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I was a long time cutomer at this particular vet over the years I have brought in cats, dog etc and spent thousands of dollars. Called in to make an appointment for my cat he had symptoms of being blocked not being able to peee if he did would be outside of the litter box in front of me, I knew the symptoms as a another one of my cats previously had this issue. Called first thing in the morning to make an appointment trying to avoid an emergency visit fee.. Had to bring him in as a walk in. When the vet finally seen him, it was someone I never seen there before she advised me of his condition which I already knew and came back with a 3-day estimate, which was over $1, 000.00 dollars! I asked can you give me an estimate to just unblock him and only 1 day stay.. She did not re-print an estimate but instead showed me & crossed out certain charges. Which was still a ridiculous amount! I told her that I couldn't afford it and she suggested applying for a line of credit.in any case I did not qualify and she suggested I go somewhere "more affordable". The vet didn't even tell me that if the condition didn't get resolved he would die a long painful death. When I asked the receptionist if they could refer me to a place which she replied "I don't know, I am not from here." I ended up calling back the clinic 3am in the morning as I found my cat laying on the floor in agony... He gotten worse... They advised me to bring him in. I brought him in I was in tears because the last thing I wanted for him was to suffer in pain. I had no funds to even euthanize him properly... Still trying to talk to me about the cost for euthanizing my cat... I wanted to be there when it was administered, but couldn't afford that option.. So she took him in his carrier to the back and came back with his cold lifeless body. I was in tears and felt helpless... They were trying to make me sign a form, I guess stating something or other so I couldn't sue their a*! The vet that had seen him earlier didn't advise me that if his condition wasn't treated he would die a slow painful death... I signed the form reluctantly in tears. Also I had a balance to pay because I didn't have enough for the euthanization had to sign another form promissary note. Now, I hate them with a passion because all they care about is making money and charge for every little thing... They truly do not have your animals welfare in mind. Furthermore they don't have any of their services and charges listed in the office. Another one of my cats his brother in fact had the same symptoms... Luckily I found this wonderful place blue cross animal hospital of hawai, although it was a drive I took him there... On a sunday even, they took him in rite away and admitted him. This particular animal hospital may not be the newest or nicest looking facility but they truly care about the welfare of your animal and not making money. He was there about 4 days, and it cost me only a little over $200.00. It made me sad that I had to put his brother to sleep only a few months earlier... Needlessly for a condtion that could be treated inexpensively.
The complaint has been investigated and resolved to the customer’s satisfaction.
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As an employee of this particular clinic, VCA Pearl City are one of those clinics that you really should stay away from. I'm sorry to say that after working for them for so long, they don't seem to really care about any of my complaints on how (mainly management) is doing things. Some of the vet technicians aren't really "into their" jobs as most people might thing. Especially when they come out to talk to clients, both in the lobby/waiting area, or in the exam room.
To be honest, it's what most people say, this company ONLY cares about money and nothing more. Sure some of the staff show some care, but it's mainly just an act. Trust me, it's true. I've seen and hear things that some doctors and techs (whom shall remain anonymous) have said about certain clients. One of our doctors also left her own dog in her car during the hot summer weather. And as we all know, leaving dogs in a car isn't really the best idea at all! And because of that it died of heat stroke because she totally forgot about the dog while she was working. I've tried and tried tirelessly to file a complaint to the main offices to have something done. But nothing seems to get through at all.
I find the comment to be without merit. I have had a couple of cats with the condition described by person who posted the OP. I paid about what she stated she was given as an estimate to have the problem taken care of. I used vets other than VCA, so I don't think VCA is overcharging. I don't think the person who posted the complaint is very knowledegable about the condition that her cat had. She could have done some research instead of blaming someone else for her lack of knowledge. She could have asked more questions of the vet about her cat's conditions. I'm sorry that she lost her kitty, but I don't think she was being reasonable. Sometimes pets get sick with something serious and a pet owner really should not expect a cheap treatment for a serious problem.
As an employee of this particular clinic, VCA Pearl City are one of those clinics that you really should stay away from. I'm sorry to say that after working for them for so long, they don't seem to really care about any of my complaints on how (mainly management) is doing things. Some of the vet technicians aren't really "into their" jobs as most people might thing. Especially when they come out to talk to clients, both in the lobby/waiting area, or in the exam room.
To be honest, it's what most people say, this company ONLY cares about money and nothing more. Sure some of the staff show some care, but it's mainly just an act. Trust me, it's true. I've seen and hear things that some doctors and techs (whom shall remain anonymous) have said about certain clients. One of our doctors also left her own dog in her car during the hot summer weather. And as we all know, leaving dogs in a car isn't really the best idea at all! And because of that it died of heat stroke because she totally forgot about the dog while she was working. I've tried and tried tirelessly to file a complaint to the main offices to have something done. But nothing seems to get through at all.
I have found Pearl City VCA to be very helpful with my dog when he needed euthanasia. Dr. McCarthy was very kind and helpful. But again, as with most places, you needed a credit card with a line available to get the best of services.
I had a terrible experience with Kaneohe Veterinary - took my standard poodle in for an overnight boarding when I was painting my house - he walked perfectly fine, but
they brought him out to me the next day on a gurney lying in his own your urine, "here's your dog"...I am not kidding. I started screaming at the aide and they brought in a vet who said he had a "neck injury" - I had to carry him out in a blanket, find a new vet, and it cost over 1000 and he was never the same again.
I never found out what happened nor did they even offer to pay for his treatment. I made complaints and all and nothing to was resolved. His regular vet who knew him for years never even called me to check on what happened to him or his condition for over a week. I never returned her call - that's caring? I am sure SOMETHING happened to him, either someone hurt him or something fell on him and he was such a loving gentle dog. He had been in this condition overnight and the boarding section never told the hospital section of his condition, and I had even called the night before to check on him, as I hate being away from my dogs...they lied to me obviously and covered up his injury. It's pretty bad when you can't trust a vet hospital to board your dog overnight.
I was searching bad comments on VCA and yours came up.
Even though you signed the release you should still voice your concerns
to http://www.avma.org/
The only way this will stop is if folks keep sharing their HORRIBLE experiences.
I've had several fall outs with both Pearl City and Kaneohe.
The really are in it for the money.
There are codes of ethics that ALL veterinarians are to follow.
God Bless you and your cat (in heaven and pain free)
You did the best you could and your cat knows that.
VCA is Hawaii's very own veterinary mafia.