VCA Advanced Veterinary Care Center

I was referred to VCA by my usual veterinarian, who was unable to assess my dog's issue. When I picked up German Shepherd from overnight boarding, his third eyelid was visibly elevated; something I had never seen on him and found very alarming. Upon arrival at VCA, the front desk receptionist was very welcoming and attentive. After I described the issue to her, a technician came out, brought us into an exam room, reviewed all my dog's medical history, and got details on the current issue. He then took my dog into the treatment area, while I was placed into another room to speak with the veterinarian. Dr. Heather Elliot examined my dog and later came to talk to me, providing a thorough explanation of his issues and possible causes. Dr. Elliot was very knowledgeable, professional, and kind. She put my dog on antibiotics and gave him eyedrops; he is already doing better and is more alert. Overall, my experience at VCA was exceptional, and I give them the highest rating.

Do not take your pet here. Here is a break down of our experience by category: 1. Poop Jail My cat had diarrhea for a few days, which was one of the 2 reasons we took him to VCA. They put my partner and my cat into a room, where my cat soiled his carrier and the kennel. They did not clean this up or even allow my partner to clean it up so that "doctor could see it". She and my cat sat in that room for over 6 hours. My cat was left to sit in his feces. 2. Used Car Salesman We had been trying to treat an abscess on my cat's head since February and we took him to VCA in June. When we finally saw the doctor, she immediately speculated that the abscess was cancer without explicitly stating it. She said he was losing weight, and it was possible that "the growth" was taking his nutrients. This was after 0 tests had been performed and having only known my cat for a few minutes. After that, the treatment plan person came along and attempted to guilt me into spending $1200 more dollars, on top of the $1700 of the treatment pan we were agreeing to. The $1200 went towards putting my cat under anesthesia for longer than necessary to take an X-Ray that we already knew was pointless. This was later confirmed when we picked him up from surgery and the staff at VCA told us it was a "good thing" we didn't get the X-ray. It really felt like they tried to deliberately scare us and shake us down for money. If that's not what happened, it certainly indicates an extreme lack of professionalism that we walked away feeling like it did. 3. The Lacking Treatment They performed a surgery to drain the abscess. What we did not know at the time was that they should've taken a sample to find the correct antibiotics required to kill the infection. My partner and I did not know this, because it was their job as veterinarians to know it. It is now November and we have finally gotten what we needed to treat the abscess. This whole thing could've been over in June, but the incompetent staff does not actually care about the animals they're treating. Don't continue to give VCA business, they don't care about you or your pet. Not only was the whole thing pointless but it was also extremely expensive. My cat suffered for 5 more months after having surgery when they had the means to treat him. Not to mention that the conditions we tolerated while waiting to see the doctor were completely unacceptable. Take your pet to Bixby Animal Hospital instead, they are friendly and extremely helpful.

Huge thanks to the team at VCA Emergency Clinic, especially Martin! He was incredibly helpful, got my pet seen quickly, and truly saved the day. In such a stressful moment, his calm and caring attitude made all the difference. The entire staff was professional, compassionate, and efficient. I'm so grateful for the excellent care my pet received thank you again, Martin and the VCA team!

They dont care about your pet. I brought my dog to urgent care at 9pm on 10/26/25 and while explaining what was going on with my dog, the lady asked me "are you sure he wasn't just playing?" YES i'm sure, thats why i'm visibly distraught and at urgent care. Then they said it would be 30 minutes before anyone could examine my dog and then 2-4 hours before i could speak to a doctor. Meanwhile, my wife called Bixby Animal Hospital in Torrance and got us checked in over the phone and said it was less than an hour wait. I immediatley left this VCA and drove 15 minutes to Bixby and within 3 minutes my dog was being cared for by a very empathetic and understanding staff. AVOID THIS PLACE AND GO TO BIXBY ANIMAL HOSPITAL IN TORRANCE IF YOU HAVE AN ANIMAL EMERGENCY AND WANT AN EMPATHETIC STAFF.

I just want to say, although it was very difficult for me the day I came into this VCA location. My dog was struck by a car and unfortunately did not make it. But the staff, and the vets, the techs. They did everything they possibly could to help me. This location was the only VCA opened at the time of the incident as it happened later in the evening, but where my heart is so gracious and thankful for this place is how they reached out to me days after the occurrence, sharing kind words and condolences. I'm just so appreciative for these people. I know a lot of people want to complain and feel the need to cut down the integrity and skills of people but I'm going give them their flowers as they did for me. My dog is no longer with me not because of them, but because of the wildness of this world and yet everyone did everything they could to help me and for that I say THANK YOU. |