VCA Sacramento Veterinary Referral Center

Reviews

• KB

  Kristi Beck

  Jul 31, 2026
  1.0
  We were referred to the internal medicine department here after our veterinarian found unexplained elevated liver enzymes in our older dog. We went in hoping for expert guidance and compassionate support as we navigated some very difficult decisions. Instead, we felt the only option presented was an expensive liver biopsy costing thousands of dollars, with little discussion about whether it made sense given her age, existing health conditions, or quality of life. We left feeling judged for not pursuing it rather than supported in exploring all of our options. Communication was also very frustrating. It was extremely difficult to reach anyone by phone, and callbacks took days. When our dog stopped eating after starting a medication they prescribed, we called asking for advice but were told nothing could be recommended until we brought her back for another appointment. At that visit, they gave advice that could have been shared over the phone, potentially saving our dog days of discomfort and us the cost of another visit. Sadly, our dog passed away just a week later. I called to cancel her next appointment and let them know she had died, but we never received a return call or even a simple expression of sympathy. I understand specialists can’t always provide the answers you’re hoping for. What I expected was compassion, communication, and support during the end of my dog’s life. Unfortunately, that was not our experience and I would avoid this place if you can.
• MB

  Merebeth Bajar

  Jul 30, 2026
  5.0
  According to my sister Maddie was wonderful and stood out to them the most. She got the paperwork to me despite all the Wifi issues and was super patient. I was away stuck on a cruise ship when my family brought in Winnie. The staff was amazing from what I could tell with letting my large family in to say goodbye and helping them through the situation. My sister said Maddie, at the front was amazing and so kind. She mentioned that the intake doctor was quick to see Winnie was in need of help and quickly took her into care. Though we lost her that day, I am told the staff that helped my family was amazing. They allowed me the time I needed via facetime with my dog to be there virtually until her last breath. This is the second dog that has crossed the rainbow bridge with your staff and they have always been amazing. Thank you for putting my furkid first and explaining the situation clearly.
• DM

  Darrick Maeder

  Jul 23, 2026
  5.0
  This veterinary clinic was excellent when my dog collapsed and we needed to be seen right away. Unfortunately my fur baby was too far gone to be saved. The doctor and staff were very sympathetic and I never felt rushed or pressured into any decision. I appreciated the doctor being honest about what could be done or not done. Honestly losing my beloved pet was the hardest thing that has ever happened to me. You try not to think about it as they get older but it's inevitable. The staff here were all wonderful during this hard decision and we never felt rushed or pressured into anything. We got to say our goodbyes and kiss his furry head one last time. We chose to do a private cremation and it included a print of his paw pad and a clay mold of his paw pad. Also we chose a velvet bag. I picked up his remains today and everything was perfect plus again the staff was excellent. We are going to do a shadowbox with his paw prints along with his tags and his favorite bandana. I will be back to this clinic when I do decide to get another fuzzy butt and have them give him his checkups.
• JT

  John & Ginni Thompson

  Jul 21, 2026
  5.0
  Obviously, Dr. Castaneda for coming in on a weekend, despite having family visiting. Not only did she come in but two of her assistance came in as well to do surgery on Karl. She didn’t have to but she saved us money and Karl time in the hospital. Karl had three visits and two admissions to the facility with two separate surgeries on the last two visits. Unfortunately Karl was a difficult case, and they did everything they could to make sure that his bladder obstruction didn’t happen again, but his kidney stones were radio translucent making it impossible for them to know that he had two stones. After the first surgery for a PU removed one stone they took x-rays and could not find any more stones and sent him home only to have him obstruct again. So the second surgery was for a cystotomy where they found the second stone made sure there were no more stones and found out they were radio translucent, which is why they couldn’t find them. Like I say a difficult case, but Karl is currently home after the second surgery and recovering very well. Staff called to follow up each admission. And they took him in as soon as they realized he was obstructed when I brought him in. I can’t thank the Veterinarians, Vet techs or all other staff members enough for their compassion and humor at a stressful time. I know way too much about the emergency vet now, they do a great job despite the emotional trauma. So bad one day I had to walk out of the facility and I’m a trauma RN. Anyways I can’t think all of them enough.
• WO

  Wary One

  Jul 21, 2026
  5.0
  The reception area seating could really use some maintenance/replacement, but don’t let the initial impression put you off. Both Dr. Kortz & Veronica were professional, knowledgeable & wonderful to interact with. Would highly recommend them to anyone needing neurological support. My cat has multiple issues & rather than moving forward with a costly MRI anyway, Dr. Kortz recommended I talk to my regular vet about a referral to his preferred orthopedic surgeon to see about addressing another issue first. If that issue can be resolved, then Dr K will do the MRI to see if back surgery is a viable option later. In this age of money-hungry people, especially those in professional &/or technical fields, Dr. Kortz exhibited true empathy, care, & concern just as my vet, Dr. Turner of Arbor Pet Clinic in Lodi, does. I understand why Dr. Turner respects him so much. Dr. Kortz could easily have run the MRI & charged me for it for the same outcome, but he did the ethical thing, & was upfront with me about seeing if the other issue could be addressed before diving into the costly MRI unnecessarily…so refreshing & wonderful, not to mention, he’s exceedingly knowledgeable & kind as well!!

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