Poor communication between front staff, pharmacy team and veterinarian made for a very frustrating experience. Staff blamed everything on their recent computer system upgrade. Will not go back to this clinic. read more

After 18 years of pet ownership, this staff has given me the best veterinarian experience I've ever had. McKenzie vet was recommended to me by my Mom, who had been taking her high-needs border collie there for years. As a new client, I brought my 18-year old cat with kidney disease and bad teeth in, and was treated with the utmost respect and care- none of my concerns were dismissed and I found the waiting room to be inviting and excellent for even the most nervous kitties. Dr. Paul Vega could see the writing on the wall, as could I, and his kindness and respect will stay with me for the rest of my life. Despite my cat's obvious signs of decline, he still gave my cat a through examination and found some issues that had not yet been addressed. He sent me home with new medications which worked amazingly for a month or so, and called to check in after a blood pressure follow-up. Unfortunately at that point these last measures met their match in his failing health, and he provided me with further resources over the phone to help me with the hard decision I was facing. Because my cat was in so much discomfort, and McKenzie was booked up on the day his health really took a hit, I ended up having to take him somewhere else to put him down- even so I received a beautiful, heartwarming sympathy card from Dr. Vega and the staff. I would recommend McKenzie to anyone, in a heartbeat. When it comes to pets, I have never felt so heard and cared for by a Vet and a clinic's staff. They're booked up for a reason. Thank you, McKenzie staff! You made a very difficult time much more bearable with your care and support. read more

Dog needed eye surgery. Got a second estimate from another clinic. Mckenzie was almost triple the cost. They also threatened to report me to SPCA for animal cruelty if I didn't get the surgery done immediately. Second clinic was friendlier and far less expensive. Will never go back to Mckenzie. read more

I am a huge worry wart when it comes to my cat, Leanne. She is 15 and getting older so I was very worried about bringing her in for a check up. Dr Sarah MacNaughton, is a wonderful vet!!!! She was extremely patient (with me and my cat) and gave over the top care explaining everything quite thoroughly. When the time came for me to bring my cat in for dental cleaning and surgery she highly recommended Dr Diane Cruickshank. My Leanne, ended up having a terrible mouth condition and needed quite a few teeth removed. Dr Cruickshank called me and explained everything thoroughly before starting anything. My sweet little Leanne is now home healing and her after care is easy. The pricing at this clinic is very reasonable (every detail is priced out) and all the staff are very patient and care a lot about your pet. read more

This was one of the best vets however lately that seems to be lacking, the receptionist recently was rude and dismissive

I phoned McKenzie vets on a Sunday for our rescue dog. We didn't have a vet for her yet, but her dewclaw had grown into her leg and she was in a lot of pain. Not only did McKenzie Vet agree to see her, even though we weren't a patient, but they didn't charge us for helping her. Needless to say, they are now our dog's vet. She is a very old girl and they treated her with a lot of kindness and compassion And we really appreciated that. read more

Called to make an appointment for my cat, the receptionist was impatient and cold, she didn't seem to care that I was worried or fearful. The rude reception didn't make me feel confident about using this clinic. I called around to some other places and every other clinic I spoke to had a warm and caring receptionist, so I decided to take him somewhere else - even though it's more expensive. read more

Two years ago I was ranting and raving (5-Star Review) about McKenzie Veterinary Services and unfortunately after my most recent experience, I will no longer be using their services. A little back story: For the past 4-5 years, I've exclusively brought my two cats ONLY to McKenzie Vets for anything & everything and for the most part the experiences were positive. Not that money matters or that I think that I'm their most valuable customer (because I'm not) but I've spent thousands of dollars just in the last two years alone on my cats for items like: grooming, pet food, tests, blood work, etc. And I do think that this should play a factor on how clients are treated. Another important note is that my purebred Maine Coon, requires annual grooming with general anesthetic because in the summer she cannot keep up with all of her fir and mats start to form. List of events in-order: 2015 - Annual Checkup 2015 (summer) - Annual Grooming at unknown price 2016 (summer) - Annual Grooming at unknown price 2017 (summer) - Annual Grooming at unknown price 2018 (summer) - Annual Grooming at $307 2019 (summer) - Annual Grooming quote $489 ! (Within 11 months the price increase by $182 for the exact same work) "Because my cat requires an annual checkup (even though they see her annually and hasn't had a checkup done since 2015!) And because different Doctors quote differently". The staff member literally told me that each Doctor has their own way of billing/quoting jobs and that there was a high chance of getting the grooming done for less if I saw a different Doctor (mind = blown). Oh, and did I mention that I originally had an appointment already booked for this Saturday and they called me to cancel it... In summary, I will never be recommending or spending another dime at this establishment. I feel that I have been cheated and taken advantage of. read more

