VCA Pets First Animal Hospital

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9201 Staples Mill Rd
Richmond, VA 23228

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(804) 672-3576
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VCA Pets First Animal Hospital - Richmond, VA
VCA Pets First Animal Hospital - Richmond, VA
VCA Pets First Animal Hospital - Richmond, VA
VCA Pets First Animal Hospital - Richmond, VA
VCA Pets First Animal Hospital - Richmond, VA
VCA Pets First Animal Hospital - Richmond, VA
VCA Pets First Animal Hospital - Richmond, VA
VCA Pets First Animal Hospital - Richmond, VA
VCA Pets First Animal Hospital - Richmond, VA
VCA Pets First Animal Hospital - Richmond, VA
VCA Pets First Animal Hospital - Richmond, VA
VCA Pets First Animal Hospital - Richmond, VA
VCA Pets First Animal Hospital - Richmond, VA
VCA Pets First Animal Hospital - Richmond, VA
VCA Pets First Animal Hospital - Richmond, VA
VCA Pets First Animal Hospital - Richmond, VA
VCA Pets First Animal Hospital - Richmond, VA
VCA Pets First Animal Hospital - Richmond, VA
VCA Pets First Animal Hospital - Richmond, VA
VCA Pets First Animal Hospital - Richmond, VA
VCA Pets First Animal Hospital - Richmond, VA
VCA Pets First Animal Hospital - Richmond, VA
VCA Pets First Animal Hospital - Richmond, VA
VCA Pets First Animal Hospital - Richmond, VA
VCA Pets First Animal Hospital - Richmond, VA
VCA Pets First Animal Hospital - Richmond, VA
VCA Pets First Animal Hospital - Richmond, VA
VCA Pets First Animal Hospital - Richmond, VA
VCA Pets First Animal Hospital - Richmond, VA
VCA Pets First Animal Hospital - Richmond, VA
VCA Pets First Animal Hospital - Richmond, VA
VCA Pets First Animal Hospital - Richmond, VA
VCA Pets First Animal Hospital - Richmond, VA
VCA Pets First Animal Hospital - Richmond, VA
VCA Pets First Animal Hospital - Richmond, VA
VCA Pets First Animal Hospital - Richmond, VA
VCA Pets First Animal Hospital - Richmond, VA
VCA Pets First Animal Hospital - Richmond, VA
VCA Pets First Animal Hospital - Richmond, VA
VCA Pets First Animal Hospital - Richmond, VA
VCA Pets First Animal Hospital - Richmond, VA
VCA Pets First Animal Hospital - Richmond, VA
VCA Pets First Animal Hospital - Richmond, VA
VCA Pets First Animal Hospital - Richmond, VA
VCA Pets First Animal Hospital - Richmond, VA
VCA Pets First Animal Hospital - Richmond, VA
VCA Pets First Animal Hospital - Richmond, VA
VCA Pets First Animal Hospital - Richmond, VA
VCA Pets First Animal Hospital - Richmond, VA
VCA Pets First Animal Hospital - Richmond, VA
VCA Pets First Animal Hospital - Richmond, VA
VCA Pets First Animal Hospital - Richmond, VA
VCA Pets First Animal Hospital - Richmond, VA
VCA Pets First Animal Hospital - Richmond, VA
Reviews
( 8 )
( 3 )
( 1 )
( 2 )
( 7 )

Best

I am totally in shock by some of the negative comments on here! I have been dealing w/ this clinic for a long time, and never have I had issues w/ my animals boarding or sitting i...

Worst

My first visit there was actually ok besides the fact that they were trying to give my cat every shot/ med possible. They also wanted to charge me for vaccines he already had. I p...

