Vca South Hadley Animal Hospital

The techs and people at the desk are great, but the vet himself is an absolute ass. He's rude, talks down to you, and when he doesn't know something he makes it up. Very unprofessional and he's had many complaints. He's told us conflicting opinions on what we should feed our pets and is absolutely not educated on small animals. He hardly knew anything about rabbits and hamsters, and told us very untrue "facts" about them. A lot of what he told us was outdated and already debunked by science. He also pushed for euthanasia for our cat when every other vet said it wasn't necessary (we got opinions from 6 other professionals, and our cat lived another full year and a half). This guy is just in it for the money and clearly doesn't have a passion for animals. Parking lot is also a hassle because it's on a steep hill and when you've got scared pets in carriers, that's not ok. Read Less

Our dog woke up one day with a cloudy eye and we had no where to go since it was Friday and all the veterinarians in the area leave early. We must have called 20 places for an emergency appointment. We came across VCA South Hadley and said they could give us a Saturday appointment. I have never heard of a vet open Saturday and to me that says a lot about their practice. They got us in quickly and everyone there is so friendly and helpful it is a great atmosphere. We saw Dr. Benner, he is a fabulous vet and is noticeably very committed to his animal patients, he is also very knowledgeable and helpful. I see more veterinarians just about the money but the staff at VCA South Hadley truly do this to help animals. We are financially strapped so any of our extra money is going to our dogs care and we know from many experiences that the prices they give us are better than any other place we have been. We live thirty minutes away and there are dozens of vets closer but we know this is going to be our new veterinarian. Thanks so much VCA South Hadley you have made us so happy!! We all feel at ease with your practice it has made our difficult experience easier to handle because all of the staff is so caring. Read Less

Stay away from this vet, they will bilk you out as much money as they can. We had to bring our suffering pet here to be put down because our normal vet at the East Longmeadow VCA wasn't in and we were referred here. It was an emergency and we couldn't put it off another day so we reluctantly went here for the euthanasia. South Hadley VCA charged for an EXAM/CONSULTATION in addition to the euthanasia. The manager said it's their policy since my pet was NEW to their practice. They refused to forgive the expensive exam fee even after I explained the circumstances to them. Now why does a pet who's in an obvious state of poor health and is there to be put out of its misery need an exam/consultation? Don't let this place rip you off- go anywhere else! I've never had a fee like this at any other vet. I'll be avoiding all VCA locations after this experience. Read Less

We moved to the area recently and adopted 2 rescue dogs.  VCA has been our vet from the beginning of that adventure, and we really like them.  The staff is friendly and helpful, and super sweet with my pups.  The 2 vets are both good, but are a little awkward with human interactions lolthe pricing is steep, but such is the way with VCA (chain offices in general).  We dont mind as much because their care is very good.  They detected a VERY faint murmur in my dogs heart and explained everything really well and have us on a great plan for her.  really the only thing i wish was different was their pricing.  otherwise, its a great office with a great staff! Read Less

I was very unhappy with the care my dog received here. I moved to the area and left behind my dog€s old vet so, based upon reviews and accessibility, I chose to take my dog here when I began to grow concerned about his health. On my first visit, my dog€s weight was taken incorrectly, and they continued to use that incorrect number throughout our time there as a baseline, which skewed his care. When I explained how I knew that the number was wrong (I had weighed him earlier, a cardiologist weighed him shortly after at the same weight I did), I felt like I was not taken seriously. The vet seemed uncomfortable making determinations about care without a huge number of tests. Even as the many (expensive) test results came in, she wanted to run more. She would have me purchase pills, give him one dose, then immediately stop treatment. I should note I absolutely DO NOT believe that this vet was being greedy or trying to swindle me with all the tests she had me run. However, I do believe that she had no real idea what to do with any of the information she was getting. At one point, I reviewed the results from a test on my own, did research, and came back with a possible diagnosis for what might have been happening with my dog. She was happy that I had come in with that idea, as she had already forgotten the results of those tests, and said we should go with my diagnosis and start treating for that. She also come in needing a reminder about what medications he was on. When I gave her the list, she was confused about one medication that he was on. She asked ME why he was on it. My response? €Because you put him on it.€ She then had to run out of the room to check her notes on why she had taken that course of action. No preparation before sitting down with me. The tests that were run on my dog: full body x-ray, ultrasound, fecal sample, two urine samples (neither of them sterile for some reason?), tons of different blood tests, and different parasite tests. She was unable to give me any direction to go in with what could be wrong with my dog with all of that information. At one point she threw out no less than eight different diagnoses. She wanted more data and clearly lacked instinct. I felt like her bedside manner was lacking. During my first visit I couldn€t follow all the medical lingo she kept throwing out. When her assistant came in to explain billing for certain medications and procedures, I had to ask €wait, did we discuss these things? I am happy to pay, but I am not sure what any of this means.€ As the assistant was not a medical professional, she had to call the vet back in to explain what actions were going to be taken in my dog€s care. Also, when I consented to have some full body x-rays, which would take a few hours, she just took my dog from me immediately. No chance to say goodbye. Last night, I ended up taking my dog a different vet, an emergency vet, and the vet very quickly diagnosed my dog with cancer, told me the type of cancer it likely was, told me his low chances for survival, and explained the level of pain my dog was likely in. Shell shocked, we made the decision to let him go. I write this review still mourning him. I am under no delusions that the vets here at this office could have saved my dog. My poor baby was likely too far gone by the time I initially took him to the vet to be saved, and the discussions I should have been having with the vet should have been about making him more comfortable and knowing when to let him go. The vet either did not have the knowledge base or the instinct to diagnose my poor dog. That speaks volumes to me. She should have known, and it is outrageous to me that after all of those tests, she had nothing to go on, but the moment I took him to another vet she was able to immediately determine what was wrong. I encourage everyone to take their business, and the health of their pets, elsewhere. Read Less

