VCA Dallas Animal Specialty Hospital

Reviews

• NC

  Nathan Clements

  1 day ago
  1.0
  Dr. Rifkin gave me a $15,000 care plan for my dog with bladder stones. Went and got a second opinion, $3,500 out the door and my dog is thriving. Stay away from this place and Dr. Rifkin. Corporate greed and she’s part of it.
• MC

  Megan Cobb

  Nov 5, 2025
  1.0
  I had a disappointing and upsetting experience with the internal medicine vet and her team while my dog was being treated here. I would not recommend this vet hospital based on my experience. The only positive aspect was that the internal medicine vet correctly diagnosed my dog with a serious fungal infection (histoplasmosis) that was causing her GI issues. However, after starting her on antifungal medication and then doubling the dosage after 2 weeks, my 2 yr old dog developed severe vasculitis (lesions).These lesions were all over her body including her paws which made even walking very painful for her. When I brought up my concerns during our vet appointment, the vet told me that the anti fungal medication was NOT the cause and told me try Duoxo shampoo on my dog — which I had already been using on her since she was a puppy. The vet provided no clear guidance on how to proceed or what to do about the horrible lesions. I ended up taking my dog to a vet dermatologist who tested the lesions and it turned out they WERE caused by the high dose of the anti fungal medicine and this type of reaction occurs in 5-10% of dogs receiving high doses of this medicine. If 1 out of 10 dogs can have this severe reaction it seems like something an internal vet specialist should be aware of or at least look into and research before dismissing. I also easily found this side effect myself by doing a quick Google search, which is why I directly asked about this at our prior VCA appointment. My dog was put on medicine for the vasculitis by the vet dermatologist. Additionally the receptionists were consistently rude/unhelpful whenever I called with questions and we waited more than 40 minutes in the lobby for our last appointment. As just one example, I called to ask if the vet had called in my dog’s medicine to CVS because CVS still hadn’t received it. The receptionist told me “our pharmacist has gone home for the day”. I asked “ok well do you know if the prescription was sent in by the vet before she left? I thought it was the vet who called in the prescriptions, not a pharmacist?” Receptionist: “Again, our pharmacist has left for the day”. Since transferring my dog to a different vet specialist who put her on a different anti fungal medication, she has improved significantly.
• PB

  Paul Berger

  Oct 5, 2025
  1.0
  Go literally anywhere else for specialty medicine or oncology. I will include a full write-up soon with extreme detail and provide a link for others. Doctors are too scared to treat aggressively in non-text book circumstances and staff consistently makes mistakes with medication and communication to the detriment of your beloved pet. Both doctors and staff in internal medicine and oncology can get very edgy and rude, you feel like you are walking on eggshells at times. If you go here anyway, get a second opinion if it's cancer. I could have had more time with my boy if my concerns weren't brushed aside, and the scheduling wasn't so ridiculous that it took 4 weeks to get a recheck on a cancer patient. Been to three specialty and oncology clinics and VCA are hands down the least impressive for numerous reasons. Had I gone to the others first, very likely my buddy would still be around... for at least a while longer. Find somewhere else or at least get a second opinion quick. Do not tolerate rechecks 4 weeks out on a cancer patient, its ludicrous. Follow your gut instincts at all times, you know your pet a thousand times better than the doctor does... So dont ever forget that. If you want ad nauseam lectures about standard of care and obtuse justifications for not making quick pivots in quality of life decisions that otherwise make perfect sense to other doctors, this place is great... If you want out of the box and quick thinking, advanced treatment options and equipment, doctors with nerve/grit, diligent care and advanced radiology equipment... go somewhere else. Also, don't expect any condolences or sympathies if your pet passes away, as I received zero from VCA and three heartfelt cards from the other clinics we visited. VCA will wash their hands of you the second their treatment fails. You have my number, don't dare tell me to reach out to the office or email.
• TH

  Trysten Henderson

  Sep 25, 2025
  1.0
  I was referred here by my vet. The first visit was fine and we got an ultrasound and took samples of my dog’s liver to be tested. The test was inconclusive so we were scheduled for a full biopsy on the Tuesday after the office was moving. The Friday before that Tuesday, I got a call from the doctor letting me know that they would have to reschedule the biopsy because of the move and that they would call me the following week. When I hadn’t heard from them the following week, I followed up just to make sure we didn’t get dropped off their radar. The scheduler i spoke to said that they wouldn’t be scheduling surgeries for “weeks.” I asked if the vet could give me a referral to another specialist as I was really worried about the delay in scheduling this biopsy for my sick dog. She said she would tell the vet. It has been over a week and I never got a call back or a rescheduled appointment. My dear Fran passed away quickly thereafter because of complications with her liver. I’m not sure if the biopsy would have ended up helping or harming her, but I do know that I am deeply disappointed with this office and their lack of communication.
• MR

  Mom reviews

  Sep 1, 2025
  5.0
  This review is a few months late, but I had to share such an amazing experience. My dog Prince was referred to VCA Animal Diagnostic Clinic, where we saw the wonderful Dr. Janacek. From the start, she showed incredible compassion and made sure I understood the entire process clearly. As a first-time dog mom, I was incredibly nervous and bracing for the worst. Prince is like my first baby and I love him deeply. Dr. Janacek took the time to explain everything with so much care, which gave me a sense of peace in a very emotional moment. Prince received an echocardiogram during the visit, and thankfully everything came back normal. I left the appointment feeling informed, supported, and so relieved. Dr. Janacek was not only professional and knowledgeable but also warm and genuinely invested in my dog’s wellbeing. I had such a meaningful conversation with her and would absolutely return for any future checkups. The entire office staff was also outstanding. They were patient, understanding, and incredibly kind from check-in to check-out. It is rare to find this level of service and empathy, and I am so thankful for everyone at this clinic.

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