Thank you VCA Valley Oak Veterinary Center for being so thorough and caring to TJ, our 12 year old cat crying in pain. Dr Cooper and Emily were top notch. All staff we encountered were very friendly and helpful. The facility clean and comfortable. We appreciated the call from Dr. Cooper to let us know about TJ's exam, xray and medications. TJ is a crazed panther when going to the vet but they kept him as calm as possible with a special Kitty Magic cocktail. They took care of him as if he were their own. Words can not express our appreciation. We were hesitant due to the ratings, but not our experience at all. Emergency visit or not, we would not hesitate to go back. Thank you again! read more

1. They need to work on communication within their clinic. - 48+ hours, numerous phone calls that weren't necessary, and a wasted trip. 2. They need to learn to be empathetic about their clients and the pets as a clinic that services pets. - When the owner is concerned about their pet in any situation, their (three different) receptionists' monotonous voices and lack of drive to resolve the situation show how much they care about the pet's well-being. I called two other clinics, and their receptionists understood and tried to be as helpful as possible. 3. They must understand protocols for pets in different situations. - When I explained my situation to the other clinics, they understood that I had to go through certain steps to resolve my situation asap. This one implied they don't know and can't do anything about it, saying appointments are pushed out for weeks. Money isn't a concern in this scenario and was willing to pay the ridiculous fees. Sadly, this is the only closeby clinic open on weekends, especially for urgent care. Received a much-appreciated apology from the staff afterward, but everything could've been easily avoided. read more

This place doesn't care about our pets. They charge $155.00 just to walk through their doors. They no longer do emergencies but still charge a fee. If you're there over 8 hours they charge you more money. Terrible place. read more

This vet in Chico is just as bad as the branch in San Carlos. I don't know who manages this chain but they do a terrible job. Every time I've had to use this vet for urgent care, I've been forgotten or left waiting in the waiting room while they change shifts or just forget that they have patients waiting. The vet was great when I finally heard from her, but I spend 1.5 hours in the parking lot waiting for the receptionist to bring out my dog AFTER everything was paid for and she was ready to go. Not acceptable. Update: it's a handy excuse to blame this on Covid, but the fact is I was forgotten. The receptionist was surprised to hear I was still waiting when I called the second time, 40 min later, and it was *another* 30 min to bring out my dog. This had nothing to do with sanitizing. And it was (by that time) late at night and I was the only one waiting. Whatever was happening with the staff, they were not attending to their jobs. read more

After our bunny tragically passed from a seizure in the lobby, the team at VCA was so kind and accommodating as we said goodbye. She unfortunately passed before she could be seen, and Dr. Victoria Frehr was so kind to us as we processed. She sent us a handwritten note in the mail after and it meant a lot. You can tell she really loves her job and is a very compassionate and professional person. Thank you VCA Valley Oak & Dr. Victoria Frehr read more

We love them! They saved our little Kona. They worked so hard keeping her alive. Still having bandage changes but she is back to herself. A complete miracle read more

It is no surprise at all why this animal hospital has horrible reviews and only 2 stars! I wouldn't even give them 1 star if I didn't have to in order to post this review. As our family waits to say our goodbyes to our beloved Brody, after making the heart-wrenching decision to have him put-down because of a surgery quote that went from $5000 to almost $10,000 overnight, due to a "clerical error", we grieve in sadness and in fury. Devastatingly, we do not have the financial means to save our baby and pay the exorbitant costs this practice deems they are worth at the expense of yet another life they've taken too soon. We all have to wait for an "emergency vet" practice to get back from lunch break, while our precious Brody suffers in pain, awaiting his doom. I am beside myself with disgust for this animal hospital. Clearly, their furry patients are not their priority....today, lunch is! I've read the heartless and unsympathetic responses from the practice to many of the reviews here, and now I am personally the recipient of the cold and careless emotions (or lack of) of the staff myself. While they're all out enjoying their lunches, our hearts are being ripped out of our chests. And to make things worse, they switched the account holder name without permission, and Brody's own daddy can't even be the one to give the authorization to put him down and be there beside him as Brody takes his last breath. Saving animals' lives should be Valley Oak's first and only priority not MONEY, but clearly money and lunch are all that matter to them. I would expect only 5 star reviews for the amount of money they charge their clients. I will be sharing my review with every platform available online to stop this from happening to even one more beloved fur-baby family member! Shame on Valley Oak Veterinary Center!!!! read more

