary technicians were exceptional, the attending veterinarian’s rudeness, dismissiveness, lack of transparency, and failure to adequately assess my reported concerns made an already stressful medical situation significantly more difficult. I believe that communication, thorough assessment, and compassionate care are essential components of effective in all medical practice, particularly in emergency settings. I hope this feedback is received constructively to improve the experience for other clients and their pets.
• DY

  Debbie York

  Nov 9, 2025
  5.0
  We brought our German Shepherd Layla in last week because she had been throwing up and could not keep any water or food down. Long story short, she has a blockage in her stomach. Praise God 🙏the vets knew what to do and gave her fluids all night and anti-nausea meds, and the next morning, the x-ray showed the blockage was gone. not only are we thankful to the vets but there was this one extremely sweet helpful little lady named Fae she was so good to keep us updated and even sent us some pictures of our baby girl to comfort us. She was so professional and comforting to us also when we were leaving after picking her up another sweet little lady named Emily was extremely helpful as well with instructions on how to treat Layla once we were home. Yes, the price of everything was a bit expensive for us, but our baby girl Layla was worth it. She had just turned six years old and still has many years ahead of her. Thank you again everyone, and especially you Fae if you read this.♥️
• DM

  Deborah Morgan

  Nov 6, 2025
  5.0
  I had to take my precious cat FRANCHESCA to the VCA RIVER for a emergency matter. The staff was so kind and understood completely how I felt. They were so nurturing to my beloved Franchesca. Letting me spend more time with her because I love her so much. I highly recommend VCA RIVER because everyone will treat your pet with the utmost kindness and care that they need at that time. They know and understand that your pet is your family. I do highly recommend VCA RIVER. They’re the best.❤️
• CC

  Catie C

  Nov 4, 2025
  5.0
  I take my dog here for physical therapy following her two ACL surgeries and Meghan is literally the best thing to happen to my dog. She is a completely different dog after her rehab and I can’t be more grateful for her! I tell everyone about her! She’s the kind of doctor who genuinely cares more about the animal getting better than making money off of it. Highly recommend taking your pet here! Have not used their hospital or emergency services.
• TH

  Tonja Hafley

  Nov 1, 2025
  1.0
  My 83 year old mother and my autistic niece had to have our family dog put to sleep. This vet practice allowed my 83 year old mother and autistic niece take their dog home to bury. They did not find out if there was anyone at home to bury the dog. My dad just got out of the hospital and is still recovering from his autoimmune disease that attacks his nerves and causes muscle weakness. But they allowed my 80+ year parents to dig a hole and bury their pet. I know this sounds really compassionate but it is not compassion. Now my parents have their dead dog in their house until they figure out how to dig a hole to bury their pet. That is not compassion.

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