VCA Canada 17th Avenue Animal Hospital

What a pleasant experience! Dr. Friesen was very kind and honest, and my kitty was so comfortable he couldn't stop purring, which made the heart examination tricky! Being that I am a student, it was nice the the doctor was very realistic and I didn't feel any pressure to do what was out of my budget, within my cats best interest. There was also a welcome sign to new patients with Garfield's name, small but kind gesture. Every staff member was really kind and took the time to say hi to me (although it was the kitty they really wanted to meet hahaha)! Great place, I would highly recommend.

I am writing a negative Google review for the first time ever! I have a 16 year old cat (special needs, deaf, cerebellar hypoplasia) and she’s super special to me. I’ve had her since she was 4 months old. Pumpkin was a patient of at VCA Forrest Lawn; however, I moved downtown and 17 Ave Clinic was an obvious choice to have her file moved to this location. I brought Pumpkin to her appointment at 16h00 today for her Solensia shot. It was administered by a Veterinary Technician - they missed the first shot completely, and the second attempt was in the left hind leg. Pumpkin let everyone know it didn’t feel very good and she didn’t like it. Since Pumpkin is deaf, she is not a very vocal cat but when she is, she commands attention. I know I might sound like a helicopter parent to some, but truthfully, I am doing what any parent would do and not go where there is pain. Back to Forrest Lawn we go. I cannot speak negatively about all of VCA… I’m going back to Forrest Lawn… but I know that because VCA is a large corporation with a bottom line, not much will happen. I do not want anyone to be terminated because of this; I prefer that more training be mandated for Vet Techs so this can be avoided.

Knowledgeable and accomodating! We've always had great experience with our cats, no matter their ages. Transparency is key for us and have been in weird situations where other vets have just expected us to pay for a non mentioned blood work assessment, VCA has always been gracious in providing options, suggestions, approx quotes/costs to make an educated decision on whats best for our cats. Highly suggest this place.

SCAM SCAM SCAM - My pup had a full check up 3 weeks ago and they told me I needed to come back for 3 shots. When I go to pay the bill they charge me for another check-up - $112.50 - complete scam - if you want to protect your pocket book as well as your pup I'd recommend any other vet clinic other than VCA on 17th Ave.

Very good vets and efficient service. However when I called one Monday morning with an urgent matter with one of my dogs I was told that I had to go to an emergency facility. In my 40 years of owning and breeding dogs I have never been turned away by my regular vet during daytime business hours. This was very disappointing. That said it is a good clinic (unless you have an emergency).

Dr. Evan Vandervalk is an excellent veterinarian. He is kind, thoughtful, and has a wealth of knowledge. He was able to answer all of my questions in a friendly and professional manner, and provided valuable information about my puppy. It is my first puppy and I walked out of there armed with a greater understanding of what I need to do, and feeling confident about this journey. The staff was kind, patient, and took excellent care of my dog. I would absolutely recommend Dr. Vandervalk and the team at VCA Canada 17th Avenue Animal Hospital.

This is the worst vet we have taken our animals to. They take your money and don’t address the issues affecting your pet. Their hours are very limited forcing you to take time off work. They push tests and meds on you that are insanely expensive for the little to nothing that they do. All this vet seems to care about is money and they drag out solving your pet’s issues to take all the money you have. I asked to refill a prescription for my cat that literally has worked every time for the 7 years of his life yet they refused to saying I needed to come in for a full exam = $$$$ for their pocket. My one dog had rashes forever and after taking her in multiple times and spending thousands of dollars, we finally figured out her issues ON OUR OWN because this vet was solving NOTHING. Don’t ever go here!

Just an FYI for anyone thinking of going here... they charge way more than any other vet. Their exam/ consultation fee is more and on top of that they charge for the shot you need. Other vets incorporate the two together. Also, make sure you double check that they actually booked you in. I booked an appointment, called to confirm only to find that they had no record of it. Unorganized, especially if you're a working professional who has a schedule to adhere to. This is a competitive industry, with many great vets available. No need to pay extra for nothing.

Love the staff here - super caring, gentle and they take their time explaining everything. I never feel rushed and always feel like we have lots of options. Dr. Evans is our vet + we've recommended him to lots of friends. He's a great communicator + our dog always seems so comfortable there. Thank you for taking such great care of our pooch!

Very angry with the receptionist. Was on my way to my appointment today when I got stuck by the train. Not something we can predict obviously. And it resulted in is being less than 5 minutes late. The receptionist called at our appointment time to see where we were, told her we were so incredibly sorry and only a few minutes away, just got caught by some unexpected traffic, and in the rudest tone she could muster says Well if you're more than 10 minutes late we have to reschedule you. Sooo traffic better get moving"Seriously? I get that I'm late but is that really necessary? Very rude