VCA Vets & Pets Animal Hospital

Reviews

• RF

  Robin Fu

  Aug 1, 2026
  1.0
  Rude and impatient when I called
• MA

  Maria Alcazar

  Jul 6, 2026
  1.0
  I've been bringing my pets to this VCA location for years, and I've had some wonderful experiences here in the past. In fact, one of the reasons I've continued coming back is because of the exceptional care and compassion I've previously received. Unfortunately, my most recent visit was very different. A few months ago, I rescued a French Bulldog named Lord Winston from a neglectful situation. I knew when I took him in that he would need medical care, and I accepted that responsibility. I brought him in because he has been losing weight and having gastrointestinal issues that concerned me. I completely understand that veterinarians have a responsibility to recommend the best medical care. My frustration wasn't with the recommendations themselves, it was with how the conversation was handled. After my dog was taken to the back, I was presented with an estimate of over $2,000. When I explained that I simply couldn't afford that amount that day, the estimate was lowered to around $1,500, but it was still far beyond what I could reasonably afford. From there, the visit became a cycle of repeated conversations. The two staff members came in and out, each telling me how sick my dog was and why he needed the recommended testing. I never argued that he didn't need it. I understood exactly what they were recommending. My concern was that no one seemed to acknowledge the reality that I simply couldn't afford everything at once. There is a big difference between discussing ideal treatment and helping a client prioritize care based on their financial situation. Instead of feeling like we were working together to come up with a realistic plan, I felt like I was being repeatedly pressured to approve services I'd already explained were beyond my means. After going back and forth several times, I finally said, "You guys just really need to get your shit together." I have never said anything like that to people working in customer service or healthcare before. I'm not proud that I reached that point, but I was incredibly frustrated because I felt like no one was actually hearing what I was saying. I wasn't refusing care for my dog. I wasn't questioning their medical recommendations. I was simply trying to explain that there is a difference between what my dog ideally needs and what I can realistically afford that day. While I was on the phone trying to sort out an issue with my CareClub account, I was still being asked to revisit the same conversation. At that point, I just wanted my dog's medication, clear instructions on how to administer it, and to go home so I could focus on helping him. What disappointed me most wasn't the cost, it was the communication. Repeatedly telling someone how sick their pet is after they've already acknowledged it doesn't change their financial situation. What clients need in those moments is someone who listens, helps prioritize care, and works with them to create a realistic plan. What makes this experience especially disappointing is that I know this hospital is capable of providing that level of care. I had the opportunity to work with Dr. Barnstable once before when she was covering at this location, and the experience was completely different. She provided exceptional care and, more importantly, exceptional communication. She prioritized my dog's immediate needs, together, we came up with a realistic game plan that ensured my dog received the care he needed while allowing me to plan for the next steps. I left that appointment feeling supported, heard, and confident that we were working together in my dog's best interest. That experience is why I continued trusting VCA with my pets, and it's why I'm taking the time to write this vey long review. I hope this feedback is taken constructively because I know the level of care this hospital is capable of providing. I simply hope future clients who are doing everything they can for their pets, while working within their financial limitations, leave feeling supported instead of defeated.
• RO

  Ricardo Oliveira

  May 8, 2026
  1.0
  I brought my dog in for a routine visit where she received rabies and Bordetella vaccines and a consultation costing over $350. About 3 hours later she developed a severe allergic reaction which was quite serious. Her muzzle and both eyes became very swollen and red. The clinic was already closed so I had no support and had to rush her to an emergency veterinary hospital. I ended up spending another $350 at the emergency clinic. This situation was extremely stressful and could possibly have been avoided with better guidance or monitoring after the vaccines. I have been bringing my dog to this clinic since I adopted her 4 years ago and I have never experienced any issues like this before. Severe allergic reactions like this are not common after Rabies or Bordetella vaccines. I believe I should have been offered a refund for all this trouble. I will not be returning to this clinic again.
• BW

  Betty Wu

  Apr 4, 2026
  1.0
  When I made the appointment online, they didn’t request any information about my cat from me, and this morning they made a call requesting the information and say jf i dont respond within an hour they’ll cancel my appointment. They were also asking for unnecessary information like address
• TL

  Tammy “Lilmiss49ers Super Fan” Lujan

  Mar 10, 2026
  3.0
  While Dr. Houweling provided excellent care for our dog, we were disappointed by the billing. A $165 charge for a heartworm test is significantly higher than the $65 $85 range quoted by nearby clinics and other VCA branches. This extreme price difference gives the impression that the initial 'free visit' is being subsidized by overcharging for standard services. We would love to continue seeing Dr. Houweling, but the lack of price consistency is a major deterrent for us.

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