VCA Advanced Veterinary Care Center

This particular VCA is a specialty care hospital that you are usually referred to when a specialist is needed. Over the past few years, I’ve had to take my dog to this hospital first for an Internist and most recently to see a Neurologist. Unfortunately, I’ve also been here for their 24 hour emergency service. The care and professionalism at this hospital is absolutely top notch. I am an RN (people medicine) and so my standards are extremely high. I expect top quality care for my dog, a sense of urgency as well as sensitivity and impeccable communication. I honestly can not say enough. Dr. Dudley is the Internist I have been seeing and Dr. Sangster the Neurologist. In addition, we’ve seen Dr. Spah for Surgery. Not only were the doctors some of the best I have ever dealt with, their nursing staff is amazing as well. Knowing that my dog is being seen by some of the best educated and experienced staff is important to me and there’s nowhere else I’d recommend at this point. Kudos to VCA!

Can’t say enough about the ophthalmology department and Dr. Budelsky. My dog absolutely loves the doctor, and the staff has been so helpful and kind while treating my dog’s glaucoma.

We brought our beloved 13 yr old dog here on New Years day, ad he just didn’t seem himself. Well it was bad and he had to be put down that day. Terrible day, but the staff ay VCA was absolutely the best, most caring anywhere. Dr Brown held our hands and cried with us, she really felt our pain! Can’t say enough about the great care.

We had an emergency situation with our beloved 18 year old dog on New Year’s Eve transitioning into New Year’s Day. We were already stressed and had the worry of the holiday and our vet being closed. Thank God for VCA. Not only were they empathetic, but also efficient and gracious. We were at the most vulnerable point any pet owners face and they helped us get through it by treating us, and Sadie, with kid gloves. I was also very impressed with their quick, and specific, diagnostics. Sadly, we lost our girl but we will be taking our other pets here now for regular care. I am forever in their debt. One final note: I felt their prices were incredibly reasonable and they gave us options about what we’d like to do after cremation, which I never expected.

We arrived at the VCA Advanced Veterinary Care Center off 96^th in Indianapolis at 6:45PM on a Saturday night after our dog was in a disagreement with another dog at the dog park. The staff was very friendly and we were in a room quickly. After 9pm the receptionist told us that she would have the tech take a look at our dog, which she did but she could not do stiches, or prescribe antibiotics. At 9:45 we gave up, the dog was never seen by a doctor and the tech was nice but of little help. She didn’t think the cut was deep enough to need stitches but did recommend antibiotics. We couldn’t have gotten those unless we waited even longer for the doctor. We were there for 3 hours and our dog is in the same condition she was when we arrived, thankfully we were not billed. In my opinion this is most certainly a management issue. They are under staffed and evidently have no contingency plan for a rush of pets. Unless you have lots of time to waste seek another place to take your pet for emergency needs.

Fantastic facility, vets, and staff! Very professional and compassionate! My wait time has varied, depending on how busy they are in the ER, but this is not a regular veterinary clinic. My 13 year-​old lab, Diego, has been a patient at this facility for nearly a year, under the care of Dr. Stanley. A year ago he developed acute pancreatitis and I rushed him a 24-​hour emergency facility near my house. He received excellent care and recovered but continued to have symptoms the doctors at that (very expensive) facility could not diagnose. After spending a total of about $ 5K there, the doctor referred Diego to the VCA specialty facility in Fishers to see an internal medicie specialist. After an intake evaluation by a very friendly vet tech, who took the time to put Diego at ease, he was examined by Dr. Stanley, who had already taken the time to look through all of the records sent by the other facility. She discussed what she suspected (inflammatory bowel disease) and recommended some appropriate but expensive tests to confirm. I was given a cost estimate. I told her how much I had already spent on him in the past year and that I just didn’t have the money. She treated him conservatively, with minimal testing, and he has done very well. He has been seen there periodically when problems crop up, and the staff always discuss less costly treatment alternatives with me. I would heartily recommend this place! And they don’t charge a fee to pick up medicine refills on weekends like the other place did!

Excellent service, even at 9 pm on a Saturday night. Treated my dog well, made sure to give me estimates before doing anything, accepted Care Credit. All around good experience.

We were traveling in our motor home and in Indianapolis for 2 days when our 8 year old male Doberman appeared to be having a possible bladder issue. Went to the VCA as a walk-​in emergency. They were awesome. Everyone extremely pleasant, efficient, vet was extremely nice and answered all our questions. Would definitely recommend them if you have an emergency. But just like for people, emergency visits are expensive.

