VCA Veterinary Referral and Emergency Center

Okay, so here we go. My 13.5 yr old Golden was on her death bed. VCA found a mass by her spline with an abdominal ultrasound. Prognosis was not good. She was in visible pain and failing quickly. Dr. Whitney did the scan on Wed and ask what we wanted to do. Our Golden only had a few more days to live at this rate so we asked if the surgery could be done immediately. Dr. Palmisano took her in despite being totally swamped that day. He stayed late and finished the operation that night. After the operation, she could not breathe on her own and her lungs filled up with fluid. The staff called every step of the way asking us what we wanted to do. We said to do everything possible to keep her alive. We really thought she would not make it home. The VCA team took care of her around the clock. We were able to see her several times during the day. VCA updated us morning, noon and night. And Guess what, our Golden was discharged on Friday, just two days after the operation. She is home recovering and we have our baby back. I am not sure about the long term prognosis, but what I can tell you is VCA did everything and more to save her. I cannot thank them enough. The people and care she received are both outstanding. They care just as much about our pet as we do. Incredible experience. I do not write reviews most of the time, but just had to give a shout out to the wonderful VCA staff.nnOur beautiful Trinity past away today. VCA graciously took her on Labor Day. They are always open and here to help us parents in need. May the good Lord accept her and may we see her again.

Two weeks ago I brought in my 2.5 year old dog who was limping on one back leg. The doctor suggested a test for Lyme disease, to which we readily agreed. He also prescribed 5 days of ibuprofen. The bill for this visit was almost $500.nnWe were given the wrong discharge papers, and had to call 3 times to get the correct ones.nnWe received the test results by voice mail and were instructed to contact our primary (also a member VCA) for follow up. Our dog’s records were not transferred, and we had to call 5 times to get the records transferred. We requested a refill on the Ibuprofen and charged $50 for 5 day dose. We subsequently learned we were over charged for the medication by $25.nnOverall, I would say we received very poor medical care from VCA.nnFollow up: I appreciate the response. As my contact information is on file, if your office feels it can address our poor experience, feel free to reach out directly.

Several weeks ago, my dog Penne was taken ill. I took her to my regular vet who immediately told me to bring her to Norwalk, to the VCA Emergency Vet. My dog had Congestive Heart Failure and had to be put down. The Doctors and Staff we so professional and caring. I cannot say enough about them. Thank you ALL, for helping us at this very trying time.nTom A.

No complaints about billing, thought they were fair. However there seemed to be no real concern for the quality of life of my elderly dog. After my dog became very sick and stayed in the ICU, it took 4-5 phone calls to get a hold of a doctor daily. Once my dog was out of the hospital, neither doctor who attended to her would call me back. Also withheld vital information concerning my dogs cancer that would have changed the way I handled my dogs chemotherapy. When I did get a hold of a doctor, they were rude and implied that I was a bad owner for not wanting to put my dog through chemotherapy even though she was suffering significantly and it had metastasized. I don’t need an apology from Vrec, what’s done is done. I just think if you love your pet the way I love mine and are looking for a team who is going to care about them, this isn’t the place.

Yesterday we had to rush our Rusty to VCA because he had a lacrosse ball stuck in his throat. We could not dislodge it and he was minutes away from dying. When we arrived at VCA we were frantic. They rushed him in and somehow VCA saved his life and now Rusty is home doing fine. All this in 24 hours. Special thanks to dr.selgado... she and her team were amazing. We can’t thank you enough.