VCA West Coast Specialty and Emergency Animal Hospital Fountain Valley, California

My cat had urinary blockage. The doctors, nurses and whole team provided exceptional care. They kept us updated and gave us very thorough care instructions.

A vet visit can be extremely emotional and confusing, it’s important to also remember that all vets and vet techs are here to help and are currently drowning in amount of cases and to be patient with any circumstance! My visit experience went well, I called ahead to give details about my pet who was experiencing some emergency related symptoms. I came and they are following Covid protocols (like most VCAs are) in which you check in up front and then return to the car to wait for you to be called. There is plenty of parking and even a big area for the dogs to go potty. I think I even saw some EV chargers in the parking lot. The emergency consultation price was pretty standard for the area. I have no complaints about my visit and hope that everyone else has a great experience like me. Remember each case is different, be patient!

Because of the New Year holiday, my primary vet office was closing earlier than usual and it was their recommendation to go to VCA for a hydration treatment for my cat that has kidney disease. Upon arrival @ 5 am I was told there would be a 4 hour wait after it was suggested that I arrive before 6am to avoid any wait time since the treatment only takes about 5 minutes and can be done by a tech and my primary vet had forwarded all medical records to VCA. After waiting for about an hour in the lobby, a tech took my kitty to be examined and within 10 minutes "someone" called me and said that my cat had a heart Murmur and on a scale of 1-6 he was a 4 if they treated him, there was a chance he wouldn't survive. In the last month my cat had been seen by 3 other vets for treatments and none of them ever mentioned that condition especially if it was that serious. VCA was only trying to be paid for a condition that was non existent since that would have been an opportunity for outrageous charges for medication or alternative procedures. This place ONLY wants your $ at the cost of your pets well being. Don't trust your pet to these people and get a second opinion.

I had to unfortunately take my dog there in the middle of the night. She was having a major seizure and was beyond saving (I won't go into detail). The staff was very attentive and professional throughout the process. I am super grateful how they handled her (and me). I was a mess. I pray that I never have to go through that again, but with a staff like that in the middle of the night they are awesome.

I just wanted to give feedback that Dr. Huh had the worst bedside manners i have ever experienced at a Vet hospital, let alone during off hours emergency care. I get that my dog might not have had a life threatening condition (or fortunately it hasn't yet been diagnosed as such). however for me to have to worry about the condition of my dog, and spend Christmas day and 4 hours in the hospital to get someone that was rude and didn't seem to care at all - is not warranted. She should go find another profession if she doesn't want to be seeing patients/dogs at work and helping to care for their well-being.

Anyone but Dr. Collinet in Neurology. very cold and dismissive

This review is long overdue. Dr. Kim did my dog's TPLO surgery in Jan.. He was very informative, patient, and professional. He explained everything in detail and answered my questions even before I had a chance to ask him. He spent more time explaining things than any human doctor has! Everything went well with the surgery and my dog recovered without any problem. I would definitely make the 206 mile round trip drive (4 different times for appointments) again should one of my dogs ever need Orthopedic surgery. Thank you Dr. Kim!!

I cant say I wouldn't recommend this hospital in an emergency, I would. I feel like the medicine is quality. But there are definitely areas to be improved on. When I brought my dog in for treatment and further diagnostics on renal failure, the staff was kind and attentive. One complaint I have is the tech who did the discharge did not give me any discharge papers, nor the RX I was being sent home with. As an owner, dealing with a very difficult prognosis, I should not have to ask for these things. And she left the room, literally just left. This isn't a small clinic. I had no idea where she went. Generally you are escorted out, especially with an owner who is very distraught. So then I put my dog in my vehicle, realized I didn't have any sort of instructions, or anything showing of record of findings - nothing. Went back inside, and the tech gave me a receipt. Walked back to my vehicle and realized I still didn't have the RX. Go back and get the meds. And had to ask again for discharge papers. I find this incredibly unprofessional and scary for owners. ER is generally high stress situations for owners as they are emergency situations. The only reason I knew what I needed was because I was a tech for many years. Please see that your staff is better trained in ensuring owners are given what they need without them having to ask for it numerous times. Its not the owners responsibility to do so. They're depending on your competence, and entrusting their animals in your care. Please. Do better.

I was never attended, i was told to wait 6 hours. I was fine with that, they had excellent customer service but they ended up telling me that they couldnt help me anymore because theyre at full capacity. I just wish they told me that before i waited for 3 hours in the lobby. I think its unfair, whats the point of being an emergency room?

