VCA Bay Area Veterinary Specialists & Emergency Hospital

I had a horrible experience here. I found VCA to be overpriced compared to BETTER vet specialists, and they seemed more concerned about making money than the welfare of my pet.
I was referred here by my vet to see a cancer specialist. When the VCA vet called to confirm the cancer diagnosis, she wanted me to undergo another test (CT Scan) at a cost of another $ 2000 just to see if we should to the surgery. (BTW, I later found out that the cost of the same test at my regular vet and another specialist I consulted ranged from $ 1200 – 1500). I asked what the prognosis was if I did nothing. She said my dog would be dead in two weeks. I was in tears, but she came across as completely indifferent.
I was so upset with them that I ended up finding another specialist (East Bay Veterinary Specialist in Walnut Creek) for a second opinion. Anyways, the other vet said that the CT Scan was not necessary, and that the effectiveness of the surgery ultimately would be determined by a post surgical analysis of the cancer tissue. The people at East Bay Veterinary Specialist followed up with me several times after the surgery. However, I never received a single follow up call from VCA.
In sum, I would not recommend this place. In my opinion, VCA was overpriced compared to other providers and provided me with poor and uncompassionate service.

This hospital seemed more concerned with working less and charging me more than providing my 2 month old kitten the best possible care.
My kitten was attacked by an opossum, and I brought her in to treat both a broken leg and a respiratory infection. The doctor said they wanted to put her on IVs to get her fluids stabilized because of her respiratory infection. They said they needed to beat that before addressing the leg and wanted to keep her overnight.
I said ok. All that cost $ 1700.
About 2hrs after leaving the hospital, they call me back saying she went into shock when they attempted to draw blood. They also said her temperature and glucose levels were dropping and she was unresponsive. I asked them to define «unresponsive», but they wavered in their description so I figured she was mainly withdrawn towards sleep; as she had been when I brought her. I told them to continue with the treatment and let me know how she’s doing in about an hour.
They call back about 30min later stating she’s gotten worse and seriously implied she wasn’t gonna survive. At this point I’m confused because she hadn’t been there long, and she was withdrawn but not as severe as they described when I dropped her off. I told them to keep monitoring her for the next hour and see if she stabilizes.
They call back 15 min later encouraging me to let them euthanize. I told them I didn’t want to go that route so soon. They said that I should in order to end her suffering. I said she’d been fighting this long, and I wanted to let her fight as long as she could since I’d already paid for 36 hours of treatment from them. To take such a drastic turn barely two hours after I dropped her off didn’t add up.
Then they said they could no longer wait and see and that they’d have to euthanize or pursue more aggressive treatment to save her. Obviously, «aggressive treatment» has additional aggressive pricing. I stood my ground on waiting a bit longer since she hadn’t even been there 3hrs.
They refused so I politely told them I’d come pick her up and take her home and find another hospital that wasn’t so quick to give up on her.
They said they wouldn’t let me take her home because of her condition. I got pissed because they were trying to box me into two bad options barely into the hospital stay! I told them I’m coming to get my kitten and take her home.
I leave work and get to the hospital and demand they relinquish her. They made me wait 20 min before the doctor saw me. The doctor tried to claim I misunderstood the conversation, but I called B.S. and told them I had no confidence in their personnel or facility. And even if I did misunderstand the person on the phone (who wasn’t a doctor), the fact that the doctor’s message could be so misconstrued by the phone staff still shows chaotic communication within their facility; further supporting my lack of confidence in them.
Then the doctor threatened to call animal control if I took her, and I told her «Go ahead. I’d rather take her home and to another hospital than guarantee her demise under your care!»
I demanded a refund for services not administered, and they refunded most of the charges.
They eventually returned her to me, and she looked the same as when I dropped her off. She was responsive and aware (but obviously still sick, injured, and withdrawn to rest); leaving me to conclude the hospital exaggerated the description of her condition on the phone to extort more money for treatment.
This is not a referendum on all VCAs, but I’m reporting this one and warning everyone to avoid this hospital like the plague.
They showed their true colors when they were quicker to kill than care for my suffering kitten. Any doctor or hospital whose primary motivator isn’t «care» need no longer remain in business.

