VCA Lakewood Animal Hospital

My German shepherd named Lulu gave birth to 8 healthy puppies. A few weeks later I started noticing Lulu acting different: she wasn’t as active anymore, she started loosing her appetite, and she was breathing abnormally. I took her to VCA as a emergency. When we got there they attended us very fast and took lulu to the back to get her checked out .They took us to a room to tell us what was going on with lulu .The Vet told me that Lulu was anemic because of her symptoms: she had pale gums, her tongue was also very pale and her heart was beating very rapidly, he also mentions that she could have a heart murmer. They told me they would need to do a blood test to see her blood count level. Also mentioned they wanted to do a ultrasound and take some x rays to see what was causing this. He then told me that an assistant would come in to give me the estimate cost of all the test they were going do on her. The totally was like 600 something for just the xrays, blood test, the ultrasound, plus the emergency visit. After they did what they had to do they called me in again to a room to tell me that the ultrasound and xrays both came back normal the only problem was that her blood count was very low it was at 12% (normal is 25% to 35%) they told me that Lulu would need a blood transfusion and that they needed to do some other tests on her as well to see what was causing her to be anemic .They said it would be best for her to stay the night so they can do the blood transfusion. The Vet did explain to me that even with the blood transfusion and the treatment that there was a possibility that Lulu still wouldn’t get better, because he believed that Lulu might have immune mediated hemolytic anemic — which means her own body was destroying her own blood cells. Again someone else came into the room with the estimate cost of the treatment. The range of the price was now from 2,000−3,000 :I agreed to pay. I ended up paying 1645 that first night .They had told me that I would be able to pick up Lulu the next day and I would have to pay my remaining balance which was 1,000. So the next day I received a call from the Vet he gave me a full update on her and how she was doing. He told me that he would recommend her staying another night because she still seemed very weak and wanted to run more test on her because they wanted to get to the bottom of what was causing this .So later that day they called me to update me on the new charges which was another$ 2,000!I was so upset and frustrated because I just wanted Lulu to get better! Lulu ended up staying 3 nights there. On the third day they allowed her to leave with a 19% blood count. My total Vet Bill was$ 4,148 which I paid all and left at a 0 balance (they didn’t offer payment plans only offered credit care).They prescribed her medication and they also told me to go in every day for the following week to check Lulu’s blood count .When I brought Lulu home she was okay she still seemed tired and was still breathing rapidly. Lulu had been home for 4 days now .On that Monday we took her in they did the blood count test. I got bad news her blood count had dropped again it was at 14%. The Vet said that he suggested we do another blood transfusion and that we should higher the dosage of the steroids. He told me he would bring me the estimate cost of the new charges. He was trying to charge me another 600. There was no way I would be able to pay that, since I had just paid $ 4,000 like 4 days ago. I told him the only thing I can do is continue giving her the medication at home. Every day that passed Lulu was just getting worse it got to the point where I had to syringe everything in her mouth including water ! I couldn’t take it anymore! So I took her in once again as an emergency on a Sunday because Lulu looked like she just wasn’t going to make it. That night they told me Lulu required a blood transfusion and a few more test because her blood level super low (10%).The new estimate cost was $ 3,000. There was no way I can afford that, so I asked what other option do I have, they told me it would be to put her to sleep. I cried so much because I really felt like I didn’t have another option. The total cost overall that night was close to 600. I had to sign and pay first. Then they would bring in Lulu so I could be with her for the last time .When they brought her in my heart just broke, I couldn’t believe I was going to do it ! I realized I just couldn’t go thru with it, so I asked for my money back ! I had to sign a paper saying I refused any medical help. Before I left the female vet assistant warned me that Lulu might not make it thru the night ! I still left ! The next morning I took Lulu to another vet my sister had told me in La Habra the vet gave Lulu a antibiotic shot. Told me to feed her well, and to give her the calcium powder he gave me. Lulu is back to normal and he only charged me $ 20 for everything! All the money I spent at VCA was all for NOTHING!!!

