Animal Hospitals
VCA Animal Hospitals, Inc.Headquarters
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Complaints
This profile includes complaints for VCA Animal Hospitals, Inc.'s headquarters and its corporate-owned locations. To view all corporate locations, see
Customer Complaints Summary
- 163 total complaints in the last 3 years.
- 67 complaints closed in the last 12 months.
If you've experienced an issue
Submit a ComplaintThe complaint text that is displayed might not represent all complaints filed with BBB. Some consumers may elect to not publish the details of their complaints, some complaints may not meet BBB's standards for publication, or BBB may display a portion of complaints when a high volume is received for a particular business.
Initial Complaint
Date:04/24/2025
Type:Service or Repair IssuesStatus:AnsweredMore info
Complaint statuses
- Resolved:
- The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
- Unresolved:
- The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
- Answered:
- The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
- Unanswered:
- The business failed to respond to the dispute.
- Unpursuable:
- BBB is unable to locate the business.
I took my dog to *** for regular check up end of March early April. They checked his ears checked lumps on him and gave shot as well as clipped his nails. I was told it would be around $400. I was also told I had to bring my dog back in a few weeks for a second shot because the shot he was getting was a two part shot. I had made the original appointment weeks out because that is when I had a day off of work. I brought my dog to ***. During that visit I was told the cost would be about $400. It ended up being $730. I scheduled the next appointment 3 weeks out for part 2 of the 2- part shot. I brought my dog on 4.24.25. When there I asked if there would be a charge for part 2 of the 2-part shot and was told there would be. They said it would be about $70. Then I was told there would also be more due because doctor is seeing the dog. I told them I was just there for part 2 of the 2-part shot and asked why I am being charged $70 plus more when I paid $730 three weeks ago. And the $730 should have covered it. I told them I have been bringing my dogs there for over 20 years and have paid alot of money and would be requesting a discount. The tech said she'd speak to the doctor. The doctor came in. Dr. ******** Right off the bat he had an attitude towards me. Any comment I made he was abrupt. After checking my dog and giving the 2nd part of the 2-part shot I told him I would be looking for a discount for the shot or at least for the visit which was additional from the $70 shot because I had not expected to have ****** for part 2 thinking it was covered in the $730 I had paid 3 weeks prior. He was very rude and said No that's not going to happen. I told him I had paid alot of money in 20 years and did not expect ****** $730 the last time when I was told it would cost around $400. He dismissed my concerns was very arrogant and pompous and said absolutely not. I said I would have to take my dogs elsewhere. He said that was fine with them and walked out.Business Response
Date: 04/24/2025
Hi ********,
Thank you for reaching out and sharing your concerns regarding your recent visits to our clinic. We sincerely apologize for any frustration or confusion you experienced, and we appreciate you taking the time to bring this to our attention.
Please know that we take your feedback seriously. We are currently reviewing the details of your visits, including the billing and communication that took place, and will be looking into this matter thoroughly.
A member of our management team will follow up with you as soon as possible once weve completed our review. We value the trust youve placed in us over the years, and we are committed to ensuring your concerns are addressed with the care and attention they deserve.
Thank you,
****** *.
VCA | Client Experience Manager
Initial Complaint
Date:04/15/2025
Type:Product IssuesStatus:UnansweredMore info
Complaint statuses
- Resolved:
- The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
- Unresolved:
- The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
- Answered:
- The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
- Unanswered:
- The business failed to respond to the dispute.
- Unpursuable:
- BBB is unable to locate the business.
