Aaron O Jxm

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Verified Reviewer
| map-marker Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Completely Insane Experience

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This was an extremely negative experience across the board, and the complete lack of professionalism, common sense, and basic communication was shocking.

I had made an appointment for my cat, Ella, well in advance. I had explained exactly what I was looking for - a basic examination, and blood work.

They called back to confirm the appointment. I explained again what I was looking for, and I also mentioned that my cat was often stressed at the vet. No problem.

I went for the appointment today. Getting her to the vet is difficult, and very stressful for the poor girl.

It involves physically forcing her into a carrier - neither of us enjoy the experience. I have to take time off from work. Drive. Park - it's a PITA.

The first negative sign was that no one answered the door for some time.

It took about 5 minutes to get inside. OK...no biggie...it's busy...

There were two people in front of me. They bring a cat back to the first person, and they explain to him that the cat is too upset to examine, and they sell him some drugs and ask him to reschedule. I thought it was weird, and I was nervous because Ella is not super calm at the vet.

Then they bring back the second person's cat.

Same exact situation. Now my radar is screaming. This is freaking weird. You're a vet, and you can't deal with an upset cat?

If you're that sensitive to cat stress, maybe you should have the person use the drugs BEFOREHAND?

I said something. I explained that I thought what they were doing was weird. I explained that I didn't want to have to upset my cat a second time bringing her back. I explained that I expected the blood work done.

I had never seen this be a problem before.

They reassured me a bit, explained they were weird one offs...ok. I should have left. They explained that they were short staffed. OK - I get that.

I try not to use it an excuse with paying customers, but I get it.

They come back 10 minutes later explaining they'd examined her...and they then went into detail about how they couldn't actually examine her well. I said well, the bloodwork will catch that, right? They didn't do the blood work and suggested I bring her back.

At this point I was beyond annoyed at the Kafkaesque ridiculousness and explained that I was done. Give me back my cat.

They had the nerve to try and bill me.

I asked for an owner's name...I was told to look it up.

I'm not sure exactly how you can be a vet who is unable to perform an exam on a cat, but that's apparently the deal here. I would suggest going elsewhere.

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Loss:
$12
Cons:
  • Poor communication
  • Did not perform services
  • Will do nothing unless they can sell you something else

Preferred solution: Apology

User's recommendation: Go elsewhere

Dennis J Ivp

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Verified Reviewer
| map-marker Rome, New York

Staff not wearing masks

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I find it beyond ridiculous that 1. The VCA Headquarters lied to me regarding weekly staff testing for COVID-19 at local animal hospitals, I know for a fact that Rome Animal Hospital in Rome, NY does not test its staff. 2. That in the middle of the Delta and Omicron variant upswing in infection rates that two of the staff on Saturday 11/27/2021 were not wearing masks despite signs being posted everywhere that they are required. 3. That the VCA has not reached out to me regarding this and has actively blocked me on their Facebook and Twitter accounts for asking for a response. 4. The Rome Animal Hospital had to close this weekend because of staffing issues due to COVID-19 and other sickness and yet likely being exposed to COVID by the staff I have not heard a peep about it.
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Pros:
  • Vets
  • Normally a great place to take your pets
  • Compassion
Cons:
  • Staff not wearing masks

Preferred solution: Apology

User's recommendation: Until the VCA and Rome Animal Hospital take this pandemic seriously to protect its staff and customers I cannot recommend this business.

Victoria W Gvs

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Verified Reviewer
| map-marker Colorado Springs, Colorado

Unnecessary testing and overcharged

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Took our dog in for a skin infection and ear infection that we clearly told them was the problem when we called the location in Colorado Springs. They could plainly see the problem of our dog and we knew what it was because he had it before. They never offered the one test they stated they had no clue what the problem was and only gave two options either do all the tests or do three of the tests (which I'm sorry but he only needed the skin test as it was obvious he had a skin problem) so in order to get over on us they only gave us the two options. I'm beyond furious. Not only did they do this they can't even man up and talk directly to me. They only respond to my reviews with an email of who to contact when I have contacted the manager, headquarters and Mars Inc. None of which have contacted me back or are willing to tell me why they wouldn't so just the skin test let alone resolve the issue. They are a bunch of rip offs if you ask me.
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Loss:
$400
Pros:
  • Will give your pet what they need
Cons:
  • Only want money and will rip you off

Preferred solution: Full refund

User's recommendation: If you want to be ripped off this is the place

Anonymous

VCa Care Club Ripoff

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I signed up my dog GG for the care club and have basically received nothing over the past year. I did this mainly to cover her teeth cleaning.

