VCA Veterinary Referral Associates

I brought my dog in on an emergency basis in the early hours of the morning because she was vomiting. She was walking perfectly fine. My dog is very anxious. At the end of the visit I asked if they could trim her nails so that she didn’t have to go back to the vet (we had an appointment with her primary later that day). When they brought her out she was crying and limping. The vet tech said they cut one nail too short accidentally and that she should be fine in about a day. I called back later that day because my dog was still limping and was told she would likely limp for a few days because of the nail. I called back again the next day because the limp was more pronounced and was told to give it another 3 days. By Sunday her limp was no better so I brought her back in. The dr stated that her knee was injured and that this was a congenital issue associated with toy breeds (this is a lab mixed breed puppy with absolutely no history of congenital issues). When challenged the dr admitted that the problem could have occurred from an acute injury. I was of course charged for another er visit and pain meds and will be following up elsewhere. While the folks I spoke with were polite, they clearly were more concerned with covering up their mistake than with treating my dog. I take serious issue with their refusal to take responsibility for my puppy’s pain and injury. I can’t get a clear statement of what happened, which makes treatment difficult. The fix will likely be a surgery that will cost thousands. It’s unclear if earlier intervention could have resulted in better options. Bottom line is don’t come here if you love your pet. They will end up more worse for wear. Outside of the added expense, watching my puppy suffer needlessly for a week because staff didn’t want to admit they hurt her has been the absolute worst. I would have 100% sought additional treatment sooner had they been honest with me. Don’t trust this place with your animals.

Our beloved 17 pound dachshund-terrier, Franklyn, died while in VRA's care at VRA's hospital last month. She was about 7 years old and still had a lot of life and love in her. Our goal with this review is to ensure that no pet owner experiences what we went through with VRA. VRA told us she was a great candidate for the surgery and recommended we move forward with removing the benign tumor from her chest. We were so relieved it was not malignant and dreamed about spending a few more years with our dog. VRA assured us the main risk was blood loss and made us feel at ease going into surgery. When the surgeon called us to tell us the surgery went great, and that Franklyn was being transferred to ICU to recover, we breathed a sigh of relief. VRA did their job, everything would be okay. About forty-five minutes later, an ICU doctor called us in a panic to tell us Franklyn's life was in danger. We drove to the hospital, and after a front desk associate brought us to the back where Franklyn was receiving CPR (which has scarred us to this day), Franklyn died. She died from something other than blood loss, from a risk that was never properly communicated to us; lung re-perforation/re-expansion. In fact, these words did not appear once on the list of risks we were given pre-surgery. Our dog's unexpected death at VRA was only part of our incredibly poor experience with this facility. With respect to her diagnosis, we were told that the tumor in her chest was not cancerous and were thrilled that with surgery, she could get back to her loving, playful ways in 10-14 days. One day after receiving the positive prognosis and before her scheduled surgery, another doctor (not our oncologist-and to be clear, we genuinely appreciated the communication and professionalism showed by VRA's oncologist, Dr. Sara Fritz) asked us if we had seen Franklyn's CT scan results. The CT scan result apparently showed her tumor, which we were just told was benign, was actually malignant. We were devastated, and angry that we had been told two different things. The next day, Dr. Fritz called and assured us that it was benign. We could breathe again. But the emotional roller coaster had just begun. Once Franklyn had passed, we were too upset to decide what to do with her remains. VRA assured us that if we made the decision within 30 days, then they would keep her remains at the hospital. Six days after her death we called to advise VRA that we wanted her to be cremated in a private ceremony with her ashes returned to us. An associate informed us that her remains were picked up two days earlier for a group cremation and we would not receive her ashes back. We had neither consented nor signed any forms regarding any direction with her remains, so we were completely appalled by this. We spent the next 24 hours assuming that Franklyn's remains would not be returned to us. The next day, VRA emailed us to let us know that the associate made a mistake, and Franklyn's remains indeed were still at VRA. So we suffered through another day of confusion and uncertainty for no reason, because of an apparent record mishap or poor communication within VRA. Since her passing, we have requested a courtesy or some relief on our nearly $8,000 bill. We understand that all surgery comes with risks, but the hospital, in our opinion, did not properly explain the risk that ultimately killed our dog. In fact, the hospital admitted to us that they could have expressed the risks more thoroughly. We want to believe that VRA did everything medically that they could to save Franklyn's life, but we felt that we spent $8,000 only for our dog to die in their care at their hospital. We brought up the other inexcusable errors they made. VRA refuses to refund a single penny of our enormous bill, though we appreciated VRA's gesture of covering the cremation expense, but that did little in the face of our nearly $8,000 bill. We will never use them again and will steer friends and family away if asked. Feel free to reach out to me for more details about our experience.