My cat is very skiddish with new people and she was great with this vet. Absolutely will and have recommended this clinic to many friemds and family. My other cat was being seen by the old wilbraham vet and he was horrible with him... picking him up by his tail being way too rough with him in general. I have been so happy with how this vet is treating my animals. My 15 almost 16 year old dog was recently switched here and they are amazing with her as well. Very gentle and calming and patient. Incredible vet. If youre not from south hadley like me, its well worth the drive for such a great office, vet and care. Read Less

I can't say enough about how great South Hadley VCA is. They have been incredibly helpful and knowledgeable in dealing with my dog and her ongoing skin/allergy/ear infection issues. My dog is a bit nervous, especially at the vet, and the staff always takes the time to let her get to know them so that she is comfortable with them handling her. The staff truly puts both of us (!) at ease. The Drs. all go above and beyond in making sure everything is addressed and that I am comfortable with the information provided. If you are looking for a local vet who will take great care of you and your pet, this is your spot! Read Less

So wonderful--caring, compassionate, and very, very good at what they do. Took great care of our aging Newfoundland, and guided us through her care when she was diagnosed with osteosarcoma. Completely wonderful when we finally had to bring her in for euthanasia. Highly recommend. Read Less

No ethics I'm a 24 year old mechanical engineering student. Last week I had my ACL replaced and now I can't work until August/September. So as an adult putting himself through school and currently unable to walk you can imagine I don't have tons of money laying around. I've been stuck in bed rehabbing my knee, then my new little ratties got the sniffles. I figure I should probably get them a checkup but it's not by any means an emergency yet. so while looking at vets I cam across VCA and received a coupon for a free exam (good up to 2 pets) VCA said the coupon would only qualify as 50% off since rats are "exotic" okay fair enough, then they ask us if we want to bring them in today, we say of course - since they're a little sniffly it would be better to take them today vs. monday. So because they offered to see them today - they deemed it an emergency visit which cancels the coupon and makes us pay full price. "hey we care about your animals.. except when you can't afford you bullshit loopholes" Scummy vet that cares more about dollars than animals. Take your pets elsewhere folks. Read Less

Dr. Benner took care of our Dog Daemon for over ten years. Daemon was treated for many illnesses including three bouts of Cancer thoughout his 15 years, 1 Month and 1 day. If it was not for Dr. Benner and his staffs wonderful care I do not think Daemon would have lived as long as he did. When we had to send Daemon to Doggie Heaven, Dr. Benner and his staff were so caring and compassionate. We felt everyone was Family and felt the loss as we did. Now we have a new kitten, Angel, and we would have no other facility take care of her except Dr. Benner and his terrific staff. Thank you for all your wonderful caring of Animals! Read Less

Kind, caring, knowledgeable vets and techs who love the pets they see. Our kitties have received the best of care from them and we are sad to be moving away and to have to try to match this quality elsewhere! Read Less

Do not take your pets here!!! The staff is very unprofessional, and rude.  The vet spoke to me as if I knew nothing about my pet. ( Telling me that my five year old turtle was old) A simple surgery was done and I was called to come.pick up my pet.  When I got there the vet was beyond rude!  My pet was fine but the vet would not release him.Two hours later he called to say I should come in.   Upon arrival he said my pet wasn't going to make it and could not and would not explain why, or why he had given him ' all these medications '. He was rude to the very second that I walked out of the door.  My pet passed away two hours later.  They couldn't careless about their clients or animals.  They don't explain ANYTHING. Instead they hand you a bill and send you away.Do your pets and self a favor, and steer clear of this place! Read Less

Dr. Benner at the VCA South Hadley was my vet for the whole time I've lived in Massachusetts. He is very knowledgeable about birds and is the only Avian Certified vet in the Pioneer Valley. His staff are wonderful people and even the vet techs who don't know much about birds want to learn and do so quickly. I am writing this review today in particular though, because it is the one-year anniversary from when Dr. Benner saved the life of my bird by being open at 7:30pm on the night before Thanksgiving. Based on the symptoms I described alone, he immediately diagnosed her illness as being a bacterial infection and gave us antibiotics. A culture and sensitivity confirmed this, and the specific species of bacteria showed that it was caused by mice invading our house! My bird Kappa responded quickly to the antibiotics, and I responded quickly by T&R-ing the mice. Thank you Dr. Benner and all the VCA S Hadley staff for being open late the night before Thanksgiving last year (2011), for giving us such wonderful care and service, and for probably saving Kappa's life.Read Less