When I scheduled the teeth cleaning (which is included with signing up for the $50 per month care club cost) there were many "add-ons" that were not included in that service. "anesthesia, medications, etc. After that I called within a few months to take advantage of the other covered services that were to be included in this "club". I wanted a routine exam.

they told me if nothing was wrong with GG don't bring her in.

I just called about having her nails trimmed and was told that was not a covered service. this has been the biggest waste of money and I am in the process of cancelling this service.

View full review
Cons:
  • Care club was ripoff
Reason of review:
Warranty issue
81 comments
Guest

Clearly you didn't read what it covers. Cause I just signed up and that was clear to me. It's for wellness, vaccines, office visits, and blood tests as annual physical makes it necessary

Guest

Thx for letting us know this is a rip off!

Guest

VCA Care Club is not a pet insurance like I was told at sign up. It is a membership to a club that allows you certain services for the year.

If you cancel before the year is up, you will be charged the remaining balance on the account. Club membership is automatically renewed.

Guest
reply icon Replying to comment of Guest-2105477

You need to call your VCA Hospital to cancel or stop auto renew. This plan does not cover any major issues with your pet.

It doesn't cover medication or Hospital stays. It's only for routine checkups and vaccines.

Guest

It took me about 8 months to finally get through to someone to cancel my careclub. I had to call corporate just to finally talk to someone.

The careclub is great for breaking up the financial responsibility of a large bill. (why I got it in the first place) other than that, HUGE waste of money. Anytime I actually took my dog to the vet, almost nothing was covered except for the actual visit. They also closed down the only VCA near me and never gave careclub holders a heads up or anything.

They continued to charge me every month while I didn't even have a VCA anywhere near me.

Finally someone today said they cancelled my policy and I would be refunded. We will see...

Guest

I hate this careclub membership, and I can’t find anywhere how to cancel it. Does anyone know how?

Guest
reply icon Replying to comment of Guest-2014170

Contact your vca. Depending On when you signed up and what services you’ve already used, you may be asked to pay a fee to cancel the plan as you have used services as a discounted rate and signed a contract.

Irving Tkb

I totally agree with you. Every time I call to make an appointment they say they don’t have any available appointments.

I am paying $97. A month and can’t even get in. Unbelievable . It does not cover medications or basic services.

They don’t seem too concerned They said it only covers well checks but I can’t even get an appointment. Wish I had never signed up I have canceled auto renewal.

Looks like I am stuck paying for it. Waste of money total rip off

Guest
reply icon Replying to comment of Irving Tkb

How about taking into consideration that Covid has effected all veterinary clinics wait times? Care Club doesn’t make any client a priority over any other clients, it is a wellness plan that gives you discounted services.

Syra Zdi
reply icon Replying to comment of Irving Tkb

how did you cancel auto renewal?

View more comments (80)
Anonymous

This review is written by an individual who has purchased the reviewed product/service and/or confirms being a paying customer of this company. Check our FAQ

Verified Buyer
| map-marker Miami, Florida

Veterinarian failed to provide x-ray results;negligence;racism

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VCA Animal Hospitals - Veterinarian failed to provide x-ray results;negligence;racism

In this post, I will refer to the doctor as Dr. Nikki Cutrone.

Her other names include Dr. Nikki Zisholtz, and Dr. Nikki Cutrone Zisholtz. I write this post with a broken-heart and a bucket of tears.

I took my chihuahua to VCA Aventura Animal Hospital from 2016-****. On July 15, 2021, Dr. Nikki Cutrone examined my dog. She performed an x-ray and gave a prescription for cough syrup.

