VCA Bay Cities Animal Hospital

They said my dog had a collapsed trachea, therefore prescribed medicine that specifically warns against giving it to dogs with nerve issues. My dog was once paralyzed and despite knowing, Dr. Brandt prescribed it. My dog lost function in his hind leg for a few days until the medz left his system. She then prescribed something else that was a third of the cost and did help a little. Why not that one first?! She said to get at Walgreen... I went to 8 different places looking for this script when she had it there the whole time. Just makes no sense. My dog also has a small heart murmur according to them, so she prescribed HD food for him. I bought it at the vet and when I went back home (out of state...she also knew that) Everyone said I needed a written script. Now I have to see a knew vet and pay $ I don't have after dropping $500 here to get a new script. more

I was looking for the phone number for Bay Cities - and I came across these reviews. I had to share my experience, because this has been my veterinary clinic for many years. I have never, ever had a problem with the three vets I routinely request when I bring my pets in. Dr. Milo, Dr. Brandt and Dr. Fitzpactrick are very responsive, kind and my cats have received excellent treatment. True, the office staff could be nicer and more efficient, but the vets I list above are top knotch and certainly not recognizable in some of the comments below. Now, before finding Bay Cities, I had plenty of horror stories from my experience in other clinics for sure. I am just very surprised by some of the feedback about this facility. more

This is our veterinary hopsital of choice. The staff and doctors are all very friendly and really do love their job. Our beloved dog got very sick and they did everything they could until we finally had to make the dreaded decision. Everyone was very understanding and really helped us get through it. No one treated us like a number and they let us remain in the room for as long as we needed and never made us feel as if we were in the way or as if they were waiting for the room and needed us to hurry up. They made the transition for us and our kids bearable and treated our furry family member with the utmost respect. more

I went to BCVH on Saturday for my dog. He had had a little skin issue for a while and I had taken an appointment with his regular vet one block up on Lincoln at VCA Marina Hospital. I had arrived 7 minutes late at VCA and they had refused to take me!!! I work 7 days a week so I needed to find another vet asap. I walked in at Bay Cities and told them what my problem was. The very friendly girl at the front desk told me that there was only one doctor still in that time and that she was on her way out because she finishes at 2:00 pm on Saturdays (It was already 2:30 pm!!). However she told me that she would see with the doctor what they could do. Less a minute later she was back and taking us to the exam room. Dr Fuhrmann was wonderful. She asked me all sorts of questions and tried to learn as much a possible about my little man. She explained a lot of things, took time to answer all my questions in details rather than just giving me the answer I've heard for almost 4 years now "It's the breed. French Bulldogs have a lot of issues". She gave us some medicine but no strong pills. We're trying to solve the mild skin problem with topical creams first. Also my dog regurgitates very frequently and until now I thought there was nothing to do, that "it was the breed". But Dr Fuhrmann suggested that we start using raised bowls to help the food go down the esophagus. She explained me that the "breed" has weak throat muscles and when they eat from classic bowls, the food stands in the esophagus ready to come back up!!! So yes there's a lot due to the breed but there is also a way to go around and find solutions, and Dr Fuhrmann took time out of her Saturday afternoon to help us beyond our immediate need. I am sure she had a lot of holiday shopping to do that day but she took half an hour to take care of us on a matter that was far from life threatening. I will definitely recommend this clinic to anybody who is looking for a friendly, reliable vet practice on the West Side. more

One of our dogs has been a patient for 12 years. You cannot find a better vet than Dr. Sandy Milo or Dr. Brandt. Dr. Milo was our primary vet and she was wholly, completely, utterly amazing. She and Dr. Brandt are warm, supportive and extremely knowledgeable. Unfortunately, and to our dismay, we had several occasions where we had to come in quickly and were placed with Dr. Fitzpatrick or Dr. Gina Furhman. The difference between these two doctors and Milo and Brandt are dramatic. Dr Fitzpatrick is distracted, dismissive , imperious, cold. Dr. Furhman, on the other hand, actually engaged a treatment for our poor dog that resulted in a horrible reaction for which he still has scars. He also injured his hind leg on a weekend and Dr. Furhman insisted he have an extremely costly surgery that would entail being crated on an almost 24 hr. basis for six weeks. Luckily, we went with our instincts and waited until Dr. Milo had another appt. and she suggested pain medication and monitoring. Within a couple of weeks he was fine. Because of Dr. Milo's reduced hours, the distance of the location once we moved (and we continued going there for another five years), and our absolute distrust of the other doctors, we elected to move to a different vet. We will always recommend Dr. Milo and Dr. Brandt with the highest praise. If you live near the area, and are able to assure appts. with them, they are fantastic (and worth the worn and dated facility appearance). Otherwise, we sadly cannot recommend the other two doctors. We will always remember Dr. Milo with tremendous trust and fondness and the care she has given our dog. Pros: Dr. Milo and Dr. Brandt -- who are the BEST Cons: Drs. Fitzpatrick and Furhman, the aging facility more