I brought my little guy Frankie for a check up around midnight. Of course with any emergency room I knew there was a wait and that’s totally fine. Once frankie was checked Amanda did a great job with his vitals as well as guiding me in the right direction for the best dog food that would fit Frankie’s needs.
As Dr. Campos was doing the exam I was amazed with his knowledge and expertise (very charming, lol). He was very thorough with what is causes the problem and what I could do to help prevent or ease Frankie ‘s pain. There were two issues that were discovered and I left with Frankie feeling very confident that the treatment Dr. Campos prescribed will help my frankie get better. Thank you VCA. Highly recommend this facility for all your pets needs.

I’ll reserve giving VCA more stars for now, but, fair is fair and just is just. I wrote a pretty lengthy bad review about VCA two weeks ago and received a response from their business manager Alan. He asked for a number to reach me to discuss my horrible experience at VCA with our family pet. I responded and within days he did call me and we discussed my experience. He was very apologetic and assured me that VCA absolutely cares about the experience and care that animals receive when they visit their facility. He seemed very sincere. He offered me various means of compensation and alternative ways to help me get the care my dog needs. I absolutely appreciated the time he took to hear me voice my concerns and offer his personal assistance to help me get the best care for my dog. Thank-​you Alan. I appreciate it!

I am not sure where even to begin. Whenever you take your dog in be ready to spend hundreds of dollars if not more. Here is my story so I bought in my 8 week old maltipoo bella on March 26^th 2016. They offered me the puppy package for 129.00. I in turn bought it thinking that it was a good idea. Mt first problem is the wait time. My family and I waited for the 1^st visit about 3 hours. As we finally get to the back we waited another 45 mins before the dr even came in. My first problem is why do they always need to take your dog to the back and do whatever they do back there and we cant see. Ok so they do an exam and it turns out bella had worms which is common for all puppies and a parasite. They gave me medication to clear it up. As I return for a follow up visit they want to give her another set of medicine now for a common cold and her ears. That in turn was more money. So dr de hoya says she now needs ear medicine and antibiotics. Which cost me 89.00 more dollars. Come to find out I could have done home remedies to help with the common cold. Then another visit this time to get her 2^nd round of shots. So we see another dr. This guy dr. Forman says he thinks I need an x-​ray. Im lile for what now well I hear a little wheeze so to be sure you should you need 1 done. He tells me its 400 dollars plus an additional fee to have it sent out and read by someone else. So at this point im pissed because everytime you go here these drs are recommending more test which means what MORE MONEY! So dr foreman takes Bella to the back and give her a second round of shots. A couple days later bella woke up having seizures and foaming at the mouth. We had no idea of what was happeneing or what was going on. We rushed her back down there only to get anothet estimate of almost 2,000 dollars of now an epileptic dog. So being a mother of 5 I asked what else can i do to help save her because my family had gotten so attached to her. Well here was the solution pay 343.00 for more medication and lab work. So because I couldnt pay the almost 2000.00 dr Smith another dr at this point said well without all these test we cant be sure so here is the best I can tell you. We took bella home on more medication. This dog was fine until she had her 2^nd set of shots. That same night we had to take her back at 2am where they ended up putting her to sleep. And guess what charged my family another 195.00. I am so upset. When i called that night the young lady told me it was 129 for the euthanasia. Of course when we get there it was extra fees as well. I am so upaet I feel robbed by these people. I feel like not only did bella die but im out so much unnecessary money. The only person who was nice to us there was Fion. She works at the front desk. And of course when you are talkimg money you can never get anyone to call you back. Do your homework before going here especially if you love your animals. They will play on your emotions to make you spend so much money. Its a shame.

Every time I come to this place it takes forever. Sit for
Hours on end and not until I complain does anything happen. It doesn’t matter if you have an appointment it’s still hours on end. Doctor tells me to just drop off to make things faster, but even to just drop her off to pick up later takes 40 mins! It’s ridiculous! No one says anything to you to let you know what’s going on you will sit for all time unless you complain. I am done with this place and never want to return

If you like waiting for WHATEVER the reason, this is your place. Just to drop off my dog for boarding here took over half an hour and them trying to pick her up took almost an hour! Seriously, how hard is it to go back and get the dog? Unless they are hiding something. This is twice this has happened.

