Canada West Veterinary Specialists Critical Care Hospital — Veterinary Care in Vancouver

Reviews of Canada West Veterinary Specialists Critical Care Hospital

• Samantha

  Added 2016.06.27

  I finally had to put my sweet girl to sleep last month as she was in constant pain and having so much difficulty getting up and down. I absolutely regret having taken her to this clinic and I truly believe she would still be with me if I hadn't.
• Steven

  Added 2015.11.20

  After almost a year, I am just now at the point of being able to talk about our horrendous experience at this clinic. I am in complete agreement with other posters citing poor communication regarding diagnosis, prognosis, treatment options and the outrageous cost, or "money grab" as another poster put it. The neurologist examined my dog and said she seemed to be getting around reasonably well. (She had a gait problem). Instead of the vet simply saying, "you know, I don't think she really needs anything done, she seems to be OK" and recommending we just watch her, he gave me a laundry list of tests he "recommended" totaling $5000. I agreed to an MRI only. Thank goodness I am in the medical profession myself and had the presence of mind to say NO. I can completely understand how other people without medical knowledge would be totally overwhelmed and probably agree to everything as we all want the best for our beloved fur-babies. And, we are at the mercy of the vet who we hope has our pet's best interests at heart and is considering the entire picture. Unfortunately, as an anxious pet parent, my emotions got in the way and I didn't have the presence of mind to run for the door with my dog. She had the MRI of her hip, or so I THOUGHT that was all they did. When they brought her out she could hardly walk. She was in so much pain for days after and was never the same. The vet did other tests that I did NOT give permission for, including a needle aspiration, an invasive procedure! Who knows what sort of damage could have resulted from that! He had NO RIGHT to perform tests I didn't authorize, not to mention the added time she spent under general anesthesia! I couldn't believe it. I feel like they experimented on my beloved dog and I am disgusted with this vet. Why couldn't he have just left well enough alone? Of course, I am upset with myself for having not listened to my instincts and just taken her home. As they had no permission for the additional tests, they didn't charge me for them, and I wouldn't have paid for them anyway. To sum it up, my experience at the clinic was disturbing, at best. I wish I had listened to my gut and just left. I've also realized it's really important to look at the whole picture. If your pet is younger and has a diagnosis that is reasonably treatable, then go for it. It's all about their quality of life and are we doing all these things for them or for us? And is it really fair to them?
• Evan

  Added 2015.09.05

  Dr Manens in the internal medicine dept was extremely thorough and really took his time to discuss our options moving forward with our dog. We really appreciate how kind the staff is. This clinic is huge, I have taken other dogs there in the past and have always received excellent, compassionate care and know they are always in the best hands. Thank you.
• Isaiah

  Added 2014.08.23

  Cannot put into words how amazing the people are here and the high level of professionalism. They get that pet owners and pets are distressed when they come here. We were impressed with how efficient, respectful, friendly and upbeat every level of staff was when we brought our dog in twice in one week for an emergency. It's the very best care you'll find anywhere for your pet. Yes it is expensive but they lay out all options for you and nobody says you must do this or that. You make the decision based on what the doctor's best advice would be. We paid for several tests and got results back the SAME day. Thank you so much for the incredible service you offer. Going to your own vet is sometimes not adequate: this is pet care on a completely different level. Btw, lesson to all pet owners: get pet insurance.
• Julian

  Added 2014.02.25

  We've had to visit Canada West twice in the last 6 months for emergency appointments. The last of which was this weekend when we had to suddenly say goodbye to our beloved Dixie. On both occasions every member of staff has been incredible, expert and efficient but so loving and compassionate as well. If you need an emergency vet this is an amazing place to go. Our deepest thanks to everyone at Canada West for their amazing care.
• Isabella

  Added 2013.08.11

  I am giving a one because the receptionist was quite nice. Went there in the middle of the night because my dog was limping in pain. She had been limping for a week and we were waiting to hear back from xray results from our vet. We went here in the middle of the night and the vet told us most likely its a tumor in her nerves. Nothing we can do but she would have to be put down. We cried took her home called our vet in the am and said that was insane. She is now walking again. SO NO THANKS