My dog died on July 28, 2021. Dr. Nikki Cutrone was negligent. She never provided me with the results of the x-ray.

Dr. Cutrone did not care about my dog. They only pretend to care. In December 2020, the vet tech Giovanni told me his chihuahua does not like BLACK people.

I was offended because I am a BLACK woman. I left two messages for the office manager who never returned my call. Over the years, I can count on my first-hand the number of BLACK customers I have seen in the waiting area. I can also count on my first-hand the number of BLACK employees at VCA Aventura Animal Hospital from 2016-****.

I am not a racist, so I ignored other signs of racism. I have lost my child, my friend, my world, my dog. I am posting this to help other people. On August 23, 2021, Dr.

Urday apologized for Dr. Cutrones mistake. An apology will never take away the pain I will feel forever. No pet owner should have to feel this much pain because of a doctor's negligence.

Skin color should not matter. Be careful everyone if you love your pet.

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User's recommendation: If you do not want to feel the pain I am feeling, find a veterinarian who cares. They only pretend to care at VCA Hospitals. You and your pet deserves better than VCA Animal Hospitals. You've been warned.

Emily B Brg

This review is from a real person who provided valid contact information and hasn't been caught misusing, spamming or abusing our website. Check our FAQ

Verified Reviewer
| map-marker Palm Desert, California

Awful experience

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Updated by user Nov 09, 2021

I reviewed this awful place on Google so hopefully nobody else will think about euthanization for a beloved pet when it's not necessary.

Original review Nov 08, 2021
My dog had been in a fight and one of the puncture wounds on her inner thigh had become infected. My husband and I were not working at the time, and unlimited finances.

The vet wanted to do exploratory surgery to the tune of $8,000, and when we told her we couldn't afford that what were our options she suggested we take her to Mexicali that treatment was less expensive down there, or she would euthanize her when we told her we really didn't have the money cuz she just tried a different antibiotic she said that she would euthanize her for free. Thank God I have a happy healthy 5-year-old dog now who loves her life and is well loved all she needed was a different antibiotic.

I cannot believe the way this vet treated my dog and my husband and i. we were scared and she recommends euthanasia then condescendingly tells us she'll do it for free.
View full review
Pros:
  • 24 hour emergency service
Cons:
  • Unnecessary procedures
  • Horrible vets
  • Over priced

Preferred solution: Let the company propose a solution

User's recommendation: Avoid this place at all cost

dan j Uxj

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Verified Reviewer
| map-marker Lawndale, California

Complaint

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Brought my pet cat in to get flea kill applied to back of neck. vets refused to apply. would not give me new customer discount ($25) or advertised 40% discount on 1st visit. Overcharge for what they did do, in my opinion
View full review
Loss:
$25

Preferred solution: Let the company propose a solution

User's recommendation: locate a better vet clinic

Anonymous
map-marker Milan, New Hampshire

Money hungry killers

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beware!!! caves is a part of vca veterinarian hospitals which is run by the mars corporation, yes the same mars that

sell candy bars and food products alongside pet products such as royal canin, nutro, iams and various other products.

so if you love your pet and they were murdered by vca for their own greed i would recommend boycotting anything and everything that's related to the mars corporation. so be aware and don't forget to research where your products come from and who owns the businesses you spend your money at. my suggestion is to find a smaller local vet to bring your pet to in order to receive more compassionate and sincere care. stop paying mars corporation to kill your pet for their multibillion dollar greed!!!

boycott! boycott! boycott! PLEASE MAKE NOTE THEY ARE GIVING ALL OF YOU MULTIPLE EMAIL CONTACTS BECAUSE IT A SHAM!!!

