VCA Briarcliff Animal Hospital

Reviews 7

CH

Christopher Smith

This place has been a life saver. We recently adopted two kitties, one from outside on our back porch when we moved into a new condo (she came with the condo, I guess) one from an animal shelter; both are now inside kitties. The animal shelter kitty (Thumper) picked up an upper respiratory infection from the shelter before we got him, and was unable/unwilling to eat for days. Since we were new to the area, we went to VCA at the recommendation of our Landlords, who go there for their dogs. We ended up working with Dr. Severidt, who took a personal interest in our sickly cat; he even went as far as to text me each day to see how Thumper was doing during the peak of the illness, give advice, and even came in and opened the clinic late on a Sunday afternoon (they were going to be closed for a holiday Monday) when he found out Thumper had continued to refuse to eat. With his help, we were able to beat the infection and now have a healthy (and destructive...) cat running around happily. I cant comment on the costs, as I dont really have a basis to compare their costs to other places, but I can say that they I didnt feel ripped off or overcharged in any way. We had to go in multiple times for this infection, and a followup infection in his eye, and they worked with us to make it pretty affordable all around. Anyhow, I definitely recommend these guys. They are a pretty awesome place, the doctors seem to genuinely care, and they are usually pretty quick about getting you in/out of the door! This will be my go to vet for the foreseeable future. :)

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Mary Beth Fuentes

Took my Pom to them before they became a corporation. The whole staff was friendly with exceptional vets. For over 7 years my pup went there, for just his annual check-ups and vaccinations, from minor ailments to his fatal diagnosis of renal failure. Once a corporation, prices soared. The last few months of my "babys" life, I took him to a vet who was a friend of mine from dog park days for a 2nd opinion. He passed away under her care, but it was inevitable. A few weeks later, I received sympathy cards from his last vet of only 4 months and his groomer. Although I notified Briar Cliff of his demise, I heard nothing. Whats worse is I had to return the unopened box of combo flea and heart worm meds (since I didnt think I should give it to him because of his kidney failure). I was told that corporate would send me a check...its been almost a month and still waiting. Not to be unfair, I did eventually get the check. I got a call informing that it was returned because they did not have the full address (strange, because like I said, I had been taking my pets there since probably 2000 starting with my cat, Bentley). Through it all, Cammie was great. She followed up with everything until I received the refund. I do wish though that Briar Cliff would cut back on their fees. The price of being a corporation isnt conducive to what the "average Joe" can afford. I know a lot of my retired friends who moved their pets elsewhere because they just couldnt afford the rates.

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A Private User

This vet charges an arm and a leg for everything they do, so one might think that the exorbitant expense of their services would enable them to operate more efficiently and effectively. Case in point: My puppy was due for a heartworm test (before she could have additional medications that she needed), but nobody bothered to inform me. So, when my puppy was nearly out of medication and needed a refill, I called to ask about it and was told that she needed a heartworm test before she could have a refill. I said that she needed the medicine within the next few days and asked why nobody had informed me that I needed to schedule such a test before I could get the refill. I was told, "Well, we left a message on your machine on February 12..." I dont believe this to be true (since I am not in the habit of ignoring my voicemails and I would do anything to further my puppys health), but - even if it were so - it is now April 28! They want me to pay $50 bucks for a heartworm culture, $49 more for the exam fee, and $112 for the medication, and that doesnt merit a follow-up telephone call???? Puh-lease! I am taking my business elsewhere.

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Cardiac Cat

Our pets have been cared for by VCA Briarcliff for around 15 years after having been referred to them by the Animal ER off Southside BLVD. I cant say enough about Dr. Ridinger and the staff at VCA. The staff in the front office know me by sight and the names of our three cats despite having a very busy practice. The level of care down to how they handle the animals for exams and the level of follow-up and communication is excellent and reassuring. Whenever Ive called for status or results I always get Dr. Ridinger unless she is handling an emergency and I never have to wait long for the return call. The techs are well trained, know how to handle animals, and are great communicators. They are more about asking questions than trying to tell you what they may think is wrong. Please give this practice a chance to care for your pet.

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A Private User

The veterinarians are all very nice and knowledgable but Ive had varied experiences there, some good, some not so good. Ive also found them to be overpriced on procedures and products. The biohazard waste disposal fee is ridiculous. They will charge you for it even if there is nothing to dispose of. On some occasions, my pet was not thoroughly examined even though I paid almost $50 for an exam. Some of the vet technicians could not answer my questions. During my last visit, my pet was not properly diagnosed and did not improve on the meds prescribed. I then took my pet to my previous vet, who is a little further away, for a second opinion. My pet was tested, given alternate meds and improved. And no biohazard waste disposal fee. I will not be going back to Briarcliff.

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Jennifer Hoce

Wonderful caring people from Receptionist to Vet Techs to Veterinarians. Everyone was kind, compassionate and knowledgeable. They did the softpaws for my new cat & they stayed on a long time. When my older cat passed away they were wonderful, allowing me all the time I needed to say goodbye, and every singe person stopped in, respectfully, and listened to stories about her. They treated me as though they were losing a pet of their own. Again... kind, compassionate and caring from beginning to end and from top to bottom in their organization. Highly recommend them.

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Adrian Devezin

WORST VCA! I previously lived in another city and went to a VCA there. It was amazing. My dog has bad seperation anxiety. They saw me, gave me medication. And sent me on my way. It costs 65 dollars for the visit and medication combined. The medication worked amazing. I move to jacksonville and visit this vca to continue treatment. They refused to put my dog on her previous medication, and tried to get me to pay 1,200 DOLLARS to put her on a new medication and a whole bunch of other things. That is ridiculous and i would never recommend this place.

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