Understaffed. No one ever answers the phone. Called multiple times to book an appt., to ask questions, to contact staff regarding an appt. I'm on hold for 40 min then phone cuts out. dropped off my cat for spay, was quoted $315 the beginning of Sept. dropped her off 1st week of Oct and now its $334. It says helps people of low income but its more expensive then some vet clinics around town. read more

BC SPCA - Veterinarians Near Me - Vancouver, British Columbia

A great helping place, helps low income people. Has great staff, willing to help with anything you need. Great prices also.

I would give this agency a zero 0, they misdiagnosed my dog Duchess under Dr. Jenny Saxtons supervision 6 months before my dog was murdered by Dr. Jackie McDowell. They wanted to obtain a sample from her paw 6 months earlier for underlying conditions. They sedated her 3 times, every time being a heavier dosage, because they claimed my Duchess had "separation anxiety" and not letting me in the exam rom to be with my dog, due to covid related protocol and they drugged her which caused her every time to have an allergic reaction due to her undiagnosed heart tumour. To treat my dog, I was not allowed into the SPCA building 6 times in 2020 but, to kill her they brought me in immediately to trap me in a kill room and withheld my leash and harness. I knew something was wrong and brought her back 5.5 months later, they said she was unremarkable and nothing was wrong under Dr. Jackie McDowells supervision, yet I knew something wasn't quite right. I went back 2 weeks later, they wouldn't let me attend the exam with her and suddenly they said she had a heart tumour and needed to be put down. I told the woman on the phone I don't give my permission to euthanize my dog and I wanted to take her home. Ironically, I was allowed in for the trap in the kill room where they murdered my dog Duchess. I repeated over and over I wanted to take Duchess home. Dr. McDowell decided to play the guilt card in the kill room, to tell me I only would be keeping her alive for me. She made it seem selfish, so gave them permission to euthanize my dog, under extreme shock and duress. I'm my eyes Dr. Jackie McDowell is a dog murderer and never once did an interview or assessment to see where and how I would handle my grief or asked me my relationship with Duchess. I had reached out having issues with covid and I have another dog, that had a lot of medical issues. Not Duchesss. End of the story, I can't go in to their exam room to treat my dog but they rushed me in to kill her. How is this justice?? They are horrible people who have bad and evil intentions, what they did is and never will be right. There was deceit and evil in that place and they forced euthanasia on me. Please don't go here. It's an awful place and if you do, demand that you are with your pet and if not they install video and audio recordings to make sure they do the right thing with the animals. To end this story, I out her in that building with my leash and harness, they withheld my legal property from me and kicked me out 2 minutes later after my dog had passed. Saying they "needed the room" then at the end of it all they finally handed my leash and harness. Which should have been in the room from the beginning as that's how I handed her in during covid. I hope Dr. Jackie McDowell and staff realize how wrong they are and I have yet to receive an apology from them. They did the wrong thing by Duchess and me. I hope you all listen and know that there needs to be demands on video and audio recordings if you are not allowed to be in the office for treatment. Again, to kill a dog they will let you into the building. That's their protocol. SPCA Trust Fund has done a huge disservice to me and my family. I hope they get back what they have given to others. This was an awful and evil experience for me and my dog that was murdered. I have complained officially to police and to the BC Veterinary Board. If you have any issues or past issues with this agency, please post and don't be afraid to speak your truth. No one deserves what Duchess or me went through, this should be illegal to do that to her or anyone. Are these seriously the doctors that represent the SPCA? They never showed me an ultrasound or gave me any proof that my dog had a heart tumour, I am going through to the Veterinary Board of BC to investigate this agency. DO NOT TRUST THEM WITH YOUR ANIMALS. read more

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I would give less than 1 stars if I could. These people talk poorly of their clients once their back is out the door! I know a lot about one client after she left about how she threatened to throw her cat into the dumpster after getting her bill! Now I understand why. Never been in my life but my cat had an emergency and after contacting 40 people to ask them for a free check up they made it sound like they would. As I have just dropped $3000 on his care with his current vet, no results just treat you like a cash cow. So I'm thinking check up is free but I will have to pay for treatment following. Get this... They wouldn't even do his check up, got me to put him on the scale and weigh him, that's all they did! Seriously telling me he's 'too aggressive', he's scared! Of course he's pissy. So the two of them stand there with scowls on their faces (or mostly the white vet with blond hair). Total B! "I noticed some urine on him" in a judgemental tone, no you genius, he was sitting in the tub before I put him in his carrier. As he's itchy as hell and likes to be in there. Asked me questions, cut me off, SO so so so rude and arrogant. I just say they are doing this for free, be nice. Even though they mentioned to come on time or they can't see me, made me wait and I was there a couple hours as I got there too early. So no check up, nothing, useless claiming they are a no stress clinic. Want me to sedate my cat with human anti anxiety meds!! AT home myself and administer him some anti itch oral meds. Are you fckn serious. So that's not going to cause him more stress. lol Okay! Just made 0 sense and then to top it off. Like a used car salesman the reception, 1 of 5 sitting there like a panel of judges comes out with a $70 fee saying I owe that. For what!! I said what did you do, for her time! I said my time is valuable too, we are all limited on this planet. What is wrong with this city, the vets here are make you feel like a $20 prostitute .... used but instead of paying you, you pay them! read more