My last review was «not recommended» by Unilocal.According to their criteria… «most helpful to the Unilocal community based primarily on quality, reliability and the reviewer’s activity». My review is based on facts and medical knowledge from experience through clinical practice, med school, and residency. My goal was to educate people as to why a certain procedure could be dangerous and might have resulted in some of my dog’s problems post-​procedure. Unilocal was the only place I had left a review, but since my review is «hidden» I will now find other areas to write reviews that aren’t censored…

I only have experience with the oncology department, so the five stars is for them specifically.
Two of my dogs had cancer, and Dr. Rechner saw them both. She’s compassionate, knowledgeable, and obviously cares about her patients. I know she puts in extra effort to give her patients the best treatment possible. And she is the type of veterinarian who will say «I don’t know, but I’ll find out» rather than pretending she knows all. I wouldn’t hesitate to take my pets to her in the future, although I hope there’s no need for it!
I also want to mention the oncology staff, because they’re wonderful too. I don’t know how many of them have been through cancer with their own pets, but they seem to get it. Everyone I dealt with was very kind and accommodating. I never felt rushed by Dr. R. or the staff and always knew any concerns or questions I had would be addressed, and that I wouldn’t be rushed.

Couple of months ago had to take my black lab mix here because she was wasting away and regular vet could not find anything wrong. We saw Dr. Stanley who immediately pinpointed the problem and worked to get my beautiful girl back on her feet in the most cost effective way possible. it’s never easy or cheap to have to go to an emergency clinic and/​or to see specialists but I wouldn’t hesitate to go back with any of my dogs or cats to this clinic.

I wish there were 10 stars to give. My beautiful 9 ½ year old dog Reese became very sick Monday ¹²⁄₁. Banfield ran some tests and did xrays and referred us to the VCA due to her having a platelet count of only 17k. We went in to the VCA Tuesday morning and were greeted by multiple staff members. We were taken back and I met with Dr. Stanley who was as compassionate as she was professional. She recommended ultrasound which came back ok but upon shaving Reese’s belly there was tons of bad bruising.
Reese stayed at the VCA and underwent a double unit transfusion, received steroids and other medication to try and get this nasty autoimmune disease that attacked her so suddenly under control. Dr. Stanley called me that night and again later before doing the transfusion. She called me again the next morning. I then began speaking with Dr. Dudley who communicated to me my baby girl was getting worse. At this point she had significant internal blood loss and her red blood cell count and platelets were next to none. Dr. Dudley answered my questions with patience as I asked the same ones over and over. While my girl didn’t make it, I am confident she received the BEST care. Dr. Stanley & Dr. Dudley are seriously the nicest, most sincere docs who I am glad worked to help save my girl.
I called today and left a message for Dr. Stanley because I had some additional questions since it has been a few days and I am having a rough time. She wanted to be sure she called me back before leaving. She talked me through everything again and made sure she told me to call back anytime I have any questions.
Now if that isn’t A+ customer service I’m not sure what is.
Thank you Dr. Stanley, Dr. Dudley and all those wonderful staff members who fought to save my baby the short time she was there.

Sorry in advance for the long review…
Wow… I am so surprised by the amount of negative reviews! I took my diabetic dog here one night after he ate a pound of chocolate and my vet was closing.
I was welcomed by the kindest receptionist, who, while I was filling out paperwork took my dog right to the room to be seen. We were welcomed to the back and talked to the tech, who was very knowledgeable. She described our options on how to proceed. She let us know that we could either call Poison Control for their opinion, or do what VCA recommended. We decided to call Poison Control to be absolutely sure on what we should do.
Dr. Tobias came to the room shortly after to talk to us about our dog’s current condition and how they were going to move forward. She and the tech were upfront about all costs, extremely professional, and honest about the condition of our dog.
Before we left, the tech brought in our dog for us to say goodbye. It was hard to see him like this, but we were thankful they did. Within the first hour of us getting back home, we received 3 different phone calls from the doctor updating us on our dog’s condition. During phone call 2, they were not sure if he would make it through the night, but they called about 40 minutes later letting us know that they thought he would be okay.
Dr. Tobias called us once again first thing in the morning to let us know that she was going off duty, but wanted to let us know how he was doing and who we would be hearing from all day.
I can’t thank them enough for their attentiveness, patience, and dedication to what they do. They were bit, pooped on, and had to chase him down when he tried to jailbreak, but always remained positive! I wish Dr. Tobias could be our regular vet, but unfortunately that is not an option (unless we want to pay ER costs for each visit!)
Thanks Dr. Tobias and team!!!

