VCA Canada Calgary Animal Referral & Emergency Centre (CARE)

We had two big, beautiful Bouviers, both with different kinds of cancer at the same time and both in treatment at the CARE Centre. We lost our beautiful Winnie in January 2025 and our gentle giant Sully in February 2025. We have settled into our new normal with a house much too quiet, more spare time, too much room for people on our couches, and a lack of obstacle courses on our kitchen floors. We are not fans, but this is the way things are right now. We have sincere and abundant gratitude for the Oncology team and their treatment of our Sully and Winnie. We so appreciated the kindness and understanding that we received with each visit. Dr. Larson’s candid yet gentle approach to very difficult questions and delivery of difficult news was valued. At all times we felt that they had our babies’ interests ahead of all else. They gave us a clear understanding of our options but made it clear what was best for Sully and Winnie. We never felt like we were pushed into anything. Dr. Larson’s honesty was invaluable in deciding when it was time for us to let go. As difficult as it was, we knew it was best for our babies when the time came. Winnie was diagnosed first with lymphoma and actually went into remission twice within an 18-month period before we lost her to other circumstances. Sully was diagnosed later with a very aggressive form of MAST Cell cancer. Should you ever have questions about the value of their treatment, I would be happy to talk to you. I was also skeptical in the beginning, but Dr. Larson’s team gave us an additional 18 months or so with our Winnie and a little extra time with our Sully. Time we cherished and used to send them over the rainbow bridge as spoiled and loved as possible and we will be forever grateful for that. Of course, the price of that extra time is high, and we had pet insurance, so we were able to do it. Not everyone can. The oncology team sent flowers and cards with personal, thoughtful messages after each passed. The messages in the cards made us all shed a tear, but it was touching to know that they all found Sully to be the gentle "goofball" and Winnie to be the quirky lovable pooch that we knew and loved. It would be remiss of me not to mention the same caring and kindness from Dr. Genovese and the Dermatology team (Winnie), Dr. Little and her surgical team (Sully), and the ER veterinarian (I did not get his name) that helped us through Winnie’s chaotic end of life. As well all of their receptionists were always pleasant, sympathetic, and kind. I have nothing negative to say about anyone in the CARE Centre whatsoever.

I leave honest reviews regularly — and this is one of the worst experiences I’ve ever had. My dog Meesha has a suspected lung tumor. My veterinarian submitted a full and thorough referral, including all relevant medical records, history, and lab work. Everything was done correctly on our end. I then personally spoke to a staff member at VCA Care Centre and clearly explained that we were dealing with a possible cancer diagnosis. I even asked directly about CT imaging. And yet — despite all of that — they booked us into the wrong department. Let that sink in. A pet with a likely cancer diagnosis… and they scheduled us with the completely wrong team because no one bothered to actually read the referral or listen to what I said. And instead of owning that mistake, they tried to deflect and blame my vet — who did his job perfectly. To make things even more outrageous, I waited an hour and a half to speak to the manager in person, only to be met with coldness, defensiveness, and absolutely zero accountability. Not even an apology. No urgency. No plan to fix it. This wasn’t a mix-up about nail trims or routine bloodwork. This is a case involving a potentially life-threatening condition, and their complete failure to act responsibly may have cost my dog valuable time. If you care about your pet and expect a specialty care center to treat urgent cases with the seriousness they deserve — stay far away from VCA Care Centre in Calgary. The system is broken, the staff is careless, and the leadership lacks even the most basic empathy or professionalism. They should be ashamed.

We can’t say enough positive things about the staff at the VCA , from the moment we went in with our gorgeous golden retriever Nelly the front desk staff couldn’t have done more. very friendly and so accommodating, Becky was truly amazing checking in on us and keeping us updated. The vets are truly miracle workers for what they did for our Nelly , We are forever thankful and grateful to everyone that helped Nelly . The care she received was outstanding and as very worried doggie parents the Communication and updates we received was amazing . We even got pictures sent to us. Nelly spent 4 days in the care of the vets and nurses it’s so hard being away from your pet but we knew she was in the best hand at the VCA . Thank you all so much for making our girl better and giving her so much love and care ❤️ ❤️

My dog had been receiving treatment for lymphoma here for over a year. Dr. Larson’s team was highly professional, skilled, and compassionate. They showed us so much love and care, which deeply touched me. The emergency team is also truly admirable. During my time in the emergency room, I witnessed their dedication and hard work firsthand. They work tirelessly with a strong sense of responsibility, which is truly commendable. Everyone here is genuinely friendly. I am truly grateful to them and will always cherish the time we spent together.

We spent a lot of money at paramount vet before being directed here by our regular vet. We got a diagnosis and treatment in one place in one session. They were professional and concise. Our boy needed a neurologist we found out. Dr.Diaz is the only one in the province. He has gone above and beyond for our boy Pluto. My only regret not coming here sooner to get the help he needed. Wet will not be going to any other emergency services from now on. And we drive from the north end! Can’t best the quality service. Thank you.

We've had first hand experience with the dedication and care everyone at this hospital puts into each and every patient. My partner is a contractor who had rare behind the scenes access to the hospital. Every day he had stories about the gentleness and dedication of the staff. He described every patient getting one on one care including a staff member sitting beside a dog or cat for hours, just so they wouldn't be alone or afraid at their most vulnerable time. Dr. Neil Connery and his team have done multiple surgeries on our dog with hip dysplasia, and we can say unequivocally he is a magician. He's the absolute best in his field with the support from his fantastic team. Our dog is thriving under his care and we'd like to express our heartfelt appreciation for everything the staff does for our dog while she's in care. This hospital is second to none for caring for sick and injured animals, THANK YOU ALL.

We arrived there with my cat, Biscuit at 5am on a Sunday as he had an unexpected seizure for the first time. I was really scared for him but was thankful for VCA to be open 24/7 as most vet places were closed. The staff were very polite and calm. No wait time as we were the only ones there. The vet was very nice and explained the causes and answered all of my questions. I would recommend this place to anyone who is looking for an emergency care place for their pets. Amazing people and great patience!