VCA McCormick Ranch Animal Hospital and Emergency Center

"My dog Buddy is a patient of Dr. Burke’s. We have been working to treat symptoms of a chronic medical issue. Dr. Burke has been thorough during his visits and has reached out himself on various occasions to discuss Buddy’s care. In between our discussions he has consulted during his time with specialists to assist in giving Buddy the most accurate care. I highly appreciate & recommend Dr. Burke."

"Will NOT return for Emergency Care I am giving 2 stars because while they did accurately diagnose and treat my dog, I am not at all comfortable with their operational procedures and protocols and will try another emergency service if needed in the future. Triage was taken by a vet tech, my dog was taken to an exam room without me able to talk with a vet. I was told the exam rooms with the owner and a vet present are only for regular vet care, not emergency care. A treatment plan was created and a $1000 bill presented. A vet came in for 3 minutes and gave me some cursory info, but I had to pull out info about the treatment plan. When I had additional questions, I was told I could only talk through the vet tech and not to the vet directly. I said, “Hey, you are charging me $1000, I want to talk to a vet.“ That was the ONLY way I could get additional time with the vet! My dog had classic symptoms of “doggie vertigo” that would show improvement within 24 – 48 hours. There was an outside chance of valley fever. The bill included immediately testing ($265) for valley fever. I asked if we could hold off on the valley fever testing, and see how my dog responded to treatment for ”doggie vertigo”. We did hold off on the valley fever testing, but I felt this was upselling. I was told they would follow up the next day. I called the next morning as he had not drunk since before vomiting 5 times prior to the vet visit and it was at least 16 hours. They did not follow-up from that for 32 hours as they “didn’t want to bother me, as they had talked to me the morning after the visit.” Clearly, my concern of dehydration did not warrant a follow up. The vet was competent and the diagnosis accurate, but the operational protocols limiting owner – vet communication, which I have not seen at any other vet practice, is very problematic to me. Being forced into patient advocacy overdrive only exacerbated a stressful situation. In the future, I will go to another Emergency vet practice."

"I was blown away by the kindness of every staff member when I brought my dog in late last evening. They immediately called a stat triage and brought him back without question. The tech and receptionist (I wish I could recall their names! If you were worked last night, 02/03/24, just know I’m talking about you two ladies) were beyond gentle and caring. While they couldn’t save him they cleaned him up for me and wrapped him in a blanket in a soft bed and gave me more than enough time in a private room to say my goodbyes. They even gave me a fur clipping in a cute little vile and an angel-dog pin. They handled everything with care and never made me feel rushed or like I had to move along. They were also gentle when approaching me about next steps and what I’d like to do with his body. While I knew he probably wasn’t going to make it as he was 17, the effort was much appreciated. The vet also checked in quite soon after taking him back which I was not expecting given the last time I went to a different emergency vet a while ago. I am so grateful to everyone who was working last night and for making one of the worst nights ever slightly more comfortable."

"I feel so supported. I found a baby today - a 7 week old kitten abandoned near my office. They got us in within 2 hours and treated this frightened little thing with such tender love and care. I had about a thousand questions and they answered all of them and even sent me home with a goody bag filled with soooo much stuff to help me take care of the sweet babe. The doctor was so kind and took great care of us. The ladies up front and the doctor's assistant were so sweet and only wanted to make sure this kitten was well taken care of. I was very happy to be in the presence of good people like this that do all they can for other lives. 10 stars!"

"My fur babies have never been in better hands. I have several chronically ill cats and instead a the vet seeing them for treatments (after diagnosed) I am able to get a less expensive tech appointment. Not only does this save me money but it frees up the vet’s schedule. The staff has always considered our pets first."