VCA TLC Pasadena Veterinary Specialty and Emergency

They are honest, compassionate, and reasonable. I’m not sure what all these people are talking about concerning being extorted for money for their pets health and safety. Dr. Barnes was so patient and thorough with explaining what was needed to be done and coming up with a solutions that was $2500 cheaper than the affordable vet clinic I was scheduled to have the procedure at. I had another emergency with another animal, and they truly worked with me for cost. (Thank you Dr. kim and Nicolette)🌟 That same animal is being worked on by the BEST, which is Dr. Davis💖 for surgery😷 I drive an hour to come to this place because they care about my pets. They’re well-versed with what they do and their prices are competitive for other clinics. FACTS! Things are just more expensive now and just because it’s cheaper doesn’t mean it’s better and just because it’s more expensive doesn’t mean it’s a higher quality. These people (front desk, Techs, Grounds Keepers AND Doctors) are truly here doing the best they can for the client and it’s not fair to attack them based on how you’re feeling instead of the actual facts.

Emergency vet care is expensive, there's no way getting around that. Like nearly panic-inducing levels of expensive. But they were compassionate and were able to talk me through where to get interest free financing to soften the blow. But the most important thing is that I know my cat is well cared for here. The staff are all gentle and kind, clearly caring about the pets that come to them and didn't at all make me feel like they didn't want to be here despite it being Thanksgiving week. The doctor called me late evening once he was stable and then again in the morning before going off shift to let me know it was going as well as can be expected. I had been told I could call anytime day or night to ask about him, but the level of care they take to reach out to me directly is incredibly appreciated. My boy will probably be there on Thanksgiving too, but I can trust he'll be safe and come home soon happy and healthy thanks to them.

I have brought 3 cats here over the course of 5 years for different emergencies (mostly vomiting and diarrhea). Each time I've visited, the team (front office and vet techs) has been quick, thoughtful, and knowledgable. In the most recent case, I had a cat with a really severe case that required lots of medical intervention (ultrasound, bloodwork, x-ray). The vet, Dr. Barnes, was incredibly careful about not having us spend too much money on unnecessary procedures, and he took about 1 hour (across the course of 2 calls) to explain in detail the situation with our cat and the treatments required. He was patient, extremely well-read on the latest research, and educated (with extensive experience with other pets). In a moment when we felt hopeless and scared and thought we would lose a very dear pet, we were so glad to have his expertise guiding us, and we will continue to give our business to VCA Pasadena.

My cat wick has been to TLC VCA 4 times in the last month and was desperately sick. He’s currently happy, cozy and sitting on my lap. I’m incredibly grateful to have more time with him. From the team at the front desk to Dr. Davis, Grace (yes Grace, wicky was a hot mess express but a hot mess with hope thanks to you all) & to the incredibly clever and caring Dr. Barnes - everyone at TLC VCA have been wonderful. I’m glad to know exactly where to go in tough times but am hopeful I won’t be back anytime super soon. Thanks team 😻

Update: I was given an invalid email address, then called the VCA they gave me another email address and yet have heard back from them.. if you do go please be vigilant and know your rights. With a heavy heart I'm writing this.. the VCA TLC Pasadena Veterinary Specialists and Emergency, care only about financial gain. I took my dog Annie Bell on Wed the 28th of August as an emergency, once there not once did they tell me what was wrong with her. Weds afternoon Annie began experiencing pain, muscle spasms and her head was tilting. We made the decision to take Annie to VCA, since she was whimpering / crying in pain. Once there we explained to them our concerns and our budget. They told us they would work with us. They didn't examine her nor took the time to tell us what was wrong with her. No, they asked me if I could pay more or if I could apply for a loan. All I could afford was 900, in the end they kept her overnight. Next morning they called me to tell me she was doing good yet wasn't eating. When I arrived they gave me the bill, medicine for appetite and anxiety/vomiting. They gave me Annie wrapped in pee pads (despite me leaving her stroller and blankets) and she was sedated. They said the sedation should wear off in an hour. Unfortunately it didn't. She was limp in our arms from 9am till 4pm, when she would regain some sort of consciousness her symptoms would be back.  That Thursday her vet squeezed us in; unfortunately after seeing the state Annie was in and an examination he determined it was time we put her down. He couldn't understand why VCA would leave her in such a state. (photo of Annie under the sedation)