Reviews of VCA Canada Bay Cities Animal Hospital (Veterinarian)

Herman Johal

New to the area and had this vet recommended to us. We have a newborn at home and I work long hours as a trauma surgeon. Went in on a rare Saturday morning where we have the time to get shots for our dog. The unpredictable schedule of the newborn and traffic left us 9 mins late for our 30 min appointment. The front desk staff turned us away, stating we were "a half hour late" and the next patient was about to show up. Meanwhile I looked at my phone and it was only 10 mins past our initial appointment time. She offered to have us wait around to maybe get in later...but I had to go in to work in an hour and this wasn't an option. My wife and I both work in health care, and have had patients show up hours after they were scheduled and we still see them, as we provide health in a public system and our patients' needs come first (and we understand that life gets in the way of schedules, especially with respect to healthcare). Veterinary care is essentially a private healthcare system for our pets, where owners can end up paying hundreds or thousands of dollars out of pocket for routine visits. As customers of care, we will absolutely be taking our business elsewhere.

Connie Zimmer

Good place. Caring and friendly vets. Have been going here for awhile. I give 4 stars simply because after having to take one of my animals to another vet (we were on vacationers) I realised how expensive Bay Cities were. Other than that, they have been good to me and pets over the years.

Julie Hamilton

I was always feel my dog is well cared for.

Dawna Richardson

The Staff is Fantastic....they've taken wonderful care of my Furbabies and ourselves when times have been hard. They're like Family....Thank You alllllll????

Olaf Alders

I have had some high maintenance pet needs over the past couple of years and I’m very satisfied with the way our pets have been helped here.

Jodie Moreau

Awesome staff and the doctors always call to follow up and answer any questions that may have come up.

Marcella Kammerer

I had been a client of Baycity for over two decades when the practice was sold to a U.S. firm. After it was sold, Baysity strongly suggested I have my dog's teeth cleaned. The cost was over $ 1,800. I was told she was safe to operate on, however the vet did not test my pets blood (which is a standard procedure) for kidneys to make sure they where healthy and could process the anesthetic. Two weeks later she when into kidney failure and she died. They had her in their care for less than 6 hours charged me another $ 2,200. and sent me off to an emergency clinic where she later died. I was told by Baycity that they thought she would be okay because they had done a blood test several months ago. The said "hind sight is 50/50" My beloved dog Tiffany will never wake up again, wag her tail, play or go for her favorite bike trips. I will forever miss her.

Jessica Swift

Bay Cities has been great to us, Dr. Hamilton in particular! Her kindness and understanding in helping us with our sweet rescue dog is what keeps us coming back. She makes great recommendations, gives professional vet care, and has gotten us in during emergency situations. My dog is always comfortable with her because she takes the time to calm him down. Thank you Dr. Hamilton and Bay Cities!

AJ Leponiemi

Very helpful and professional. I appreciate the thorough explanations, and accommodating me in helping to care for my special needs kitty.

Danielle

Since VCA have taken over this veterinarian clinic over-charges unnecessarily and is extremely judgemental towards pet owners. Do not recommend. Much better vet clinics out there. Both my parents and I have taken our pets to other clinics for better service, better care and better value.

Dog Lover

This place will overcharge you, give you more than you need and charge you for every small thing. Vet talk too much and not to the point. Save your money and time and go somewhere else.

Brad Nussbaum

We have been going to Bay Cities Animal Hospital for a number of years for our cats and dogs. We have always received excellent care for our animals. This is a First Class Animal Hospital with excellent staff and facilities. Dr. Hamilton is an awesome vet. Can't say enough good things about her care for the animals. Highly recommended. BTW - have to love the fake reviews posted by some fake users. Just incredible with fake names and fake reviews and fake ratings.

Ejixa Ejixovna

The staff are great, very knowledgeable vets. Had to pay $500 just for some shots and blood test, but can't complain it is expensive everywhere. They did follow up and call me to make sure my pet was well after.

Rachel Ewen

I was very sad to see all the negative reviews here and wanted to share how much we LOVE Dr.Gallant. Sue is such a wonderful and caring Vet, she has always been upfront and honest with us and has never pushed for unnecessary treatments. I grew up on a farm and have worked with animals and a lot of different vets over my lifetime and we are so happy with our choice to go with Bay Cities. Our whole family have had such a positive experience there that our daughter wants to be a Vet when she grows up. :)

Patti Moorcroft-Tasker

The most loving and compassionate staff anywhere! Best Veterinarian in Burlington. Been a client here for more than 30+ years. Would not trust my Animals anywhere Else!

