VCA San Carlos Animal Hospital - San Carlos, California

C. T. St

VCA San Carlos just charged me $115 for meds that cost $20 on Chewy.

That’s shameful.

This has got to be one of the most expensive vets in the Bay Area.

Huake He

Very helpful staff and doctors! They helped me go through protocols to ship my friends cat to Singapore, arranged vaccination times, gave useful suggestions, and contacted USDA for emergent issues. My friends cat is able to travel safely and smoothly.

Kurt Payne

Vet is closed at random times and refuses to work with any pharmacies or carry the food or medication my pet needs. It’s an act of congress every year to get a paper script from the vet and then carry it to the pharmacy. I’ve showed up TWICE now to an office that is supposed to be open but instantly closed without notice on their website or soon

PJ Thurston

When my 17-year old cat became suddenly ill my regular Vet was unable to schedule an appointment with us and I tried Veterinary Wellness Center in an emergency. The staff was amazing, saw us right away, were so compassionate to our poor kitty, and she received immediate and quality veterinary care and attention. The fact that the Wellness Center is open 24 hours a day/night and 7 days a week ensures that all my pets are seen whenever they have a need and scheduling is not dependent on an 8-hour work day. Frankly, I don't know why anyone wouldn't want this care for their pet, especially considering the superior veterinary services provided at the Wellness Center.

J DeLaCruz

Wow. I cannot express how thankful I am to have this hospital. They were very attentive and was able to see my pet the same day I called!

When I wasn’t sure if it was urgent, they were able to ask thorough questions to help determine if my pet should be seen now or wait for an appointment.

The appointment was an easy process for me. All I had to do was wait in my car and wait for a phone call. Everything was contactless which obviously is important to me given covid.

Even when I arrived my pet did not hesitate to go with the nurses, you could tell she trusted them!

Thanks VCA San Carlos for going above and beyond!

Greta

One more update...the owner of the clinic was kind enough to contact me to discuss my concerns. She did address them with the staff.
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I will leave my previous, glowing review, but in recent months we have not been as pleased with the care. Our dog was unusually lethargic, and while we are grateful the VCA diagnosed her with hypothyroidism, there were two instances of tests we declined that they proceeded with and charged us. Additionally we are not receiving written summaries or itemized invoices. The thing that concerns us most is we strongly feel our dog is receiving too high of a dose of medication as we are seeing adverse reactions. Instead of investigating our concerns, we were assured that we needed to continue with the higher dose based on lab results (my dad was a medical researcher, I get this, but labs vs. symptoms, please be curious). I simply don't feel they are taking the time to care for our concerns and questions.
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6 Years Earlier
Thank you doesn’t even begin to express our gratitude for what Dr Haddad and staff did for our dog.
Our dog sitter notified us that our dog Matilda had been sick to her stomach since our departure. First day we thought it was nerves, but by the 2nd day, we realized something serious was wrong.

Our dog sitter took Matilda to San Carlos Pet Hospital (referral from a friend). We were 2000 miles away at a family reunion ( a short 4 day trip), and the staff kept in frequent contact with us on her condition. They were very practical with the tests which were run and reasonable with the charges. After a few inconclusive tests (important ones to rule out illness), the doctors felt it was likely there was an obstruction in her GI which wasn't showing up on x-ray. Having a father who was a medical researcher I understood how this was possible, so when they suggested ultra-sound, we proceeded.

The staff moved forward with calling every possible resource for the ultrasound in the Bay Area. Once they secured an appointment, (but with only an hours notice and, again, being 2000 miles away), we were unable to transport Matilda to her ultrasound appointment. We called friends, pet taxi services and couldn't find anyone to transport her. So the owner took it upon herself to transport Matilda to the other clinic. (We are still so grateful for this!!!)

Obstruction was found and Dr Haddad, came in after hours to perform her surgery. In total, 5 doctors attended to Matilda, kept us posted around the clock (literally we received a call at 3:30 am when Matilda was not doing well).

With so much that happened in those few days, in the end, we feel the billing was also reasonable. Truly, we will never go to another vet. This is our vet clinic going forward. They are remarkable.

Message to Dr Haddad and staff "Your treatment of Matilda was outstanding and to say you went above and beyond is an understatement. This sort of dedication to your patients makes you all exceptional vets. You saved our dogs life and provided her with affection and comfort in our absence. (Tearful) Our sincere thanks to all of you."

Vicki Gariffo

I've been bringing my dogs here for years and have had only positive experiences. Recently one of my dogs swallowed an entire banana, with the skin and stem. I called the office and was told to bring him right in. He was treated almost immediately and was fine and ready to come home in around an hour and a half.
The vets we've seen, Dr. Haddad and Dr. Stauber, are both friendly and professional. The nurse is wonderful.
I'm happy they've become a 24 hour emergency center so I would no longer have to drive to Palo Alto for after-hours care.

Sherri Horan

I brought our cat Denver into San Carlos Pet Hospital to have a foxtail in his ear removed. I was so pleased with the service. The entire staff was professional, genuinely friendly, and very caring toward Denver.
I felt like the medical team did just what they needed to do to relieve the foxtail irritation without trying to 'sell' me additional unnecessary services. I left the office feeling very grateful to have found this wonderful hospital where I know all my pets will get exceptional professional care.