VCA Mission Animal Referral and Emergency Center

No one likes to be the worst case scenario/​the 1%, but it seems to be very common here. Please read review through/​do your research and pay the consultation fees multiple places, there are ALWAYS more options! I know they’re expensive upfront; learn from my mistake, $ 100 is a drop in the bucket compared to multiple surgeries.
I, like everyone was refereed here, however I’m now looking for a new trustworthy vet for my dogs. The process and consultation initially didn’t start off leaving me with the warm and fuzzies (so much so I called my vet twice asking for reassurance), hindsight listen to your gut/​Yelp reviews. The surgeon was cold, and awkward, which I suppose is understandable, but for the price I expected more bedside manner! He insisted I didn’t have time waste to have the ruptured acl/​luxating patella fixed, and he had an opening in two days.
I’d do anything for my baby, as would you, that’s why you’re checking reviews, so I did it. I paid upfront, and took her in for surgery. From the very beginning her recovery didn’t seem to be going normally according to me, however I’m not a surgeon! Her stitches were huge and messy, her pain patch was a PAIN to get off (they didn’t even try to get it on the shaved fur), and she came back smelling horrible. Weeks, and checkups go by of me expressing my growing concern; FINALLY at the last checkup I told him to stop and listen to me, which he did, and I was (sadly) right. Her surgery didn’t take, and he was «stumped».
His first words when he told me I had endured months of nursing my dog and worrying weren’t «I’m sorry», or even «this sucks», it was, «she needs another surgery I have an opening tomorrow». I understand for legal reasons they must protect themselves, but I’m a person who has a member of my family that’s in pain, I just wanted answers, not money. After repeatedly expressing that to him, he finally eluded to the fact her joints are very tiny and sometimes it can be missed, or just not take. If I did the $ 3,000 procedure again they would give me a whopping 10% discount, which is generous if the cost for an «easy and very successful procedure» wouldn’t have just doubled! The surgery went from having a 99% success rate, to me being the 1%.
We’re any of these conversations or consultations done in a private room-​nope, just in the open next to other people crying having their tough conversations.
I didn’t fight for any money, I didn’t ask for any apology, or any more of this company’s time; I just went where I should have initially.

I would never bring my animal here again. They put us in a room right away then an hour later came in to «take my dog to get vitals». I’m not sure what the point of the exam rooms are if they can’t use them do an exam. Long story story short they didn’t take him to just get vitals. They took him away to do the exam and then sent the vet in to try to get us to agree to unnecessary treatment. We talked to our regular vet on the phone while in the exam room and she felt all he needed was a refill on his antibiotic. We had to wait then in the waiting room for another 30 minutes for them to return our dog. Conveniently after we had paid the bill. Basically they lied about why they were taking him then wouldn’t return him until they had their money in hand. Prices are ridiculous too.

I called in a panic! I have no children just my dog, he started acting… weird. Pacing, panting, climbing on my chest. Unusual behavior for him of 5 years. Kyle spoke with me and explained what might be the cause of his strange behavior. Reluctant, I listened, and in 3 hours my pup was snoozing away. I am grateful I called before going in or doing a vet online, he not only saved me money but peace of mind. This is where my dog will go from now on.

Un-​fucking real. My 11 year old best friend has been here for seizures once already in July, and had a terrible seizure tonight. I rushed him into the ER, and he was done seizing when we arrived. They took his history (he’s been here before, had x-​rays and bloodwork, they could find nothing wrong, they told me to email them a video of a seizure, which I did, and they never replied), and immediately took him to the back. And I waited, and waited, and waited. Meanwhile, the vet came out multiple times to talk to the owners of a dog who walked in the door 35 seconds ahead of me, who had an itchy paw. I was never acknowledged in any way for over 30 minutes, during which time, for all I knew, my dog was having a seizure and dying. Finally, after about 40 minutes, the vet came out, looking visibly stressed and disheveled, asked if this was my dog’s first seizure, and when I explained, no, he’s been here THIS MONTH for a full workup, frowned as if I was wrong and said she had no record of him being there. I told her calmly that I would be taking my dog elsewhere. The receptionist charged me $ 81 for the privilege of the vet asking me my pet’s history again, and then as I stood up front, waiting for my dog’s medical history to be printed out, proceeded to try to goad me into having an argument. She snarkily informed me they only had one vet working (I’m sorry I don’t make your schedules), told me «there was nothing they could do for seizures» and then, when I quietly told her I wasn’t interested in talking to her, told ME I was making a scene.
I then had to wait another 15+ minutes to take my dog home. I have been a vet tech at multiple small animal ERs, and I have never even heard of unprofessionalism, lack of any sort of triage protocol, and general lack of interest in customer service on this level. Avoid this place at all costs, they will make the worst night of your life unimaginably worse. Blue Pearl is only 19 minutes away, and it is more than worth the extra drive time to know your precious pet is actually being cared for and not sitting in a cage alone while 1 overwhelmed doctor attends to the first pet that walked in, regardless of how critical it is.
Also just wanted to mention that although they have seemingly dozens of private waiting rooms, they don’t put you in one when they take your pet away, even if you are visibly crying, and instead force you to sit in the waiting room with the Royals game BLASTING at the absolute loudest volume setting.