PLEASE READ BEFORE CONSIDERING TAKING YOUR PET HERE!!!! They almost killed my dog. They do not care at all about what's best for your dog, no optimism at all, they literally want my dog to die. She went in for back surgery three months ago that they assured us would be easy. Since then, she's suffered numerous severe strokes, found "cancer", is having severe back pain, etc. told us to put her down, we didn't. We pushed and pushed, she is walking and almost running again. But every time we go back there, they only have negative things to say. Nothing positive. I try to communicate with them explanations for her behavior. She was supposed to go in for chemo today, but was having back pain from being butchered from her first back surgery. She had to get a shot of pain medicine that made her super groggy. The oncologist basically told us she is dying and has no quality of life despite walking for hours earlier that morning. Our regular vet assured us she will be fine. They are terrible. Please do not take your animal there. They only care about money, not you, your family, or your animal. I will take it to my grave that they were killing my dog. When they brought her out to us to go home after being in the hospital for two weeks, they carried her out upside down!!!!! It's just common sense to have her head picked up!!!! Please, if you care about your animal, look elsewhere. Please. When we had our initial conversation with the oncologist, she used the term "die" at least 30 times within the first five minutes, telling us our dog is "going to DIE in 1-3 months from cancer." This is the most unprofessional conversation I have ever had to experience. Our dog was running and walking yesterday morning, got a shot for pain that knocked her out, and the oncologist wrote that she has a "very poor quality of life" insinuating we should put our family member down. This is my sister!!!!!!! I love her more than anything!!! We have spent over $40k just for them to continue to tell us to put down a totally happy, energetic, loving dog. Please. I am begging anyone who is considering using them as your vet or to care for your animal, please look elsewhere. I am begging you from the bottom of my heart. If you love animals, have any sense of morals, care about your pet at all, please go somewhere else. Please. They try to play God, and all have a God complex, and are too egotistical to empathize, sympathize, show compassion, or offer any sort of decency. All they care about is money. Please. They were killing my dog. Every time she went there, she had a stroke. None at home. This is not a coincidence. Please, whoever is reading this, please do not take your pet here. VRA, PLEASE REFRAIN FROM OFFERING ANY SORT OF RESPONSE. YOU HAVE DONE ENOUGH PHYSICAL, MENTAL, AND EMOTIONAL DAMAGE TO OUR DOG, MYSELF, AND MY FAMILY. I PRAY EVERY NIGHT THAT I CAN FORGET THAT YOU WERE EVER A PART OF MY DOG'S AND MY LIFE. I POST THIS BECAUSE IT WOULD BE A DISSERVICE TO PET OWNERS EVERYWHERE TO NOT HAVE THIS STRICT WARNING AVAILABLE

Badly! This is the second animal that has cost me or my friend over $6000.00. I will never take another animal to this place. Both died, one after contracting pneumonia at VCA hospital and my pet the day after I got home. THEY JUST WANT THE MONEY.

All of our encounters here ended successfully. All of the staff were very kind and knowledgeable. The price I will quote below will reflect the final price paid when we put him to sleep following the bloat. This veterinarian is very expensive but I believe they are in line with all of the other emergency vets around this area and are very knowledgeable.

