VCA Animal Referral and Emergency Center of Arizona

Our sweet lab Bo got into an inhaler. The circumstances were life threatening when we rushed him to VCA we called ahead letting them know of the dire situation and they had a room ready for us immediately when we got there. The doctors were fabulous and so kind. He spent the night and we called every 2 hours for updates. The techs were always aware and monitoring his status every step of the way. If it was not for VCA Bo may not be with us today. Thank you so much to all the docs and techs that helped our sweet Bo.

This place is amazing as we were in a panic about our labradoodle being ill. We saw Dr. Lenius and he was so kind and gentle. He continually checked on us giving updates of our dog’s health. They went over and beyond with reviewing every possibility yet being aware of spending. Everyone was extremely welcoming, supportive and loving and it was so appreciated. Amazing service.

My dog developed mast cell tumors which needed to be removed. I was referred to VCA by my regular vet due to their experience and facilities since there were multiple tumors, including one that could pose some difficulties depending on how much tissue would need to be removed. I was very impressed by Dr. Monarski and the staff that treated my dog, they explained everything and were very thorough.
My dog got through the surgery OK, and they kept her overnight, which I was initially concerned about. However when I visited her several hours after the surgery, I was happy she was there since they had her on fluids and she was obviously in need of pain management. I appreciated that they allowed me to visit after hours (which was the only time I could), and the night staff though busy was very friendly and helpful. While visiting, I watched as the techs tended to a large dog that was rushed in, experiencing a seizure. They were as professional and focused as one would expect to see in a (human) hospital. I’m not sure what the outcome was for that dog, but it was clear that it was in the best place it could be at that hour.
Dr. Monarski also followed up with me regarding the biopsy results and after the surgery, the communication with VCA has been excellent.
Since then, Dr. Keith (who is the medical director and radiologist at this location) diagnosed my dog with TCC in the trigone region of the bladder during an ultrasound. Fortunately my dog has been doing really well after a laser treatment to zap the tumor (performed by another vet out of state). She has had multiple follow up ultrasounds at VCA to monitor her bladder and organs for signs of spreading of the cancer (and so far she has been lucky).
Dr. Keith and his team have been very patient with my dog and are very thorough. When they perform the ultrasounds, Dr. Keith explains what he is observing, and what it means (which is great for understanding the report later on). I am very impressed with the people at VCA, and the level of care is outstanding.

I cannot begin to adequately express my gratitude for this place. My little 11 y/​o Toy Fox Terrier started bleeding from both ends Friday evening, it was so scary and I didn’t know what was happening. He needed some pretty intense care and came home Sunday. We were treated so well by every single person that we came in contact with. The techs Melissa and Jody were so amazing as were the doctors (we saw 3). They all treated him like he was their own pet and that he was the most important dog in the world. I wouldn’t hesitate to bring my animals here again — I hope I don’t have to though ;). Everyone here was so fabulous, I just can’t say that enough. I hope VCA reads this and gives every single person working there kudos for an amazingly compassionate job well done.

Let me tell you how amazing this vet specialist is. Dr. Markovitz (internist) is truly patient and very calm when it comes to explaining what is going on with your pet. She takes her time and explains what is going on and the service is excellent considering it is a walk in vet clinic. I called on Thursday and they were able to fit me in with a vet internist the next day (friday). I patiently waited and was seen quickly and they even apologized for the wait. I was very happy they were able to see my Maggie. Took excellent care of her and knew I had a long drive on my hands so they did the CT scan right there. The vet tech Breanna was very patient with me and my mom as we were crying hysterically when they had to explain doggy CPR just in case anything were to happen. They are very open in terms of scheduling your pets needs and the whole experience was a blessing. I would strongly recommend this vet internist and this facility. ²⁴⁄₇ emergency services as well.
Update: Emma and MaCinda were super prompt at emailing me my dogs results !!! Loved the compassion

Last night our dog went into shock and we rushed her to this emergency hospital. Being that we’re in the foster/​animal rescue world, this unfortunately wasn’t our first time here. I had to run in with no shoes or makeup on and in a complete panic– the staff was quick, efficient, non-​judgmental & calming. My dog ended up passing last night… Which was a hellish experience… Only made worse by a belligerent woman who was screaming and berating the staff for the most outrageous reasons. This woman made my hellish experience of panic and fearing for my dog’s life just THAT much more traumatic. On top of her unreasonable behavior– she repeatedly informed the staff that she was a «physician,» she was a «MD»… I feel sorry for her patients if there is any truth to that… Dr Brian had to tend to my dying dog, and made that clear to the verbose Dr. Psycho… Yet She continued with her rant, clearly putting her (non-​urgent) craziness before my dog’s life. Thankfully, our wonderful doctor (Dr Brian) and his vet tech made this God-​awful experience easier on us. Thank you Dr Brian and your wonderful, caring staff for everything. These people truly belong in this field– they truly care about you and your pet. No doubt about it.