My dog was attacked by another dog at the dog park when she was 5 months old. Always a scary thing to have happen. We took her to another vet’s office on a Sunday and the vet student was unsure of what was wrong and just wanted to continue ordering test after test after test. We obviously could not trust his judgement as he wasn’t even sure of anything he was saying himself.
We ended up driving from Costa Mesa to Cerritos to take her to the vet that my mother-​in-​law has used for years. Dr. Gaspar was amazing with her and seemed concerned about her well being and getting to the bottom of the problem and how to fix it. She eventually needed to have her mass sliced open and tissue sent to pathology as it was continually growing and getting worse and worse. Dr. Gaspar did not push us in to any decision and answered our numerous questions both over the phone as well as in person.
After coming home with stitches in her neck and a bandage wrapped around her neck and head to keep her from getting to the area, she immediately ripped off the bandage and tore some of her stitches. We called VCA and were advised that we needed to come back. It was a long drive, but at this point we did not have any other choice. When we arrived (it was almost midnight) they were expecting us and took her back immediately to get her cleaned up and find another solution. By this time Dr. Gaspar had gone home for the evening and we were met by the doctor who was on staff at the time. He suggested they put staples in her neck rather than the stitches and put her in an cone rather than a bandage. They also offered to keep her over night to keep a close eye on her and let us get some rest.
The following morning when we arrived to pick her up we were surprised to find out that they had her out and playing with the staff most of the night AND they did not charge us for her overnight stay.
This is the ONLY ER vet we will ever use now, and if we lived a little closer they would be our permanent vet.

Sal and David, thank you so very much for assisting me when I came in to buy cat food and insulin for our diabetic kitty. You, two, always greet me with respect and a smile. As always, I really appreciate you wonderful service.
Rosemarie Strader

Definitely don’t suggest coming here. They over charge extremely. My dog broke some ribs and they were trying to charge me 3K-​4K, we decided to go to another vet which only charged $ 300!
The only benefit is that it’s 24h emergency, but keep in mind they take advantage :(

My dog inadvertently got into a bag of rat poison, and I immediately took her in along with the bag of poison. Was immediately helped by the friendly staff and within minutes my dog was taken in with a verbal ok to begin treatment. After treatment began I filled out all the required paperwork and was given a privet room to consult with the on duty Dr. I was given my options for treatment and was able to take my dog home a short time later. I had a great experience with this hospital. They treated me great and I would go back again anytime.

I first went to this emergency vet 4 ½ years ago when my new puppy, Max, started coughing on an early Sunday morning. I was told by that vet that he had distemper. That was at 5AM. I returned at 1PM because his breathing had become labored. That vet said that it could be distemper. But he also did an x-​ray and it showed pneumonia. They wanted to keep him for two nights at over $ 1000/​night so he could get humidifier treatments??? I took him home and gave him his antibiotics and gave him humidified treatment via my bathroom shower. And he got better. Both visits were very long waits.
Last month, I took him in because he seemed to have an adverse reaction to Comfortis. My bad experience started with the desk clerk asking me medical questions about Max. Then the vet tech saw him and felt he was stable to wait. He was. But he was anxious and not acting normal and I was worried. After an hour and a half, we went back to a room. We were told the vet would be in. We waited another 30 minutes. By this time, Max was acting himself. We left. After 2 hours.
I’m glad they are open ²⁴⁄₇. But I won’t go back unless one of my dogs has a traumatic emergency and I don’t have enough time to get anywhere else. I understand what an emergency room is for. I was an ER nurse. I just felt completely ignored and brushed off by the staff. And the 2 hour wait didn’t help. I would never recommend this place.

Very very expensive but we got treated very well by the girls at the front and Dr. Foreman. My poor pooch had to be kept all day and I was frequently called throughout the day with updates on her. Overall the staff was very caring and helpful.

