TLC Pet Medical Center

My foster Ericka, took one of my rescues, Jensen to their Emergency on Friday night. Read her review for more details. I was in charge of payment so dealing with them by phone. By the time Jensen had been there 3 hours with no fluids, I was so frustrated I let expletives rip at a vet tech when they said they STILL could not start treatment until the current estimate, which was wrong, be re-​written for the second or third time.
Was this the best way for me to handle it? Absolutely not. Still, instead of admonishing the foster over my language, perhaps it would behoove them to focus on better service for their clients. I WILL NEVER HAVE ONE OF MY DOGS GO HERE AGAIN. No doubt they will respond with some justification of the treatment and ridiculous fee of $ 1400 but do yourselves a favour and go elsewhere if you want decent treatment for your pet after hours.

It really pains me to write this review. I absolutely ADORE Dr.‘s Pickell and Dr. Tesauro. If I were reviewing the two of them, as I have previously, they would get 5 stars all the way: they are both phenomenal. The ER is a whole different ball game.
My little foster dog was feeling terrible; not eating & listless so off to the ER we went.
We went in and they were busy. I understand busy, and am prepared to roll with it. We waited for about 20 minutes; no big deal. The Dr. Roberts came in and was cold but professional. Looked at him for about 4 minutes, said he was very sick, that she suspected kidney failure, said she’d need to do blood work and an Xray (still not sure why she needed $ 350 Xrays), walked out, and sent the tech back with an estimate for $ 650, just to get a diagnosis.
I get that they aren’t psychic, but I wanted to ask about doing the blood work 1^st, and only do the Xrays if they didn’t get the info they needed from the blood work. I was told I’d have to ask the doc, but that she was «too busy». They weren’t too busy to take my $ 95 for the consultation but she was too busy to actually consult with me. 20 minutes later, after asking twice a tech cam in but she couldn’t answer that fundamental question, and acted annoyed and burdened that we were asking. So over nearly an hour my dog sat on the table miserable, shaking and getting sicker by the moment with NO TREATMENT, nor would they begin treatment, not even some IV fluids, until after they got the tests back and we signed off on a treatment proposal
When I got back in they handed me 2 quotes, one for $ 1900, one for $$ 2400. The told me they had spoken with the rescue’s finance person and that she had said that as long as I signed off they were okay with it. I just wanted to verify and it turns out the finance person had approved a $ 1400 estimate NOT a $ 1900, or a $ 2400 one.
Quite obviously they were annoyed and wanted to know why the $ 500+ jump. Nobody seemed able to tell me, nor were they able to find the $ 1400 quote. And nobody could explain it because «they were really busy» and the only person who knew was out to lunch. When I asked if the $ 650 had already been paid, nobody knew. They said they’d have to get his chart… but then they didn’t, cuz they were busy. Meanwhile my little dog is in the back STILL NOT RECEIVING TREATMENT because they «can’t» start treating until I sign off… but I can’t sign off until I can get information! It was now 3 hours since we first waled through the door.
Sadly there was a phone scuffle where someone from the rescue was so frustrated that she yelled and cursed at the tech. It wasn’t ideal by any stretch of the imagination but it was costly and frustrating, and it was nearly 10pm, we had brought the dog in at 6:30 and he still wasn’t being treated. I made apologies to everybody, including the girl. At this point, but it took huge drama, someone actually bothered to find out why there were 3 quotes and what the differences were.
During the explanation of the quotes, the doctor who was too busy to talk to me about the options for my pet, came out and read me the riot act with a cold condescending demeanor. I understand that she was upset because her staff wasn’t treated well but *I* wasn’t the one who did it. If she had a problem with someone else she should have called the rescue and talked to them directly. Not used me as a scapegoat because I was standing there. I was terribly insulted. Not to mention, there was a pretty good reason that the rescue was so frustrated. It *felt* like TLC was playing fast and loose with their money. I’m sorry, if you’re spending $ 2K on anything you should get good, courteous service, your dog shouldn’t suffer while they mess around for hours. I also shouldn’t be told that a charge has been approved when it’s actually $ 500 MORE than what was approved. I believe that was just an accident but in the moment if felt pretty shifty. I think anybody would be mad with this sort of lack of attention and disorganization. We brought him in at 6:30 and it was 10:30 before they began treatment on him.
I can’t say that I’ll never go back to TLC emergency but NEVER will I go in when Dr. Roberts is there. She was cold, exploitative, did not provide informed consent, and reprimanded me for the actions of another, and walked out STILL not explaining the charges. Ultimately we admitted him but pulled him in the morning and transferred him to another vet.
In the morning I told my story to someone at the front desk. I explained that not only was I angry and offended, but that I was also really embarrassed because I had raved to the rescue about the quality of care at TLC. Not only was the care not good, it was so disorganized, messy and abusive that I looked like an absolute idiot for saying they were great.
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My moms little chihuahua was hit by a car or run over by a bike rider we aren’t really sure what happened. All I know is that he was breathing and making eye contact with me on the short three minute drive to this place. We walked in they take our dog and run them to the back room. Said they won’t start treatment unless we give them 700 $ as a deposit right at that moment to start treatment and without treatment he would pass (yes obviously), said I couldn’t afford it I had nothing on me except 20 dollars and they said they could put him down free of cost??? Thanks for trying to end my dogs suffering but I’m trying to save his life. My brothers girlfriend was on the phone and she frequents vets because she has many dogs, told us to take him to another emergency care because vets want to save your pets life not suggest to put them down just because there’s no money in your hands. Said I had to call my mom because I recently lost my job and didn’t have that kind of money available. I walk outside and as I’m walking outside they make snide comments about how could I let my tiny dog outside, MAYBE 3 minutes pass that I am outside and they come out to tell me and my brother that our pet has passed. They THEN tell us to fill out paperwork because he passed there. It seems a little suspicious that after we tell them we couldn’t afford that ourselves and after he has passed we fill out paper work, it’s the first thing you do. Yes my dog was hit but he was breathing and he was scared and they made no attempt to save his life just because I couldn’t hand them seven hundred dollars the moment I walked in.

