VCA Albany Animal Hospital

Reviews 6

JE

Jenny Wenk

Weve used VCA Albany as our vet for the past 28 years and Im extremely satisfied. We started taking our cats there when it was a small private practice run by Dr. Floyd and were still going there with last years kittens. Plus Ive taken our friends cats there when they were traveling and emergencies cropped up on my watch. Having worked in several vet practices while I was studying to get my State license as a Vet Tech (post retirement indulgence) I know that very few vets are always on time. Just as very few doctors are on time for every appointment for exactly the same reasons: emergencies, more complex cases than originally expected, phone calls to & from patients that have to be handled ASAP, and most frequently, patients/clients who are late arriving for their appointments. So I always take something to read to every medical appointment, no matter who the patient is. What I love about VCA Albany is their very genuine concern about their patients. And its not a show for the human owners which happens at some vet practices. These folks really do care about the cats and dogs that come through those doors. A friend of mine learned that from the followup calls Steve Gardner made to her about her mothers elderly cat. And they work just as hard as any internist with human patients to get the correct diagnosis and treatment plan. Are they successful 100% of the time? Of course not. Neither is any internist or surgeon or specialist. Every living creature is unique and responds to treatments individually. So whats worked on the last 98 cats/dogs may not work on the 99th. Thats why I so value Steve Gardners and Tom Reeds considerable experience. Theyve seen things that no young vet has imagined yet. I always strongly suggest VCA Albany to anyone I know whos looking for a first/new vet for their pet(s).

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A Private User

After 5 months, and 4 different vets at that VCA Albany, I am angry. The first vet I saw over there, Dr. Martin, is absolutely incompetent. She mistook a colored fur spot on my cats nose for nasal discharge... amongst other things! Then I heard great things about Dr. Gardner, and went back with my cat to see him. He finally established a plan for her sickness (one that Dr. Martin said does not exist), and it went away. He also takes his time, and explains everything perfectly. However - after a while, when coming back with the animal after problems reoccur, he becomes short and uninterested. Then they discovered that my cat is hyperthyroid, and put her on meds. Turns out that she was highly allergic to the meds, and Dr. Gardner said "thats really not possible", while I on my own went online and found that 15% of animals are very allergic to that med! So I took my cat off it. Dr. Somanski proved worthless as well, because when my cat did have all these terrible allergic reactions, he was help- and clueless. They now recommend an operation which will cost $900, to remove one of the thyroids. Forget it. Next I went back because my cat scratched her face open. After a 30 sec. analysis by Dr. Reed, which cost $40 alone, the skin test of the scratch came back inconclusive. So far this year I have spent over $900 at this VCA, and got absolutely nothing for it! They are moneymakers, and do not care about the animal. They have no clue, and know nothing, and do not even try to find out. They said I would have to go to UC Davis, as they have the very best vet clinic in Cali - so what does that say about the VCA vets?

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A Private User

I never write reviews but the service I received was so great, and I wanted to help others who are worried about finding the right vet for their pets. I did so much research before I chose a vet in the Berkeley area, and I was very troubled by all the reviews stating price gouging and bad service. VCA Albany has a great office, I like the two separate doors for dogs and cats. The front desk service was good, the people were really nice but I did wait 15 min to get a room and another 15 min for the doctor (although I arrived early so maybe thats why I waited before getting a room). Most important to me was the service and visit with the doctor. I saw Susan Martin who was AMAZING! I mean she gave my dog a full exam. She checked her ears, paws, heart, stomach and more. She got full history on my dog and was SO patient. She was so thorough she even shaved an area on my dog, at no charge, to inspect something I was concerned about. She answered all my questions and did not try to sell me anything, even though others in her situation might have. It was the perfect combination of attention to detail without over medication or service recommendation. This is definitely my new vet. Also i got the first visit free so I only paid in total $25 ( which was for having my dogs glands expressed).

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Matt Miller

Female rats tend to get tumors as they get older, so I wasnt surprised when Leela got a big lump recently. I called VCA Albany and they set me up with an appointment with Dr. Reed for the very next day. Front desk staff was courteous and friendly and I was shown to a room rapidly. Dr. Reed was excellent -- great cage-side manner and even chatted amiably with Leelas human escort. Obviously knowledgeable about rat health, he made a quick diagnosis, told me about the prognosis with and without surgery, and informed me of the risks. We went ahead with the surgery which was finished that day and I was called promptly when Leela woke up. At the front desk, Jessica (I think was her name) was personable, fun, and full of life. Yep, surgery is expensive, but Ive checked prices and the deal I got at VCA is actually well below the average rate, and a downright steal for the Bay Area. Bottom line: Great experience, friendly and knowledgeable staff, good rates for the area, timely service.

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Mimi Moungovan

Very happy with their work. Fortunately was told by a friend about Susan Martin, and went to see her. She is grounded, kind, through, and smart. Four previous vets could never help with the dogs ears / constant scratching other than episodic antibiotics after which the problem would crop up again, and again, and again. Susan pondered and after her go at it, actually referred me to a specialist in the city who shed heard at a lecture, and finally the problem was solved. She had enough confidence to refer. VCA is almost twice the price per visit of other places Id gone, which took my breath away at the get-go, but VCA had come so recommended that I gave it a shot and find that in the end, its far worth it. They also saw a dog who I was watching over for friends who were on vacation who was old and took a tumble, and were equally thorough and called the next day "just to check up." I love knowing Susan Martin is there to really help. Thanks!

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A Private User

Weve been taking our dogs to VCA Albany for almost 13 years and have have generally good care from any Vet weve seen there. They were incredibly caring and sympathetic when our older dog was sick with cancer several years ago. They admitted what they didnt know and referred us to UC Davis Vet School for a diagnosis. They cared for him until we knew it was time to end his suffering and he was gently and peacefully put to sleep. The staff was great and they donated in his memory to UC Davis. We continue to use Dr Reed for our younger dog and now weve just adopted a new puppy that is starting with VCA. No complaints.

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