VCA Castle Shannon Animal Hospital Pittsburgh, Ohio

I generally like this place for the following reasons: They are caring and do a thorough job. They are efficient invoicing with pandemic standards. They were kind during my elderly and very ill dog's euthanasia. They were great with my other very old dog with severe anxiety and significant dog dementia. They were great with my cat and all her issues. They took me in promptly for an emergency on Thanksgiving day once and even with the emergency fee, saved me the money I am would have had to spend at pvsec otherwise. I think they could improve: -Their turnover rate. Vets and staff are constantly changing. If I find one I like who gets to know my animals, they're gone in a month or so. I don't know if the administration is underpaying them (I hope not with how much they charge,) treating them poorly, or what, but they should do better for their employees and give them incentive to stay. -They are pricey. Possibly the most expensive vet I've encountered in a long time. I'm willing to pay a little extra for exceptional care within reason. Sometimes their bill exceeds reason.

Dr. Paterson is the best.

I had a very ill pup they got me in the same day Dr Threadgill was amazing. Unfortunately she passed the next day. Have also taken her sister there for a check up the staff is always pleasant & the prices are reasonable.

Yesterday I had to make the decision to help my boxer pass. She was sick with cancer. 12 years old. It was a Sunday. I called here. The people on the phone were above and beyond professional. They got me an appointment that day. When I arrived they were just as professional. Caring and understanding. As for the Dr. Larisa Niehaus,she was the absolute most compassionate, caring and understanding Vet I have ever met. And I have had Boxers for over 20 years. This woman is by far the best. She help comfort me and my parents and especially my boxer in the worst times. I wish all people in the world were like her. I will be taking my other boxer there from now on to see her. Thank you to the staff and Dr for helping us through a very bad time.

GET A QUOTE. Our 8 month old kitten began vomiting on Saturday. This continued into Sunday and we were concerned enough to take him to the vet. I was the last patient of the day, as Castle Shannon is not a 24/7 vet hospital. After a physical examination of our kitten, the vet offered to quote me for blood work and an X-ray. It was Sunday night at 7 pm, my cat was very ill, I needed the issue fixed, so I told her to just run the tests, fully expecting an actual diagnosis and guessing that it would cost me under $600 (as I’ve dealt with similar tests in the past for several other cats). An hour later, I was told the cat was basically nauseous, maybe ingested something bad, but there was nothing physically wrong (aside from gingivitis, which was a separate issue not addressed in this visit). My total came to an outrageous $943.39… for an upset stomach. See the attached picture of my bill. Super unfortunate that vet offices get pet owners over barrels like this. Even if I had opted for the quote, what would I have said on a Sunday night with a very sick animal? Make sure you’re ready to pay the absolute highest possible cost for treatment if you choose this practice.

I brought my cat here for a wound repair after he had gotten out of the house and was missing overnight. They did a simple staple repair and gave us meds and a cone and we were on our way. A bit of a wait but that is normal for a Sunday at a vet clinic. Staple removal 10 days later was also fine. I would recommend for minor emergencies/urgent care.

The vet laughed in my face while telling me about how my cat had a UTI, saying it’s “common but expensive”. Also stated they will die if I didn’t pay for them to get cleared and stay over for a few days. Zero respect from any of the staff then they used that to get me to sign up for CareCredit to finance the $1,800 where they send out a fake acting person to pull on your heart strings where their pet conveniently has had the same issues and just had to put them down (turn on the waterworks). Awful people taking advantage of people who care for their pets. I’d give them 0 stars if I could.