I hope my experience with VCA Referral Associates resulted in a teaching moment for the young vet on duty one recent morning at 2 a.m. I had brought my dog in because he wouldn’t settle for the night and seemed uncharacteristically anxious or distressed. After talking with the vet we agreed on an x-ray of the abdomen to rule out bloat. Shortly after taking my dog for x-ray, the vet returned alone to tell me there was “good news and bad news”. The good news was my dog did not have bloat, the bad news was he had a “softball-sized tumor” on his spleen, and these tumors are cancerous in the overwhelming number of cases. The vet took more x-rays and ultimately advised a splenectomy as soon as feasible, because these tumors can rupture. He asked, did I want to schedule surgery? I acknowledged that a surgery needed to be scheduled but wanted see the radiologist report, which was to be forthcoming, and talk with my own vet. I am very attached to my dog so was upset and anxious to do whatever I could for him. This was Tuesday and, while my vet wanted to see the radiologist report, we scheduled William for surgery the following morning. Then, Tuesday evening, the radiologist report finally came in and reported no visible sign of a mass. All that upset, tears and time off work to discover this young vet did not know what he was looking at on an x-ray. I admit I was so relieved to discover my dog did not have a tumor, I haven't been able work up the proper indignation at being put through all this. I do think someone from VCA should have acknowledged this error. I believe I was owed at apology.

The doctors and staff at VRA have been extremely compassionate with our cat, and to us. We had an initial consult with Dr. Denysyk in Oncology to lay out the treatment plan. She was thorough in her description, drew us pictures, and sent us everything in writing as a follow up. Dr. Snakard performed both surgeries and is marvelous to work with. Unfortunately our cat developed an infection at home after the second surgery and we had to bring her to emergency several times fir cleaning her incision and managing skin irritations. We worked with Dr. Hutchinson on these emergency visits. She has been great--spending lots of time problem solving and talking through each step of the way with us. I have been impressed with the efficiency and friendliness of the front desk staff snd the technicians. We are always greeted the moment we are through the front door and have never waited more than a few minutes for the triage tech. Though the fees are high, we have been extremely satisfied with the care our cat is receiving at VRA and with the kindness and professionalism they have shown to me and my family.

Our German shepherd puppy has received excellent care from VCA Veterinary Referral Associates. We brought her in through the ER as recommended by our regular vet. She was assessed almost immediately, and, with our agreement, she was hospitalized overnight. We were hoping to stabilize her for possible surgery in the morning, although we were told that if she took a significant turn for the worse, we might be looking at emergency surgery. We were given a detailed estimate, including the cost of potential emergency surgery, and paid a down payment of a little more than $4000. We knew it would be expensive as this is a fully equipped hospital with highly trained staff. This is basically a human hospital for animals (although much more compassionate than any human hospital I've ever visited).

We avoided the overnight surgery, and the following morning our dog was walked in an effort to stimulate her passing the obstruction as a result of her improved condition due to IV fluids, etc. In the end she went to surgery. Over the course of the next two weeks, our dog had other gastrointestinal issues, including intestinal torsion, that required a second surgery 10 days after the first one. The surgeon, Dr. Snakard, was excellent, and called me with details and answered all of my questions. Dr. Stafford and Dr. Hutchinson worked closely with us, outlining options for us ranging from conservative to more proactive treatment and testing, based on how we wanted to proceed. Thorough estimates, with everything itemized, were provided at every juncture, with our making payments as we went. Almost every person we met was compassionate, skilled, and professional -- the surgeon and our two vets; Mary who so patiently took care of submitting documents for our pet insurance reimbursements; the wonderful staff who cared for our puppy as she was prepared for surgery and then in recovery; and Nancy and Angie who answered the phones and investigated my questions when possible rather than shooting my calls off into the ether of phone mail.

We did have one rocky visit, when we went to the ER on a night when they were busy. Miscommunication between the staff and me was the rule that night. I messaged VCA the following day, raising some issues and expressing frustration that we were left in a sort of limbo following the visit. Within the hour, I was contacted by Dr. Stafford and soon we were putting together a treatment plan to help us move forward with more confidence as we continue to care for our dog. I could not have asked for a more compassionate and professional response to my concerns.