NO ONE CONTACTS YOU!!!! I EMAILED ALL OF THEM WITH NO REPLY!!! I LOST 2 DOGS TO VCA THEIR MO IS TAKE YOUR PET IN THE BACK SO YOU CAN NOT SEE THE CARE THEY ARE GETTING THEN THEY COME BACK WITH A BIG BILL FOR YOU TO SIGN GIVING YOU HOPE THEN AFTER YOU OBLIGATE YOUR SELF TO THE PAYMENT YOU ARE TOLD YOUR PET IS SUDDENLY IN CRITICAL CONDITION AND STRONGARM YOU INTO EUTHANASIA AND CREMATION SO THEY CAN ADD MORE AND MORE MONEY TO YOUR BILL BECAUSE OF THE NEGLIGENT CARE YOUR PET HAS RECEIVED ITS ALL A SCAM AT THE PRICE OF YOUR BELOVED PETS LIFE TO GET YOUR MONEY LOTS OF IT LIKE MARS CORP.

DOESNT HAVE ENOUGH MONEY ALREADY SHAME SHAME SHAME ON YOU MARS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! SadSPREAD THE WORD SO PEOPLE ARE AWARE OF THIS BILLION DOLLAR SCAM FROM MARS DISGUISING THEMSELVES AS ANIMAL HOSPITALS THEY OWN LOTS OF THEM!!!!

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User's recommendation: BOYCOTT ALL MARS CORP

Anonymous

Complaint.

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My complaint is how things are run. I've been taking my cats to Chatoak before VCA bought it.

My family has been taking their animals there for over 30 years. I think how emergencies are handled is pathetic. You have to be put on a list? That may not always be possible, and to have to see a vet tech first before a licensed veterinarian is pathetic.

Vet techs are not doctors. Before VCA bought Chatoak if there was an emergency you could bring your pet in right away, no wait list. Chatoak was a much better quality animal hospital before VCA took it over and that probably has to do with that VCA is a corporation who cares more about the money than the animals and their owners. We love our veterinarian at Chatoak and she's been our veterinarian long before VCA took over.

The customer service lacks as well. If you check reviews of different VCA animal hospitals you can clearly see the complaints and poor reviews.

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User's recommendation: Be careful because VCA has basically taken over any and all independent veterinary clinics pre pandemic.

Joyce G Txm

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Verified Reviewer
| map-marker East Windsor, New Jersey

DO NOT JOIN

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Paid #53 per month so $636 per year . Any tests or medications are not included so far we have paid over $1000 so $1636 for just 6 visits for the year. Our usual vet left and i do not trust any other vets that remain. One vet said that tests for $180 showed blood and pus so I rushed my dog in for a visit. They then ran another set of tests for $300 and now the results are normal! Now when I go to cancel you lose all the discounts and have to pay to get out of the contract!
View full review
Loss:
$90
Pros:
  • Quick appointment
Cons:
  • Try to sell you on services not needed
  • Outrageously expensive
  • Wants money but does not care about pet welfare

Preferred solution: Price reduction

User's recommendation: DO NOT JOIN not worth the cost

Anonymous
map-marker Opelika, Alabama

Not worth the money

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Local vets quit Im assuming. So the last few months I havent been able to get the services I need. Having to go to COBBS Ford vet and paying to get services I pay for monthly with VCA defeats the purpose of the membership. As to end it because they are not For filling their obligations. To only be told since yu used the membership once you have to pay for it we cant help the staffing issues. Which is sad because I only have 2 months left its not like I have 11 months
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Cons:
  • Service
Marcie T Kra

Incompetence

VCA Animal Hospitals - Incompetence

I have been going to VCA Taylorsville for years now, and Dr. Neville is great unfortunately he can't carry the whole practice.

They really let me down the last time I needed help. My dog Chloe was having trouble breathing so I called the vet they told me to bring her in as a walk in, so we get there and they ask us to wait in the car for up to an hour I told them again she wasn't breathing right, allowed me to stay in the lobby, told me if she got worse they would take her back immediately so she starts really struggling and I went to the desk told the guy (Dexter) and he said I'll be with you in a min told him we didn't have a min went back to my daughter who was holding Clo and she stopped breathing and lost consciousness the tech( Dexter) that was standing right there disappeared so I grab Clo and start mouth to mouth and I can't get any air in her turned her over a alot of bloody froth came out I yelled that she was dying and another tech rushed her to the back, this all happened in the waiting room the tech came out said she was on Oxygen I asked her if she was still alive and she said yes , less than 2 min later Dr. Mardis (who definitely needs sensitivity training) comes in and tells my daughter who is alone at the moment that Chloe's gone, that there was no heartbeat when she got back there so they didn't do anything. I brought her to the clinic for help and If they would have seen her when we got there she might not have died.

