West End Veterinary Clinic

The worst vet doctor we could possibly run into! She is operating “West End Veterinary Clinic” on Denman street. (Please check all the reviews carefully under her vet clinic on google page!!!) All those reviews are legitimate. The clinic has the worst reputation in DT Vancouver. For that reason she has decided to register her name apart from the clinic as Dr. Helen Childs, to make a fresh start and somehow clean up her name here. Asking her friends to leave good reviews about her as a doctor, which is not true by the way. She is THE WORST VET! I came there with my kitten just because I live close by and I saw the clinic many times passing by. To my regret I didn’t read the reviews before going there as I could never imagine to be treated in such an awful way! Her assistant was pushing me to do many very expensive absolutely unnecessary medical exams. When I started questioning her about all this exams she quickly shifted all questions saying that dr. Helen will explain me everything. Well… dr. Helen appeared dismissively grabbing my kitten and telling me what I have to do for my kitten. Very important moment here, WITHOUT ASKING ME what I would like to do for my kitten, nor she was EXPLAINING the reason of doing these VERY EXPENSIVE exams. She was just dictating me what I have to do, if she was my mama or something in a very arrogant and aggressive way. She does not like to be asked questions, she would become very angry, staring at you trying to intimidate you with her look and dominate you with her evil threatening eyes once you are 1:1 in the room. That exactly what happened to me. She was looking at me as a predator. But when she realized that I ain’t buying any of her $500-$700 tests her attitude was to kick us out of clinic as soon as possible, as if she could not stand me any longer because I did not obey, therefore I didn’t serve her needs. My kitten had tearing eyes at all the time, that was the main reason we wend to the clinic. She was never interested in helping my pet. She didn’t ask even one question regarding his health, in order to find out the reason he is tearing so much. Instead she has decided she will get at least some money from me. We were basically kicked out from the room and she tossed a bag of cats eye supplements, forcefully selling it tome. With the main problem we came in with she never helped, she was not interested in helping nor she was seemed to be actually knowledgeable about anything I asked about. At this point I am having concerns about her vet education, if she has any. The only thing SHE DOES CARE ABOUT is MONEY, and a lot of money. Absolutely unethical, uneducated, unknowledgeable, disrespectful, selfish, arrogant with narcissistic attitude money maker dr. Helen Childs and her “West End Vet Clinic” she has purchased not long ago. Read Less

I love this vet! Everyone in the office is very nice, and dr. Helen is very knowledgeable and compassionate. My little Coco has received excellent care and treatment during her very trying episodes with congestive heart failure, and I am so happy that she is still with me, and doing well. I would not go to any other vet. Both Coco and I are tremendously thankful to dr. Helen! We think she is the BEST! Read Less

My beautiful girl, Jade was sick. I found Dr. Childs and her clinic just a couple of blocks from me. Dr. Childs and her staff were excellent. Unfortunately after tests it was determined that Jade had a tumour on her bladder. There were a number of other problems ... her kidneys and thyroid. After Dr. Childs discussed the treatment protocol with me and gave her best advice I decided to let my beautiful girl go. I really appreciated that under difficult circumstances I had time to spend with Jade and tell my beautiful girl I loved her. Dr. Childs was very compassionate and kind, and I will always remember that. Thank you. Read Less

Ha Shee and I have been visiting this Clinic due to some severe end of life issues. I am happy and comfortable with Dr.Childs and her staff. I am confident that we will be treated with respect and compassion at all times. Because I am included as an active member of the decision making process, I know my goals are shared by everyone in her care team.Keep up the great work! Read Less

I very much enjoyed my visit with the vet as she seems compassionate and attentive and very knowledgeable. I felt quite comfortable to go ahead with a surgery for my pup. Therefore I want to make sure I point out that Dr. Childs is a great vet and have nothing bad to say at all in regard to experience with her. However, one of the staff left me with a very unpleasant feeling which has since stopped me from going here as I don’t want anything to do with this staff member. This assistant made unsolicited remarks about my dog’s collar and I explained to her politely that the choice I made was based on extensive research and best interests of my dog. After listening, she went into the back and brought out a harness she thought I should use instead. It was quite busy at the office and I am glad it was as I feel it prohibited me from saying something rude. I felt like I was treated like an uneducated child. I am still not sure if I will be back but it is hard to find a good vet so I think I will be, while asking NOT to have this specific assistant have anything to do with myself or my dog. Read Less

Been going here for over a year now with both my own cat, or some of my many fosters. I really can't say anything bad about this place. The staff are very friendly and competent and they seem to care as much about your pet as yourself. Unless they close or I leave Vancouver, I will never go to another vet. Read Less

My cat Phil and I have been regulars at the West End Clinic for the last 2 years, since Phil's adoption. Dr. Childs and her team have provided countless hours of patient advice in person and over the phone while we worked together to diagnose and manage Phil's allergies. Being a single pet parent to a high maintenance cat is expensive, and Dr. Childs and her team have always worked with me to find solutions that work for Phil and my wallet. Phil recently had a tooth removed by Dr. Childs and her team, and he is healing better than expected. Thank you to Dr. Childs, Lenny, Leanne, Sarah and the rest of the staff at West End Clinic for making responsible pet ownership a worthwhile investment! Chill Phil and I appreciate you! Read Less

Best vet clinic I have taken my cat to in 10+ years. Doctor Childs is very knowledgeable and always gives honest advice on caring for my cat. She explains why the treatment she recommends is needed while not pushing procedures if they aren’t necessary (I’ve had bad experiences with other vets before). She is super thorough and very gentle and you can tell she really cares. All the staff at this clinic have always been exceptionally kind, professional, and helpful. You can tell they truly love and care for animals. This is the place to trust! Read Less

