Arcadia Small Animal Hospital

I love everyone at this place. The front desk people are amazingnly kind and very compassionate. Dr. Gerstein is probably the best vet I've ever had the pleasure of meeting and I've seen the others and they are wonderful also. However, Dr. Fees is the rudest, most incompetent dr i have ever had to see in my life. He doesn't care about the animals, he is rough, and inconsiderate of how much pain the animal is in. He should retire. If this hospital cares at all about animals, they would not allow this jerk to work there. You go in for a UTI and all he does is try to sell you Sentinel which by the way doesn't work at all for fleas so don't believe anything he tells you. Please keep your pets away from him, especially your cats. But don't let his disgusting self keep you away because everyone else there is outstanding.

Posted 11/13/08 | Report Abuse

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I still need to say that despite my justified tirade against thefront desk staff at Arcadia Small Animal Hospital, as of October2006, NEVER did I find the veterinary doctors to be incompetent.Information was not presented to me by the persons workingin the summer of 2006 at the front desk that might have allowedme to make other boarding choices. Once again, NEVER didI question the veterinarians. I loved EACH AND EVERY ONE that I brought my pets to see, even if that individual veterinarianwas not exactly Mr. or Ms. Personality. I respected with greatreverence the judgement of Dr. Fees, Dr. Cunningham, Dr. Byrnes,Dr. Theiss, and Dr. Adam who spent time and compassion withme when my beloved dog, "Peaches" passed away suddenly.Due to an argument that I had with one of the owners, I was sentan e-mail message telling me to find another vet, as a result ofa posting that I made chronicling the events that led to myenragement over what had happened to a place that I went to forwell over 10 years. I was personally saddened by what I felt wasa cavalier attitude on the part of the business manager(s) in notlistening to my concerns and dismissing my input to them thatmight have salvaged an otherwise veteran professional workingrelationship. I was saddened that more than 10 year's time andTHOUSANDS of dollars spent because of my faith and trust in this animal hospital, had been put out for disposal, due to arroganceand stubbornness on the part of the owner who refused to practiceappropriate damage control and intervention with some of thefront desk staff. Again, over the years I was saddened and dis-heartened when upon the professional judgement of the veterinarianstaff , it was necessary to take my beloved dog, Peaches, to aspecialty hospital over on the west-side of town. All in all, NOTHINGbut the BEST recommendations ever were made to me by thevets. I have to respect that judgment call, and I must say that ifa pet owner goes to Arcadia Small Animal Hospital and this istheir recommendation, then the pet owner should trust that judgement too. It is not that they don't want to be bothered, butrather they don't feel that they can reasonably provide the careneeded in a serious case. I would rather have that up front, thenfor a business to say things are okay and that they can handlethe situation only to have this not be true in the end. Again, noproblems with the veterinarian care at all. At the end of this, I have moved on to another veterinarian who does do an excellentjob. It has been an adjustment. Was very used to Arcadia SmallAnimal Hospital. Especially I miss Dr. Theiss. I loved her dearlyand so did my pets. If there is a place in heaven for such a person,then Tami Theiss, DVM should be right up there.

Posted 09/23/08 | Report Abuse

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I used to work at Arcadia AH, I know almost everyone mentioned, Dr Klause has taken some stick over the years in that he is probably not the most sociable guy around however, does it really matter? I wouldn't want my pets seen by a vet for their social skills, I want my pets seen by someone who knows how to 'fix' them.Dr Klause has had referrals from not only out of State but also from different countries, that doesnt happen unless your good!!
Dr Fees, theres nothing he doesnt know about reptiles and a million other things, Dr Cunningham, sweet person, Linda, okay well she has her moments!!
Enough said I think :)

Posted 05/24/08 | Report Abuse

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I have been taking my pets to see Dr. Fees for over ten years, and I would not DREAM of seeing anyone else! He is a smart and kind man, very experienced in his field. He won't sugar-coat bad news, he always tells you the truth.

The front staff are very welcoming and kind.

All around, it's a great place to take your pets!

