VCA Desert Animal Hospital Palm Springs, California

Worst place in this area. Do not go.

I had put down a wonderful dog today, and the caring and thoughtful assistance from the several staff at VCA in Palm Springs was truly amazing. Every single person in every aspect of the process was so sensitive and supportive. What an amazingly great Vet and staff.

We could not find a vet anywhere, they all said go to the emergency in Indio. Ramon VCA has an urgent booking, for our older dog who was short of breath. Dr. Kunz, and every one there was just wonderful. They diagnosed cancer with an xray, and we had to say goodbye to our beloved Pickles. Everyone was caring and compassionate- could not have had better care in a very difficult time. Thanks to you all.

I waited all day for a return phone call from VCA. My dog was in pain. When I called a second time in the afternoon to see if I could bring her in, I was told that VCA was closing early (Friday afternoon) and I could choose another hospital. The phone associate was curt and uncaring. I’m having second thoughts about using VCA again.

UPDATE: Unfortunately, it is very difficult to get an appointment these days. It used to be a couple weeks, then a month. I just made an appointment today 10/11/2021 for 11/29/2021. I know it's been busier because of the pandemic. But 7 weeks is way too long to have to wait to see the doctor given there's a new unknown growth on my senior dog who is a cancer survivor. We've brought both of our dogs and all 3 cats here to see Dr Dieringer for almost 5 yrs. She is very competent and very friendly. She caught cancer very early in my large breed dog. My dog is now cancer free for longer than all the doctors had originally estimated. Thank you.

I had a terrible experience with this VCA which resulted in the untimely and unnecessary euthanasia of my 4 year old cat. I am angry and heartbroken and will never use this office again. The vet attending to my cat was young and seemed inexperienced and had the worst "bedside manner" imaginable often rushing me off the phone so she could connect me to the billing department. I spent many thousands of dollars over a 6 month period and in the end was told they couldn't do anything more for my cat and to go immediately to another VCA in San Diego. My cat didn't last the day and would have died in the car on the way to yet another VCA hours away. I did find the staff kind and helpful but cannot recommend their veterinary services especially for any health issue out of the ordinary.

Went in to put down my dog of 15 years, she was on her last breathes and wanted her to be put down peacefully. Instead while my dog was getting carried out the car, on the way to the front door and during my "alone time" I had them ask me "who's gonna pay the bill" after I answered the first time I would. Had someone come in and say "here's your receipt try and pay it now if you can." absolutely ridiculous. Couldn't even fathom how inappropriate and unprofessional these people were. My dog is moments away from passing and I'm getting asked by 5 different people who's going to pay the bill after I told the first lady I would. So much for my alone time. Terrible people.

Went to this place 10 minutes after my cat died. Was on hold in my car with dead cat next to me. Saw a staff coming from a break. Told her about my situation and within 5-10 minutes Tech started the process. Am happy. My SOPHIE will be cremated

I had my sister take my one year old cat for surgery and she needed her shots before the set date. She received her first one, but for the second, they had failed to call my sister back to bring my baby back in for the second. After they had told her that they would give her a call from another tech to reschedule the date after my sister had to call in to reschedule. They never did. It was truly disappointing and from my own opinion; unprofessional. I do not think this defies the entire hospital’s performance but their staffs.

I have been using VCA Palm Springs for my cat for four years. I called to inquire about boarding and was told I would need to leave a message and receive a call back. I left a message, but never received a call back. When I called back the next day, I was put on hold for several minutes, and then finally informed that they are booked for the time I needed, "so we can't board your cat." No apology or suggestion of an alternative. She seemed like she was anxious to get off the phone. Because they are so busy, they seem to have lost the sense of customer service. I hope veterinary services in the Coachella Valley improve soon.

My pup has severe allergies and needs to just get a shot. They refused the shot until he can get a physical exam in 7 weeks! Ridiculous given they have been giving him the allergy shot for 3 years!