We are filing this complaint regarding the conduct of VCA ************************************** concerning the care and billing of our adopted puppy, ******* *****.We presented a Healthy Start Certificate, which promised up to $250 in follow-up care within 14 days for diagnosed conditions. At ******** March 12, 2025 appointment, she was diagnosed with papular dermatitis a condition explicitly listed on the flyer. However, VCA Newark scheduled the follow-up 21 days later (outside the eligibility window), then charged us a $141.75 exam fee that should have been covered.We were also told Georgia could not receive her rabies vaccine at the first visit due to missing records, then stock issues, and later, her size. These explanations were inconsistent and not documented in her medical records. As a result, we were required to return for a second appointment, incurring additional charges.Further, Georgia had already received multiple rounds of core vaccines at the shelter, yet VCA administered and charged for additional doses without fully disclosing bundled pricing or their wellness plan. These options were only mentioned after we questioned the billing.We attempted to resolve the issue directly with VCA Newark. Their response deflected responsibility and offered no resolution. We subsequently filed a dispute with our credit card provider, as well as complaints with the *********************************, the Attorney Generals Consumer Protection Unit, and VCA Corporate.We are seeking:A refund of the $141.75 exam fee A review and adjustment of vaccine charges due to lack of informed cost disclosure We hope *** Corporate will address this complaint with integrity and ensure future clients are not misled by similar practices.Initial Complaint
Date:04/14/2025
Type:Service or Repair IssuesStatus:ResolvedMore info
Complaint statuses
- Resolved:
- The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
- Unresolved:
- The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
- Answered:
- The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
- Unanswered:
- The business failed to respond to the dispute.
- Unpursuable:
- BBB is unable to locate the business.
Im making a complaint because it felt very wrong to me the way they took my situation and used my dogs life as a means to get me to agree to give them money that I couldnt afford. I brought my dog in and she was nearly dead because of an opioid overdose, got into an adult Persons medication that fell on the floor. She rapidly declined as I raced to the emergency room she was a 5 pound Yorky. She is 3 years old very healthy did not have any medical issues.When I pulled up the staff grabbed her I was hysterical and crying, they promptly put a paper in front of me about agreeing to pay $1200 right away for them to to work on her. The only thing I thought of is my dogs life so shaking I gave them my card crying. Next thing I know theyre telling me shes stable but theyre setting me up a treatment plan at this point I was confused. I just gave them $1200 and here they are trying to explain to me how I need to give them more, they wanted a blood test and I was not aware at the time that a blood test was $500 And that the blood test was only gonna show whether her heart liver and kidney were healthy, which was a very stupid test and a of money because whatever she had just gotten into wasnt gonna show damage this quick. No one told me the cost until it was done.I thought the blood test was gonna show what was in her body or I wouldve never let them do it. I can always get a blood test from her regular vet for $100 a week later to see if-any damage was done to those organs during her ordeal makes more sense The new estimate totaled 2096 and I already paid 1200 so that would be an additional $896 but they wanted me to give them $3070. They wanted me to pay for the possibility of more expenses and they acted like they wouldnt treat my dog unless I agreed to it so I told them to do the 12 hours and then I increased it to 24. I felt like they held my dogs life as leverage to get as much money as *********** dog was to unstable to move she would die this is wrong.Customer Answer
Date: 04/18/2025
The business will be providing me a refund for blood work maropitant for the amount $557.62.
Response taken over the phone by BBB *** RN
Initial Complaint
Date:04/09/2025
Type:Billing IssuesStatus:UnansweredMore info
Complaint statuses
- Resolved:
- The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
- Unresolved:
- The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
- Answered:
- The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
- Unanswered:
- The business failed to respond to the dispute.
- Unpursuable:
- BBB is unable to locate the business.
I told the ************** Cities location to cancel my ************* insurance in February this year (2025) before it expired. Instead it auto-renewed on 2/13 for $226.50 monthly payment.I messaged the business to cancel my ****************** via their web portal on March 6th and on March 13th received a request for more information which I supplied same day. I was again auto billed for the month of March (3/21 for $210.73). I have called the business 3x since and continue to get rebuffed about canceling the membership, told it has to be discussed with corporate and "takes time" yet it's been two months since I asked to cancel, I keep getting billed, and I keep getting called to confirm the same information. I called on 3/18 and was told the office manager would get back to me but received no call back. I asked for the manager in office on 3/28 and was told she wasn't on site. Most recently on 3/31 I spoke with ******** via phone who took down the same information again and said I'd get a call back. I called on 4/4 and 4/8 again to check in on progress with no call back.For context: I used the remaining dental benefit of the 2024 plan that was set to expire in February (I was told it would apply from the 2024 expiring plan as I had not used the benefit yet for 2024 coverage that expired in the month of Feb 2025). I requested to cancel the service when booking the dental service appt and at the appt as the plan is NOT applicable to the *** network as I was told upon sign up and I've had to pay high cost out of pocket at different locations, and it does not provide financial benefit to me.Resolution requested: written confirmation my plan has been *canceled* and no more monthly payment billing from my account. Refund two months of fees $437.23 (less the cost of one in office visit from 4/4).Initial Complaint
Date:03/31/2025
Type:Billing IssuesStatus:UnansweredMore info
Complaint statuses
- Resolved:
- The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
- Unresolved:
- The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
- Answered:
- The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
- Unanswered:
- The business failed to respond to the dispute.