Thank you Elizabeth and everyone here for your help tonight!!! We found a lost dog in our neighborhood and animal control was closed. Elizabeth told us we could bring him over to check for a microchip. Fortunately he had a microchip, but with old data. Elizabeth was kind enough to call the microchip manufacturer to reach the owner. I’m happy to report the dog was reunited shortly after.

I cannot say enough positive things about my experience last night/​this morning at VCA. My two yorkie a were viciously attacked by a large German Shepard this past Saturday. One has surgery that very day and the other had no apparent damages other than emotional trauma. However a day later, though she had seemed okay, Layla stopped eating/​drinking water and began vomiting. I kept a close eye on her and her energy had remained intact despite being not herself from the trauma. Then after 5 plus hours of seeming to be better and drinking water she vomited what appeared to be pure blood multiple times between midnight and 1am. I frantically looked for a place to take her fearing internal bleeding though up until this point there had been no indicators of that. I found VCA and called. They said to bring her right in. We hoped in the car and headed over. From the moment I entered the staff was amazingly kind and compassionate. I had not slept since the attack and was reeling from it myself. I struggled to explain the incident and recall details in a clear order. They were so personable and I could feel their compassion for me and my little Layla. They examined her and it was so refreshing. They explained that they agreed that it seemed to not be internal bleeding but explained they could not be sure without further testing. I asked if they could give her meds for her stomach and let me take her home and watch her. They said of course and did not push nor cause me alarm at the idea. They quickly put together her treatment plan, gave her and injection and we were out the door. She has since eaten a bit and is acting like herself again. If I ever have an emergency (hopefully never) I will come here. Thank you so much to the wonderful staff who took care of my girl and me.

Great first time experience. The staff was friendly and helpful. We brought our basset in for an emergency visit after she was throwing up and had traces of blood in her urine. Dr. Nomura was helpful in answering questions and guiding us in the right direction for our dog. We had x-​rays and a blood test taken and it was all clear. She concluded that it was gastroenteritis. Dr. Nomura prescribed two medications for our basset and had given her some anti-​nausea medication as well before we had left. Since we returned home, she’s been doing well and has been resting.
Note: There is construction going on in Building A, so be sure to drive a bit further to the back parking lot. The entrance to the hospital is at Building B.

My dog was attacked this morning while out on a walk. She is a sweet dog but absolutely awful at the vet on a normal day so she was quite the pill while in so much pain. Dr. Espitia and the staff were all very compassionate, professional and accommodating. Cricket received excellent medical care and all steps of the process were clearly discussed with me including a well-​done estimate of charges before any procedures were done. Thank you everyone for taking such good care of my baby!

We brought our dog in, because our regular vet was closed. There was a wait, which I can understand. I don’t know if this place is a «first come first serve» place or «we will prioritize» place. I heard conversations over the phone that they didn’t take reservations and that it’d be first come first serve. However, we saw patients get served before us even though they came in after us (although it did look like their situation was far dire than ours)
What highly irritated me, though, was all while this was happening 1) the receptionists would never make eye contact with you at any duration of the wait nor provide any update on your wait time, as if they were too busy to help 2) and when we asked for an update, checking for an answer would take another 10 minutes. «You are next» was the answer but next turned into a 30 min wait. Waiting for a quote of services would be another 20 minute wait.
I’m sure others had good experiences, and I’m sure their vet services are satisfactory. However, the administrative services today alone was horrible. We declined all services for our pet because, frankly, we were just tired of waiting and would have waited even longer.
I appreciate all vet hospitals, including this one, for the work they do for our friends. there may be another time in the future that we have have to come to VCA. However, today was just a bad experience. The vets and techs were busy in the back, but a focus on better customer service and timely communication would have been nice.
Thank goodness our pet is okay regardless (eventual gut feeling) but we will take her to our primary vet for a follow up check

Thanks to the hospital manager, I feel better about this place. I explained everything to him and he was able to help me out by searching for and sending my personal item back to my house and he updated me about my invoice which none of the staff did initially. The effort goes a long way with me.

Two weeks ago my puppy started crying in the middle of the night. This was the third night she was restless and the fourth day she was acting weird. But this was the first night of crying fits. I called the emergency vet. Sped over here holding my baby letting her know her pain would soon be over. And it soon was! The poor thing had a horrible allergic reaction to something. They gave her a pill for fleas (just in case that’s what the allergy was) some steroids (all cut up because she’s so tiny) and an Rx for benedryl. One hour after everything kicked in she was KONKED out and sleeping better than she had in days. I was prepared to be FLEECED at the vet. I’m sure my over protective nature of her was obvious. But it was much less than I expected. Barely anything over the cost of the visit itself. I hope we never have to use this place again. But I sure am glad it’s here.

