VCA Cat Hospital of Philadelphia

Had a good follow up and discussion about VCA with my partner and the vet seen. I want to highlight some of the good elements here, and a warning to check your SPAM folder if you are waiting for results. Some pros are the scheduling system, vets, and ability to get same day appointments. The prices here are significantly higher than elsewhere. And didn’t see results from tests in a timely way and better communication structure would have helped. It does still feel a bit like a factory to care for cats rather than really listening and helping. But, this is less a result of individuals who work there (they seem to care about the animals) and more a result of the automatic structure of VCA. We found a vet we like much better, who took the time to walk us through all options, really meet our cat, stayed in the room the whole time, and followed up when they said they would. It can feels like VCA wants to over sell you on hella expensive items, procedures, and general wellness care with the automatic advertising strategy. That said, there are people there who do care about animals and show it.

posted: 02/15/2023

Before I begin, I do want to state that the vet techs and doctor were very kind, and I don't blame them for my negative experience. But warning on financial communications!!!! There were other reviews stating issues around transparency with payments and I should have heeded the warnings. I called to inquire about boarding my cat and was told $38/night, but I would have to bring him in for a mandatory exam first, which is an understandable policy. I spent $270 on the exam plus fecal sample, despite him having just had an exam with a different vet 2 months ago, but felt it was worth it to be able to board him. After the exam, I received an email with the estimated rate for his boarding stay and the price showed $76.70/night...which is almost $40 higher/night than I was quoted. I immediately called and voiced my frustrations and was offered a refund on the fecal sample...but was told I must have misheard...I wish I had recorded or documented the original phone call because while it's possible a miscommunication happened, I did confirm the number with the original person I spoke to and confirmed that I would be able to book boarding at that price after receiving the exam. Anything over $50 for boarding a cat is ridiculous, so I won't be doing that and will instead find a different solution. I did get back $140 for the labs, but am still out $130 on an unnecessary exam I paid for. As a graduate student with limited funds, that's frustrating, disheartening, and impacts my wellbeing...and I wish their communication had been better upfront. I'm not totally opposed to using their vet services in the future, as the doctor/vet techs were kind and good with my cat, but if you utilize their services, ask for written documentation of all prices beforehand and make informed decisions. I will just be more careful moving forward if I ever do return to them, but have enjoyed the transparency and communication I've gotten better from other vets in the Philly area (ex: Heart and Paw)

posted: 06/16/2023

The worst experience I’ve ever had in a vet clinic. I brought my cat for annual vaccination in the early June. After the physical exam, I understand my cat has some health conditions, but what they suggested was a $1,500 treatment plan. I totally understand they want to bring all they can offer to my baby. This time on 6/25 is supposed to be a booster shot appointment. It turns out I payed $165.7 for a single booster shot?! I argued at the concierge for at least 15min and told them I wasn’t got informed on any of the payment plans today. What they told me was: “Every time you came here you’re paying for the vet’s experience so the fee is mandatory EVERY SINGLE TIME. If you are looking for a cheeper option, you should look for a vaccination clinic.” I can definitely pay for the physical exam fee but I wasn’t get a chance to know there’s a re-check exam fee. Isn’t this your problem?

posted: 06/25/2022

Staff is very friendly and helpful but do to miscommunication from the provider and staff I will not be going back. First thing is pricing, the vet visits are extremely overpriced. When I went in for a possible UTI/upset stomach for my cat they tried to push about $1700 worth of diagnostic testing and vaccinations. Which is fine but not something I could afford. We discussed taking things one diagnostic test at a time and coming back at a later date for other vaccinations. I had to come back a second day to have urine pulled from my cat, which again not a problem and totally understandable. But what i wasn’t aware of was that they had unknowingly signed me up for their CarePlan that was about $140/month and gave my partner a hard time when he was declining that we ever agreed to sign up. While i needed to find a more affordable vet in the first place and was going to give it some time with this place to get my cat healthy and back to baseline before moving to a different vet, that situation alone has left me with a horrible view on how that hospital is running and will not be returning.

posted: 07/19/2023

VCA was the best today when my cat suddenly became sick! They were able to get me an emergency appointment and were extremely thorough in their exam and treatment plan. They worked with me financially and provided compassionate care to me and my anxious pet. I will be back for all my cats’ healthcare needs as long as I’m in the area!

posted: 04/05/2023