- Unpursuable:
- BBB is unable to locate the business.
The dates of the transactions were 9.7.24-9.9.24. VCA-MECA is more concerned with $ than with treating sick animals. They were supposed to help my little sheltie girl who was so sick. But the $ grab starts the second you walk in their front door because I was charged $175 for doing so. I was told it would be subtracted off the overall bill, but thats a lie. Then I was told I had to make a down payment towards services, but that down payment turned out to be almost the entire bill ($5000 out of almost $5700 total). Only then did the vet come in to talk to me and after that I was finally allowed to see my little sheltie girl. I was harassed several times in the exam room by ******* *. for my credit card for the $5000 down payment while waiting for the vet. During my girls surgery, I get a call from the vet tech wanting to do a biopsy on a node they found on my girls liver. I paid extra for this and never received the results even though they were supposed to be back in two days. I want those results emailed to me free of charge. The biopsy results were supposed to be back on 9.9.24. Im still waiting for them. I lost my girl on 9.7.24. I spent almost $5700 trying to save her and I couldnt even bring her home. Then ******* *. had the guts to start harassing me about how fast I was going to get my girls body out of their hospital like it was a bother to have her there. Im not going to pay VCA-MECA another dime for the biopsy results which they should have given me since I paid for them. I wont pick them up in person. They need to email them and they better still have them.Initial Complaint
Date:03/10/2025
Type:Service or Repair IssuesStatus:UnansweredMore info
Complaint statuses
- Resolved:
- The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
- Unresolved:
- The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
- Answered:
- The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
- Unanswered:
- The business failed to respond to the dispute.
- Unpursuable:
- BBB is unable to locate the business.
I took my dog in for diarrhea and blood in his stool to VCA animal hospital and they didnt perform a ***** exam. I told the Vet what could have been different and instead of her performing a thorough exam she prescribed medicine stating his vitals were normal. He was not tested for parasites etc. I was charged over 300 dollars and 190 of it was for an emergency exam but the ***** test was not performed. The workers are very insensitive and they could care less if your pet dies. He was prescribed medicines but what if there is an underlying issue.Initial Complaint
Date:02/27/2025
Type:Customer Service IssuesStatus:UnansweredMore info
Complaint statuses
- Resolved:
- The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
- Unresolved:
- The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
- Answered:
- The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
- Unanswered:
- The business failed to respond to the dispute.
- Unpursuable:
- BBB is unable to locate the business.
I purchased a health plan for my dog from VCA Woodview ********************** Hospital in **********, **********. I bought a one-year dental plan from them for my dog **** for dental issues. The animal hospital is closing. The corporation has left messages on my phone stating: #1 My plan will be canceled if I do not call them and let them know what alternative hospital I would like to go to with ****. #2 If I do not call back before 2/28/2025 my plan will be cancelled. The only contact information they provide results in a message telling me to leave my information and I will get a return call. There is no option to speak to a live/real person and no other contact options are provided. I have called five times requesting assistance because none of the hospitals are near my home. The corporation has not responded. Instead of answering my request the VCA operator leaves the same message stating my plan will be canceled if I do not respond by 2.28.25. I have sent four emails to the generic corporate email. They have not responded. I requested a refund because the contract does not say they can cancel my plan if the veterinarian closes. *** has not responded to any of my communications requesting a refund.Initial Complaint
Date:02/21/2025
Type:Service or Repair IssuesStatus:UnansweredMore info
Complaint statuses
- Resolved:
- The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
- Unresolved:
- The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
- Answered:
- The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
- Unanswered:
- The business failed to respond to the dispute.
