Veterinary Emergency Clinic

My pup went in for dental surgery (not just a routine clean) and Dr. French was amazing. Not just with my dog, but with a very nervous dog momma. He'd had bad reactions to anesthesia in the past, and she took the time to read his history, but also to make him feel calm and to talk me through all the details so I understood as well. It was more face time than I would expect with her and I so appreciated her patience and care for my pup.

First, my sympathy. If you are looking at reviews for an emergency vet clinic, you may be experiencing a situation similar to ours, a badly injured dog in need of surgery. Our dog tore her cruciate ligament late last fall, and our local vet referred us to VEC for a consultation. From the first meeting with Dr. Ringwood, we were certain that we were in the right place.
His calm, confident demeanor was tremendously reassuring to the worry we had been feeling.
When Maeve (our dog) first went in for surgery (Friday, Nov 3rd, 2023), her blood pressure was so high, Dr. Ringwood didn't proceed. He felt she might have Cushing's. Dr. Ringwood reached out to our local vet with his findings, hoping to quickly have Maeve assessed for Cushing's, and if so, treatment started to get her back for surgery. I picked Maeve up, and before getting home, our vet called to book blood work for Monday. She did indeed have Cushing's, and medication was started.
The VEC team had rebooked Maeve's surgery for Nov 24th, so there was minimal delay.
The surgery was successful, and we were pleased with the regular updates from Dr. Ringwood and his colleagues right after surgery and on throughout the two days she was recovering. We were back for a check on the incision and then later for x-rays. Her recovery has been amazing. I hope to never need the services of VEC again, but I would have no hesitation to go back if necessary.

Thank you, Dr. Ringwood and all the staff at VEC who took such great care of our pet!

I can't thank VEC enough for their care and compassion towards my pet. A diagnosis was made and now we are able to move on with treatment. Thank you VEC Team.

I had to rush my cat in at 2: 30 in the morning as he was very lethargic and no longer eating. The staff at VEC were able to see him immediately and got him on IV right away. After they did an ultrasound they informed me of a foreign object found in his intestines and started on surgery with him as soon as possible. The staff at VEC kept me in the loop all throughout the process and explained everything in detail as far as after care and discharge instructions.they were very professional. My cat is good as new and happier than ever thanks to everyone at VEC

Dr. Mason and Dr Zanon are exceptional. Dr Zanon calling to go over everything that was to happen on day of Molly's ultrasound and liver biopsy. She explained everything so we understood and answered ALL our questions.
DR MASON - what an amazing VET and person. He went over the procedure and followed up with everything. He called and explained what the findings were on the ultrasound and biopsy BEFORE he emailed us the results so if we had any questions we had him on the phone to ask - which we did. He treated Molly like she was his own.with care and compassion - simply the best. If I could give 10 stars I would. I am an emotional person and he could tell that I was scared and worried and he spoke to me with kindness - which meant so much to me. Molly was so well taken care of by ALL staff at the VEC! I would highly recommend the VEC and Dr Mason. Pam and Molly

We took our very sick kitty here on the recommendation from another vet clinic. From the time they took him in until we picked him up VEC was amazing. Dr. Mason and his team took very good care of him and probably saved his life with their quick diagnosis and treatment. We were updated on progress at predictable and regular intervals. Our kitty is home and recovering thanks to them. I have and will continue to recommend this clinic to anyone who asks.

Took my kitten here twice because she got extremely sick. It was a waste of money and the doctors barely did anything besides take a look at her. No tests/treatments were performed on her and she wasn’t given any medication. All the VEC cares about is money which is a shame. Even the cost of euthanizing a pet is close to $700 at VEC. That makes me sick how expensive it is. It’s a heartbreaking experience and on top of that they’re charging people an insane amount of money for it. Do better VEC.

Dr. Mason was absolutely amazing! He and his colleagues helped with my 5 month old German Shepherds with digestive/bowel issues. They gave constant communication, they ran the appropriate tests and have offered us some very good options and advice. After my puppy going through a fecal transplant we are seeing positive improvement and she is now off medication. They are very obliging to answer all questions and my puppy came out of that office after 5hrs bright eyed and very happy. Not stressed due to the kind hearted staff. Thank you VEC!