are always rude, never even say hello to the animals that I see coming in, they really act like unhelpful drones. I thought it was just me, and am glad to see other postings in agreement. more

We have been going here for over four years, this is like a family doctor for our pets...Dr Milo saved one of my dogs life after an antifalactic reaction at the age of 6 months. We have always had good experiences here. One of our dogs had a kitchen magnet removed from her stomach, another had a piece of grass taken out of a swelled up eyelid without incident. Its not the cheapest place out there, but they are good at what they do and they genuinely care about their four legged customers and the two legged ones that bring them in. I highly recommend this business to anyone in search of a good, dependable and courteous pet doctor. Pros: Bedside manor more

We have been going here for over four years, this is like a family doctor for our pets...Dr Milo saved one of my dogs life after an antifalactic reaction at the age of 6 months. We have always had good experiences here. One of our dogs had a kitchen magnet removed from her stomach, another had a piece of grass taken out of a swelled up eyelid without incident. Its not the cheapest place out there, but they are good at what they do and they genuinely care about their four legged customers and the two legged ones that bring them in. I highly recommend this business to anyone in search of a good, dependable and courteous pet doctor. Pros: Bedside manor more

These people don't seem to like animals (or people, for that matter). They treat you and your pet like dirt. Find another place that understands customer service and proper care of pets. This place should be shut down for the many things that they do wrong. more

These people are rude, sloppy and clearly do not give a damn about animals. We've had several minor problems with their treatment of our dog and there is no accountability. We've been looking for a new vet but had not yet made the switch. Last week, these people nearly killed our dog. It was only after we took our dog to another vet that she received proper care and survived. Their arrogance and incompetence nearly killed our dog.\r \r If you care about your pets, please do not take them here. There is no sympathy, no apologies for their frequent screw-ups and they are rude beyond belief. Why should my mechanic show more care for my car than my vet shows for my dog? Please -- do yourself a favor and find another vet (any other vet has to be an improvement).\r \r Don't let it happen to your pet! Consider yourself warned! more

I was surprised to hear anything negative.Some people are never happy I guess. My family has been seeing Dr. Brandt for at least 20 years with our dogs. We have never had a negative experience with her or any other vet at Bay Cities Veterinary hospital. They care and they really care!!!! They are honest, they consult other vets and specialist if needed. My last dog (who just died) wouild lick the face of the lady who gave him shots and poked at things that hurt (to see what was wrong of course). He always went into the back easily (where the shots were given and more delecate procedures were done).which says alot. I felt comfortable asking detailed questions, telling her my feelings, etc. Our family is bringing home two new puppies soon and we will happily continue going to Dr. Brandt. Bay Cities Veterinary Hospital is far far better than anywhere else we have gone . They love what they do and it shows. And the staff has always been nice and caring even when I have had my frantic moments.They are responsible for medications being given to clients and must focus: so I can understand when someone seems to get more attention. Yes, you might wait 15 minutes if a dog or other pet has come in with some sort of serious matter but if that pet was yours, you would want it that way. GREAT PLACE Pros: parking free in back, street with meters in front Cons: none more

