Charged for a neck brace which was not received. this was due to my mistake of leaving my credit card with a dishonest receptionist.

My son took my dog this time . I got there before the clinic could do their useless test routine to run up the bill to cover overhead.

Fortunately there are vet open on Sunday and the clinic on Sheppard is more forthright.

This place truly is for emergergencies only. The staff are all very competent and they are "the only game in town" after regular vet hours. My one complaint is the outrageous prices they charge for care and that they won't even look at your pet unless you can come up with a $600+ deposit. However, they have been a life saver both times that I've had to use their service.

Notice any complaint is always about the money. Good medicine costs a lot - that is just the way it is.

Lots of concerns about this clinic. (Remember there are two sides to this clinic: the referral clinic and the emergency clinic.) I had a very tragic and nighmarish experience in January with the emergency part of the clinic, from which I have still not recovered. I am sure there are good people there who know their stuff but there is perhaps some inconsistency which needs to be improved. I have provided them with some suggestions for improvement so that what happened with my cat does not happen with anyone else's pet. If I can make a difference for the better in the life of someone else's pet then it will at least provide some meaning to what happened to my cat.
Also if anyone has had any terrible or tragic events then you might want to file a complaint of the College of Veterinarians of Ontario. If there are many complaints about the same place then it might result in making a difference for the better in the care and treatment of our pets. Not sure that it will, but hopefully it will. All we can do is try, and hope that we are heard.
I could say much more, but this is all for now.

Boy I am looking to get my dog test for alergies and there is not very good comments about this place. I think I better look elsewhere

I took my dog there to have surgery to remove his very large Lipoma. We saw Dr. Ringwood for a consult on a Thursday morning, they gave us a quote and said he could do the surgery the next day. The surgery went really well and they removed his Lipoma which weighed 8.8lbs! Everything was looked good and then on the Saturday night they called and said his blood cell count was dangerously low and they had to do a blood transfusion. I told them my concerns about my budget considering I had already broken the bank for his surgery and they told me they would work with me to make it affordable. The vet techs, drs and receptionists were so wonderful to me and my pup I couldn't have asked for better care. They let me go visit my pup while he was in care and stay for as long as I wished. My poor guy had to spend 4 days in the intensive care unit. Yes, I will admit this place is expensive however I think we all need to think about how much our healthcare would cost it if wasn't covered by OHIP. I think we need to cut vets a break and really think about what it would cost if this was a person needing the care. Thank you VEC for being so amazing to me and my pup.

Compassionless receptionist. My dog was in a palliative state from advanced kidney failure, and sadly, we found her in the middle of the night experiencing a terrible seizure. We rushed her to the clinic as she needed to be made comfortable and euthanized, but they refused to sedate her or begin the procedure until we got our bank-card out to pay for it. My fingers shook on the pin pad as she continued to seize and flop on a table as we waited for the transaction clear. Disgusting.

The VEC exists to handle emergencies and provide services unavailable at the regular clinics. One comes to VEC because there is a serious problem. We came from another city because our town did not have access to the equipment we needed to diagnose our rescue cat, and it was clear he was in trouble.

I found the staff excellent with clients and animals: not just us, but all the clients that went through while we were there, which was most of one day. The front desk staff did talk extensively about possible costs. This was not moneygrubbing, this was making it clear to the client exactly what was going to be involved in the procedure and how much it would put them out of pocket. Given the emotional state many of us were in, they really needed to be very clear, because not everyone was taking things in.

Our little guy got the very best service, and everything was explained every step of the way. Yes, it cost a lot. No, it didn't work. But that was not the fault of the vets: they did everything possible to deal with the multiple problems created by early toxin exposure. When it became clear that he was doomed to increasing pain and a long drawn out death, the vets were gentle with us, and him.

Would I go there again? In a flash! But I really hope I never have to. That said, I will remember the staff with the greatest respect and gratitude. Their professionalism and compassion did not lessen the pain of losing the battle for that one life, but it assured me that we had done everything that could be done, and that this was the best outcome for the cat.

This clinic was very good at encouraging care, apparently in order to boost their revenues. Our dog swallowed a clear plastic object. Our own vet indicated that there would be no blood tests required before we went there. Vet inisted on blood tests despite our objections and xray before starting scope procedure. No explanation as to why. Scope found nothing. Then we started the guilt trip to start the $2,500.00 surgery and leave our dog there overnight. Discharge was half an hour after promissed with no explanation. We were not advised that bill was an estimate which was prepaid and we were advised that there was a credit remaining only after inquiry. Slick money grabbing operation in my view.

