Review Time
Seven Tough Lessons from My Experience I’m sharing this review for fellow pet owners who prioritize their furry family members' well-being by reading reviews before making decisions about their health. I hope that sharing our experience helps you avoid the challenges we faced, making the nearly $2,000 we spent worthwhile. The takeaway? Consider going to an independent vet and think carefully before selecting a clinic associated with a large corporate entity. Reports have highlighted the pressure these corporate vet clinics face to focus on profit, which provided context to our situation. Our dog suffered from ongoing ear infections, intense skin inflammation, and yeast-related issues that were repeatedly misdiagnosed as allergies. He was treated with ear medication, flea treatments, and an allergy injection (Cytopoint). We were informed it might take time to see results, but we noticed no decrease in itching or inflammation. As his condition worsened, we were told the clinic couldn't see him for over a week, despite accepting new clients. During that time, we inquired about potential infections and whether antibiotics or antifungals should be considered. We were advised against those options and told to continue managing allergies. Eventually, we sought help from an emergency vet. Our dog was prescribed antibiotics, and for the first time, we noticed significant improvement—especially with the yeast symptoms. We also switched him to grain-free food, aligning with our repeated concerns about his severe grain allergy. Finally, we felt some relief. We returned to the original clinic just to address the lingering ear infection. I shared the improvements and the grain-free diet. The vet suggested a prescription “hypoallergenic” diet that included hydrolyzed wheat, claiming our dog needed grains for heart health. Trusting the medical advice we were paying for, I purchased the food. After the switch, our dog had a severe reaction. Upon examining the label myself, I discovered that while it contained hydrolyzed wheat protein, the first ingredient was rice—a grain and not hydrolyzed. Returning to discuss the reaction, I noted that our dog's grain allergy had been documented multiple times but dismissed as “unlikely.” There was no apology, no acknowledgment, and no refund for the $168 bag of food. Instead, the clinic facilitated a food exchange with the manufacturer. We donated the replacement food to someone in need, as it was unsuitable for our dog. At that moment, the food and nearly $2,000 in treatments had yielded no lasting improvement. We were back to square one. I left calmly, stating only, “Your actions are dishonorable.” Afterward, we were informed that management would discuss “removing us as a client.” This seemed reflective of the corporate culture at play. Ultimately, my dog's life and health were directly impacted by this corporate mindset. I didn’t wait to be dismissed; I sought a recommendation from a friend and went to an independent vet. What a transformative experience. The new vet reviewed our records (including the “non-compliant” label and the documented grain allergy), prescribed antibiotics and antifungal medication, and clarified that the infection was too serious for allergy management alone. Our dog improved and recovered. The Seven Lessons I Learned Always request and review your pet’s medical records. “Non-compliant” can mean advocating for what isn’t working. Symptom control is not the same as treating the root cause. Timely access to care is crucial. Always examine ingredient labels yourself. Corporate culture can affect medical decisions. Independent vets can provide clarity and effective solutions. Thank goodness for independent vets who prioritize caring for their furry patients.
I am writing this review regarding my experience at VCA Hollywood Animal Hospital in Hollywood, FL. I brought my 6-year-old cat for a referral due to suspected kidney issues and spent over $3,000 without receiving a clear diagnosis or treatment plan. During her last visit, my cat sustained a claw avulsion (a ripped-out claw) while under their care. The doctor never mentioned it. I discovered her paw was bleeding only while paying at the front desk. When I asked what happened, staff said she had scratched a doctor and “run around the room,” causing the injury.When I was called back, I found my cat tightly restrained in a blanket, screaming in distress, just to get her paw cleaned. The doctor admitted she had not used enough sedation due to concern about her heart. If sedation was unsafe, they should have recommended a CT scan under anesthesia from the start rather than causing unnecessary trauma by doing a procedure that was pysically hurting my pet.After I raised concerns, they offered a complimentary CT scan (Still paying 600 USD more). However, after I posted an honest Google review, they withdrew the offer and said they would only proceed if I deleted my review, agreed not to post another, and signed a liability release form. Later, VCA corporate offered me $940.95 under the same conditions.I declined because this is unethical and appears to violate the Consumer Review Fairness Act.My concern is that this corporation can harm pets and then try to silence clients who speak up taking advantage of financial or the urgency we have for our pet care. I hope my experience helps other pet owners make informed choices and encourages more ethical practices within VCA.
AVOID AVOID AVOID.This place is a huge scam. Went in to have my kitten's spay evaluated, since she had a seroma, and possible test for a uti, since she was having some outside the box urination. They tried convincing me to do close to $500 worth of tests for things she had already been tested and vaccinated for, or for tests that are inaccurate at her current age. Then they said "The test is inaccurate, so you'll have to come back and do it AGAIN in 2 months, but we should do it anyway." They barely even glanced at her spay and completely ignored the uti question. But man, were they quick to try and sell us on probiotics and their bs 'care club.'