I have little experience with the other vets at Bay Cities, but can first-hand sing the praises of Dr. Mary Jane Brandt! She is the best thing since sliced bread! She is caring, knowledgeable, takes the time to really listen, and is just an all-around great lady! As for the staff, I have nothing bad to say. They have been very open and warm with me, particularly when one of my cats was hospitalized. No other animal hospital has let me sit for hours with my pet! These guys? No problem! In fact, they encouraged it, as it helped my pet recover. Are they overworked? Yes. Are they stressed sometimes? Yes. Do I also expect them to be chipper and perfect? Heck no! I have my bad days too! However, for the one or two occasions where things haven't been epic, there have been hundreds of times when they have been fantastic and caring. I WHOLEHEARTEDLY RECOMMEND DR. BRANDT AND BAY CITIES TO ANYONE!!!! Or, and a well belated thanks to the person at Centinela Pet & Feed who referre more

Okay, I read the poor reviews and had to counter them with my own stellar review. BC and Dr. Brandt are the BEST! I've been taking my two cats there for about 8 years now. Dr. Brandt has always been the best, calmest, most wonderful vet I've ever known. Her care, and that of her staff, when I have had terrible kitty drama (diabetes and liver infections, to name but two) has been stellar, marvelous, fantastic, glorious, caring, and quite reasonably priced to boot! When my little man (read: boy cat) has been in the hospital, the staff has welcomed me to visit as long as I've needed, as often as I've needed, and have shown extraordinary patience with a crazy kitty mommy in tears over her baby's health. Seriously, I can't say enough good things about BC. Dr. Brandt is an angel and extremely skilled. She definitely found her calling in veterinary medicine. The staff does everything they can to keep a busy place running as smoothly as possible. Do they have off days? Sure! But guess what? So do I -- therefore, I cut them some slack, as I hope for the same when I'm stressed out. If you want great animal care on the Westside, see Dr. Brandt. You might just see me there with my two fuzzy beasties, waiting patiently in the waiting room, just basking in the knowledge that we're getting the best vet care in town! Peace. Pros: The best vet care on the Westside! Cons: Parking is tight! more

Color me shocked by the negative reviews as well! I started going to Bay Cities over 15 years ago, because it was near my house at the time. The Doctors and staff over the years have been consistently pleasant, courteous, knowledgeable and kind. I'm certain that their skilled treatment helped my first dog live a happy and healthy life until she was 20. I take my current dog to Bay Cities, even though I no longer live locally, because they have my complete confidence. Pros: Excellent, caring, conscientious doctors and staff Cons: Inconvenient location more

I really enjoyed my experience at Bay Cities. I found the staff to be extremely knowledgeable and willing to help. The doctors really care about what they are doing. Over the course of a week (while my beloved spooki was there) we spoke to 2 different Vets. They never rushed me and were patient with all our questions. This was our 3rd vet and our 3rd opinion. Boy are we (spooki included) happy we found such a caring facility! more

I have 5 pets that go to Dr Brandt at BC. I normally wouldn't think to write a review but I happened to google Bay Cities for their phone number and this site popped up. I read the review from the lady that slammed BC for not clearing the waiting room because her kitty needed attention (we all do!). I went there today and felt compelled to sign up JUST to write this review. I brought the dogs for their shots, with my two 2 year olds (no choice). I expected pure chaos trying to contain 3 dogs much less keep them and my kids safe. When I pulled in front, I called the front desk to tell them I'd rather sit in the car til they could see me. I didn't get my door unlocked before Janet CAME OUT and personally took EACH dog from my car, gave them shots, brought them out, took the next dog etc (she lifted the 40 lb dog too). She came out with my certs, took my credit card in, the whole time I never left the car and my kids! Now to the lady who slammmed this place. 1) There were 4 people in the waiting room today and look at the AMAZING service we got. 2) NO VET will clear a waiting room for you- ALL animals are scared to be at the vets 3) Emergencies happen (be glad they prioritize in case you ever need it!) and appt's are sometimes delayed by necessity. As for our service there over the past few years- we met Dr Brandt through a friend who had a Great Dane puppy who was given months to live. Dr Brandt brought that dog many many years of health. She practices accupuncture which works miracles in animals. Our old cat froze up one day (looked agonizing with her head pinned back, couldn't walk, open her mouth)- she had had a stroke. Dr Brandt brought her back to normal health for years more til she died a very old cat. As for other places- we had tried Brentwood who was CRAZY expensive, and another emergency place where a man who couldn't speak english gave us a $900 est, and even Animal Emergency on Sepulveda (that charged us $6k for surgery) I can't recco Dr Brandt enough! Pros: I trust Dr Brandt! Better than comparably priced (other places are criminal!) Cons: Not shiny and glitzy (what you pay for at other places). Basic facility. more

