VCA Animal Hospitals

I brought my dog in on 12/24/22. She was barely breathing and was in bad shape. They rushed her back and were very caring but almost immediately brought us back and told us that she had passed. They asked if we wanted to do life saving measures and mentioned that if they gave her medication it would be $500-$600. We declined the medication. She then asked if we wanted them to do CPR for a couple minutes and we agreed. She returned 5 minutes later and said they hadn't had any luck. 20 mins later they came back to go over our options, showed us some urns and we made our choices. They left and then returned with a folder that we were told contained items to help us with our grief and that it wasn't necessary to look at it just yet and then were hit with an almost $900 bill. We paid and left, devastated by our lord. On the way home, I opened the folder to find an itemized bill. $470.15 for CPR and $260.00 for Euthanasia. What? They told me my dog was dead on arrival then charged me to kill her and charged me to try and bring her back?

Due to COVID, we are requested to wait in our cars. The parking lot has no shade and the temperature was 104*F, (6/2/21) in Yucca Valley, CA. My dog and I sat in the truck for over 1/2 hour with my dog heavily panting and me overheating. My appt was for 1:30pm. I got there early as I know my dog has to do his business first before going in. Once done, I called the clinic to let them know I was in the parking lot. I called three times and no one picked up the phone. There was no answering service, just kept ringing. Another car came in and they took care of that care first., which I noticed as the staff was leaving. I tried to call out, but she didn't answer. I tried calling on the phone again, still no answer. So when they came to serve another car, I called out to them, that their phones aren't answering and when will they see my dog? They took the other cars dog in. Three cars dogs went into the facility. So, I watered my dog down to try to keep him cool, I keep a gallon of water in my truck. When the next staff came out, again, I asked when will they see my dog. They finally stated my dog was being registered. Again, they took other dogs in. Then finally, some staff came out to get my dog. I had to wait in my truck for another 1/2 hour until they brought my dog back. No humans allowed in the facility except staff. I was overheated, nauseous from the heat with heat stroke beginning. He was there for vaccines and wellness exam. The doctor called on my cell to tell me the report that my dog was fine. However, they didn't notice the spots/scabs on my dogs back, and they did an $115.00 exam? If they did an exam they would of noticed, especially since his fur was wet. I would of cancelled had I known I was going to have to wait in the blistering heat with my dog, but their appt time is many weeks out, and then they stated I would have to wait 3 months to have him fixed.
Complaints:
1. No shade in 104*F parking lot for dogs or humans.
2. Appt times mean nothing to them.
3. Staff unresponsive with answering phones. (I would have gone in but I'm on a walker and have difficulty walking)
4. Even when my. Truck in the parking lot that they saw, they never bothered to ask if I have been helped.
5. Questionable exam completed as no mention of skin irritation on his back.
6. Appt times to far out…..3 months to get him fixed. It'll still be hot, so I'm not going in 3 months.
7. Crappy customer service. I will not return to them.