VCA Old Canal Animal Hospital Plainville, Connecticut

They always receive my dog with so much love and for 3 years they've been take care of him wonderfully.

Dr Hexter is my animal whisperer and has always been gentle and caring for both my cat and dog. He brought my best buddy and grandchild George (my cat) back to health so he can have more time with us. My extremely skittish dog will go up to him with barely any hesitation. We couldn’t ask for a better vet to care for our animal family!

My kitten has a bad cough and I spent all morning calling places that could get him in ASAP. I called this hospital and they were able to get him in same day. We were seen promptly upon arrival. The entire staff was SO kind and Dr. Hexter is the best vet I have ever interacted with. Dr. Hexter and another tech contacted me the following day asking how my kitten was doing. We have never felt this level of support from another clinic. I am so thankful for this clinic and the wonderful staff. I would recommend this clinic to everyone!

The office staff Member I spoke to today was rude. I showed up to my scheduled appointment, only to find out that since I did not confirm the appointment over the weekend it was cancelled. Then she places me on hold to then come back and reiterate that my appointment was cancelled because I didn’t confirm. When I asked when was their next available appointment because my pup is due for vaccines - she then said AGAIN ‘well your appointment was cancelled because you didn’t confirm’. I have been in customer service before and was not rude. But ended up telling her that I would call back to reschedule due to her being rude over the misunderstanding. The Drs here are great, but office staff needs to be more understanding and tactful. Especially when a patient shows up to their scheduled appointment just to find out that it was cancelled.

I just wanted to share my experience my dog with her over the weekend had an abscess on his heel I called Monday morning they told me they were fall and couldn’t take me in to call the next day at 7:30 in the morning I then called at 7:30 in the morning to find out three minutes later that they filled up their three only emergency slots so I had to end up taking him to Middletown emergency vet which were they were great I couldn’t ask for a better place to take them if you’re looking for Yvette do not pick this one because they are unreliable and don’t care and will not put your pet first I am disgusted I am changing vets absolutely disgusted with old canal

I had a very hard day yesterday. I was bringing my cat in for a checkup due to some recent issues. It was my first time with this office. My cat was scared of the carrier and the car and screamed the whole 15 minute ride. He was having trouble breathing and a caring staff member came out to get him as soon as I called. He unfortunately passed away and I was devastated. The staff that tried to help my cat were so understanding. Dr. Troy Hexter took the time to help me understand what happened and he was wonderful. Alba(I hope I got her name right) was so nice as well. I want to sincerely thank you all for trying to help my cat and for helping me while I cried hysterically. I highly recommend this office and I will definitely return.

It has been 20 minutes since we arrived. I asked how much longer for the wait. I was told I do not know, the techs are really behind. It has now been 30 minutes and we are still waiting for anyone to see us. Horrible customer service. The least they could have done was call us to say they were really running behind. Waiting over 30 minutes for a vet appointment is crazy

Kiki had her Spaying today. Great customer service and great service. I like our new Vet!

