Veterinary Specialty Services - West

Winnifred Thank you all so very much for taking such great care of our princess, you don’t know how much it means to us that you all were so caring of our girl. As of today, Sunday 02/16/2025 in the AM she finally had a small solid bowel movement. It was kinda strange for us to actually feel like celebrating a solid poop after a week like we just went through. 🤣 Y’all are just the greatest!❤️❤️❤️❤️ We will keep you updated as the days go by. Thank you again! Ray & Terri Tibbs Sent from my iPhone

posted: 02/16/2025

I am deeply disappointed with the care my dog received at VSS Hospital. My dog, who was battling pneumonia, was only there for one day, and the experience was heartbreaking. From the moment we checked in, it was clear that compassion was lacking. The front desk staff was rude and dismissive, making an already stressful situation even worse. I called to check on my dog and asked if he had access to water. I was assured that he did. However, when I visited him, I found that he had not been given any water. He was visibly worse than the day before, covered in yellow substance on his face and leg. When I asked the doctor what it was, they casually dismissed it as “probably regurgitation.” To make matters worse, the hospital recommended transferring him to Columbia, Missouri, and during my visit, I was told I could spend as much time as needed. Yet, just five minutes later, a front desk attendant rudely interrupted and told me to leave. I had to insist on getting him a bowl of water myself. I was charged $1,458 for what felt like nothing short of torture for my beloved pet for 24 hours. This hospital’s lack of empathy and proper care is unacceptable. Do not leave your pet here! During my visit, which lasted only 35 minutes on a quiet Sunday afternoon with no other visitors present, it was clear that the staff's focus was not on providing compassionate care. My dog Cooper was in critical condition, and the level of care provided during his 24-hour stay was alarmingly inadequate. It felt as though their primary goal was to push euthanasia rather than make a genuine effort to save him. This experience has been heartbreaking and unacceptable. Pet owners trust veterinary professionals to provide compassionate and competent care during some of the most challenging times, and this hospital failed miserably. I would strongly caution others to consider alternative options for their pets. Their review states someone would follow up. That never happened either. DO NOT use this place for care!!!! UPDATE 3/16 from VSS DARA There seems to be a misunderstanding regarding the resolution we offered. As stated in my original email and phone conversation, our medical director would investigate Cooper's case to determine if there was any unjustifiable medical care and if so, we could possibly offer a refund. The investigation concluded that there was not. I did not guarantee a refund. You had suggested a complete overhaul of our staff, which we deemed unnecessary. However, we did take appropriate steps to address the issues you raised. Our veterinary hospitals take pride in our compassionate, professional staff, and we expect mutually respectful relationships with our clients. It seems we are not able to provide reasonable expectations for you regardless of our explanation discussed. It saddens us to say that in the future we feel it is best for everyone if you seek care for your pets veterinary services at another veterinary hospital. You are prohibited from entering the property and/or buildings at: This notice is effective immediately and will remain in effect unless rescinded in writing. If you choose to enter our property and/or buildings at the above noted addresses, we will seek legal action and you will be charged with trespassing, in accordance with local law. Dara Client Service Manager Dara, I wouldn’t use your veterinary services even if they were free. The terrible care your staff provided nearly killed my dog, and the fact that it took six weeks for an investigation—only after I reached out following five weeks of silence—adds insult to injury. Delegating the matter to someone else without follow-up speaks volumes about the lack of accountability. Your threat of trespassing is laughable, as I would never step foot in either of your locations again. I sincerely hope no other pet owner has to endure the neglect and poor communication I experienced. Rest assured, I will never recommend your company to anyone seeking care for their pet.

posted: 03/23/2025

My family and I are so thankful for Dr. Smith, the Oncology Staff and the whole team of VSS for all they did for our Lola! They were so outstanding with their attention and care for her! Lola lived a longer, fuller life because of them, and, when it came time, they made her final transition over the Rainbow Bridge much easier! We are so grateful!

posted: 01/22/2025

Do NOT bring your dog to the O'Fallon location. The Vet is a butcher, not a doctor! I brought my dog in hoping to just get some pain meds for a cut she had on her leg. The vet said she was going to just clip some skin around the cut and then put in a couple stitches and it would cost about $450. I thought that was fair. The vet then came back and said she could not stich it because it was by her knee, and there would be too much movement for the stitches to stay. Again, that sounded reasonable. But then the vet showed me the huge hole she cut in my dog's leg, and told me they would need they dog to stay with them for several days so they could put a special bandage on the dog and it would cost "a couple thousand dollars". I told them to give me my dog back and I took her home with a huge hole in her leg. I went to my regular vet the next day and got the special bandage on for $150. But now my poor dog has to wear a cone and a special leg sleeve while she waits for the terrible hole in her leg to heal which caused by this emergency clinic. Please see the attached pics, the one where she is laying down was the original cut while the one where she is standing is what was caused by this butcher who claims to be a vet!!

posted: 11/08/2024

All positive things to say! Each person that worked there were all so nice and caring. They made me feel great about my decision to take our cat there. If we ever have another emergency I am 100% calling them. They really took the time to go over details and to not hesitate to call with any issues. Thanks for taking care of Tonka! I don’t think they could have done a better job!

posted: 01/26/2025