I'm new to this clinic and it's been a nightmare. My dog is in pain as a result of spinal degeneration and I have been chasing down medication for my dog since my first visit. We had a clinic in Chemainus and due to the death of my husband, my dog and I have temporarily relocated to Victoria. I must have explained my situation 5 different times to 5 different people - not one made a note on my dogs file. I've been getting the run-around from day one. We saw one of the Doctors for a different issue and the Doctor was fine; however, the front-end staff leave a lot to be desired. I feel they don't listen and they certainly don't communicate. I have a hard time believing they give a fiddlers fart about the animals. I eventually received the medication but it took almost 3 months and an emotional melt-down. I do NOT recommend this clinic. read more

This place used to be great. The staff and customer service were wonderful. Lately it has really been lacking. I wonder if they even want to provide service. I won't be coming here again. read more

I started coming a few weeks ago. I am happy with the vet Malcolm but have to say I am disappointed by the support staff. Customer service is key in this role and there is a lack of empathy, friendliness and listening skills. Vet visits can be stressful for people with fur babies that are going through things they cannot tell us what's wrong! I do however want to point out one person in particular that I was super impressed with. Jessica was not only sweet and understanding she went out of her way to help me out when I was dealing with a stressful situation. If it wasn't for her I would have probably found another vet! read more

I took my diabetic dog to this clinic a couple of years ago and was totally disappointed in that they could not regulate the amount of Insulin my dog needed. After many visits and phone calls and stress on both me and my dog I finally took my dog to another vet. He immediately found the reason and My dog was stabilized shortly after. I recommend they learn more about treating dogs with diabetes! read more

I recently brought my cats in for a checkup and vaccines and the doctor was amazing with my extremely anxious cats. I would highly recommend this vet for your pets care! The vet was also very warm, informative and engaging, left with no unanswered questions. Thanks again McKenzie vet! read more

If anyone is looking for a Vet in Victoria, Dr. Eric Wilkening at Mckenzie Vets is amazing! I had to take my kitty Emma, who is 14, in for surgery and I was concerned with having her under anesthesia. He was compassionate, caring, completely through, and transparent in what was going to happen during surgery. He relieved any nervousness I had about the surgery. Emma recovered so well and her sutures were amazingly done. I have seen a lot of Veterinarians over the past 20 years and I honestly have to say he is one of the best I've seen. read more

Amazing I have only been going for a year and a half but I have nothing but good things to say the prices are fair and treatment is great for me and my dog they took great care of my baby Thanks guys read more

I've always had tremendous respect for veterinarians. Having to diagnosis and treat patients without the patients being able to communicate their symptoms would be very challenging. Unfortunately McKenzie Vet priorities money over the well-being of their patients. My dog has been a patient of theirs for many years and had an annual checkup in April 2021. Just a few months later she was diagnosed with lymphoma at an emergency vet..... She had to receive weekly chemotherapy for months thereafter at Victoria Central Vet Hospital. I called McKenzie Vet to refill her flea medication and they insisted she needed to come for an annual checkup . My dog now has anxiety related to going to the vet and I don't want to make her suffer by going to an unnecessary appointment. The vet technician I spoke with stated that veterinarians cannot legally refill a prescription if they have not seen the patient in 1 year and unfortunately it had been 13 months. I was not able to find this 1 year restriction on the BC college of veterinarians website and from what I gathered it is up to the discretion of the veterinarian to refill a prescription as long as they have "recent and sufficient knowledge" of their patient. Ie it's not a 1 year limitation but rather a case by case situation. In my dog's case, McKenzie Vet would rather force an anxious cancer patient to come to a redundant appointment so they can make a few extra dollars read more

Dr Nicole is amazing!! My kitty had to have surgery 2 weeks ago for bladder stones and she was amazing!!! She calls you personally to check how things are going. My cats incision is healing amazingly... Dr Nicole should do plastic surgery! The scarring looks so minimal already. read more