IO

They are worthy!

Tristram Lett

Very caring vet services. Well organized.

Meredith Macdonald

Very friendly staff!

Greg Mizzi

Under new management, miss the old staff. But still going there.

Lee andrews

I have been taking all my dogs to this vet clinic well before it was bought out by this group, unfortunately my original vet Dr Fix retired but I feel they now have some “young” blood that do care about our pets as an extension of our family. Does it seem a bit more expensive? I don’t know, I think all vet clinics can be expensive! The vet that checked over my dog this spring spent lots of time talking about issues and checking her over, he seemed knowledgeable and concerned, offering good advise and gave me quotes before doing anything. I didn’t think he recommended anything unreasonable or over the top. The day after our visit the staff even called to follow up on how my dog reacted to the flea and tick pill, I thought that was nice! I did get some emails from a pet insurance company after, I think this clinic provided them with my email to solicit and offer me coverage....that I wasn’t happy with. Overall I’m pleased and will continue to bring my dog to this clinic.

G Y

This place is fantastic! My fur babies feel comfortable and at ease here. The Doctors provide excellent care and options for me and my pets ! The Ladies at the front desk are very accommodating and kind,they always make me feel welcome. Technicians are wonderful and really knowledgeable! I have been bringing my animals here for over 23 years and have had nothing but excellent service!

Matt Specht

I am new client to Bay Cities Animal Hospital and have been very happy with the service my pets and I have received. We are warmly greeted when we come for a visit and the follow up from the doctor is great! Thank you for giving me the peace of mind that my pets are in great care!

Greg Ferrin

We have been taking our dogs to Bay Cities since we moved to Burlington. The vet techs and veterinarians have been wonderful with us and our dogs. Recently, our vet, Dr. Hamilton helped us determine that one of our dogs, a nearly-10-year-old Husky mix, did not need surgery for a hip joint issue, but rather underwater therapy. We followed her suggested combination of anti-inflammatory on his food and the physio and our dog seems to be pain-free and managing very well. A few hundred dollars is well worth seeing him feel better, rather than a few thousand dollars for unnecessary surgery. We have never been charged for stuff that we didn't need and always felt that the staff (especially Dr. H) have been open and honest with us about what our dogs need, and have helped us find creative solutions that work well for our family. Highly recommend for anyone in the Burlington area!

Lisa Pilgrim

Dr Mason was so good with my kittens - put them right at ease!

Debbs Beardall

Always great! In person, or getting back to you, or texting you when your item is in to pick up. And even though they don't do exotics, they will trim your bunnies nails for $22 if you find it hard to do yourself. :)

Kaleen Gale

Dr. Golding and her team were fantastic! We had brought our cat in because he was having some trouble breathing and right away we knew he was going to be in good hands! She was very comforting when we were shown what was wrong and she was very helpful in recommending what next steps to take! My husband and I are forever greatful for the way they took care of our fur baby in his last hours. Thank you!

Kevin Ross

Friendly staff... great vet... took good care of my pets

Shelley Leahy

Good group of technicians and veterinarian doctors. Moving towards self-assist/service or you can always speak with someone.

kim longstreet

Great vet clinic.

Charyl Brooker

We have always had very positive experiences at this clinic. The staff are very friendly and the vets are knowledgeable and caring. Yes going to the vet is expensive but that is the cost of owning a pet. No complaints!

Jean-Claude Chambers

Very kind staff, and the Doctor new just what to do to get our pup on the mend. Excellent Covid procedures.

Feebee Rose

Would not recommend. They use fear tactics, they will overcharge you for a basic check up, and all they care about is getting your money. I will be taking all of my animal companions to a different vet. Pros: • They will vaccinate your animal • They will try to cure your sick animal Cons: • They use FEAR TACTICS to scare innocent pet owners into doing unnecessary procedures and vaccines (ask them the percentage of your dog getting that disease in the area you live in, more than once when I asked they tried to dodge the question, it was less than 0.1%) • Overcharges you (got a quote from another vet and it was less than half of what I paid at this vet clinic) • Feels more corporate (very interpersonal) • The vets act more like salesman than a vet (it's almost like they have to meet a quota) • Extremely judgmental towards pet owners • If you have questions they will make you feel dumb for asking • They care more about your money than your animal companion • The front desk has no idea about expenses you will have to pay • They give you attitude if you call for an update on your animal that is currently in their care • You never see the same vet twice • When you go in to pick up your dog you’ll be speaking to a different vet who wasn’t working on your dog (they will not have the information on how your dog was, what illness you dog has, how much you should feed your dog since the illness, etc.) • They will never on time for appointments and will not make you aware that you will be waiting over 30 mins • They are part of VCA (most vets & vet Techs quit when a clinic is owned by VCA, VCA tends to overcharge and care less about your animal companion)

