VCA San Carlos Animal Hospital

Reviews 4

SU

Sue Barnstable

The staff here are breathtakingly incompetent. I have a diabetic dog that needs specific care and a set schedule plus another dog with no special needs. Going on a long planned vacation, I investigated numerous boarding facilities and chose San Carlos because they had a vet tech on site all night so they could meet my dogs needs without changing his schedule. I even provided a copy of his med schedule when I toured this facility and confirmed this when I made the reservation a month in advance. I happily agreed to an exam since I would need to go over the meds again. Everyone I interacted with at that time assured me my dogs needs would be met. To make a long story short, this proved not to be the case. They discontinued the night tech about the time I made the reservation but never informed me and would no longer meet his needs. They refused to make any effort to do anything to find a way to make the situation work, would not even agree that they would ensure his meds were given at the prescribed interval. I was hours from boarding a flight, late on a Saturday afternoon. I couldnt leave my dogs there, I wasnt sure the diabetic one would survive their "care". I couldnt find an alternative so ended up not making the trip. This place is a mess. While the tech I met with was sympathetic, she consulted with managers who obviously had no accountability for their actions and had not the slightest care for the health of this dog. The vets may be fine, I never got that far, but the adminstration shouldnt be in a business that involves living, breathing animals. Update: The response from the owner comes AFTER I already spoke to the manager (she called me, I didnt call her) so obviously this is just a canned response. As I told her, "sorry" doesnt cut it - if they really wanted to do something she could get out her checkbook and write me a check for the money I lost cancelling a prepaid vacation within hours of departure. Of course, thats not going to happen. The bottom line is this business doesnt care about its customers and even worse, shows absolutely no concern for the health of the animals that they claim to care for.

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Greta

Thank you doesn’t even begin to express our gratitude for what Dr Haddad and staff did for our dog. Our dog sitter notified us that our dog Matilda had been sick to her stomach since our departure. First day we thought it was nerves, but by the 2nd day, we realized something serious was wrong. Our dog sitter took Matilda to San Carlos Pet Hospital (referral from a friend). We were 2000 miles away at a family reunion ( a short 4 day trip), and the staff kept in frequent contact with us on her condition. They were very practical with the tests which were run and reasonable with the charges. After a few inconclusive tests (important ones to rule out illness), the doctors felt it was likely there was an obstruction in her GI which wasnt showing up on x-ray. Having a father who was a medical researcher I understood how this was possible, so when they suggested ultra-sound, we proceeded. The staff moved forward with calling every possible resource for the ultrasound in the Bay Area. Once they secured an appointment, (but with only an hours notice and, again, being 2000 miles away), we were unable to transport Matilda to her ultrasound appointment. We called friends, pet taxi services and couldnt find anyone to transport her. So the owner took it upon herself to transport Matilda to the other clinic. (We are still so grateful for this!!!) Obstruction was found and Dr Haddad, came in after hours to perform her surgery. In total, 5 doctors attended to Matilda, kept us posted around the clock (literally we received a call at 3:30 am when Matilda was not doing well). With so much that happened in those few days, in the end, we feel the billing was also reasonable. Truly, we will never go to another vet. This is our vet clinic going forward. They are remarkable. Message to Dr Haddad and staff "Your treatment of Matilda was outstanding and to say you went above and beyond is an understatement. This sort of dedication to your patients makes you all exceptional vets. You saved our dogs life and provided her with affection and comfort in our absence. (Tearful) Our sincere thanks to all of you."

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Wendy AhSing

I am new to the area and read the first two reviews on this Hospital. I was so scared to take my cat here because of the very negative review I read. I had no choice so proceeded to drive there with my very sick baby. I was such a wreck and couldnt even find the place so I called and the women who answered the phone, Amy stayed on the phone and directed me right to the door! When I arrived they took Maxx straight into the exam room to start! I filled out one sheet of paperwork and saw the doctor within 5 min of my arrival. She asked me what happened, I explained quickly and she was off to start taking care of him. He had a blocked urethra and could not pee, which can be life threatening for male cats. I wasnt even there more than an hour and he was already taken care of. Catheter in and as comfortable as can be expected. He had to stay overnight and I was back this morning at 7am to check on him. Even though it wasnt visiting hours they let me go spend some time with him. The nurse called me later to fill me in on progress and go over details. She took her time and wasnt in a rush to get off the phone either! I went back at 3 today and had a great visit and got to meet the nurse that was taking care of Maxx! She was so affectionate with him and really took her time with me.My Maxx is still there for tonight (hopefully) that will be all it takes so he can come home to me. I have to say that everyone there has been absolutely wonderful to me and my cat as far as I have seen and heard. Dr Emily Kupprion you are a life savor, truly! When I told you how scared my cat was because he has never even saw a dog and jumps if the wind blows the wrong way, I know you listened to me, I saw the note on the door of his kennel that said move slowly, and I cant thank you enough! Even the little simple things matter when the love of your life is sick!I am sorry to anyone that had a bad experience here, but I just couldnt see any bad in this place! Thank you so much for taking care of my baby,Wendy AhSing

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A Private User

Unprofessional! terrible customer service. Denise, lady who works there was very rude with me. I went over there because I searched on line that they have USDA vets. ( since I will fly to Brazil with my doggies I need an International Health certificate stamped by USDA. Before I go there I called 3 times to make sure that the Vet could help me to get the helath certificates and to give me instructions how to get it stamped by USDA. After My appointment with the vet( that was ok), I went to the front to wait for my pets. Denise charged me and then I asked her if she could help me explaining to me the procedure to get the paper work stamped by USDA. She said that she didnt know and she couldt help me and that their job was to give to me the health certificate the rest I needed to do by myself. I told her to ask a somebody and she did but with a bad attitude. She came back with the wrong answer ... Seems that I knew more than the vets and more than her. I asked her to call the USDA officie and just make sure that I got all the paper work that I needed. She said that she couldnt do it. I was so upset, I couldt be there anymore. I left and then I call her back and I tried to explain to her again that they needed to call the USDA because it is a different procedure that the Vet needed to do.( More paper work). She spoke with me with the same bad attitude. After 2 hours I called her back to see if they finally knew what they need to do. She answered with the same attitude that the Vet was working on it. She didnt know when it would be ready. I said thank you very much and she replied SURE!!! Of course I will never take my dogs back there. And I still dont know if I will get the paper work from them. After this i

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