Please look at the «not currently recommended reviews» at the very end of the page!!! The TLC owner or staff removed lots of one star reviews there! They are real reviews from Pet owners!!! Please look at them!!! My friend’s review got removed there too! Very unbelievable!!! Unilocal should not remove many of those reviews!!! They are real victims from TLC!!! This place only knows how to overcharge you, double charge you and do unnecessary treatment and procedure for you Pet!!! Please read all their negative reviews before making your step to TLC (instead of tender loving care… They are «Totally Love Cash»)!!!

All of my dogs goes here, Happy, Coco, Teemo (new), this is a good place to have yearly check up and shots. Coco was spayed here, and recover really well, the nurses even called me to check her up couple days after.(they already called the day after she came home) The doctor we had for yearly check up were really nice, she even gave coco barley 10min bully rub just because coco keep asking her to do so :)) I like the staff here, remember always called in for appointments first since most of the time they are REALLY REALLY busy.

TLC is as good as it getsI I have traveled all the way from Monrovia to South Pasadena many times over the years to have a procedure or wellness check done. Their staff and doctors are the best I have ever come across, so the extra distance is worth it. I have as much confidence in them as I do my own physicians.

Guys… I’m writing this review to let you know that you must check those not recommended reviews. They are at the end of the page. Those are reviews that have been removed by the owner. One of my closed friends shared her very own experience on here, and it has been removed to the not recommended section.

One star is too much for this place, they are rude unprofessional and only want your money. If you truly love and care for your pets, trust me when I say this place is not any good for them. AVOID THIS PLACE LIKE THE PLAGUE.

Stay away from this place. They’d just rip you off as much as they can. When it comes to the welfare of my dog versus their earnings, they’d pick the money. They even did unnecessary procedure on my dog without asking me. I really wonder if they did it for their own fun or to show someone there how the procedure is done. When you leave your pets to the vet, they can pretty much do whatever they want (if they don’t leave evidence) behind your back. Your pets don’t talk. In situation like this, my advice is to stay away from human beings who practice veterinary medicine without an acceptable ethical standard.

Had an after hours emergency situation that had me come here instead of my regular vet.
I can say this was the worst interaction I have ever encountered myself in; extremely rude and dismissive. Very unprofessional and spoke down to me concerning my beloved pet.
Long traumatic story short, my loved one died within an hour of leaving him in their care.
When I went to pick him up they tried to give me a shoe box to put his body in which he couldn’t even fit.
I brought his body to my regular vet and they informed me that it was «suspicious» that he passed seeing as they got his blood work back and everything was perfect.
When I asked for his medical records they gave me the run around about having his file being misplaced after I had confirmed over the phone that I would be picking the file up. It was only after I mentioned bringing in my attorney, did they call me back within 10 minutes miraculously finding his medical file.
It’s been 8 months and I still break down and cry and wish I could have taken him anywhere but here. But in my desperation I took him to the closest 24 hours clinic, and I regret everyday that it was this place.

