VCA High Peaks Animal Hospital

The team here was so supportive and comforting when I had to make the decision to let my beautiful girl go. They answered all my questions and gave me a detailed understanding of my dogs diagnosis. They gave me time to spend with her To say goodbye. I just received a lovely card from the team there and I am so appreciative, it meant so much to me to open that card and see all the kind words. Thank you so kindly

We have not seen the same veterinarian twice since this Ray Brook office was acquired by VCA, a private equity firm. The vets and staff we have seen are are amazing, but VCA very clearly only cares about profits and not about the welfare of their staff or the pets they care for. Do not use this private equity firm for veterinary services unless you are willing to pay thousands of dollars for medication that only costs them $60 from the pharmacy. They also no longer offer emergency vet services. Those 24/7 emergency services were the only reason we had continued going through them.

I have never in my life, felt the need to write any reviews online before now. I have been taking my puppies to this establishment for about 2 years now. It was a little pricey, but I was happy with the service they provided. I also loved that it was close to home. However, recently I have not had good experiences with my puppies here. Let me start off by saying, I understand that some dogs may need a muzzle for their safety, and the vet's. However, my dog has never behaved in anyway that would warrant this. At first the vets told me that my dog couldn't be in the same room with me because it made him protective and react negatively. So they took him to the back. I latter found out they had to muzzle him. I was upset because in the past two years there was never an issue. My dog absolutely does not react well to anything being wrapped around his face. Especially a muzzle, he will try to scratch at it till it comes off. They then tried to tell me they he may need to take anxiety medication before his appointment. I left and tried to reason with myself that they had muzzled him for safety reasons. After all, they've never given me reasons to believe they were being unreasonable otherwise. They also first suggested to bringing my dogs in separately because apparently they made each other more nervous. This would be the solution before turning to medication. My next visit, and last visit, really pushed me over the edge though. Once again, they immediately wanted to put the muzzle on him and then proceeded to try and drag him out of the room by the leash. My heart dropped as he pulled aggressively away from them (almost like in panic) and ran towards me once loose. Let me be clear in saying that my dog never once snapped at anyone, and he had only been pulling away from them. I held him in my arms crying and asked that they please not take him back there, and to at least have him in the same room as me. I even offered to hold him. He's been with me since he was a puppy, and he takes comfort to me holding him in these situations. They had refused and said they would have to reschedule with him on medication. I was very upset because my dog has never ever acted like this before. I was also very upset with the way they treated him. They didn't even try to help, they had just yanked him! Latter on, after handing me the medication, which I felt very wrong about giving him. I noticed that there was a second pill. Now it was my understanding that they were considering anxiety medication to calm him before the appointment. This I kinda understood. However, they also put in a sedative without my knowledge. I was beyond upset, I did not feel comforatble with drugging my dog. To make matters worse, they called me that same afternoon to tell me that my other dog needs to be given that same medication or they wouldn't see him tomorrow. I had already been planning to not go to that appointment, but this made me even more furious. My second puppy had never in his time there given any issues. He did fine with me in the room, and took his shots no problem. In all honesty, I feel like they were trying to find more things to add to my bill that were unnecessary other than for money. Most importantly they treated my puppy horribly. This veterinarian office was absolutely an awful experience, and I can most certainly confirm it wasn't my puppy and his "anxiety". I have switched to a new veterinarian office, and my dog reacted well to them. They were kind and calm with him. They also allowed for him to be in the same room as me, and he was great! I had both of my dogs together as well, and they had no problems. The last thing I will say is that dogs know how people are, and I will not ever come back here again.

When I moved up here I was told not to go here. I had some good experiences, but then some bad experiences. Ultimately the unprofessionalism of a male Veterinarian was the last straw. Since then, I have met new people with pets and they have volunteered their experiences and have sought services elsewhere. Good for routine exams and supplies, but not good at all for seriously ill pets, misdiagnosis wasted precious time. Thank you for responding. But, my experience with the business manager there, although I dont even know if they're still there, was actually less than negative. Also, When a veterinarian employed there yells at my dog and me, and other dogs as I heard through the doors in the waiting room.....I cannot imagine ever talking to anyone there ever again. VCA needs to do better screening of employees. I now have a veterinarian office where everyone there at least appears to love animals and were obviously trained well. They are more expensive than VCA was, but I don't mind paying when I pleased with my pets' care.

Okay so look, everytime I get to this point of leaving a review I always plan to just send the 5 stars and a quick note of how Dr. Harper is simply the best vet, ever, but then of course I can't not mention the amazing vet techs like Heather and Brianna, well and the manager Bobbi, and we can't forget Meg either, one of the receptionists. So by the time that's all said and done I try to add in some examples of why I know they are the best practice, and often times the review becomes so long that I then need to try and shorten it and make some edits, and it really is a whole ordeal for me. (this has happened more times than I'm willing to admit). So honestly at this point, in fear of not making it to the submit button again, you should just take my word on it. Dr. Harper is the absolute best. Professional without being impersonal, blunt without being insensitive, very experienced but isn't afraid to refer you to a specialist if that's what he thinks is best for your animal. Thank you to you all for your many years of care and support. I'll see you when I eventually get another dog. It's not if, it's when. Ruth and Lola are buried together swaddled in a beautifully made box just for them. You guys have always cared for our babies with love. It shows. And I'm forever grateful for that. Love you guys. -ella (I think this was the shortest draft yet! And I made it to the submit button wow! #accomplishments #thisismyfirsttimehashtagging #feelspecialcuzyouare)