***VERY lengthy review but worth the read if you're considering bringing your pets here!*** TL;DR: Wonderful experience. Definitely recommend. Purr-fect bedside manner of staff. I'll start off by saying that like most pet owners, my Chihuahua Fae is my world. We've been through everything together! Despite everything that's happened, everyone that's come and gone. Fae has always been the one absolute constant in my life for the last eleven, almost twelve years. My best friend until the end♥! I do everything I can for her to make sure she's happy, healthy, and comfortable. About two months ago, she was developing a cough. When she was younger, she was diagnosed with a rank 1 heart murmur. Over several vet visits, it seemed to have gone away and hadn't been issue. With the development of this cough, I was extremely concerned that she had developed heart issue. Being a senior, it was even more of a terrifying thought for me. The worst possible situations were running through my mind - congestive heart failure, resurgence of a heart murmur, lung issues, etc. Now, I generally go to VCA Naugatuck for Fae's care. However (and understandably so), they were booked out a couple of months ahead of time. I've lived in Plainville for roughly two years now and honestly had no idea there was a VCA branch right up the road from us! Desperate to get Fae seen, I went to their online portal and was so ecstatic to see they had an appointment only a few weeks out. Fast forward to yesterday (day prior to the appointment). A kind receptionist (I'm sorry I can't remember her name) called to confirm Fae's appointment and was happy to answer the questions I had. Already off to a great start! When we arrived for her appointment today at 7:30am, they were prompt to answer the phone when we called to check in (which made me a little less anxious about bringing her to a new vet). The tech that came out to take Fae (my paper says the cashier was Alexis L - I'm not sure if that was her or not, but she was wonderful! Please give her some praise♥) was so polite and friendly. She answered my questions and talked to me like a real person, not just another name in the book. As someone who works in the animal field myself as a groomer, I was very happy to see someone else who cares like I do. I had also told her that unlike the stereotypical Chihuahua, Fae is used to being handled, poked and prodded, and is very friendly. She was very clear about the treatment plan they had in mind for Fae and went over everything prior to taking Fae inside. I've had a few vet visits elsewhere (non-VCA) where the communication about what was being done wasn't super clear so this is another cherry on top of the cake for today's visit. Doctor Diva Malinowski-Green also came out to talk to us about everything. She had heard I was a groomer and talked to me about what they were going to do in a very professional but courteous manner. I know that might not seem like much, but it makes me very happy when other people in the animal field connect with one of their own :]. In the least offensive way to say this, she also didn't talk to me like I was stupid. When Fae was brought back out by our tech, she said Fae was one of the best Chi's and Fae seemed very comfortable to have been in their presence which furthers my satisfaction in visiting this clinic. She also mentioned the Care Club program to us and what it all entailed. Being a senior pet, it was definitely the best option for Fae. I usually take her to the vet every few months, but Covid has made that very hard over the last year and half. I'm very happy to have signed up for the program so I can start bringing her like I used to. She is my best bud for life and I want to make sure she lives a long, happy, and comfortable life♥. All in all, while I do very much love the staff in VCA Naugatuck and their care has ALWAYS been above and beyond, I believe VCA Plainville will be our primary vet for the foreseeable future.

I've been seeing Dr Green and Dr Hexter for over a year now and have nothing but good things to say. I've never had to opportunity to see the other doctors but I'm sure they're just as amazing. Both of my cats have FIC and their previous vet didn't want anything to do with them when one was having an episode, they were just a number in a book so that brought me to VCA Old Canal. Both Dr Green and Dr Hexter are amazing at helping me understand how to manage my cats diagnosis and when one was going through an episode last year, Dr. Green went out of her way to call and check in on him and no matter what time of day I call for prescriptios/general questions, Dr Hexter always gets back to me that sane day. They're amazing people in general and incredibly knowledgable in their profession

Have been bringing my cats here for years, from first visit to final goodbye we have always been treated with compassion and expertise. Recently I adopted a new cat with some serious issues that required immediate attention. The staff fit me in to address the issues quickly, even when I couldn't give him pain meds they got me in to get an injection.

Dr. Green is the best. She took really good care of my animal. And all of the technicians helped with the questions I had even without having to have to make an appointment.

My pets did not like staff. Staff not thorough and not friendly. Left and found a more caring vet center

I have to call tomorrow to cancel the 1 week follow up appointment for my cat. I took her in last Tuesday for a follow up for an emergency situation- blood in her urine. This was the only vet in the area accepting new patients I could find. She had been to the emergency vet the week prior, given antibiotics, but was still bleeding. Dr. Cesana told me that my cat was healthy. Actually used those words. When I questioned if she was going to die he told me no. I asked blatantly if she was going to die and got a very direct no. He chuckled after I told him I’d googled and I was worried she was going to die. He told me that you needed an education to go along with the google search. He said she was a healthy cat but needed a prescription diet- for the bladder problem and she was overweight. He wanted to see her for a follow up in a week and a routine wellness exam when I could schedule one. My cat died Saturday from fluid around her heart and lungs. I’m not saying she wouldn’t have died anyways, but to have a vet lecture you about how healthy your pet is and how she won’t die from this situation. Then four days later you have to rush to the emergency vet... which is 15-20 mins further than the regular vets office- bc they wouldn’t see her... they knew the situation was so serious because they told me repeatedly to go immediately to the emergency clinic. And she suffered greatly because I had to drive so much further. The 8 minutes it would’ve taken to get to this office would have seen her suffer far less. My cat seized in my car en route ... I had to drive with her dying next to me. Condolences don’t fix that I can still hear her cries and her thrashing around gasping for air. And when I called them she was struggling but still able to purr and lick at her food. I called at the earliest stage noticeable. It feels terrible. I was vigilant. I’m left with a financial burden and a box of ashes. And I should have my 11 year old snuggle machine next to me. We should be getting in the car this afternoon for her follow up to show that the uti is gone and her bladder is all better. Bc that’s what I was assured was the only thing wrong with her. I called the office staff this morning and they were kind. Offered to have me speak to the Dr. But what is the doctor going to say when my cat is being cremated this week? And the vet spelled out the symptoms I should ignore because they are side effects of the medicine he administered to reduce her bladder inflammation. Things happen. I understand this, but my cat was my everything. And the vet treated me like a fool on the phone- lecturing me because Verizon dropped the initial calls from the office into my voicemail while I sat in the parking lot. Telling me not to google. I wasn’t foolish to be so concerned. And I will have the ashes to prove it Friday.

