I had a terrible experience at VCA West Los Angeles. My regular vet was treating my 9 year old female golden retriever Maizie for vomiting but she was not getting better. The vet recommended that I take her to an Internal Medicine Specialist (an internist is a vet with advanced schooling and training) for an endoscopy. VCA West Los Angeles’ Sean Yoshimoto is an internist who lists endoscopy as one of his specialties so I made an appointment for a consultation. Dr. Yoshimoto recommended that he put my dog under general anesthesia and perform an endoscopy on her stomach and small intestine to see what the trouble was. I agreed and the procedure was done. The biopsies determined that she had a mild case of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) which Dr. Yoshimoto said could be treated with a course of steroids. The endoscopy cost over $2,000, but I was relieved to finally know what the problem was and that it could be treated successfully. My dog was under Dr. Yoshimoto's care for 33 days. She was seen six times at this hospital (three times by Dr. Yoshimoto). She never responded to his treatment and continued to deteriorate. I became increasingly worried so I made an appointment for a second opinion with an internist at ASEC, the emergency animal hospital just north of VCA on the same street. This internist told me he had treated a lot of dogs with IBD and my dog's symptoms did not seem to fit. He read the chest X-rays Dr. Yoshimoto had taken 7 days earlier and immediately determined there was an area that needed further investigation (Dr. Yoshimoto had read the same X-rays in my presence and had not noted any area of concern). He took more X-rays and did an ultrasound and determined my dog had a four inch mass pressing against her esophagus which was causing her vomiting. In one afternoon he correctly diagnosed a problem that had eluded Dr. Yoshimoto for 33 days. Unfortunately the mass could not be successfully surgically removed and I had to put my sweet puppy to sleep. She was a wonderful creature and I loved her dearly. The post mortem biopsy revealed the mass to be a fibrosarcoma. I filed a complaint with the Veterinary Medical Board (VMB) and asked them to review the care my Maizie received at this VCA hospital. After investigating, the VMB prepared a legal document called an Accusation. In the Accusation the VMB states that Sean Yoshimoto’s treatment of my Maizie “fell below the standard of care and/or was incompetent”. An Administrative Hearing was scheduled to consider revoking or suspending Yoshimoto’s veterinary license! Shortly before the hearing was to be held, Yoshimoto agreed to a Stipulated Settlement and Disciplinary Order with the Veterinary Medical Board. Effective December 6, 2017, Yoshimoto’s veterinary license was suspended for 10 days and he was placed on three years’ probation. The documents I have referred to are public records and I encourage you to read them for yourself. You may find them on the VMB’s website. Read Less

The hospital is run purely for business. They charge an arm and a leg for any little thing they do and they do it all with a bad attitude. There are many other animal hospitals a block up and down Sepulveda that are much more friendlier and affordable. Read Less

I saw an ophthalmologist here for my bulldog, the appointment was pretty standard, but the dealings with the pharmacy following that have been really difficult. They never answer the phone, and you have to leave a voicemail, and then they don’t get back to you for about two days. I also wanted to get my prescription adjusted so that the two medicines I was using in equal doses were the same, they had given me 50 drops of one and 100 drops of the other, which didn’t make any sense considering I was giving the same dosage of each to my dog every day. I called to ask for 100 drops of each and they told me to come in, when I got there they told me that the vet was in surgery and that a previous vet had refused my request for 100 drops of each medicine because I hadn’t made a follow up appointment. I had called to report that the medicine was working well so I didn’t see the need for an additional appointment. Read Less

Very clean, very friendly. Lauren Schmidt helped us and was very warm, professional and knowledgable. She clearly cares a lot and it shows in the work. We had an inferior vet do the neuter for a shelter animal we adopted, and it was done poorly. She reconstructed the surgery and cleaned out the area, and even helped us coax the poor guy out into the car after her shift ended. It looks great and even the day after we could tell that the dog wasn't as bothered by the surgery as the first time. Read Less

This guy made my dog see again!!!Cataract procedure on my almost 14 year old four legged family member went off without any complications last month.  The physician assistants really put the experience over the top by helping me to be comfortable with the recovery process.  They were extremely patient and worked with me to put the patient first.  Silly me thought he could see a little bit but his eyes has degenerated in under 2 months from diabetes.  Dr Chang said he couldn't see at all.  He had adapted quickly since he knew his way around the house but when I took him to a friends and watched him bump into walls my heart sank.  I sit here humbled and grateful to have been so blessed to find a loving doggie ophthalmologist supported by caring staff.He is not quite a puppy but he has his spunk back thanks to Dr. Chang. Read Less