We took our dog here as he urgently needed to see a vet. My dog had some intestinal issue, he was bloated, lethargic, throwing up. I called ahead, and the person I spoke to said she'll give notice to the doctors in the back. We got him there just after 5pm Thursday. They took him in the back while we waited outside in the car. I'd check on him every 30-45 minutes and nobody had seen him. The ladies up front, very polite and nice to talk to, had no information to share. At about 8:15 or so, 3 hours later, we went in again asking if he threw up again, if he had diarhea, how is he doing, if we could wait with him outside. No because if there's an emergency we can see and attend to him. Hmm.. ok. I could hear him bark, so he was definitely in distress. I said please go back and see how much longer until the vet can see him, she comes back and has no idea. DId he throw up, I don't know. How is he, I don't know. I said, please bring him out, we're leaving. She goes in the back, then comes up front, and says the doctor will see him now. I said too late, we're outta here. They gave a bit of trouble but they did finally bring him out. As soon as we walked out he went to their xeriscape area and had diarhea, then he peed. Now he's sleeping after that ordeal. If you take your dog here or not, the result will be the same as far as your dog is concerned. I have no idea how they are still in business!

The absolute worst. they don’t really care about your pet. $150 spent to be told to go see his primary doctor. Their vet didn’t even come out to talk to me about her observation. Absolute no help. I doubt they even look at him because she just called me on the phone and asked a bunch of questions and then dismissed. Sure enough 8 hour later I am in another ER with rapidly progressing symptoms and actual help that he needed. Waste of money to give these people who do everything to turn you around. From telling you it is 5 hr wait time and handing you a piece of paper to call other places. To taking your pet from your car and return it in 15 min and calling it visit.

Don’t bring your pet here. Horribly overpriced. I got charged $150 for a 5 minute exam and another $130 for a parvo test that came back negative. $282 bill for a 10 minute service and no answer. Take your pet anywhere else

They took amazing care of my dog Caffè. Dr. Franco was awesome and so was also her assistant Virginia. Much better than the VCA in LA where I generally go for emergencies - I would probably drive the extra hour to go to this VCA again if needed.

I've been to VCA West Coast Fountain Valley, CA a few times with my grand kitty. The first visit was a late night situation with an unexpected and mysterious bleeding issue. Everyone working at the time was professional, friendly, caring and great with communication. There was not a long wait, that time, and the staff continued to provide wonderful, competent care through the internal medicine part of the facility even after that emergent visit. Months later, on a weekend, I brought my grand kitty back in due to a different issue. At that time, the emergency hospital was very busy with critical cases. I could see from the lobby how incredibly the staff worked as a team, supported one another and communicated so well with the few of us in the lobby that waited with less critical cases. Of course on a weekend evening there is a triage system and the more critically sick or injured animals would get prioritized. Even when a very impatient and inappropriately angry man, who was tired of waiting, started yelling at staff, they continued to handle things with great professionalism and teamwork (Extra positive energy to Caroline who handled this angry, yelling man with grace, even when he accused her of saying things she did not say). This is a very impressive team of veterinary professionals who live up to the motto hanging on the wall of the lobby, "Teamwork, Integrity, Compassion."

After taking all the information they ask when I was coming so they put me in. Told them between 4-5 and that I’m driving in from Lake Arrowhead on my way home to Long Beach. Arrived and called to check-in. Was hung up on twice while waiting to speak with someone. Third time got someone. She came out with paperwork for me to fill out. First thing she said was I don’t know if they told you this but there is a wait time. I said NO but ok. How long? 4 hours. I called and drove 2 hours from Lake Arrowhead to be told NOW I have to wait fours. Needless to say I had to leave. Left message with Dr. Hooykaas of Seal Beach Animal Hospital not to recommend them anymore and asked him to remove them from his out going message directing people who have an emergency to go there. DON’T!! Horrible place. Filthy and smells of urine.

Worst service ever!!!! Called to make an appointment, because I was referred by my dogs doctor and provided all the information needed. Arrived to the appointment and they tell me, my dogs doctor needed to make the appointment not me because they need additional information. That morning they called my dogs hospital to get his ex rays and other medical records why not ask to speak to the doctor then. Stupid, incompetent people are working in that office. Waste of my time and day.

