VCA Alton Road Animal Hospital

Reviews 5

MJ

MJ Jameson

My fiancée and I took our dog here last week for his vaccines and yearly physical . Have to say we were pleased with how fast and efficient whole visit was. Ive been to another VCA back in Texas, they were great, I can say I trust them with my dogs, their doctors are always great,just a bit of a wait time. So I was glad there was a VCA near my apartment in Miami Beach, almost with in walking distance if it wasnt so hot outside lol. I was expecting to wait a while seeing how packed parking lot was (that was only problem really I had to make a parking spot because there was no room), but they called for someone over intercom minutes after I came in and sat down.The front desk woman , feel bad for not remembering her name was so upbeat and friendly even though she sounded so sick with a cold or something I felt bad but was surprised she was working like there was nothing wrong (tall curly hair, think she had glasses). A young lady, think supervisor came up and asked everyone if they had been helped and immediately put me in a room and apologized for the wait even though I wasnt waiting that long (10 minutes I think) she said she will make sure a technician comes in soon was friendly with my very nervous dog and stepped out, minutes later a vet assistant and the Doctor came in. The doctor ( feel horrible again for not remembering her name) if this helps-not too tall blonde hair Doctor was very friendly and gentle with my dog who was a bit terrified, nope he was very terrified. Even when holding my dog they were not so aggressive which at other places I couldnt stand to see how they would hold my dogs like they were mean animals, putting them in a choke hold when they are just scared and all they need is someone gentle and calm to examine them. Seeing how scared he was she was calm and sweet to him and tried to get the whole experience done as fast as possible while being through too. Anyway checkout process maybe was another ten minutes, but to only be there for a half hour is a first for me with any of my dogs with their vet visits. Thanks to everyone there who were so helpful and kind.

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MI

Michael B

I have taken my pet to this vet (specifically to Dr. Benedini) for 4 years now. About three years ago, they lost the x-rays they took of my dogs abdomen (which included her knee because she is a small dog). Upon my visit last year, when my dog needed another x-ray of her abdomen to see if her knee problem was progressing, they said they needed another X-ray of the same spot because THEY had a computer problem and LOST MY X-RAY. I asked if I would have to pay again for the same one, since it was not my fault, and they said yes! I tried to argue, but they held firmly. They did not even offer a 1% discount! Next, I went this last year to get my dogs annual shots, and the woman at the counter told me that since my dog is only 2.8 lbs. and never goes outside that I do not need to pay for the rabies tag (which I would have happily bought had the legality of it been properly communicated). They then reported me to Miami Dade County and I got fined $65 in a court violation. Seriously?! My dog is 2.8 lbs and I have been loyal to them for 4 years. I hope that this review gives you pause before you even consider patronizing this hospital. The people at the front desk are unbearably RUDE. I thought I might be on candid camera once because the receptionist was so rude I was unsure if she was joking! To be fair, my dog has always received great veterinarian care here. It is just unfortunate that superfluous circumstances have given me such a bad taste.

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SO

sofia srebnick

I dont usually write reviews but after the incredible and caring service a receive on a regular basis I felt I needed to acknowledge a truly caring staff at VCA (Alton Road Animal Hospital). From the precise care of Dr. Rachel Johnson to the lovely and kind front desk staff, I have been using Alton Road Animal hospital for over 14 years. I arrived to Alton Road animal hospital with even the worst neglect cases of a rescue dog over 12 years ago. A super friendly and nice boy named Alex Lorenzo greeted me when I needed to turn this dog in for a few weeks of boarding before he was eligible for a good home. Alex assured me he would assist me in helping get this dog back to good clean health with a bath and some old fashion TLC,. Honestly, for his efforts I am forever grateful because it was Alex who really saved this dogs life and I am sure countless others. Now almost 12 years later I have a similar case and I was so comforted to see Alex and his warm smile to greet me once again to care for my new foster dog. I am so grateful for the entire staff and especially for a professional like Dr. Johnson, always being available to take my call and explain everything to me in layman terms, and knowing Alex is there behind the scene to watch over my new dog rescue with a warm and open heart. The skill, trust and kindness of this team feels like an extended family, and I want to thank each and every one of them.

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A

A Private User

My cat just passed away yesterday under unknown circumstances (still waiting on details) and was surprised to read the last review about the puppy. I was brought into a treatment room and asked if I wanted to see Lucy. They brought her to me wrapped in cradled in her arms, wrapped in pink and white towels. They gave me a good amount of time in the room alone with her and we discussed next steps. There will be an autopsy first. They asked if I wanted the body, but also said that they always cremate. I was told that I could come back to settle the bill, maybe because they still have the body. This overall is a very caring vet office. I know that the situation described may have had other factors and I too probably would have been horrified. There are issues with the organization of their front desk / communications. Someone not at front desk should answer phones. The receiving staff either needs tone organized differently, at least during drop off and pick up. Since they are over multitasking. At times, they seem uninformed and this can shake ur confidence in them. I think this is just a result of the way they are operating not their intelligence and knowledge. Usually I avoid the main Hospital and go to the west Ave clinic. I have had full trust in the front desk staff a their doctors.

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SC

Scott Lee

DONT TAKE YOUR DOGS TO ALTON RD ANIMAL HOSPITAL!!! They mis-diagnosed our Pomeranian last fall (who had a ruptured gallbladder), they did an ultrasound and said she was fine..are you kidding me!? They gave her some oxygen, and we were on our way home. En route, we noticed our little girls gums and tongue began turning blue so we then rushed her to S. Miami to the 24hr Emergency Vet Clinic where she was diagnosed properly. The specialist performed emergency surgery to fix the rupture but it was too late.. she passed away after a 2-Day fight. --- Aftermath: Once she had gone, our 17yr old Golden Basset who had lived the majority of his life with our Pom (11yrs), became severely depressed and passed away just 5 weeks later. This was all needless and shouldve been diagnosed the first time. The surgeon at the Emergency Vet Clinic said that if Alton Rd had properly diagnosed our Pomeranian and surgery performed right away, she would have lived. Do yourself, and your dogs/pets a favor and find a reputable Vet. We have found two places where we treat our dogs now (a) for immediate needs, a clinic in Boca Raton (b) for long-term health, we travel to Palm Harbor (St. Petersburg).

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