VCA Animal Hospital of Santa Cruz

I love this place. The vets are awesome and the front desk and techs are really helpful. My elderly dog makes semi frequent visits and I’ve never felt up-​sold or taken advantage of. If you have a pet that suffers from chronic pain, I highly recommend the pet acupuncture with Dr Laughlin. I have also boarded my dog with no issues and Ashley the groomer is very good.

I felt the veterinarian took her time and communicated herself very well. However, the support staff was not especially warm. I also feel I spent way more than needed. I chose VCA for the free first examination, as I was on a tight budget and my pup had an eye infection. After getting home and googling the eye drops I was given, it is sold online for much cheaper, and I paid extra for an eye stain test that made me quite skeptical it even needed to be done. An eye infection is an eye infection. Unfortunately there are no OTC meds.

I am out $ 750 because they talked me into the Kitten Care package and I did not read the fine print — They did not alert me to fact that this was nonrefundable — and not transferrable to another vet.
We are not returning because we are very unhappy with service we received at the front desk.
So now I am expected to continue to put up with poor service for this entire year because they charged me up front.
The professional thing for them to do would be to at least offer me a partial refund.
I am not returning to this vet in spite of being a customer for over a decade.
Now that Dr. Vick is gone it is not the same.

My dog Moco goes there daily for ½ day boarding. He is treated very well, and he seems to love going there. They have also serviced my other two dogs. Dr. Ryle and Dr. Berry are my personal faves. The manager is very accommodating and has a great attitude, as well as the rest of the staff. Most of the care my dogs have received by the two vets I mentioned have been caring, informed, and professional. It is important to ask which treatments are required, and which are suggested. Otherwise, you might end up paying for too many services that aren’t totally necessary to get the job done. One time I had my dog tested, and the results came very late, but I was made to pay half anyway. I did not think that was fair, as I was supposed to get results within 48 hours. It took them 9 days. Shortage of staff, vacation, etc. were the reasons I was given. I am happy with them 9/​10s of the time, so I think they deserve a good review. Be your pet’s best advocate, ask questions.

So, first I want to state up front that this review is about their boarding services and not their veterinary service. Also, know that I made sure to give myself a week cool-​down period so that I could write this review unemotionally.
I needed to board my dog for a week recently, and chose VCA. My dog is small, and is kennel trained. She is used to circumstances where she needs to be in her kennel for eight hours or so, and she seems to take in in stride, waiting to «do her business» etc. I do understand that she can experience some separation anxiety, so this review accounts for this fact.
I dropped my dog off on a Monday night, and arranged to pick her up on Saturday morning, as my flight back into San Jose was landing on Friday at 5:30, and didn’t expect to get over the hill with enough time to pick up my dog. I brought her the food she eats and a blanket to put in the kennel that she likes so that there would be something familiar for her. I heard nothing from the facility during the entire trip.
As it turns out, I was able to return early, which allowed me to pick up my dog the day before I originally told them that I would be there. I believe that this «surprise visit» may have yielded some result that I may not have seen had I arrived when they expected.
When I arrived, they took about five minutes to retrieve my dog, which isn’t entirely unexpected. When they brought my dog out, she seems shaken. Actually, she looked traumatized. I chalked this off to separation anxiety, as I stated above. However, when I picked my dog up, she was wet. I didn’t have much time to think about this, when they also handed me her other items (leftover food, etc).
I noticed that her blanket was not among the objects they returned to me. When I asked about it, they seemed to know immediately which blanket it was and went to the back to get it. When they handed it to me, I could see why they were reluctant to return it. I was urine-​soaked, and my dog was wet because she had been on it when I had arrived.
Now, my dog is a small dog, and one urination would not account for how wet this blanket was. My dog had to have urinated on the blanket at least three times for it to be as wet as it was. This is highly unusual. When in my home, she frequently holds her bladder for eight-​to-​ten hours before she feels the need to relieve herself, and then (and only then) she does so as far away as she can from anywhere she frequents. She would never urinate on this blanket, and has never urinated in her kennel.
The only explanation is that she was left in her kennel for exceptionally long (possibly days at a time) without being let out. This, when they claim that boarded animals are walked two or three times daily. Had this actually happened, she would not have soiled her blanket.
Finally, once we got her home, she was returned with fleas (which is frustrating because they wouldn’t have taken her has she had fleas going in), and kennel cough.
I originally chose VCA as a boarding location because they were a veterinary hospital, and assumed that this would mean that they would be able to take good care of her should an emergency present itself. Instead, I feel that I could have left her at home with several plates of food and water, and she would have been safer and healthier when I had returned.
I don’t consider this to be a scathing review. Instead, I consider this a heart-​felt warning to anybody that is considering entrusting their pet to these people. I wish I had read the reviews before I selected them myself.