This review is only for the initial consultation to see if my doggie was a candidate for cataract surgery.I'm going to start with Patty she is GREAT!! I had to call her a few times back and forth she always explained everything in detail always good customer service and never made me feel rushed, or gave me attitude always courteous!Now the appt. WOW!! facility had good parking, easy check in and nice spacious lobby with plenty of seating for the owners and pets.  Patty and Dr. Chang were so gentle with my Minnie she's a bit feisty so it takes special care and just plain patience! She did amazing I loved that the eye exam was done in front of me () and I saw how thorough Dr. Chang was with his calm demeanor just made me feel at eased! After the exam the way he explain everything and how thorough he explain everything I got great news she doesn't need surgery yet! But will keep an eye on her.Overall the whole visit was pleasant and even though it was a pricey visit b/c he's an specialist I was happy to pay for great service!It was gut instinct I could've gone to a vet ophthalmologist close to home (pasadena) after doing some research I decided to take the drive to the west side as much as I hate driving there I'm happy I went on my gut instinct!! Read Less

Dr Chang is simply the best specialist in the LA area for eyes! We went through 3 other specialist with our little Shih Tzu Millie and without going into those awful experiences...I recommend you just go straight to Dr. Chang! I have brought my other dogs there also for other eye issues and Dr. Chang has always figured out what to do! Besides being a great doctor, he's great with your pets too. Warm and friendly and the dogs love him!Regarding that post as to why Dr. Chang didn't recommend UC Davis...When you get through all the travel expenses going there and the back and forth trips...you have spent more than you would have at VCA! We went through that with another pet to save money and it wasn't worth it cause it ended up costing more in the end! And besides Dr. Chang is not from the United Sates or CA and he actually may not know how good or bad UC Davis is. No doctor is going to recommend anyone unless they have first hand experience. Read Less

I took my cat here, they are totally rip of, only care about money. Gave my cat some unnecessary medicine, didn't even adress the issues. My pet was so stressed he urinated which I never seen him do before at the vet. Plus they took him to some back room away from me to-do some tests, I can't believe I agreed to that. People here don't give a care about pets just money. Paid them $540 and expecting another lab bill. Auful!!! Just business transaction to them... Making money of people with pets knowing that we have no choice.Read Less

This review is based on multiple visits to this location with issues every time. I took my dog here when she was experiencing back pain last year off hours (emergency). She was having trouble walking. The initial vet that she saw tried to misdiagnose her with a heart issue and didn't even see the back problem causing her pain. After business hours started I came back to see the Neuro specialist. She informed me that she would need an MRI and may also need a spinal tap if they didn't find any injury. Also she explicitly stated that they would call me first before proceeding with the spinal tap. They did not. They performed the spinal tap which found nothing since she did have a herniated disk. This unnecessary unapproved procedure is invasive to my girl and cost me ~$700. I received no apology and little acknowledgement from the doctor about her mistake. Fast forward to this year my dog reinjures me her back so I call this vet up about bringing her in. When I did the put me on hold twice for extended periods eventually hanging up on me. I ended up going ahead and bringing my dog in. The vet I saw said that she will need another MRI and also stated that she may need another spinal tap after I already explained to her my concern from last year. I was asking for explanations both technical and lay about her proposed treatment plan (medications and scheduling of MRI) and she was not able to demonstrate very much understanding of what she was talking. I asked her to refill her prescriptions from last year and then I complained to the head of the technicians who came out to see me. He said the he would have the Neuro DVM call me about scheduling the MRI after she was done with rounds ( not the same Neuro as last year) but she never did. My assessment is that they are unorganized, lack experience and technical knowledge. I would advise if you have options in an emergency situation that you not take you beloved pet here. Read Less