Called as my pet swallowed human medications listed online as poison to her. She wasn’t walking well and it was 7:30am. They said come right away. I fought school traffic and when I got there they said I had to talk to poison control over the phone for $ 65 before I could be seen.
I’m happy she didn’t need their emergency care but I could have called poison control from home avoiding A lot of stress for me and my dog.
They needed to tel people this on the phone not come right away and the make me call.

Several years back I had a bad/​annoying situation when we brought our pitbull puppy here. Our vet was really negative towards the breed and showed his biases really clear.
However, in these past couple of years I believe they are now under new management. I have unfortunately had to bring two of my dogs here for emergency situations. Although it sucks having to pay so much out of pocket and unexpectedly, I feel that the times I have been here the staff has been really helpful and supportive. It is best to check in with your primary vet to see if there is any availability with appointments as soon as possible if it is not a super urgent matter, if not then this place would be your next best bet. Anyway, when you walk in, they ask you what’s going on and page the triage staff to come assess the situation and take your pet’s vital signs as soon as possible to make sure they are stable. Afterwards, you meet privately with the vet in a room to do a complete exam.
The staff were really friendly, very detailed on the payment process and procedures on the next steps they recommended to take with your pet, and in making sure that you are doing okay along the process. They offered me tea, water, and coffee while I waited. They are very quick to update you with new information with your pets treatment.
Again, although it can be pricey, when you’re in an emergency situation regarding your pet, this is the best place to go to in the area to get your needs met quick and feel at ease knowing that your pet is ok.

I read the reviews of this place before I had to take my dog there. Glad I didn’t let the negative nancys control my brain.
My dog had a pericardial effusion. The cause was unclear so my vet recommended I take my dog to see Dr. Kienle who specializes in cardiology.
Dr. Kienle is a seriously good doctor. I felt like he was very thorough in examining my pooch. He suggested tests which I was totally on board with and he explained what he was looking for.
Thankfully, everything is looking up for my boy.
I understand what it is like to lose a pet. I also understand what bad pet healthcare can be. This place is clean, the staff is courteous, friendly, and efficient.
This place is one of the best I’ve been to and I’ve been to quite a few.
Also, I appreciate how clear they are with their estimates given prior to any recommended testing.
My dog loves Dr. Kienle! And given how wonderful Dr. Kienle is with him, I think the feeling is pretty much mutual

PROS
— They saved Freddy Cougar’s life. He couldn’t pee which is super painful and deadly to male cats within a day.
— Their doctors are skilled, intelligent, compassionate and have done their research (shout out to Dr. Danielson and Wheeler)
— The support staff reacted with urgency when I brought him in close to midnight, calling «STAT» over the intercom and they prioritized easing my cat’s pain
— They called often with helpful and calming information
— The doctors were easy to get a hold of if I had questions
— Some of their vet techs are as brilliant as the doctors
CONS
— I had interactions with a couple vet techs who were unhelpful, misinformed, and frustrating
— They are super expensive
— The discharge directions had conflicting information about the medications, as if written by two different people who hadn’t met before, and they were irritated when I needed clarification
— Basically, once your pet is discharged, you are dead to them
I’d bring my pets in for an emergency again without hesitation, but I wouldn’t want non-​emergency care here because of the hit-​or-​miss customer service.

I am so irritated by the staff every time I have called or have gone in there regarding my pet the staff seems to all be in training no one knows what they’re doing in there they were even referring to my pets doctor as a man and the doctor is a woman this is supposed to be a Emergency hospital fast moving pace everyone should be on point I must say Dr Carlson was very sweet and took her time explaining things to me but as the staff goes I was not impressed and also I believe their prices are way
overrated they should be more reasonable for us to be able to take our animals in when in need I strongly believe if the prices were lower more animals would be alive today from the care they needed

Update– less than a week after I visited the VCA and paying over a $ 4k vet bill, my beloved dog had to be put down. No thanks to the service from
VCA.
You’ve been warned. I took a gamble in hopes my pooch could be saved but instead had to bear with heartbreak after discharging her from this facility