R Kuch

We have been going there with our two dogs for a few years now, and we will no longer be going back. Recently took our ONE year old dog in because of an inflamed paw, and the doctor on call looked at it for less than 5 seconds and told us it was CANCER. Then she gave us a quote for over $600 to biopsy it. We have had a few big issues there and have overlooked them because of some of the nice doctors, but this visit was over the top. It is VERY clear they use FEAR to scare innocent pet owners into doing unnecessary procedures and vaccines. I am sad to say they are ALL about the money, and we will no longer be going back.

Valerie Jefferies

Friendly staff, knowledgeable and non judgemental.

Sarah Webb

Friendly staff, clean office and reasonable about treatment approach.

Joanne Jordan

We had been clients for 6 years. Since VCA has taken over, it is no longer about our much loved furry family members.

Mary Catherine Aird

I have been going to Bay Cities for years but now that VCA owns it although I still go it's not as good and more expensive than other vets.

jojo ressi

DO NOT TAKE YOUR PETS HERE! Horrible experience. They do not care about your pet only about selling you as much medication or products as possible by trying to pressure/scare you. Also after they fixed my dog she had her bladder sliced, which caused her to have urine constantly leak. I know two other people now who have gotten their female dogs spayed here and have had the same issue. These are not competent veterinarians. STAY FAR AWAY.

Quade Allen

Saved my pet

Monty Swingwell

I thought it was a pleasant visit, my kitten not so much, especially after his temp. was taken via the ole poop shoot.

Ryan Elliott Galvin

Great vet. Very helpful, informative, prompt and they actually care about our dog. We're big fans who come from Stoney Creek for their services.

Michelle O

Clear and concise communication from staff and doctors. Very clean and friendly clinic. Covid protocols are strictly enforced. Overall a really friendly and well organized clinic.

Kim Bell

We have used this clinic for 12 years now. They are outstanding! We are never made to feel like we are taking up too much time when we ask a lot of questions, and medical advise /care instructions are thoroughly explained. Doctors are aware of cost concerns and provide different options at different price points with pros and cons. I always feel well educated when making a decision for my pets care.

Rianne Kendall

I’ve been going to this clinic for 3 years and was initially not very pleased with being over charged for unnecessary procedures and tests but decided to stay for the minimal things that I would need to use them for. They only stopped ripping us off when they found out my husband wasn’t in fact a doctor. One of my dogs ended up needing a referral to a dermatologist for a severe skin issue and that doctor has been managing him mainly for the last year. Tonight my dog needed immediate medication as per the specialist but due to the fact that I am in Burlington and the specialist working with my vet at this clinic is in Guelph had called in the prescription into this office like many other times before for my dogs immediate use. Apparently their policies changed and they would not fill this order and help my very sick dog without an exam (aka money grab). My dog doesn’t need an exam he needs his medication. Medication that he’s been on for 3 years. The medication the lead vet here initially prescribed! My vet isn’t in until next week and they expected me to let my dog suffer until next Wednesday so they could make a buck off an unnecessary appointment. I’ve never been so angry and so sad at the same time. My poor dog is laying beside me crying and bleeding and these people only wanted to care if they got paid for an unnecessary exam on top of my prescribed medications. I will never recommend this office and I will never step foot back there! The fact that my dogs well being is 100% disregarded because I wouldn’t let them scam extra money out of me is absolutely heartbreaking. They are suppose to CARE for animals but they proved tonight they CARE about money more. Don’t go here if you expect proper and ethical care for your fur babies. Finn and I will be crying together until we can find a way to Guelph next week for his medications...

Sheryl Bender

Our decision to put our cat down came as a result of several attacks on family members and now our grandchild. We did not feel comfortable giving her to someone else so made the decision to put her down and made the appointment. We were told that the vet did not feel comfortable putting her down until we exhausted all other avenues such as tests, medication etc.. more money to be paid out.