On July 27, 2021 I brought my cat there in respiratory distress. She had a terrible cough and labored breathing. At intake, I provided her medical history and informed the hospital staff that she had a respiratory problem, I told them that she had had this same issue a year prior and that our other cat had just gotten over a cold. After the doctor had a chance to see her I was sent an estimate for $600-800 for an X-ray. The Doctor called me and said that my cats postering was indicative of something stuck in her esophagus. I agreed to the procedure. After some time the doctor called me to say that the X-ray showed something “slight”. The doctor wanted to have the radiologist have a look. After some time I received an estimate of $2500-3500 for a procedure to scope my cats esophagus. I received a call from an assistant to explain. I told the assistant that I could not afford this procedure. The assistant compassionately said that they would try to see what else they could do. The doctor called me to explain that they didn’t want to have to euthanize my cat. I raised my voice to ask her if she was suggesting I couldn’t have my cat back. The Doctor said of course I could have my cat back. I then insisted that I take my cat somewhere else. I was sent an invoice for $622. I paid it and my cat was brought out to me in my car. The entire episode spanned 3 hours as I waited in the parking lot. I found another hospital which prescribed a steroid injection and oral antibiotics at a cost of $84. My cat began to recover immediately and is healthy today. Throughout the ordeal I tried to maintain trust and respect for the hospital and staff but when the doctor mentioned euthanasia, I lost it. It’s clear to me that their business model includes leveraging our love for our animals against us in some sort billing scheme.

Call before you go. I had a cat with nosebleed and was told they at capacity and not taking any more patients

Called in to the hospital, the nurse practioner took down my dog's info and issue--vestibular disease and haven't eaten in five days, vomiting, labored breathing, imbalance. She says this situation is an emergency bring your dog in tonight. Arrived at 7pm, a Tech comes out takes down same info and says wait time may take up to an hour if it's more Ill let you know. Two and half hours past, no notice, no information. Nothing. Called their hospital number, pressed #2, waited no pick up. Message machine rewinded, three times and still no one picked up. Confronted the lobby staff and got the same BS service. My dog's condition was deemed an non emergency. Oh really? Come to find out that decision was made by the Tech that checked me in. A "Tech". No major college degree or advance education, rather a Tech determined whether a patient is an emergency or not. What a joke of an "Emergency" hospital. They only have one vet working and claims there's two or three. The staff Idiot doesn't even know that simple question. Four hours wasted. Drove to Blue Pearl, more expensive, but they admitted my dog right away. VCA you may want to takes notes on how an "Emergency" hospital operates. Never again bringing my money or pet to West Coast. Pathetic.

Way to crowded there was going to be a 4 to 5 hour wait

I don’t often leave reviews but I just left here and had to write about the amazing, prompt and caring service. My pup was having some stomach issues and with me being a new/first time owner I just couldn’t wait and had wanted him to have a check up in general. They were fast and super kind, great place for your pup, my guy came back out with his happy trot back.

I can't recommend this facility to anybody ever. We took our cat in for a respiratory infection. They unnecessarily put her under anesthesia for an x-ray, they wanted to charge us upwards of $4k to scope her throat for any blockage even though nothing showed up on the x-ray. They also insinuated that my cat would need to undergo exploratory surgery and if we couldn't afford that, they offered to EUTHANIZE her. The doctors repeatedly ignored my partner when he told them that she has gone through this exact thing before and the other vet gave her a steroid injection and some antibiotics. They charged us an insane amount of money for unnecessary procedures. This facility was not looking out for my cat's best interest, they just wanted to charge us as much as possible. I'm glad I wasn't there with my partner for this because I would have punched a hole in the wall. Hundreds of dollars down the drain to a facility that wanted to either operate on her or put her down. Their behavior was absolutely inexcusable. If you value doctors that listen to what you have to say about your pet, you're not going to find that here.

I stayed in their parking lot for two hours and when I went to the front entrance to inquire about how much longer it would take to receive communication, I got the standard, "We have many emergencies." When I finally received estimate I paid and went home, expecting to be called in about 2 hours to pick up, as I was told by front office people. I got called and was told there was an additional charge (of course). I paid and was told I could pick up animal in late afternoon. I received no further communication. I called at 4 p.m. and was told cat was in surgery. I questioned that because I brought cat in at 8 a.m. and was told she was going in right after I paid. At 5 I called again. cat still in surgery. Dr. White called a few minutes later and said I was rude to front office and I should apologize. Apologize for asking a question?????? She proceeded to talk over me and not answer any questions. Finally, she said I wasn't welcome there any more. This seems to be their "go to" response to anyone who questions anything. I will be calling manager Kelly Butler tomorrow to speak with her about the unprofessional demeanor of Dr. White and the odd behavior of front office staff. If they really think that my question was offensive, then they shouldn't be front office staff. Owners have a right to ask questions. I knew this hospital would overcharge, but they have you over a barrel when it comes to emergency services on a holiday. It's too bad that they don't understand the needs of pet owners whose pet may be hurt. It's interesting that they have a sign posted in front that they don't tolerate aggressive behavior and they aren't talking about pets...When people see that sign, I'm sure they chuckle, however, anyplace that has to display a sign like that indicates that they are not equipped to talk with people who may question what is going on. I found out that questioning is what they think is aggressive behavior. Don't bring your pet here. Go elsewhere.

