VCA West Coast Specialty and Emergency Animal Hospital

"I would have given a worse rating if it weren't for most of the staff being friendly and the facility (at least to the public) looking clean. I transferred my pet here from a nighttime clinic for a possible obstruction in his intestines. The previous vet did an exam and X-rays and we determined my pet needed an ultrasound. By the time we picked up my pet the doctor had left and there was only a receptionist that was able to send the information. Unfortunately, VCA was the only hospital in the area that could do an ultrasound. However, instead of taking the information they got and doing a quick ultrasound, they wanted to do their own examination for nearly $200. The worst thing is we had to wait around 3 hours for that examination, just for them to determine he needed an ultrasound and that he would probably need surgery, given that if he was blocked up his intestines could die. The ultrasound cost over $700 and took them over three hours just to start without telling me it would take a while. I ended up asking to leave as I had an appointment coming up. They said they were about to start and would call me when the doctor was done and they would go from there. 20 minutes later they called me and told me my pet was fine and could be picked up... You could have told me that 3 hours ago if you didn't do your exam that was already done, but whatever. When I came in to pick him up I was exhausted from spending the whole day waiting, worrying, and taking care of my pet. They had me do the release process but did not give much of any verbal or physical instructions on what to do when I got home other than watch him. (This is my first time at a vet by myself). Long story short, I left the bandage on too long and my pet's paw got swollen. Which could have been avoided if the instructions were spoken (like they do at every hospital I've been to). Anyway, I know VCA has a track record of bringing up the information of their customers who leave bad reviews and sharing it with everyone in a tone that almost implies they are mocking them. I can assure you that if you bring up my pets name or any other information I will take legal action. I should be able to express my feelings without being harassed. I know you are slow because of all the animals you take care of and that really isn't the problem. I only ask you to do better at communicating and working with the owners."

"Can’t thank VCA Fountain Valley enough! I understand people’s frustrations with costs, wait times, etc with vet medicine…but this establishment has the best intentions for your pet. Understand vet medicine has the same issues as healthcare with humans…and again, those working the frontlines have the best intentions. Our personal experience at VCA with our senior basset has been nothing short of incredible. Paralysis with IVDD in Oct 2022, and after complications with multiple surgeries…he is now walking and has a great quality of life. However, a year later, we are returning for possible IVDD flare up. Although stressed, we can’t imagine going anywhere else for care. Our family knows we are in the best of hands with Dr Ancona and team. Appreciate you all at VCA Fountain Valley!"

"Dr Moussa took such good care of our girl Nala. Her paw was extremely swollen, raw, and painful. Dr Moussa identified the problem and sent us home with instructions and medications, all working perfectly. There was one other possible diagnosis, a rare autoimmune disease, but rather than starting off with costly testing she took a conservative approach to the most likely cause of her problem paw. The reason I left my veterinary office was because they were over charging on medications and doing extreme, unnecessary testing when my pups were sick. I appreciate that she took a conservative approach first to get to the root of the problem. Nala’s paw looks so good just after a couple days of treatment. I’m so happy with the professionalism of the staff, the cleanliness of the facility, and the care they gave my suffering girl. The first picture is before I took her into the hospital, second picture is 4 days after treatment ."

"Front desk staff are courteous and loving to my fur babies but the wait time is sooooo long each time we pay visit. Roughly 3-5 hours just for them to see my babies. I understand that they are trying to make sure every animal is carefully examined and cared for but this can be resolved by making sure they have enough staff to do so. Since this emergency hospital is pretty overpriced, hopefully can hire more veterinarians to work for them."

"Brought my 10 month kitten in at around 11pm at night for possible lily ingestion/poisoning. Called ahead and the front desk staff was so kind, warm, and helpful on the phone. When I arrived, she was waiting near the lobby doors to receive my cat. Made me feel like they valued her life as much as I did. The doctor was also helpful and warm. They advised of treatment options and gave me several revised quotes if things were a little outside of my budget. Emergency vet appointments are almost always going to be stressful, confusing, and more expensive than you’d like—but that’s the nature of human and animal healthcare. This facility strives to minimize all of those things to the best of their abilities. My cat is now doing so well, and I rest easy knowing if there is an emergency, this place is only 10 minutes away from me."