VCA Apache Junction Animal Hospital

Well, after going to this vet for years I’m afraid I may have to change vets. While I really love the doctors and staff, the cost just seems to be way more than average. I can’t afford to continue taking my pets here. I spent around $ 600 there last week for my dog who is having some pretty serious issues and I still don’t know what’s wrong with her. It’s very frustrating. I have zero complaints about the vets or the staff, but the cost is really high. We also discussed boarding my dogs and the cost was through the roof with no discounts for long time, loyal customers. It just seems out of hand price-​wise to me. It’s a shame because I like being loyal and I really do like the vets here.

Do NOT go to this vet clinic. I should have read these reviews before I did. The doctor at this location does not care for your pets. He won’t even pet them or talk to them. Maybe I’m asking to much but any other vet I go to loves on my dog. My dog couldn’t walk on his left legs and so we freaked out and took him to the nearest vet. We also go to VCA in Alaska so decided to stick with their chain. The doctor didn’t even TOUCH our dog barely spent 5 minutes with him and just made the assumption it was valley fever because in his words «I see at least 5 dogs a day come in with this.» My dog didn’t even have ANY respiratory issues which is the first signs of valley fever. We haven’t even been in the state 3 weeks & limb weakness is a sign you get a month+ into having this condition. After telling him we had financially issues and couldn’t afford blood work & x rays. We ended up getting blood work and pain meds and a $ 65 visit turned into a $ 200 one. Oh, my dog did not have valley fever, we went home and actually felt around and he had a tick. A TICK!!! Thanks a lot «Dr.» Michael Picard. You are FANTASTIC at your job.

My dog doesn’t like strangers. In fact, he scares everyone who comes to my house with his barking and growling. He is also big and looks mean. That being said, the nice staff at VCA don’t seem to mind and he doesn’t seem to have a problem with them either. That in itself, is an accomplishment. I take him here for all of his shots and check-​ups. We’ll be seeing them soon, in fact, as some are coming due. I’m just glad to find a place that he likes and that isn’t nervous about handling him.

We are experienced dog owners and we also foster rescues. I’ve had about 7 vets in my life, Dr. Decozio is by far the best vet we’ve ever had. Here’s why:
She’s extremely competent, every time we’ve taken any of our dogs or fosters to her, we’ve gotten an accurate diagnosis and an effective treatment plan. VCA always calls us after the fact to check on our dogs as well and make sure they are making progress. Even when we’ve gone to an emergency vet after hours, VCA calls the next day to see how they are. Dr. Decozio is also an excellent surgeon and has done wonderful spay operations as well as growth removals, you can hardly see the scars.
Dr. Decozio also genuinely really loves and cares for our dogs too. Our dogs are always excited to see her, and I think that alone says a lot about how she is with them.
With my volunteer experience at the city shelter, I can tell you I’ve brought a number of dogs from the shelter to see Dr. Decozio, and she always does what she can for free or at cost, donating her time and services for rescue dogs. So it really annoys me these reviews that says VCA is all about making money. They are a business, absolutely. But I’ve seen Dr. Decozio donate her time to many many animals from the shelter and rescue, so I can say without a doubt that her primary concern is the health and well being of the animals. Is VCA a little pricey? Yes, they are probably slightly above average in fees. But you get what you pay for.
Finally, VCA is really good about getting your pet in if its an emergency. They understand the sense of urgency, and even if they are booked that day, they will often try to squeeze you in or stay late so that they can see to your pet.
I’ve had several vets before that failed on one or all of these points. I am completely happy with VCA, and especially Dr. Decozio. We have been going to VCA for 4 years now. And I agree with another poster, this is the best thing about AJ. It really is a shining star of veterinary clinics.

This is one POSITIVE thing about Apache Junction!
Dr. Joseph Lockhart and the rest of the AJ VCA staff are great — They are caring, compassionate, and professional.
We have been there for new «patients», and also a euthanasia — All I can say is that they are great — Our experiences have been positive, and we will definately return.
The facilities are clean, parking is ample, and wait time is short.
Thanks Dr. Lockhart & Staff!