Excellent Doctors and staff. Dr. Maxmen was very patient with us when we took our Basil into the ER last week. He has a Chylothorax history and this wasn’t our first time at the rodeo on what to expect. The doctor’s recommendations and the patience of Dr. Wheeler in explaining the test results were all very friendly, attentive, and caring.
They did run a lot of tests and it felt like every 30 minutes, we were revising the «estimate» for new total. The end of the day cost about $ 1300 and I think its a bit extravagant for what was done. But Im not going to argue that point here. The point is, we were treated well, we were taken care of and my cat has the right prognosis and the right plan to move forward. They treated him very well and he was not stressed out at all.
You can’t put a price on piece of mind.

Dr. Siedlecki (Oncologist) and the team at VCA in San Leandro are simply OUTSTANDING. We brought our cherished family dog Millie in for a check-​up of a new bump that had recently formed on her face — with great skill, thorough diagnostic practices, clear communications about options, and a truly caring approach, Dr. Siedlecki and team were able to address the malignant mass quickly and effectively. Without Dr. Siedlecki’s skill and masterful knowledge around canine cancers and treatment, I’m not confident our outcome would have been so positive. So to Philip at the front desk, to the 6 – 7 Vet Techs our family has worked with, and especially to Dr. Cecile Siedlecki — THANK YOU for saving our beloved Millie!

I greatly apologize VCA staff that it has taken me so long to write a review.
On 1÷23÷16 I had to rush my baby to the emergency again. And once again I was greeted by an angel, this time her name was Rachel, she treated my Louie with an abundance of love and kindness. She is by far one of the most nurturing individuals I have met at a Vet’s office.
Dr. Shishida was so patient with me and my million questions. When you have to take your pets to the Doctor, some of us fear that we will get those types of vet tech’s or Dr.‘s that are on auto pilot an cold. That is so not the case here. I would recommend my friends and family in a heart beat!
I also want to acknowledge Marianne and Rebecca. You both Rock!

Whenever I come across a 1 star review from a company, I always think there’s something wrong with the reviewer where they’re complaining about something pity and bypass the review going to the next. I mean, how can a company have a handful of negative reviews hidden amongst so-​so average ratings? However, I really wish I sat there and read the 1 star reviews for this location before ignoring them and bringing my dog here. It would have saved not only a big chunk of change, but stress on me, my family and definitely my dog. If you value your pet, reconsider bringing your pet here.
VCA Emergency Hospital ONLY accepts emergency situation pets. However if something arises, such as an accident, or it’s after hours and your regular vet is closed, this is the only option in the area. With that said, VCA knows you’re screwed with no options, so you’re bound to head on over. Stick to your guts… if there’s one thing we’ve learned from this situation was stick to your initial feeling. I really wish the 1 star reviews for this location had pursued me enough, but as I mentioned prior, I ignored them and still mosey’d my way over to this unprofessional facility.
I could write a novel, but there’s a limit to the amount I could write:
Upon arrival, we were charged the standard visit rate of $ 105.00. As we entered the consultation room, I was pretty appalled that the computer had displayed client info for 20+ clients. You would have thought before letting another client into the room they would have checked the room for cleanliness and to clear any info from the computer.
We were given an «ESTIMATED» tab. The low end, over $ 2,000 for a 1 day stay, and high end, which tipped $ 4,000. When your love of your life is sick and you feel helpless, you look for any option, and the vet made us feel hopeful for a positive outcome. And money can’t buy love, and what we had was unconditional love for our pooch, so we decided to move forward. FYI– you must pay the high amount prior to your pet being seen. Yes, we paid $ 4k forward. It appeared as all VCA wanted was our money. Throw money here, throw money there, just give it all. VCA knows how to play on your emotions. They know we’re already vulnerable and upset about the condition of our furry friend. and that we’ll do anything to save our loved one.
Multiple times during her stay we were received a call and were told our dog was doing «very well». We were given hope that her condition was improving and that we made the right choice of spending money for her stay at VCA.
Each time we saw our dog during visiting hours she dog looked very uncomfortable, unhappy and we were worried about her well being. Each time the tech came in, she growled at them. I was taken back on how upset my dog was, but began thinking I was letting my emotions get to me and that my dog was sick and maybe it was changing her behavior. Again, I gave the benefit of the doubt to VCA. The doctor came in and told us she was improving, her glucose levels went down, and she was looking up. It was exactly what we wanted to hear. Later we found out her glucose levels went down bc she hadn’t eaten.
The next day, we were told she was doing well however 4 hours later told we need to come down because she’s not eating. As we arrived, our dog ate from us. A tech came in and told us if she was eating, we were more than free to take her home. However when questioned what she meant, she told us that SINCE she has arrived 2 days ago, our dog has been refusing to eat. Why had no one notified us that she was not eating? She gladly ate from us whenever we came, but whenever she was in their care, she did not want to eat and we were never told? Why would they sugar coat it and tell us she’s doing well? How is she doing well if she’s not eating anything when in their care? I was not only livid, I was confused at why she was even in their care, when we were told that she still had uncontrolled diabetes and that the issue we brought her in for, was STILL present.
In the end, they suggested we consider euthanizing her due to her condition. However, there was absolutely no way I was going to let her last memory be of the VCA staff. Let alone, while waiting in the waiting room the day before, we overheard of a client coming in to pick up his dog’s ashes and the dog’s collar was missing. Apparently the VCA staff had no record and could not find his dead dog’s collar. The ONLY memory he had left of the dog. and VCA lost it. You just lost your dog and now they lost your dead dog’s collar. Unprofessional and shame on you VCA.
Accidents and emergencies occur and we all get desperate. However I wish that we had taken those 1 star reviews more seriously. Not only were we out of money, we were bringing home a dog who looked worse than the condition she was being brought in. An Unprofessional staff and unnecessary stress is the only thing I received from this place, and almost a dead dog if I didn’t take her out when we did.

