VCA Canada Vancouver Animal Emergency and Referral Centre

Our 4yr male cat was recently saved by this emergency hospital. We had to rush him to the hospital for severe vomiting and not eating for an extended period of time. Every single person, vets, techs, front desk, and support staff, who talked to us during this time, was extremely compassionate, understanding, and helpful. The level of care and attention that they showed to us and our pet was incredible. Was it expensive? Yes - but that's to be expected. As our cat's condition deteriorated, more support was required. Overnight hospital stays add up. But he had 24 hour care and attention, which allowed major issues to be caught and attended to immediately. We were provided clear breakdowns of financial considerations and options without judgment of our choices. All in all, our boy didn't eat or pee on his own for 7 days and made it through due to the incredible care and attention of this facility and its incredible team. Thanks to you all from Bubbles and family!

posted: 11/22/2024

I cannot recommend VCA more. We have had many pets over the years and have NEVER had the quality of care for any of our pets like we did at this hospital. Our dog Jack was diagnosed with PIMA right before Christmas and after a little shuffling around to other clinics for emergency transfusions and tests etc we stayed with VCA until his care was at its end. Having visited several other hospitals for care we found the care at VCA to be of the highest quality anywhere. The staff is so professional, highly trained and knowledgeable and also so incredibly kind to both our dog and ourselves that we were instantly put at ease. The staff from the front desk were always friendly and helpful. The emergency staff were so sweet and supportive throughout the entire process but Dr Amanda Root and her team were AMAZING! We left feeling like family after nearly six months of tireless efforts to save our Jack. It should also be noted that we had care for our other dog Penny for mobility issues prior and we were equally as impressed by that care as well. She ended up being referred to a specialist at the Vancouver Island VCA and the care there was exemplary. We can’t thank you all enough for everything you have done for our boy Jack and our pup Penny. There is no one else I will trust for future care of any of our companions. If you are a pet parent and you are looking for the absolute BEST care, look no further. Your search ends right here.

posted: 07/23/2024

We recently spent several days at VCA with our cat, Gobi, who was diagnosed with acute bullous keratopathy. Although we had to wait for her surgery because the ophthalmologist, Dr. Pearce, was away (just bad timing for our situation), the ER team and Dr. Ciccozzi provided excellent care during that time. They did everything they could to help Gobi while we awaited Dr. Pearce's return. We are incredibly grateful for the successful surgery performed by Dr. Pearce and her team. We are so thankful that Gobi was in the best hands with Dr. Pearce, whose kind demeanor and expertise truly put us at ease throughout the process. While it was stressful to see Gobi completely blind for 2.5 weeks, we are SO relieved and overjoyed that she regained her vision after the stitches were removed. Thank you, VCA, for your outstanding care!

posted: 09/18/2024

I came home from work to discover my poodle puppy, Caper, acting oddly ... she was wobbly, confused, and not her normal self. I immediately took her to VAEC where, after some testing, it was discovered that she had somehow ingested marijuana that must have been tossed or dropped in our yard. Even though I was inwardly freaking out, the staff there were very reassuring and explained everything that was going on. Caper was stable and so was not treated immediately due to more urgent cases coming in, but Reese and Sami at the front desk were more than happy to check on her for me from time to time. There is a Keurig and a little free library in the waiting area, which is a brilliant idea! When we finally got to see Dr Ciccozzi with Caper, who was already starting to look better, Dr. C took the time to thoroughly ask us about the incident, and took us through our options. There was no pressure or up-selling, and we decided to keep Caper there overnight for fluids and monitoring. We picked her up in the morning, good as new! I was very impressed with the level of care here, both for the pets and their human companions.

posted: 10/21/2024

I couldn't have asked for a more efficient and compassionate experience. My only wish is that I brought Little Dee to VCA Emergency when he first broke his leg (8 days before his death). I had Dee examined and treated at a different veterinarian office. The other vet, did not treat my cat well, nor did they give me the correct information on his release after surgery. I then I watched Little Dee suffer while waiting for the other vet to get back to me with blood tests. I couldn't wait any longer and I took my cat into VCA Emergency. VCA admitted Dee immediately. The admittance staff we're thorough with recording information. Catherine Shankel, The veterinarian who examined my cat, was very clear in her assessment and in explaining to me what was happening with Little Dee. She also made sure that Little Dee was comfortable and had him resting in an oxygen space. Dee was having both heart failure and kidney failure and treating one would have been damaging to the other. The chance of Dee surviving any treatment was so low at that point that there was nothing that could be done 😿 The whole office showed so much compassion. I was led to a room that had a couch. An oxygen tank was brought in for Little Dee. And then they brought Dee into the room. VCA made the experience as relaxing and unrushed as possible. They would have given me all the Time in the world to say goodbye 😿 Catherine explained the process and showed great empathy and kindness. I don't think I cried so hard in my life 😭 it was the saddest moment I've ever had to go through. I'm so grateful for Catherine and the staff at VCA Emergency for being there for me and Little Dee. A few days later I had questions about the diagnosis and what would have been the course of action had I've brought Dee to VCA emergency when he first broke his leg. Catherine took ample time to answer any questions I had. Her explanations were clear and thorough. When I picked up Little Dee's remains, Hannah was at the desk and mentioned that she liked the memory I shared about Little Dee (I completely forgot that I wrote a note to the company that did the cremation). When I got home I searched my email to find the note and couldn't find it. I emailed VCA emergency asking what the memory I shared about Little Dee was. Hannah emailed me back right away to let me know what the note was. 💕 If I ever find space in my heart for another pet I will 100% be taking any future animals in my care to VCA emergency.

posted: 06/28/2024