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March 2024 by Claire Gregory
VCA Natomas vet techs are awesome and always friendly, but im frustrasted about the Vets themselves. We went to them for 3 years before we moved, BUT my dog had 2 seizures after we had her for a year. VCA didn't test anything and just insisted we put her on phenobarbital. My dog was on simparica trio for a year before her seizures, but vca didn't tell me it's bad for dogs with neural probs. my new vet won't prescribe me simparica because it can worsen seizures in dogs! VCA never cross checked the meds they prescribed my dog- and I found out they upcharge the heck out of their meds. whatever you do, don't use their pharmacy and research whatever you get prescribed from them ?
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February 2024 by Jeffrey Stiles
The entire staff were very attentive and caring toward our dog and his people, during a very difficult health crisis.Thanks very much for your kindness.
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January 2024 by Katrina-Kay Alaimo
I had left my previous vet because they were rough handling my cat and used to joke about pinning her down with force to the point where I noticed her personality was changing…VCA Natomas, on the hand, takes such good care of my cat. Yes of course she’s still scared going to the vet (as is natural for any cat) but her body language is well and truly completely different.Not only are they gentle and thoughtful, but they provide honest recommendations and are transparent about pricing. Even though it’s a bit of a drive for my cat and I, it’s one we’re happy to take to get quality care.
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December 2023 by Daniel Robbins
My cat Mr. Tinker lost a tooth. Several months later he had a few days of not being able to eat comfortably. I asked the vet to do an exam/xray on his jaw to see if something got stuck in his empty tooth area. They set me up with care package and did an xray on his stomach. Said they didn't see and lumps on his jaw. 8 months later his jaw started swelling. He had cancer. He lost his life a few months later. I'm so upset they didn't do what I asked and expected in the first place. He would most likely still be alive. I lost my companion pet and my dearest love. I spent $87 a month and they didn't save my buddy. Never again.
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December 2023 by CJ Frost
I am happy with some of my experience here, and I will be returning as well as making this my primary veterinary practice. However, I need to express what was not great about my experience here. Most of the staff were extremely respectful, albeit not the most knowledgeable, as every time I asked a question they insisted on referring to their doctor. My problems in my experience here are derived from my experience with the veterinary practitioner, Kelly, who my appointment was with for my baby, Puffy. I came in to this office being extremely explicit about Puffy and I being nonbinary and going by they/them pronouns. The front of office staff, the technician I saw, and the individual that I spoke to over the phone to make the appointment were all extremely respectful and I thank them. The doctor however, immediately was misgendering Puffy, referring to them as "he/him" and a "good boy"multiple times over the entire duration of the appointment. I also need to express that in asking questions about alternative methods of taking care of Puffy, Kelly was unwilling to work with me. I have fed puffy Hill's Science Diet exclusively for many years, and when a supplementary fiber-rich food was recommended for their constipation issues, I asked if I could get a prescription from this brand. Kelly only gave me a prescription to the brand that they carry in her office, and was not willing to work with me. I also asked about being able to renew their lactulose prescription, to which she declined, and told me to just use Miralax. This has ultimately been working great, but I need to express: we all should be free to choose, be it in the pronouns we use, the treatment that we receive—basic respect and the freedom to choose are not a preference nor something to be denied as a right. I also need to express that I was advised that instead of the recommended food, I could add "just a sprinkle" of psyllium husk. I have instead been using 1/4 tsp of wheat dextrin, as I was reading that psyllium can exacerbate blockages in cases of constipation. It has been working very well, but this was not an option that the doctor, Kelly, made available to me, once again.
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November 2023 by Karen Griggs
I just owe a big thank you to everyone that helped my kitty, Ishi. Specially Deb, with out you she would not be alive. We thank you so much for caring for all the animals that come threw the doors at your clinic. This is the best vet hospital I have found in years. My one regret is I live so far away. I will highly recommend you to all who have furry critters in need.Thank you so much
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October 2023 by Tanya Rath
I have been going to VCA Natomas for 10 years now. I have always raved about the place and have never had any complaints ever until today. I was scheduled for a routine yearly vaccinations appointment about a month ago. The morning of, I got a text stating that my appointment was cancelled due to the vet being out sick and was to to reschedule at my convenience. I rescheduled and had to wait weeks before I was able to get in again where it would work with my schedule but I made it work. I was scheduled today at 2:20pm and picked up my kids from school and made the 40 minute commute to rush to get there. After getting there 10 minutes late and even apologizing immediately when I arrived. I was told my appointment was cancelled and we would have to reschedule. I told the receptionist that I live out of town, drove 40 minutes for this appointment and that we were there only for routine vaccinations. She didn’t care and apologized but that I needed to reschedule. After going outside, I realized that they had already canceled me on the day of the original appointment due to the vet calling in sick. I went in to tell her this and yet again, no mercy.I would think that I could get a little grace on the inconvenience they had already caused me the day of the original appointment they cancelled. In the last year or so, the service has definitely gone south to what it used to be. Everyone seems to be indeed just a number anymore.
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September 2023 by Tiffany J.
Very lovely experience overall. Eric, Vet Tech and Dr. Chancellor were professional , knowledgeable, and made me feel confident in their professional abilities to administer good care and advice regarding Chin Chin. The treatment was effective and Chin Chin wasn't as anxious as he usually is at the vet. We will go back next year. Highly recommend 10/10.
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August 2023 by Aimee W.
I had to put my 19 year old cat down yesterday which was extremely sad for me and my daughters. I have to tell you the staff of VCA Natomas Animal Medical Center were so incredibly wonderful throughout the whole process. They were kind, compassionate and allowed for us to take the time we needed to say our goodbyes. They gave our Pumpkin grace and dignity as she passed and we are forever grateful for their support.