Amazing staff. They were so authentically caring. They warned us about the long wait and then kept coming in and checking on us. Dr. Calugcugan took a long time with us and did a great exam on our little Kitty. Then he offered us a variety of options. They even gave us a free cat carrier since I brought in our Kitty in a laundry basket. Amazing staff. I wish they could be our regular vets. No one asked for any money or tried to pressure us into anything. Seriously check them out.

Late last night my one dog was bit by my other dog by her eye. I was panicking because her eye was bleeding I called my vet Banfield and the recording reffered me to VCA.
I called and spoke to Sarah who was so nice, she told me to bring her in right now since it was her eye it could progress .
My husband and I drove like a bat out of hell from Tempe to Mesa and they got us right into a room. We saw Dr. Brian and he her out and advised us she is just fine. They checked her eye out and there is no damage. They gave her some antibiotics because she also had a gash on her back, where they shaved her fur and cleaned her up.
I would definitely recommend VCA. They really cam through in an emergency.

VCA Animal Referral and Emergency Center of Arizona is amazing! Recently while I was dog sitting one of my dogs was almost carried off by a coyote! I called VCA and the receptionist, Sarah, let me know that I should bring them in and that there were no appointments necessary, to just bring the dog right in. She also worked with the pet’s owner to get all their information for payment processing so the pet could get the best care possible. The tech was so great, she was patient, explained everything to both me and the pet owner over the phone and was great with the dog. The doctor was awesome! She explained everything very thoroughly and clearly in layman’s terms without being patronizing in the slightes, even welcomed questions, recommended services that could be done additionally but wasn’t at all pushy or trying to sell it, if it was unnecessary (in this case a 1 stitch suture to the bite) but explained it could be done and the wound would heal faster if we wanted it done. The estimate was very clear with no surprises and included even the optional things, in case we wanted that done.
I’m very please with everyone I met and how everything was handled. What could’ve possibly been a arduous situation was made much easier by the wonderful staff and their ability and willingness to make a hard situation easier. I would highly recommend everyone go here for their emergencies.

If you are looking for specialist this is the place to go for regular and an Emergency. Dr Stewart and Stephan where extemely patient and helpful. Very refreshing, to find an honest vet that you can trust.

It’s always a little scary to go to a new vet, especially when it’s an emergency. But as soon as we met Brian we were impressed with his care and concern as well as gentle touch with our Doberman.
I would recommend this facility and I already have to 3 ppl today! Thanks for taking good care of our Kahlua!

I had to take my small dog here after she began having seizures, approximately 15 seizures within a couple hours. I dealt with Dr. Brian Sessink and he was absolutely awesome! He understood that I wasn’t able to do every test due to finances, and he was able to suggest some alternate options to fit my situation best. Not only was he very caring and understanding, he made the whole situation a lot less stressful. All staff there were pleasant and helpful. Definitely will refer to my friends for their fur baby needs.

This is an amazing place to take your pet! I brought my dog here to get a CT Scan, and I cannot say enough good things about the way we were treated. I had several questions before the procedure and the front staff, assistants, vet, and radiologists went above and beyond to answer my questions and put me at ease. When I brought my dog in for the CT Scan, they let me stay with her as long as possible before taking her back for the procedure. They have me updates during the procedure and brought my dog to see me as soon as she woke up. I could tell that the staff here really care about you and your dog. Their patience, knowledge level, and kindness are unmatchable. Kathryn in radiology really went above and beyond for my dog and me. This is a fabulous place with caring staff members.

