VCA Desert Animal Hospital

Took our dog here for an annual check-up health certificate (to travel to Mexico) and have her nails clipped. Really efficient and friendly service. The Veterinary Assistant that looked after us was Jana and she could not have been nicer. Our dog HATES going to the vet, but everyone was patient and kind. A great resource in downtown Palm Springs.

They saved our precious dog’s life when he drowned in a pool while we were visiting Palm Springs. Shannon at the front desk saw our poor limp wet dog, immediately dropped what she was doing, and without a word, whisked him away to have emergency care. They were so caring, and Dr Goldstein was crucial in making sure Toaster stayed alive and out of shock well enough to get to more extended care at VCA Valley. Also helped source a pet ambulance when it was clear that he wouldn’t make the drive to a 24h facility in a car. He is alive and recovering. We even found out they called VCA Valley to find out how he was doing later—they truly cared about him and his outcome independently of whether they were in front of us or not. Keep in mind restricted hours. I don't have an actual understanding of vet economics or this area, but it feels like the market could easily bear another 24h facility in the area, and the other location, VCA Valley, was at max capacity nearly the whole time we went through this process. This would be a great second option at the other end of the valley.

Our dog was euthanized Monday. He had an unknown infection to his 4 paws. They were shaved and the Dr. came in and told my husband that he had never had a dog "smell that bad" due to infection. We were unable to smell the infection until after his feet were shaved. Very rude. Once discussed that the infection was too bad to treat, the Dr. then asked my husband "how much do you love your dog?". What kind of Dr. asks someone that at that time. He actually said that twice. They were very clear about their billing for the poor service we received. Our daughter then went back, about 20 min later, to get a paw print made from a kit she brought in with her and she was denies. Was told we could get a second paw print for a "fee". She then asked if she could see him and do it herself and the staff said "there are probably other dogs on him by now". WHAT?? who says that to someone who just lost their dog. No compassion, no empathy. We have taken him to this vet several times and spent several thousands of dollars for care over his 16.5 years to just be treated this badly in the end. I will never recommend this office for any animal.

I would like to start off by saying Dr. STEPHANIE HORWITZ is by far the WORST veterinarian I have ever encountered. Do yourself a favor, save your time, money, energy, and your sanity and STAY AWAY from this hospital. She has absolutely no bedside manner when it comes to your sick pet. I understand the vast knowledge that vets obtain, but she defiantly needs to go back to school to learn how to be a decent human being.

The people here are really lovely, and they genuinely seem to care for my dog. However, I don't know if they are just overwhelmed with clients, but the quality, availability, and offering of services seems to have declined by quite a bit these past few months. You will need to wait for weeks (if not months) to get a simple vet tech appointment for vaccines. I live full-time in the Valley, and maybe it's harder now because of the influx of snowbirds and tourists this time of year, but for me that cannot come at the cost of my pet being able to get the timely care he needs. They no longer provide boarding services, with really no explanation for why that has stopped. If you ever try to work with the Rancho Mirage VCA, they will act is if your dog is a total stranger despite being a part of the same parent company. Everyone recently also seems pretty stressed, and I wonder if there's undue pressure being put on staff here at the corporate level. Prior to now, VCA has been pretty convenient, but my patience is wearing thin and there seem to be smaller operations in the Valley where your pet would get better care with more consistency, accountability, and availability. I'm still hanging on, but I'm getting close to moving on.