VCA Animal Care Center of Chicago 1248 West Washington Boulevard, Chicago, IL 60607

"I've been taking my dog to VCA-West Loop for years, and I wouldn't go anywhere else. The medical and admin staff are friendly and efficient. They run on time, all the time. I've never felt pressured into expensive tests or procedures. They take WONDERFUL care of my pup, at medical exams and vaccination appointments, and during the 2-3x/year that we board her with them. When we board, they remember my dog, and they welcome her with enthusiasm. Highly recommend for any and all of their services!"

"I have been taking my cat to this veterinary clinic for almost four years now. The staff members are amazing and take the treatment of my cat very seriously. I am very grateful for the care they provide. Today, my cat had an appointment, and I called the office to inform them that I did not have a carrier to transport my cat. The staff member (whose name I unfortunately forgot) promptly offered me a disposable carrier. I went to the office to pick it up and my cat was able to safely make it to his appointment. Once again, I am grateful for the exceptional service provided by this veterinary clinic."

"Wow! I'm sitting next to a very content cat right now, all rolled up into a ball. I think he was happier today than your average day, and had some excitement. This is a cat that went to the vet today. A little backstory, my little guy, whom is a kitten, has only been to VetCo (PetCo's mobile veterinarian service) and PAWS, for vaccines and neutering. VetCo has been such a horrible experience, that little my cat is traumatized by this point, from seeing a vet. They couldn't even complete his pre-surgical examination at PAWS, by the time I took him there just 12 days ago, because he was so freaked out (and he isn't really a little scaredy cat, nor is he fractious at home). So finally, I got him into VCA for his first real vet appointment. I didn't expect for them to be able to examine him, but at least I knew I could get all my health questions for him answered, and hopefully they wouldn't tell me to never to bring him back again. I forgot to ask if they had cat empathetic or Fear-Free certified veterinarians there, when making an appointment, so I asked when I arrived. The front desk staff didn't know what I was talking about, but started listing amongst themselves some of their vets that were already really good with cats, and one of them just happened to be who my baby got to see today. The front desk staff were super attentive to my furball's needs and friendly throughout the visit. They got me out of the stress of the front waiting area with the other animals, and into a exam room right away. They let me take him out of his carrier, but we hardly had to wait at all, despite being early for the appointment. I brought toys and treats, and put him on the metal exam table, so I could start helping him make a positive association with those tables. When the veterinarian came in, he was so cool! I got to asking my questions first, and by the time I was done, FluffBall wasn't even afraid of the vet anymore- just a little timid. And BAM! We got a whole physical examination done! No hissing, not a thing! The veterinarian even checked his mouth, and my little guy was cooler with it than he is with me doing that! MIND YOU, this was a previously "fractious" cat, that was at the point before this that he could barely be touched by a vet or their technician. A miracle! Not only that, but my little guy got a welcome bag! It had toys and all sorts of goodies in it, and he was so excited to get it! VCA is running first time appointments at a promotional price right now, which I think is great, because I really think it helps the animal community out there. Not only that, but their booster shots run less cost than horrible VetCo! Also, they have excellent hours of operation, and they were able to advise me on which times were least packed, to make it less stressful for the cat. Parking isn't bad- it's free street parking. Another cool thing, is they're pretty sanitary here, and I think the notes on the entry door said that they have a separate entrance for sick pets. Thanks VCA for performing a 180, miracle, on my little guy. I'm glad to make this my new home veterinarian."

"GROOMING SERVICE I had high hopes of taking my puppy to her first grooming appointment at the vet we go to, since they always take great care of her when needed. I was very particular and direct on the type of cut I wanted, which was just a "puppy trim" as we wanted to leave her coat on the shaggy side. I also referenced wanting her to look more like the retriever in her than poodle multiple times because I know most groomers like to cut doodles more like a poodle (which we didn't want). I even sent pictures before the appointment and brought some with me, to avoid any miscommunication. I brush my puppy every day to avoid mats, so she doesn't have to be shaved because we love her longer coat. I was very upset when I picked her up, to find the opposite of what I asked for. Her hair was basically shaved, they went scissor crazy and gave her a poodle face/head that I did not want. It almost looks like a terrible bowl cut toddlers got in the 90s. It was an overall disappointment. If you are expecting the type of cut you ask for, I wouldn't use the grooming services here. First pic is for desired "trim" length reference."

"I used to take my dog here but I wound up switching to a different vet. For one, I got a different doctor every time I went in which I didn't like. Most of the doctors are young. The place is large and fast paced. Waiting area is nice with free coffee. When my dog got hit by a car I got quoted a really high price for just an x-ray/diagnosis, and when I questioned the vet why it was so expensive, she dropped the price significantly on the spot. This kind of left a bad taste for me- why was I originally quoted 300% the national average for an x-ray and then why was it so easy to drop the price? It didn't seem honest. The front desk is really helpful and nice. Everybody is polite. But whenever with the doctor it always seemed they were in a hurry since there were tons of people waiting. The prices are definitely in the top range but I guess that comes with the area. Overall this place has pretty good reviews so if it is convenient for you to come here, maybe give it a shot, but it was not a good fit for me. My new vet (Wicker Park Veterinary Clinic) is smaller, slower pace, and definitely more affordable."