New to veterinary care in Maryland, I did not know that VCA has predatory pricing tactics. Vet tech set the bill on the exam table after she and the vet had looked at my senior cat for an initial visit. I was to pay $654 right then or sign up for careclub to get more visits for $985+$50 enrollment fee. There was no authorization of care or procedures offered. Just “this is the bill for today’s visit” and several explanations of care clubs benefits. After asking for clarification several times and pulling out my credit card because I did not understand why I was being presented such a high bill, I signed and THEN she said “ok get him ready for the xrays” At no point did I understand that there was more to the visit. I was embarrassed, caught off guard and sick to my stomach that I had not done research to realize a well visit for a healthy cat would cost so much. I did not even realize I was giving consent to all the testing and procedures. I will never recommend this vet to anyone I know. Read Less

Staff is overly friendly smile in your face while slipping money from your pockets. it's like this new thing with Drs. keep scheduling follow ups to charge you for visits. They kept finding things wrong so as not to vaccinate timely and keep me coming back under the guise of we don't want to coptimise this by that...oh and buy out food...oh and he needs to be on this medication... a 3 month old dog with more issues than a senior citizen cone on Read Less

The staff there was so friendly and kind! My kitty Harlie had a bump that I was freaking out about on her belly. I had never been their before so I showed up 30 minutes early, I was called back within seconds. Megan the tech was super friendly and clearly an animal lover. Harlie hasn't been to a vet in awhile so was nervous and had a fever but quickly realized it wasn't as bad as Megan had thought. The doctor came in minutes later she felt the pea sized objects and gave me some pricing. Thankfully it wasn't what I had thought it was. I was in an out before my appointed time, best of all since it was my first visit it was on the house. Being a resident of Columbia things are typically over priced, However there it wasn't. Thanks for all the hard work ladies I appreciated your time and hardwork! Read Less

Dr Meyer always care about dogs and cats and she was concerned about my hearing dog lily and she want to make sure Lily is ok... But was hard to deal when your pet dont feel good... Dr Meyers is our favorite... Read Less

I am so pleased with this vet! My dog has had multiple bad experiences with previous vets so when I scheduled my appointment I made sure they knew he was a nervous vet goer. When we arrived the desk clerk was super friendly and there was a basket with bandanas pre sprayed with doggie relaxer. Of course, since I'm already nervous, my dog is nervous so I opted to use one of these bandanas. We waited about 5 mins and were greeted by the most friendly and wonderful vet tech. She clearly loved her job and the animals, and humans, she services. She called us back to the room and took the time to get to know the dogs and us. She then made sure we were aware of everything they suggested for our dogs and what the cost would be and how we could save. During this time she made sure to start a relationship with the dogs and discussing their habits with us. Enter the vet, and my dog started to get nervous and growl...what was amazing was that she didnt change her demeanor at all and continued to greet us and the dogs. She took her time, answered all of our questions and let the dogs get to know her. He growled a few more times out of nerves but not once did they consider muzzling him nor sedating him with drugs. Long story short, this is the first vet my dog has allowed to do anything to him and they were amazingly patient with us and the dogs. My dog came back with a big goofy grin loving all the attention and treats! Bottom Line! I highly recommend this vet! I don't care their prices are a little high (get the care club! It saves you tons!) They have new life time customers! Read Less

We have had nothing but wonderful service from the kind and dedicated staff at VCA Columbia Animal Hospital at Hickory Ridge. We have been using this office for over 15 years and we have never had a bad experience. Granted they are not the cheapest option but heh, we are talking about the well being of family members here. Good care costs money. They have literally saved the lives of several of our pets and for that we are extremely grateful. I cannot conceive going anywhere else for our veterinary needs. Read Less

Yes they are expensive. But they are very caring and I have never had to wait more than 10 mins and that is rare. I have 4 cats that go see Dr Strauss. She takes time to call me often as one of my babies is sick. I have to drive 20 miles to go there and other than the stress of the car ride it is a great experience. We have been with them for 14 years. They spayed 2 of my girls with laser surgery (an option) much quicker healing time. Read Less

Exactly as other reviewers have said, this company is far more interested in ways to take your money than they are the well being of your pets. I have found them to be pushy with new services that I wasn't interested in, and also not transparent on charges for their services. For example, they say "oh this vaccine is worth getting, its only 45 dollars...almost all our customers get it". What they don't say is that the first one is $45, the booster is another $45, and they'll tack on an exam fee to cover their time to administer the shot when you come back a few weeks later for the booster. I was shocked that they would try and pull another exam fee considering it had only been 3 weeks since I was last in for a full exam. Not my idea of professional service or transparency. This location is extremely high priced, which I just can't justify anymore given the experience I have had.Read Less

I have had bad experiences at vets before, but found VCA Columbia to be a positive one. Provided a comforting atmosphere (attitude) showing concern for our pet. After an assistant explained the potential options and costs (some were very expensive), the senior staff member who examined our pet suggested the least costly and then a very reasonable approach.Read Less

I would classify them as a luxury vet for people with expendable income, as many of us in this area are. This is not a discount vet for the budget conscious but if you regularly drop $300 on a purse or dinners, you should be willing to spend at least that to make sure the animals at your mercy are cared for to the best of your ability. ... Yes, This is a very expensive vet, but I think the quality is as high as it gets and I also think they realize their costs are higher and are somewhat trying to improve. They have these "packages" (e.g. "first year") now that you can get that lower the cost of the individual services/products, but I do think you end up buying more with the packages but they do at least on paper seem to save you money. They used to do a "multi-pet at the same time discount" which was nice, but that got taken away when VCA came into the picture. I really believe VCA really holds them to the iron about profits. They are always pushing 'dental' cleanings and whatnot. You can usually just say "no, I don't have the money for that right now" and they will usually back down. We keep coming back though because the care is outstanding. The doctors are very knowledgeable and seem to sincerely care about you and your pet. They go above and beyond (sometimes to the dismay of your wallet) to make sure your family member is well cared for. It's about trust and you do get what you pay for here. They know you and they know your pet and they worry about the little things that other vets do not. I would highly recommend them if you have the means! Read Less