Would prefer zero stars for the poor communication and unprofessionalism that pervades this VCA. I have been a long term client of VCA and brought in my rescue dog with eye issues in December. Paid for an expensive senior wellness exam with blood work and X-​rays and went home with eye ointment for eye examination. No improvement but had to see another vet due to «office reorganization». Another bill and diagnosis of eye infection with different drops. No improvement, had to see yet another different vet. This time told we needed to do an emergency surgery for a dental issue that was impacting the eye. After begging, finally able to communicate via fax to the original vet who now referred me to an opthomalogist. The issue with my dog turned out to be very serious and valuable time and expense was wasted because of shuffling from one vet to the next.
Wrote from December to July asking for a response to my experiences; have proof of mailings, fax, and more yet the office says they no know thing of my issues. Unacceptable and heartbreaking for my precious dog.

Rip off city. My 20 year old dog sustained a broken foot, when he got hit by a car in Fresno. Our follow up are was done here, since this is where we live. Every 7 – 10 days we needed to take our dog back for a splint change as a follow up. I got charged a different price everytime. It ranged from $ 30– $ 95. Dr Ryles was the only one good. Avoid Dr Berry. The two times we saw her the bill was $ 90. I asked her why and she said I gave him an exam and wound care. I told her he didnt need an exam, as we were there every week for the same thing. There was no wound care, just a splint change. I told her there was no conssitency with the billing and her explanation was pitiful. She said the other vets made a mistake. I had the feeling that Dr. Berry gets a bonus or commission for racking up charges. She told me that our dog needed xrays and it would cost $ 300!!! This is for an xray of a dogs hand. Our dog weighs 8 lbs!!! I have checked with other places and it varies from $ 90 – 200
Avoid this rip off place

NEVER AGAIN!!! I’m starting to wonder if this place is running a scam!
I called VCA to refill my dog’s oral flea medication and they refused to refill it unless they saw my dog and did a heartworm check. Well I swore the last time I came here that I never would again, but I needed that refill before the dog and I go on a road trip tomorrow, and VCA offered to get me in the next morning so I could have it before I leave. Knowing how often VCA tends to get things mixed up, I repeat to the woman on the phone that all I need is the refill and confirm that the heartworm check is all that is required and that I will walk out with the medication I need. She confirms.
When I get there the vet tech takes my dog’s blood but doesn’t look at anything else – not her ears, eyes, anything. I was in the exam room no more than 5 minutes, probably less. When I get to the checkout, they only charge me for the heartworm test, no medications. I remind them that the meds are the only reason I am here, and they tell me I should have told the vet that, now they have to re-​do my chart and receipt. The woman seems really put out by this (I am the only patient there, it’s not like they are in a rush to see other animals).
About 5 minutes later a different vet comes out and tells me they can’t give me the prescription until my dog has her annual exam, which is due in July. I calmly repeat that I was told I had to come in for the heartworm test, that I was just seen by a vet tech who not tell me anything about any other needed services. The vet then tells me I DIDN’T NEED THE HEARTWORM TEST AT ALL but that I can schedule an exam if I want the flea meds. I calmly ask if it will be an additional charge to have the exam now since I was given the wrong information when I schedule the appointment. The vet seemed extremely put out that I would ask such a question and says patronizingly, «well, yes, it will cost you money.»
At this point I tell them I am not interested in any additional services, that all I need is the medication refill I had requested. They say they can sell me 1 months worth of an over the counter flea med and that is all. The vet is sure to mention that it «would be cheaper in the long run if you schedule an exam and order get 6 months worth» of the medication my dog was on before.
At this point I am positive I will never bring my dog back here again, even for routine vaccines, because if they are this consistent in giving me wrong information, how could they possible be trusted caring for my dog? I pay for the heartworm test (yes, they still charged me!) and one month of over the counter flea meds and leave. As I’m leaving the woman working the front office says «sorry for the confusion» without making eye contact with me (she was clicking around on the computer). Too little, too late! I am pretty disgusted with this place, and I have already called a different vet to have my dog’s files transferred so I never have to go back, even for refills.

