VCA Emergency Animal Hospital & Referral Center

Kelly Twichel

Thank you to Dr. Barber and Dr. Thompson for caring for our dog, Davie, who had surgery for a tumor removal and biopsy on his paw. They were compassionate and great with our dog. His recovery went really well and we got a thorough explanation of the steps to take at home between his medications and bandage/sutures etc. My only wish is that we would have received a heads up before the day of surgery that he would have to be kept overnight. I was not told this until I started asking questions when dropping him off (this is my first dog and first surgery so I did not know what to expect). Other than that everything was great! Thank you!

Jan 14, 2026

Claude

This was my first time interacting with VCA since I had to bring my cat for overnight monitoring and fluids. I was really nervous, especially seeing some of the older reviews, but all of the staff was very kind, prompt, and patient. They walked me through what they'd be doing, let me know I could call to check-in throughout the night, and answered all my additional questions. I left him overnight, everything went well and he was checked out in the morning. A staff member helped me bring in his carrier the night before, and promptly got him ready when I arrived to take him back to the vet. They were all very nice and my cat was prescribed a "very good boy" and that they "hope he feels better soon." Which thankfully I can say he is doing a lot better now :) My one con is that even though it's technically the cheaper ER hospital in the area, it's still a bit pricey, especially since you have to pay up front if you don't have care credit or any other credit card available. I was already told how much the night would cost at the vet prior to heading over, and they made sure to show me the itemized invoice so I didn't feel blindsided by the costs. However, that's something to keep in mind if funds are tight. Overall, I'm glad I was able to trust my cat in their care during this really stressful time.

Jan 7, 2026

Becca Hamilton

I can't thank vca emergency enough. Our senior dog Isaac was declining so we scheduled euthanasia at his normal vca vet in El Cajon but they were booked out a few weeks. I thought he would hold out for that appointment but he started to decline faster than I hoped. My husband called when I was on the way to let them know. I was able to get him out of our car but he collapsed in the parking lot. A tech came running out and let me know she was going to get a gurney. They came back out and took him back while I finished paperwork. On the worst day of my life they were so understanding and gentle with not only me but Issac as well. The compassion they showed the entire time we were there was amazing and made the process a little more easy. So thank you to everyone that helped and supported me and Issac that day.

Dec 1, 2025

Ellie Klee

We were referred here from our dog’s usual vet for perineal hernia repair. We are so happy with the care our little guy received. The entire staff is knowledgeable, attentive, and communicative. During his overnight stay we received several updates, including a picture, and in his post op recovery we received incredibly prompt responses anytime we reached out with questions. Highly recommend and will be considering them our first choice for any future specialized or emergency care.

Dec 23, 2025

Emily Small

I rushed my dog Bruno here in the middle of the night when he was bloated, softly crying, and went limp. We called as we left and they were there to open the door and rush my boy into the back. Over the next two hours, the staff and the doctor updated us frequently, were caring and honest, let us sit by his side in critical care and let us pet him and hold his paw as he passed away less than two hours later. This experience was heartbreaking and traumatic. On top of that, the expenses of life saving measures were beyond overwhelming in my emotional state. I was given so much grace while I broke down, time and patience as they answered my questions between sobs. Most of all, the doctor was very honest about these life saving measures effectiveness. She told me in the most compassionate way that his prognosis was very grave and he would likely pass away that very night. That allowed us to be there with him in his last moments and avoid more pain and medical procedures that wouldn’t help him. I am utterly heartbroken and devastated, but I am so grateful for the animal hospital’s help and the kind doctor working the night shift July 16-17th wee hours of the morning. Rest in Peace Bruno, my best friend for 11 years.

Jul 21, 2025