2 stars for being open 24 hours. Very young staff. I was taken into a room, no waiting. Had 3 different girls come into room at various times. Using a post it to get my information. I appreciate them helping me with paperwork. But, my cat was on the table, scared. About to get temp taken with face down, butt up. Girl barges in laughing asking for my phone number. My cat got even more skiddish and more freaked out than he was when we arrived. When the room was quiet and it was just me and my cat, I noticed a whining sound. Like a depressed or injured dog moaning for attention. Like it had been forgotten. I stopped thinking about it until the girl returned with the first write up of charges if I let them do all they suggested to my cat. I asked her if the sound I was hearing was that if a dog. She kind of chuckled and said yes. I still don’t know how I feel about that. Just felt wrong but I couldn’t really do something about it.
They took my sick cat for a few treatments and asked me to go to waiting room. As I sat, time being around 1 am, I sat in amazement at how loud and unaware the ladies were at the front desk laughing it up, talking about random crap. Even when I was at that age, I was aware of customer perception unlike these girls These people care for animals, if they act like everything I had seen that night in front of me, no way would I ever leave my pet in their care longer than I had to. One thing that worked in my advantage was billing, unexpectedly. The girl had me sign for the stuff I said yes to, and she told me I only had to pay %50 now the rest later. I told her I did not think that was correct. I was just at a VCA a week earlier with my cat where the bill was $ 2000. They made me pay %75 up front or they wouldn’t treat my cat. My cat actually saw his regular get in an emergency situation. That vet staff drove with me to VCA with is fluids in my cat. This was a transfer and they still took $ 1090 before even helping him. Then I had to pay the rest before getting my cat 5 days later. They were kind enough to delay the withdrawal from my account until 3 days later when I got paid. But I know this girl was mistaken. But I signed away laughing inside. Poorly trained and left alone to handle stuff they do not know about. After watching the chit chatter, I was called up to the front where I watched them bring my cat out and put him in floor. I was given a total double what the girl said, so I said I will pay that amount under my signed name. Explained the conversation I had, making the tech laugh. He said no way do try let people pay 50% and then take animal home. Thy did however honor that and I left owing them half of the total. I was relieved. 3^rd star earned for that.
As I left, one of the girls was off and trapped out the door letting two heavy doors shut right before me. I was shocked the offer to help or hold a door open was not there, but it seemed like a normal occurrence there. There were 2 employees right by their cars as a few others at the front desk. They all did nothing. Just find it rude. I won’t be returning. I’d drive to the other VCA if it was only thing open, pay more money than to deal with rude staff again. Dr. Hsu was cool, even emailed me my cat records for my regular vet. Also gave me a Unilocal discount.

I have tried this place twice now and this place just isn’t for me because I hate waiting for ever to see a Vet. The first time was an hour wait & the second time an hour and a half.
This place seems nice but each time the bill to me was very high so I will go else where in the future.
I would not recommend this place

I lost my cat unexpectedly. I was in complete shock and didn’t know what to do. It was late at night and my vet was closed for the day. I searched vets in my area and this was the first one to show up on my search. I gave them a call and the girl on the phone was very nice and helpful. My fiancé drove me and my cat over. When I got there they were all very compassionate and made this very difficult time a bit easier. A few days later I received a sympathy card from them which brought me to tears again, it was a great gesture shows they really do care. Now I am just waiting for a ceramic paw print I requested from my baby
Thanks VCA staff for being so nice and caring through such a difficult time

If you are not going to answer questions by phone do not get the calls, how rude, that hospital needs more prepare people because they are so rude, they told you to wait and they just hung up, so sad of you, the hospital take our money and we have to deal with this kind of people. Shame on you!!!

I really like this place very professional and dedicated to the health of their animals

Over-​priced everything. Seriously considering getting a lawyer to help me recoup the $ 300+ they charged me for administering over the counter medications that would have cost me less than $ 20. I even explained to them over the phone that we needed to pay as little as possible. You know, I don’t mind paying a $ 70 exam fee, but if there is an over the counter option, it should have been suggested as an option. Also, my husband left with the dog without a clear understanding of what was wrong with her, which as it turns out is a VERY COMMON case of vestibular disease. The worst part really is that they orginally asked us to pay $ 2600 for tests, and made my husband sign a form stating that he was bringing her home «against medical advice” — talk about preying on your emotions! Please, don’t take your animals here unless you have all the money in the world. They just totally ruined my family’s Christmas.