Dr Art 2/10/2011

The only reason I don't give them 5 stars is the fact they do not use Kit4cat intead of the horrible Nosorb stuff... more
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Tried to get extra money, then make me do the work?! 11/16/2010

My first visit there was actually ok besides the fact that they were trying to give my cat every shot/ med possible. They also wanted to charge me for vaccines he already had. I pointed this out ( they also had this info on paper) and they fixed the estimate, which was nearly $350. Dr. Thompson was wonderful with they cat and answered all types of questions. In the end, I did not have all the money for the test they wanted to run so they said if I came back within 30 days then the $50 visitation fee would be waved . Sounds great right....\r \r The next visit was within 20-23 days. I told them I was here to get multiple test done to my cat that they recommended . I also asked if they could look into why he has been sneezing so much. The front desk receptionist then said that since I asked about the cats sneezing that in fact I WOULD have to pay the $50 visitation fee ?! Even though the test were for a check up on a string of illnesses they couldn't just peek and make sure sneezing is not more
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Wow 2/26/2010

I am totally in shock by some of the negative comments on here! I have been dealing w/ this clinic for a long time, and never have I had issues w/ my animals boarding or sitting in their OWN SHIT as 1 gentlemen said. Any time I have ever had an issue of any sort ( which wasnt a major one) I have never had a problem with the office manager. She went beyond and above to help me with any problem , making sure that I left happy ! Sounds as though this gentlemen was having a for shit day himself! I understand being upset about waiting an hour, but to go and bash the entire staff on a public search is insane. WHEN PEOPLE DECIDE TO BUY ANIMALS.. DO THEY FORGET THAT THEY COST A SMALL ARM AND LEG... ALMOST LIKE A CHILD WOULD. Trust me , every clinic is costly now days, just like any business the price has to go up to make a living. I could not have ask for better people to have taken care of my CRAZY dog ! WAY TO GO TO THE STAFF AT PET FIRST ANIMAL CLINIC.. I think you ROCK! INCLUDING THE OFFICE MANAGEMENT AND EVERYONE! WHAT A GREAT TEAM YOU ALL SEEM TO BE! Pros: EXCELLENT SERVICE more
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Best Vet in the City 2/22/2010

I have followed Dr. Thompson from her previous hospital to Pets First. Dr. Thompson is so caring and reasonable in her treatment of my animals. She always gives me an estimate before work is done, and if I can't pay for the fanciest way to treat the condition, she works with me to figure out how to treat the condition while keeping my financial situation in mind. \r \r I can't imagine going to any other veterinarian. more
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Looking Elsewhere - expensive and dishonest 1/18/2010

Been taking my two dogs there for the last 18 months. even though they were on the expensive side, they were close by and I do like the (current) doctor there, Dr. Thompson. But I've had it with their boarding, and after a conversation with their "customer relations" manager, who was anything but helpful or courteous, I've decided that I have better places to drop $5K (which is about what I've spent there in the last 18 months between vaccines, spaying, boarding, exams, etc). The last two times I've boarded them, I've had issues. Pros: Current doctor is excellend Cons: Over-priced, inept management more
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VCA Pets First Animal Hospital is GREAT! 10/30/2009

I take both of my dogs to Pets First and HAVE HAD A WONDERFUL EXPERIENCE EVERY TIME! I see Dr. Thompson each time and again have always been treated great by her and the employees. Apparently a lot of these reviewers have not been to a veterinarian in quite a while because office visits do not cost the same as they did 35 years ago. I have had to call late afternoon on a Saturday with an emergency and was able to be seen with my dog. Dr. Thompson even goes as far as to sit down on the floor to talk and play with my dogs. And for the "billing" situations, almost no veterinarians bill clients anymore, obviously there was a reason for that... a handful of people did not pay there invoices and now have ruined it for the rest of us, but oh well if you can not afford to pay vet bills then you should not have a pet. Pets are expensive just like children! Please do not listen to these people speaking nonsense on this page. I have again, only had wonderful experiences with this hospital more
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Money first. pets last. 10/26/2009