Severely overpriced. Double what other animal hospitals charge. Avoid unless you have no other choice.

We have had to take both our pups here and were very pleased with the care and compassion each time. One of our dogs had major orthopedic surgery with Dr. Wilson, and we cannot say enough good things about him. Prices are high, but that is a given when a place is open all hours and has so many specialists. We’re grateful to have them close to home – just in case.
Jonesy and Jackson say thank you!

Please take your pet elsewhere. They are not in the business of helping animals or pet owners. They only care about making money and as much as possible. They’re money grubbing leeches who will suck you dry. My final bill was double of the estimate I was given, which I had to pay to get my pet back. Also, they left a 2-​inch piece of catheter in his bladder when they sewed him up post-​surgery. After blaming someone else, the refused to reduce the charges and were a nightmare to deal with in terms of getting information related to a malpractice issue. They claimed it’s not abnormal for surgical objects to remain after procedures and that this situation didn’t prolong his recovery despite him having to stay in the hospital twice as long as necessary and being extremely sick until the foreign object they left inside him was removed. Their lack of professionalism in the aftermath was deplorable.

An update on my «unruly“cat. We took her to Heartland and she’s all better being the «unruly» pain in the ass for which she is known.
Just as an FYI. Heartland let us stay with her for most of her treatment. We were even allowed in the x-​ray room. We got the anti radiation vests and everything. It cost just a little more than the $ 86 they charged us for telling us we had an «unruly cat» and not treating her at all. I wish I could have gone back in time, and either A) Not taken my cat to this ugly, uncaring place or B) Refused to pay for lack of service. Either way, it doesn’t matter. She’s better and that’s all that counts. NO THANKS TO VCA EMERGENCY CENTER.

This place saved my dog’s life! I will forever be grateful! I came in around 9:45 with my 6 year old West Highland terrier who was having a seizure. I know that she is just a dog… but to me she is my baby. They treated this situation as a real emergency. They rushed her to the back and came back out immediately saying that she was having a reaction to poison. Gave me a quote. Told me the options. I could go on and on. Only good things to say. I will forever be grateful for Dr. Amy Oliver and the wonderful care she gave my fur-​baby. It was expensive but I don’t even care. Just happy I get more snuggles from my pups :)
(Side note: Don’t even go to FMA animal hospital. Went there 1^st on this same night and they were awful. I’m lucky I got her out of there and into this clinic in time)

Somehow, these folks ran up $ 2,100 to diagnose a urinary tract infection. My dog is older and gets uti’s about once a year or so. These usually run about $ 100 to diagnose, which is required to get meds… I understand the desire to take reasonable steps to rule out certain things, but my primary vet, also shocked, agreed that a number of unnecessary, costly procedures were performed.
I’m disappointed that these folks might possibly take advantage of distraught animal lovers. I strongly recommend a second opinion if your situation permits.

Depends on the vet assigned to your pet. I’ve had very good experiences with Dr. Mick, Dr. Grigsby, Dr. Wall, Dr. Allen, Dr. Wilson, Dr. Lineberger, Dr. Whitaker and Dr. O’Brien. I’ve lost three pets this year under the supervision of a different Dr. at this facility. Granted, the dogs were extremely old and the cat was a difficult case but the lack of concern over test results and discomfort levels was extremely disconcerting. I brought my dog in for follow up bloodwork after pancreatitis and mentioned he had vomited and didn’t seem to feel well that morning. He was at VCA the entire day. He got a blood draw and a sonogram as a baseline. When I picked him up I was told he’d been vomiting green stuff all day. He seemed dehydrated to me and when I asked the tech, they agreed. I asked if he’d been given fluids and the answer was «no». I took him home and we were back less than 3 hours later with increased vomiting and severe dehydration. He was sick enough that he spent 8 days in the hospital. When I spoke with a different Dr. the next day I was told the sonogram showed he had pancreatitis again. And the regular vet said the blood work results run that day also indicated pancreatitis. No mention of these results were made to me. I know that at least the sonogram results were available immediately. It was only after a threw a fit and insisted on another Dr. that my dog began to improve and was more comfortable. He died one week after leaving the hospital. Maybe it was his time, maybe important issues had been overlooked for too long — we’ll never know. What I do know is he didn’t have to get as sick or feel as miserable as he did when I brought him in for the bloodwork and he spent the day vomiting and dehydrated. At the very least, more effort could have been made towards his comfort. I will regret working with this Dr. forever.
Oh, and giving credit where it’s due, the tech’s and receptionists are all wonderful, caring people who give their all for the patients and owners. They are what got me through this experience.
Bottom line, ask who the treating vet will be. If it’s any of the names listed above, you’re in good hands.