The staff seems kind, and the care was OK, but I felt like they really try to pad the bill adding in all sorts of textured hair tests I've never had a vet run before for a minor issue. They tried to turn an appointment for an ear infection into an almost $500 bill. I hate feeling like I'm being taken advantage of.

I have been bringing my fur babies here for a few years now and I have never had a bad experience! Every staff member I’ve encountered has been absolutely amazing. They explain things very thoroughly and tell me the cost of everything upfront and let me know of any changes beforehand. They are always polite and are absolute superstars coming out in the freezing cold to do curbside. BRAVO!! I couldn’t imagine bringing my fur babies anywhere else!

I wish my human care was this good. The doctor took the time to explain exactly what they were going to do for my dog and why they were going to do it, even going so far as to explain why some services were necessary and why some were probably not so. The person that came out to greet us was kind and very affectionate towards my older dog, and patient with my procedural questions. The front desk made all the charges clear up front so I knew what I was getting into, and though all animal care is a little expensive, I would say, given the quality, that this was worth it. When I phoned them to ask how to collect a urine sample, they told me to just bring her in without bringing her out for a while; they would collect it themselves. About as good as you can hope for in a vet.

VCA did an awesome job with Gabby's annual visit during social distancing time. Gabby actually seemed LESS stressed with her appointment. Kudos to Jessica and Dr. Green. Their communication was superb - friendly and professional! The doctors here have always treated Gabby very well!

Felt like i was dealing with a car salesman not a vet ...very unpleasant experience.

Dr Green was so nice and took her time explaining things to me, very good answering questions.

I bring my bunnies here to get their nails clipped and the vets here are so nice and they love my babies. They always take excellent care of them, and I'm a very nervous bun mom so it always puts me at ease to see vets who love their job so much. also the newly renovated office looks amazing! there are separate cat and dog entrances/waiting area, with the reception desk in the middle. no bunny entrance but I can forgive that ????

This hospital is the best I’ve been to. I want to thank VCA Old Canal for their phenomenal care. On multiple occasions they managed to fit in time to see my cat the same day I called for emergency services, and always kept me informed of the care she received. Before taking additional steps that would cost more money, they were sure to call and get my approval, and when I asked for the vet’s recommendation I was always given a straight answer. They also worked with my pet insurance company to complete all necessary documentation. I especially want to thank Dr. Green. She went above and beyond to help me get a last-minute FDA exam completed to be able to bring my cat overseas with me. She also treated my cat the day I was due to leave after some irregular behavior had me nervous. Despite the stress of the day I felt so much better after the visit. Dr. Green recommended a couple of treatments, sent me off with medication in case I needed it and so I wouldn’t have to rush to a vet once I arrived in the foreign country, and followed-up with multiple emails to see how the cat was doing. She even recommended some products to help my cat cope with the move. I am so grateful to have been able to call VCA Old Canal my vet, even if for a relatively short period of time. I am sure my cat and I are better off because of them. Thank you.

Very clean. Friendly people. Excellent service!

Would not go anywhere else

We had to have our dog put down last week. The vet hospital we normally go to said we could not stay with her during the euthanasia procedure. This was unacceptable. After a couple phone calls, VCA said we could be with her through the whole thing. Every one was so wonderful. Our dog had a very peaceful death, and we could be there with her. As of now, I will be taking my pets to VCA.

The staff and vets here are so great and accommodating. They are the best!

I have been bringing my dogs there for 20+years. I have never felt that they were doing things or suggesting treatments or procedures that weren't necessary. Every Member of the staff is respectful and caring.

Always a great visit for the pups!

Great Dr helped my dog

They said I didn’t reply to my confirm text message which I did! They never called me then told me my appointment was canceled when I had called a few days before to confirm my appointment and tell them my dog would need sedation. I also emailed my records so the appointment was definitely confirmed! Horrible management clearly. Lack of communication....