VCA San Mateo Animal Hospital

Reviews

• RV

  Raven Valdivia

  1 day ago
  1.0
  Heartbreaking experience with VCA: We brought our beloved 14-pound dog, Lady, to VCA in June 2026 after she developed painful, unusual lesions around her private area and mouth. She was an indoor dog who rarely left our home, and we were very concerned because the condition continued to worsen. Lady was seen by Dr. Becker multiple times and received several rounds of antibiotics, Animax, prednisone, pain medication and other treatments. Despite completing the medications, she continued to deteriorate. New wounds and rashes appeared on her hind legs and later on her abdomen. She became extremely lethargic, weak and increasingly painful. We repeatedly expressed our concerns and also explained that our finances were limited and that we needed to prioritize testing. We were told bloodwork might eventually be necessary, but it was never performed during Lady's treatment at VCA. Instead, we continued trying additional medications. One treatment was an alcohol-based wipe that caused Lady to scream in pain for hours after application. When we contacted VCA, we were told to stop using it. We were devastated that something so painful had been prescribed to a dog who was already suffering. By late July, Lady had become much worse. VCA was unable to see her that day and directed us to an emergency hospital. We ultimately took her to SF Vet Hospital. The difference was heartbreaking. The veterinarian immediately recognized how seriously ill Lady was and ordered bloodwork. The results showed severe problems, including anemia and liver abnormalities consistent with liver failure. We were told that her skin lesions could be related to the underlying disease and that further testing, including a biopsy/ultrasound and autoimmune testing, might be needed to determine the cause. At that point, Lady was too sick and in too much pain to put her through extensive testing. We were told she might have only days to a week. After watching our baby suffer for so long, we made the heartbreaking decision to let her go peacefully. We will never know whether earlier bloodwork and investigation could have changed Lady's outcome. What we do know is that she repeatedly told us through her symptoms that something was seriously wrong, and we feel those concerns were not adequately addressed at VCA or with Dr. Becker. This review is not about wanting a generic apology or condolence from VCA. It is about sharing our experience so other pet families understand how important it is to advocate for their animals when they are getting worse despite treatment. Lady deserved better. She was our baby, and losing her after watching her suffer has been devastating. Please advocate for your pet. If something doesn't seem right, seek another veterinary opinion. We wish we had done so sooner. To add, Dr. Becker already gave a brief and rather cold condolences via a message 3 days after we notified her office. While SF Vet Hospital, actually took time. Each worker wrote a wonderfully thoughtful message on a card and signed it with much love that brought tears to both our eyes. Please if you decide to go to VCA do not do this for your pet. Go somewhere where they actually care about your pet as much as you do. Rest peacefully, our Lady girl. You were loved more than words can say. ❤️
• OO

  Olya

  Aug 11, 2026
  1.0
  HORRIBLE EXPERIENCE AT VCA SAN MATEO! Cat's been sick urinating outside of litter box. At the first appointment already (!!) they tried charging $450 just for the "fecal tests". Told them according to chatgpt basic fecal test is $40-80 and aint no way I'm paying $450 for the fecal results. Still had to pay $95.00 App doesn't get updated and no-one replies to messages either (Mobile or App). Today, 3 days later, they left a VM saying "fecal tests are negative and if have any questions call them back". When I called back twice - both times different techs were Extremely Rude, Unhelpful, second time (many hours later) one literally said "WHAT DO YOU WANT?!". Had to tell her that's not the way to speak to anyone, let alone new patients. For two days in a row I'm JUST trying TO SPEAK TO DOCTOR, so we can proceed to further checks and procedures. Ordinary tech "doesnt know anything" to the point that this morning she said "the doc will call you back" and later same day another person says "the doctor doesn't work here till Thursday" (!!), so I need to wait for 3 more days. When I asked her "Do you have only 1 doctor there" her response was "no, but we don't want another one to give you any advice". Do they even talk to each other in the office, so they can coordinate what's happening there?! Oh well. The health of your pet will NOT BE A PRIORITY here. Horrible Coordination. Horrible Rude Techs. All They Want is Your Money. Extremely Overpriced and Rude!! Don't Get Lured by a "Free 1-time Visit". That's just a Bait. Not coming back there anymore.
• BD

  Brigid Doherty

  Jul 6, 2026
  5.0
  We have been going to VCA San Mateo for many years. The veterinarians and veterinary techs are knowledgeable and caring. By far, the best veterinary practice I have ever been to.
• AC

  Andrew Conway

  Jun 23, 2026
  5.0
  If you care about your pet, you'll let VCA San Mateo take care of it. And my cat "Darth Vader" like them as well. so if he likes them, they must be good.
• JW

  Jeffrey Wilson

  May 21, 2026
  5.0
  When I moved to the area over 2 years ago, the first thing I did was look for a VCA vet. Love how friendly and kind the staff is. Highly recommend.