I had to take my senior dog to the VEC over the Thanksgiving long weekend. During such a stressful situation, the doctors and staff at the VEC were very accommodating, empathetic, and helpful. Thank you so much for your help!

I brought my dog there to speak and/or be seen by a vet because he had accidentally ingested THC. They had no cages to accommodate my dog. I asked if someone could at the very least talk to me and provide any guidance in terms of where else I could go, what I should watch for in terms of symptoms etc. I offered to pay a consult fee over the phone. I offered to wait and speak with a vet over the phone. Nothing. Zero help. Zero compassion. Absolutely and totally disappointed. Staff were polite but unhelpful and demonstrated very little compassion, understanding or ability to offer any type of help / assistance. There were three of them sitting in the lobby area of the clinic. This is an emergency clinic. I expected more. I guess I shouldn't have. An East end emergency clinic was able to help me. They too were unable to take my dog but offered to speak with me over the phone for a few minutes. I really don't believe, being an emergency clinic, that this was too much or an unreasonable ask.

We brought our 12 year old female cat in recently late at night, as she was having seizures.

As per covid protocols we were told we'd have to wait outside while they examined her, which of course is totally fine.

After a while we heard back from the vet over the phone, and we agreed that given her condition the cat would need to be put down. A heartbreaking time for any pet owner. The vet said someone would either call or come outside shortly to bring us in to say goodbye to her.

We waited an hour. A full hour for someone to let us in, to say goodbye. Finally I had to call the front desk to ask what was going on, had our cat passed on her own, we really had no idea what was happening with her. Only for the front desk staff to say they didn't realize anyone was waiting.

Finally we got let in, and we get to see our cat. While saying our goodbyes, another member of staff walked in and tried to get us to look at the post-death pamphlets detailing various items you can purchase to remember your pet (paw prints and the like). I couldnt believe the complete disregard, and lack of empathy. We were trying to focus on our cat!

I still dont know what happened in that hour long gap between the phone call with the vet and finally being let in. Did my cat have more seizures during that time? Was she scared and alone?

I couldn't and still can't believe how poorly everything was handled. I have never been to this emergency vet before but I know I will be avoiding it in the future. I can't say if this is a common occurrence, but I would never want to risk putting another pet through what my girl went through.

They are highly trained and experienced veterinary professionals. They literally saved my best friend’s life with the removal of a cancerous mass.

They were efficient, compassionate and very communicative. They followed up with us at every step. I can’t say enough good things about the facility and the most excellent doctors, surgeons and medical support staff.

Highly recommended of course

I ended up visiting VEC on November 7th after my dog and I were struck by a car crossing the street.
The clinic took quick charge of caring for my dog and within a couple of days performed successful major back surgery. My dog has been recovering very nicely.
Other than what feels to me to be an overzealous enforcement of covid protocols, which in my opinion ignored the overall well being of both my dog and myself, I had a very positive experience.

Please I beg everyone DO NOT take your pet here! After major surgery to remove tumors on her upper belly that cost 7 thousand dollars my cat came home with burn marks near her back legs and a really bad ear infection and her back nails were cut and bloody all on the right side of her body! They only care about your money, they even wanted to charge me 75 dollars for a specialist phonecall. I do not trust that this facility is clean or how they treat your pet please becareful if you do not have a choice to take your pet somewhere else
Update: I asked to speak with someone there about this, I was told I would get a call back and nobody has called me
And what I thought were burn marks are actually a bacterial infection that she got while in thier care

I am very happy that VEC was able to accommodate my vet’s request for a surgical consultation (for a cruciate ligament tear in my dogs knee) in less than a weeks time, with the actual TPLO surgery occurring just days later.
So much better! Than a previously arranged consultation at another animal hospital, scheduled 6 weeks later.

It did feel disconcerting to just give my dog over at the door of the clinic, not being permitted inside because of pandemic protocols but this was soon eased upon speaking with the surgeon & clinic staff, all of whom provided clear, thorough, thoughtful & supportive information. The phone consultations were followed up by emails, summarizing the details discussed; which I found very helpful.