Dr. White and her assistant, Miles, are awesome and very patient! They kept me updated throughout the entire time when my 11-year-old baby was with them and took the time to answer all of my questions (Believe me! I asked A LOT OF questions lol). Miles even texted me with the pictures of my baby regularly. Although my baby still has more treatments to do, I just can’t wait and write a positive review for their hard work!

I have 2 young pugs with brachycephalic airway syndrome. Our primary vet referred us to the VCA West Coast hospital, and my husband and I have been absolutely thrilled with our experience there. We had both pugs receive surgery with our more severely affected respiratory affected dog being operated on first. The whole VCA staff is very knowledgeable, friendly, helpful, and passionate about their positions. I have dealt with people in the scheduling department, the financial office, the surgery department, and administration, and everyone has been incredibly pleasant to speak with. Right now with COVID, they have a very smooth system for dropping off pets, in which you park in a numbered spot, call the front desk and an attendant comes and picks up your pet. Both my little ones benefited from a soft palate reduction and stenotic nares correction. We were paired with Dr C. Ikuta for our first pug's operation, and requested her for the second pug's operation. She is incredibly knowledgeable, patient, kind, and attentive. I can be a bit overbearing with my dogs, and she incredibly patiently listened to my concerns, abated my fears, helped me weigh the pros and cons, and ultimately allowed me and my husband to come to the best informed decision without feeling pressured or swayed by her or any other staff. My dogs have improved clinically and I know by their overall improvement in health she is an accomplished surgeon, but she takes time to know you and your pet showing she has excellent bedside skills as well. I primarily spoke to Dr Ikuta and Darla, a tech who is also very kind, and very good about communicating to the family. I received a call once the girls were under anasthesia from Darla, from Dr Ikuta once the operation was complete with what she did in the procedure. I typically received a photo of the girls before Darla went home, and again the next morning before I could pick them up before discharge. The staff also collected blank insurance forms for both dogs and filled and submitted them to our insurance, so we did not need to do anything for our claims, which was a big relief. Both Darla and Dr Ikuta made it a priority for myself and my husband to be informed and kept in the loop of our little one's well being. I have been absolutely thrilled with the care they have received, and am a lifetime customer.

With gratitude and appreciation of Dr. Arathi Vinayak of VCA West Coast Specialty and Emergency Animal Hospital Fountain Valley and her team I post this note. Dr. Vinayak is VSSO board certified Veterinarian Surgical Oncologist (only fewer than 100 in the world). She possessed great skills, knowledge and compassion. She is not only an outstanding but also a caring veterinarian. She performed a lung lobectomy on my little girl and took the tiny lymph nodes for primary lung cancer grade diagnosis. She called me before and after the surgery to ease my anxiety. During my little girl’s hospital stay, she and her office called twice a day, send pictures and written status reports daily. The medical report was thorough, concise, educational and informative. I was very impressed with her skills, her attentiveness and thoughtfulness. My little girl and I are blessed to have her. She truly treated my little girl like her own, and healed both of us.

Our Dog passed away and 2 years prior we brought her here for an emergency and she got the best care. We felt confident about the Hospital. So when she passed away last week we brought her body here. I can’t tell you how nice and caring every single person was . The Doctors and the entire staff are great. Today we picked up her ashes and “Paw Print” and when they brought them out, her ashes were in a beautiful small box all wrapped with Ribbon and a heart with her name on it. I highly recommend this business. K Anderson.

We did not come here for regular veterinary care but had an emergency and they had looked at Mango and and gave us the sad news and we decided to put him down ???? Everyone was so sympathetic and we even received a card in the mail ❤️ I really appreciated the guy at the front desk helping me fill out paperwork!! Thanks for being so loving VCA

I rushed my six pound Maltese to this hospital after it was violently bitten by a large dog. My dog had shallow breathing, deep puncture marks, inability to walk, weakness, and signs of unresponsiveness. They made me wait for over two hours and kept telling it would be soon. Finally I requested an exact time since I felt this was an emergency. Technician said he did not know and that he told me originally it would be a two to three hour wait. He did not. I left and I went to AAA animal hospital which took my dog right away but unfortunately because of the VCA it was two and a half hours later. I am very disappointed with this hospital and I would not recommend to others.

The staff was great, very helpful & kind. They kept me updated throughout the entire time my puppy was admitted & I even received picture updates. They truly care for the animals. I highly recommend this hospital for all your animal needs. My puppy is doing well at home & recovering nicely. Thank you to all the doctors & staff for everything.