I highly recommend VCA to pet owners! Recently I had to put my cat to sleep in the middle of the night. I was distraught and the staff really calmed my nerves and help me to find peace in the passing. They were very kind and compassionate and I’m so grateful they were there to help me. They are all saints in my book to do what they do for humans and animals at all hours of the night. The night receptionist, Karen, is a gem of a human being.

Wow… These people only care about getting paid. Dont believe me… check out all the signage in the office and on all the forms. They quoted me a price (in writing). Required a 75 percent deposit, wanted me to sign up for thier credit card (which i didnt do) before seeing my dog. When I spoke to the vet («dr»)on the phone, there were no complications with the surgery. So, i was absolutely shocked when i was told my bill was $ 500 more than i was quoted. The vet («dr»)told me «i guess we just disagree». He then seemed to become almost confrontational and antagonistic when i wished to dispute the fees. How do these people get away with this? What options or recourse do i have? This place knows they have you pinned against the wall and will bleed you endlessly! Please check out all of your options before going here.

I have been here twice, and both experiences have been completely positive. The most recent was yesterday when my daughter’s dog became extremely swollen within the course of a couple of hours. While I immediately thought he had probably gotten into something poison, when we walked in the door, the vet tech said it looked like he was having an allergic reaction to a spider bite. Yep! They immediately took him back and administered antihistamine and something else to counter the swelling. We sat for about two hours, and three times someone came out to give us updates. The vet herself came out and sat with us in the waiting room to go over everything in friendly, conversational English with no vet-​speak. She was sincerely compassionate. Over the course of our time there, I saw vets come out and sit with families and speak with them in extremely sincere manners. Most situations were much more serious than ours, sadly.
The waiting room is calm and conducive to long waits, if necessary. They have a huge aquarium to calm in tense and emotional situations, and they have reasonably priced vending machines.
While I sat, I read the other reviews and laughed at self, figuring financial rape was in store for emergency service. Oh so wrong!!! My home vet would have charged probably twice as much and tried to upsell me by demanding bloodwork or an IV. I don’t know what other reviewers are paying for routine vet service, but I felt like leaving about $ 100 poorer was nothing to be sure Tanner was OK AND receiving necessary treatment and instructions.
My other experience was about ten years ago or so when I thought my dog couldn’t breathe. Turns out she was reverse sneezing, which is minor. The vet that time was also very kind and did not in any way act like I had wasted her time.
If I lived closer, I would come here for routine care, but alas, Brownie freaks out on car trips, so we walk to the vet down the street.

You know, these people have a super tough job. They get the emergency animals that other vet clinics can’t handle.
Our dog was really really sick a few weeks ago (pancreatitus) and he spent four nights at Mission Med Vet. He came home and was not out of the woods and the staff never sounded annoyed by my frequent phone calls detailing ever move he made. Kipper has made a great recovery and after a careful change in diet, we are hoping he will be with us for many more years.
Dr Grigsby is one of the most professional and loving vets I have had the pleasure to work with. Since Kipper came home, Dr Grigsby and I have talked weekly and she has maintained a mother like interest in how Kip is doing.
If your dog, cat, parrot or anything else animal related ever gets REALLY ill, this is the place you want to go.

I’ve been taking my pets here ever since they were in their previous location at the corner of Johnson and Nall… about 20 years now. I can’t say my experiences were necessarily good, but the circumstances that bring you here aren’t very good. But my treatment and the treatment of my pets is always great.
I had a dog who spent quite a bit of time here off and on and it cost me about as much as it would to buy a new car. So, no, it’s not cheap. Not in the slightest. Prepare to pay big bucks if you have to bring your pet here and leave them for any length of time.
But it’s like the ER. If you have an emergency and your pet needs immediate and/​or constant care, this is the place to go. Whenever I’ve had a dog need to stay here, they always let me go back and visit. I always got calls from the doctor and never had to hunt them down. I always feel that my pet is getting the best care they can when they go there.
It doesn’t often end well, but then, you wouldn’t be there if it weren’t life-​threatening, right?