My dog is now in recovery & doing well.
I am pleased that VEC provided us with such timely & efficient care.
Highly Recommended.

Good stuff very knowledgeable I just didn't appreciate the judgmental attitude when I asked for some references on male dogs to breed my female. I felt as though I was almost reprimanded people need to learn how to just do their jobs and keep their opinions to themselves!

Staff were understandably very busy, but kind and patient, even though I was extremely stressed and panicky for my cats’ emergency. Wait times were long, but I feel that’s very normal, and at least they were able to see us! Honestly, I don’t think you can get a better experience than we did:)

I'm giving VET 4 stars instead of 5 because I am really not happy with the reception staff. My pup is still in their hospital, and although I know he's receiving good care, and is doing much better than when I brought him in, some of the reception staff could use some instruction on their people skills and have some empathy. I say 'some' because last night they happily set up a camera for me to see my boy, but this morning/afternoon I can't get anyone on the phone to give me an update on how he is or when he can come home. Hung up on twice (by accident I'm sure), the receptionist told me "do what you need to do" when I said if I didn't hear from a doctor within an hour (it has been over 17 hours without an update) I was going to come over and pick him up. A properly trained individual should have had empathy and at least said they would have someone get back to me asap. Instead I got a dead-pan 'what's your number'. The tone.not good.like they didn't care. I do think this is a very good clinic, and appreciated the many updates I received yesterday from Dr. Sue, who was kind, patient, thorough, and understanding. It's the front staff that could use some work.

The vet was very caring and understood my dog was a rescue, was in distress and very nervous. The diagnosis was conjunctivitis, a simple diagnosis which was missed by my vet. They managed my time expectations, and answered all my questions.

Even with COVID-19 restrictions in place the care and understanding of everyone at the clinic is exceptional. Thankyou for taking such good care of Bear.

I was referred to VEC through my vet as my dog needed to see a specialist for her condition. First, VEC was one of the very few clinics that had a reasonable wait time for a consultation appointment (3 weeks). Other clinics had a 5-7 week wait.

Their location was very convenient. It's close to Yonge/Bloor. It's also a short walk from Rosedale station should you choose to take the TTC.

Due to COVID, VEC is still doing closed door appointments. You call the clinic when you arrive, and they will meet you at the door to take your pet inside.

Our consultation was with Dr Mason from the Internal Medicine Department. I spoke briefly to a vet tech who asked me questions about my dog's health history - I was then told Dr Mason would examine my dog and call me back.

Dr Mason was very thorough and explained what he believed was happening. He mentioned doing an ultrasound and also told me the price which was helpful. I made the decision to proceed with the ultrasound and after a short while, he called me back to tell me his findings. I was shocked to hear what he had found but also grateful that he was shining some light on my dog's condition. He gave me his diagnosis, explained everything very clearly and logically, then gave me a few options.

Not only was Dr Mason very knowledgeable, he was also very reasonable, honest and empathetic. I liked that he didn't try to suggest expensive tests/procedures (that he knew may not yield any results) even when I asked about them. Even though I wasn't in the examination room with him and my dog, I could tell just how caring he was, and the amount of empathy he has. I knew I could trust him.

The only thing I noticed about VEC was how hard it was to reach someone on the phone. Every time I called VEC, I had to call 4-5 times before the call was answered. I know it's busy and there may be staffing shortages but it would be good to have a Voice Message option to leave a message for a call back.

I had a great experience with VEC and would highly recommend them to anyone who needs an Internal Medicine Specialist. Dr Mason is a great veterinarian specialist and I cannot thank him enough. Thank you!

VEC triaged our puppy, kept us informed, gave us honest waiting time estimates, and took extra care to explain their diagnosis (a suspected UTI) and justify their course of action. As we apply the treatment and get attention from our regular vet we'll update this review in regards to the medical accuracy, but for now everything they did and said made sense.

Their protocols were cumbersome but understandable.

The one complaint we have is that we were initially turned away, and only admitted when we tried again the following day. Given that vets everywhere are currently overwhelmed it is understandable that VEC triages their cases and admits more urgent ones, however it is extremely unnerving for pet owners to know that in a crisis the emergency hospital may simply be too full to help. I understand everyone adding a pet to their family during covid is not the VEC's fault, but I think they can do better at trying to expand their capacity and optimize their operations, even if that means that they need external help or funding. This is not a medical challenge, it is a media and business challenge.