Posted 02/19/08 | Report Abuse

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This past year I had brought in my 6 year dog, Angel for the first time into the Arcadia Small Animal Hospital. He was showing odd behavior as if he was depressed. Since I had recently moved into the city, I chose this place due to its location.
At first glance, the hospital appears to be well-kept and organized. The staff at the front desk were on average, polite enough but at times, I felt like I was more of a bother when they assisted me since they were too occupied with each other. So far, I have met two of the doctors there: Dr. Klaus and Dr. Gerstein. Like many of the other reviews, Dr. Klaus was extremely late and when he finally came to see us in the exam room, everything felt rushed. On the other hand, Dr. Gerstein was very nice and he actually seemed to be concerned. He was attentive and answered all of my questions with much effort. Now, to make this review brief. My dog died.

It turns out...Angel had Lymphoma. I agreed to much of the advise that was given to me and paid for all that I should. There was a bit of a runaround at first but eventually, Dr. Gerstein helped us with the testing and I was told that Dr. Klaus was in charge of administering the chemotherapy. Within a couple of days after Angel's first chemotherapy, I found him laying lifeless in his bed. To this day, his death is unknown and after talking to the Dr. there were still no explanations. In conclusion, the service was average. I do find myself wondering if there was a possible misdiagnosis or if there were any mistakes that occurred during treatment that would have led to his death. A lot of the testing and practically everything done to Angel were behind closed doors. Even after asking many questions, there really were no concrete answers. So it is, ultimately, up to you as a loving owner to decide whether you would trust this hospital with your pets' lives.

Posted 01/10/08 | Report Abuse

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The front staff, especially Linda, are very rude. We kept going because we liked the care that we got from Dr. Cunningham, but after awhile even she got pulled into the dark attitude of the office. After waiting for over two hours past my appt. time for a simple blood test that they required before refilling my cat's meds, I told explained to them that I needed them to do the blood test immediately, as I had an extremely important meeting that I needed to be at. They told me that I needed to take my cat and go elsewhere as they couldn't take the time for impatient people with bad attitudes. What!?!?! I tell them that I can't wait anymore, after waiting two hours (with two small children in tow I might add), and I am suddenly impatient and have a bad attitude?!?!?! I didn't yell at them, I didn't curse at them, I didn't make a scene - I just simply told them that I couldn't wait anymore. We are MUCH happier now with our new veterinarian! (Who by the way, found that Arcadia Small Animal misread the lab results on my other cat, causing her to die from a misdiagnosis.) Because our 'critters' are members of our family, I don't trust Arcadia Small Animal with their care - it just isn't worth risking their little lives over.

Posted 03/26/07 | Report Abuse

1 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

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Unlike Ruth R......I wouldn't think of taking my pets anywhere else. Six years ago my precious dog (Buster) was ill, and close to death.....we had no idea what was wrong with him. I rushed him in, and they took him and nursed him back to health. Dr. Klause (their surgeon) worked with him and Buster was under his care for 3 months. I have never met such a caring and compassionate group of doctors. Last year, Buster was diagnosed with Kidney Failure and after trying several attempts to bring his enzymes to live with levels, our regular Vet Dr.Theis recommended putting him to sleep. She was forthright and honest with us about the different options, and could have continued to string us along with high cost treatments to their benefit, but she told us the humane thing to do was to make sure he didn't suffer in his final days. I have never appreciated anyones honesty as much as I did that day. She was with us when we said goodbye to Buster, and she was a shoulder to lean on, and showed us the highest amount of compassion. I also disagree about the Office Staff.....I absolutely love the Office Manager Linda. She has been there the past 11 years we have been going, and always is friendly and professional. We recently adopted 2 new dogs....and although we have moved 65 miles away, I wouldn't think of taking my dogs anywhere else. Dr. Theis, Dr. Cunningham and the entire staff have won our loyalty with their constant care of four legged loved ones. I highly recommend them to anyone!

