VCA Cat Hospital of Philadelphia

Reviews 4

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Nikki Lopez

My partners cat was recently having an issue of vomiting all his food. We got worried when he vomited all night and into the next morning. Because of this we needed to see a vet a quickly as possible and close by-so we went to VCA primarily because we saw they had a coupon for a free first time exam. My partner took the cat and initially experienced a pleasant visit--the vet told us he was healthy and gave us recommendations-change his food, schedule routines for feeding ect as a first remedy. They then suggested 2 vaccine shots to get up to date -which I thought was understandable because it had been a few years since he received any vaccination-ok no problem, I couldnt do it right away because I got paid the next day so I scheduled to come in the next morning. They told us that was no porblem. We came in the next morning (not even 24 hours later) and the vet proceeded to do an exam AGAIN! Without telling me. Said that it was "routine" despite the fact that I had been there before. Why our cat needed ANOTHER exam after already being seen was beyond me-all the vet concluded from the exam was that he could lose a pound to be a healthy weight....AND thats when they tried showed me the total estimate of the day with vaccines and then they also tried to charge me $70 for the examine!! $70 for the vet to tell me my cat had gained a half an ounce.. I was appalled...why would they charge me for ANOTHER exam that I did not ask for, did not know was taking place, when they had seen him not even 24 hours prior?! Because of this I was not able to get both of the shots I needed which were $36, & $37 a piece. This meant that my visit cost me MORE than what I would have paid had they just given me the 2 vaccines I needed. I wasted money on an unnecessary exam and only one vaccine. When I explained this to the manager they said they would reimburse me but only after getting smart with me with an attitude telling me that if I had gone elsewhere they will always charge for an exam. Duh, lady I know this, but not if I had gotten an exam not even 24hr hours prior! I will not be bringing my cat again. They trick you with their fake kindness only to go after your pockets later.

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Amanda DeMaria

I’ve seen reviews lauding this place, and while I recognize that experiences at a vet can vary greatly, a loving cat owner should be VERY wary of VCA’s approach. My cat needed treatment for an ear infection and I noticed a lump near his thyroid. The ear infection was easy enough to treat, VCA cleaned the ear and provided medication for me to apply twice daily. The problem? They only recognized the infection in one ear (despite running numerous tests) and prescribed a treatment plan accordingly. The main issue, though, was the complete dismissal of the lump near my cat’s Thyroid. Instead, they focused on his teeth; stressing, repeatedly, that he needed a $2,200 tooth removal surgery ASAP. At the time, I wasn’t sure, one way or another, how serious the tooth issue was, but most disconcertingly, I was put off by the fact that they appeared to be brushing off the lump near his thyroid as some sort of natural occurrence not worth investigating immediately. Dr. Simpson simply stated, ad nauseam, that the teeth were the issue, despite my repeated questioning about the mass. I left with a strong suspicion that I was being taken advantage of. I immediately scheduled an appointment for a second opinion from another vet, and, lo and behold, the lump near my cat’s thyroid was LYMPHOMA! To be clear: VCA was stressing the need for a $2K tooth removal surgery when my cat, as I’ve since found out, was DYING!!! I’m typing this less in anger, and more with a deep sadness. That there are animal doctors who would not only ignore a lump on an animal’s throat, but harangue me into a non-essential, wasteful surgery is heartbreaking. My cat is a sweet, caring animal but was, evidently, viewed solely through the prism of dollars and cents. Like I said, I’m sure some have had positive experiences here, but the oversight and negligence, to say nothing of their attempt to have me pay for unnecessary surgery, was beyond troubling. On the bright side, DJ at the front desk was kind and compassionate. I wish I could say the same for Dr. Simpson.

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A Private User

I adopted my first cat a year ago and had never taken a pet to the veterinarian before. I chose VCA despite her foster moms reccomendation because it was close to my apt and my cat hates being in her carrier for long. My cat had cystis and the vet told me she did but they would prefer to run $400 worth of tests to make sure. I said no thank you and the vet said she also needs her teeth cleaned. So we set up an appointment to get her teeth cleaned. I dropped her off in the morning and was told the cost would be $300. Around lunch time the vet called and said I need to take out 6 teeth, so now this will cost $700. I wanted my cat to be healthy so I said okay. Then the vet called back and said we did a blood test (which I had not approved) and her kidney results are normal, but they are on the high side of normal which is probably because she isn;t drinking water, but wed like to do more tests for $300. I said no thank you. So I go to pick up my poor cat and the bill is over $1000. I ask why it is $350 more than I was told and the secretary refuses to answer repeatedly. Meanwhile my poor cat looks like an absolute wreck and is crying in her carrier and breaking my heart but I cannot take her home until I pay the outrageous bill. So finally I just have to pay and take my cat home. When we get home her nails are not trimmed like I asked for, and more importantly her head is covered in gooey stuff and her left eye is obviously in alot of pain. I paid over one thousand dollars and they couldnt wipe off her head. A year later and Im still furious and my cats left eye still hurts her. I feel like I was conned and doubt that the cat even needed any teeth to be removed. Thank God that I could afford the bill without too much hardship and that my cat was not too permanently damaged.

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Elissa Kara

I love the VCA!!! The staff is knowledgeable, patient and kind. I took my cats to the VCA after they had been in an apartment fire. My regular vet had no availability for days and, the VCA saw them right away (literally hours after i called). They were extremely thorough in the examination. They assessed immediate concerns as well as things to keep an eye on and care for in the future ( example: teeth issues- which are costly when untreated and ignored for long periods of time) I saw Dr. Painter and Dr. Simpson. Both Dr.s explained all the details of each cats condition in accurate and simple terms,treating each cat as if it were its own. There was no pressure to follow the most expensive and extensive treatment option and, they were precise as far as what could and could not wait. Dr. Painter (who i saw primarily with both cats and, operated on one of the cats) had excellent bedside manor dealing with pets and, a pet owner under trama from an apartment fire. She kept open and clear communication and, made me feel i could call her anytime with the slightest concern or question involving my cats behavior. Our pets bring us great joy and comfort. And, it can be overwhelming and frustrating when they dont feel good. The VCA staff understands this. And from the moment i called i felt like my cat was a priority. DJ and Carol who are the primary receptionists are both fantastic. They are both extremely kind, patient and accommodating. This is the way you want to be dealt with when visiting the vet. I know people who have beening going to the VCA for years and now i understand why! If you are on the fence with your immediate vet, i strongly suggest giving the VCA a try. They are well worth it!!!

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