I found myself at TLC Pet Center after the Vet I normally go to wouldn’t take emergency walk-​ins. Thank you Dr. Scott and staff for going above and beyond in helping my dog Sydney!!!

My dog Felix had TPLO surgery (to repair a torn ACL) with Dr. Little. We are almost 9 weeks into his recovery and (after 2 overnight visits and 3 follow ups) Felix is doing GREAT! To say that I am a neurotic dog-​mom would be putting it lightly. Dr. Little has been great with answering my millions of questions and even called me on Easter Sunday when I left her a panicked voicemail that Felix had been crying non-​stop since his surgery. (AND the advice she gave stopped Felix’s crying!)
It is really tough for me to take time off work for follow up visits so Dr. Little’s staff lets me drop off Felix early AM on my way to work and pick him up late PM when I get home. The fact that they are so accommodating (and open ²⁴⁄₇) is a huge plus. Every time I drop Felix off he seems excited to go in so the staff must treat him very well. Dr. Little always calls me with a progress report about an hour after I drop Felix off and she patiently answers my long string of questions and reassures me that Felix healing just fine. Her receptionist (Jessica) is awesome too; every time she calls to confirm one of Felix’s appointments she asks how he is doing (with some other medical issues he has). It’s nice to know that they actually REMEMBER who Felix is and care about how he is doing!
Another reason I would recommend TLC is because of their prices. They were the first place I called for a quote and (out of the 8 places I got quotes from) they were among the cheapest. Some of the other reviews say that TLC is overpriced but I think that people need to remember that TLC is for emergencies and bigger medical issues. I wouldn’t recommend TLC to someone who just needs to get their dog vaccinated (as an example)… Go to VCA for that.

Visiting the emergency vet is never, ever where I want to find myself. I am however, grateful to have access to a 24 hour facility.
I’ve had the misfortune of having to bring my dog in twice in the past two years. With her advanced age (18), every illness feels like that’s going to be it for her. The staff at TLC has been great every time. I’m sure they’re accustomed to dealing with frantic pet owners and they do a good job staying calm, assessing the situation and doing their best to get you in to see a veterinarian as soon as possible.
Even past midnight, you could be out front waiting for an examination room to open. Critical cases get handled right away. We came in on a busy Tuesday evening, around 8:00 after my dog slipped through the railing on our balcony. Though no exam room was open, they took her in back for monitoring and I felt at ease that she was being cared for right away. We waited for about twenty, agonizing minutes before a vet tech poked her head out to tell us she was stable, just so we weren’t waiting and worrying. I appreciated the update.
We were taken into an exam room, where a vet came out to give us her diagnosis. After giving her assessment, a tech came in with a detailed, itemized estimate of the bill. Because they are more than aware that many customers have a primary vet, they leave the level of care up to you. The first time we came in, we opted for painkillers just to get her through the night until I could contact my regular vet for a thorough check. On this particular night, we decided to get x-​rays done, just to see what kind of pain she was in. We thought it was important to discuss the possibility of euthanization. As it turned out, nothing was broken.
Leaving TLC does not end their involvement with your pet’s care. After paying our bill, the girls at the front desk told us to call if any issues came up. I took them up on their offer and called twice that night for a couple issues that arose. I was able to speak directly to the vet and she gave me the results from the specialist’s analysis just three hours after leaving the office. I had zero issues obtaining a copy of the x-​rays. I was able to pick up a digital copy within a half hour of calling it in.
It’s been a few days since the incident. My feelings of despair and self-​hatred have started to subside since seeing an improvement in my baby girl’s health. Much appreciation for the valuable x-​rays and caring service.

I took my St Bernard dog Carson here for emergency surgery when his stomach was distended with bloat. The staff and veterinary team were kind, straightforward, and gentle. I was consistently informed as to the state of my dog and was encouraged to call for updates whenever I wished. Yes the prices are slightly higher than a regular vet visit… it’s an emergency! That’s what you pay when your dog is knocking on heaven’s door, however they are not the priciest in town. They have visiting hours for you to stay and keep your dog company that are flexible for working people. Dr Linnea Scott saved my dog and I am eternally grateful. Thanks to Jesse, Robert, and Ralph as well! Carson says thanks!