My beloved cat went missing about 3 weeks ago and I was absolutely devastated. I thought that he was gone forever (as he is mostly an outdoor cat) until I received a phone call from VCA Bay Area Veterinary Specialists. A receptionist named Rebeca called me to let me know that someone had found my little sweetie and had taken him to their facility. She was able to find me because of the microchip with my information on it, thank goodness! She told me that I could come down at any time to pick him up. When I got there the same girl informed me that a Dr. Danielson had done a quick exam just to make sure my baby was okay. I felt so relieved to hear that he had a clean bill of health. I’m so grateful for everything that they did. Thank you Dr. Danielson, Rebeca, and the rest of the team for reuniting us!

My cat had an infection and I took her there at 2am. They were EXTREMELY friendly to both me and my cat. The vet helped her immediately as I walked in. They told me what the procedure would be, plus the costs, and they told me that I should go home and call them around 6−7am.
These guys were perfect. I couldn’t have asked for a better experience. My cat is herself again and completely out of pain. I understand it was SUPER expensive, but shouldn’t it be? It’s a 24 hour ER hospital. It’s not going to be cheap.
I’m so happy with the results and if my cat ever gets sick again (oh I hope she doesn’t!) I will be sure to come back here.

Helped our little chihuahua out when we had a medical emergency and our vet wasn’t open. This was our first pet emergency so I was very frazzled, but everyone was very kind at 10PM and upon arrival took our pet to the back to see what his condition was. After diagnosis, was rundown what he had, what the charges were, and how to treat him when we took him back home. Even received a call 3 days later to check on his condition, really appreciative.

We took our 7 month old lab (Huck) in the other day after he got really sick and started having seizures from ingesting a bunch of toxic flowers from a bush in our backyard. Anyways every single person at this facility assisted in helping recover our little guy. They were able to find pieces of the plant in his fecal matter and their entire team researched for hours to identify the plant, and the best practice for healing him based on the plant type. As my husband and I were so worried about leaving Huck there overnight and if he would make it, Dr. Wheeler continued to call us all through the night (at our request) updating us on his progress and his conditions.
Seriously everyone at this facility is so nice, passionate, understanding, and their entire team did everything they could to put our mind at ease and assist in our puppy’s recovery.
The best part is that when we went to pay for the services the technician honestly said he did not use an entire bag of fluids for the day and would not charge us for that. That is probably one of the most genuine and honest business practices I have ever seen at a vet facility.
Overall our bill was much lower than the estimate they initially provided and our Huck is home safe and happy. Even better, Dr. Wheeler called us a day after we had brought Huck home just to see how he was doing.

