VCA Orange County Veterinary Specialists

Reviews

• YM

  Yuri Montes

  Jul 14, 2026
  5.0
  I cannot recommend this place enough!!! I brought my baby in for a bad grooming nick that required stitches. From beginning to end I felt comfortable and seen. We waited about 3 hours (very reasonable because they work on more hurt babies first). We asked a few times for an update and were always met with a very friendly and timely response! when we met with the Dr she explained things in a very digestible way and was very open to hearing our concerns and questions. She made great suggestions on plan of care. I also want to mention while we waited in the waiting area we got to see how they treated others and I can confidently say the front staff is phenomenal! I hope my baby doesn’t have any more emergencies but if she does this is the only place I’m bringing her!!
• CC

  Cinee C.

  Jun 22, 2026
  1.0
  Service started out good until I declined on some of the unnecessary medications recommended. The nurse's attitude and demeanor changed almost immediately. I felt like they only wanted to upsell and squeeze every penny out of me. Come here ONLY if you have no other options.
• MM

  Michael

  Jun 13, 2026
  3.0
  First and foremost, my pet received excellent care. From her evaluation through her surgery and her follow up exams. But, I would hesitate to return here because of the interpersonal style of her surgeon, Dr. Song. Dr. Song is clearly brilliant at her work and I appreciate her skill in caring for my pet, but her interaction with me as the pet parent was tough. Dr. Song likes to educate, which is great, but she talks very rapidly, doesn’t let me get a word in edgewise, and shares a great deal of information which can dilute the important points. She does not converse to seek understanding, but rather tells and directs. She is the expert on the intervention, but I am the expert on my unique pet. I have the relationship with the pet; I know my pet’s unique personality and traits. I felt less like a partner in my pet’s care and more like a student in a classroom. Dr. Song seemed more interested in being in control than reviewing and problem-solving barriers to adhering to the treatment plan. If I’d try to interject, she would look frustrated and say, “I know it’s tough but you just have to do it.” At our final appointment, she was visibly irritated that I didn’t “do as I instructed,” and “since you apparently don’t have the time.” I had never said that. Her judgment was palpable at each visit. My pet’s medication was prescribed for every “8-12 hours.” When Dr. Song learned I was only giving it every 12 hours, she said I was putting my pet in undue distress. I was following the prescription! My pet was healing exceptionally well, yet all I heard was what I failed to do. Dr. Song never asked about my care routine. She didn’t know that I completed modified my living space to facilitate care. That I put tubs and buckets on all furniture to ensure my dog didn’t jump. That my highly reactive dog was used to sleeping in the bed as part of her soothing and connecting, so I moved the mattress to the floor so my pet could maintain emotional connection without physically stressing her healing limb. That play was my pet’s bonding and love language, and since activity was restricted, I modified and reinvented the play to accommodate. That I created a med log to ensure she was getting her meds 3x a day, 8 hours a part. That I made sure she had her daily physical therapy exercises. I never heard what I was doing right. I emphasized not stressing her healing limb so that it had a chance to heal properly, but I failed to gradually increase her walk time as was directed (an instruction that I misunderstood.) And even after showing me the images of how well healing had progressed, Dr. Song’s parting words were to tell me that my pet “has gained a little weight.” One more failure. After all the physical care I invested, the thousands of dollars of medical care, the time and lifestyle modifications - I left that final appointment feeling shamed, judged, and unfit as a dog dad. And that makes me want to seek another provider.
• MW

  Marcia Weissman

  May 20, 2026
  5.0
  Dr. McDooling and all staff are excellent, knowledgeable, and compassionate. They submit claims to my pet insurance which is so helpful. Dr . McDooling and Dr. Federacchi cared for my sick Poodle throughout her illness and I am forever grateful.
• KD

  Kimberly Demarzo

  May 18, 2026
  5.0
  My Abby, 14.5 pup, got very sick. Called and they brought us right in. The staff, techs and Vets were very kind, respectful, professional to me and my Abby. Also, the facility was impeccable. We tried some medications and IV and went home. The next day she wasn't better, it was time for her to go to forever sleep. We came back and again, they were all very empathetic and created a peaceful environment for Abby and me. They did not rush me and gave me time to say goodbye. Abby was right where she needed to be as she passed, in my arms. I am very grateful for them for being there for me at this most difficult and sad time. Thank you VCA team

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