I was shocked to read the reviews that echoed my bad experiences. I took my injured cat to Pets First. After waiting for an hour and a half, animal control came and told me that my cat bit one of the handlers. Accused of possibly having rabies, I ended up in court. Just like the other reviewer. I thought I brought my cat in for care, instead she must have been abusively handled by the "care givers", if she even bit anyone at all. Round 2. Why I came back to Pets first I don't know. My cat, a different one, had a cat fight and had an abscess. He need to see a doctor quick. This is when I knew this was a money racket. They came to me with the itemized bill, the visit, exam, shaving the arm were already incurred, then they wanted to charge for every kind of shot and pill they could think of. I said NO! give the cat the antibiotics and that's all. The assistant tried to convince me that all the other items were very necessary but I said no again. She left and then the Vet comes in and tr more
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For the record... 10/20/2009

...I love this practice and would bring my dog here without hesitation. In response to some of the posted complaints about money, let me first say price point is the owner's choice. Most clinics will give you estimates before any procedures are done, or give you quotes for how much meds or simple procedures (like nail cutting) will cost--but you have to ask you can't be complacent. If you are worried about cost, ASK first; I've done it on many occasions at this clinic and the receptionists have always been more than happy to get that information for me. If you don't like the dollar amount they quote you, move on to another practice but don't blame the clinic for price points that are set by the main corporation. Also, in case you been living in a cave for the past year, prices everywhere are increasing, so to feign shock over costs that are higher now than they have been in the past is really quite juvenile. With respect to the staff---every time I go to the clinic I'm greeted more
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Very impressed with the turn about this clinic has taken! 4/21/2009

I must say that in the past I have wondered about the changes in employees , seems everytime I went in with my fiance's pets there was a new person /persons working there,and not always nice or smiling .I recently took my pet in on a Thursday, I had my days mixed up on the discount vaccine day. The receptionist was beyond helpful, and very kind, and informed me that it was Tuesdays that the clinic held those specials. She offered to make me an appt for the following Tuesday, and gave me an estimated detail of what everything would cost. Since I was already there, I went ahead with the shots, and took notice then that there was a new asst. as well, who was also beyond nice to deal with. I can only hope to see this staff stay longer, then I have seen past employees. They were not only very nice, caring , but helpful. And I was happy that I did GET my call back the following day as promised by the receptionist. What a great place to walk into and see smiling faces, and people whom seem to REALLY like their jobs, and really care for not only the owners but pets as well. KEEP UP THE WONDERFUL JOB, AND WHAT A GREAT TURN AROUND THIS CLINIC HAS TAKEN!! I have recently told my mother in law to be of the changes, as she was once a client there, and now she too plans to return. Thank you for the wonderful care all of you. Pros: excellent customer service Cons: has had big turn overs more
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I think they are great! 9/23/2008

I am surprised to read some of the reviews below. I have been taking my beagle there for 2 years and started taking my new rescue beagle there when I adopted him a few months ago. For me, they have been nothing but wonderful. I see Dr. Thompson and she has gone out of her way and bent over backwards for me on many occasions. From doing extensive research to help me with solve an issue with my new rescue to beagle, to most importantly helping me with a really sick kitten I found. Not only did she do absolutely everything she could to try and nurture the kitty back to health, but when he didn't make it, she save me over $500 for the cost of the care. She went a step further and even sent me a card in the mail to send her condolences. She spends as much time with me as I need every time I see her, and is just so accommodating and nice. She is easy to reach, and always calls me back when I have a question. I think Dr. Thompson is wonderful and I would highly recommend her. The staff has al more
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Genuine care for your pet 9/23/2008

First off i will admit that this place is a bit pricey, however, the doctor i've had caring for my pet has shown a genuine interest in his health and has even come out to talk to me about some of his issues and her thoughts on them (free) while i was in simply to pick up some medication. My pet has quite a few pretty serious health problems and these guys have been on top of it with great care and a genuine interest in the health of my pet. I can't ask for much more more
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Unbelievable! Time to move on... 7/21/2008