I had a great experience at VCA. The hours are exceptional — they’re even open weekends! My long-​haired Maine coon cat needed a shave. He needed two vaccines as well, but I didn’t get the hard sell to do a bunch of other expensive and unnecessary tests and procedures. Plus, as a new customer, I was able to get a coupon for a free first appointment with the doctor. Thor looks great, and he was clearly relaxed and happy. That same day, I noticed our new little Linx point Siamese had a worm (ewwww), and VCA let me come in 15 minutes before they closed, with no appointment. They didn’t even charge me an exam visit since I had been in earlier that day; I just paid for the medicine. I think we will be taking all of our cats there!

I strongly do not recommend this clinic! I took my dog here to have the lumps on his throat examined, knowing that it could very well be cancer. Instead of a sympathetic and caring veterinarian, I encountered an abrupt and cold veterinarian who could hardly give my dog and I the time of day! She seemed annoyed when I asked her to clarify a few things, especially regarding price. On top of the cold demeanors from the vet AND her vet tech, they wanted to charge me 800 DOLLARS ONLY for a diagnosis! That amount did not include treatment and they told me I would have to spend that in order to move forward with any kind of treatment. Of course, they wanted me to proceed right away, however, I decided if I was going to spend $ 800, I was going to: A) get a second opinion and, B) find a vet who was actually likable. I then ended up getting a last minute appointment at Banfield and long story short: Dr. Smith AND the vet tech were amazing, caring, compassionate, etc. A world of difference from the VCA staff and on top of that, she charged only $ 200 for the diagnosis and she was very understanding on the financial front. If you want a vet that cares about your pet and your wallet, stay away from VCA of Santa Cruz.
And, incidentally, the 1 star is for the male receptionist with the tattoos — he was the best thing about that place as he was actually nice!

Staff is very friendly and vets and techs are great with with my puppy. Had a billing issue and it was taken care of by office manager. Was very happy how it was taken care of
I will be returning to get his shots updated

All my pets go here. It’s a convenient location for me. I’ve never had trouble getting an appointment.
For all the people who complains about the cost, medical care expenses are high and you should be prepared to pay it if you take on a pet.
The care here had always been good. The doctors are kind. I had one pet put down and the doctor was very helpful in the process. The staff even sent a condolences card after. One of my cats is very difficult and they were good about putting him a private room immediately.
I took off one star because some staff members could do a better job about knowing that people take their sick loved animals to the vet (often to be put down) by being a little more aware and compassionate. Making eye contact wouldn’t hurt them and being less curt could make the process easier on pet owners.
There’s a cheap sunday shots clinic too.

They sowed up a huge dog bite no problems but it was $ 450, but hey,
there got to it right away when it was needed. The Clinic vaccinations are a deal
if you don’t mind waiting.
If your pet has a REAL problem SANTA CRUZ VETERINARY HOSPITAL is probably better with board certified surgeons, but U will pay astronomic prices.

