VCA Canada Pretoria Animal Hospital

Dear Pretoria staff.
Thank you for calling me on Monday March 13,2023. And giving me advice to Take my beloved Piro to the Animal Emergency Hospital.
I did not take Piro to the animal emergency hospital on Monday March 13. Due to he was constantly vomiting.
I wanted to make him comfortable at home and not to stress him out.
I wanted to keep him home in my arms making him comfy.
He refused to eat the boiled chicken I made for him, and refused to drink chicken broth.
The broth turned into jelly, I tried feeding him some but he kept turning his head away.
So I understood he did not want it.
Piro past away Friday March 17, at 2: 50 pm. He lived with me for 17 years.
When he past away, I took him to the Animal Emergency hospital.on Lola street near St. Laurent.around 4pm. March 17.2023
I was impressed with the attention was given to me and my beloved Piro.
They cleaned him up then brought him to me in the nice private waiting room.
The quiet room with candles was very heart warming where I was given some time to say my goodbyes to Piro.
Very impressed with the Animal Emergency Hospital.
Thank you for all your help.
Marie K.

Avoid for anything other than regularly scheduled visits and check ups. Takes multiple days to get an answer to questions from the Dr. I called about having my dog seen for an ear infection, received a call back two days later and was told that I either had to be there in two hours or that it would be months before he could be seen. No other solution or suggestion was offered by the receptionist. I understand that there are staff shortages everywhere, but this has been a constant problem for months. I will say, we’ve always had good care from the Vet and the team is very friendly.

**Update: Received another call (shortly after posting this review, coincidence?) offering me my choice of two appointment times the next day. I was able to be seen quickly and have my dogs issues resolved. My advice, if you need appointments on short notice for acute issues look elsewhere or be ready to be pushy for an appointment.

Really caring and very organized. Been relying on them for years. They've always given us good advice to keep our kitties healthy and pain-free. They don't take unnecessary risks and always consult with us on the procedures needed.

If you are the type of consumer who enjoys getting cornered in an exam room with a debit machine that indicates you need to pay $600, then this is the place for you. Atleast present an invoice before requesting payment. Upon trying to make a return for an item that we did not request or agree to, I was told a return cannot be completed with out the manager present. Sounds like a get of jail free card. I really Hope this posts a red flag and a solution can be made in the next 24 hours

UPDATE 02/02/2023 - product refunded and incident was debriefed with the Dr we interacted with yesterday. Glad to see a follow up was completed however unfortunately we are still skeptical with continuing on with VCA pretoria.

Money hunger vet clinic:

Told them my dog had a UTI and needed antibotics. They told me I haven't visited in the last 2-3 years so I should go somewhere else.previously, when I went to them with the same issue I also had a horrible experience. I told them my dog had a UTI, they did an incompetent review and told me she didn't have a UTI and it was something else. 3 visits later and -$800 dollars they finally figured out that it was indeed a UTI and finally prescribed my dog antibiotics.

Because of this clinics incompetence my dog had to wait 3-4 weeks for basic antibiotics that I originally requested.

If you are willing to blindly throw money at this clinic they will treat you with a bit of respect, otherwise basic decency is throw out the window when dealing with this vet.

Edit:
after reviewing the 1 star reviews I instantly noticed that this clinic has a on going issue with missing diagnosis results in pet deaths, trying to have over prescribe useless checkups for more money, and not serving clients in their most needed times if they have not generated enough money for them.

I'd recommend reading all the 1 star reviews and seeing the running them of incompetence and money hunger related to this clinic.

Avoid in an emergency, and for regular needs also avoid unless you have a lot money to waste.

I have received very good vet care at the clinic. Even with staff shortages and high patient demand, the clinic went out of their way to ensure that my pet was treated well and humanely put down at the end of its life.

I've taken my cats to this vet for 6 years, called today and they told me my file doesn't exist and they're not taking "new" clients because they're too busy. They said I must not have been there in a while then, to which I responded "its been maybe a year, do you just delete whole client files? I've had two cats be treated here for years and one of them has an infection and needs antibiotics. " she said she didn't know what to tell me but they wouldn't be able to help me and to try another animal hospital. This feels surreal, truly absurd. I'm leaving my last review below this, when I was still on a one year plan with them for my second kitten.

Super friendly and competent staff, they don't blindside you with fees and aren't pushy about them either. Dr. Peckham is wonderful and has been amazing helping my kitty with her many issues.

[Updated] Years later and I am still using VCA Pretoria and still really great. Completely recommend! {Previous review: A very caring and friendly place to bring your pet when health issues arise. I have been using them for about 6yrs or so and can happily recommend them).