Just tried to make an appointment for my poor little cat who at 11 years old is not foing well. She is a spca rescue, and my biggest dread is putting her in the car to get her there. I had an extremely unpleasant exchange with a very rude person who said if its an emergency take her some where else because the're booking well into the next couple if months. Is it an emergency, l'm not sure? Could they not even just pretend to care a tiny bit? I got the cat from you to begin with. Can they not refer someone to another vet? I really felt like l was bothering her and l actually think my cat is dying so l say epic fail spca animal hospital, how disappointing and sorry to bug you. read more

I recently started rehabbing a dog in who had previously lived tied to a chain. After taking time off work for seperation anxiety training, enrolling him in a reactive dog course, and all the other new dog expenses were accounted for, I was running a bit low on funds. I turned to the SPCA pet hospital for help. The receptionist/ vet tech(?) who answered the phone was friendly and non judgemental. She told me my reactive dog would have limited interaction with other dogs, and asked that when I bring him in to just keep him outside untill his neuter paperwork was completed. Perfect, totally manageable. However, the receptionist that was at the front desk was horrible. She scoffed at my dog, was seemingly upset that I had brought a "fighting" dog to a vet's office (eventhough my pressa canario/boxer mix was waiting outside with a friend), and was really rude when I meintoned that he would need a round of shots. I explained that I just got my dog and that he was abused by his previous home, but she still felt the need to call me "irresponsible" for not knowing his medical history. I was told to pick him up at the end of the day, and I let her know that a friend would be comming to get him, as I had to work. When I saw the vet he felt the need to tell me I had "no clue what [I was] doing with [my] dog," and that he had "no training whatsoever". I agreed and told him I had him in a reactive dog course and had to get him neutered before taking him to class. He then watched as I struggled to get my nearly 100lb dog on the scale, laughed, and muttered that I was "unbelieable". Thanks Bro. Another patient in the waiting room overheard our rif raff and offered her condolescences. Her husky was also dog aggressive but making strides, and she encouraged me to hang in and keep a thick skin. I got a call while at work that my dog had a hernia that needed attention, and that it would cost "sixty bucks, if [I could] manage to scrape that together". I called back about 15 minutes later and got my favourite vet tech/receptionist (?), who told me he had already been stiched up and was snoozing blissfully. She also said that a lot of dogs have benign hernias and to just keep an eye on it. I was invited to bring him back for a second procedure if it started to bother him. When my friend picked my dog up, he was told to go to a different vet to get the hernia fixed, as they were uncomfortable treating my dog. He assumed the worst- that he had a scrap with another dog or worse even, a human. Ends up they just didn't like how long it took for me to return their call, and said I was unreliable in an emergency and shouldn't have a dog if I wasn't committed to it. At the end of the day, I did all I could. I stayed calm, took precautions, and inquired about how to best treat my reactive rehab dog. The majority of the SPCA staff were completely judgemental, not willing to listen, and holier than thou. I can understand that they see a lot of animal abuse, and want to take it out on someone. However, I'm vegan and put up with a lot of veganazis, so if someones' ignorant self righteous attitude gets to me, trust that they were excessive. The take home: don't take rehabbing dogs here. If you have to then hold your head high and ignore these dicks. Their attitude is a barrier to acess of services to those who need it most, and at a disservice to themselves. read more

I am sorry to read there were some negative reviews We cannot say enough good things about Dr H and the hospital. Compared to some of the vets who charge paws, legs and tails. The SPCA hospital is extremely fair and as it is non profit, their fees are reasonable. Last week we were there for a second opinion. The vet spent almost 45 minutes with us. He was way more thorough and reassuring than the vet that is close to our home. It is far for us but worth it - for the wonderful care we have received there for the past 6 years. read more