When will lobbies of VCA facilities reopen? The pandemic is winding down and things are reopening with precautions. Another summer of making pets who are sick, and people, wait in hot or running cars in parking lots is unacceptable and dangerous. It needs to end. People are getting vaccinated, mask wearing and social distancing can still be enforced fir the safety of staff and patients. Reopen the lobbies please.

I am a very long standing customer and I called to renew a prescription medication at VCA Palm Springs for my dog, an anti-inflammatory for his back legs as he has hip dysplasia. I was told I could not review without an office visit. Then the next available office visit was not available until 3 weeks away and that he would not be able to have meds until he was seen, meaning he’d have to go without a medication that provides comfort for him fir three weeks so that when I bring him in perhaps he will be experiencing problems as a result of being denied his medications. We’ve all had to put up a lot with the pandemic and being flexible, but at this point VCA has an inflexible policy which denies animals needed medications because VCA can not accommodate and provide timely appointments for patients, putting them at risk for problems or deteriorated status. So much for VCA Palm Spring’s empathy and compassion for animals. I am very disappointed. You’ve been happy to take much money from me over the years but when it comes to being flexible and practical on your part, you are rigid and inflexible. This used to be a much better operation years ago, but I often receive conflicting information from staff and then I’m told staff are in training so there are mistakes, mistakes to the detriment of our pets and their well being. Where’s you’re compassion and empathy?

I am extremely upset at VCA! I called yesterday about neuter and spay my dogs. I was told that they did not have any appointments anytime soon, but after a few minutes the lady said that they had a cancellation that she would be able to fit the dogs in today. Then she went on to say that they could only do the surgery if they do the physical too. When my partner took the dogs this morning they rushed and took the dogs inside without any explanation as to what was going to be done. When the lady came back and my partner talked to her he was told that his was only a physical that they did not have any neuter or spay until end of July. When my partner wanted to cancel the physical he was told that they had already completed the physical that it was too late. Instead they insisted that the dogs needed additional vaccines when all vaccines are up to date. This cost us $168 without really accomplishing what we needed to. I called very upset and asked to speak with a supervisor but was told that none was available that I would have to leave a message. I left a message and have yet to hear back from the supervisor. Never take your pet to VCA Desert Animal Hospital unless you want bad service and want services that you don't want and be overcharged.

We are taking all of our animals elsewhere due to VCAs insistence on curbside drop off at this point in the pandemic. We've been using VCA for many years and have had some hits and misses like any veterinarian practice does, but this is beyond the pale. Had to wait for a month to get out senior dog an appointment and assumed I would be able to go inside fully masked and discuss her ailments with the vet. But no, they want to talk to me on my cell phone while I wait in the car. Mistakes are made this way! It's not a matter of inconvenience- it's a matter of proper communication and care for my beloved dog. I can go into any establishment now, including a dental office, fully masked but not a veterinarian? The staff should all be fully vaccinated. I am. What's going on? Last summer we had an emergency with our cat during the height of the pandemic and she almost died as we could hardly communicate with the vets via curbside visits but I understood the need. But not now. Good bye VCA.

I'm glad to provide a very positive review of our experience here. Finding a vet to deal with an urgent care case in the Coachella Valley right now is a challenge and significant problem. After phone calls to five different hospitals, including a previous call to someone else at this location, connecting with Shannon was a godsend. She is a model for customer care and if our experience is anything to go by, she genuinely appreciates her clients, human and animal. She quickly understood the situation, found a solution and was able to ensure that an urgent care case with the dog we rescued from the CA wildfires last fall didn't become an emergency. (She deserved much better respect from the young vet tech who assisted us than she received, btw -- something the hospital administrator needs to follow up). Dr. Randy Turek DVM was thorough, friendly and respectful, and laid out options and his concerns in a caring and professional manner. While consultation by phone call isn't optimal, I appreciated the continuing COVID protocols being in place. Navigating them wasn't difficult, with curbside handoffs as easy as a phone call or text to the front desk. Thank you to Shannon and to Dr. Turek for your care and concern for a (canine) family member now on the mend.