I was referred here by my vet as the office was just about to close when my puppy hurt his paw. We weren’t sure how bad his injury was, but we thought, better safe than sorry. The clinic did disclose how much it would be just to visit the vet before any diagnosis or treatment would be discussed. When we arrived no one else was in the waiting room, and were told the wait would be 45 minutes. 3 receptionists were on hand.
While we waited, I read other Unilocal!reviews. The only shining reviews seemed to be from pet owners whose pets did not survive the trip to VCA for whatever reason. Their empathy upon the death of your pet is apparently quite commendable. I also read several thank you notes in a scrap book left in the waiting room. Again, glowing thanks from pet owners who had lost a pet at the hands of the VCA.
We saw three pets during our wait as well. One looked like he had been hit by a car, but was going to make it, one was screaming in pain while the family left in tears. The third was in a box. I overheard the receptionist relay information on a support group they hold every Tuesday, as well as the location of the crematorium around the back of the building.
A tech finally came out and chatted with us briefly to get more information on the dog, and said that xrays would definitely be needed for a diagnosis and treatment plan. The cost was exorbitant. She barely looked at the dog, and said they would likely see him on his own without us in the room. I told her that he would not be leaving my sight. An hour and a half later we were taken to an exam room and told the vet would see us shortly.
At this point I was incredibly nervous about the well-​being of my pet under this facility’s care. I could hear other pets crying and barking outside the door, and didn’t feel like I could trust anything I was told for fear of being scammed. After waiting for another 30 minutes in the exam room without being seen, I decided to look up another clinic and call them for an appointment later that day.
We walked straight out of the clinic, and (as someone else wrote) I’m still not sure they’ve noticed.
*Horrible customer/​patient service – I truly felt they didn’t give a sh*t about me or my dog
*Extortionately high prices – It felt as though they were banking on people willing to pay any price for treatment (even if nothing was wrong in the first place)

First of all, be prepared to wait. This isn’t necessarily a criticism. It’s an emergency room. Think about how long you wait when visiting a human ER. If you have a bad cold during hours your doctor isn’t in the office, you are going to be considered low priority and be expected to wait while ER docs tend to heart attacks, gunshot victims, etc. the same is true at the VCA. Dogs and cats come in in critical condition. They SHOULD be cared for immediately. I waited three hours to be seen. But my kitty was in stable condition. Sadly, I learned at the end of the visit that she has cancer. I found out in privacy. I was given tissues. And I had several people tell me how sorry they are. I was treated with respect, and my cat was cared for. I was also given updates throughout my visit of how much longer I would wait, and also told how much each element of her care would cost. The vets quickly communicated with my regular vet as well.

Do not take your pet here especially if it is an emergency. I waited 90 mins in an exam room and never saw a single vet. Ridiculous. At least they could tell you it might be a long time, but no they don’t bother. I finally walked out and I am pretty certain they still do not know I have left. Do not waste your time

After reading so many poor reviews I was beyond pleasantly surprised. I took my 8 year old golden retriever in for a visit at 10:00 p.m. She had been very ill (vomiting and diarrhea) and visited our regular vet that morning, As the day progressed she became more and more lethargic.
The staff could not have been nicer over the phone or in person. Sam and Kiara were kind and welcoming. Kiara disclosed the cost of the visit over the phone.
Dr. Reckard is certainly no money grubber. Sage was dehydrated and we decided to give her subcutaneous fluids. I was told the price (very reasonable) in advance. Dr. Reckard gave me options and was concerned for my preferences. She took her time with us and is compassionate and competent.
I hope we will not have to return. I would not, however hesitate to do so.

More than thankful that the VCA was open on New Years Day. Our beloved dog had an issue with her ear that needed to be taken care of.
When it comes to my dog I am critical of all care. After all she is my oldest and first child. Sorry Kids… Dog is my best friend and never yells at me.
My dogs ear was not improved and the situation became worse. I don’t think this was 100% their fault however, sending me home with a bleeding dog and letting me know there is nothing more that could be done is not what I was hoping for at 2:00 a.m. She needed surgery and I was informed to go to our vet for that as they would be expensive. Asked for a price and they just said it would cost.
Three stars because they were open late and my dog needed attended to. Could have been more if they took care of the problem.

Asia, our loved one (Pekingese, Female, 13 years old) lost the control of her back right leg. Our veterinarian recommended we see a specialist and suggested Dr. Cross at VCA (Advanced Veterinary Care) located in Fishers, IN. We took the recommendation and went to see Dr. Cross. We were impressed on the reception and expertise we received from the staff, nurses and Dr. Cross himself. My wife and I both work in the medical field and we were also impressed on the equipment available for treatment, diagnostics testing, surgery and rehabilitation located on site, in addition to the building being well maintained and clean. Dr. Cross provided a few options to best take care of our Asia and we took the recommendation of surgery. We took this route primarily due to the «care» we have seen from Dr. Cross and his staff. My wife and I did not put emphasis on the expertise, building, medical equipment, etc. until we saw how much they all cared for Asia. My wife and I also had to consider the cost and we knew it would be somewhat expensive. But what is the price we put on our loved ones? We are not sure if Dr. Cross is on Angie’s list… if he isn’t…he should be. Sad to say, Asia was treated better than some of the people I have seen being treated by their medical doctor.
Robert and Jan de Graaff

Inexperienced, unprofessional workers.
Worse, we Felt the staff were were manipulating our emotions in an effort to get us to pay for expensive emergency surgery… before they or us knew what was wrong with our cat.
If you can, hold off until you can see your regular vet. This will save you money and frustration.