Kelly Richer

We have a special needs long hair cat who can’t groom himself. For several years we’d taken him to Bay City to be groomed under anesthetic. A few days ago my husband brought our cat in for grooming. Before they even admitted our cat there was a $600 bill that had been prepared. My husband noticed bloodwork had been added to the bill. My husband said we were not looking for any tests. Our cat was not sick. They adjusted the bill, but didn’t give the copy to my husband. So he figured the bill would now be inline with past years. When my husband went to pick him up, the bill was almost triple their usual bill. If he’s not getting needles we are charged about $120 for grooming and sedation. This time it was over $300. We get a lion cut for our cat. Past bills charged for 15 minutes of grooming. This time they charged us for 45 minutes. They gave him a bath and blow dry! We didn’t ask nor want either. No one asked our permission. He’s been going there over six years and this was the first time anyone did this to him. We were charged a wellness visit of almost $100. We were not told that this was going to be part of their fees. After we specifically said we didn’t want blood work (our cat is not sick!) they TOOK HIS BLOOD. How can a vet take blood from our pet and go against our wishes? All we wanted was to have him groomed. Like they’ve always done for him. When we questioned these charges, the man at the front said the vet wasn’t a groomer and they were doing us an extra service. Wonder if the other clients who come in for pet grooming know that this is how we are looked upon? Well this vet won’t be doing us any extra services any more. We have found elsewhere to buy our cat food, and another vet who will do our grooming. ****Edited to change from one star to three stars*** I had a lovely call from Bay Cities' office manager (Kathryn). She was very interested in hearing our story, and offering a number of solutions on how they could do better. She was helpful, kind and gracious. And she apologized. That meant a lot to me. Because of this very healing conversation I am revising the rating to a three star. Thank you again to Kathryn for trying to repair the situation.

Scott Jones

Dr Goldman very good! If I lived here, I would go to her!

Katherine Pinard

We recently moved to Burlington and wanted a local vet for our dog Roger, a friend recommended Dr Hamilton. She was so sweet with our little guy and quickly earned his trust. She was very proactive and knowledgeable when sharing with us her approach to dental care. Our previous Vet had suggested dental surgery as well but I worried about elective surgery on such a small dog. Dr Hamilton was very supportive and explained her approach and how they take care with small dogs with incubators etc. Dr Hamilton is the only vet for us! We went back recently for a booster shot my a get tech, we were in an out with out a noise from Roger.

Sandra

Awful experience in euthanizing our dog. They called my husband in after he had said his goodbyes because the dog would not settle. Way to make a difficult situation unbearable! Dr. Hamilton's morals leave something to be desired.

Miss Fitz

This clinic has gone from 5 stars to 1 since VCA has taken over. From charging about $150 in 2015 for flea and heart worm testing and meds, to $230 in 2016, then $330 in 2017 it's obvious they are all about the money. The staff are stressed out as I imagine they get lots of grief over the new fee schedule. VCA is all about money - not about your pet. After 7 years I have picked up my dog's records and am changing to a new vet.

Brigitte Aston

I have been taking my dog and cats to Bay Cities for the past 13 years. I have been more than satisfied with the level of knowledge and treatment towards my beloved pets. Their staff is kind and clearly all animal lovers. Not sure what the negative reviews are all about as my experience has been nothing but satisfactory.

Tabitha Beyer

I've just transferred here from another vet clinic in Burlington. My cat, Parker has always been terrified of the vets, but the moment it came to his appointment, he was calm, purring, curious, etc. I've never seen him so relaxed at the vets before! Our first appointment went so amazingly well, we brought our second cat, Hamlet, here within a week as well for his own meet and greet. Both vets we saw were very informative, attentive, and caring of both of my boy's different needs. If they weren't completely sure of an answer, they double checked, reached out to their colleagues, researched, and then got back to me 100% confident(in a very timely manner no less). I've never been with a vet team so thorough and I'm absolutely happy with our decision to ttabsfer to Bay Cities! Thank you so much team!

Anthony Segato

Great people the doctor and staff

Kristen Tulk

Worst. Vet. Ever. They effectively killed our house rabbit. He had teeth that were a little long and the vet said she would file down the teeth. Our regular vet was out of town, so we had to settle for this terrible place. They knocked him out and filed down his teeth, no problem. The problem was after, when they didn't prescribe him any antibiotics for possible infections (which rabbits are prone to), and no pain meds either. When our vet came back to town, she was furious! He developed an aggravated abscess in 2 days and there is no going back. We - unfortunately - can't be home all day to monitor his healing process if we were to treat the abscess. Our vet said this would never have happened if they had prescribed him antibiotics like any other sane vet. TERRIBLE PEOPLE AND A TERRIBLE PLACE. IRRESPONSIBLE WITH NO SENSE FOR LIFE.