VCA Canada Shamrock Animal Hospital

Extremely disappointed in this establishment for the care my mother received while putting down her 17 year old kitty. Not only is this an extremely sad and vulnerable place for a pet owner to be in, you should feel supported by professionals during this emotional experience. The vets that assisted my mother were extremely rude, insensitive, insulting and had 0 bedside manner. Overall this was a very traumatic experience for her while putting her kitty to rest. She wholeheartedly knew her cat was struggling and didn’t have the quality of life any longer. So to be questioned to the length she was, is despicable. Do NOT go to the establishment if you require support with your animals. It’s a shame that they ruined a 17 year relationship with their patient. An apology should be made and I hope they use this as a learning experience to do better for others. I hope no one has to go through what my mother went through. Edit: the so called apology they gave us over google is not good enough. We understand that there is protocols. But these protocols should have been discussed at the time of booking, and the staff should’ve ensured everything was adequate for the appointment. If an exam appointment was required before, they should have asked to book just that. So either the problem is with your administrative staff, or the system as a whole. Just another let down.

posted: 12/28/2024

My cat of 17 yrs. (16 yrs and 4 months) had been declining and over the past few months quite rapidly. She had stopped using her litter box and going all over the house ( not like her at all ), she was confused and would become lost in our own home. She cried at night, almost every night and would stop when I called out to her and heard my voice. She cried during the day as well. She stopped wanting to go outside and completely stopped grooming. Sadly I knew her quality of life wasn't of quality at all. It was with great sadness and deliberation I booked an appointment to have her put down. It was heart wrenching and a difficult call to make. I also knew taking her in for a "check up" wasn't going to make everything better, due to her age and large changes in her behavior. At that time of booking I explained the purpose of my call. At no time did anyone at reception say what I could expect at the appointment or the costs associated with the procedure. It ended up being the most traumatic and devastating experience I've had as pet owner. I never want another person to go though what we experienced. Firstly, I came in hours before the apt to pick up a carrier as I didn't want to leave with an empty one and knew I would be grieving. At the actual apt the doctor came in and asked why I was there?? Wide eyed and with tears I said to have my cat put down. She then ask why? I went on to explain all the reasons I felt it was the right thing to do. She asked if I would be willing to do a blood panel, to see if medications or at home care would be considered. I knew in my heart my girl was tired and suffering, by this time was crying so hard my friend had to speak for me to reiterate my wishes. The room was tense and stressful. The doctor then sent in another person to talk about my pets remains and what I wanted to do with them?? Decisions that should have been discussed prior. I have never put an animal down before. I was shaking and crying asking what the costs were so I could make an informed decision ( while distraught ) She said, "Oh you want to know the costs??". Another person ( a 3rd ) came it to talk about costs. She then looked at my cat and said, " She still looks bright" ... Looking at my cat for a few seconds. She then said, "We just want to make sure this is what you want." Want I want? Of course it's not what I want..... My decision is what I feel is best for my animal that I know and love. The apt. was just horrific, these people are not trained in how to provide options without disrespecting or shaming the pet owner. My cat was stressed, I was hysterical. The whole event was so traumatic, I have not slept in 3 days and continue to relive the entire chain of events in my mind. Please never take your beloved animal to this clinic. Its certainly not the same lovely privately owned clinic it use to be.

posted: 12/23/2024

Great clinic and staff I highly recommend them and we are so appreciative for the help they have given Mr Moe and Baby Yoda on several occasions its not about the money as all pet care is expensive for us it's about the care and compassion that they not only give Mr Moe but too myself and my wife Tree

posted: 09/28/2024

Our cats have received excellent care at Shamrock. The staff is friendly and compassionate. The vets are knowledgeable and worked with us to provide a comfortable end of life experience for our previous cat. They are the best vet clinic we’ve ever used.

posted: 09/11/2024

Thank you so much for making such a hard experience so calming. Dr.Rogers was so compassionate and caring and let us have all the time we needed with our girl before she passed. Thank you for everything❤️

posted: 10/07/2024