After a few days of no appetite or bowel movements, I took my cat in to a local clinic, who scared me half to death saying she might have an intestinal blockage and would need x-rays. I came in here, absolutely beside myself, and fearing the worst. I was expecting a multi-hour wait on a Sunday afternoon, but got lucky to be seen in under 30 minutes. Dr. Threadgill looked at my cat hands-on from the beginning and safely assumed that there was no blockage or even constipation, and that her appetite was poor from a manageable intestinal condition. He also explained that x-rays would likely be unhelpful because my baby was too thin, so he didn't feel the need to do them. I brought copies of bloodwork from about 3 weeks ago and they didn't make me repeat those either. They very thoroughly explained the treatment plan and associated risks, even if I was already familiar with them. The techs were amazing and gentle and they all let me hold my cat whenever she wasn't being directly examined. I made it clear that the cat was in good spirits and the stressed one was me, and they were calming and compassionate. We walked out with a bill under $250 when I was fearing thousands. Overall, I'm extremely impressed with the quality of care. Kitty is already eating and feeling better, and we didn't have to go through any redundant or unnecessary procedures that would have racked up our bill. Staff was friendly and thorough, and were a great support on a very stressful day.

It is tough having a sick pet. It breaks your heart. I know I did what I could by taking her to this vet. Outstanding service from people who care. Thank you

Called for an appointment today and they said they didn’t have anything until October.. fine but asked to be put on a cancellation list and apparently they don’t do cancellation lists because the call volume is too high? Made no sense. Edit: in reference to owners response- of course the pandemic related circumstances are understood but still doesn’t justify not having a cancellation list.. most offices do.. even during COVID ????

The five stars are for a kind and selfless woman named Lisa. She helped me through a most trying time I was having ordering a refill for my dog's medication. Since we were on the phone I'm not sure of her title. I am sure in saying that VCA Castle Shannon is lucky to have her! Thank You again Lisa for all your help and support.

I have been bringing my dog to VCA for a while now and the largest mistake I made was continuing to give this hospital so many chances. They have many times given a VERY wrong diagnosis for for my dog (example- needing to amputate his eyeball for his allergies) and telling us we needed to put our dog down for having diabetes. The staff and most doctors are very rude and don’t care to help the animals that come into there hospital. The last straw was when I ordered insulin 6 days prior for my dog, got a call that it was ready, and once I went to pick it up the day after they were unbelievably rude. They had not started on his prescription and refused to work on it when my dog needed it. Following up with finally receiving the prescription they only gave me half of what I ordered. Would highly recommend never bringing your pet here even for an emergency.

Dr. Dave Mikoloski and Crew are Top Notch. My 5 year old was spayed in mid May. Every Associate listened and properly addressed any concerns. Although a little bit more, I am very Pleased with this experience. Good to know a Reliable Vet Facility.

Every single person I had an interaction with at VCA Castle Shannon was absolutely wonderful. I’m so grateful we ended up here of all places during our turtle emergency. I highly recommend Dr. Paterson.

I’m sorry . But I went to bring my bearded dragon into the store . Idk who exactly was on the phone . But right after she stated that my dragon had bone disease . She started telling me I shouldn’t use . Uvb lights . But that’s what they need ????so instantly I knew she was wrong . And I said “okay yeah would you recommend any type of new lights since you said I have the wrong ones . All I heard was “ughhh I don’t know dude, hold on.” She Sent somebody outside to talk to me in my car . He was cool but like he didn’t have a bearded dragon and he told me to go to a reptile show that had lights and stuff for the dragon . But the lady had no clue what she was talking about and was rude right after she told me my dragon had a disease . Thanks that made me feel much better ab the situatuon ????

Sat here for two hours for them to put a cone on my dogs head and charge me 200 dollars Nicole needs to work on her c customer service there lucky I didn’t walk right out of there with outplaying in professional and way understaffed