Pros: Caring and knowledgeable staff, reasonable prices Cons: Tends to run quite late, feels a bit chaotic I brought my cats here for 20 years (until I moved to Burnaby) and am a big fan! The staff here are compassionate and their goal is the well-being of your animal, not plumping the bottom-line. With the exception of one front-line staff person (Farrah Fawcett, indeed!), I have found everyone there to be friendly and helpful (which is impressive considering how chaotic it can get!). You do need to brace for a long wait, though. I always tried to make my appointment as early as possible, since by the afternoon they are quite back-logged. I do believe, however, that a lot of the back-log is due to the vets spending as much time as they feel is necessary with each patient. Even if they were running over an hour behind, I knew that once I was in there my cat would have the vet's undivided attention. That being said, I often wished that they could lengthen the appointment times in their calendar so that they didn't take on so many patients in a day. From basic check-ups to major surgery to mystery conditions to the final goodbye, we've done it all here and have felt supported while doing it. The vets clearly lay out options, as well as cost/benefit information (which is invaluable when you are facing a really tough decision and you have limited finances). This animal hospital definitely has its drawbacks, but I always had the utmost faith that my cats would be well cared for and that is what's most important to me. I wish I still lived close enough to bring my current cat here! read more

absolutely terrible people working there. I reported a cat alone on a balcony without food. they never came and looked at it. the woman phone at 930 pm . I told her all the details over again, the address location. etc I said to her no one came as the cat is still there she said I can't force myself into peoples houses in a nasty tone. I said I never asked you to. I merely reported it now it's up to you. like I'm a private citizen in my home , who simply reported a cat alone on a balcony and she phoned up with attitude. I have them the details on the phone when I reported it. When she started verbally abusing me on phone I hung up. she then called back and left message saying she is going to send a police man to my house etc . like what!!! if you have concern for the animal just go see it for yourself instead of sitting on phone yelling at hate food citizen who took time to report it. Can you imagine just being a good citizen and then getting threatened with cops being sent to your home? What!! I simply live in a high rise downtown and reported a cat living alone on a balcony in a building actress from me . I have them details three times on phone. The address is this I said. The car is this colour, I saw it there from 9 am - 930 pm and it's still there. I described what side of building they are on. she said we can't do anything as it's after hours. We only work untl 6 pm. I said sure whatever I just reported it. whyevee you want to do is up to you, she snarked "I just called to talk to you" Then she threatened to send Constable . They are totally crazy!!! Instead of a thanks for reporting a suffering animal you get threatened with police coming to your home because you can't sit on the phone with that rude woman anymore. Shame on them!!! read more

I heard from my dad that SPCA offers cheaper vaccinations compared to independently owned vet hospitals. It is not true at all. Vaccines are relatively the same price, so do your homework before you go ahead and take your pet to another vet. I went during a weekday and I didn't have to wait long as there weren't many people waiting for an appointment for their pets. read more

The facility is not that appealing visually but their prices are very fair and the Doctor H is great. Staff are very knowledgable and frankly if you're in Vancouver there's no reason to bring your dog elsewhere for a vaccination. For my puppy's first set of shots a nearby vet charged us $150 which felt like a lot hence why I was recommended to come to BC SPCA. If you call in the machine can be a little tedious but I found the receptionist to be helpful and friendly. The wait times for the drop in vaccinations were very reasonable. read more

Took my kittens here for their shots and for spay/neuter. The staff were very nice and helpful! The prices are reasonable and aren't that expensive, compared to other animal hospitals I looked at. They provide medication and an e collar for post surgery from getting fixed, thats all included in the price. Also got my kittens tattooed and microchipped, they will give you a free trial for a year to try out the BC pet registry program. We travel from Delta to Vancouver to get my kittens checked out! :) read more

Tried to book an appointment by phone and the number in the queue That was supposed to allow that hung up on me. Then I went down there to do it in person and the doors were locked and the woman that answered the door only opened it about 2 inches to speak to me. At which point she directed me back to the website! So while front of her on the website I discovered that was not possible. There was no a place to book an appointment. At which point in time I insisted on booking an appointment while I was standing there so that it was done. Then she had to go running back and forth from the door to the desk with me standing out in the cold weather waiting for this to happen. After about three or four times of this the appointment finally got booked two months ahead.. The individual that I dealt with at reception was one of the most rude arrogent unsavory people I have ever dealt with. That left me wondering if I want to have my pets in these people's care, especially since I can't be there with them and I have to just wait outside while their care happens. read more