Every time we’ve taken a pet here, it’s been tragic and expensive. The vets are generally nice. The receptionist (Christopher?) is amazingly obnoxious. Seems like if your visits are costing you $ 7,000 each, you might at least get a decent attitude from your receptionist.

On Nov 15, 2015, my 1.5 ur old 5 lb yorkie was struck by a light colored SUV on Purdue. St in the manor and the driver did not stop. I saw the whole incident and even tried to slow the driver before Mylo was hit. Driver ignored my signs to slow down. If you know who you are remember karma is a bitch.
Took Mylo into BAVS. Their team and this facility is excellent. I am not familiar with this facility as I am from Fremont. I thought Mylo was dead after seeing him struck. I actually thought he went under the tire of the SUV. When I walked in, they called their team stat and quickly took Mylo and told me someone would take to me in a minute.
As I completed paper work, it took about 30 mins before a vet asst came out to speak with me. She provided an update and told me the Dr. Would be out shortly to talk with me. Dr Truong was the emergency/​critical care doctor on call. She explained they were giving Mylo fluids because he was in shock. Once he was stable they would be obtaining xrays, blood work and ultrasound. She didn’t think Mylo was run over because if he were he would be dead. She thinks he was clipped maybe by the fender which caused him to roll on the pavement. After 30 mins she came out to show me results of his xrays. All looked good. She went into detail about the xray and showed me the different views, meanwhile explaining what I was looking at. She was so thorough. Dr Truong said he was able to stand up and the neuro tests were good, so no indication of spinal injury. She recommended Mylo stay overnight to ensure he was urinating and observation. If Mylo did well overnight o would be able to take him home in am. Dr. Truong and Melissa are the best. God must have been with Mylo that night as he was touched by angels, Dr Truong and her team helped him to get better.
One thing you should know is that the hospital quotes a low and high estimate. I ended up paying less than the lower end of the estimate. BAVS is about pt care. They don’t try to make money off of you.
Dr Truong said Mylo is a very lucky little guy to be alive after being hit by an SUV. HE IS VERY LUCKY I STUMBLED INTO BAVS AND DR TRUONG.
Thank you to Dr Truong for your critical care expertise and the BAV team for having efficient critical care response procedures when time is of essence. You guys ROCK!

We took my 7 yr old dog Josie to Dr. Seidlecki after noticing her limping and later was diagnosed with bone cancer. Dr. Seidlecki and all of the BAVS staff were INCREDIBLE. They clearly walked us through all of the details and options throughout the entirety of Josie’s diagnosis and treatment. Dr. Seidlecki performed the surgery when we determined amputation was the best course of action. The incision was clean and when it was looking a little red, the staff was available for odd hour calls and even responsive on email. We were able to email a photo for them to look it over and confirm she was healing fine. We then followed amputation with chemo. After 3 sessions, we took xrays and found out the cancer had spread and decided it was best to focus our efforts on quality of life.
The sensitive and caring demeanor of the BAVS staff and in particularly Dr. Seidlecki has helped our family immensely during such a traumatic time. Our dog is a fear biter and very nervous around people she doesn’t know and everyone on the staff was gentle with her and mindful of her needs. While a little pricey, the quality of treatment and service was well worth the investment. We would recommend this facility to all of our friends and family.
Update: Unfortunately we had to take Josie in today to get put down after her health had diminished. Being it thanksgiving day, we couldn’t get an in home technician however the ER staff at BAVS was amazing. The room was inviting and comfortable with couches, tissues water bottles and a soft bed for Josie. The technicians were gentle, understanding and gave us whatever time and consoling we needed. Vanessa, Emily, and all the staff on duty were such incredible people. Dr. Seidlecki even passed along her condolences to the team on staff as soon as she heard about Josie’s situation while she was away with family. Absolutely amazing.
As you can tell, we can not say enough positive things about BAVS. Any pet we own will be brought to this faculty after the outstanding care they’ve given Josie. This facility is highly recommended.