Update: Molly passed yesterday. We are gutted and feel disappointed in this clinic’s service. I keep thinking if only we got an earlier appointment that wasn’t two months out when I called June 9 to book Molly’s annual; if only we got an emergency spot when my mom called yesterday morning. I hope no one else has to go through this.

This has been my veterinary clinic for many years, however the service is inconsistent. My mom called the clinic first thing in the morning today because my almost 14 year old shih tzu appeared to have a seizure and breathing difficulty. Reception dismissively cut my mom off without asking any details about my pup’s condition, ordering my mom to take Molly to a hospital because they are busy. I am gutted. This is unacceptable service especially given my loyalty over the years. I will be looking for a new clinic and suggesting my contacts downtown do the same. I get that they’re busy and overbooked, but bedside manners is everything in a field where you care for sick pets. Also why emergencies are no longer booked into their scheduling is beyond me.

Happy to have a Dr.that has continuously loved my pet from day one. Not hugely impressed with the business machinery of VCA. Overly commercial and less personal.

I have tried several vets in the city and since I’m very picky most of them didn’t meet my expectations. I’m very happy to have found Pretoria. First and very important is that the staff at reception are ALWAYS friendly and very helpful. The waiting room is clean and never smelly. My favourite vets are Dr. Young and Dr. Peckham - they never “catastrophise” or jump to the worst possible conclusion (a trait I’ve found common in vets which makes me super anxious). They both usually have me laughing for much of the visit despite stressful health conditions. And they’re both willing to answer my endless questions and explain things in detail. I’ve even had staff chat with me on the phone about coping with a new pet illness and her tips and tricks she’ll learned over the years, really calming me down. Something she didn’t need to do and I wasn’t paying for. They’re just good people. Of course, like any vet … it’s expensive, prescription drugs are priced at shocking rates, and the prescription food is sold earnestly, but to me that’s the industry and not an issue specific to any location. It’s also just part of the privilege of owning a pet. This is the place in the city I feel most comfortable bringing my furry family.

Good place for run-of-the-mill complaints but often don't answer the phone or respond to messages even when urgent. My dog was ill and I finally drove over after several hours (and messages) later and told that Piper needed to be seen but they were too busy. The local emergency pet hospital was full, I called Pretoria back - no answer. It was a different local vet who put me in contact with an emergency vet service where Piper was diagnosed and treated. Icing-on-the cake - Pretoria called the next day concerned about Piper.

Incredible team. Caring. Transparent and straightforward. Quick appointments. Clean environment.

Always a good service there. The gets and techs are warm and take the time to make nervous pets comfortable before any exam or procedure.

Definitely recommend.

Super friendly staff. The vet and the assistant were very nice and explained everything i needed to know. Also they follow up to make sure your pet is getting better. Highly recommended!

I went to there for my kitten's first exam and vaccines. But the doctor didn't take him any body temperature check before his FIRST vaccines, Also, the doctor gave us the prescription medications.which is the brand MILBEMAX tablets for small cats, and told me to give my kitten 1 tablet on Feb18 and second tablet on March 3rd.when i back home and check out the medicine description online, the kitten only can take 1 TABLET for his weight by monthly.i don't know why the doctor told me the kitten should taken 2 tablets in one month. Especially, my kitten weight only 1.3kg. Even the kitten weight is 2kg, for use the medicines 1 tablets is enough by take every month.

Never seen a vet handle our cat so calmly. None of the usual shrieking or outbursts from the kitty cat. Amazing pet handling skills.

Pretoria Animal Hospital is amazing and I cannot recommend them enough. The entire team is caring, compassionate, and extremely knowledgeable. We are very thankful for the wonderful staff and the amazing care they provide for our dog.

Always a positive experience. Annual vet check. Nice that Dr. Neilson has returned even if for a few days a week.

Professional and very friendly staff. I have only lived in Ottawa a few months and my puppy has been visiting the Pretoria Animal Hospital for his routine vaccinations. He had a small cut one of his toes I was worried was infective that I didn't notice, as he has been acting normal and running around as his usual self. I called and left a voicemail on a Friday night and received a call on Saturday morning with an appointment time that day. As a precaution I decided to have an x-ray done and luckily there is no infection or break, likely just from trauma playing because he is a little hellion, and told to watch it. I am very impressed with how friendly the staff is and how knowledgable they were, and the entire experience was very positive for my puppy, completely fear free, with lots of treats.

I payed about $240 for the appointment with x-ray and am happy with that, but I will not I am a member of their care plan for puppies so his exam fee was covered. Very happy with getting such a quick response when I was worried there could be infection or a break. I will continue to come here with my puppy Mayhem and love the support:)

I've never felt so cared about! I have a very anxious dog, and they're so patient and supportive of us and of him ️

My husband and I have been taking his dog here for almost a year now. They are so caring for their animals, and they're understanding if you dont have loads of money to spend (as nice as that would be). They even allow you to bring in your pets just to visit and get a treat so that you can help teach your pets that the vet doesnt have to be a scary experience. They've always been so patient with all of our questions as well. Love this place.