We have gone here several times for pet emergencies over the last 5 years. The Nurses and staff are very friendly and thoughtful, but the prices are insane. The typical MO at TLC is not to do a thorough exam and analysis first, but rather to order every test under the sun possible and then spread the exam over multiple visits.
I have had this happen with 3 different pets, but what do you do when you have an emergency? You go pay whatever you think you need to in the moment because you love your pet and you trust that they are going to help them.
Unfortunately, this is not always the case and i’ve finally had it with this place. I brought a pet in for a orthopedic issue and they ran all kinds of blood tests for gastro intestinal issues and various unrelated issues that cost $ 500. Total bill for a pet that was not even properly diagnosed when i left — over $ 1000 and still had to go back a day later.
Sometimes you don’t have options in an emergency. If your pet is in trauma, they will do a good job here, but if you have a more difficult issue to diagnose I highly suggest seeking out other options.
Again, i don’t want to just bash the place because they are nice people, but I can’t recommend them any longer.

My dog was attacked by a coyote yesterday. He is 7 pounds so it was critical. They told me it would be 5000+ to save him and it was not 100 percent he would live. But the most horrible thing is I was very distraught crying shaking and in shock. He is like my child, I could hear the vet assistants talking bad about me for being upset the walls are thin and I could hear every word the male and female attendant were saying and the negative comments. And then to add insensitivity to injury I got called the next day at 7 am of course I didn’t sleep so I answered to ask for my cc info to refund me 29 $ of the 550 I paid to be told in 10 minutes my dog was going to die. I will never be back again. Pets are like babies if you don’t understand that your staff should really attend a basic etiquette course on manners and how to console people with loss. Talking shit about them in their saddest hour does not help at all!!!

I have been going here for over ten years and I will not go anywhere else. From the front desk people, to the techs who check temperatures and weights, to my veterinarian extraordinary, TLC is the only place I trust with my cats, dogs, bunny and tortoise. They are thorough, organized and thoughtful.
I specifically love the people at the front desk like Nancy and Lane and all of the kind ladies who help me check in the babies. They treat me like I am a special client and as though my pets are extra special. Nancy is a great welcoming presence and she is one of the main reasons I love TLC. She loves cats and can talk with me about them as long as I want.
The techs are also great. Cynthia is amazing as is everyone else I have worked with. I actually adopted one of my cats from her through their cat fostering system. Tommy is from TLC through her.
We see Dr Tesauro because she is the most trustworthy and honest veterinarian we have ever encountered. She explains everything and is a great communicator. She loves each one of our fur babies and treats them with tender loving care. She has successfully conducted surgeries on our babies and they are all doing great.
Finally, the main reason why we love TLC is Patty, the Queen of all Felines and Humans. She is the main greeter at TLC and also a nurse to other pets. Sometimes she deigns to acknowledge me when I pet her, other times she turns away. However, she never rejects my caressing.
TLC is the best place to go for quality veterinarian care by people who will go the extra mile.

No one likes to be at the emergency with a sick pet. But if you do find yourself in this situation, be glad that TLC is open 24 hours, and even better if you come on a night that Dr. Mar is in.
I brought my cat here as an emergency for urinary blockage. The woman at reception was very nice and we did not have to wait long at all. Dr. Mar came in and listened to everything I had to say. He spent a lot of time with us and was very attentive, caring and generous.
My kitty had to stay hospitalized for several days with a urinary catheter. Dr. Mar called me every day he was there with updates, which really put my worried mind at ease. You’re even able to call in the middle of this night to check on your hospitalized pet and a tech is always available to talk to. I was able to see my pet during visiting hours. They put you in an exam room and allow as much time as you like. I never felt rushed or make to feel like I was taking up the room.
I see in a lot of these reviews people are complaining about price. I had to come in to the hospital several times and each time I was presented with an estimate. You are able to choose the treatment for you pet. You don’t have to do everything that is recommended. You know, it’s an emergency hospital! These facilities have much more advanced equipment and in-​house laboratories than general practice hospitals. You get results right away. which is great and helpful when you have a sick pet. And they accept Care Credit. which is wonderful!
Anyway! To get back on track, I was very pleased with the service I received at this hospital. i really appreciated all compassion and attention Dr. Mar gave my cat. It was my first time to this emergency hospital. I hope I don’t ever have to come here again! But if I do, I’ll know that my pet will be getting exceptional care.
Thank you Dr. Mar and staff!

Worst customer service. My dogs ear was irritating her for days and my regular vet was booked so we waited hoping that it would get better but it didn’t.
This place was 24 hours so I called around midnight and the receptionist was extremely rude, both with her tone and the fact that she gave me attitude while stating that it wasn’t an emergency and it could wait.
Way to be a caring for animals while u work at a damn veterinary center… Don’t bother going here. People like this don’t deserve your business.

Negative review still stands, and it looks like their rating got even lower.
Looks like it may be time for a staff change!