VCA Winchester Animal Hospital

I adopted a dog from a shelter a few years ago and when I did I was able to take her to the Winchester Blvd. VCA for a free checkup. I don't remember the name of the doctor, but she was a heavy-set woman who told us that as we had adopted a pit bull, the only way to train her was to "be physical" with her. She said the only appropriate method for training them is via alpha rolls and as she put it "she has to feel like you are going to kill her. She will scream and pee but then you will have asserted your dominance". Needless to say I NEVER brought my dog back to this psycho. Please, be wary and do not accept training advice from someone just because they are a veterinarian. The advice we were given was ridiculous, cruel and dangerous. I can't believe a veterinarian would advocate such outmoded and cruel methods - it was disgusting. I would never bring my pet there EVER. more

We moved here two years ago, and have had a tough time finding a vet we really love. We visited Kirkwood while taking a friend's cat for an appointment, and like the vet, but found the office staff to be utterly rude - to all comers impartially (not great, but not personal!). Another hospital seemed okay for the cats, but they didn't keep IVD food in stock. Happily, the VCA *does* - and that was my first experience with them. They had what I needed and were friendly. That was important when I unexpectedly encountered a 90 pound dog with behavioural issues. We took her in to VCA - they found a same-day appointment for us! As with our first visit over a year ago, the staff was very warm and very professional. All our options were explained, and it seems as if both vets and staff take a sincere interest in their patients. We've definitely found our new vet hospital and are absolutely delighted. I'd recommend them unreservedly. Pros: service, care Cons: there are no cons! more