*edit: the doctor was very nice, she is the only saving grace for this facility** I had to wait a month for an appointment to get my dog's vaccine shots(Covid-19, makes operating more difficult, so I understood). The day my appointment was made, I called VCA West Shore near Harrisburg and asked them to send all of my records over to the VCA Castle Shannon. She confirmed she did. I called VCA Castle Shannon the next day to verify they had them and they said yes. Today, 3/23/21, I arrive at the VCA at 2:35pm for a 2:50pm appointment to tell me they're running a little behind. I asked how long and they said probably 30 minutes. I'm finally put in a room at 3:25pm. They then proceed to tell me they have no records for her. I explained that I know they received them a few weeks earlier since I called to verify and was told they have them. They tell me they'll have to call the old VCA. It's 3:56pm and the doctor just came in and told me the old VCA now can't find my records and this VCA can't find my records. I tried logging onto my online VCA portal and it isn't working because the VCA Castle Shannon doesn't use the VCA portal, so when they took over my dogs records, it erased all access to the online portal, so I have no way of getting my dogs records. It's 4:10pm and the doctor justsaid the VCA West Shore found them in inactive status since she's no longer a patient there, but VCA Castle Shannon has taken zero responsibility for not having my dog's records and wasting my time. I've been at the VCA Castle Shannon for almost 2 hours and still no shots. Plus, their technology and infrastructure is extremely old and outdated compared to the other VCAs I've been to. I go to large animal hospitals/corporations so all my records are in one place, but with the VCA that is not the case. The VCA (corporation) needs to get their act together. The VCA Castle Shannon needs to get their act together too. I won't be back. Don't come here if you value your time, money and sanity.

Called here yesterday after my dog had a seizure... girl on the phone told me they had “too many emergencies” and suggested I find somewhere else.

I just want to express my gratitude to the Vet and all the staff at Castle Shannon animal Hospital. I had never had a pet as a patient there before but last week I had a 14 year old dog that was dying and my regular Vet could not see him for 2 days. When I called Castle Shannon Animal Hospital they were completely booked also but due to the situation I was in went above and beyond to get me in that day. Everyone was so compassionate and caring and made me feel like I had been coming there for years. I will never forget what they did for me that day and would highly recommend them to anyone that needs care for their pet. What a great place for your pet’s care!

I took my 1.6 yr old cat here, he has stopped eating and wasn't moving. The doctor checked and said he looks healthy nothing wrong with him. they did not want to give him the medical care and pain meds I asked for, I could see he was in pain. They instead made me go to PVSEC. PVSEC wanted us to wait outside in freezing cold at least for 2 hours before taking a look at him. Both these hospital failed to give my baby the attention he need and he died painfully in less than 24 hours. I would suggest to take your pet to other place that would actually care for your pets needs. I am devastated because of their negligence

It was a sad day for our family to have to put our cat down, but the staff was so professional, caring, and supportive. It was a sudden visit and they let us come right in. Thank you to the staff during a difficult time.

Our english mastiff was dying, they kept the hospital open after hours to help us. They are the most compassionate and kind people I have ever met. Gentle with our dog, and to us. Would recommend to everyone!!

I called to see if they took emergency appointments for ferrets and was told yes and to call when we got there. Got there called, and they said they didn’t have anyone that sees ferrets! Then the girl on the phone proceeded to tell me that …

Extremely disappointed with recent services done during COVID-19 in 2020. I understand that these times are stressful with having to social distance and not be able to go in the building with my puppy, however I feel they could have handled our appointment differently: My boyfriend and I had a serious concern for our new 9 week old puppy who we just brought home the day before. He wasn’t eating or drinking water, only napping, and having diarrhea. I called prior and the first lady I spoke to was nice and advised me to email over his health record we had on file and they were only taking emergency appointments at that time. We arrived 15 minutes later, the exchange from the parking lot was fine but when I spoke over the phone with the vet as well as the technician I didn’t feel valued as a customer as well as the fact any question I asked when they responded, it came across as if I was bothering them and they didn’t care to answer. They never looked over the health record that a different technician asked me to email over when they should have and the technician on the phone kept talking over me when I was just trying to receive information. On top of the bad customer service, the bill was over $400. So we paid over $400 for my puppy to get some fluids and reluctant, short answers to my questions like they were pushing me out the door. 2 years ago (in 2018) we had to put down our family black lab who was almost 18 years old. We had Luna since I was 3 years old. That appointment and process was very respectful and caring of our last moments with our dog giving us as much time as we needed in the room to say goodbye. I’m giving 2 stars instead of 1 star because of the one good experience I had back in 2018.

