VCA University Animal Hospital

I never leave bad reviews, but I must warn new pet owners. This place inflates pricing a ridiculous amount. I have read many of their reviews and I see them trying to justify some of their discrepancies in pricing. My invoice was over $599 for a new cat check up, nail trim ($50+), a 5 minute snap FIV test ($220+), ear cleaner, and a fecal test. (Not including the $80 booster shot which after tax would've made it almost over $600). When they say: "When you are a new pet owner, it's hard to anticipate costs." ***My answer: I called two other highly rated vet hospitals on island after receiving my invoice, the other vet hospitals also confirmed this place was completely over charging me. When they said to me: "Hawaii is a lot more expensive than the mainland for vet care." ***My answer: I have had cats for 10+ years in CA, and now 6+ years in Hawaii, and my mother is an equine vet, there are differences, but not by hundreds of dollars for simple tests. I feel very slighted and that they target new pet owners who don't know a lot (they reached out to me first, I did not reach out to them days after adopting a cat, how did they get my information? It is on me for not doing further research). I don't think the technicians, vets, or front office staff are incompetent, I just don't agree with their service. I won't be going back. Also, there was leftover cat fur on the table when I went into the room, and I understand it does get everywhere, but it didn't seem like the most sterile environment for my cat at that moment.

I understand that every medical office has its own policies, and I respect the time of both staff and doctors. As someone who works in the medical field myself, I fully understand how schedules run, how delays affect the flow of the day, and why offices have late-arrival policies in place. At the same time, I also understand that good front-office support requires judgment, discretion, and a willingness to help when a situation is still workable. I arrived approximately 11 minutes after my scheduled appointment and had called the office twice in advance to let the team know I was running behind. This was a straightforward consultation regarding flea treatment for my dog - a brief visit that likely would have taken less than 15 minutes and I had already communicated the reason for the appointment and not to mention no other patients in the waiting room. Policies are important, but so is the way they are carried out. In this case, the interaction felt unnecessarily rigid and lacking in compassion. I left with the impression that the front office could have helped, but simply chose not to. Unfortunately, that experience did not reflect the level of professionalism, empathy, or reciprocity I expect in a medical setting and for that reason I will be seeking veterinary care elsewhere.

We arrived at 11pm. Our Lainey (cat) was in much distress. Their team from the receiving person at the front to the last person we saw were all very compassionate. We laid Laney to rest that night. This is a true group of professionals!

We worked out a good solution to the challenge of getting my newly adopted, 5 yr old cat into the carrier and to the vet on time. They returned my call after the lady visit ambulance take listened to my bad experience. They turned things around and we were able to make it in yesterday and she's feeling better. Thank you for making the accommodation so we could make it and great service!

Very great customer service from the beginning. It was very smart of them to offer a free first check up from the Humane Society. We have come here ever since! The staff are all very personable and they answer phone calls and messages promptly. When we were worried about our dog, they made room for her that day and checked her out. They did an amazing job on the teeth cleaning as well. Small parking lot in the front and a nice grassy area with poop bags mounted if your dog is nervous!