My parents had taken their pets to Veterinary Medical Associates since 1963, so when they passed away and I inherited their cat and dog I continued to go there. I always received excellent service and was always given a choice of treatments with all options thoroughly explained. This past week I had to have my parent's dog put down. She was 17 years, 3 months and 17 days old. It was one of the hardest things I have ever had to do. The clinic treated us with respect and made sure that I understood everything completely, even options to continue her life if that was my choice. Since I felt that continuing her life, although it would have been my wish would have been painful for her to endure, I chose euthanasia. I was given a white sheepskin to wrap her in so I could hold her during the proceedure and told that I could remain with her as long as I wished. They gave me a choice of burial, or cremation with the option of keeping her ashes. Another choice was a plaster cast of her paw print, which was very inexpensive and which I chose. I was told that when ready I should just leave and come back on a future date to pay. A couple of days later a single rose and card were delivered. I have had other pets pass away in the past using different vets, and although the care was always very good, this time far surpassed previous experiences. I would recommend them to anyone.

Veterinary Medical Associates has been our vet of choice for 21 years. In those 21 years, we have had four dogs. We have the utmost confidence in their staff. I find that all of the vets have their own style, but they compliment each other very well. There is no high pressure sales when I bring my dog in for a checkup. When our previous pet was dying of old age, they didn't try to push me into crazy treatments to extend the life of a dog that was clearly ready to go to the "rainbow bridge." Here's a tip. When you look through their windows that face out onto Loomis road, and you see that a vet is working late into the night, long after the office has closed, you know that they care. The staff turnover is low from what I can tell, and that's another good sign. Two thumbs up for VMA.

While this vet office is able to see an animal quickly, it is hard to digest the extreme costs. A case of dog lyme disease ended up costing me $700. And, my dog had already tested positive for it, without symptoms prior -- so we were watching for symptoms. Instead of starting out with a sensible prescription of a general antibiotic and pain meds, they wanted to run test after test including one for some rare arthritis (that one I declined). I can see the cost of the meds and emergency office visit. That should have been a $250 or under transaction. I felt taken advantage of. Even tho I am a science head, often the doctors here talk way way way too medical. I think it is one of their ploys to scramble your brain so they can pick your pocket. Some of the office staff and about half of the vets doted on my dog like he was a 6 month old baby. It embarrassed us both. Literally my dog looked at me to see if that was acceptable adult behavior. Our dog is part of the family but he is a dog.