I posted 1 month ago how I felt they ripped me off under stress of my dog being sick. Just wanted to post that they gave me half my $ 730 back and I so appreciate it
thank you

I really like this animal hospital I’ve brought my boy here several times for different things (broken toe, ear infection) and every time I come things are handled very professionally and with care. the staff is very friendly and the waiting area isn’t a smelly crowded tiny room!
Once I’m in with the Vet (dr. Foreman) he explains to me exactly the process they will go with and give me options if needed.
I was thinking of going the «cheap» way and going to a small vet shop I’ve never been to before but VCA is one of the few places that offer payment plans which is perfect for me!!! Plus, they’re not even that much more expensive as other places. i look at it as the Target vs. Walmart situation, I pay a little extra for better service ;)

This place is fine if you are retired and bored and may as well waste all your time in a waiting room. Every time I come here, I wait. And wait. I am finally done. If my dog didn’t need these stiches out, I would have already been gone. It doesn’t matter at all if you have an appointment, don’t come here with at least an hour longer than you plan for. I understand sometimes with an emergency hospital these things happen, but if it happening ALL THE TIME, hire someone for goodness sakes.

Great ²⁴⁄₇ pet hospital
have had to bring my dogs here a number of times, they always seem to be able to help when I need it
Had to bring my lab here yesterday, she was in pain and I couldn’t determine the cause. examined her myself at home, but didn’t find any signs of cuts or wounds on her. She would Unilocal out in pain every few minutes so I was worried enough to take her to VCA
It was actually a bit busy there, even though it was Sunday, maybe because they are ²⁴⁄₇? In any case, signed in and waited for them to call us. It took about an hour, and my lab seemed to be doing better by the time they called… just like taking your car to the mechanic, then it runs fine and no problem huh?
Dr. K helped us, she was pretty nice. She did the same for Bella as I did at home, checking her thoroughly for any cuts or painful spots. Her temperature and breathing were normal, and she drank water there, so those were all good signs. Dr. K recommended x-​rays to ensure that Bella’s stomach was not twisted or there was not something in her system internally. I agreed and left her there for a few hours so they could perform the x-​rays and examine the results.
Dr. K called me a couple hours later with good news, The didn’t find anything out of normal, only a few small things in her intestine that she said would pass with her, uh poo? In any case, that was reassuring to hear. Dr. K also gave her some anti-​nausea medication and said Bella seemed a lot better.
Was able to pick Bella up later that day. My dog seemed liked nothing had been wrong at all! WooHoo!
I really appreciate this facility and their staff. They seem to be caring and are pretty compassionate here compared to others I have been to (like that crap Crossroads in Norwalk, STAY AWAY FROM THAT PLACE!)
only deducted a star because they always have a long wait, and they are a little on the expensive side. But then again, they take care of what need to be done in a professional and friendly manner.
BTW, if you ever need to visit, ask for female vet, they seem to be a lot better than the male ones. Not sure why, but they show a bit more caring, the male vets I have had there seem to just treat like a job

I’m going to give them 4 stars because when my fur-​baby needed help, he was taken care of well. I love Dr. Foreman and Dr. Z, they were really great! And at the end of the day, his well being was first priority. However, their prices have shot sky high (for a VCA) and the waiting and waiting and waiting got to be a little too much. For having 50 girls behind the counter, they sure are slow… and sometimes rude. Being that my dog needs monthly meds and has an ongoing health condition, I had to look for another vet closer to home and with much better prices.

Try to avoid this place if possible. Unfortunately, they’re one of the only places around here open 24 hours. Only like two out of like 10 staff members they have working there at once seem to know what’s going on. They keep the rooms ice cold. They kept my puppy over night to be «observed» and after them calling me for discharge (I waited three hours!) all they told me was the symptoms my puppy had which were the same symptoms I knew and why I took her in, in the first place. The «vet» there advised me to take her in to a «specialist». Come to find out my dog pretty much just had a cold. Check your bill closely before you pay they seem to freely add and charge services without previously being discussed.