Being too full is an acceptable problem for TIFF events, not emergency rooms.

My partner and I were referred to Dr. Mantovani when our boxer was diagnosed with lymphoma last fall. After having been to VEC pretty regularly over the last 11 months we can't say enough good things about the consistently outstanding service we recieved from every staff member we interacted with. Dr. Mantovani's expertise gave us more quality time with our baby then we thought imaginable. She was always upfront and transparent about treatment routes, expectations, and the possible uncertainties. You could tell that it wasn't just about treating the patient, but that she cared for you and your special animal. Beth was our go between who again was always kind, and quick to reply when we had questions along the way, being straight forward and honest while remaining compassionate. Fran was more often than not there to bring our boy in. Not only was she a friendly, cheerful, comforting presence for us, she made Rusko feel safe to follow her inside since we were never able to join due to Covid restrictions. She'd give us updates about how he was so cooperative and how he eventually became his goofy, cuddle-loving self with the staff inside. Our journey ended a couple days ago. Not as originally intended, in the controlled way we were planning, but instead with us having to use VEC's 24/h Emergency service. Again, we were treated with compassion and care by a whole other set of staff and Dr.that didn't have any history with us. Everyone down to the young women who had the unfortunate jobs of explaining to us the final procedure and settling the bill at such a time, did so very professionaly. Doing what the staff do here, at the level in which they're carrying themselves, on a regular basis is a feat, but considering that they're doing this and have been for a year and a half under the pressure of Covid with all the restrictions and the heightened emotional state of everyone, our hats go off to you. Thank you from the bottom of our [broken but full] hearts.

Superb thoughtful care. They were kind and gentle with my small cat. They took exceptional care of her. I would never wish to go anywhere else when they have room. One of the top two emergency facilities in the City. Thank you for everything.
Remarkable professionalism tempered by years of experience.

Bad experience at the VEC with Cassandra, who is extremely rude and really shouldn’t be talking to pet “parents” in distress. She lacks compassion and her manner on the phone was curt, condescending and downright rude. I am not a vet, and lecturing me on something I “should know” is unhelpful and kind of mean in the moment. Maybe it’s time for Cassandra to take a break from speaking to clients since she lacks basic human decency and professional phone etiquette. Never going back!

Emergency service has been awesome the couple of times that we had to go there in the past 7 years but today I was attended by this receptionist named Cassandra who is not prepared at all to deal with emergencies, lacks of sympathy and doesn’t listen carefully which is frustrating when you doggy is hurt and you are looking for help. They wasn’t even able to either transfer the phone call to a veterinary nor to provide a professional advise so this time I couldn’t get any help in any way, only the imprudent, sassy and sarcastic goodbye at the end.

FANTASTIC!

A year ago we had to put one of my dogs to sleep. Staff was compassionate, understanding, caring, professional, with great communication skills.just wonderful. They greatly helped us during one of the most difficult days of our lives.

On another occasion I brought another dog in the middle of the night, the staff quickly helped us and diagnosed my dog. After my dog was released from the hospital, VEC called us on multiple occasions to check on my dog, make sure she was doing fine and to monitor her recovery.

And yes, we had to spend a lot of money but this is the case with any animal hospital. I wish we had universal healthcare for pets.

Fully recommend.

Pros: the doctors are amazing and were able to take care if my pet fairly quickly, and professionally.

Mixed: due to covid i was unable to enter the building, which was very hard, but they did offer a video call to see my pet which was kind.

Cons: very expensive vet bill, even by toronto/emergency standards (the level of care was worth it). I was told incorrect information from one of the receptionist (was told id get a refund but they were looking at the wrong file, which caused my to panic)

Overall i would recommend this vet in an emergency

Can't rate - went for an emergency but was told they wouldn't admit anymore patients, which contradicts what our vet told us. Thankfully our vet was able to help out to get our dog admitted to another clinic that afternoon.