Can't say enough good thiings about Dr. Child and the staff, all very knowledgeable, and especially the way my cat responds to them because of the care they take, and the care they have for animals. Friendly relaxed environment; most important the same staff all the time instead of the rotating corporate personnel of before, giving them and the pets time to get to know each other and build trust and less stress for your cat/dog/guinea pig, wabbit, whatever. Try it, you'll like it! Read Less

I can't say enough good things about this Clinic. So helpful and so friendly. They truly care about you and your animals. Even if I ever move out of this neighborhood I will for sure still take my dogs here. Read Less

This place gives you the sensation that all the staff wants is take money from you. I took my dog a month ago for a check up after an accident. The vet spent not even 5 minutes on him. After saying the dog was perfectly recovered and right before paying, the front door assistant suggested the vet to prescribed my dog any given medication. Even though I feel uncomfortable I ended up buying the medicine just in case. Later on, after taking to another vet In found out that the medicine was totally not necessary and that it could affect my dog due to secondary effects... I'm not taking my dog to this place anymore... Read Less

The best Vet Clinic in Vancouver...actually the best anywhere I have ever been. Kind, Understanding, Patient, Calming, Dependable, Honest and fun...just a few words that describe Dr Childs, the whole staff as well as the patients and Owners...Truly a special place! Read Less

Excellent and thorough pet care. Detailed testing to identify any possible problems - my dog's 11, so being proactive is a must. The staff are all wonderful, and a pleasure to deal with. Follow up is excellent. Read Less

Came here with my cat and the staff were are friendly and courteous. They address the cats problems and were good at diagnosing what was wrong after some tests were done. It was pretty busy when I was there and seems like a popular place to bring your animal if something is wrong. I would recommend calling first and making an appointment before showing up if you can. Read Less

Dr Childs and her team have been wonderful and supportive through our cat's illness and recent passing. It's always a challenge to decide whether to continue treatment or say "it's time". I never felt any pressure to spend more than I was able to and always felt that they were giving my cat the same amazing care they would give their own furry loved ones. I know this office didn't have a stellar reputation under previous ownership but things are very different under Dr Childs and worthy of your consideration.   A truly wonderful veterinary clinic. Read Less

I was pleasantly surprised with the love and care they all provided for my Kitty Chai. I had Chai spayed by Dr Helene and she is an absolute angel. Everything worked out fantastic with the surgery and i was able to have my cats haircut and nails trimmed at the same time. Now i have a happy kitty and i am very happy as well. They are a lovely group of women with a deep compassion for animals. I highly recommend the West End Veterinary clinic. They provided me professional quality caring service. Read Less

This is by far the best veterinary clinic I have ever visited. Dr. Childs and her staff are caring, compassionate, skilled animal care practitioners who always put the patient's well-being first. It is clear that everyone at the clinic loves animals and wants to ensure all the critters in their care are as happy and healthy as is possible. Dr. Childs and her staff are amazing vets and amazing people. I would recommend the West End Veterinary Clinic to anyone with a pet. Read Less

Another first-class visit to the vet. Dr. Childs's practice is the best thing that has happened to animal care in the West End in a very long time. My dog is doing very well under the care of the staff. They all are genuinely happy to see my dog come in for a visit. It is obvious that they love the work they are doing. Read Less

Having had dogs for forty years , I have been to my share of vets. I would rank Dr. Helene Childs at the very top. She is competent and confident. She surgically removed a tumor from my dog's foot with minimal trauma. My Ontario vet said that removal would likely involve the loss of the dog's leg, but Dr. Childs not only successfully removed the tumor, but also saved her leg, losing only her small toe. Dr. Childs is patient when explaining procedures and treatments. Finally, she is personable, caring, and kind--to pets and people. Read Less

NEGATIVE REVIEWS EXPLAINED: I found out that this clinic was taken over by Dr Childs only a few months ago (I think July 2016). People were obviously not happy with the old owner so this clinic has lots of leftover reviews from before.Before I showed up, I called ahead to make sure the old staff was "flushed". Dr Childs personally looks after each client and there is a new cheerful and helpful receptionist at the desk now. The old staff is all gone.My poor Shih Tzu (Chilli) was scratching like crazy for the 6 months or so and it was getting worse and worse. I went to a few other vets and tried all the standard treatments (steroids, antibiotics and anti histamines). Nothing seemed to be working. In desperation, I was going to try soaking Chilli in some DIY antifungal bath. I was told not to do so, because Chill's problem was not fungal and she explained to me that there would be some negative consequences to "sterilizing" my dog.  Luckily I visited the vet before attempting this.When I brought my dog in, the doctor was very kind and understanding. Chilli was happy and did not vibrate in fear like she sometimes does if she gets a bad vibe from a place.The doctor quickly educated me on what I need to do. She used to work in a dermatologist place so I knew that she knew what she was talking about. After checking Chilli's medical history and inspecting Chilli's skin and gave me some special meds to feed Chilli for a couple of weeks, while I change her diet. I am happy to report that 48 hours after starting the meds chilli's skin color returned to its normal healthy color and she is enjoying her new kangaroo diet as well. I am pretty paranoid when it comes to my dog, so she could of gouged me badly for all sorts of tests if she wanted to, but she did not do so.The clinic is pretty far from my home, but I have decided to make this my family vet. It is rare to find a compassionate and knowledgeable vet nowadays, so it is worth the drive for me. Read Less

I can't imagine any animal receiving better care than what is available here. This clinic has been the only one my six year old dog has every been to and she is as healthy as a dog can be. Thank you to the Good Doctor and her courteous staff. Read Less