I took my cat in for a spay about a month ago now and I can hardly explain how amazing the entire experience was! Firstly, I can hardly find a scar from where the incision was, even right after the surgery it was rather small, and she's back to her complete old self. Before we left her in the morning the Vet we talked to took a lot of care and time to answer any questions we had and I didn't once feel rushed. It was a bit chaotic in the foyer when we arrived and all in all it took about an hour (quite a bit longer than I anticipated) but I figured that was due to the fact that all cats are admitted at the same time. All in all it was a great experience and I will be sure to return if any other problems arise! read more

I have never had a problem with SPCA hospital. My poor yorkie was diagnosed with bladder stones again for the second time and this time I decided to bring him into SPCA instead. For his first bladder stone removal operation, we did it at Atlas Vet which was a TERRIBLE IDEA! Tuesday: Our yorkie was vomiting, getting the runs, straining to pee, and was not eating so we took him into SPCA one day without making an appointment hoping they will let us see a vet. They were very kind about it and booked us in for an appointment on the same day sometime in the afternoon. The vet did many work such as blood tests, urine test, and x-ray to find out that my yorkie has bladder stones. They told me to drop him off the next morning for some fluids while we wait for the test results since he wasn't eating. Wednesday: We took him into get fluid. The cage was very clean with a warm blanket compared to Atlas Vet. We proceeded with the bladder stone removal surgery on the following day. The vet did a quick check up and explained thoroughly about what is going to happen during the operation, post-operation care, and answered any questions/concerned I had before the surgery. After surgery, we picked him up later that evening. The receptionist was really nice and helpful. She explained everything we needed to know about post-surgery care, medications (all written down with times and instructions), and new diet plan to prevent future bladder stones. She also wrote down reminders for us to set another appointment just to follow up and perform another urine sample to ensure our dog is healthy. I don't understand why people are complaining about the staff. Yes, this vet can be a bit chaotic and extremely busy due to appointments and because of their walk-in vaccinations so I can imagine how overwhelming it can be sometimes when you are trying to get everyone in to see the vet. Once you start talking to them, they are actually nice people. Pro: good price, friendly staff that treats your pet like their own, explains everything to you, sets expectations Cons: sometimes you have to wait awhile because it gets really busy Oh, and if you are wondering why I will never take my dog back to Atlas Vet... just look up my review for them and you will understand why! Till this day, I was never told what food product I should be feeding my dog and what else I can do to prevent bladder stones. Thanks to SPCA, I know what to do now and I feel this was something that could have been prevented if Atlas Vet did their job and gave me recommendations... but instead they just told me to take my dog home as he was dripping blood all over the place without proper medication! read more

I'm unsure if the veterinarian staff is volunteer-based or paid. However, the front line staff have always been nothing but rude and abrupt in the three times I've visited. One employee in particular that works the front reception has always been particularly nasty - an older caucasian lady with fake blonde hair done up 70's style ala Farrah Fawcett. The doctors are just as unhelpful. One in particular turned what was suppossed to be a quick checkover prior to neutering into an interrogation. I was rudely accused of not taking care of my dog - in particular I was asked why I hadn't done anything about a baby canine that was still in the process of coming out. I was told to come back in a weeks time to have it removed. The next doctor I spoke with said the first one didn't know what he was talking about and that the tooth was fine - it would fall out on its own eventually. Overall, I would not recommend this vet. Yes, they are mostly volunteer and do the best they can under the circumstances. However, that doesn't excuse the lack of enthusiasm and basic courtesy amongst the staff. It's absolutely dreadful stepping through their doors and leaves my blood pressure skyhigh by the end of the visit. read more

Prices are the most reasonable and I think the degree of care the pets are getting are actually quite good. However, I find the staff - particularly the doctors - really rude, abrupt and offer a lot of unsolicited "training" advice. Yes, my dog reacts poorly in the vet, but it doesn't mean I don't spend time disciplining or training my dog. And telling me that i'm doing a "poor job" does not help at all! My dog is a puppy - so we are still working very hard on staying calm in new and stimulating environments. To add the cherry on top of this one visit, a doctor actually told me to go see another vet instead. I thought that was extremely poor customer service! Will I come back? Yes- but only because I can't afford to bring my dog somewhere else. Am I happy about it? Nope. read more

price comparison around to get two male kittens neutered - this offered 'low income' assistance - need vaccination prior to neutering...ok, still cheaper than other places - suddenly upon check out was required and given flea treatment, etc add-ons - now won't be able to neuter as have to save up the money AGAIN - it's a meat market of add-ons - should have and will go to a different animal hospital for the neutering and future service read more