I am giving the clinic 4stars because the vet we spoke to was outstanding. She explained things in a way we could understand, and didn't charge us for useless tests like others had in the past. The reception staff is why I left one star out. Our dog collapsed and could not use her back legs. My husband carried our 70 pound dog from the car to the door. It was locked. First they tried to ignore him, and then someone peeped out and said he had to call first. Absolutely zero compassion. I understand safety protocol, but my husband was double vaccinated and masked. So my husband put our poor dog down (who tried to stand and kept failing, while in pain which was hard to watch) and called the number. He was put on hold for an extended period of time. I feel the front staff could have handled an emergency situation better, and should be trained to help a dog in pain, while asking questions. They could have even come outside to help and assess. Our dog is our family and we really felt the front staff dropped the ball and should have treated the situation with more professionalism and empathy.

This is the second time we've travelled from out of town (5 hours) to this clinic for our dogs for additional testing and specialized surgery. The service is amazing from the staff and the doctors. We are very grateful.

Have come here several times with my dog for a variety of serious issues. They’re the best in the city, hands down. Not a normal vet though, 100% emergency.

Dr cochrane and dr kilburn saved my dogs life. My dog was referred to by my regular vet @ Willowdale animal hospital. You could see he was in pain but he never showed it by whining or barking. He was unable to walk and knuckling his paws but not realizing he was doing it. We were rushed here and they had diagnosed him with a slipped disc in his neck and emergency surgery had to be done. They had him and took care of my fur baby for about a week. Every one at the hospital was very compassionate. They took care of him like it was their own. He's now about 90% recovered since his surgery 6 months ago. We are both grateful for the all the things that they've done and for going above and beyond my expectations.

For emergencies, this place will take full advantage of you. My 7 month old puppy ate berber carpet, and we brought her in at 3 p.m. For an ultrasound (our vet doesn't have the machine). Despite her emergency status, it took them four hours to perform the scan and give us the results. By that time, the surgeon had gone home, and we had to pay a $1300 surcharge to have him come back in. Be aware that their "deposit" on procedures is 100% of the high estimate-for us, that meant pulling together $7500 within half an hour. Pricing is seemingly arbitrary: they indicate 'units' but don't explain how much a unit is per cost line. The consulting vet and the surgeon were knowledgeable and kind, but it doesn't excuse the extortionist-style care that you'll receive in an emergency. Avoid if you can.

Avoid this place at all costs. You will be recommended the expensive, unnecessary surgery before less expensive options are evaluated. You will be pressured into going with their bad advice. The vet we dealt with is a disgrace and billed us $1000 just for his initial examination and ultrasound of our cat. He told us the surgery he wrongly attributed to her lack of urination would cost $4-5K. Soon enough our bill was $6500 without anyone letting us know. To top it off, she was sent home with an impacted colon-she hadn't pooped at all during her week-long stay. When we called in for post-release help, we were told there were no vets on duty and that we would be called back tomorrow! Our regular vet did the best they could and got our cat back up to some level of better health for her final two weeks. The front desk area of this place is often full of older women who are having trouble with their computers and getting help from others. The back area where you can go and visit your pets has the atmosphere of a hangout with techs and vets everywhere socializing with one another. The VEC is a business. They want to drain thousands of dollars from everyone who walks in the front door. Once you bring your pet home, they don't care about you anymore. If you have to come back, they will be sure that you come through "emerge" and you will be billed accordingly. Our experience with them was hell. They didn't heal our cat and one of her final weeks was wasted recovering from surgery. She was a valued member of our family and didn't deserve that lack of care from this despicable business. I wouldn't wish this experience on my worst enemy. Go to Guelph, or anywhere other than the VEC.

The reception was friendly and the reception and exam rooms were clean. My cat saw Dr. Oliver. She was very kind and explained what was going on in a way that was easy to understand. Dr. Oliver presented a course of action for my cat, and was really understanding of my financial constraints. I'm always hesitant to bring my animals to a vet that I or someone I trust has never met, especially in an emergency. But I'm glad I brought him here, and I wouldn't hesitate to go back, if necessary.