And if she was beyond help she could've been made comfortable as she passed instead of DYING VIOLENTLY AND HORRIBLY IN MY ARMS.

I can't stop the pictures in my head of her dying. Don't know if I can go bthere.Be ere.

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Pros:
  • Dr neville
  • Andrea office manager
Cons:
  • Incompetent veterinarians putting our beloved pets at risk

User's recommendation: Be careful in an emergancy DEMAND ASSISTANCE

Jimmy N Iee

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Verified Reviewer
| map-marker Columbus, Georgia

Poor service

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I have been a bringing my pets to Cool Ridge Animal hospital in Temple Hills, MD a VCA managed veterinary hospital for over 16 years. Over the years I have been pleased with the professionalism and medical care provided to my animals.

Up until now. The lack and of professionalism, care, and accommodations made when animals are experiencing an emergency is bewildering.

My 4-year-old Cane Corso begin having poly-urea and was incontinent of his urine all over the house. He was frequently needing to go every 15-30 minutes and clearly uncomfortable. I phoned his veterinarian, Cool Ridge Animal hospital and requested an emergency appointment for anytime on that day.

The front desk persona advised that there were no appointments available for another 5 days. I clearly explained to her that my dog was uncomfortable and experiencing polyuria. This could have been a complicated UTI, Diabetes, or even cancer. The idea of waiting to see a doctor in 5 days was unfathomable.

I could not believe the clinic was not willing to squeeze my dog in at some point prior to 5 days for a less than 30-minute appointment so he could be assessed and prescribed at minimal pain medication or an antibiotic.

I have been a nurse for over 20 years and like people primary care provider, the veterinarian is our furry family primary care. The ER should be reserved to true life-threatening emergencies, such as trauma , not to over crowd the vet with less serious animal conditions. I find it difficult to believe that nay pet owner and lover would object to waiting an additional 30 minutes while another animal is having pain and difficulty controlling his continence.

Unfortunately I will not be bringing any of my animals back to Cool Ridge Animal Hospital, a VCA managed veterinary clinic in the future. They clearly lack the care and compassion needed for me to allow my animals health and wellbeing to be placed in their hands.

As a professional health care provider, I strongly encourage others to assess and consider what vet we allow our furry friends to receive care. There are many other locations that understand and have systems built in to deal with such emergencies and client needs.

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george S Boz

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Verified Reviewer
| map-marker Westerly, Rhode Island

I have not heard from the company yet.

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Updated by user Nov 08, 2021

They return the extra money on the final bill. I asked about the dog urine test that was never done at the hospital, however I was charge for the test. The test was over $100.00...

Original review Nov 08, 2021
They know the complaint and I am surprised that they have not contacted the questions that were asked on the complaint. The question on the testing was asked but no responds from them. we are well into Nov.
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Pros:
  • Location and doctors are precious
  • Last chance emergency service
Cons:
  • Staff

Preferred solution: Let the company propose a solution

User's recommendation: I would rather not comment and give them a chance to response.

Connie D Iey

Complaint

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Updated by user Sep 28, 2021

Called to discuss was being transferred to supervisor and was disconnected after a 15!min wait

Original review Sep 28, 2021
Vca hospitals are nationwide so I thought and was told vca care club handles most all care with meds etc extra - the only problem is I moved and now am 6 hours from the vet - the care club IS NOT transferable so now I am having to pay for the rest of the year anyway and will have to pay extra for vet services going forward - as I am not able to use the closest vet 25!miles from me - I just didnt get a good feel at the office - should be transferable to any locations for the cost
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Loss:
$648
Pros:
  • Convenient low out of pocket montly
Cons:
  • Not transferable

Preferred solution: Let the company propose a solution

User's recommendation: No if you are moving or want to change vets