After 7 yrs of bringing my dog here, I am looking for a new vet. I went in expecting to pay a reasonable amount for the annual exam/ vaccines (ranged $150-165 2007) and was hit with an estimate of at least twice that. $380+ which also included a scrape/biopsy of a minor skin problem. They wanted to include two skin tests and medication (without even getting the results of the scrape biopsy first). Over $15 for a nail clip? I can get one for $9 at Holiday Barn. Finally got the estimate down to just under $300. This is highway robbery, but the worst of it was hearing my dog yelping in the back while the procedures were done (this has never happened before, EVER).\r \r This was a great clinic when Dr. Engle was there but has gone downhill since. While waiting for 3 rounds of estimate printouts and procedures to be done (waited 1.5 hrs in & out of the waiting room), probed the staff about the buyout of HealthyPet by VCA and I also complained about the price increases. Mostly got gru more
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Poor and unskilled service 4/23/2008

This vet clinic, that is quite over-priced, had a vet, Dr. Nesselrodt, that went so far as to call the police when I was one month late with my cat's vaccination. He mishandled the cat and she bit him, and he accused her (a 100% indoor cat) of having rabies. Anyhow, I was charged with a misdemeanor and he lost the business of all three of my cats. I would suggest that no one go to this vet clinic unless they are willing to risk having their pet quarantined (or worse, euthanized). more
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All about money and control 3/11/2008

Pet's First used to be the best clinic in town until the new Dr. came and changed everything. When you go in now expect to dish out $200, just for the yearly vaccines (all other vets are still about $100)And expect to get the run around when you want food or meds that your pet needs.Also if you come in as a walk in expect to be charged $96 for an after hours charge, and the new Dr. will make sure you aren't seen until after hours. make sure you go with her advice (whether it sounds ridiculous or not) or you will have to run in circles and jump through hoops for anything else you ever need. The new Dr. will charge a $45 office visit for almost everything (although this is NOT a veternarian must unless your pet is sick)You won't see the smiling familiar faces you have known for years because she has made the working conditions impossible and screwed up the clinic soooo much they all left. These are people who have worked there from 5-15 years!! What does that say about the clinic? more
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It's all about the money! 1/31/2008

I have been with this vet for over 10 years but that ended today after I had to leave work early and drive across town to pay 11 stinking dollars. My daughter had taker her cat in and was 11 short on a 76 dollar bill. You would think that after being a customer for this long, and having spent thousands of dollars with them ( I used to run a rescue and believe me sometimes I would drop over a grand a visit) they could have taken care of this, but what's worse is they originally wanted to do surgery on the cat, for 400 bucks. I was a bit short on cash for that ( my original request was to bill me for the surgery) AGAIN 400 stinkin bucks with over 10 years of customer loyalty and references. They couldn't trust me for it?Don't get me wrong I understand why they don't bill, but there are times when you make allowances and bend the rules. Hey if they treated me like this, how will they treat you as a newbie?Time to move on.Stacy P. more
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7 years & looking Good 1/23/2008

My Dog Ruffin now going on 8yrs knows no other Veterinarians save those at Pet's First. He has had nothing but healthy experiences, He has been neutered, had a hernia repair, two teeth cleanings, & one cyst removed. He seems all the better for it. I heard no complaints but only tail wagging when we get near the front door.\r I've had a second experience at this facility. I once rescued a loose neighborhood dog and after keeping it for a while & hoping to put it up for adoption I noted she begin to get sick. Her symptoms became worse daily, then almost hourly. I took her to several area Vets who wanted to do test but the senior Vet at Pet's First recognized Distemper immediately & outlined what could be done & the odds of "making it". I remember as treatment began to look futile I called the facility one night & got the "on call Vet". She took the time to talk it out with me on a personal level & gave me real encouragement & we continued on. Well to make a long story short, Sevy is now more
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Moving on... 9/14/2007

I am convinced that every incompetent and ill-mannered person is a sure hire at this location. Most of the office staff is...well let me just say rude, that's me being nice. The vets come and go and all have been equally as rude as well as completely incompetent. I feel beat up and exhausted after every visit. \r I?ve been with them for about 5 years, the first 2 not so bad but now?the service continues decline rapidly! \r It?s time to move on. \r I have 1 pooch that requires constant blood work as she is on rimadyl and other pain meds for arthritis. The others are all in good health and only require routine visits. Any suggestions? more
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Felt like I was robbed 8/31/2007

