VCA TLC Pasadena Veterinary Specialty and Emergency

I've been bringing my dogs to them for years. In December 2022, I brought my golden retriever to them for distended abdomen, and found out that she has liver failure. I was told to either bring her to another hospital for higher level of care or euthanize her. Since she's still very active, still eating and playing, I decided to just bring her home and sustain her until she becomes uncomfortable.... then we'll go for euthanasia. In February 2023, we saw Dr Wong for another abdominal tap (to remove the fluid from her abdomen), and Dr Wong understood my stand to "just keeping her comfortable" until she's not anymore..... and since then we've been coming every 1-2 months for the abdominal tap, but Dr Wong didn't stop his care there.... he's given me recommendations on meds and food that I can give her to support her liver disease. Now, it's been over a year since she was diagnosed with liver failure and was advised euthanasia... she's still alive, thriving, and happy dog. Dr Wong is the best!!! Very compassionate and explains everything in detail.

posted: 02/04/2024

I just had to post a quick review about this veterinary hospital. Last week I was very stressed because my dog was not feeling well and no clinics we're taking any more patients. I called this clinic very upset and I talked to a wonderful man named Mitch who not only listened kindly but was exceptionally patient and even helped me to calm down. I cannot express how grateful I am for his kindness and for the time that he gave me! Mitch deserves a raise and I am so grateful for all his kindness! In the end my sweet boy ended up being okay but his voice across the line that was so kind helped immensely!!

posted: 03/03/2024

I am a first time dog owner and adopted my pup during covid. With everything being closed, it was extremely challenging to find a vet, ask questions, or navigate the needs of a 95lb German Shepard. I had 2 incidents where I was terrified my pup was going to die. The first was in 2021. I took my pup to the emergency care here and was initially shocked by the kindness and patience they had with me. I had so many questions! My pup was better within a few days of visiting. While the costs for the medical treatment he needed were pretty steep, they walked me through the worst case scenario. All charges were consistent. Recently I had to take my pup back and had a similarly excellent experience (in light of how sick my dog was.) Dr Jenny Nguyen was so kind to us and treated my large baby with compassion. She gave great directions, and I was able to treat him at home with her help! It’s been 3 days and he’s feeling much better. We look forward to going here for his yearly checkups! Thanks again!!

posted: 04/05/2023

I took an injured feral cat in, very old and thin, that I had been feeding. It can’t be touched at all, so any treatment was out of the question and best for the cat was euthanasia. They insisted on an exam, blood work, and X-rays, with an estimate of $1000. I only talked to a vet tech, a vet wouldn’t talk to me. I’m elderly and explained that I could barely afford cat food for the 6 homeless cats I take care of, but they wouldn’t budge. I was a regular client there with my indoor cats, but no more. Clearly all that matters is their fee structure with absolutely no flexibility. No more VCA for me.

posted: 10/25/2023

I do not recommend anyone taking their dog here for an emergency I had a horrible experience where I taking my dog to see my vet first thing in the morning and was told to get her to an emergency hospital I called several hospitals and got their answering machines and when I got ahold of VCA they said come on in you'll have a wait but she'll be seen. Well I was there for 5 and 1/2 hours still hadn't been seen we were seen by vet tech in the lobby 2 hours in who told me well if your dog has a serious problem she'll need surgery and it's going to cost about $5000or $6,000 , very unprofessional especially from a vet tech I asked well it can she be seen can anybody see her soon and he said yes you have one dog ahead of you well several hours later still hadn't been seen finally got a hold of my animal emergency hospital and they said we can get her set for surgery the next day Will charge $1,600, well by then she was so septic the next morning I had to have her put down . I guess my dog wasn't that big of an emergency to them for waiting five and a half hours and she was very septic and maybe something could have been done!

posted: 12/20/2022