Do they see emergency cases without an appointment?

Yes. One reviewer described walking in distressed with a sick dog and a departing vet stayed to provide immediate care.

Can they help with international pet travel?

Yes. They offer USDA certification for pets flying to foreign destinations.

How much is a vaccine?

Reviewers report $80-$88 per shot; one noted finding the same vaccine for $20 elsewhere. Ask for a detailed quote before your visit.

VCA Firehouse Animal Hospital

Updated 2026-07-06 · 1,309 reviewed · 191 listed · Scored from 451 Google reviews · How we rank ›

4.5(451) 76 composite score See reviews on Google ✓ Verified

General Veterinary CareSurgery & Specialty CareVeterinary Dental CareLow-Cost & Affordable CareEmergency & Urgent CareExotic & Avian Care

Services: General Veterinary Care, Surgery & Specialty Care, Veterinary Dental Care
Reviews: 451

What recent reviews say

VCA Firehouse draws loyal clients for its staff warmth and willingness to help in emergencies, but pricing on vaccinations and routine care far exceeds local alternatives, and informed consent processes fall short. Multiple reviewers report inadequate disclosure of vaccine risks or testing costs upfront. Staff turnover is notable, and some clients have experienced surgical oversights with long-term consequences.

Recent shift: One 3-star review edited five months ago shows trajectory: initial distress over vaccine side effects and poor informed consent, but later edit notes "overwhelmingly positive experience" after client learned to advocate for herself and requested continuity with a specific vet. Suggests relationship and communication improve when expectations are actively managed.

Praised for

compassionate, patient staff
goes above and beyond in emergencies
kind bedside manner with anxious pets
experienced vets like Dr. Calloway and Dr. Farnsworth
thoughtful follow-up (cards, notes)

Watch-outs

vaccines priced far above market ($80-88 vs $20 elsewhere)
poor informed consent on vaccine side effects
rushed or incomplete explanations before procedures
high staff turnover, variable experience levels
billing practices lack transparency
documentation errors (missed vaccinations, ovarian remnant tissue left from surgery)

compassionate-staffskilled-vetsgentle-with-animalscaring-bedside-mannerresponsive-emergency-careexpensivepoor-communicationhard-to-get-appointment

Best for: Owners willing to pay premium prices for staff kindness and emergency coverage, particularly those seeking continuity with a specific vet.

Think twice if: Vaccine costs run double nearby clinics. Confirm vaccine risks and testing costs in writing before visits to avoid billing surprises or consent issues.

Strengths

Strong emergency response and willingness to treat walk-ins
Named vets (Dr. Calloway, Dr. Farnsworth) with loyal followings
USDA pet travel certification
Personalized follow-up (handwritten cards, notes)

Worth knowing

Dr. Calloway and Dr. Farnsworth mentioned by name for continuity and compassionate care
USDA certification for international pet travel
One reviewer reported ovarian remnant tissue left after spay, discovered nine years later
Vaccine side effects (swollen mouth, vomiting, diarrhea) not disclosed before administration
Documented billing for vaccines at $80-88 per shot vs. $20 elsewhere
$120 office visit charges noted

What reviews say by service

General Veterinary Care: Friendly, patient staff but significantly higher prices than local competitors
Emergency & Urgent Care: Staff stayed late to help distressed walk-in; responsive and caring in crisis
Surgery & Specialty Care: Positive experiences reported, but one case of ovarian remnant tissue left in spay with long-term complications
Veterinary Dental Care: Advanced dental services listed on website; limited review detail
Exotic & Avian Care: Services claimed; no review evidence provided

How it compares

Rated 4.5 against a 4.58 average across the 174 general veterinary care businesses listed here.
Has more Google reviews than 68% of the businesses in this directory.

How we scored this

Ranking Method

Star rating 67

Review volume 100

Review recency 100

Review sentiment 46

Profile completeness 100

Verification 30

Rating breakdown

359

Common questions

Do they see emergency cases without an appointment?: Yes. One reviewer described walking in distressed with a sick dog and a departing vet stayed to provide immediate care.
Can they help with international pet travel?: Yes. They offer USDA certification for pets flying to foreign destinations.
How much is a vaccine?: Reviewers report $80-$88 per shot; one noted finding the same vaccine for $20 elsewhere. Ask for a detailed quote before your visit.

Request a quote

Similar veterinarians nearby

Urban Paw Veterinary Health and Rehabilitation

4.8(261)✓ Verified

Staff move quickly for emergencies and keep owners informed throughout procedures. Dr. Dick and Dr. Fitzpatrick earn trust through patience, genuine attention, and willingness to answer questions without rushing. Pets visibly relax in their presence. Reviewers note strong performance on surgery, dental work, and routine care. The practice offers rehabilitation services like underwater treadmills and acupuncture. Some report steep pricing, and one reviewer disputed a past dental outcome, though most describe fair value and honest recommendations.

General Veterinary CareSurgery & Specialty CareVeterinary Dental Care

View profile

Goodheart Animal Health Center

4.9(484)✓ Verified

Reviewers consistently describe a clinic where vets and staff treat pets as family members, never rush appointments, and take time to explain options. Dr. Spring, Dr. Court, Dr. Porta, Dr. Katz, and Dr. Moreman earn named praise for compassion, especially during difficult moments like euthanasia and pain management. The facility itself stands out: separate cat and dog spaces, treat menus in exam rooms, whiteboards tracking every concern, and handwritten thank-you cards. Several reviewers note the cost is higher than other clinics but worth it for the attention and care received.

General Veterinary CareSurgery & Specialty CareVeterinary Dental Care

View profile

26 low data

VIP Petcare Vaccination Clinic

No rating yet✓ VerifiedPublishes prices

VIP Petcare Vaccination Clinic offers vaccination and parasite screening for puppies, kittens, and adult pets at published prices starting at $40 for rabies vaccine. Review evidence is limited; assess based on their website offerings and your pet's specific vaccination needs.

General Veterinary Care

View profile