Last week one of my 6 year old husky/​malamute mixes tore his CCL (a ligament in his knee). After going to my normal vet (the VCA on Telegraph), and they recommended a couple different places for surgery. I scheduled an appointment with Dr. Carlson at BAVS the next week, to see what our options were. We were greeted by a chipper guy behind the desk whose name was Philip. He told us we could grab a cup of coffee or some water, and was very helpful at putting our minds at ease.
We saw Dr. Carlson a little while later, and she talked us though the different forms of surgery, along with additional post-​surgery treatment like water therapy and acupuncture. She was extremely knowledgable and thorough, and I knew my Spike was in good hands.
Karen, a financial coordinator, went over our payment options and worked with us to come up with a payment plan that met our needs.
The communication from everyone was very thorough, and they updated me when he went into surgery, when he was finished with surgery, and when he was ready to go home. They also told me I could call in and check on him any time. Tracy, a vet tech, gave my boy excellent care and attention. I know my Spiker was in the best hands and was well-​taken care of. Thanks to everyone for taking such good care of my boy!

We were disappointed with this place because the staff did not follow up when they said they would. This happened twice in two days. But when they did follow up, it was helpful and they took the time to explain everything.
Apart from these communication issues, they did a pretty good job diagnosing the issue with our dog.
The bill was really pricey (several thousand dollars), but I can’t compare since I have no prior experience with emergency room for animals.

A little disappointed that I was told that my ill, elderly cat needed xrays and a whole mess if diagnostic things ($$) when she was clearly dying. I wished that they would have just told me that euthenasia was probably the best option for her because they couldn’t be able to save her anyway even if I did pay for these tests. I didn’t get that option until I mentioned it. I know we love our pets and feel that some would prefer these OPTIONS but it wasn’t given to me as a choice, and some would do anything to keep their fur babies alive. But I do feel that she wouldn’t have survived as she was too weak.
I will say that they have a wonderful private room to grieve and the quiet time needed when we send our sweet babies over the rainbow bridge.

Excellent experience!!! I brought my cat Walter in to have his unique nose examined. I rescued him a year ago & his veterinarian said three things: he was either born that way, trauma, or see a specialist for further diagnosis.
I first saw Dr. Carlson, she explained her thoughts and recommended that I also meet with the oncologist, Dr. Siedlecki. A few minutes later I met her and we decided to send a tissue sample to the lab to see if it was cancerous or not. After waiting a few days which seemed like an eternity, Dr. Siedlecki called me with the best news ever! Walter didn’t have cancer and that it was possibly trauma…
Having worked as a veterinary assistant for many years some time ago, I can attest that my entire experience was superb! It so wonderful to walk into a new place and felt listened to and know that they are providing the best medicine for your pet. I love my Walter… he is my love and I highly recommend pet owners to see a specialist if their pet needs it. Its better to know than to put them at risk. If my pets need advance care I won’t hesitate to go to BAVS!!!

This review is for the Emergency Hospital.
On Sunday, July 5^th, shortly after arriving home from a walk on a bay trail, our dog started getting sick. She became lethargic, her head was shaking, she began to vomit, she couldn’t keep her balance. After seeing her getting sicker and sicker as the minutes went by, we scooped her up and took her to the Emergency Hospital.
As we were walking through the door, someone was already helping us, asking us what was going on. A vet tech was called and literally within 30 seconds of walking through the door, our dog was being evaluated and was carried to the back. No joke!
As soon as they whisked her away, I did the paper work and forked over the $ 99 to have her seen.
We waited 10 – 15 minutes and we were called into an exam room and a vet came in within a few minutes to ask what had happened leading up to our bringing her in. We provided details and then the vet assured us that our dog was going to be OK and that she had ingested marijuana on our walk. Our poor little ten pound beast was stoned out of her mind! As soon as the vet told me what was going on, my radar went off … the first time she vomited it had the skunky marijuana smell, but I didn’t put two and two together. Poor little thing was shaking, confused, lethargic, and continued to vomit for a few hours.
The vet offered us several options, providing us with the cost of each and everything. We opted to have her get fluids and be observed for a few hours under their care. They also gave her something to make her stop vomitting.
We picked her up about 3 hours later, she was remarkably better, and it took about 24 hours for her to return to normal.
Everyone at the Emergency Hospital was professional, kind, and helpful. We cannot thank you enough for helping us, and for not only giving our little pup TLC, but for giving us TLC as well. You took care of all of us!
I hope we won’t need your services again, but if we do, we know we will be in good hands.

They have saved two of our dogs.
Thank you to the Dr. who refilled Lila’s seizure prescription yesterday and
also for «quartering» the tablets for us.

