VCA West Shore Animal Hospital

We've always had a good experience here. I've seen bad reviews, but we haven't experienced anything like that ever. The staff and doctors have all been great to us and, more importantly, our dogs. We recently had to say goodbye to one of our dogs, and they made the process as manageable as they could. They were comforting and patient with both myself and my wife. I'm grateful for the manor in which we were treated during that incredibly difficult time. I personally recommend them, can't speak for the others.

2 years ago I would have easily given a 5 star review, but I honestly feel this clinic has steadily gone downhill since Dr. Houston, who was amazing, left over a year ago. My recent experiences: a few months ago I took my senior dog in for what I presumed to be arthritis related issues including licking his one leg and limping at times (he is an almost 15 year old large mixed breed dog who had previously been diagnosed with arthritis) for a first ever appt with Dr. Richards. Gave the tech the rundown of my concerns. Dr. Richards came into the room and began laying out a full treatment plan BEFORE EVER LAYING EYES ON CHAMP, let alone examining him. This included expensive prescription food (I've been feeding Champ the same food for 14 years), meds, full body X-ray under twilight sedation (no intubation, which he said was "standard of care" now), etc. I had to bring him back the next day for the sedated X-ray. When I picked him up, I was given allergy meds and when I asked "what allergies?" I was told it was because of the licking. A week later I get a follow up call from Dr. Richards asking how the meds were working and to go over the X-rays. He informed me Champ did not have arthritis and it was allergies. I frankly asked him how he could make a full treatment plan without even examining Champ and was told "25 years of experience". I work in health care and can tell you that I would never dream of laying out diagnoses/treatment plans to my patients' parents without examining them first despite my 27+ yrs of experience. None the less, I agreed to try the allergy meds. Fast forward to a month later and no improvements, in fact, things were worse. I returned to VCA and saw Dr. Murphy who was wonderful. She informed me that she wanted to repeat the X-rays as Dr. Richards did not include Champ's legs in the original "full body" X-ray (and his legs were my chief complaint!). Dr. Murphy confirmed that Champ did indeed have arthritis in all 4 legs and started him on meds specifically for that (which did help). I was also referred to an orthopedic vet d/t a possible ligament problem. That vet did more X-rays and when I asked about sedation, he told me it is not the "standard of care" and sedation without intubation is very risky in a dog Champ's age as there is increased risk of something going wrong and them there's no airway. Needless to say, I wouldn't trust Dr. Richards with a fish. Next point of contention is hours and poor communication. I called on Thursday to get a refill for Champ's meds. When I didn't here anything I called again Friday to say that I needed the meds before Monday as I did not have enough to get through until my upcoming appt this week. No return call, no text. I called multiple times on Saturday and repeatedly got the "we're on another line" message, so I drove over there and low and behold, they had closed early. This was the 3rd time I arrived well within the hours listed in the voice mail to pick up Champ's meds, only to find they had closed early. I got a call back this morning after leaving an unhappy message on Saturday from their parking lot. I did like Dr. Murphy, however I was informed today when I picked up the meds that she is no longer there. I was only given this info AFTER I specifically asked (I overheard a comment from another client which prompted the question) and Champ's appointment tomorrow was supposed to be with Dr. Murphy. I guess it would have just been a surprise to see a different doctor when I arrived for my appointment. I guess we'll see how tomorrow with Dr. Kaylor goes. I hate to have to move care for my 15 year old dog to somewhere new, but I may just have to do that if things continue as they have over the past few months. Also, I will say that the techs have always been wonderful with Champ (and my other dog Moose before he crosse3d the rainbow bridge last year).

I have been bringing pets here for many years and there's a reason. Staff has always been amazing and I love Dwight the turtle in the cat waiting room. Dr. Kaylor has been nothing short of amazing. He always puts my cat at ease and is super respectful of her stress level. He's thorough and honest and I wouldn't trust my Princess Fuzzy Pants with anyone else. Your pet will always be in good hands here. Thank you!!

I have taken my cats here and the staff have been nothing but kind, helpful, and informative. They can always get us in when we need help with our high risk cat. There prices are also extremely reasonable, they even have a plan you can sign up for that is well worth it. If you’re unsure of where to take your furry friend I highly recommend this animal pet hospital.

We've always had a good experience here. I've seen bad reviews, but we haven't experienced anything like that ever. The staff and doctors have all been great to us and, more importantly, our dogs. We recently had to say goodbye to one of our dogs, and they made the process as manageable as they could. They were comforting and patient with both myself and my wife. I'm grateful for the manor in which we were treated during that incredibly difficult time. I personally recommend them, can't speak for the others.