The oncologist, Dr. Mantovani is great! My cat was diagnosed with lymphoma 4 months ago and the treatment plan that she received here was personalized in such way that she responded to it, and is now in remission with no symptoms of cancer. Dr. Mantovani’s positivity, professionalism and great expertise truly helped and my cat is now a happy healthy kitty. The staff at reception is also very friendly and welcoming each time we come in for our appointment. We never had to wait and was promptly taken in for the appointment. This is a very busy place and I admire the staff’s resilience and calm.

I would highly recommend veterinary emergency clinic to all pet owners who want the best for their furry family member. VEC cares.they just do.
Your pets will be in the hands of the very best!
Dr. Kilburn, Dr. Ringwood and their team are just amazing. I cannot say enough about the care and compassion they have shown my dogs and my family!

Unprofessional staff, and I mean UNPROFESSIONAL.
I had multiple phone conversations to simply book a surgery, the surgery deparment was extremely uninformed which caused a significant delay in the treatment.
They try to force you to undergo unnecessary diagnostic tests.
Finally, after an extensive surgery, I received a phone call with wrong diagnosis which caused a lot of unnecessary distress.
In summary, at the end I ended up with an indefinite diagnosis and an inaccurate bill with double up items.
Jessie was not happy with the experience.

Heather Grey is absolutely unprofessional, intimidating and not empathetic at all. Run! And save your beloved pet from this person’s useless opinion. She is not a doctor nor is she deserving of that title. Believe me.

At the time of the visit we paid the entire invoice. However months after the visit, the clinic came up with an additional invoice for the medications they apparently did not add for some reason in the original invoice. More than half a year passed since then but I remember I insisted to pay everything on the spot so my assumption the medications were either waived or included in the original price for the services. Now there is this new invoice for medications the clinic insists we have to pay otherwise it will go to collection agency. That's just amazing service and amazing customer attitude. If you made a mistake just admit it and move on. Maybe try not to mess with customer's money months after when nobody remembers what was it for and what exactly happened. We won't come back and will try to find another clinic if needed.

Great place but their appointment booking system and procedures is poor at best. Booked a surgery no problem but somehow they were overbooked when I tried to make the scheduled 2 week follow up at the time I picked up my dog.

It’s wonderful being lied to after spending nearly $10,000.00 on our dogs surgery! Double ear ablation

Received a call shortly after midnight, day of surgery.found Daisy face down near water bowl. Daisy ends up with pneumonia!
Next day Daisy found rubbing her eyes on the door of kennel. Daisy ends up with corneal ulcers!
Both pneumonia & ulcers could have been prevented if they had have put a cone on her.
Dr Adare seems to think Daisy may have had the pneumonia and the ulcers before arriving at the V. E. C. Really?
Even after them telling us they found her in both incidents, they think she had these problems prior to this, ok let’s go with it.accommodations for 7 days in ICU, nearly 700.00/day
They removed malignant & benign tumours after removing both Daisy’s ear drums and ear canals, closing up the ears, leaving just the flaps.
We were told they had removed all the masses, nothing to worry about!

Daisys checked out by Dr Adare, as new growths are found since surgery. We are told, the bumps are just from the sutures beneath, they’re fine, she’s not concerned with them.
It’s been nearly 2 weeks since the recheck and the masses are growing back at a very rapid rate. They are almost the size of jellybeans, but they’re just bumps from the sutures.
The ulcers are 100% cleared up, or so we are told, not quite sure what to believe any more?
Now we’re right back to where we started, tumours under the flaps of her ears. The scary thing is, we really don’t know what’s happening inside of her ears as they are totally closed up now.
I know we will need to put Daisy Duke down soon, as we’re pretty sure she is already suffering, but we really thought we’d have a bit more time than 2 months.

Thanks for telling us what we wanted to hear Dr. Adare, rather than the truth,
Pneumonia, Corneal ulcers, Bumps from sutures.

Update:
After having biopsies done, the “bumps caused by the sutures”, are malignant tumours. The tumours growing in the closed up chamber that once were Daisy’s ears, are also malignant tumours, but “they’re fine! ”
Nothing to worry about Dr. Adare?
One word, KARMA!