You, as a «specialist», were supposed to review our baby Jade’s xrays (AFTER she had ALREADY been diagnosed with a heart murmer) & advise the best treatment for her going forward…
Instead, you refused to offer anything without subjecting her to another $ 2100.00+ worth of tests. If cleaning out my aunt’s pockets was what it was going to take to get the information she needed to get Jade setup with a treatment that would help her manage her heart murmur into an old age… Then she was going to do it.
Instead of calling to let us know we could pick her up & go over the recommended treatment when you were done stressing the little heart patient out without her loved ones there to comfort her, you called telling the family that she was suddenly experiencing FOR THE FIRST TIME IN HER LIFE severe seizures & that you were currently pumping doses of antiseizure meds into her to treat.
Then you sent the poor thing home worse than you got her & with nothing but seizure drugs & a dent in my families pocket that my aunt could have used on a REAL VET that could have done the job you were apparently you unqualified to do.
My aunt took Jade, who within days of being trusted to you was now struggling to breathe, back to her regular vet, who was devastated to inform us that her decreased state was due the the meds you pumped her full of because you failed to recognize the difference between a seizure & a heart flutter.
You damaged her weakened heart so badly that the REAL DOCTOR informed us IT WOULD BE UNFAIR OF US TO PUT HER THROUGH WHAT IT WOULD TAKE TO KEEP HER ALIVE.
My aunt picked up Jade’s ashes today…
You made her pay you $ 2100.00 to end her best friend’s life. If it didn’t take everything she had to pay you for your botch job & then turn around & have to pay to put her to sleep as well just to save her from having to suffer any further…
We would find a way to invest it in the resources it would take to shut your inexperienced, cold blooded, money grubbing establishment down.
How dare you even ATTEMPT to get away with such indecency & so effortlessly cause a family & an innocent, loved & happy little pup such devastation & heartache.
While I pray your doors will soon shut forever, I don’t hope or wish badly on any of you individually… I honestly pray that when the time comes that the wrong-​doing you have participated in & the lives you have so crassly put a pricetag on & used for monitary gain comes full circle, as it always does… That nobody else will have to endure an experience as upsetting as the one my family was forced to experience with you.
RiP Little Jade… Their money will be gone LONG before you are ever forgotten by any. We love & miss you always!

I was so sad to see the negative reviews of this place, as my husband and I had the best experience ever! We were very impressed.
We were told by our vet to come here because our cat’s biopsy results came back as cancerous. When bringing our cat in for his appointment, he peed in the carrier. I had notified the technician of this, once we got inside the exam room, so that she wouldn’t get pee all over herself. She said it was no big deal, and that she would get a bag for us to put the soiled bedding in. Not only did she put the bedding in a bag for us, she then cleaned the inside of the carrier, got a fresh new towel to put inside AND cleaned off our cat! I was amazed! I’ve never had a place do that for us before! In fact, at other vets in the past, I didn’t even get a paper towel, so this was like royal treatment!
We found out that our cat was going to require «surgery» to remove the the tumor nodules growing on him. They explained everything, gave us an estimated print out of what they were going to do and it’s cost, and was able to take him right then and there! Super awesome and convenient since our fur baby doesn’t travel well.
Once he was out of surgery and the anesthesia started to ware off, we were called and updated about his condition. We were told we could pick him up an hour later, where they again explained everything that happened, and gave us a «Soft-​e-​Collar» for him to wear for the next 10 days so he doesn’t pull out his stitches. This place took such great care of my cat, treated him as if he were there own. I feel very comfortable with this place, and would definitely come back if I needed to. Given the circumstances of our initial visit, I hope we don’t have to come back, but if we do, at least I know he’s in the best hands!
Thank you VCA BAVS, for taking such wonderful care of our fur baby!

I brought Ili (Pekingese) in because he has been coughing all day and was getting progressively worse. As soon as I brought him in the staff immediately brought him into the exam area, there Ili was in critical condition. After speaking to Dr. Jennings DVM, she was very patient and gave us time to discuss with the family an informed decision. Collectively, we decided to stop the pain and misery Ili was in and have him put to sleep rather than prolonging his life to which his quality of life was uncertain.
In one of my saddest moments, the staff were very professional and letting me have a few moments with Ili.