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August 2023 by Fiona Zhou
This review is for Michelle Rivera specifically.My cat arrived at VCA a measly 4.75 lbs, and Michelle suggested that she likely had FIP. Thank you for letting us know and pointing us to the right direction on where to locate medication for her. We were able to start her treatment outside of VCA the same day.Upon arrival to pick up my cat, VCA asked that I sign a waiver ignoring their suggested treatment before they would release her to us. Michelle brought us into a room and hinted that choosing not to do treatment, which included a $8000 ER visit, was animal neglect and that she had a right to report us for animal abuse. When my husband asked her questions regarding the alternative treatment for FIP, and that the symptoms she mentioned sounded like they could potentially resolve themselves with the medication, Michelle cited that she went to veterinary school, and he didn’t. The many years she spent there clearly did not inform her about the ongoing trials at UC Davis for FIP treatment because otherwise, she wouldn’t have been so misinformed about the treatment my cat so desperately needed to resolve her anemia, jaundice, et al that, to no one’s surprise, points to FIP.Harrowingly enough, Michelle also said that her liquids were very low and didn’t even bother to try and give her an IV drip because she was ready to help assist me to euthanize my cat.I’m happy to report that to Michelle’s “she’s going to need a miracle”, my cat has survived FIP injection treatments for 84 days and 84 days of observation. Per Dr. Niels Pedersen, DVM PhD my cat is permanently and fully cured of FIP after 84 days of observation with no relapse. There was not a moment where I had unshakable hope that my cat would make it through, and as I exhibited this towards Michelle, I could sense that she was indignant that we would consider anything outside of her recommendation. The hilarity of it is that there were some cat moms on Facebook that actually recommended Michelle to us as a supportive, FIP-aware vet. Hard to believe after the way she reacted towards us.Michelle, I deeply hope that you are open to studying up on FIP research outside of work and can consider that maybe not everything is taught in vet school. Maybe new information and studies may arise outside of the narrow scope of your textbooks.To quote Dr. Niels Pedersen, DVM PhD:“More and more veterinarians now assisting owners in the treatment. I remain disappointed, however, that some veterinarians have not heard about effective treatments for FIP, believe that published reports on the treatment were bogus, or that sourcing drugs from unapproved markets is so egregious that they cannot even assist with the treatment once purchased by an owner. I commend those veterinarians that accept the reality of the treatment and work with owners and their cats with FIP.”Picture of my cat fully recovered, 168 days after Michelle suggested euthanizing her.
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August 2023 by Dahlia Morquecho
Had an 8am appointment with them today and it was rather unpleasant. While the techs were really kind and helpful, the doctor wasn't. It was my first time meeting with Dr. London and it's hopefully the last. Her demeanor was really off putting. She seemed irritated when I asked simple questions regarding my cat's hairball issues and his weight. I walked out of there feeling like I had been shamed. I don't think I will be returning to Natomas VCA due to this experience. I am paying to be treated in a courteous manner and expect to receive at least basic education regarding my cat's health. It's disappointing because we loved coming here but I think this is unacceptable. Not to mention that she kept looking me up and down in a judgy way. Really uncomfortable appointment.
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July 2023 by Dahlia ..
Horrible experience while seeing the vet. While the techs were nice and easygoing and answered my questions patiently, Dr. London didn't. She was quite passive aggressive when I asked questions, condescending even which was really off putting. She acted like she did a big favor to me when in reality I am paying for expertise and not petty treatment. Apparently, Dr. London has an issue answering simple questions regarding diet, hairballs issues and weight plan suggestions. I will not be coming back to Natomas VCA due to this. I do want to point out that the techs that assisted me throughout the process were incredibly kind to me and my cat. Big thank you to both of you even though I didn't get your names.
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July 2023 by Sofia M.
They were able to make a last minute appointment for me and my newly adopted cat. I had to renew a vaccine with one day notice and they were nice enough to fit us in. The vet and vet techs were really nice and made the process very easy. I prefer them to my usual vca in w. Sac.
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June 2023 by ed plon
No follow through sending prescriptions, vets pop in for a second don’t touch your dog and it counts as a checkup!!! Always charging charging but don’t really care about your pet! I gave them second and third chances but they may very well be the worst vet for dogs I have ever experienced no lie? Other VCA’s are much better than this one. Try them instead!
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June 2023 by Kaleigh H.
We recently had to put our five month old puppy to sleep due to heart failure and the staff here has been amazing. Dr. Cohen and the team went above and beyond to do everything possible to save him. During our visit there was a bit of waiting around while having his X-rays reviewed for a second opinion but Dr. Cohen came in to check on us multiple times throughout the process and even came in to tell me different options of what it could possibly be so that I wasn't blindsided when the second opinion came in. Once that step was taken, he and the staff called different specialists to see who could take us immediately. They found somewhere, printed directions for me, and we were on our way. To make a long story short, my puppy was born with a heart condition and it went downhill incredibly fast and there was nothing that could be done for him. We took our boy home from the ICU to have one more night with him and Dr. Cohen personally called me to let us know he would make himself available for Rollo's end of life appointment no matter what his schedule looked like. The staff was amazing and had a room prepared so we could go straight in and they let us spend as much time as we needed with him. Dr. Cohen then explained every step both before and during. To top it off, we received a card with thoughtful notes from the VCA Natomas team. Our hearts are broken but it helped to know that we had the best possible care and explored every possible option before having to say goodbye to our baby boy. I also want to add that I took my 9 month old in for a bug bite last week and we saw Dr. Chancellor who was also absolutely wonderful. She even got down on the ground to love on my pup. We will continue to do the 45 minute drive to see them! A huge thank you from Kaleigh, Nick, and Charlie (Rollo's family)