I have 5 pets that go to Dr Brandt at BC. I normally wouldn't think to write a review but I happened to google Bay Cities for their phone number and this site popped up. I read the review from the lady that slammed BC for not clearing the waiting room because her kitty needed attention. I went there today and felt compelled to sign up JUST to write this review. I brought the dogs for their shots, with my two 2 year olds (no choice). I expected pure chaos trying to contain 3 dogs much less keep them and my kids safe. When I pulled in front, I called the front desk to tell them I'd rather sit in the car til they could see me. I didn't get my door unlocked before Janet CAME OUT and personally took EACH dog from my car, gave them shots, brought them out, took the next dog etc (she lifted the 40 lb dog too). She came out with my certs, took my credit card in, the whole time I never left the car and my kids!\r \r Now to the lady who slammmed this place. 1) There were 4 people in the waiting room today and look at the AMAZING service we got. 2) NO VET will clear a waiting room for you- ALL animals are scared to be at the vets 3) Emergencies happen (be glad they prioritize in case you ever need it!) and appt's are sometimes delayed by necessity.\r \r As for our service there over the past few years- we met Dr Brandt through a friend who had a Great Dane puppy who was given months to live. Dr Brandt brought that dog many many years of health. She practices accupuncture which works miracles in animals. Our old cat froze up one day (looked agonizing with her head pinned back, couldn't walk, open her mouth)- she had had a stroke. Dr Brandt brought her back to normal health for years more til she died a very old cat.\r \r As for other places- we had tried Brentwood who was CRAZY expensive, and another emergency place where a man who couldn't speak english gave us a $900 est, and even Animal Emergency on Sepulveda (that charged us $6k for surgery)\r \r BC & BRANDT is great! Pros: not shiny and clean. Very basic facility. Cons: Dr Brandt is the best Vet I have ever seen. Comparably affordable. more

Not at all happy with my experiences at Bay Cities in Marina del Rey and have since switched. The front desk is horrible. They give out information they know nothing about.They are rude, mean, and careless. Since the beginning there have been several mistakes. I have absolutely no confidence in this place. The whole experience and been terrible and would never recommend anyone taking their pet there. more

Originally brought my pets to Bay Cities because it was local. Drs DiSanto, Milo and Brandt are fantastic with my dogs. I moved across town and still make the 50 minute trek when necessary. My dogs have had to visit other vets, late night emergencies and stuff like that. They always come out of the experience rather traumatized. Not the case with Bay Cities. It's why I make the drive. The staff is wonderful, too. more

I found this vet on citysearch and was taking in my 10wk old kitten for an exam and shots. I arrived at 3:20 and the man at the desk said they were short staffed which was fine, and I would get a room in a "few minutes". It went from me and my nervous kitten in the waiting room all alone and happy, to 2 big dogs, another cat, and about 11 people all in without appointments. Buying food or picking up medicine, they all got helped before me and the manw nouldnt leave the desk to get me a room which I knew was empty. He wouldnt leave the front desk to help me, and my poor kitten is meowing and trying to claw her way out of her carrier the whole time. Now don't get me wrong, cats wil meow until theyre blue in the face. But the dogs would walk up to her crate (why the dog owners werent more aware of their dogs behavior frustrates me very much) and for the first time I heard my kitten hiss/spit and thrash at me when I tried to console her! I moved to the corner of the vet office so we could be alone and she was markedly upset and distraught. It is now 25 minutes after I arrived, The man told me 3 times now I would get a room in a "few minutes". I finally went to the front desk surrounded by people and their sick pets and asked how long it would be, he said he didnt know. I told him I had been waiting for 25 minutes and my cat was freaking out and I was leaving, he didnt even try to stop me or offer a room. I was on the verge of tears and left with my poor kitten and went all the way back home. She spent over an hour in her crate and never even met the vet. She was so upset, trying to bite and claw her way out of the carrier to the point I thought she was goin to hurt herself. The man at the desk had no regaurd for my kitten's well being or mental health and was more concerned about selling people cat food and medicince than getting me in a room. Keep in mind out of 10 people I was the only one with an appointment. I walked out and will never go back. Pros: parking Cons: understaffed, poor service, not assertive more