This review is based on multiple visits to this location with issues every time. I took my dog here when she was experiencing back pain last year off hours (emergency). She was having trouble walking. The initial vet that she saw tried to misdiagnose her with a heart issue and didn't even see the catch the back problem I brought her in for. After business hours started I came back to see the Neuro specialist. She informed me that she would need an MRI and may also need a spinal tap if they didn't find any injury. Also she explicitly stated that they would call me first before proceeding with the spinal tap. They did not. They performed the spinal tap which found nothing since she did have a herniated disk. This unnecessary unapproved procedure is invasive to my girl and cost me ~$700. I received no apology and little acknowledgement from the doctor about her mistake. Fast forward to this year my dog reinjures me her back so I call this vet up about bringing her in. When I did the put me on hold twice for extended periods eventually hanging up on me. I ended up going ahead and bringing my dog in. The vet I saw said that she will need another MRI and also stated that she may need another spinal tap after I already explained to her my concern from last year. I was asking for explanations both technical and lay about her proposed treatment plan (medications and scheduling of MRI) and she was not able to demonstrate very much understanding of what she was talking. I asked her to refill her prescriptions from last year and then I complained to the head of the technicians who came out to see me. He said the he would have the Neuro DVM call me about scheduling the MRI after she was done with rounds ( not the same Neuro as last year) but she never did. My assessment is that they are unorganized, lack experience and technical knowledge. I would advise if you have options in an emergency situation that you not take you beloved pet here. Read Less

If I could give them 0 I would. Horrible, night mare experience!!!! Those people care only about how to charge you more money, not about how to help your animal faster. Doctors made many crucial mistakes and performed unnecessary painful precigers which cost me a lot of money but didn't help. Looks like they don't know what they are doing. I would never bring my love ones to VCA again!!!!! Stay away from this horrible place!!!!!!!! Read Less

Notice how they only respond to rave reviews and ignore the people they have drained of cash. My dog is going through chemo here right now so I know how they strive to pad the bills because it's happening. I will eventually be forced to let me dog die because I have no money left. Unfortunately, I need them right now so I will just have to lose all of my savings over this. At least they are giving her good treatment, albeit an experimental one to extend her life. But where is the compassion in overcharging people at an emotional time? I wish UC Davis was closer.. Read Less

This place will literally rape you of your money. I will give them one star because the doctor I dealt with was very kind and knowledgable. My dog had swallowed a raw potato and 12 hours later was still showing signs of lethargy, nausea, and shortness of breath. She recommended an ultrasound to ensure nothing was lodged in the GI tract. However, she told me the ultrasound for my dog was going to be $600. I was skeptical because I didn't really have that much money to spend. I expressed I couldn't spend much more than that. And she encouraged the ultrasound as necessary. When I went to pay they tacked on a consultation fee along with a bunch of other bullshit, which totaled to over $900. I asked if there was a payment plan option and they told me no. They held my dog until the payment was made. I was very disappointed. Especially since I spent 4 hours there for an ultrasound that takes less than 30 minutes. I will never go back here. They are interested in making money not helping your pet. Read Less

This is Oscar writing! Finally, I am back home after spending one full week at the VCA. I had a very bad back, and, because I am a Pembroke Welsh Corgi with short legs, a long body, and some extra pounds, surgery was necessary if I were ever to walk well again. Of course, mom and my new sister, Emmy, another Corgi, didn't want me to stay away from them, and, I didn't want to be away either, but, we and all of the doctors at VCA put our heads together and decided to do what was best for my care. So, there I was, put into the hands of unknown people and unknown surroundings for seven days and seven nights. Of course, everyone was nervous about me, but, because of the brilliant medical care of Dr. Cabrera, her assistant Genesis, Dr. Frank Levac, the many technicians who helped with my recovery, and the oodles of love from my mother, my sister, Emmy, and all of my other canine friends, I made it and I made it well! Just like Humpty Dumpty, I am all together again and better than ever. I know it's going to take time to get back to chasing balls, but, I am on that road! In doggie talk, I want to say a huge "bow wow" (which translates to a big thank you!) for everything everyone did to get me better. I guess that includes myself, as well, cause I really fought and prayed hard to be back where I belong...in the loving home of my family! I love everyone that helped me on this longgggggggg journey! Read Less

We have seen various Drs. at this hospital for various reasons with our animals (7 dogs - with 4 of them having been seniors) over the past 4 years. Their treatments have ranged from cancer treatment to teeth cleaning and extraction to a brain tumor and seizures and lameness. We have never received anything less that the best care that money could buy. We have always been treated with respect and our animals treated as if they were our children -- because to us they are. I highly recommend this hospital. Read Less

I take my dog here for the general practice service to see Dr. Hobbs. He's a senior dog with multiple health issues. She takes her time, listens and always give me options in regards to his care. It is also a specialty hospital that offers more focused care if needed. Knock on wood, I haven't needed any specialized services but I do plan on taking him in to see the physical therapist for his osteoarthritis.Read Less

My dog had a health scare while we were traveling thru SoCal and West LA VCA was able to get him in quickly for surgery. Both Drs. Hazzah and Buote were friendly, professional and extraordinarily capable. Would highly recommend to anyone in the area! Read Less