We have had our dogs to VCA for emergency and end of life care. We have always appreciated the level of compassion and care that we have gotten from them. After recently getting dismissive care for our other dog at two other local vets, I took Rocky to VCA for Dr. Iacovelli to see for bloodwork that one vet declared terminal, and the other nothing to worry about. Dr. I has not only taken the time to do workup on my dog, but she takes the time to talk to me to explain the what and the why of what she is doing, and I know she cares for each dog as a sentient being who deserves the care and attention that she is giving to them. She spent 20 minutes of her time going over his test results and digging into his medical care. THAT is a great doc. She had the unfortunate task of helping us send our beloved Tee over the bridge a month ago, and she was a strong and reassuring voice during that time. I ran into one of the techs at Starbucks later that week and thanked her for how compassionate they were, and she was also there when Tee passed. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for taking care of my fur babies.

I've been bringing my dog here since adopting him 4 years ago and my cat since rescuing him a year ago. My dog is a bit of a dummy and has had some random reasons for having to be brought to the vet, and every time they treat my pets well, they're knowledgeable and caring, and the prices are fair.

I left without any instructions for a dog with a high fever and diarrhea. It appears that they are just racking up the tab. All of their testing is double $$ than a regular vet. They offer more testing and more testing after that. They could have offered a sonogram before their pricy X-ray. X-rays showed nothing , but cloud. Maybe that was the techs fault? I would have done the sonogram if it was offered before the X-ray as it provides more info. Meds are twice as much here. They offered fluids which I declined. Bottom line is they had no clue what was wrong and I spent over $600 and my dog’s still sick. It seems like a pyramid scheme if I had to compare. They have no answers after testing and keep wanting you to spend for more testing. They have you sign documents that prove you declined what was offered. They are either afraid of law suits or the vets needs to prove that they were promoting expensive care. Either way, I need to see my regular vet. They will be more forthcoming. Staff was nice. The vet was meh.

We recently had to make the very difficult decision of putting our 14 year old lab mix down, Nova. When I called the evening prior, he had just had his 5th seizure and this one was particularly bad. Obviously upset and doing my best to convey over the phone what had happened, the woman I spoke to was so patient, sweet and answered all of my questions. She was able to talk me through the process and I had not had to do this before and took her time in explaining everything, which I appreciated. When we arrived to the appointment, every staff member was wonderful, patient, thoughtful and kind. While the situation was incredibly sad and difficult, they were able to provide us with the assurance and care we needed and for that we are so grateful. I can't imagine trying to work under the current circumstances and expectations, while operating any sort of health service or clinic. They truly are accommodating to the best of their ability given the current climate. I've been to this vet a few times and they've always been fantastic to work with. We will always appreciate the staff at the VCA Castle Shannon animal hospital.

I brought my 3 year old cat here about a week ago, he was very lethargic and losing weight. The vet tech came outside to get him while I waited for a phone call for them to tell me that his sodium levels higher than she’s ever seen it and he’s critically ill. She told me that he needs hospitalized for 3,500$ and since moneys an issue, she recommended euthanizing him. I said absolutely not, I’m taking him home. I took him to affordable care vet in Finleyville 3 days later and the veterinarian there did the same blood work. He said my cats just dehydrated and gave me IV fluids for him. And now he’s 100 times better and back to his old self. Thank god I went for a second opinion instead of listening to her. I will never return to this vet or recommend it to anyone. They were cold and didn’t even send me home with instructions to help him, they made it as if my baby didn’t even have a chance.

Today I had to say goodbye to my devoted companion. Dr. Mikoloski and staff were very compassionate and caring during this very difficult time. Thank you!