VCA Lake Shore Animal Hospital

05/19/10

Great hospital

by petluv333 at Citysearch

I read all these reviews before I went there. I almost didn't go because of them. If I didn't, my cat would have been dead. Not once did I think they were after my money, and they did everything they could to care for my sick cat. He had hepatic lipidosis. I took him to a different vet first; they gave him fluids and pepcid. When I got him home he got so sick that when I brought him into Lake Shore I thought he was on deaths door. It was the fast acting of the doctors and staff that saved his life. Since then I have dealt with most of the doctor staff and have found them to all be very caring. The techs are pretty intelligent and considerate also. If you want a cheap vet you will get cheap services. And 60 dollars for an exam seems to be the standard rate in the city.

• Pros: very caring, very experienced
• Cons: very busy, call for an appointment early.

10/13/09

Terrible!

by Love my dogs at Citysearch

I came here with a coupon for a free exam for new customers. The Dr. was completely short, in and out. Acted like he had somewhere else to be. I was told when I left that the coupon covered the visit, then a month later I received a bill in the mail. All they can say is their employees are excellent and don't know how this could have happened. They are only about making money, and it's terrible.

• Pros: NONE

02/17/09

Expensive, but what do you expect in the city?

by Gumby1119 at Citysearch

First time dog owner. This vet is less than a mile from my new apt. Driving any further would just add cost, therefore I pay for the convenience. I have never had a bad experience here. Dr. B was a very good listener and answered all my stupid questions making me feel very comfortable. While the cost does burn a hole through my pocket, I can't expect a pet to be cheap. I would rather take my puppy to a reputable company than a sleazy one where he may leave sicker than he came. I wouldn't recommend getting your pet fixed anywhere other than the Anti-Cruelty society though - I paid $35 for neutering and micro-chipping - they do hundreds a week so you know they have the experience and you can't beat the price.

I would recommend VCA on Chicago Avenue to those who can afford to pay for good care.

Side note: If you assume the secretaries will be able to give the same care as the licensed, educated doctors you are setting yourself up for disappointment.

• Pros: Dr. B was a very good listener and answered ALL my questions
• Cons: the "city" price tag is steep, but the doctor made it worth it

12/09/08

OUTRAGEOUSLY EXPENSIVE

by yoga436 at Citysearch

This place is OUTRAGEOUSLY EXPENSIVE. Don't waste your hard-earned money here. The office visits are over $60 which is double of some other places. A $20 shot for my cat cost $70 because of a $50 "exam" which consisted of listening to the heart and looking in the eyes and ears. AND the cat had been examined there only 2 weeks before. Find a vet that has reasonable prices.

• Pros: none
• Cons: espensive

03/01/08

Don't take your pets here!

by cheryl1223 at Citysearch

I am a first time dog owner and this place is within walking distance to my house so I thought it would be perfect. For the first 6 months that I took my puppy there, I thought the prices were slightly unreasonable, but then I decided, she must be getting very good care so we stayed with this vet. After my dog got spayed there, she has had many complications and it has cost us over a thousand dollars to deal with my dog's issues. I strongly believe that these people just want to rake money from their unsuspecting customers and when you confront them or question their diagnosis they are rude and in unconcerned. Do Not Take Your Pet Here!!

• Pros: office staff friendly
• Cons: smelly, expensive, uncaring veteranarians