VCA Santa Monica Dog and Cat Hospital

Ryan Bernard _{on Google}

Mar 8th, 2024

Stay far FAR away from this place. The level of incompetence at this establishment is beyond words.
My very healthy dog was given a heartworm test by Dr. Hubbard and her staff in September while on a routine visit for vaccinations. I was called the next day by Dr. Hubbard and told that my dog tested positive for heartworm, that I should keep her as still as possible, and to read up on the condition. I quickly discovered that by the time heartworm is detected by tests, it is usually too late and the condition is fatal.
I was then told by Dr. Hubbard that another test should be administered (which cost 3x as much as the first) to confirm the results. No additonal bloodwork or anything -- just another test on the same sample. I then had to wait a week to hear back, during which time I was constantly in fear of my dog dying.
The second test came back negative and I was told that the the first test "must have just been a bad test."
I asked to be refunded for the cost of the test since the lab had clearly failed to properly analyze the first one. For 5 MONTHS I tried to get the refund. All staff there, including Pattie (the hospital manager) gave nothing but excuses and illogical explanations for why I should have to pay for the tests.
3 days ago I brought my dog in for her annual wellness visit and asked about the refund again. Dr. Hubbard and the technician both avoided the issue and told me the hospital manager would call me to discuss. Their perpetually rude receptionist, Rosa, chose to argue over it instead.
Pattie called me this morning with more nonsense excuses for her establishment's poor business practices, and only offered a refund after I informed her my next step would be legal action. While I already had no intention of returning to this business,
Pattie then told me that I shouldn't be their client if I didn't have their trust & would be emailing my pet's records to me. GOOD RIDDANCE!!!
Stay away unless you're fine with wrong diagnoses and price gouging. You've been warned. I don't believe any of the positive reviews here. This place is the worst.

Jeena Jiyeon Yoo _{on Google}

Nov 16th, 2023

I paid $50 for vet tech to trim my dog's nails....the price is insane for a 10 minute nail trim(a full bath and cut including nail trim costs $110.00...)
When I got home, I saw that the one of the nail had been cut to the vein(I could see the blood vessel at the end of the nail), and she was very sensitive to the touch there. I also noticed cracked nails on front paws...
I am sorry but if I pay $50 for a professional to trim nails, the least they can do is not to injure the dog. The whole reason I paid to get the nail trim was because I was afraid I would cause injury.
I would go elsewhere for the price...

Sharon Dweck _{on Google}

Sep 19th, 2023

Negligent Blatantly lied to cover mistakes. Negligent and my puppy was sick. Go somewhere else.

Raminta Ivanilova _{on Google}

Aug 17th, 2023

Disappointed. My dog needed a medication, they told me it will be ready in 48 hours. Since i live in the area, i decided to check it out myself. The medication was all sold out, and no one ever informed me. Every time you call this office they put you on hold for 10-15mins. I dont think my pet gets the best care in this VCA clinic.

Lou _{on Google}

Jul 30th, 2023

I had a wonderful experience over at VCA emergency, so much so that I decided to switch all of my dogs records (which isnt easy when you have 4 of them!) to my local VCA on Broadway. Initially, my encounter with the receptionists at VCA on Broadway was wonderful. They were courteous and took the time to meticulously update our account with all the necessary information. However, my perception changed significantly when I had the opportunity to meet with Dr. Fuhrman.
In an effort to streamline the process and minimize the number of appointments, I decided to bring my dogs in pairs for their annual check-ups. Unfortunately, my experience with Dr. Fuhrman was marked by a considerable degree of hostility and a strong sense of urgency to expedite the consultations, despite having paid $400 for two check-ups that lasted only 20 minutes.
As an incident occurred involving another dog running past us, my dogs became frightened and started barking. Dr. Fuhrman immediately responded with the statement, "We don't bark like that here. Understanding the need for a calm environment, I requested to hold my dog on the table to prevent any unexpected leaping. However, I was firmly instructed to stand in the corner and allow her to proceed with the temperature check. Not surprisingly, within a mere 30 seconds, my 10lb dog attempted to jump from the table, prompting a visibly disapproving reaction from Dr. Fuhrman. Fortunately, anticipating this behavior, I managed to catch my dog mid-air and avert any potential injury.
Furthermore, when I expressed a concern regarding one of my dogs, Dr. Fuhrman dismissively responded with, "I'm sure it's fine," implying that I was an overly anxious dog owner making unfounded claims. However, upon my insistence, she eventually acknowledged the issue and referred me to a specialist.
Regrettably, I must express my discomfort with the overall experience at this VCA. Consequently, I have swiftly switched back to my primary veterinarian.