We had an appointment and ended up waiting almost 45 mins, but other than the wait, everything about our visit was great. Prices here are extremely reasonable and they won't BS you or upsell you. The vet we saw was amazing and went over prices as we went along, and told me all our options for tests and treatments. She didn't order extra unnesscary tests, and was very honest about the fact that my cat could wait a few days to see how he'd do on medicine she prescribed, and THEN we might have to do blood work (blood work is expensive so I'm glad she was realistic and didn't try to push it). She ended up needing to do more x-rays however, and they were free of charge because she didn't tell me she'd be doing them before my cat went into the x-ray room. There is a good chance you'll get an appointment within the same week you call. Just be prepared for a long wait. Also, they have a drop in vaccination clinic and the waiting room tends to get a bit crowded during those times.... read more

I took my dog to the Vancouver SPCA Hospital on 7th Ave. in Vancouver for a routine spay. She came home with hives and a rash all over her belly. Because of the cone she used her nails on her back feet to scratch the rash, and has managed to scratch off one of her nipples. I specifically requested they NOT cut her nails AND produced an invoice from PetSmart where she'd just had them done. They did it anyway. Looked to me like she was in a dirty cage with a dirty, intectious/contagious blanket to lie on. Why else? Maybe the operating room/table is diseased and not sterile. Well, when I called them, they were snotty and yelled at me and actually wanted me to bring her back! Instead, I rushed her to Coquitlam Central Animal Emergency (excellent place!) where she was given a shot, two types of medication in pill form and one medication in lotion form, for 10 days. The SPCA also screwed up the cost and the medication amount. They gave me too many of one pill, and not enough of the other. So I can thank VSPCAH for the additional $300+ I had to spend in Emergency because of their poor quality conditions on top of the spay, pills, and cone cost, which were supposed to be covered . read more

I love the SPCA hospital. I find that they are honest and do not try to up sell you on services. They genuinely care about the animal. I have never had any issues with the staff, it's not a warm fuzzy environment - but that is not what I am there for. The biggest draw back are the wait times. I am sitting on hold waiting to book an appointment writing this review. The first time i waited 15 mins at least and was disconnected. The animal shelter on the other hand has made me vow to never ever get another animal from the SPCA - the staff is out right rude. I get that they see a lot of awful things, however that doesn't give them the right to treat everyone like criminals or excuse them from being miserable/officious jerks. I would recommend that you save yourself the grief and look at other shelters or privately. read more

I was always told that the SPCA are friendly and professional people. I got laid off from my job recently and couldn't afford to get my dog spayed. When i called in to make appointment with the SPCA, I asked if their was a way to help me pay for my dog spay. The lady on the phone said no but on their website it says there was. Unsure what to do, I made the appointment anyways because they had the lowest price and I knew my dog would be in good hands..so I thought. When I went there the day of the surgery (with my mom) they asked me if I wanted my dogs nail trim for free and I said yes. The front desk ladies were very nice and professional. I felt more at ease until I went to the exam. The vet came in didn't introduce himself or say hi to my mom and I. He was very uptight and cold. He told us that they should take my dogs baby teeth as well and I told him I really don't have funds to pay for that. I knew that would to be done because my own vet told me so. I wanted to find a job or save some cash before I did it. He chuckled and shake his head at me. I told him I will get it done at my own vet in next month oh so, he rolls his eyes than tells me Fine pay more, cause it will cost you 30 dollars in stead 10 dollars for each tooth. He than he went on saying I should just get it done here and stop making a fuss about the price. Than I ask him if there would be extra cost.He turn around and said he didn't understand what I am talking about. I rephrased my question,other than the 10 dollars a tooth is there cost for time,tools,med etc. He still didn't get my question just went on saying if I cared for my pet I would pay to get the teeth done now not later...cause they know what they are doing and my vet will just charge me more. His tone was rude the whole time and he even started to raise his voice at me! He even told me to leave and come back when i have money . My mom step in and said she would pay for the pulling of teeth so I he would stop harassing me about it! We than headed to the kennel area at the SPCA. He told me to put my dog into one of the crates, so i did. I wanted to say goodbye to her but he shut the crates door and told us to leave. When we left I felt sick to my stomach and all I wanted to do is to get my dog back. When we went to pick her up, I learned that the SPCA took in upon themselves to tattoo my dog ear. She had a chip, I got her from the states and the breeder already put a chip in. I was shocked to know that the SPCA didn't even tell me they did that. The by law says that the owner has to agree to the tattoo. I never agreed on it, I wasn't even told that would happen. Now my private info is on every vets,shelter,animal right groups data base. I understand it is a good thing but she had a chip already. To make things worse, they trim one of her nails to short and it was bleeding when I got home. They didn't even let me know that the cut it to short. I am never going back there. They are not professional at all. read more