Went there this morning with two bunnies, and came from Red Bluff. We have been there a few times before, and we're always told for nail clippings they wouldn't schedule appointments because the vet techs would be the ones to do it. Today, the staff in the front sent us away and said they recently changed their policy and no long take walk ins. This was not posted on their website, as it says walk ins starting at 8am. Needless to say this was our last time at Valley Oak. The staff didn't care, all four of the ladies just say in their chairs, not busy, and said they were too busy to help us and needed to make an appointment. After coming here for years with my dog and rabbits, every time was disappointing, and we actually had to walk out after waiting four hours with my dog for a scheduled appointment. Valley Oak DOES NOT respect or value their customers, and their staff is worthless and lazy. I recommend one of the smaller family owned vets in Chico, and definitely not Valley Oak. Will not be going back again for any pet. I would rather drive to the rabbit rescue in Sacramento before giving this place anymore chances. read more

They have a wonderful staff and vets, they saved my big golden when she got bit by a rattlesnake, very stressful time for me but they are very compassionate. read more

Worst place to take your animal when they are hurting. We brought our bengal kitten here during emergency hours and the charges were going to be 600$ for a couple blood tests. Vet also lied and said she was going to give medication for her fever, but our normal vet said she actually gave our kitten an anti nausea medication which made her temperature worse! The total cost was 248$ for the vet to basically scratch her head and have no idea unless she ran hundreds of dollars worth of bloodwork. Luckily our vet at All about pets had an idea with what was wrong with our kitten, ran the necessary bloodwork, gave the correct medication, and she's already feeling much better! All for nearly the same cost at that! read more

VCA Valley Oak Veterinary Center - Veterinarians Near Me - Chico, California

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I was tentative about this vet with the low ratings, but actually it was our only option on a Sunday, out of town. Thus the rather long wait wasn't too bad. Our pup got good care and kind attention, and the meds he needed to get well. I was not sure we needed everything the vet recommended, and she was good about listening to those concerns. The place is clean and staff is friendly and helpful. read more

What a bunch of money grabbing scam artist! We're not taking any new clients right now but if you come in on an emergency basis for $175 will be more than happy to get you established. Are you fucking kidding me veterinary Care now is all about the almighty dollar and not about quality or compassionate pet Care shame on you VCA! I just moved here from Sacramento thought I would find a more quality way of life for my dog I have for myself but this is even worse than the big cities as far as veterinary hair goes. Again shame on you VCA! read more

They only care about the money and don't actually care to help out. They just want to charge you more than what is necessary and their fees are ridiculous. It's the second time I go for two different animals yet it still was the same thing. read more

VCA /VALLEY OAK went above and beyond for my dog Buddy ! Thank you for saving his life. TOP NOTCH SERVICE.

The staff is nice enough but they charge outrageous prices. I've taken my cat here twice, once for her first wellness exam that they tried charging $70 alone for the appointment (found a coupon online for free), every person I talked to that worked there told me I needed their program that charged $70 a month so I could get discounts, they are VERY sales driven and try to upsell often. Second time I took her in they treated her for worms I told them I already treated her for, yet they gave her the medication anyway then charged me $40 for it. Then $40 per shot. I was charged $108. No prices were given to me before checkout. The woman who rang me out told me I should shop around at other places next time and definately ask for prices before the treatments are given. She said Butte humane society does these shots for cheaper. Will not be going back, it's not worth the convenience. read more

Will never go back. Took my 8week old puppy in thinking he had parvo and he did not have parvo. They said he did but he was perfectly fine. Now I am having to dig a hole and bury him after he took his last breath in my arms. Thanks for killing my puppy. read more

Took my daughters older dog to put to sleep because of her illness and her condition. We drove from Redding and it was a pretty bad experience for such a sad time over 200 dollars and they took the pup away for quite a long time to put iv in and shave the dog arm. Quite traumatizing for my daughter to have to watch the puppy go through more distress before having to be put down staff questioned her like She wasn't making the right choice So Unappropriate. read more

