VCA Bay Park Animal Hospital

Wow, I can’t believe I somehow forgot to write a review of my experience. This happened several years ago, but it still hurts just the same. Several years ago, my husband and I brought our 4 year old cat in as she was experiencing severe health problems very suddenly. We got her in for an appointment very soon and were happy. They wanted to run all different types of tests which we approved as we wanted to know what was going on. Her fur was falling off in patches and she was losing weight fast. They did their tests (which at the time cost about $500-$600) and were told that we would be called within 3-4 days with results. We waited….and waited. 7 days later I decide to call back as our cat was quickly declining and we needed to know the results as soon as we could. We were met back with “oh, your vet is on vacation and will get back to you when he is in office” I was stunned. How? How do you just leave for vacation without leaving results for another vet in your clinic to call us? They completely forgot about us. By the time the vet was back from vacation, our cat had sadly passed away. To this day we still have no clue what caused it as the results all came back negative. We had to watch our cat die in our arms because this clinic failed to provide us with results we paid for in a timely manner. But wait…it gets worse. On top of the bill we noticed that we had a random charge for Sephora in Fashion Valley Mall. Another $500 stolen from us. We tried to call our bank to have the charges reversed, but because the bank we had at the time and the location of the purchase, we were not able to get a refund. The thing is, which is highly concerning & I’m hoping at the least has been fixed today, is that they took our card behind a corner of a wall and was gone for several minutes. Between the time of the transaction, the last place we used our card was at this vet. While I don’t want to outright accuse this clinic of anything, this is just so highly suspicious that it feels important to bring up. I feel it was partially our fault for not watching the receptionist closely, but it also is so heartbreaking to know that people like this truly exist in the world. We put our trust into this clinic and it completely backfired in our faces. We never went back here & warned all friends to avoid this place at all costs. I highly recommend Turquoise Animal Hospital in Pacific Beach/La Jolla area. Though they can be just as pricey, they have always been very efficient with getting back to us in a timely manner and providing our other animals with the love and respect they deserve.

posted: 07/06/2023

Absolutely terrible experience all around. Firstly, while I was waiting with my cat in the room, the lab tech bursted in without knocking (therefore giving me no time to grab my cat), which led my cat to run right out of the room since she happened to be near the door when the lab tech opened it without warning. Secondly, I very clearly informed both the lab tech and the vet that my cat needs to be at least partially sedated if they are going to give her any shots, since she reacts very negatively to them when fully alert. Not only was I crystal clear about this, but they included Gabapentin (for sedation) as part of the bill before proceeding with taking my cat to the back room, so I of course thought they were going to give her the Gabapentin before the shots. When they brought her back out, I discovered they had completely ignored me and attempted to give her the shots without any form of sedation. They then acted like I should be sorry that my cat "drew blood" on one of the tech's fingers. None of this would have happened if they simply listened to my clear instructions. Moreover, I have no doubt that they were quite aggressive with her because: 1) that is the first time she's ever bitten a vet / lab tech (she's 7 y/o), and 2) she was visibly shaking uncontrollably on the way home, which was another first for her. I will no go back to this vet again. Since then, we've switched vets and we've had no issues whatsoever.

posted: 06/19/2023

i have been taking my various cats to Dr. Roper for 16 years. I have always been pleased and secure with his care, opinions, and personal concern. Most recently because Dr. Roper was not available I took my cat to see Dr. Jones, a new member of their vet staff. She was very thorough and took time to answer all my questions. The administrative and tech staff has always been responsive, efficient and courteous. I would recommend this vet practice to anyone who has pets. They are now part of the VCA system and the care has remained personal.

posted: 05/11/2021

I started taking my pets to Dr. Roper 25 years ago. He has since retired but I'm also very impressed with Dr. Jones, who works at the clinic now. She is very compassionate and seemed to be very quick in picking up on what was going on with my cat. She explained everything to me in a simple quick manner and she seemed very knowledgeable.

posted: 11/22/2021

I met Dr. Roper 24 years ago… At least. His practice was over on Morena Blvd. I never thought I’d leave VCA Bay Park. I have been treated so poorly on 3 occasions already I’m leaving to move on to a friendlier, less expensive… I just rescued a senior puppy from the shelter and was told VCA Bay park gives free exams. What does the exam include? Well, they didn’t check her mouth( she needs 2 extractions) they wouldn’t check her behind because”she would let us”…. Huh? Nothing. They told me nothing except her weight . I asked for a urine test to clear her of a blatter infection and flea meds. The bill was 400.00 and some change. I wasn’t expecting that amount. But, I paid. I didn’t complain. This was early October. I just called because A. No one has gotten back to me with her test results. If she is in pain it’s because they dropped the ball. And B I wanted to know exactly what the free exam covered because I don’t know what in the world they did?? Not even a complementary nail trim. Which of course wouldn’t be expected but geez… 400.00! Geez. So anyway, like I said I just called… The receptionist had a line, she didn’t know what the free exam meant and spoke down to me as if I were 5. She, although had a line had time to be condescending explaining in an irritated disturbing voice a basic exam that the general public has…. I’m so frustrated. I don’t know if my poor rescue has a bladder infection… The receptionist went back and forth with me… Even though she had a line with her condescending tone…. I asked her name and she HUNG UP on me. So… Today is October 31st at 4:07 on Monday. Who ever was working this day just cost Dr. P my mom, my brother, my son and of course me. That’s a lot of pet lovers. If they happen to look back at how much money my family has spent there over the past two decades Dr. P might need to revisit his selection when it comes to his front end.They REPRESENTS his business. This receptionist just took hundreds thousands out of his pocket. Bummer. I miss the sincerity, kindness and compassion that kept me there all these years. Good luck to all of you

posted: 10/31/2022