Have been going to Mackenzie vet for years with our family dog and now with my own dog...have been 3 times in the last 2 years and have to say I'm not impressed. Vet staff are great and friendly but the front desk staff are rude and unwelcoming. Phone calls are answered with short one word answers and sound irritated with any questions asked. In the store the staff at the desk don't welcome you through the door and are abrupt and rude when asking questions. On all 3 occasions the last two years I have been disappointed as a long term customer. I will be removing both pets from Mackenzie and finding a different vet that values their customers! Vet visits are always expensive and I will be taking my money where I feel valued as a customer! read more

I am a senior with a very low income. About 2 weeks ago, I took my 13-year-old dog to McKenzie Vet because she had not been to get up that morning. My regular vet was out of town, there were no available appointments at that clinic, and they suggested this rather than VCA Canada Central Victoria Veterinary Hospital as it would be less expensive. It was Friday and I made an appointment with my usual hospital to see my dog's veterinarian on Monday, just in case... The veterinarian that we saw at McKenzie ordered several tests and when she got the results told us that my dog's lameness was due to two large lipomas she has had for some time and that they must be removed ASAP. She quoted me a cost and set up an appointment for that Monday. The cost was more than double that which she had originally quoted and I had already spent nearly a thousand at the clinic, so I was quite taken aback. I have been concerned about the lipomas but two other veterinarians had examined my dog and told me that they were not affecting her adversely- not impeding her gait or causing pain- and at her age, such a major, lengthy operation was contraindicated- and very expensive. On the Saturday I called to say that I wanted to delay the surgery at McKenzie until my dog had been examined by her usual doctor. Upon examination and xrays, he said that he felt the operation would not solve her problem and he couldn't recommend it. Instead he put her on a high dose of Metacam. Within a week she was able to rise, walk and even go up and down the stairs- and has been fine for the last two weeks, now. I ended up feeling that I was being rushed into a costly, unnecessary surgery that could have been dangerous for my dog. I will never go back to that hospital. read more

I am since a new client january 2016. So far so good. They are good vets with Shadow. My Love of Life. can I stop this Yelp site?? my business only. read more

We continue to get phone messages from MVS with the view to "resolve" the issues between us and their clinic as a result of the issues surrounding the events of Tula's spaying. As we have said many times our opinion has not changed. Their concern is to grow their revenue not necessarily the pet's best interest. We do not wish to continue our business with MVS and would not recommend them to anyone. This is so unfortunate because the spaying that we did (their contracted service) went well and Tula's recovery has progressed very well. One week post surgery and we have to keep her calm as she is her regular ambitious self! read more

Good vets, but add 50% to any estimate they give you. Every time we have gone there, they have always been significantly higher than the estimated given during the exam. read more

Just moved to Victoria, and needed a new vet so I tried McKenzie vets out. They were really good, seemed to know their stuff, office staff was very friendly (unlike my last vet), and the prices seemed fair. Plus they are open Saturday and Sunday. I will be back for sure. read more

Over the years all of our pets have been consistently very well cared for by the McKenzie Vet doctors and technicians. Recently I brought my dog in because he was attacked by another dog. He suffered two puncture wounds that required a series of x rays, and medications. Jax is a nervous dog to begin with and without hesitation Dr. Cruickshank and the technicians made him as comfortable as possible. I really appreciated the fact they took the extra time to ensure Jax was calm in order to conduct a thorough examination of his injuries. Once this was done Dr. Cruickshank did an excellent job in reviewing the test results and showing me the x rays of Jax's injuries. She explained the possible outcomes and made sure I fully understood each step of the treatment process. I asked very few questions because Dr. Cruickshank was so thorough in her explanation. Throughout the weeks staff from McKenzie Vet would call and see how Jax was doing and to answer any additional questions I may have. I really appreciated this. My experience has exceptionally positive and I feel we were so lucky to have Dr. Cruickshank. She is patient, calm, compassionate and very thorough. Her personality and demeanor are lovely and I can see first hand why her ratings are so high. read more

I have been going to this veterinary clinic for years. They are simply awesome! Love Dr Tom! He did Keikos ACL surgery...He is very detailed and thorough. He is willing to take time to explain everything and answer any questions. Very happy with the professional service! read more

When my puppy was 12 weeks old he broke his leg. I took him in to the vet's they put a plastic split on him with a stick to it self tender bandage, they made me go in every few days for cast changes, trays and then would send me to the per hospital. I had to pay 2 vet Bill's every week for 7 weeks. I put out over 2 grand. But these vets didn't treat him well, he be cane very scared of new people and strangers. He barks, whimpers, tail between his legs and hide behind me.. now over a year later he is scared to go there and scared of some people. read more