As I've mentioned here, all of this was expensive. Pet health services have come a long way in recent years, and the trained medical staff, the equipment, and the facilities at these centers are phenomenal. We could not have taken advantage of any of it if we hadn't prepared ahead of time by insuring our dog. If you would take your dog to an animal ER after a car accident or a sudden health crisis, consider insurance. We chose Petplan because they offered the best coverage for us, even offering coverage for genetic conditions. We could have lost our puppy, and I am so glad we had coverage.

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I went there to get a REFILL for a medicine they had provided originally. The technician at the front desk said they would not refill my prescription unless my dog was re-examined by their vet. The prescription was for an injectable vitamin which I administer monthly.
Wow, they did it again. A refill does not pay them enough so they want to sock it to you for another vet charge. I am willing to bet that a bunch of un-needed tests would also be wanted.
I got my local general practice vet to get my records and he refilled the prescription without seeing my dog.
Avoid this clinic unless you want to pay big bucks for possible un-needed tests.

Not worth my time. Last visit was over a year ago.

OK. but I wasn't happy with outcome. My dog is on prednisone for her lifetime. I have taken several dogs and cats to this vet. clinic and in my opinion money rules. No matter what ailment an ultrasound is always suggested. A much better clinic and less expensive and better care is located in Frederick. A long drive however.......

It went very well. My dog did not have a brain tumor. They offered to clean and extract teeth for a very low price (much lower than normal) since she was going to be under anesthesia.

The office was very busy but they insisted on fitting us in because they thought "broken hip" sounded serious. (It's not - without the X-ray we might not have known for years.) We waited absolutely all morning for the specialist, who admitted it could be outside his ability, and that he'd refer us if necessary. The examination was excellent, though, and the vet and his assistant worked fantastically with our pup. The rest of the staff were not so nice, and I got yelled at in the waiting room struggling to control my new, excited, untrained stray, while transferring money between accounts to cover the exorbitant price of the consult. The surgery was going to be hugely expensive (more than $6k), and he's actually fine. Animals are more resilient than we give them credit for. We opted out of the surgery here, but did get a second opinion.

My dog received 19 radiation treatments, each of which required intubation and general anesthesia. He went through the entire experience with flying colors thanks to the expertise of Dr. Eric Boshoven and his technicians. Dr. Boshoven patiently explained everything beforehand and gave an accurate cost estimate. Side effects were managed promptly and compassionately, with good effect. My dog was boarded at the facility part-time and was treated like family. The staff made what could have been a stressful and unpleasant experience into a positive one for my dog, who is no fan of visits to the vet but loves to see his friends at VCA.

Considering the circumstances, this was as good an experience as it could be. I will definitely bring any pet here in an emergency situation.

They are fabulous. I would trust them even with my children. They are very attentive and caring. They offered visitations; they made sure we could see him as soon as possible. I love these

I am so pleased to have VCA/VRA as an additional resource for my parakeets care. I have a local vet (see my review of Dr. Cardella at Kingsbrook Vetrinary Hospital; Frederick, MD) for routine care but if there's an emergency or if one of them requires more comprehensive care, VCA/VRA is able to provide this service. Dr. Carr is an exceptional doctor with significant experience with parakeets. Additionally, she is patient with owners and all of the questions and concerns we have when one of our family members are not feeling well.

Our dog was attacked by a neighborhood dog who slipped out of his house. Cole had two noticeable cuts, and I was panicked. We drove to VCA Emergency Hospital, and the staff took control. They could not have been more considerate or professional. From intake to discharge, I was confidant that our sweet dog was in expert and caring hands. Cole is 10 years old and on medication that can overload his kidneys and liver - they took blood to make sure it was safe to put him under, and proceeded to expertly patch our dog back up. Cole ended up with several stitches and a drain, antibiotics, pain medication etc... Dr. Westcott kept us informed of treatments, progress, and and costs estimates throughout the morning, and best of all - I believe she truly cared about our dog and what had happened (and was happening) to him. Should we ever have another emergency with out dog, I would not hesitate to rush back to VCA for help.