Vca Bakersfield Animal Hospital

Used to go here as my regular vet until my last visit. They claimed I didn't need an appt on the phone, but I'd have to do a walk in for a doctor's visit... it was a ridiculous process of having to come down twice to get on their waiting list (first time they said they were full for the day and to call back, even though I called before I came to try to set an appt). Second time I was across town and called as suggested to see if they were taking new walk ins, they said yes, but I had to physically come down to add my name again... I couldn't do it on the phone. When I said I was across town, they said by the time I got there it would probably be closed again. So I sent my mom to add us to the list. That alone was ridiculous... and then the wait time was still 5+ hours. On top of this, every time I called before this and after to check my position in line, it was a minimum 23 min hold time on the phone. Also, every time I spoke to someone they asked if it was an emergency, which I said no. My dog just had a terrible cough. Finally they said I was to be seen and to drive back down and knock on their door -- they keep their doors locked at all times now apparently. But no, you don't knock -- you AGAIN have to call and be put on a 30 minute hold to tell them you are there for your visit so they can let you in. Keep in mind, you're outside in the sweltering heat and surrounded by other people waiting to get in -- this does literally nothing for COVID prevention. I finally got in, was taken to a room with my dog, and then had to wait another hour and 20 minutes to have the doctor come in, spend 5 minutes looking at my dog, and prescribe medication. I then had to wait another 44 minutes for them to fill two tiny bottles. And when I say fill, I don't mean fill, they didn't even fill enough cough suppressant to last the 10 days they said she should take it. After getting the meds, I walked out to pay the bill and was floored at the price which I only saw after the transaction completed -- they charged me for an emergency visit, not a regular appt. Each time I had spoken to them I was asked if it was an emergency -- to receive expedited care. It wasn't so I said no. That made me have to wait more than 6 hours and make multiple trips to even be seen. But then I'm charged as if it was an emergency? And no one ever told me my visit would be charged this way?! If you plan to charge an exam fee that is $135, when you normally charge $45, you better let the existing customer know that in advance. Also, if I'm going to have to pay for an expedited emergency visit, I should receive that level of care rather than waiting for half a day. I got the excuse that they have only 2 doctors working there now... so what! How is your lack of doctors working at your facility my problem? They have an entire staff that literally does nothing and is completely rude. They could have taken steps to push customers though quicker and explained their fee changes before services were rendered. It's a shame, I've been going here for over 10 years... but this was a deal breaker. Not only do their COVID measures make literally no sense (why do I need to come down to be added to your walk-in list if it's then a 5+ hour wait?!), but the care I received did not even help my dog. Absurd. This place is being run into the ground by terrible management. Do not recommend for any kind of services. Read Less

I've always had dogs... and for some reason I always end up with the "special" ones who need extra attention and care and the group at BVH have been the best. I recently had to have two of my pets put down and they were so kind and compassionate. You can tell they truly enjoy their jobs and will give your pet the best care possible. Read Less

I have no suggestions because I feel BVH is already doing a good job. I love the new location because it is bigger, newer, and includes pet grooming and a pet hospital. It is much further from my house than the old one but its worth the drive. Keep up the good work. Read Less