We love Dr. Peckham! She has taken amazing care of our two kittens who both came to us quite ill with giardia and coccidia. The kittens are thriving now and thanks to Care Club we have saved a lot in unplanned expenses. Liz is also the kindest receptionist in the world and always a delight to chat with! Thanks for saving our babies!

We‘ve been bringing our newest addition, Murphy here for all of his puppy needs. They actually caught 2 problems for our guy (itchy dirty ears and a UTI) that we may not have noticed otherwise. He’s always treated well, the staff are really friendly & he gets lots of treats. They explain the medications to us, care for after shots and discuss different options with us, as well as leaving my partner and I to discuss our thoughts in private (so you don’t have to say yes right away to treatments/shots/etc.).

We’ve seen several vets and techs and have had no concerns with any of them, and they even remember our little guy when we come in. They’re very patient and kind and I’m happy we found them to ease the transition of becoming puppy parents and caring for Murphy!

Amazing staff! Anytime I've brought my pets here they have treated them as if they were their own. I reccomend them to all my friends and don't plan on leaving anytime soon

Very kind and budget conscious! My cat is VERY rude to the vets and staff there, but they treat her very kindly. Very happy with this office, and it's right on the 56 bus route!

I've been taking my guys to Pretoria Pet Hospital since 2002. I really can't say enough good things about this place. Everyone there, the doctors, the techs and front desk staff are terrific. Dr. Young is amazing and has given excellent care to my guys for the past 17 years. She's caring and compassionate and tells it like it is. I've always felt well informed about any decisions I had to make for my guys and I was never pressured into choosing any unnecessary treatments. I'm thankful that I have Dr. Young, Emma, Morna, Liz and all the other wonderful people at Pretoria looking out for my guys.

I used to bring my dog here. The staff are nice but whenever my dog was really sick and needed to see a veterinarian in short order they never had same day availability, and often could only see him 2-3 days later. Moreover the last time I brought my dog for his annual check up/vaccinations they gave him a whole bunch at the same time, they assured me it wouldn't be a problem but sure enough he fell severely ill the next day and had to end up taking him to another veterinarian where he was hospitalized with I. V.overnight. They are more concerned with selling you their vaccinations and shots than the actual well being of your pet.

My partner and I have been bringing our two kittens here for mostly routine stuff since July. The staff have been AMAZING. They are so kind, so helpful, and really go above and beyond for our cats — seriously, I can't recommend these folks enough. Further, they've always been very transparent about costs, necessary procedures and vaccines, etc. Both of our kittens get excited to go to the vet, and the staff here treat them like angels.

I have been a client of Pretoria Animal Hospital for well over decade. That relationship ended after yet another awful, expensive experience. This review does not solely reflect the most recent disappointment that put my dogs’ health at risk, it speaks to what is now two or more years of poor healthcare support.

The prices are way high and the turnover of veterinary staff is constant and they hire juniors, not seasoned pros. In the annual checkup, which I’ve had with different doctors each time, they have never told me anything I didn’t already know. The staff is nice, but I sense no expertise. Let me tell you why.

Latest visit was for a UTI in a female dog. They took a urine sample and tested it on site. There was bacteria present, but they wanted a more comprehensive test done by an outside lab. They did not want to prescribe medication until those tests came back. Meanwhile, my dog is suffering and having trouble urinating. This cost $400. Zero treatment at that price is outrageous, and the icing on my cake of rage is knowing that we’re I to go back they’d clip me again for as much.

So I found another Veterinarian in a small practice out of town. Urine test, through exam where serious questions about causes of her UTI exposed the cause and meds to fix the immediate problem were given. Excellent, serious medical care all for $128. This is care that fixed the problem and cause.

So don’t go to Pretoria. If your animal is truly ill they will examine, bill you an outrageous amount and then they will send you to Alta Vista Animal Hospital (AVH is great by the way!). Again, if it is a non routine issue go directly to AVH, not Pretoria.

100 plus $ for an exam that did not check ears, eyes, body, temperature or ask any questions re general health.

We have been customers since they opened. Everyone on staff is very caring & compassionate. Our dogs have all liked going for a visit. The current one actually drags us through the door. Highly recommended.

The above was written in 2016 and I gave them 5 stars. Since then they have been bought out by VCA like so many of the other clinics in town and I am no longer so impressed. They are a large corporate organization and it shows. We have moved on.