Over the past ten years we have been very happy with the level of care and service from this clinic regarding a former cat, dog, and the current dog. Concerning Dr. Macartney, I have always really appreciated his pragmatic approach and honesty concerning available options for treatment. Unlike some vets, the most extensive and expensive option is not the only one offered. Most importantly the man is very kind and caring. When our last dog was suffering from an eventually fatal, inflamitory brain disorder, Dr. Macartney went above and beyond, calling us to check on the dog while he was spending time with his family for example. read more

I must say this clinic has certainly turned things around for me. I found a fantastic vet here who I trust with my dog, I don't feel like I am being sold services that I don't need, which I really appreciate. And the support staff has really been wonderful, I will write off my bad experience as a fluke. read more

Had a situation with a dog we adopted through them. We finally got it solved, pretty much accidentally, after which they were completely patronizing, they refused to admit any responsibility, wouldn't even listen to our side of the story, and they flat out refused to apologize, even after I directly asked for an apology. After we are done with what we have already been charged for, we will not be stepping through those doors again. read more

Two weeks ago, We took our Dog Jackson into Mackenzie Vet hospital, for breathing problems. They did an x-ray and put her in an oxygen box, gave her all these shots and told us it would be 450$. Before we left the doctor showed us her X-Ray and confirmed to us that she was NOT pregnant. Then last Friday I took Jackson to the Central Victoria Animal Hospital because she still wasn't feeling well and saw signs of a uti. So the Vets there gave us some antibiotics only because we were told that she was not pregnant by the other Vet. Late last night, Jackson gave birth to 3 stillborn puppies, That were at full term, and would have been due within a week or two. The Male Vet at the Mackenzie Vet Hospital's misdiagnosis cost us three puppies and over 1000$ in vet fees. Jackson is now breathing perfectly fine and her breathing issues were caused by her pregnancy which was oversaw by the qualified vet even after countless x-rays. We will Never go back to Mackenzie Vet Hospital and we have notified friends and family that have pets to find a different vets office. The male vet's name is Dr. Terry Chatton. We also want to know if the medication the male doctor gave Jackson could have caused the death of the 3 stillborn puppy's. On another note, We would like to thank Dr. Tracy Cornish from central Victoria veterinary hospital for her wonderful help and work with our dog last night. We also have photos of Jackson (mum) Hunter (dad) and the three stillborn puppies. I have contacted Mackenzie Vet Hospital and am waiting for a call back.. Nothing so far. Can you help in any way? read more

I found reception to be generally nice but occasionally when I want more detail about something, clarification, or just to repeat what was discussed to make sure I got the pertinent info some of the reception staff seemed to show impatience bordering annoyance. A bit of patience with a worried and nervous doggie parent would be appreciated when her pup is ill. Questions that they didn't know how to answer were only referred to a vet maybe 1/4 times. Kinda felt like pulling teeth for records. Needed something on paper saying my dog was spayed but said she couldnt help me since the procedure was done at another clinic (even though records from previous clinic indicate this and it is indicated on her electronic record). Had to stay on the phone and suggest ideas (send me the electronic record, fax me the old record from the previous vet etc). Finally she agreed to send me the electronic record. Made me feel very reluctant to ask questions or access own pet's info. Veterinarians were always excellent to deal with. Knowledgeable, Gentle kind and patient with my very nervous dog. Prompt after hours service and thorough follow up. Awesome that the clinic participates in charity work (animal rescue). read more

clinic has treated my animals were over 30 years unlike previous poster who has NO knowledge of clinic. despite this one unfortunate incident they will continue to do so. excellent care of both owner and pets. understanding of financial issues etc. definitely would recommend them to friends and family. I would like to know why some one would go to all the trouble of leaving nasty comment unless they have an axe you grind or have been asked to do so by someone involved in the lawsuit who just wants revenge. read more

Simple awesome. From a calm voice on the other end of the phone to a great explanation from the vet as to what needed to happen. Followed up with me a week later to ensure my fur babe was back to her usual self. read more

It is an honour to have my dogs and cats under the care of Dr. Maccartney and his terrific staff for the past 20 years. They get first rate attention there with this friendly and talented staff. Keep up the great work! read more

We are long-time customers of McKenzie Vet Services. Dr. McCartney has seen most of our pets over the years but we've had good experiences with the other vets as well. We highly recommend their mobile services too! read more