⭐ 1/5 Stars
⭐ 1/5 Stars — Disappointing Experience and Poor Communication I recently brought my dog, Koba, to VCA for an appointment that required sedation, and unfortunately, the experience left me extremely disappointed. My appointment was scheduled for 8:00 AM on a Friday. I drove approximately an hour to the clinic on one of my only days off. I work approximately 60 hours a week and attend college, so my time is extremely limited. Nevertheless, I make my dog’s health a priority. After waiting several hours, I was informed around noon that my dog would need approximately another hour before he could be released. A staff member suggested that I go home or visit nearby shops while I waited. I explained that I lived an hour away, so driving home only to turn around and come back made little sense. I have no problem waiting when an animal needs additional time to recover from sedation. My frustration was with the lack of communication and not being informed earlier that the appointment could take most of the morning and early afternoon. What concerned me most was my dog’s condition when I finally picked him up around 1:00 PM. When his cage was opened, he attempted to stand but immediately fell back down. He was barely able to walk when he was released, and it took nearly two days for him to return to his normal condition. This was noticeably different from his previous experiences with sedation. Following this appointment, I also learned that a veterinary discount we had previously received would no longer be available. I later heard secondhand that my interaction with the clinic had supposedly been considered rude. I cannot verify that explanation, but I find it disappointing because I believe I was simply expressing a reasonable concern about the wait and my dog’s care. I subsequently requested my dog’s medical records and clarification regarding the medications administered and the decision to discharge him in that condition. I understand that veterinary medicine can be unpredictable and that sedation recovery times vary. However, pet owners deserve clear communication, transparency, and respectful treatment, particularly when they’re entrusting a clinic with the health and safety of a beloved animal. Unfortunately, this experience damaged my confidence in this location. I will be taking my dog to another veterinary practice going forward.
By Langston A W.