VCA Woodstock Animal Hospital

Reviews 5

TO

Torsten Kieper

Mixed bag. The Good: We liked Dr. Stary a lot. She was kind, personable, good with animals (youd be surprised how bad some vets are), and she was not condescending. If we come back to this vet, it will be because of Dr. Stary, and Dr. Stary alone. If this review was for Dr. Stary alone, it would get five stars. Sadly, many other aspects of this office detracted from the experience. They also do a free first exam for up to two pets per household, which was pretty nice. They need to get their story straight on whats included, however. The Disappointing: We were told on the phone and by the tech, Kristin, that a fecal exam was included in the free first exam. We were encouraged to bring in a fecal sample later because we hadnt brought one on our initial visit. When I brought it in, I was told that a fecal exam is NOT included in the free first exam, and ended up paying for it. Apparently the fecal exam is free only if you opt into the Care Club, which we did not. To be clear, I dont mind that I had to pay (but now that I think about it, $45 is a lot for a fecal exam). I mind that I was told multiple different things by multiple different people. Its embarrassing to to go up to a counter expecting that something is free and then have to go back to get your wallet when it isnt. The tech was also not particularly pleasant. She was rude, condescending, distracted, disorganized (she wrote incorrect information on both of our pets forms, and I overheard another patient saying she had done the same with them), and apparently didnt communicate with the vet at all because the vet asked us all the same questions the tech did. At one point she offered us free Paradyne (an anti parasite topical), and expected us to know what it was and decide if we wanted it based on the name alone. She also tried to sign us up for the Care Club (monthly fees) even though we had expressly told her we were not interested. She then proceeded to make fun of us to other vet staff because we werent sure if we wanted the Paradyne (which again, we didnt know what it was because she didnt tell us). Kristin - if youre reading this, you should know that the exam room doors are not as thick as you think they are. I have no problem with VCA in general - when I lived in Denver my vet was VCA and they were phenomenal. This particular VCA, however, did not impress.

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Kristine S

We took our dog here when he was having a flare of his allergies and developed a skin rash. We were made to wait 55 minutes after our scheduled appointment time before the dog was even taken back into the room. Being a larger dog (70lbs) there wasnt even enough room in the waiting room for him to sit comfortably with the backlog of other people sitting and waiting. We waited outside for a total of an hour, after arriving a few minutes early, as directed. Our veterinarian was one who was filling in a scheduling hole. She was very helpful and knowledgeable. We left with medications and a referral to an allergist in the community. At that time, because the dog was going to be taking steroids, she opted to delay his pertussis vaccination until his next visit. In the meantime, we saw the allergist and were cleared to get my dog his vaccinations. I called today to schedule the vaccine and was told that I would have to pay to have another wellness exam prior to receiving the vaccination, even though we were told by the doctor we could come in at any point and have it done. She cleared him for vaccination previously, just wanted to wait until his course of steroids was complete. This translates in another $58 fee. If he were not a dog who had been recently cleared by their own physician, as well as his allergist 2 weeks ago, I could understand their issue. However, as both of those are true, I feel like its just another way to sneak in a fee. When I alerted the receptionist to this, she replied that since my doctor did not specifically note in my chart to waive the fee at his next visit, I would be responsible for it. Had I been aware of this necessary terminology, I would have asked the doctor to provide that in writing. Unfortunately, as we were new to this clinic, I did not know. We will not return here. Its only a mile away from my house and I am financially able to cover any needed treatments the dog is prescribed (including a wellness exam) but the principle of honesty doesnt seem to valued here as it should.

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A Private User

I took my dog to Woodstock from 2001 until yesterday and was always impressed with the care they provided. Woodstock has been through a number of changes over the years, and we stuck with them. Despite those changes my dog was always welcomed as family and well cared for. Any business can try and sell extras, and its the role of the consumer to decide whats best for them. Do research and establish your own informed opinions. My dog was diagnosed with cancer in February of this year. Woodstock referred us to Oncology at VCA Raleigh HIlls where we proceeded with therapy. The experience and level of care received was second to none. Yesterday my dog lost his battle with disease, and we ended his suffering back at VCA Woodstock. The staff was incredible, giving us the time we needed to say our goodbyes and help him move on. It was a horrible day, but was made a little better by the fact that the staff shared it with us with tears, hugs and reassurances. They care about the health and lives of their patients and the ongoing experiences of their patients families.

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Sandi Hansen

Weve been going to Woodstock VCA for over 10 years, so weve seen a lot of change through those years, but weve been very pleased with their service (almost) always. The tech staff is wonderful and loving and the office staff are always cordial and helpful. Weve really only had one bad visit when we brought in our very sick, very old cat, and the doctor that saw us had a bedside manner that could, lets just say, use some improvement. During our next visit, I shared our bad experience with our technician, Jessica (best technician EVER!!) and she talked with the doctor, who didnt seem to get it, so Jessica suggested when we make an appt that we request the Dr. that we would prefer to see. We LOVE Jessica. She is the sweetest, kindest, most loving technician weve ever dealt with. She goes above and beyond her duties as a tech. It would be a privilege to call Jessica my friend.

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A Private User

My cat has been ill for months. I asked Dr Whalen the same question several times, do you think he has cancer? My friends dog had similar symptoms when he had cancer (weight loss, low grade fever, infections and itching) She kept saying NO and kept saying he had a food allergy and sold me almost $1000 in hypoallergenic food. He never got better and I took him to a new place where they found a lump on him I missed (and so did two vets at woodstock) and they did a biopsy and he has cancer!! It had spread but they were able to get it. I should also mention that the average visit at vca woodstock is about $500. I didnt realize that was so high until I started going to a new place. At the new place an exam, a biopsy, bloodwork and food for my cat was only $211. If I had that at woodstock it would have been $900 (I called and checked) STAY AWAY FROM THIS CLINIC!!

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