We recently brought our beloved golden retriever to this clinic for a serious neurological problem with her spine. From the onset.the care and compassion and knowledge of the staff was evident and felt. I quickly became confident that she was in good hands. She underwent lifesaving surgery and is now recovering. Without this surgery, she would not have had a chance. She is on the mend and happy and comfortable. Best of all, she is able to walk. Our many thanks to the wonderful staff of VEC. Without them, we would have had to say Good Bye to our Baby Girl. Thank You to VEC.

Worst experience of my life. Emotional blackmail, over priced, awfull customer service and the worst bedside manner I’ve ever witnessed. Full story below.

Our dog had dislocated her hip late the previous night, we brought her in round 9am and were told (post X-rays) they’d attempt to manipulate the hip back into to socket (for $4000) a couple hrs later, and if that didn’t work, they’d keep her over night and do surgery the next day (a further $6000 + over night + blood work). So we left our dog in their “care”.

At 5pm we called them and were told that they hadn’t and wouldn’t get to our dog that day. And that they’d try to manipulate the hip back in the following day. We were annoyed. They had clearly decided not to do this hours ago and had not bothered to tell us. So we asked to be emailed the X-rays and proceeded to conctact other clinics. A clinic (West Toronto Veteranary Surgery which also has a 24hr ER service as well) told us that they’d be able to help for literally half the cost.

So we picked up our puppy by 530pm and I’ve never seen her SO miserable before, or throughout the entire time she was limping around on a dislocated hip. I don’t know what happened in their but I’d never let them over night a pet they had her for less then 10 hours and the result was heartbreaking. We paid them for the consultation the X-rays and the pain killers that they had given her. We CANCELED the blood work as it wasn’t needed until surgery (we were still under the impression that it was possible to relocate the hip through manual manipulation). Our bill was fully paid.or so we thought.

An already long story condensed (trust me this was a disaster far beyond what I heave patience to type) at the West Toronto Veteranary Surgery they looked at the X-rays and told us that they couldn’t relocate the hip with manual manipulation because the hip socket and the ball of the joint were not fully formed, that the surgery the VEC had suggested would also not work as there was nothing to relocate, and if one did it would only dislocate again and likely soon. They provided a third and NOT more expensive option that would work. They sent us pictures over the next 30 hours 4 times giving us updates as she was recovering.

We picked her up the following day, HAPPY if a bit doozy from drugs.

Meanwhile at the VEC.the surgeon we told to cancel the blood work, who had told the secretary billing us to remove it from our bill because he was having it canceled, NEGLECTED to actually cancel it. And so on top of all of their other transgressions they are sending me a bill. I called and was told we had signed for the blood work, when I explained that we had it canceled she said again that I signed for it, I told her I wasn’t asked to sign anything to cancel it so clearly their system was flawed. I am still getting letters asking for money! And they don’t even return my call!

NEVER GO HERE! A MECHANIC WOULD BE ABLE TO HELP YOUR ANIMALS BETTER!

Our dog, Archie, has been in the care of Dr. Doug Mason and his team in internal nedicine for almost 3 years. On two separate occasions Dr Mason saved his life. These days Archie visits Dr Mason regularly for checkups and he has recently started seeing Dr Susan Cochran, Neurologist, for his seizures. Because of his autoimmune disease we also opted to have his dental surgery at the VEC with Dr. French. You get the idea that this is much more than a place we visit in an emergency. This is where people who keep Archie alive and happy and loved are. From the front desk staff, to the nurses, technicians, doctors in residence to the most competent and caring specialists in Canada who phone us in the evenings or in their time off if we need their counsel, this establishment is the top of it's league in any imagined aspect. We couldn't be more grateful for their service.

This place has gone downhill. Look elsewhere. I arrived at 10: 30 am Thanksgiving Monday where they put my dog and I in an examination room where I waited for 3 hours completely unattended. My French bulldog who has recurring neck and nerve pain was in distress, panting and yelping if touched. 2 hours into this appointment I approached reception to inquire how much longer. The reply was, "you're next". Only for them to finally let me know 3 hours in they would triage yet another dog and the wait would be even longer.