Unprofessional is an understatement.
I took my kitty here because they offered a free exam and I needed to get a tumor she had on her neck looked at. The doctor seemed great and caring. It was understood that I didn’t have a lot of money so she signed me up for a grant from an agency who could pay for my testing. Several months later, I STILL have not seen that money on my account and they are STILL billing me the full amount even though I have an email from the doctor her self which states that the grant would pay for my services.
I’m not going to tell you the sad story of my kitty, just the sad story of how the entire situation was handled by these people. Because yes. it gets worse.
So the day that I decide its time to have my sweet girl put down I call VCA to make an appointment. This is not an easy call. I was very very sad and even crying a bit. A youngish man answers the phone and when our call is complete he tells me to «have a great day!» ARE YOU KIDDING ME? I am calling to have my cat put down. I don’t know if this kid was stoned, new or just totally unconscious but… HELLO?!! .you work in an industry where your attention and care to the client matters more than anything. Little did I know that this was a sign of what was to come…
Picture this: I go in with my cat in her carrier. I’m sobbing crying. The reception area is full of people. Everyone is staring at me (cause i’m crying) AND my cat is meowing loudly. I go to check in and the guy (the one who told me to have a great day) tells me he wants payment first. Sure thing. So I give him my 150 dollars (because that is what I was told by a doctor the entire thing would cost, which I found out later was not true) and make sure he knows that I should have the grant on my account for the remainder. Unfortunately, he can’t figure it out cause he’s incompetent and instead of sending my crying, very sad ass to a room to be with my girl before her time… he makes me wait in the reception room. By now everyone in the reception room including the 2 DOGS are aware that I am about to have my cat put down. Talk about uncomfortable!!! They should have put me in a room at the very least. I was grieving, totally not comprehending numbers and paperwork and these front desk people were only concerned with payment and money. Not my sensitive situation.
So I go in with my girl, we do the deed. The doctors again, were great. Very respectful. I didn’t feel rushed and I felt supported in this extremely difficult experience. But then… when I come out. Guess who is STILL in the waiting room. All those same people plus the 2 dogs and the same dumb kid at the counter who STILL HAS NOT FIGURED OUT MY BILL. I’m crying my eyes out, totally confused and feeling vulnerable with all these people that I don’t know who are now privy to my personal business… all of it… and this asshole wants to talk about it, loudly in front of everyone. Finally I just asked to leave and told them to bill me.
I was sent an email the next day with a survey. I was much nicer than I am being here. I was asked if I wanted to speak to someone about this and i responded with YES. I never heard from anyone. Then when I went in to pick up my girls ashes, I asked again and this time I gave him my phone number and name and STILL have heard nothing.
I worked medical reception for 10 years. In my professional opinion, these people totally do not have YOU as their first priority which is how it should be in any customer related business, but especially in the «healing» profession. I felt that in response I was very respectful and even understanding. But tonight after receiving my second bill, i’m pretty pissed. So yah, i’m venting and I will be calling them tomorrow.

This place I believe has single handedly helped to ruin my cats life. I was forced to board my cat due to termite tenting and had to give my cat vaccines in order to be current. Went to VCA my cat got a shot in his leg and a month later developed untreatable cancer and had to have his leg removed.
3 years later my cat is diagnosed with Dementia they prescribe Selegiline. After one dose my cat becomes lethargic and stops eating and drinking. 3 days later he can’t even stand up. Make an appointment to put him down at 440pm yesterday and they leave me sitting in the room watching him suffer for 40 MINUTES knowing that when I made the appointment I said he was suffering. Twice I had to leave the room begging for someone to please put him out of his misery. They then have the audacity to refer to my cat as her! On top of that when I called and asked how much to put him down they told me over the phone $ 150 I show up and they say it’s $ 220 because I have to pay $ 70 for them to dispose of the remains unless I want to deal with the body myself. AVOID THIS PLACE AT ALL COSTS.

