VCA San Mateo Animal Hospital

Reviews 5

A

A Private User

I am a breeder and had to use this place for several of my animals. The only one good thing about this place is that doctors seem to care about animals. There are many, many bad things about this place though: 1. a doctor prescribed wrong medication to my kitten ( eye infection) and it actually contributed to developing a very serious condition and a permanent eye damage. How I know that the medicine was wrong? I had to take my kitten to Veterinary Vision a few days after visiting San Mateo Animal Hospital, after it condition had worsen, and they told me, it was a medicine, that in that particular case ( herpes virus) actually ruins an eye! My kitten eye is damaged now. Its terrible. 2. they bill for every move a doctor make in addition to a charge for an appointment, and they dont tell, that those are separate charges. For example, I was offered to clean ears of my cat while the appointment for ear infection, and then was billed $38 in addition to the appoinment charge; they never told me, that its was not part of ear infection appointment. Dont get me wrong, I dont mind paying , but I want to make an INFORMED decision, if I need that overpriced service. 3. once I was put on hold by receptionist for 7 minutes. When I finally hung up and called again and complained, she informed me, she forgot about me being on hold. She didnt even apologize! 4. One of my kittens died in the clinic ( yes, in San Mateo Animal Hospital). A few months later I got a reminder for health check on that dead kitten! I could not even believe it happend, and could not stop crying after being cruely reminded of this very heart breaking event. 5. another lovely one: you pay a full price for xray of your pet, but if you ask to print out a copy of it, they offer to SELL it to you for $15 more on disk. So they charge twice for the same thing.. I will try to find different clinic. Avoid this one.

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A

A Private User

Ive been taking all 4 of my pets (dogs and cats) here since I moved to San Mateo 2 years ago because it was the most convenient place to go, but convenience is no longer enough to keep me coming back here. I havent had any horrible experiences and the staff has always been friendly enough, but getting my animals treated here is an excruciatingly painful and expensive process. Every time I need routine, non-prescription medicine (think ear wash, anti-bacterial spray, etc) they refuse to give it to me without an exam first. Which didnt completely bother me, Id buy it somewhere else, no problem. Today was the last straw though. I have Bulldogs; anyone who knows Bulldogs (or has looked at them and has half a brain) knows that their bottom eyelids droop. Occasionally stuff gets in there and their eyes get a little itchy. Simple eye drops make it all better. I call to ask if they sell the over the counter stuff I need and after being put on hold for a few minutes, I get confirmation that they do have it, but its a prescription medicine. Really I ask, because I can buy this stuff online . . . The nice girl says shell look into it and get back to me. She does, but was told that you can buy most things online (really?) but the company would have check with them first before dispensing it and . . . wait for it . . . they wont approve the purchase without first seeing the dog. Seriously? I want to buy a $3 a bottle of eye drops, but you wont sell it to me without charging me $60 for an exam first? No thank you. Called another vet, Aragon, and was instantly told that they have the drops and I can pick they up anytime, no questions, no problems. Ive never been there before, but you can bet that the next time I need to go to the vet I wont be calling San Mateo Animal Hospital, Ill be calling Aragon.

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BE

Bela B

I dont like writing negative comments, but admit I now echo the last two reviews posted here. My family had been taking their pets to San Mateo Animal Hospital since the early 90s because of the vibe and the quality of doctors. Through the years, weve referred friends there as well. I recently returned there when I moved back to the peninsula having gone three times now, where last two visits the reception staff had given poor customer service particularly with discrepancies between services rendered vs. info given on phone. Although Im able to accept miscommunication can lead to unfavorable outcomes at times, it was the receptionists approach to the issues that now deems it unacceptable to warrant me another visit, (and further referrals). Both times, same person, same treatment: before finishing my question she continued to nod "Nos", walked away, and didnt offer any sensitivity for the misunderstanding. What I thought would be a little < $150 turned into $230! The previous visit also had a similar variance. Not to disturb the other clients waiting or make a fuss I succumbed to the charges and quietly picked up my cats. Its too bad because I really and truly like Dr. Wolfe and the techs there, but going to the vet is like going to a pediatrician. Youd want the feeling youre in good hands and looked after, not like going to an auto repair shop where youre hit with unforeseen charges coming from an argumentative agent. With todays service industries scrutinized by customer ratings, a solid establishment would put their staff to professional Customer First training. Unfortunately, I will not continue the family tradition of taking my pets here until their reception services improve.

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KE

Kelli Kay

I had a friend warn me in advance the owner will nickel and dime the hell out of you when you go there. I had only had one experience with them and thats when I went to this hospital to put my kitty to sleep who had cancer. Obviously they cant mess anything up there since its the end for my kitty. However, I did bring my new rescue in last week who has asthma. I knew he had asthma and they wanted to do 700 dollars worth of x-rays to substantiate my claim, which is fair. I have no problem with that. They wanted to keep my Ralphie for an hour to run the tests. I said I live a few blocks away and Ill come back in an hour. I was informed they would charge me 12.00 if I left my cat there for an hour. Really? Youre charging me 700 to do x-rays on an issue I know my cat has and I cant go home for an hour. Now I know my friend was right. I sat there for the hour out of principle, not the money. I was fuming..... Just pay attention to the bills

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MA

Maximillian Jung

My experience was nothing short of amazing. I cannot thank you all enough for welcoming my great dane and I to your office. You staff is amazing and doggie left feeling energized and well-cared for. This was a great experience and we will be back soon once we get settled for further treatment and wellness. Thank you for also helping me with questions and treatment options and alternatives. Im new to the area and am grateful I stumbled onto this place. Im very glad I chose this office to help establish a history here in California. Again, I am very appreciative of your efforts in making my recent visit less worrisome and I look forward to working with your office to help keep my senior doggie in optimal shape as he moves into his sunset years. He has literally been my best friend fort he past 4 & 1/2 years and I love him with all of my heart. I know now he is in good hands. Thank you again.

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