Instead of letting me know even 1 hour into the appointment to look elsewhere - they let my dog suffer. This was completely unavoidable and borderline animal cruelty in my opinion to let her suffer unattended like that. I will be taking my business elsewhere. I am currently in the waiting room yet again! However, I actually have an appointment at Downtown Animal Hospital on Church Street to be seen within the hour.

Advice to VEC Clinic, don't bother with a PR canned response. What you guys did was unacceptable and avoidable. My dog deserved better than that. I understand there are serious emergency cases and there are medical priorities but you should have done the right thing and let me know earlier on to secure another appointment elsewhere if you deemed this not an emergency. #shewasstillinpain #notacceptable
#VETCLINICFAILURE

This is a vet emerg clinic, not a vet. There's a difference, and that was made very clear. Luckily, we got great insurance, and if you have a pet, you should do the same. I brought my dog in when he had his first seizure, which was scary to say the least. Reception staff was great, so were all others. What I especially appreciated was they way they didn't jump to conclusions and suggest to pay for a bunch of tests that were not necessary without more info. And, I even saw one of the staff holding, hugging and letting my dog kiss her for literally half hour while he stopped seizuring. Staff are responsive, knowledgeable, caring, kind, and honest. It's comforting to know he's in excellent and open hands, and we had the foresight to get the insurance for these situations. Thanks to all at VEC.

We went there knowing that our beloved Brady had only a few months to live, the vet took him in the back, examined him, then gave him anesthetic to prep him for an operation knowing full well that she would tell us that the more humane thing to do would be to let him go, so when the time came for our goodbyes with him, he was completely out of it, I don’t even know if he recognized us. I still don’t understand why she couldn’t wait to give him the anesthesia for us to properly say goodbye. I will never go back there.

The paragraph below is copy and pasted verbatim from the 'About Us' tab, specifically under client communication on their website.

"As a concerned pet owner it is understandable that clients may have questions about what is happening with their animal, and what the immediate and long range plans for treatment are. The VEC staff are available to address these concerns, as well as to provide status updates, day and night. "

It's quite confusing actually, because I have received the complete opposite treatment.multiple times. I brought my pet to your clinic a handful of times and each time I leave extremely disappointed in the way your staff treats clients. When it comes to my pet, he receives the best care, and that is why I continue to bring him back. But, considering the amount of money I have spent at your clinic, I find it completely unacceptable to be talked to rudely, and told that there are "too many phone calls. " If the specialist my dog has been seeing was not at your practice, I would not be coming back - ever. I am so upset with how I have been treated and disgusted with some of the staff at this clinic.

They handled Parry promptly, professionally and with a lot of care. As for me, I felt that I paid for great emergency care. The ER is very busy but well staffed and pets get 24hr supervision.

Thanks to Dr. Tindal and the entire VEC team.

We have a very challenging cat and the VEC has been absolutely amazing with her every time. We have been there for emergency visits as well as specialist referrals. They manage to give her the care she requires while considering her mental health and stress levels as well. We are so grateful for the vets and technicians who have dealt with her.
The VEC is incredibly organized and keeps you informed every step of the way and makes the experience as painless as possible.

Very organized, specialized dermatological care. For the first time in a long time I am hopeful and excited for my little dog's recovery from her terrible allergy symptoms. Well worth the travel and expense. Dr Beck is kind, attentive, knowledgeable and offers a wide variety of options for symptom relief and treatment.

PET OWNERS BEWARE: This place, while open 24 hours, will not hesitate to take your money and ask for a ridiculous amount for an overnight hospitalization. A simple assessment and x-rays after my cat fell from a high balcony ended up costing close to $1300, and could have cost another $5000 just for overnight observation. They neglected to mention that the bandage they put on my cat's leg should have been removed within 40 minutes of returning home; 4 days later, I returned to ask why her paw was swollen and inflamed, and THAT's when they thought to tell me to remove the damn bandage. As a result, the cat is now limping and unable to put any weight on her leg.

SHAME ON YOU Veterinary Emergency Clinic for robbing pet owners blind while offering sub par care.

Thank you to everyone at VEC for making Ella feel comfortable during her assessment. Dr. Waisglass your expertise in the field of dermatology is second to none.