Averill Hanson (08.11.2017 22:03)
The location is convenient and most of the staff are friendly and attentive. They've kept my cats shots up to date and have everything saved on file for future visits. Their price per service is reasonable compared to the emergency vets. However, on several occasions, one of the vets has failed to listen to what my cats symptoms where and gave unhelpful recommendations. As a result, he advised me to spend money on more products and procedures than agreed to.
After my cat spent the day constantly hopping in and out of the litter box, straining to pee and yowling in pain, I found blood in his urine. I brought him in immediately, and was encouraged to buy a special kitty litter to collect a urine sample, as extracting straight from the bladder can introduce blood that wouldn't otherwise be there. I went home, collected the sample and brought it back fresh (less than an hour old) as instructed. They then told me they still recommended extracting the urine because samples can be inconclusive or contaminated. Why did they tell me to collect one in the first place then? So I would buy the special kitty litter?
I ended up having to pay for both sampling methods and they still came up with inconclusive results. I understand they can't control the results, but they said he's fine and recommended I switch him over to a special cat food (for $80/bag) if I'm still concerned. I tried to ask the vet what could have caused his physical symptoms but he didn't seem to hear me and brushed it off as my cat acting out for attention. I'm not the expert here, but my cat usually finds hilarious new ways to push breakable things off high surfaces when he wants attention; he doesn't put blood in his urine.
A little google research taught me that it was likely crystals in his urine from changing his food or not getting enough water. Thanks google. My cat's hasn't had another incident since I've kept him on the same food for 8 months and keep his water extra fresh.
This isn't the first time that vet has ignored the information I've given him and offered to sell me a product instead. I can't tell if he cares more about making money or if he just has terrible interpersonal skills. Either way, it made him very ineffective at his job. The one good thing is that they were able to rule out more significant medical problems. Beyond that, my cat (and I) was no better after the stress of seeing them.
Lisa Y (19.10.2017 03:53)
I was told that I would only be charged for 60$ general exam and I was charged an extra 33$ for "Skin Scraping and analysis" without being told at all I would be and that is very unacceptable in my opinion, I came to BC SPCA as the online description said it was 60 for the general exam. I am a full time double major Bsc student working 2 jobs and being able to afford him is very tough and not saying I cannot afford him I have money set aside very carefully every penny counts to my budgeting excel spreadsheet. He is my partner's dog but I share some expenses because we are both students. I was however told I would be charged for medication by the vet and I am ok with that because that was what we came for, a general exam and medication. The vet that helped us was awesome otherwise.
Dean Campion (04.10.2017 17:58)
Friendly and knowledgeable staff who clearly care about the animals in their care. Good hours - the clinic is open on Saturdays - and great pricing, with money going to help other animals.
Alex Chiu (26.09.2017 22:20)
The work done by BCSPCA is very important and they have been doing a fabulous job. Having been a big supporter over the years, I like to visit from time to time and just look at the animals in their care. However, sometimes I leave the shelter feeling like I am not welcome there. There is one blonde lady (I will not name) who has been there for many years and she is very condescending and she does not look happy to be there. She is very grumpy, and the last time I visited she looked at me like I was stupid and said "What are you doing??" Everytime I talk to her or ask her a question it sounds like she is doing me a huge favor. I have heard her shout/yell, be not too nice toward the volunteers and visitors as well. This is not the kind of person to be in charge of customer service. I understand that she deals with difficult people from day to day, but it does not justify her rudeness. Anyway, I will leave it on a positive note: The kennels are kept nicely, and volunteers are nice.
Cali Allan (30.07.2017 02:03)
Can't seem to get their stories straight on the animals. I was told 3 different versions of an animals history/behaviour/needs. For the first two version I was a perfect match and I should absolutely put in an application. But then was later told I was not a suitable match for the animal because of their history and that wouldn't be considered at all. Left with the feeling that I can't anything I'm told here.
