VCA Veterinary Emergency Service & Veterinary Specialty Center

Reviews

• CK

  Cindy Kiley-Craig

  Feb 22, 2026
  1.0
  I wish I had trusted my intuition and never brought my dog here. This review is specifically about VCA Animal Hospital, which is owned by Mars Inc.. In hindsight, I feel this clinic operates more like a corporate profit center than a compassionate veterinary hospital. Before scheduling, I noticed they have around a 3½-star rating, compared to University of Wisconsin Veterinary Care, which holds a much stronger reputation. I deeply regret not going to UW from the beginning. From the start, it was difficult just to secure an appointment. Communication felt unnecessarily complicated. When I met with internal medicine for my French Bulldog’s regurgitation issues, I was directed toward very expensive labs and imaging that I later could have been done at my primary vet for half the price. I could understand the ultrasound, but not the labs. I proceeded anyway. During the airway evaluation, I was told they couldn’t visualize properly because my dog wasn’t sedated enough — yet the procedure was stopped rather than adjusting sedation. I left without clear answers and later that night ended up in the ER spending another $700 because she wasn’t acting normally. No one ever followed up with me, despite being told they would. After doing my own research and consulting elsewhere, it became clear her symptoms were consistent with an airway issue common in French Bulldogs. I scheduled corrective airway surgery — again at VCA. Unfortunately, the surgeon’s bedside manner was shockingly cold and dismissive. After surgery, I felt hopeful. But at the two-week recheck, I was spoken to in a condescending manner about fasting instructions. I was not aware another scope would be performed, and the tone used toward me made me feel belittled. When my dog later needed a minor follow-up airway correction (another $800+), I was not given a written estimate before surgery — only a verbal one. While she was under anesthesia, I specifically asked that they address a visibly narrowing nostril from the original procedure so I wouldn’t have to pay for yet another surgery. When I asked about it afterward, the surgeon responded in a sharp tone: “We’re not going to address that today.” When I reacted with visible confusion, she said, “What’s your question?” and then, “Well, you look like you have a question.” My dog had just come out of surgery, and I left in tears. I had to call my husband to calm down before going to work. Even my clients could tell something was wrong. No pet owner should feel that way after advocating for their animal. To be fair, the overnight ER veterinarian who cared for my dog was wonderful — kind, compassionate, and exactly what you hope for in veterinary medicine. Some of the staff were also pleasant. But the repeated lack of empathy from the specialists overshadowed everything. By this point, I have spent well over $8,000. I have had multiple procedures, multiple follow-ups, and still feel unresolved about aspects of the surgical outcome.I have decided not to return and will now be starting over at the UW (4.6 star rating). Since then, I've spoken to a few other dog owners who shared a very similar negative experiences at VCA. If cost transparency, compassion, communication, and respectful treatment matter to you — I would strongly encourage looking elsewhere. Specialty care is expensive, and I am willing to pay for quality medicine. What I am not willing to pay for is being treated dismissively while trying to advocate for my dog. Spare yourself the emotional and financial strain. I sincerely wish I had.
• DM

  Dan and Jamie Mowry

  Feb 14, 2026
  5.0
  I found the staff at VCA to be very professional, prompt, and compassionate. They were completely understanding at a difficult time. I found the rates to be very fair for the services that they performed.
• CC

  Chris

  Feb 4, 2026
  5.0
  My fiancé and I recently had to make a tough decision. It was on a Saturday and we called around our local area. No one was willing to help us. Finally one vet recommended VCA. We decided to go with the VCA on broadway. From the very moment staff answered the phone, they were incredibly helpful, honest, and completely understanding. I can’t thank them enough for all of their help. They even sent us a card which ment the world to us. This is an excellent choice if you are considering VCA.
• KA

  Kaitlin A

  Jan 5, 2026
  5.0
  We took our 13 year old corgi, Paris, here in early November for possible cardiac failure. The staff at VCA were incredible with her and sympathetic to the decision I ultimately had to make for my baby. They were patient, kind, and compassionate. They explained everything thoroughly, multiple times, and gave me the space and time to make whatever decision I needed to make. To me, it was the hardest decision I had had to make, but they were incredibly sweet the entire time. I found relief in the way that I was treated, and knew that even in her final moments, Paris was treated with the utmost respect and kindness from everyone there. Thank you to all the staff at VCA ♡
• SE

  Staci Erickson

  Nov 13, 2025
  5.0
  VCA Madison was so great to me when I had to bring my dog in at 10pm on a Tuesday night for vomiting and bloody diarrhea. They triaged us very quickly and were so friendly. Dr. Palmer and Dr. Gunn were especially helpful and took the time to explain everything to me. When I had to bring him back the next day because his symptoms worsened they helped me through a very scary hospitalization. They were so friendly every time I called with question or concern and helped me transfer my pup to the Middleton location when their hours changed.

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