- Unpursuable:
- BBB is unable to locate the business.
I brought my kitten into VCA heritage Animal Hospital in *******, *******. They recommend the care club plan junior paws for my kitten. They informed me there was a fee of $124.29 per month for one year. **** would cover almost any expenses which could occur. At check out I was suddenly informed of a $50 fee. Okay.January 15th I was billed correctly, February 15th they billed me $248.58 I inquired into this and they claimed my credit card declined in ******** **** was incorrect, and I have proof otherwise. The hospital is refusing to refund my money and claims I must deal with corporate directly, even though I signed this contract at their facility, I should not have to chase people to be refunded money that shouldnt have been stolen to begin with, Turns out they also dont provide the services youve paid for with this plan unless you bug for them. Many of which are unnecessary, There is some type of scam going on here. Be very cautious with this company and check your credit card statements.Initial Complaint
Date:02/12/2025
Type:Billing IssuesStatus:UnansweredMore info
Complaint statuses
- Resolved:
- The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
- Unresolved:
- The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
- Answered:
- The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
- Unanswered:
- The business failed to respond to the dispute.
- Unpursuable:
- BBB is unable to locate the business.
August 25, 2024 I had to put my cat *****-Cat down due to negligence on the vets part. ***** was around ***** years old, had stage 2 kidney disease, liver enzyme issues off and on, and an enlarged heart according to xrays. I found out that she had a heart murmur grade 2-3 and informed it was no biggie, many cats have them. Anyway, she died. She threw a clot and died due to said enlarged heart and murmur. I found that out at the emergency vet, along with the fact she may have already thrown a small clot due to lack of vision and also that a medication she was on for joint pain did in fact have side effects when I was told at the vet there was none. Now, since August I have been trying with great issue to close her careclub account. I am told the vet needs to do it then told no care club needs to do it. That I owe x amount but I keep being charged without authorization and without receipts--other than what is on my bank statement. I am getting the run around and after dealing with this, I am about to take legal action, but before I do I want to file this formal complaint against *** and the partnered ************. They have taken my animal away from me, my friend, my family and a lot of my money. I just want the account closed and all my personal payment information scrubbed from their system! If they owe me anything for not following directions of me only, I repeat ONLY paying for benefits used during her lifetime. If they owe me anything out side of that, I want my money back!Initial Complaint
Date:02/10/2025
Type:Order IssuesStatus:UnansweredMore info
Complaint statuses
- Resolved:
- The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
- Unresolved:
- The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
- Answered:
- The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
- Unanswered:
- The business failed to respond to the dispute.
- Unpursuable:
- BBB is unable to locate the business.
I had enrolled my puppy in the ************* in March 2021 at a ************ in *****************. Nine months later, I received military orders causing me to relocate back to ******** to a location with no ************ within an hour of me (closest was 54 miles away). I had called the hospital in ******** to inquire about cancelling the contract and they instructed me to contact ************* support. I had tried numerous times to obtain information on cancelling the contract due to my move, but was unable to get a definitive answer and actually had access to the ***** account denied due to "not being a patient at the hospital anymore". After being told that I would not be able to have access to my account, I did not receive any further communications from *** regarding any remaining balance on my account (1 month left) or how to pay it. Recently, (3 years later), I was contacted by a collection agency stating that I now owe $203.41, however they provided me with a statement from March 2022 showing a balance due of $25 that was never provided to me or communicated to me in any way. I'd like to know why I could never receive an answer regarding what was owed since I had to cancel it a month early due to my military orders, and also why my access to my account was terminated in January 2022 but payment was still expected. It's really disconcerting the lack of communication and unwillingness to assist in cancelling back in early 2022, but now demanding far more than what my final payment would have been.
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