VCA Foothill Veterinary Hospital

Located at 2204 E Foothill Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91107, USA, VCA Foothill Veterinary Hospital is a well-established institution in the Pasadena community, having served pet owners since 1953. As part of the larger VCA Animal Hospitals network, it combines the resources of a national organization with a commitment to local, personalized care. This facility is known for its comprehensive services and its dedication to maintaining high standards in veterinary medicine, reflected in its accreditation by the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA).

The environment at VCA Foothill Veterinary Hospital aims to be professional and comfortable for both pets and their owners. Reviews mention that the facility has undergone aesthetic improvements, making it "way nicer in terms of aesthetics," suggesting a modern and well-maintained appearance. Upon entering, clients can expect a clean and organized reception area designed to facilitate check-ins and provide a welcoming space. Examination rooms are equipped to handle routine check-ups and initial diagnostics. As an AAHA-accredited hospital, VCA Foothill voluntarily adheres to stringent standards across various aspects of veterinary care, including facilities, equipment, and patient care. This accreditation implies a commitment to a high level of cleanliness, safety, and medical rigor within the hospital environment. The overall ambiance strives to create a reassuring atmosphere, which is particularly important given that veterinary visits can be stressful for pets and their owners.

VCA Foothill Veterinary Hospital offers a broad spectrum of veterinary services for dogs and cats, encompassing preventative care, diagnostics, surgery, and specialized treatments. Their preventative care program includes essential services such as comprehensive nose-to-tail wellness exams, vaccinations, deworming, and parasite prevention and testing. They also provide microchipping, which is crucial for pet identification and recovery. Diagnostic capabilities at the hospital extend to comprehensive bloodwork, early detection screenings for various diseases, and advanced imaging services. Dental care is another significant aspect of their services, including oral exams and cleanings, crucial for maintaining overall pet health. Surgical services range from routine procedures like spaying and neutering to more complex soft-tissue surgeries. For pets with behavioral challenges or anxiety, they offer evaluations and counseling. Nutritional consultations are also available to help owners make informed decisions about their pets' diets. A unique and highly praised service, as highlighted by customer feedback, is their expertise in handling international travel health certificates, making them a go-to resource for pet owners planning to relocate or travel abroad with their animals. This specialized service requires meticulous attention to detail and up-to-date knowledge of international regulations, demonstrating a high level of professional competence.

Several features contribute to VCA Foothill Veterinary Hospital's standing in the community. Its long-standing presence since 1953 speaks to its established reputation and experience. Being an AAHA-accredited hospital since the very year of its founding, 1953, signifies a consistent commitment to the highest standards of veterinary excellence. Only a small percentage of veterinary hospitals in North America achieve this accreditation, which involves adherence to over 900 standards of care across 18 different areas. This dedication to quality is a significant feature. As part of the VCA network, they have access to an extensive knowledge base and a network of over 2,000 VCA veterinarians, including specialists, which can be invaluable for complex cases or when advanced care is needed at VCA Specialty Hospitals. They maintain regular operating hours from Monday to Friday, 7:30 am to 5:30 pm, and Saturday from 8:00 am to 12:30 pm, with Sunday closures. This schedule caters to routine appointments while directing urgent cases to dedicated emergency facilities outside these hours. They are also known for participating in community events, such as adoption events with the Pasadena Humane Society, and have had their doctors serve on the Board of the Pasadena Humane Society, demonstrating their engagement beyond direct patient care.

Promotional information for VCA Foothill Veterinary Hospital often emphasizes their long history of service and their AAHA accreditation, highlighting their commitment to quality care. They promote preventative health services and products, such as vaccinations, wellness exams, and prescription diets, as core to their approach. Like many VCA hospitals, they may offer initial exam promotions, often for new clients, to encourage first visits. Their online presence and phone numbers, (626) 792-1187 and mobile +1 626-792-1187, are regularly promoted as ways to schedule appointments or seek information. As a VCA facility, they also integrate with the myVCA app, which allows clients to access live chat, refill prescriptions, track vaccine status, and book appointments, enhancing convenience and connectivity for pet owners.

Customer reviews offer a nuanced perspective on VCA Foothill Veterinary Hospital. On the one hand, there's strong praise for their expertise, particularly in specialized areas like international travel health certificates. One satisfied customer lauded their professionalism, knowledge, reliability, and attentiveness in this complex process, even noting that while it might not be cheap, the service is dependable. This highlights a critical and valuable niche service they excel at. However, other reviews point to areas where service quality has reportedly declined. A long-term client, who has patronized the hospital since childhood, expressed frustration over a "substantial" decrease in service quality, specifically mentioning a lack of continuity in veterinary care (not seeing the same vet consistently) and significant difficulty in securing appointments. This individual, a human healthcare provider, also criticized the perceived lack of empathetic communication from staff and veterinarians regarding test results and pricing, stating that alternatives were not proactively offered, leading to a feeling of being "placed in a box." This feedback suggests that while the facility has improved aesthetically and maintains high accreditation, the personalized touch and communicative approach that some clients value may sometimes be inconsistent. The desire for more comprehensive explanations and alternative solutions, especially concerning costs for routine exams, is a recurring theme in critical feedback. Despite these concerns, the hospital's reputation for highly specialized services and its long history of care remain significant factors for many pet owners in the Pasadena area.