Took my beagle to pet first in may/2007 because she was having some type of problem,She keep trying to get to her tail area and being over weight she was having problems doing so and we knew there was definitely a problem and she seemed very uncomfortable. So we decided to take her to pet first on staples mill road because it was close and convenient to get to. I went through the normal procedure with the paperwork because of being a new customer and waited to see the vet. They took us to the exam room and the vet came in and I explained my dogs problem and she examined her and then told me to wait back in the lobby. After a short period the lady at the desk game me a printed out estimate and I of course I agreed because my dog was still sick at that point, So back in the room we go again and the vet comes back in and does the treatment and takes her blood work and once again me and the dog are back in the lobby waiting. The vet calls us back in the room and shows me the indicator char more
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Worst vet in Richmond, Hands Down 5/2/2007

First off, this vet is ONLY concerned with money and how much they can make off of you. If you are someone with tons of money and only normal "routine" issues with you pet, then this place may be ok for you.\r \r Now if you love and car for your pet, DON'T take them here. I took my pet in for a bladder incontinence issue and ended up paying $600 for the visit and a complete workup of tests (only three tests had anything to do with the bladder issue, found this out by researching the technical mumbo jumbo names for the tests on the invoice). They also over charge for any "preventative" medicine for heartworms, ticks and other creatures, by about $30-$50. \r \r To top this all off I waited for 2.5 hours in the waiting room just to be told here are some meds to treat for "blood in the pee" but we don't know what is wrong with him. Why give me meds to treat for the unkown?\r \r Also during my 2.5 hours wait in the lobby, the staff managed to pressure a customer who was plain as day mentally more
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Not too bad 3/13/2007

I feel so-so about this vet. For the most part, the staff up front are friendly. I have seen an older female veterinarian and a male veterinarian there. The female was not as friendly/customer friendly like I would have liked. The male is okay, however, I felt I got duped the last visit. My puppy was in for her third set of shots. The vet (male) asked me if I had started her on any flea/tick prevention. I advised him, no, that it had not yet been recommended and I didn't know if she was old enough yet. Well, he said, "okay, I'll go ahead and give her a dose of advantage today". He then took her back for the shots and whatnot. When I went to pay, I was charged $16.50 for the Advantage. Don't get me wrong, I understand that it costs money. But the way he said it to me, I thought he was just giving her this first dose. I feel like he should have told me the price, and the fact that it only lasts for one month. On my very first visit, when I had the female vet, my puppy had messed up a few more
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Owner Message

  • At VCA Pets First Animal Hospital is a proud sponsor of the Richmond Flying Squirrels, check us out at the Bark in the Park on game days! We don't just see cats and dogs we see exotics as well, birds, reptiles, rabbits, rodents, and other exotic animals. All we ask is no poisonous snakes! We are more than an animal hospital. We're the place where pet parents know they can bring their pets for superb veterinary care that sets new standards for quality and kindness. For pets and pet parents alike, a trip to VCA Pets First Animal Hospital is an opportunity to see how our neighborly, welcoming staff cares for your pet as if it were their own, and treats you with the friendliness and respect you'd expect from an industry leader. Conveniently located in Richmond, we specialize in attending to your pet's urgent medical needs and providing outstanding preventive care - all with the intent of ensuring that you and your pet companion enjoy many happy years together. As a member of the VCA Animal Hospitals network, we're part of a group of over 475 hospitals across America that share resources and knowledge. Our highly-trained veterinarians regularly consult with our 200+ board certified specialists, and always have access to the latest medical training, treatments and technology. Located on the corner of Staples Mill Road and Hungary Springs in the West End. We are in the Staples Mill Plaza with Brewsters Ice Cream and Food Lion and Target. Additional Services/Information: - Full-service veterinary hospital -Separate dog/cat facilities -Prescription/premium diet pet foods -Radiology - Exotics seen - Laser cutter used in surgery - Digital Dental X-Rays -Ultrasonic dentistry -Boarding

Additional information
  • Hours: Mon-Fri 7:30am-6pm, Sat 8:30am-1:30pm
  • Payments: American Express, Visa, Discover, Master Card
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