Do not go to this hospital. Understanding that the desert is woefully understaffed for veterinary care - especially on weekends - they still do not staff appropriately. I believe my cat has eaten something toxic and needs urgent care. I called and was told to be there prior to 9am the next morning and they could work in my cat. I get there and they didn’t keep their word and turned him away. No other valley vets or emergency care vets would see him. We’re literal driving now to Anaheim. I’ll never return to his vet (they’ve treated my other cat). No “I’m sorry”, no nothing. You’d think they’d schedule more vets on weekends when it’s obvious they’re needed. I only hope my cat lives until we get to Anaheim. And if they tell you they’ll work in your let to the schedule DO NOT BELIEVE THEM. They’re lying.

Took my snake here on May 4, 2021 and she came back in awful condition. They seemed very nice and professional, but when she came back scales from all over her body were falling off and now she is very timid and skittish(This is a VERY curious snake who loves to explore). They helped with our emergency, but there is no reason why she should've came back the way she did. Who knows how the doctor was treating my snake, and who knows if the doctor even cared or had empathy for her at all. This place is horrible for snakes, we are never taking any of our animals here from now on.

Awful desk staff. Will never make an appointment here again. They said they had no record of my pet, but they done her spay. She’s been there seasonally for two years. It worries me if the office doesn’t even recognize a dog that comes in at least once a year. We will be moving to another vet in the valley who will keep records

The most horrible experience service i have ever received. Took my bella in march 1st for a lump she had on her stomach never told me what it was they didnt even have the knowledge to tell me what was wrong with her. Took them 1 month for lab results to come back and wanted to charge me for doing absolutely nothing to her cus againg they didnt even know what she had. Been calling corporate and trying to speak to a manager now for the past 2 months all they say is they are busy they will call me back blah blah blah. Let's just say that all that these people care about is the money. They are pathetic, rude, and 0 professional. Least to say will never be going back hope i could give a 0 star.

My dog Husky did spay surgery on Feb, 2018. This spay surgery was failed, and my dog still has menstruation blood regularly. My dog has menstruation blood again recently. I feel bad. I don’t want my dog do spay surgery one more time.

I took my guinea pig here over a month ago not realizing he was old and dying already and he was put on 4 meds, which would have been fine if it all worked, however, he went for a checkup and was put on another medication and told to come in for another checkup a month later. A week later his health declined quickly and I called to get him seen and was told I couldn’t for a month. I spent close to 1000$ and he ended up dying. I believe they staff is trying to rip people off who are in a bad state instead of just saying he had to be put down because he was old and sick and wouldn’t get better, the inhumanity, and they should be ashamed for the lack of compassion

Very compassionate and educated staff. Really helped us at a very difficult time.

The staff here are FABULOUS! They are very accommodating. Can't say enough nice things about them.

Went to this place once about 15 years ago and never went back. It was all about the money. They really didn't care about my dog. 95% of people I have talked to also will not go here again. 1 time stop and never again.

Very intelligent and compassionate staff. Really helped us during a very difficult time.

It was amazing for my dog and it was quite quick...

Friendly staff and answered all questions I had

I can’t say enough about VCA! I came to them, a stranger whose dog got very sick very quickly and the hard decision was made (she was sick and we were on borrowed time but it went downhill faster than expected) and from the first phone call through the whole process I was treated with kindness, compassion, professionalism and respect. Today, I finally got my guts up to go pick her (my dog’s remains) up and couldn’t even get through explaining why I was there before I started crying (again) and it was the same thing. The woman (whose name I don’t remember, sadly) was so kind. What is always a very difficult experience, to say goodbye, was made the best it could possibly be by all the staff at VCA. Thank you all.

No response to a potential adverse medication reaction prescribed by a VCA staff vet at this location within hours of administration. What happened to professional responsibility for patient care? That clearly doesn’t happen at this VCA location.