II'm really disappointed that this is our ONLY emergency vet option in Chico. I highly recommend driving to Yuba City or better yet, UC Davis if you can. Pros: Nice newer building. Clean rooms. Plenty of barking..I mean parking. Cons: From the get go, problems with charging for services twice on the credit card due to their "prepay" policies. Very long wait times despite the emergency status of your pet. The vets present as angry and loathe their jobs, their attitudes are then projected onto their patients (the animals). They will try to get top dollar by recommending a lot of expensive and unnecessary tests and workups all at once rather than doing what most ethical vets will do and problem solve (based on their clinical assessment) by ordering the most applicable test to rule in or out a diagnosis. Further, the way the staff handles the animals (rough and careless) when the animal isn't feeling well.. well,, that speaks volumes. My dogs are members of our family, not a piece of farm equipment. Why wouldn't you give them the same compassion you would give any other vulnerable being? It's just a really bad feeling to be forced to deal with such rude, incompetent, uncaring, money grubbing people just because they are the only emergency vets in Chico! I so wish local vets would gather together and provide some level of emergency services, maybe on a rotating basis. Most vets in the area seem to have a genuine desire to actually treat animals, unlike this place. So, if going to a nice building with ample parking is high on your priority list, then this is the place for you. If, on the other hand, you prefer your pets be assessed and treated by competent caring vets ( treatment ALL animals deserve) then please take them elsewhere if you can. Both emergency facilities in Yuba City and UC Davis were much more reasonable and professional than this dump. I guess putting two and two together, Valley Oaks is trying to build their revenue to pay for their fancy building. That's why they treat all animals like cash cows rather than people's beloved pets.. Maybe they should turn the building into a library since the staff would probably make better book pushers than vets. **** Also, if you MUST use this place and your pet is in need of a prescription, ask them to write out the prescription so you can take it over to Costco just around the corner. You'll more than likely save about a hundred bucks!! No joke. You may be met with some resistance, but it's your right to use the pharmacy of your choice. They may need you to remind them of that. read more

horrible communication. Fees are astronomical. I travel a lot. I have my service canine. They have to be by far the most expensive. Hurry up and wait in your car. The customer service is just horrible. I have since switched vets. I will not be returning. read more

I've had many months to calm down from the trauma of losing my dear friend and family member Lula. I still can't recommend Valley Oak Veterinary. I assumed that Valley Oak knew that above being a business they were in a helping profession with the power to ease suffering and pain. My dog and best friend paid the price for my naive belief. Valley Oak is laser focused on dollars and cents over empathetic treatment of our family members. My dog was viciously attacked, rupturing her stomach. She was bleeding internally her abdomen swollen 10 times it's normal size. She was in horrific pain and so very scared. Valley Oak wouldn't even administer pain meds until after the itemized estimate was completed by office staff. I'm devastated that my beloved Lula's last moments were so painful. I'll never forget the look she gave me, staring into my eyes, so scared, so desperate, and there was nothing I could do. Save yourself the heartache and do not bring your family member here in an emergency. read more

VCA Valley Oak Veterinary Center - My beloved Lula is the dog in pink. - Veterinarians Near Me - Chico, California