My pets are my children, so when anybody puts them in harm’s way, I get really bent out of shape. Now, I can’t say that my experience with Mission Med Vet was completely negative, but I would proceed with caution if you must use their services. Get another opinion of their diagnosis, and be sure you confer with your regular vet about any procedures they recommend. I would like to hope that they have the best of intentions, but I’m not so sure.
OK, here’s what happened:
My vivacious nut-​job of a terrier, Scooter, began acting lethargic one Saturday evening. I assumed he was just worn out from a long day of chasing squirrels, until he refused to eat his dinner. THAT HAS NEVER HAPPENED! No matter how I coaxed him with treats, he still just absolutely would have nothing to do with his food. I figured I’d leave him alone for awhile to see if he came around or if he needed a doctor. By morning, my concern had turned serious worry when he still would not eat and seemed to be in quite a bit of pain.
He was rushed over to the Banfield Pet Hospital, located inside Petsmart on 119^th and Metcalf. They were fantastic! They admitted him right away and after a few tests, diagnosed him with pancreatitis. The vet’s recommendation was that he be given some pain medication and be placed on an IV drip overnight to get his electrolytes balanced and to maintain his fluid levels. I was also advised not to feed him for a few days until he had recovered. They were pretty positive about his condition, only advising that he might need to be transferred to a clinic that could provide 24 hour observation so he wouldn’t remove his IV. Since Scooter is just a little more than high-​strung and would most definitely chew his IVs, he was transferred that afternoon to the nearest 24 hour emergency vet clinic, Mission Med Vet.
Once Scooter was settled at Mission Med Vet and started on his IVs and pain meds, they gave their own prognosis and insisted that he needed to be under their care for at least a week, under 24 hour observation. It seemed a little severe, but if that’s what was required to get my dog healthy again, I intended to follow their recommendations. Not easy leaving him though, let me tell you. (I was also told that I would have to come up with a few thousand dollars.) Just to be sure about all this, I left a message with his regular vet, just to get his opinion. Well, he called me first thing the next morning, and ordered me to bring him to his office right away. So I did. The doctors at MMV were non to thrilled with me when I went to pick him up the next morning, but I trust DR. Daley.
Scooter arrived at DR. office in much better condition than he had been in the day before. The medical attention he had received at Mission Med Vet had helped him immensely. Unfortunately, their treatment recommendation, as it turns out, was too severe. Dr. Daley looked him over, hooked him up to another IV for a few minutes, and then told me to take my dog home, on the condition that I didn’t feed him for two days. That’s it. He said he would be fine in two days. «Call back if there are any issues, but there shouldn’t be,» he said. I paid him about $ 100, and brought my dog home.
Well, Dr. Daley was right. Scooter was in even better condition by that afternoon. Within a few days, he was totally back to normal. I shudder to think of what his condition would have been had he been left at Mission Med Vet for another week. Not only do I think it would have caused some severe emotional turmoil, but I can’t imagine what 5 – 6 days of unnecessary medications and an IV drip would have done to his health. While I do appreciate that they got my dog up and running, I do have to wonder why they would consider keeping him for an extra week when he so obviously didn’t require that. I do know that an entire week with them would have amounted to quite a bit of cash. Not making any accusations, but I will always err on the side of caution in the future when it comes to medical treatments for my pets. I guess it’s the same as with any doctor. Get a second opinion.
I’m just glad to have Scooter back and in one piece. Appreciative to all that helped him get well.
Oh, and Dr. Daley works at Prairie Village Med Vet, in case you were wondering.

My most recent visit was with our current dog, when she suddenly started to have what seemed to be like a human asthma attack.
We ‘rushed’ (via the speed limit) down Johnson Drive to Mission Med Vet and were quickly buzzed in and assisted. All of the staff was very caring, and the vet explained her ‘condition’ in very simple terms, yet offered to do more tests if we requested. She was fine; reverse sneezing is apparently common for dogs, especially scent hounds like our own. I’d never heard of such a thing! And it only cost $ 80 or so to learn it. Silly puppy!
Our previous experience was with our older dog in 2009 when she was having bad seizures and was very sick. They were all very compassionate, and gave me many options, and the vet also gave me her personal opinion, which I agreed with. I was given as much time and whatever I needed as I spent my last moments with our sweet companion. I asked and was given treats, and was allowed to hold her for as long as I needed both before, during and after she went to sleep for the final time. The post-​visit caring during that visit, and when I later visited to pick up her cremated remains and death certificate, was very good.

Did you know dogs like to eat VCR tapes? Me neither.
I have to take our Dalmatian here on several occasions. If you have ever met the dog, you just wonder how he hasn’t managed to seriously harm himself on a daily basis. Dumber than a doornail here folks.
But, I feel very comfortable here and the vets are fantastic. I only wish leaving wasn’t such an overhaul of my wallet.

My only experience has been with the emergency part not the day to day appointments.
The doctor I have dealt with has been very caring and forthright. If the pooch had to stay over, the doctor actually called when she said she would and didn’t doctor-​speak over our heads. All the staff was amazingly sensitive to what we had to go through. We appreciated the time each staff member took with us.
I am glad that they are there when you need them.