I think this facility does what it professes - treats emergency situations - however the staff at the front desk lack compassion and sense. The minute I walked into this place with my sick animal I immediately wanted to leave - I had a form thrown at me that I was supposed to sign my dog was taken away from me with no explanation - and from then on it was all about money. I know my dog was sick and needed help, but we had just come from a vet's office where my dog had been under care all day, I wasnt given a chance to explain or to talk to anyone before a rude ignorant triage person came and literally walked off with the dog saying he needed immediate attention - I told her I wanted to speak with a doctor first - as he had been receiving attention all day and he was not critical !!!! The doctors were fine but the rest of the staff leave much to be desired

So far I'mvery pleased with all of the help form Vec Vet. My little hyperthyroid was taken in timely fashion and the vet took over an hour to talk to us about what she would be going through and she was examined carefully. They phone me every day to tell me how my pet is and seem very knid and understanding. We will be pickig her up this week and looking forward to getting her home. Thank you to Vec Vet. We talked to a number of people before taking her here and everyone I spoke to had only good things to say.

We have had numerous opportunities to work closely with VEC on Yonge St. The staff have saved our little Westie girl on numerous occasions! A huge thank you to Dr. Mason who is absolutely amazing. His expertise, compassion, knowledge and interpersonal skills are what keeps bringing us back to the VEC time and again with our high needs little girl. I cannot believe how quickly Dr. Mason returns my calls whenever I have a question or when he responds to give me an update as to her care. We returned to the VEC last week with our little girl again and had the pleasure of meeting Dr. Williams and staff. They are fantastic! Although the news we received was not encouraging, we felt safe and confident knowing that whatever could be done for our little Westie, would be done by all the compassionate staff at the VEC.

All I can say is we consider ourselves very fortunate to have had the opportunity to meet and work with such wonderful people who TRULY care about your "fur child"! Wiccan thanks you on behalf of Mom and Dad.

Thank you, VEC! We brag about you to all of our family and friends!

thanks for having a place like the VEC. I just wish that thier was a place like that here in Alberta... Just love the show..

My dog fell gravely ill. Rushed her to VEC and she immediately received the best care possible. Well worth the two hour drive. If you are not happy with this place, you just don't like the bill. Mine was over $5,000 and I would pay double in a heartbeat if again the need arose.

I had my jack russle looked at by the internal med department they were every knowlageable and the Dr. also recomended more cost efectinve ways to treat my boy. I also saw the Ophtho department and found then exceptional. they were very nice and compasionate. my dog lost his eye. they even called to see how he was doing after. I would highly recomend this clinic. all the staff seemed to love there job. the only thing that I think that they can get better at is there reception staff.

I would never reccomend this clinic to anyone. Worst experience ever. I had a very ill puppy and took him into the clinic. The reception staff greeted me and were very friendly. It all changed when I met the vet. She was very rude said she thought my puppy was fine because his temperature was ok but if she had it her way she tells everyone to leave their dog over night. She then showed me a 1500 bill and asked me to think it over. I did and said well if you think he is fine then ill take him home. She rolled her eyes and said typical and walked away. When I was clearing my bill for coming in she came out to give me food for his stomach and replied I can't even believe you won't get him x rays but that's on you. She was such a bitch and when you are worried about the well being of your dog that's the last thing you want to deal with. She is very unprofessional

Wow I just finished having my cat seen by an internal medicine doctor and I am very impressed with his knowledge and attention to inform me about my options with my cat. I am impressed. Luckily he will be getting better after we made a diagnosis. Great job and thank you.

I wouldn't even select a rating but this site says it's mandatory, they don't deserve a single star.
The doctor's I had to deal with - the oncologist (cancer specialist) and one of the internal medicine vets, their attitudes were absolutely disgusting. They should learn to treat people with respect. I gave them thousands and thousands of dollars for their services and I received nothing but disrespect from both the doctors and most of the employees.
If you can find another vet clinic with the specialities you need I would advise you to go elsewhere. (I decided to go to the University of Guelph).

After sharing my experience with other people, I learned I was not the only one who went through a horrible experience with this clinic. Please be warned.

• By:

  CNELDRED

  I find your comments very worrying as we have just left our black labrador there with complications

• By:	READTHISNOW

  please use your own discretion when dealing with this clinic. unfortunately i have nothing good to say about this clinic. i have dealt with a lot of vets over the years and i've never felt this way before.
  
  i wish you nothing but the best for your lab.