All three of my animals have been treated here when their primary veterinarian is closed, during evenings and weekends, since 2002. Over the last couple of years, I've had a couple of serious issues with VCA animal hospital dealing brusquely and unreasonably with me. Each time it had to do with recurring infections in my elderly pets. My beloved, now departed Wanda kitty (died Dec 2, 2020 at 18.5 years old) had suffered a series of bladder infections which we already knew were attributed to chronic kidney disease. Each time she ran out of her antibiotic she would have a relapse. When I asked if they would just please re-prescribe her antibiotics at a longer course than prescribed before, they simply refused unless I brought her in for a whole new examination and repeat testing at several hundred dollars a pop! Flash forward to the last year with my dog Schatzie, a 14 year old mini dachshund. Since a bout of pneumonia three months ago, she has had a series of seven relapses, each time requiring an overnight stay at no less than $2000 per occurrence. Every time she's had a relapse it had been one week post completion of an always too short term of antibiotics. I have paid over $10,000 to VCA animal clinic in the last three months!!! Every time I would check her in for yet another relapse, it was becoming so routine, so when I was asked the last time if they wanted me to put her on DNR or resuscitation, I said, as I had done so many times before, "yes resuscitate if you can do so without breaking the ribs, but DNR if you think you're going to have to break the ribs."At that point, the clerk on the phone started arguing with me, very sternly and impatiently telling me "yes or no, ma'am" and that I needed to "pick one or the other". And I said "well, I've never been told to 'pick one or the other' before. I think that you guys were just putting a note on her cage or something." Then she very irritatedly (you could almost hear her eyes are rolling) said "there's not enough room on the form to put those instructions and we don't put a sign on the cage like that" . Needless to say, this incensed me- this utter lack of empathy and sensitivity for what I was going through, as well as the near bankrupting cost I had just paid moments before . A little customer service and kindness would've gone a long way in that moment. In all of my difficulties with different staff members at this VCA location, I've never once used abusive or profane language- and when I would calmly repeat myself, over and over, refusing to back down, knowing that my requests were more than reasonable, they would raise their voices, and I would then raise mine -just to be heard over them. I would repeat my case over and over again, obviously angry and indignant at the treatment I was receiving when I was paying so much money and it was so obvious that it all could've been avoided with a more broad-spectrum antibiotic for a long enough treatment time. There was absolutely no compromise or negotiation or reasonable approach toward the treatment of my animals nor any consideration for my finances and emotions at any point during these highly stressful situations. It was all about doing things the most expensive and exhaustive way when there was an obvious, (MUCH CHEAPER), common sense approach to prevent these relapses from happening. But because I was always forgiving and just grateful to get my animals back alive, I had let it go and never left a review or contacted corporate. Until now. Today I received a certified mail package from VCA, with all of my animals' medical records, and a letter saying they would no longer be treating any pets of mine. I am horrified at this since both of my dogs are 14 years old, both with chronic conditions, and my new cat is 11 years old. Their primary veterinarian is only open during normal business hours and closed on weekends and the evenings, which is always when emergencies happen. There are no other emergency clinics around and I would have to drive two hours to get to one which could mean the difference between life and death. I believe it is medical malpractice to take their personal differences and frustrations with me out on my innocent animals. They are angry that I'm not the type of person who doesn't just "put up, shut up, and pay up." I believe that this is breaking the oath that they take as medical practitioners. I am horrified that this is happening. Fragile egos, lack of empathy, unrealistic, unreasonable burden placing and vindictiveness have no place in such a profession. Shame on you Valley Oak!!!! read more

VCA Valley Oak Veterinary Center - Letter from Valley Oak VCA. - Veterinarians Near Me - Chico, California

Warning.... go to another hospital or vet if you can. Literally the worst experience I have ever had!! My dog had a cut on her chest that required five stitches. The price...$820, which I didn't have immediately available. So, they refused to release my dog to me and threatened to report it to the credit bureaus. They finally relinquished her to me after keeping her for six hours as I waited in the parking lot. However, they withheld her pain medicine and antibiotics until I came back with the money....Unbelievable. The front desk staff were incredibly rude as well as the tech that brought my dog to me, she literally yelled care instructions at me as I was trying to hold my 45 pound dog. Also, the vet called me before she stitched my dog up and was incredibly smug and flippant as she first quoted me around $600 for the procedure and then as she talked more she kept changing the price... and actually chuckled a few times ... like it was some kind of game. In my opinion this hospital is a very UNETHICAL, RUDE and GREEDY. Take your pets else where. read more

WORST SERVICE I HAVE EVER RECEIVED AT A VET OFFICE! I waited THREE HOURS to be seen after being told it would be a 35 minute wait. The woman at the front desk informed me they don't have enough vets on staff (AKA short staffed) Overpriced. Paid 67 to get a foxtail from my dogs ear! 3 hour wait and an expensive bill? I don't think so. Evers Vet in Chico has better reviews and only charge 55 for a general visit unlike the 67 that Valley Oak does. I know where I am taking my business from now on. read more

I Am Never taking any of my animals here again, this VCA place really don't care if it's a medical emergency they are OK with letting your pet die, not giving you advice or what to do in the mean time to save your pets life nope because you have to pay for even spoken advice/instruction. They literally killed my chameleon having me wait weeks to be seen when I told them this is like a this week emergency but nope, THEY KNOW they are the only hospital in The neighboring cities with an exotic pets vet, but they make you believe they are not and have you call all over Paradise, Oroville, Gridly, Chico and Marysville all have none. I wouldn't take my pets here, not to mention their steep intense prices. read more