Having 10XXL dogs with bad genes, we have seen our share of veterinary hospitals. We have gone to some of the most well known hospitals and seen some of the most accredited specialists. Some of our experiences have left us jaded and others have set our expectations extremely high. When Barky became sick, we had no choice but to seek local help. We went to VCA Emergency with no intentions of getting a medical diagnosis or help. We just wanted to make sure Barky was well enough to make the 12 hour drive to his doctor at UC Davis in CA. We walked in with a chip on our shoulder, and I admit, we were that difficult person everyone hates to deal with. Dr. Sessink had a challenging task, one he greeted with respect and professionalism. After consulting with us for over an hour, I allowed Barky to have a CT Scan. It was memorial weekend so the results weren’t ready immediately. We discussed some possible problems, and I went home with Barky to research those things and wait for the CT results. Even after we left, we were still very intent on making that 12 hour drive to UC Davis, but 5 mins down the road Dr. Sessink called. He had been reviewing Barky’s chart after we left and something just didn’t sit right with him and he wanted Barky to come back. Within 10 mins Barky was being prepped for a life saving surgery. Thank god Dr. Sessink’s knowledge and expertise allowed him to see something was wrong without the official results from the ct. If he wouldn’t have caught those small discrepancies, Barky never would have made it out of the state of AZ. His confidence in his knowledge, training and surgical skills, is why Barky is still with us today. He gained our trust and respect, and has become OUR DOCTOR. We refuse to be treated anywhere else and refuse to be seen by anyone else.
Of course behind every great doctor there is a team of people that are equally as important. I’ve had the pleasure of meeting and interacting with every one of them. They are compassionate and understanding of our emotional heartache and at the same time are strong enough not to allow our emotional distress effect their ability to properly assess and treat our furry loved ones. They know when you need a hug and when you need to be left alone
The quality of care we have received at VCA has by far exceeded our highest expectations. If you’re looking for a place that is honest, knowledgeable, technologically advanced and excels in every aspect of veterinary medicine, VCA Emergency will not let you down.
VCA has done an excellent job in putting together this group of people. They should be very proud of their team and what they represent… BTW… To everyone who helped me and Gucci on Monday… there are no words to express my gratitude… Thank you for holding her paw till the end when I couldn’t. We love you guys!!!

This is my first Unilocal review ever… that is how much I love ARECA. Three + years ago, my previously perfectly healthy Cavalier King Charles Spaniel (who was only 2 years old at the time) experienced acute kidney and liver failure. She was hospitalized with my regular vet for three days where she underwent tons of tests and treatments. I was told (kindly, but still…) that there was nothing else they could do and that I should take my pup home and wait (briefly) until it felt like time to put her down. My vet acted like it would be a waste of my time and money to go to a specialist. I went to ARECA anyway… Dr. Melinda Wood (who has since left ARECA) is literally a life-​saver. She was tentative with her prognosis, but thought she might be able to save my dog. And she did an amazing job working with me at that time and in the aftermath as my dog recovered. Sure, it cost me a TON of money to make this happen. But it’s well worth it to have my now 6-​year-​old dog (who is not only alive but totally healthy) sitting here as I write this.
Beyond this major crisis a few years ago, I’ve had others visits to ARECA, including a late night emergency when my dog jumped off the bed and hurt her back badly. Someone always answers the phone right awake at ARECA and they calmly and competently answer questions (or connect you to a vet tech in the back). I’ve seen a few of the other vets since Dr. Wood left and they have all been very kind and extremely competent. The emergency vet is never where you want to be, but if you have to be at one ARECA is definitely where you want to be. I just wish they did regular stuff like check-​ups and dental cleanings, because I trust them so much more than my day-​to-​day vet. You rock, ARECA.

After 14 wonderful years we had to put our beloved dog to sleep. VCA Emergency was amazing! I’ve worked in animal health for over 20 years and know what good customer service & veterinary medicine looks like, these folks do it right! They were warm, patient, understanding and professional. Thank you for making Potter’s last moments smooth and pleasant.