Unless you have oodles of cash or are in desperate need (and there are other places to go for that) do not take your pet here.
The doctors were good in our experience but the front of house staff are a bunch of twits. We have insurance for our cat (thank goodness) but these idiots apparently don't know what the hell they are doing. With this particular insurance company there is a feature which allow the vet to do a "claims express" which basically means that the insurance company gives the vet the money, not us. Which is fine and is what we asked them to do since we were pre approved for this procedure. It wasn't done. And every time we called to speak with someone about it we got a different person, you'd think at least one of them would know what the hell they were doing... nope. No notes were put on our file, until after wards when we asked them to file another claim to cover the meds they gave us after our kitten recovered, when we received no info in the following days we called, again to get someone who knew nothing. We got a call a few HOURS later with the information that they would NOT be filing the claim until they received payment in full. I have never felt more discriminated against in my whole life for not having enough money. When we finally did receive the checks and went in to pay them, due to a hiccup with my bank (yet another headache in regards to this situation I did not need) I was able to pay everything but five hundred dollars. I asked about the claim for the meds, and the same idiot woman we got the last time, said "oh we don't do the filing we give the form to the doctor then mail it to you to finish off and then mail to the insurance company" Ummm no, the last time you filed it for us... "oh, were you standing here while someone faxed it off?"
She's basically just called me a liar. Fuming and its starting to come through in the way I'm speaking to this twit, she passes us off to another woman who claims to know what she's talking about. Which becomes evident she doesn't when she informs us that WE (as in my husband and I) were not approved for direct pay. Our insurance company direct pays YOU. Twit. I was done at that point. I paid what I could and left. The VEC has yet to receive there five hundred dollars, and I have yet to receive my claims form. I unfortunately have another ill and aging cat to care for that I will NOT be taking anywhere near the VEC. They can f**king wait for their money.

If you can avoid this place do so. This was my second experience with this clinic and it was much the same as the first. Unfortunately on holiday weekends they are the only vet that is open and they know they have you over a barrel. One would expect to pay a premium price for 24/7 service but a 650% premium (based on the same service at our regular vet) is exploitation when the customer is at their most vulnerable. We had to have our old cat euthanized and instead of feeling comfort that we had done right by our old friend we felt used. This practice raises questions about the ethical behaviour of these people in general and their motivations for practicing veterinary medicine. One wonders about the extent of their compassion if your credit card is declined. I believe that vets have a difficult job and deserve to be reasonably paid but their fee structure is way out of line!

• By:

  MISTYBLUE

  i agree with you
  

  My dog has hip dysplasia in both hips he is only 4. I have his xrays from another vet specialist in caledon AND I phone vec and they told me that they have to do there own xrays again and i was priced around 15.000 for his hip replacement 1 hip not both hips. sad to say that I will have to put him down soon. cause i cant afford it. they are way over priced. but they will help a stray dog for free. and put for adoption for the publicity. no use for them at all.

I love VEC. I love them to bits, from reception & the coordinators, to the techs & the docs.

My regular vet does not have a CT scan or endoscopy, which she thought would be necessary for my cat's correct diagnosis and referred me to VEC. The VEC doc spent an hour with my girl, and not once did anyone suggest we do the most expensive procedure first, or propose gratuitous diagnostic tools. Not once did I feel ripped off. My bank account is $3500 lighter, but my girl is alright. Note: this included 2 visits, xrays, complete blood panel, coagulation panel, anesthesia, endoscopy and biopsy, overnight stay and monitoring. And the effing taxes of course.

You will be given an estimate, and you will have to make a significant downpayment before they start any procedures, if that bothers you, don't go. You will be charged top dollar for top service and diagnostics, so if that is a big problem, don't go. If you feel it is "cold" of them to talk money when you are upset about your animal, don't go.

This is one of the best clinics you can go to in an emergency or for a referral. My dog had knee surgery and they were GREAT!

I really don't know how anyone can give a negative review to this place. I couldn't beleive my eyes, the place is like a real hospital. I know my dog is here today because of the ER vet that took care of him (his stomach was flipped) the whole team there was fantastic! Keep this number on your fridge in case you ever need it (hopefully you won't!) 416-920-2002!

My cat needed to go to a vet that was for sure, he had urinary Tract PARTIAL blockage which is very serious in cat especially male cats. He was still peeing on his own though and there was no blood in his urine. They put in a catheter and kept him for 2 days. First I don't think the catheter was needed nor the two day stay. I think both did more harm then good. The two day stay stress him out and they where not paying attention so he ripped the catheter which had to be replace. The procedure requires him to be knocked out which a bit dangerous for small animals and they did it twice. So he had needless pain of the catheter and extra drugs.

All in all this cost $1800 because they put him in ICU for cats and what really makes me mad is that he still ripped out his catheter even ICU. Why did I pay $365 a night if they weren’t going to watch him?

After a lot of research he probably only needed some med's and special diet to get ride of the crystals but that was it. For the price I paid I am not satisfied with level of care.

They take advantage of people who are scared and upset about a sick pet. This should have cost under $900 even with a catheter and instead I have to deal with an upset sick cat and the stress of trying to pay this bill. There needs to be some laws put in place to control these people to stop them for taking advantage of desperate pet owners.

I love my cat and he is worth the money but it still doesn’t make it right!

Slick, money-grabbing heartless scammers! They will take all the money you have without the slightest concern for your pet's well being. We just lost our beloved cat at this clinic due to excessive invasive testing with sole purpose of emptying your bank account. We paid the price for our inexperience (first time pet owners-just the kind they love at this clinic). A disgrace for a veterinary profession, this city and this country. To be avoided by all means!!!

• By:	READTHISNOW

  i completely agree!