I've been bringing my pup here from the day after I got him to now which is about a year later. They've treated him for worms, intestinal issues due to his ridiculous tendency to taste garbage, ear yeast and he was even neutered here. I have always been happy with the service and they are always upfront about what procedures will cost. They even have the fact that he is food motivated written in his chart so when he went in for a check on his ears they had a bowl of distraction food already ready. When he was neutered, I got updates throughout the day. When he had diarrhea, the vet had to.retrieve.a fecal sample which was charged the same as if I had collected a normal bowel movement. They haven't pushed anything on us that we didn't think was necessary and I have never doubted that my precious doggo was in good and caring hands.

There is an easy to use online booking system. Staff was friendly and helpful. The vet and vet technicians were great with my stressed out cat. They were upfront about which procedures were necessary (shots) and which were optional at this time (dental procedure).

Every time I've gone to this location, the staff are extremely helpful and kind. I've never had a bad experience, and I always know my kitties are in great hands!

All the staff are supportive and well informed. The veterinarians are wonderful. Everyone takes their time to explain what is needed, and you are given reasonable options. There is no "hard sell" or pushing for expensive treatments. Rather, the approach is: "let's start with the least intrusive/expensive first. " I have always had cats and dogs, and Pretoria is my only choice for my pets, even my partner who is a retired veterinarian takes his pets to Pretoria Animal Clinic.

Absolutely love VCA Pretoria. I came to VCA after much disappointment with service quality and aggressive product promotion at three other clinics around the city.

We had a kitten who was too hyper after her spaying that was done at a different vet's and her incision split open. Called in to VCA, they managed to see her within an hour (CRAZY for a vet that isn't primarily in emergency care) and gave us necessary instructions and recommendations to deal with the situation.

They never try to push products or procedures on you, never proceed with anything unless they get your confirmation after they tell you the cost. Super transparent, warm, and friendly environment for my two kitties. Would recommend to anyone in a heart beat!

Their prices are too expensive and they keep charging for extra services that my pet doesn't need.

My family has been bringing our cats here since I was a child. Because of this familiarity and history I never questioned the level of care my pets were receiving.
I deeply regret the blind faith I had in them as the Pretoria pet hospital is directly responsible for the death of my senior cat Sirius.
I had brought him in because he had some fur thinning on his back so that his skin was visible; they had no idea what it could be. But did talk alarmingly of more invasive testing which sounded unnecessary. Settled on an ointment for hair mites. Then despite him being an extremely old cat, who lived predominantly indoors and was obviously suffering from some illness, they started pushing to have him vaccinated. Thinking I was doing the responsible thing I agreed.
Within two weeks he was dead. He immediately became lethargic, lost his appetite and eventually stopped eating entirely and wasted away into a skeleton before my eyes.
We brought him to this hospital to be euthanized. They did a great job finishing what they had started two weeks prior.
Since then I have spoken to other veterinarians who say that as a rule they NEVER vaccinate while an animal is ill as their bodies are already weakened and they almost NEVER vaccinate senior animals over the age of 10 as there are too many risks.
I deeply regret falling for their obvious cash grab. Sadly my regrets won’t bring my beloved companion back.
If you are thinking of bringing your pet here question everything, do your research, get second opinions.

I’ve been a client at Pretoria since it opened in 1999. All my furry companions have been well cared for ever since. Along with us for most of this journey has been Dr. Tracey Young. In short, Tracey is just amazing. One of my dogs is a loving but “special” fur ball and he has been a frequent flyer at Pretoria. We have never had a problem getting in to see Dr Young. In rare cases when she hasn’t been available, the other doctors at Pretoria are great. I especially like the open communications among the doctors. Dr Young always makes a point to follow up either in person, through a vet tech or via message. She doesn’t prescribe unnecessary medical interventions of any kind, whether it be medications or tests, and she’s very practical in her approach. I could go on forever, but things sum up like this. Pretoria - excellent hospital. Tracey Young - exceptional veterinarian. Pretoria Staff - best there is. Take your pets here. It will be the best thing you will ever do for them.

Emma was fabulous. I am very impressed by the service and kindness and competence we experienced today at our visit. Highly recommend! We returned again today for another visit. They are so compassionate and wonderful. I really cannot say enough good about this clinic. Thank-you for taking such amazing care of Lady!

The best experience you will ever have if that's possible for an animal hospital! All the staff are very friendly and helpful and always go that extra step to make you and your loved one feel welcomed. Dr. Tracy Young ROCKS as a Vet and all around good person as well as the other vets. I would highly recommend Pretoria Pet Hospital for all you animal needs and care.

Update on this review: very disappointed with Pretoria when are golden re injured his leg our normal vet was not on but we were taken back that afterwards she knew our dog was in and she never once called us to check up on him and would not even see us when were were there for follow up appointment. We stopped going to Pretoria and found a better vet closer to us but also found out as well that our once friendly vet did not tell our new vet all the truths about what medication to give our dog as well as length of time for medication. Shame on you for this.