Posted 02/22/07 | Report Abuse

1 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

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Having been a customer for a number ofyears and having spent indeed a fortunefor proper medical care at this office,I find it perplexing the lack of heartexhibited on the part of the front office staff, who, indeed, are the firstline of contact the public have with theoffice. Often officious, rude, and cold, the front staff convey an attitudethat is not friendly nor caring half thetime. It seems that it is about ego, onthe part of some of these people, who just abruptly cut you off when you call and try to discuss a situation. Insteadof being customer service oriented, thebuck is passed and one is told to speakto the owner, of the hospital, or elseto the other owning veterinarian. Onseveral occasions, I have left the office with minimal, or no instructionat all for follow-up for my pet. Knowing some knowledge of the medical field has had its advantages. I wonderwhat happens to the lay person who hasa cherished sick pet, who receives thesame lack of discharge instruction? Ihave been to other offices where thestaff are much more caring open and friendly. There is a pervasive feelingof walking around on pins and needles exhibited by the front office staff, in-cluding the manager on duty. Heaven forbid one tries to open up a generalconversation without being cut off at the quick, and once again, having everything referred to "ask your doctor." Taking up the matter with the"owner," or business manager does absolutely no good, as one is merely told that one is to expect such treatment from so-called front officestaff when you exhibit upset towards them for a lack of follow-up/concern,or for a lack of customer service initiative. It seems that the "owner,"or business managers need to get it that perhaps one day there could be a form of managed care for pets that couldadversely affect their business. Untilthat day comes, and everything for petcare remains at a high pay premium, thenit is only natural that a concerned petowner take their business elsewhere toa place that is at-least receptive andtries to offer customer service. Thisplace is clearly a business, and that isthat. Oh, yeah, and before making anydecisions on boarding, make sure youget the facts about the costs up front.Boarding costs for a "high maintenance"boarding pet were NOT explained to mebeforehand. With a plane to catch, I was coldly informed that for one dogalone, it would be $45.00 per day, NOTINCLUDING treatments, etc., labs, etc.Reservations having been made months ahead, someone should have caught this.Imagine my surprise? Imagine my horrorover this? Again, poor customer service. When joking with the gal at the counter, I asked for a frequentflyer/multiple pet discount, and wastold coldly and flatly, "no." This onceagain exhibits the lack of communicationin this front office. Gee Whiz, imagine, what if the wrong procedure were performed on the wrong pet someday?????? These people need to clean up the customer service aspect/clean uptheir act or else they WILL lose business. There are simply too manychoices out there. Who in the worldshould be paying good money to put upwith lack of customer service, rudeness,and arrogance on the part of some minimally trained front office staff,who work for barely more than minimumwage? And yet, THESE are the peoplewho are often running things? I DON'TTHINK SO!

PROS: Excellent Veterinary Care
CONS: Read 5,000 words above

Posted 10/10/06 | Report Abuse

2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

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I don't know what happened. I certainly didn't experience any attitude from staff or Dr. and my cat was fine for a while but he got sicker very quickly after leaving here, after I was assured he was fine.

Took him to another vet who didn't tell me of any wrongdoing by this hospital, but did recommend we put my cat to sleep. I changed rating to "would not recommend" b/c I was told my cat was in "perfect health" when we left, but he obviously wasn't since I had to put him down.
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Previous review: Wow, I'm surprised by the negative reviews. I took my cat here in an emergency - this was the only place around that had walk ins on the weekend. After a half-hour wait (got there early), my listless 14 year old cat who had spent the night drooling and wouldn't eat or drink was seen by Dr. Klauss. He was friendly and ran several tests. He suggested my cat stay over the weekend so IV fluids could be administered and assured me that he would be in on Sunday doing a surgery and he would check in on my cat. Turns out my cat wasn't dying, he had a weird bacterial infection, he was sent home on Monday with antibiotics and a bill much smaller than I expected. Dr. Klauss took a lot of time with me - explaining in detail all of the tests he ran. I couldn't be happier. My cat is now back to his normal self, bullying my smaller cat around.

Posted 10/07/06 | Report Abuse

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What a mistake I made accepting a surgical referral to Dr. Klauss. First, the front desk lost my medical records that were faxed for review prior to my arrival. Next, I was kept waiting and waiting in the lobby and exam room. Then, finally when I got to see Dr. Klauss - he was so arrogant that there was hardly enough room for me and his ego in the same room. A few questions please, Dr.. This was not well received, as he was in a hurry, and, who am I to question him on a few things.

I am not a high maintenance person - but, gheez, give me a break. I would not take an earthworm there for care!

PROS:
CONS: I wouldn't take an earthworm there for care!

Posted 07/08/06 | Report Abuse

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I had heard Dr. Klauss was a nice doctor from a friend. I went to Arcadia Small Animal and here is my experience...

Was not greeted at the front desk. Took 10 minutes to be acknowledged.

Had to wait forever in the exam room for the doctor.