1. Doctors and staff: Compassionate staff and doctors are conscientious, professional, highly skilled ? this is a teaching hospital --the UCLA (or maybe LA County Hospital) of vet hospitals. My golden retriever needed major emergency surgery --he had inhaled a foxtail which formed an abscess between his lungs that attached to the lining of his heart. He was in pain, had fluid in his lungs -- the abscess had to be removed. Dr. Tina Owen performed the surgery -- she is a Diplomate, Board Certified DVM --I couldn't have asked for a better surgeon anywhere -- she was skilled, professional, compassionate, an A+. Dr. Owen's assistant, Tina Martinez is also an A+ --she was extremely knowledgeable, professional and warm. Dr. Cabrerra -also excellent -- - professional and compassionate ? she provided some of the post-op care. Further, the front office staff was always extremely courteous, as were the surgery techs that were taking care of the hospitalized animals. Be aware, however that the night staff for hospitalized pets are veterinary interns (have finished vet school, but are still in training) and vet techs -- there is a supervising DVM on call but not on the premises. While they all seemed quite competent, however, my mind was not completely at ease after hours in the post-surgical area. 2. The Facility: This is the downside, and why I gave VCA WLA three stars instead of 5. This facility is in desperate need of remodeling - old and run down -- the front waiting area is kept very clean -- however, the hallways upstairs and the back elevators (used to visit the hospitalized pets) didn't feel clean -- white power in elevator and in hallways from construction to create an office for a veterinary cardiologist. Post surgical area is small and cramped, Small cages for large animals: my golden had just enough room to stand up, lie down (without stretching out). There is no place close by to take the sickest animals to relieve themselves. The techs walk them up and down the hallways --my golden is not used to relieving himself in the house so on some days he held his urine and bowel movement -- was leaking urine into his cage. Very depressing. 3. The cost -- This facility is expensive -- my total charge was $13,000 for major surgery + 5 1/2 days of hospitalization -- However ? they do have a plan which allows you to pay the bill in one year without interest. I don?t know what other hospitals charge, and at the end of the day: THEY SAVED MY DOG! This experience is a great argument for pet insurance -- which I will surely investigate in the next few weeks. *** Highly recommend that if your pet is hospitalized at this (or any!) facility for any length of time, that you have your regular veterinarian stay in close touch with the supervising DVMs. I was in constant communication with my wonderful vet, Dr. Phil Caldwell, from Szanto Vet Center in Sherman Oaks -- Dr. Caldwell spoke several times with the surgeons, and even went to visit my golden one evening to check medications and his condition....I do feel (they may dispute this, but it is my strong instinct ) that an intervention from a qualified professional (DVM) willonly enhance the quality of care you receive for your pet. Read Less

VCA is a rip off. They have great vets but are taught to do as many procedures as possible to pad the bill. VCA owns Antech Diagnostics which provides all the tests at a cost to VCA at about 1/4 what they charge outside vets. Now that people are hurting for money and fewer are going to vets, vets have compensated by raising their fees and stiffing their clients. I have decided to fight back. I just bought stock in VCA. Their stock is going up with the market. They are making a good profit. Why? They buy well-performing practices for an average of $2.1 million, fire everyone there, hire new and cheaper people, and tell the doctors to ask for a lot of Antech diagnostic tests. They admit this in their last quarter report. You can buy VCA (NASDAQ ""WOOF"") through Scottrade. Any amount will cost you $7.00. Buy one share and you are entitled to go to a stockholder meeting-I think. Raise hell. Join me. Read Less

It has been a year since they gave my dog a toxic treatment for lymphoma which basically did not extend his life but made his last couple weeks of life ""pure hell"". What is so surprising is that the head of this hospital was involved in research showing that the Collie breed should be tested before given this type of treatment. This was never suggested to me and even after my dog became very ill from this treatment did they ever admit or treat him for their mistake. In my opinion, they are like assembly line workers - they just do their job with no regard to what they are really doing. If you need any type of cancer treatment for your pet, do not go here. Do your beloved pet a favor and go to a hospital which specializes in cancer treatments because they do not know what they are doing here. Read Less

I discovered my cat had a broken paw after I returned home from a trip. A negligent sitter did not realize my cat was in pain. I rushed my little girl to the W. Hollywood Animal Hospital and they referred me to VCA. I met with Dr. Balfour, who was pretty good. My cat ended up staying there for over a week. The surgery and follow up cost over $4,000. The other attending doctors were very bad. One said my cat (who was in a cast) tried to eat her simply because my cat was tired of being poked with needles. One of the vet techs cut off my cat's whiskers. My cat was clearly very agitated when this one tech would come in the room. The front desk clerks were also very unfriendly. I would not recommend this place to anyone. Read Less