This place is really pretty and the staff is pretty nice, but this place does take forever! My mom and I had to wait 2 hrs even though our Gypsy was done ready an hour in. also suuuuper expensive! 300 for her visit

Read all previous reviews and tips AND AVOID THIS PLACE
Terrible service. The doctors don’t care about the urgency of your individual concerns. The rooms are kept ice cold. There are long wait times for EVERYTHING. They don’t notify you of costs as they do procedures, so make sure you ask

I’m not quite sure I love or hate this place. My friend was telling me about the puppy package for our new jack russ, so I decided to leave my well known vet for these guys.
First off, they screwed up my appointment. I had an appointment for Friday, Sept 4, (she’s a rescued puppy and she needed her shots asap before she got sick.) and then they tell me that the appointment wasn’t for another 4 weeks! Why the hell would I make the appointment so far away when she needed her shots as soon as possible? The guy helping us didn’t really care, just said that if we want to wait to be a walk in, we might get in.
So I decided to wait, but after a half hour I was going to leave. About 15 minutes later they called me back, and I was literally in and out of the room in 5 minutes. Altogether the trip was maybe an hour. Not awful, and the puppy package (comes with all her shots) were definitely worth it, however I think I’ll stick to my normal vet.

Absolutely the worst! I had taken my dog to my regular vet for his physical and blood work to get his teeth cleaned on Friday. On Sunday he was shaking and was peeing blood. VCA Lakewood was he closest emergency vet. We took him here and was set to have kidney stone surgery on Monday and to have his teeth cleaned.
We dropped him off on Monday at 0600 first they did not know who we were or what we were here for. Second about after 40 minutes they gave us the estimate and told us if we wanted to talk to the doctor we would have to wait a little longer. Being already late for work and want our dog to get some pain mess and into surgery as soon as possible we decided to not wait for the doctor. Later that night around 8 pm they called and said all went well and that they could not get to him until 12 hours later.
They sent him home with pain medication and a antibiotic. After getting him home I looked at the bandage and then checked his teeth… They did not clean his teeth! I do lot like putting my dog under unnecessary and I am pretty upset they did not do it. They told us we had to have a follow op appointment but then told us the doctor was too busy so we had to just drop him off… I am here now trying to pick him up and have been waiting for an hour.
I will never return to this vet I will travel if I have another emergency

Seriously inept front office staff.
This place makes you consistently wait and wait and wait.
Last two visits were over an hour wait.
You’d think they would manage these things.
Doctor’s seem nice and proficient but who the heck wants to put up with staff that cant keep a tight ship.

This place is always clean and the waiting room is big. It’s always open but they have different walk in hours and emergency hours so be careful because the charges change depending on the time you go.
My tip is be sure to sign in when you get there since, no matter what you are there for, they have you sign in. I came to pick up my dog’s prescription and called ahead so I would be sure it was ready and they still made me sign in to pick it up. I guess it’s their way of making sure no one gets forgotten.
They seem to really care about your pet and are kind. The vet even asked my dog if she could look at him. I can always count on them being open and really like VCA animal hospital in Lakewood.

Doctor Foreman is amazing. Excellent bedside manner with our Shih Tzu Angel. Friendly courteous staff. Very clean.

I had to put my 12 year old boy down today. I can’t thank the staff enough for being so compassionate and attentive to us. And for being so gentle to our choco Labrador. I hardly write reviews on Unilocal,but figured I needed to give this place their props for handling our situation with care. Too many times I’ve read horror stories from other pet hospitals and have dealt with veterinarians myself who lack empathy and seen down right cold. Thank you to one of the blond nurses who kept checking up on us. Wish I could’ve gotten your name! Can’t wait to have our boy’s ashes so he can be with us again.

Just came from here with my baby Zeus. My puppy started to drag his hind legs, and was sensitive to the touch. We rushed over here, we were impressed with how friendly everyone was. The Vet was straight to the point he did some tests to see why he was not walking. When I heard all the tests he did I was most certain our bill would be huge! But it wasn’t!
He gave my puppy a shot, and three medications. It only came up to a little over a hundred for everything they did for us. I was confident with what the Vet recommended we try. This is the first time we weren’t «sold» procedures or treatments. I really am thankful to all the kind staff that we met tonight (1÷5÷15)