I have been bringing my German Shepherd to Pinnacle since she was just 3 months old. She is now older (almost 12), with failing hind legs, and like many shepherds, she experiences high anxiety at the vet. Despite this, she has never bitten, snapped, or harmed anyone -- even without sedation -- in all her years of care here.At our last visit, the clinic falsely noted that we had given her anti-anxiety medication, which we had not. She was anxious, but no muzzle was needed and the staff were able to give her injections and complete her exam without issue. This most recent visit was simply for another quick injection -- something that would take literally seconds -- yet we were told we could not proceed without her being on medication for two days beforehand.Amanda, the staff member we dealt with, claimed my gsd was aggressive, snarled and growled so she needed to prioritize her staff's safety. I don't know where she got this information but it certainly wasn't in the notes and having attended every appointment with Millie I KNOW that my pet has never been aggressive to the technicians or the vets. While I understand safety is important, this reasoning is hard to accept given my dog's long history here without any incidents. If Amanda doesn't know the difference between aggressiveness and anxiety she shouldn't be working there!! Amanda decided to be a hard hat and showed zero compassion. We have never been turned away before by the staff. There was no apology or willingness to listen to my perspective as the owner.My dog desperately needed this injection for her deteriorating legs, but Pinnacle refused to provide it. In addition, since being acquired by VCA, the clinic has also become significantly more expensive and increasingly focused on selling as many additional services as possible -- whether or not they are truly necessary.This experience has left me feeling the clinic is no longer a welcome place and that they do not truly care for the pets in their care or respect the owners who know them best. All they care about is making as much money from the owners as possible. After years of loyalty, they did not return the same. I will not be returning.
Receptionist, vet techs and vet were attentive and gave an honest assessment of our elder dog's condition BUT, it became very clear that VCA is all about squeezing as much money from their clients as possible. Everything centered around "the treatment plan and cost". We spent over $4500 IN A 27 HOUR HOSPITALIZATION with "no guarantees" that our dog's condition won't return in the future. It seems that every thing they do revolves around ensuring they take every penny they can from vulnerable clients who are already dealing with their own fear and uncertainty about their beloved pet. AVOID. Obscene overcharging for services
The animal hospital I go to - Garden State Animal hospital is among THE BEST in the land, but VCA is terrible. Especially their website. It literally takes 10,000 hours to check out on the website. TERRIBLE!!! Just go to literally ANYWHERE ELSE to buy because the website NEVER EVER works! Like never. I am done placing orders on their website because I have reported it so many times, and VCA just sits back, counts their $ and could absolutely care less about the experience their customers have on their website! Do yourself a favor - need an excellent vet, see Dr. Fisher at GSAH. Need to buy anything from their website, forget about it!
I am taking care of a service dog that uses a VCA office for routine care. My wife suspected the dog had a urinary infection and has some before in her fourteen years making it a good guess. I was well treated by the employees and received timely service. The vet suggested we get a urine sample and run the common test on it and also a culture. Sounds good so far but the assistant had entered those few items in to his pricing matrix and said my bill today would be $491. At times I just don't feel like being a door mat and flatly told the vet that the pricing was just plain criminal. She was calm and acted like mine was a common response. I decided to take the dog to my normal vet and got a quote from them from the parking lot. All the same but no urine culture that was not needed at this point. $141 is all for the total visit. So that plus the $99 I wasted on the VCA office call and it's still half as much. They may be a fine operation but are not price competitive.
I was a breeder of Pembroke corgis and toy poodles. Vca came and made themselves a monopoly and then pulled the plug on service... 1st) complaint...female toy just gave birth and started getting sick. $400 for pymetria test...confirmed fluid in the uterus they sent her home with no antibiotics and she almost died $3000 spay....2nd complaint...female toy poodle over gestation period..has a history of this. Vet administered oxytocin at 2pm and sent her home where she stalled labor and left us looking for a surgeon for hours...2 puppies died. $3500 c section. 3rd complaint...male toy neutered came back bruised from his knees to the head of his penis...next day thinking he was in shock I called to get a follow up and they told me the couldn't (wouldn't) see him (big difference) so after all this and roughly 100 grand I've done with them in business they took payments on 6 care clubs then closed them and my whole account after taking payments for services they had no intention of providing....contacting a lawyer
Avoid this place if you love your pet. They are not professional. They upsell to run unnecessary tests. They do not provide the treatment your pet deserves and will charge you an arm and leg to get substandard care. They send me an appointment and when I arrive they tell me they don't set appointments. I understand that the waiting list can vary but they are unaccommodating to drop off or get a call to come back. The staff is rude if you ask any questions. I will never go back and find I need to warn others about this place. Even after I showed them the email they said they don't set appointments and said I was rude when I asked them to read the email to me if I misunderstood it. They wrapped his leg so tight from where they drew blood that his paw swelled up 300% normal size. They told me on a followup visit they should have removed that before he was sent home. It wasn't. They will not allow you to drop off a pet until someone talks to you. That can be over an hour and they ask 2 questions. Is he vomiting or has diarrhea then they will hold until they are ready. The staff apparently thinks they can treat their clients any way they want. Stay away!!!
Claim your business profile now and gain access to all features and respond to customer reviews.
scratchandnewton.com
www.renspets.com
www.siipet.com
petsafe.net
legtre.com
tinycutiepuppies.com
atlaspetcompany.com
animalis.com
apetmart.com
www.radiofence.com