I should have walked out when I was asked for a $2,500 deposit for my pet's evaulation, with a guarantee that the total bill would not be more than $700 more. Well, the vet lied. After three days and nearly $10,000 in fees, including Rxs that cost nearly $400 each, my precious dog died one night of a pulmonary embolism. I was holding her in my arms when she struggled to breathe and then was gone. I will never take a pet of mine to this facility, and I am changing vets because my current vet referred me here. While I totally love my vet practice, they, too, are money hungry. A spay for my new puppy for...FIVE HUNDRED DOLLARS? C'mon, I paid $125 back East for all the pre-op testing, anesthesia and surgery. What a rip off LA vets are. Read Less

It was my 1st and very last visit to this Emergency Pet Clinic. I took my Rottie in because he had a bloody. I informed the Attending Vet that my dog was seen earlier that day by his regular Vet (different clinic). I told him my dog had a general anesthetic and presented him with a copy of the invoice that lists all tests, x-rays, and meds prescribed by his Dr. I went over my dog?s heath history and asked the Vet if anesthesia might have caused the bloody nose. The Vet immediately ruled out anesthesia and told me he had to perform different tests. He led me to believe all tests were necessary. I was feeling vulnerable and I agreed to the tests. I noticed the Vet charged me for unnecessary tests (they were not relevant to his bloody nose). After paying $600, they handed me my dog, and his nose was still bloody. The Vet told me that my dog might have hurt himself when he went under anesthesia. The Office Manager was no help.Read Less

I've had two unpleasant visits and one okay-but-expensive check up here, and the memory of my last experience causes me to writhe in fury. For the record, when you go to VCA with an emergency and they come into the waiting room to tell you, ""Your dog isn't responding to CPR, would you like us to try more?"" what they mean is, ""Your dog is already dead, would you like to pay $600 extra for a bunch of unhelpful and unneccessary procedures?"" To top it off, they escorted me out of the waiting room and shut me in a freezing exam room to sit by myself until I was done crying. Yuck. Read Less

My roommate had a dog that kept breaking his legs due to being a runt and very fragile. I saw her spend over $15K on treatment and West LA VCA harrassed her over payment before they would treat the poor dog with the broken legs. I have taken my own dogs to this vet and was asked to pay for and agree to unnecessary tests. I have a mellow dog and they told me that I should have his Thyroid checked. I told the vet that I didn't need to, since he was always mellow and ate very little since he was a puppy. Of course, the dog didn't need to be monitored. They give you such a guilt trip and harrass you for money when you are at your most vulrnerable moment with the care of your pet. Shame on them. I know that there are people who can afford unlimited care, but most people are unable to and are ripped off by big vet establishments such as this. I rather go to a smaller private practice. Read Less

I recently took my Yorkie pup to the VCA on Sepulveda. My puppy was having breathing difficulties and a decreased appetite. We saw Dr. Jarrod Moss who diagnosed my dog with pneumonia. I have never seen a doctor as caring, helpful and concerned as Dr. Moss. He even called us the next morning to see if my puppy was feeling any better. He truly cares about the animals he treats! After our emergency visit we will definitely make Dr. Moss our permanent vet. I highly recommend this place!!! Read Less

I came in desperate late one night with my little kitty. I had never been to the VCA before, and just knew that it was close to my house. The staff was rude and uncaring. I felt like a dollar sign in there eyes. My trip cost a staggering $1400 ( only later I was told by another vet should have cost somewhere in the neighborhood of $300) I picked up my kitty who had urinated on herself overnight, and the staff had not even bothered to clean her up, and just left her like that and sent her home to me that way. I felt taken advantage of in a desperate situation! I would NEVER NEVER go back! Read Less

Great, a dr. there 24 hours a day, but don't forget, their first goal, is to take your money. Don't be fooled that this clinic is there to help you with your pet's health. That is way down their list of priorities. Read Less

a huge corporation interested only in money. get different vet each time. will not return calls. THe vet told me techs do all the work even the surgery and returning calls. misdiagnosis of my dog. spent 1000s on dog. dog not diagnosed with disease that could have been cured. finally to another vet hospital .too late for saving dog. do not take your pet there if you want the vet to be healthy. the only purpose is money. change of vets often at this money making corporation Read Less