VCA Lake Shore Animal Hospital

"I went to this vet clinic for over 10 years and decided to leave and find a new practice. The primary reason is the front desk. They are rude and difficult to deal with when scheduling appts. It’s unfortunate that the front desk could have such an impact on a veterinarian’s practice - but the office should more carefully screen and train their office staff as it’s a direct reflection on the kind of service you can expect. Disappointed and won’t go again."

"Our family has been fortunate to receive care at VCA Lake Shore for more than 20 years. From Dr. Blentlinger to Dr. Brumfield to Dr. Diaz, all of our dogs have received professional and empathic care. Members of the veterinary support staff and front desk also have been there for years. Dr. Blentlinger long ago moved to the suburbs; Dr. Brumfield left Chicago (lucky Minneapolis). Our two dogs now see Dr. Diaz. (While Dr. Diaz has been there for decades, we just saw Dr. Brumfield for most of our care.) We consider ourselves fortunate to have the experience and professionalism of Dr. Diaz; he is all heart but can be a bit gruff at times. For example, if I haven’t brushed my dogs’ teeth, Dr. Diaz will say during the exam: “You haven’t been brushing their teeth, have you?” (Years ago, the comment would have stung. I mean, we spend thousands a year in veterinary costs and meds.) Yet, he is doing his healthcare job, pointing out what I need to address. I listen to his feedback, integrating what works for our family. Here’s when I saw the kindness and empathy his exterior can sometimes hide: our Frenchie was acting strange. Despite it being a Friday afternoon and his being the only vet at the clinic, he made space for her. Then the clinic phoned and said, “Drop her off ASAP.” Dr. Diaz was concerned and took the extra time and emotional labor to fit us in. As a mental health worker, I know that veterinarians have the highest rate of suicide among professionals. People are leaving the field. Fewer are entering it. How fortunate are we to have excellent care from Dr. Diaz, Cynthia, Vanessa - the whole team - blocks away from home doing their best to take care of everyone who comes in. If you had been to VCA pre-pandemic and before veterinary staffing shortages, things ran fairly “on time”. Given that Dr. Diaz is the only veterinarian in the clinic and he takes the time needed with each animal, there sometimes are waits beyond your scheduled time. I would leave some extra time in your schedule."

"This place used to be good a long time ago, but now they’re just difficult to deal with (and it’s hard to get an appointment). On top of that, one of the vets (I won’t name him on here) misdiagnosed our French Bulldog, sent her into Addison’s Disease, and almost killed her. 12k in hospital bills later, and no apologies. Their front desk staff is terrible on top of everything. IF YOU CARE ABOUT YOUR PET’S LIFE, PLEASE DO NOT TAKE THEM HERE! Take your pet to MedVet or a reputable vet."

"We have taken our pets here for many years. We used to have a great experience with caring vets and competent staff. In the past two years, the decline in care and professionalism is astonishing. They do not answer their phones or return messages most of the time and have excuses that the weather disrupts their phone lines. My cat suddenly was found to have an aggressive tumor. They sent us to get an ultrasound at another practice and then never called me to discuss the results. I had to call and literally beg to speak to a dr. multiple times for two weeks and finally I had to ask for the medical director to talk to me to explain the findings, which were terminal. The final straw is that when I called to set up my cat's euthanization, they gave me the run around about appt availaiblity for me to put my cat to sleep! They have no care or compassion and everything is a hassle to them. I am disgusted and would never take my pet there. I will have to find another vet to end my poor cat's life."

"Dr Trice and her team are amazing!! I brought my Lana in to see them a week ago and because of the VCA team and the plan they made for my baby girl she has come all the way back from the brink."