Like some other reviewers, the wait time at VCA is horrible. I have nothing against the vets or the staff. They have all been friendly. But it is obvious that the staff are overworked and the substandard care shows. I transferred my pet to another vet after he nearly died being treated here. Long story short, the treatment they used on him was inappropriate and when I called to get help for his symptoms, they did not call back. Their excuse was that the doctor was busy and that I did not say it was an emergency. Which was it - the doc was busy or my fault for not using the “proper” language? Generally, when you call to say that your pet has been vomiting for two days and is not getting hydrated, one would presume that it is serious. Last I checked, it takes about 3 days without water before you die. I ended up taking him to the hospital where they admitted him as inpatient. The suspected root cause for his issue was the treatment he received at VCA. There was no other smoking gun. I get that people make mistakes, but have the integrity to admit it and make it right, not slither away and hide. This place is a corporation and by definition, it’s priority is to maximize shareholder wealth, not be concerns with your pet’s health. I recognize that some people have had a good experience here so I respect that. However, I think it takes an emergency to realize the true character of people and corporations. And I realized that VCA is not concerned about my pet. They seem more concerned about covering themselves from liability and racking up billable items. Read Less

I've taken my cats and one dog here for more than 30 years. Both the veterinarians and staff at the front counter are professional, considerate, and skilled. One cat was mauled by a dog and seemed nearly dead, but the vets restored his shredded shoulder. It's expensive anywhere, but the surgical skill justified the cost, and today the cat is normal. As a community service they work on both the feral and tame cats our company keeps as security against rodents. They're tops! Read Less

Very happy with their work. Fortunately was told by a friend about Susan Martin, and went to see her. She is grounded, kind, through, and smart. Four previous vets could never help with the dog's ears / constant scratching other than episodic antibiotics after which the problem would crop up again, and again, and again. Susan pondered and after her go at it, actually referred me to a specialist in the city who she'd heard at a lecture, and finally the problem was solved. She had enough confidence to refer. VCA is almost twice the price per visit of other places I'd gone, which took my breath away at the get-go, but VCA had come so recommended that I gave it a shot and find that in the end, it's far worth it. They also saw a dog who I was watching over for friends who were on vacation who was old and took a tumble, and were equally thorough and called the next day "just to check up." I love knowing Susan Martin is there to really help. Thanks! Read Less

We've used VCA Albany as our vet for the past 28 years and I'm extremely satisfied. We started taking our cats there when it was a small private practice run by Dr. Floyd and we're still going there with last year's kittens. Plus I've taken our friends' cats there when they were traveling and emergencies cropped up on my watch. Having worked in several vet practices while I was studying to get my State license as a Vet Tech (post retirement indulgence) I know that very few vets are always on time. Just as very few doctors are on time for every appointment for exactly the same reasons: emergencies, more complex cases than originally expected, phone calls to & from patients that have to be handled ASAP, and most frequently, patients/clients who are late arriving for their appointments. So I always take something to read to every medical appointment, no matter who the patient is. What I love about VCA Albany is their very genuine concern about their patients. And it's not a show for the human owners which happens at some vet practices. These folks really do care about the cats and dogs that come through those doors. A friend of mine learned that from the followup calls Steve Gardner made to her about her mother's elderly cat. And they work just as hard as any internist with human patients to get the correct diagnosis and treatment plan. Are they successful 100% of the time? Of course not. Neither is any internist or surgeon or specialist. Every living creature is unique and responds to treatments individually. So what's worked on the last 98 cats/dogs may not work on the 99th. That's why I so value Steve Gardner's and Tom Reed's considerable experience. They've seen things that no young vet has imagined yet. I always strongly suggest VCA Albany to anyone I know who's looking for a first/new vet for their pet(s). Read Less

Terrible place to go. Will never go back. My dog had a broken arm, was told to come in a month. Took the day off to have him come in and later find out from another person in front desk that I was supposed to be verbally informed that my dog was supposed to be brought in weekly to get checked up on. Wow, talk about so.e big miscommunication. I highly recommend to go elsewhere. Don't come here. Over priced too. Read Less

Female rats tend to get tumors as they get older, so I wasn't surprised when Leela got a big lump recently. I called VCA Albany and they set me up with an appointment with Dr. Reed for the very next day. Front desk staff was courteous and friendly and I was shown to a room rapidly. Dr. Reed was excellent -- great cage-side manner and even chatted amiably with Leela's human escort. Obviously knowledgeable about rat health, he made a quick diagnosis, told me about the prognosis with and without surgery, and informed me of the risks. We went ahead with the surgery which was finished that day and I was called promptly when Leela woke up. At the front desk, Jessica (I think was her name) was personable, fun, and full of life. Yep, surgery is expensive, but I've checked prices and the deal I got at VCA is actually well below the average rate, and a downright steal for the Bay Area. Bottom line: Great experience, friendly and knowledgeable staff, good rates for the area, timely service. Read Less

Every appointment with this place, I've had to wait for extended periods of time past the appointment time. For this last appointment, I booked a early slot, thinking "how late could they possibly be at that hour?" I arrived on time. Was put in a room. Waited 20 minutes (listening to the staff telling each other stories...). I walked out. I'm looking for another facility. That's the last time I'm going to waste what little time I have on a Saturday, my one day off to do errands. Read Less