If I could give 10 stars I would!!!
We came home on memorial day to find one of our dogs Angel, had been mauled by another. The inside of the house looked like a murder scene. As my wife tended to our dog I jumped on line and found VCA. We Rushed our dog to their facility. They came outside with a gurney and brought us right in. They quickly took angel back and gave her meds to make her comfortable. They explained the process and gave us an estimate to have our dog stabilized. They said once they get more info as to the severity of her wounds they would contact us.
Angel ended up staying at the hospital for 3 days. She had hundreds of stitches, 5 drains inserted, crazy infection, but no broken bones. The worst injury was on her neck. It was opened up bigger than a football and she had bad pocketing. This is when VCA showed their true colors. We had just spent quite a bit of money for the initial surgery. We were given estimates of future charges and we just couldn’t afford to do a whole lot more. We got approved for financing right in their office. We then told the doctor we had only so much more money we could afford and he told us he would work with in our budget. He understood the situation and what we had been through.
DR. Lenius is an absolute blessing. He was honest through the entire situation. He was understanding to our financial situation and he made every effort to take that into consideration when making suggestions for treatment. We have had 15 – 20 follow-​up visits with Dr Lenius and each time he is considerate, caring, honest, and always pleasant. We will be there again this week and I am certain he will be exactly the same.
I wanted to mention 2 other people in their office. Charlotte is one of the vet assistants. No one makes our dog more excited than she does. She shows our girl nothing but love. It is tough to get our dog to leave once she has seen Charlotte. She is just an amazing individual with a vibrant personality that is contagious. Thank you Charlotte for being so kind and loving toward our dog.
Sarah works the front desk. We have spent lots of time with her during our visits waiting for Angel to be treated. Sarah is smiling every time we show up and welcomes us and Angel the second we come through the door. She makes small talk with us to help pass the time by. Sarah is an asset to the front desk of VCA.
Every visit to VCA is consistently exceptional. They make us feel like family and that is why we will return just to say hi. If we are every in need of a vet or know anyone else that is, we will forever recommend Dr Lenius, Charlotte, and Sarah at the Country Club VCA. THEY ARE SECOND TO NONE!!!
Thank You!,
Mike

Outrageously priced. I get they have state of the art equipment but we couldn’t afford to use any of it. While the staff is super friendly we did have one of the doctors say, after we couldn’t pay to have anymore tests done, that it wouldn’t be bad if we choose to put our dog down. I have no idea how a person can be so cold. Do no harm, right? Our dog only stayed 24 hours at the place and it ran us around $ 2000. We took our dog somewhere else that was much more affordable and they saved his life. He stayed at the other place for about a week. Same treatment and it cost us less than the one day at VCA.

So… when you’re woken up by the sound of your dog vomiting all over the carpet multiple times at 7 A.M. on a Sunday that’s never a good thing. This is especially true if you see blood in the vomit! Naturally, all pets will either get sick: 1. Over the holidays 2. On a day or time where most vet offices are closed, or 3. Both.
Since my own vet’s office was closed on Sunday, I remembered that VCA had an emergency veterinary center in Mesa. I called up, and the receptionist said to just bring my dog in and the vet would look at him. Once we arrived, we were escorted immediately to one of the rooms and filled out some forms.
The center itself looks very nice, with a contemporary, relaxing atmosphere. There was a TV facing the waiting area playing an old version of The Nutcracker.
Our tech was very friendly and took down all the standard questions. After some waiting, our vet came in. Dr. Dickson was detailed, thorough, and had a great «patient-​side» manner. He prescribed a radiograph (Chest x-​ray) to make sure that my dog hadn’t ingested anything that would cause him to vomit, and went through the findings with us on the x-​ray light-​screen.
It was also nice that he called the day after just to make sure my dog was doing OK.
Prices are higher than at your regular vet’s office, but remember, you are paying for the fact that someone will be there for your pet 24/​7, even on the holidays.

We brought home a puppy from the shelter 8 days ago with a respiratory infection. She was on medication for a few days, and then in less than two days’ time, she got very worse.
We rushed Milly to this location at 3AM last night. She was in a lot of pain and had the hardest time breathing. The staff members were friendly for the most part and pretty knowledgeable. They wanted to hospitalize Milly for a few days to run some tests on anemia, tick diseases, and other various long-​term potential health issues. We were quoted that the treatment plan may range from about $ 4 – 5,000. We don’t have that kind of money. We decided that these tests could wait until the morning — we just wanted to get her breathing normal, and if she had anemia or something long-​term that our day vet could help us for a fraction of the price in the morning. We accepted some antibiotics and a fluid injection, because a few hundred dollars was the most we could spend at the time. They kindly gave us some recommendations for at-​home remedies as well.
Milly passed away later in the night. We took care of her most of the night to the best of our abilities. Even if we had known that she would pass away so soon, there was no way that we could have afforded to have her hospitalized. I just wish that we could have done something to help her immediately, instead of spending thousands on the unknown.