In an emergent situation I can understand increased cost. What I cannot understand is poor ethics, and that's what this review is about. We brought our dog on Saturday with sudden drooping of her eye and difficulty walking, believing it may be a stroke. We agreed to the $225 emergency exam fee and the vet reported taking her blood pressure and recommended they do a stain to better exam her eye but told us dogs don't have strokes and that she seemed to moving alright. We agreed and we agreed to the treatment and took her home despite not getting a call from the vet herself to explain the results of the stain and what she thought may have caused the eye-specific injury. When we got her home she was still limping. We waited 2-3 hours to see if her movement would improve but it had not so I called back (same night) to figure out what she had not been thoroughly assessed for our second concern difficulty moving. The tech said there was a different doctor in and they would charge an additional $78 to examine her again. On the phone I let her know how I felt that was outrageous given we had already paid $225 for this examination and included, repeatedly, the movement complaint when we came first. We opted to drive back anyway and have her seen. We arrived in the parking lot and called to check in-we were told an assistant would be out shortly. The new vet let us sit there for nearly an hour before we called to figure out why they hadn't come out. The tech responded that Dr Hicks would not see her unless we paid the additional $78. I was flabbergasted and asked-"so he let us sit out here all this time waiting because he wanted to make certain we would pay him more??" The tech responded "well that's probably not all of the reason but he won't see her unless you pay." So Dr. Hicks is just about the most unethical veterinarian I've ever not met (too cowardly to communicate with us directly on the phone). While we have had some good care with other vets there and I would recommend Dr Duffy to anyone, I cannot recommend the hospital on it's own due to this horrible demonstration of ethics and accountability in healthcare. read more

I'm not sure what I paid for but I've paid for my cat to be seen and paid for them to tell me to bring him back tomorrow for a laryngoscopes - I already know something is wrong with his throat and that's why he keeps gagging and can't swallow anything. My poor cat has been up all night suffering. I don't understand why they couldn't do something for him yesterday (other than to rehydrate him with SQ fluids). I have to take him back today and that's going to be another charge.... The only place open in town this weekend... I have to take him back... my poor cat is suffering. read more

I love Dr. Masalik ! She is amazing ! I came in a little sketched out because of the reviews , but didn't have another option because my puppy's eye was hurt and it was the closest emergency service. I was absolutely surprised by the amazingly sweet staff. From beginning to end my experience was completely different than what I expected. The front desk staff were super sweet , the vet techs were all very caring and gave my puppy lots of love and hugs , then Dr. Masalik was superior in her treatment of my baby. My puppy is very shy and very small so she has a hard time trusting people , but they were all very gentle with her and gave her lots of good pets and love. They did not push me to get anything I did not want for my puppy and they gave me options and even printed me the prices before I decided anything so I could make my decision accordingly with my budget. They were very transparent and really showed empathy when I explained my financial situation. Everyone here took such great care of my puppy and made me feel really safe with my puppies care. read more

Terrible. It's ran by heartless people. They'll ask how you're planning to pay before they even find out what the problem is. Please don't go here. It's strictly a business. Forget COVID, these guys have been awful for several years. read more

I now take all 3 of my cats here. They are expensive but most vets are. Walk-ins can take a long time but it's the price you pay for emergency services and/or not making an appointment. I used to go to Chico hospital for cats and I found they upsale a lot more than VCA. VCA has been good to us so far. I believe this is the only vet open 24 hours in the area. Very convenient. read more

I personally love this place. I've come here for routine care and for ER needs. Every vet and vet tech I've ever encountered has been professional and kind and their doctors are always very knowledgeable and they have always known what course of action to take. I'll admit it might be a little pricier than some places out there but it's 200% worth it. read more

I have always had the best of care for my dogs from the front desk, the medical care team, and the Veterinary doctors. They have been caring, knowledgeable, and thorough. I've been going to them for years for regular checks, emergencies, surgeries, and medical care. Just today I asked if they saw chickens because I had one that was sick and they got her in immediately. Thank you VCA Valley Oak Veterinary Center for all your hard work and positive and caring attitude read more

Cannot believe phone staff said I could bring in kitty that was dumped on my property. When I arrived (20 miles and 30 minutes later) I was asked what was wrong with her. I told them I had no idea, that I wanted her checked out so I could allow her to be among my two other rescue cats. Oh, sorry we don't do that. Huh? This company needs to train their personnel better. I will never go here and I will not recommend them to anyone. I was told before today that I would regret going to VCA, now I know why! Shame on them. read more

We give Valley Oak a 5 star because of Dr. Wilson. Our dog had a seizure and the hospital was closing. Our son begged the front desk to see his dog. Dr. Wilson came out and spent time with us even though she was supposed to be off. Her guidance to help us find an emergency vet was incredibly helpful. We were able to get into UC Davis at 2am and everything that Dr. Wilson had told us was happening was spot on. Unfortunately the news was not good and our pup has only days to live. Dr. Wilson will always be our first choice. read more