SC
Sandra Castro
Nov 5, 2025
We arrived at around 7pm the lady at the front desk called for someone to come out and check us in while my brother filled out paperwork. The lady who came out immediately started talking to me in Spanish, yes I do know Spanish but did not ask for someone who did, and seemed surprised that I spoke English. I went to get some food for myself and my son as we had left work and school and were hungry. By the time we came back there were 4 other people that had arrived with their pets and that were graciously offered coffee and tea, which we had not been offered, by this time it was around 9pm. Two pets were seen and released before we were even seen, at 11:15pm I had to call the phone number on the sign because the lady was no longer at the front desk and no one had given us an update. Not until I told them that my brother had to be at work at 4am did they get us in and even then we didn’t leave until 12:30am. The called my mom before 2am saying their kitten was ready, when she arrived a different lady was at the front desk and told her to give her a second. After waiting for some time my mom asked in English what was wrong with her kitten and again an employee was surprised that she spoke English. My mom didn’t get home until 4am even though they had told her she was ready to be picked up. This was by far the worst experience we as a family have experienced, I do not like to say places are racially biased but given my experience and my mom’s experience I can’t think of calling anything else. Clearly we knew there would be a cost in having our kitten seen and clearly we were going to pay hence us taking her in. This was the first and definitely the last time we take our kitten here. We were treated poorly and given the run around given our race and I can say that because we did not look like anyone else in that office that night. We paid about $800 for them to say they weren’t sure what she had and would need to pay an additional $700 to run more labs but was prescribed pain medication.
RB
Rachel Blackard
Oct 24, 2025
Last night was one of the scariest nights of our lives — our sweet Cleopatra was badly injured in a dog fight and needed emergency surgery right away. We rushed her to VMSC, and from the moment we walked through the door, the entire team was absolutely incredible.
They moved fast, kept us calm, and treated Cleopatra with so much compassion and skill. The vet explained everything clearly, didn’t waste a second getting her into surgery, and still took the time afterward to make sure we understood her care plan and what to expect during recovery. You could tell they truly care about their patients — not just as animals, but as beloved family members.
Cleopatra is home, healing, and wagging her tail again today — and we owe it all to this amazing team. Thank you for being there when it mattered most. You are true heroes in scrubs!
RB
Ryan Briggs
Oct 23, 2025
A good doctor's skillset goes far beyond the knowledge required to carry out his job. A doctor has to have people skills, is able to show compassion, and the ability to convey bad news in a positive way regardless how dire the situation. Dr Higgins of VMSG's neurology department is the total package. My wife and I brought our french bulldog in for a consultation as he was experiencing discomfort tied to what appeared to be back pain. Initially expecting to subject him to an MRI, Dr Higgins explained to us that a CT scan is just as effective as an MRI in identifying certain back issues that frenchies are prone to. Not only is a CT scan significantly less expensive, it's less invasive by not requiring anesthesia, and takes less time to complete from start to finish. We took Dr Higgins' recommendation and, sure enough, the scan identified two herniated discs. Fortunately, they were mild which allows for the healing process to require confinement and rest as opposed to surgery. Dr Higgins, the neuro department, and the front office staff were amazing. I understand working in an environment where you deal with clients displaying concern, frustration, sadness, etc can desensitize someone. In this case, the VMSG employees we had the joy of interacting with displayed a level of compassion that you rarely see in this type of a situation. VMSG has earned our business for the foreseeable future regarding issues that our local vet are unable to treat. A big thank you to Dr Higgins and staff.
FIVE STARS: The Greatest Emergency Vets—They Saved My Most Valuable Companions!
I have to tell you, Veterinary Medical and Surgical Group (VMSG) is simply the best—the absolute best. Over the years, this group has performed miracles for my precious toy dogs and puppies, saving the lives of five different animals through multiple emergencies.
My dogs are champion, prize-winning show dogs, each valued in the tens of thousands. More importantly, their companionship value is immeasurable, and VMSG has proven they treat them like gold.
We've been through it all: severe lacerations, broken legs, concussions, poisonings, complex parasites, and serious reproductive complications. Everything! VMSG has it all: advanced MRI imaging, world-class surgical skills, and a rock-solid ER and ICU department.
The entire team—the doctors, the professional veterinary assistants, the ER techs, and the front desk staff—are consistently solid and professional. They handle an intensely high-stress environment with incredible efficiency and patience, even late at night. They are non-judgmental, which is a big deal, and the availability of every specialist and service in one location is tremendous.
We, the HASS Group, are immensely grateful for the consistently brilliant services rendered. I sincerely hope no further emergencies are needed, but VMSG remains my primary care provider of choice and my essential on-call service.
A word of advice: This level of expertise and advanced care is expensive. I highly recommend veterinary insurance to everyone. But when you need the absolute best to save a priceless life, look no further. Highly recommended!
Professional. Compassionate.
A dog became suddenly very sick and we urgently drove her to the VMSG. As soon as we got out of the car, and I checked on her in her crate beside me, we discovered she had stopped breathing. I rushed her inside and the staff immediately took action. Our loving companion of more than 15 years, very sadly passed away. The staff was incredibly supportive and compassionate, and walked us through the processes and options available. We were not charged any money for these experiences.
Upon our return together, our pet’s remains, the staff was again incredibly supportive and compassionate. I noticed that a staff member at the front desk was visibly upset and doing the best they could to manage their emotions while they had obviously experienced something very saddening right before coming back to assist me at the front desk. Even though clearly under duress, she was extremely professional and assisted me beautifully.
I hope the wonderfully compassionate human beings there always receive respect and grace. They deserve for handling what can often be a very emotionally difficult and challenging job. Thank you for being there at a difficult time for our family.