We refilled Webber Nash (our dog) prescription today (Aug.13, 2014) they charged us $ 82.55 for the SAME medicine we got here May 16, 2014 for $ 20.55. We asked why? the vet came out and said all she did was OK the refill. We asked to speak to the person in charge of VCA Santa Cruz– but was told THEY DON’T HAVE A MANAGER at this time. 4X the amount in 3 months WE NEED a NEW Place to take Webber!!!
Don’t go here — EVER

Avoid this place!
I thought it was a nice place at first. Until after paying almost 4k to them, for boarding my dogs in between a move and stuff. One dog suffered weight lose and a damaged back leg. If you get to tour the dog runs. you will notice no bedding but a sheet and they are on cement floors. Back yard is fake grass that probably only has been cleaned off in forever. Stinks so bad! Dogs have to hold urine for 12 plus hours. Since they are closed and reopen after 12 plus hours. You may have to wait a minute, while they spray your dog off, because it peed itself in kennel.
Also if you instruct them about second party to pick up and pay for that animal, they will turn around and bill you! Horrible place!

I took my cats here for their first bath… It was GREAT!!! I’m so glad I found out about VCA Santa Cruz! I almost took the poor cats to some stoned lady in Felton, but she couldn’t return a simple phone call so my search continued. Finally, I inquired at Petsmart and they told me about VCA. I was glad I’d waited to find the right place. They loaned me cat carriers, were very professional both at the front desk and in the check-​up & bath.
This place did not stink like typical vet-​stench; it was clean! It even has a garden-​courtyard as part of the waiting area. I found their prices to be very fair and they were clear about costs. The kindness and professionalism was outstanding! The cats were freaking out going to there, but the VCA took great care to get them flea-​free and up-​to-​date with their shots. The cats were unusually mellow on the way home which leads me to believe the VCA knew very well how to handle spaz kitties. They came home very clean and flea-​free. Thanks to the group of professionals who staff VCA and create such a wonderful environment!

This review is mostly for the grooming. My dog Tootsie has been seeing Ashley as her groomer since she was a pup. Ashley is the best groomer I have ever known and she would get 6 stars if they were available. One reason I give the whole experience 4 stars is that I have to take my dogie to the vet to get her groomed. She always starts shivering because she is so nervous. The shiver goes away once she sees her old friend Ashley and shes fine afterwards but it still starts out scary for her. Ashley used to work at Pet Smart, a more fun experience for dogies but I had to follow her here…
Now for a couple words about the vet, I wanted to get her rabies shot during this last visit but they said I would have to pay for an exam just to get the rabies shot, WTF? But they did say that on the last Sunday of every month they have a low cost vaccination clinic where exams were not required and the shots were cheaper. I guess Ill come back then right? The exam was $ 55…
Summary: 6 stars for Ashley the groomer, 3 stars for grooming at the vet, 3 stars for exam required = 4 stars rating.

Don’t ever board your dog here. I know it’s less expensive, and the location is convenient for many, but they are absolutely terrible people. If you care about your dog at all, find an alternative.
The staff was incredibly, strangely rude. I’m not saying I need a red carpet everyplace I go, but come on, is there a sign in the back of this place saying «the beatings will continue until morale improves»? What is wrong with you people?
And when I picked my dog up, she was absolutely terrified and wet. She was wet because they decided they should hose her down before giving her to me, since she had feces on herself, apparently having an accident while undoubtedly left unattended in a cage. So you had the decency to not give me my dog back covered in her own mess. You get a star for that.
I can only guess whether or not they gave my dog her medication at the time I told them to.
If it were in my power, I’d shut this place down, and prevent those people from working with anyone’s pets ever again.
Also, while I was gassing up my car one morning at the gas station next door, I saw a dog run out of the place and down the street, and the incompetent staff running out looking for it. Whoever’s dog that was, I hope your dog is OK, and I hope you find another vet.