Dr. Klauss comes in. ARROGANT. CONDESCENDING. And, he sure was eager to sell a huge surgery bill.
No thanks.

PROS: None
CONS: LOVES MONEY. ARROGANT DOCTOR

Posted 06/29/06 | Report Abuse

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I have so many regrets for trustng the lives of my cats to these people. First, the desk staff are completely incompetent, often rude and give out misinformation. They don't seem to care there are worried pet parents right in front of them; half the time you'll feel you're interrupting their busy social lives, yakking and laughing. Dr. Fees, DMV, obviously likes animals and is a nice man, but his knowledge should be strictly for getting booster shots, nothing more. He is no diagnostician. The surgeon, Dr. Klause, seems capable, if not habitually late and very brusque. I brought my cat in losing weight inexplicably. I got $600 of tests and they told me he was fine. I KNEW something was wrong. I had Xrays and ultrasounds, a second opinion from a female vet there. Dr. Fees told me it was likely "due to middle age." The cat was 7! I tried getting a second opinion with a different vet, who cancelled the appt last minute and with another 10 days lost, I was forced to go back to Arcadia for a consult with Klause. The inept blonde at the counter scheduled my cat for surgery the next Tuesday, 5 days away. I coaxed my cat along, every day worse, until he was on his last legs and I was desperate for that appt, but when I came in she said "Oh gee, sorry! I meant next Tuesday!" I was so upset I insisted on waiting for Klause. She tried to get rid of me, so I asked for a referral to ASG vet specialists. She told me ASG were closed during business hours, that all specialists I mentioned were closed and that I could not go to one until evening. That turned out to be wrong, ASG is open 24/7. That kind of misinformation could cost more animals their lives. In the end, I was charged $35 to wait with my cat in the lobby for 3 hours only to be told there's nothing they could do. The cat was going to die. There were several panicked people in the lobby with their dogs, one throwing up blood, and this blonde was unconcerned, telling them to come back next week.

PROS: None
CONS: Everything

Posted 05/02/06 | Report Abuse

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I took my little Italian Greyhound in because he was having trouble standing up or walking, he was extremely weak. The vet checked all the haunches and found the left shoulder to be very sensitive. They suggested an x-ray to make sure that there was no serious damage or broken bones(I suspected a fight with my other dog, I now suspect that my neighbor poisoned him). I agreed and they took my little dog into the x-ray and brought me back a basket case in deep, deep pain. They only gave me Deramaxx for inflammation (actually for osteoarthritis) The dog was howling in pain all night. I had to sleep with him on the floor. The next morning I took him to VCA in Century City, they verified that right shoulder now had tissue damage. In addition, Arcadia Small Animal prescribed Deramaxx without any warnings. My dog subsequently developed severe diarreha, they said that this was a very dangerous sign and took the dog of Deramaxx immediately because of the danger of kidney damage. Even more amazing, when I told them that I was was taking my dog to a second vet for another opinion, they said that they were terminating their service to me, that I had to find another vet, and that I could come back and pick up my records. I have since told this story to other vets and they found this behaviour very unprofessional and borderline unethical. In addition, they did not pick up on several other symptoms. It turns out that my dog had dangerous levels of marker enzymes indicating a deadly muscle infection and possible bacterial infection.

PROS: Some of the vets did help with allergy problems in my dogs
CONS: Nice during a visit, but outside of that unfriendly and rely on drugs.

Posted 04/01/06 | Report Abuse

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The doctors have a serious attitude. They do not seem like they care a whit about pets. They make you feel like your questions are not important. The office manager seems like he doesn't care either.

PROS: None.
CONS: Attitude, Don't care about pets.

Posted 03/17/06 | Report Abuse

0 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

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My cat was first taken here when he broke his toe trying to be a daredevil. Because they were a hospital, they were able to do xrays and a cast all in one place. But they also do annual exams and shots so we continued taking him there. The vets are knowledgable and the staff is friendly. It's a little more expensive than the typical vet because it is also a hospital, but it was worth it.

Posted 01/31/06 | Report Abuse

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

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We have taken all of our menagerie of pets to the Arcadia Small Animal Hospital for years. The whole staff is great. Our animals are well cared for and when a problem comes up, we are given all of the options so we can make an informed decision with thevet. Great place.

Posted 10/22/04 | Report Abuse

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

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