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Royal Vista Veterinary Specialists

3.6 (75 reviews)
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Updated 2 months ago

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Joel B.

On June 8, 2025, I brought my 11-year-old dog, Piper, to Royal Vista Veterinary Specialists in a desperate attempt to save her after she took a turn for the worse. What followed was not only a devastating loss but an utterly deplorable experience that turned our grief into anger and disbelief. This facility's lack of empathy, blatant money-grabbing tactics, and gross negligence in handling our pet's final moments have left an indelible stain on what should have been a somber but respectful farewell. From the moment I arrived, the staff demonstrated a callous disregard for my financial constraints and emotional state. I called ahead, informing them of Piper's condition and my limited budget, explicitly requesting transparency on costs. They quoted an initial $380 for testing and the visit, which I agreed to. However, within 15 minutes, a staff member informed me the doctor wanted additional tests, ballooning the cost to $688. When I inquired about payment plans, hoping to pay half now and half later, I was curtly told they don't offer such options and threatened with collections if I didn't pay in full. Under duress, I signed for the $688, only to be blindsided later with a $907 bill. The additional charges, including roughly $140 for euthanasia and $120 for communal cremation, were never discussed beforehand. Their excuse? A half-hearted, "I can't say I'm sorry enough." This bait-and-switch pricing felt predatory, exploiting my vulnerability as I faced the imminent loss of my beloved pet. The emotional negligence was even more egregious. After diagnosing Piper with diabetes, diabetic ketoacidosis, and failing kidneys, the doctor informed me that euthanasia was the only responsible option. I was left alone in a room to process this gut-wrenching news, with no follow-up for nearly an hour. When my wife arrived to say goodbye, we were interrupted by a staff member who, with zero sensitivity, demanded we come to the front to pay because their "portable payment machine was dead." As we sat crying, another staff member had the audacity to pitch a $60 ceramic paw print, a $120 urn, and other keepsakes, while we awaited the doctor to euthanize our dog. This shameless upselling during our darkest moment was nothing short of despicable. The final insult came after Piper's euthanasia. The doctor promised to give us 5-10 minutes to grieve, but we were left waiting for nearly an hour. When I confronted the front desk twice, I was met with dismissive excuses about them being "really busy." By the time someone finally came, Piper's body had begun to stiffen with rigor mortis...a traumatic and preventable memory seared into our minds because of their negligence. Even then, they tried to upsell us a "beautiful locket pouch" for a lock of her hair, which we refused in disgust. This experience stands in stark contrast to the compassionate care we received two years ago at a Texas vet when we lost our 19-year-old dog, Gidget. That clinic charged nothing for the visit, $35 for euthanasia, and provided communal cremation at no cost. They sent us home, refused to let us pay that day, and sent a bill mailed later to prioritize our emotional well-being. They dimmed the lights and lit a candle to honor our loss, creating a memory filled with dignity and care. Days later, in the mail, they sent us a certificate featuring Gidget's paw prints, her name, and a lock of hair tied with a pink bow, all free of cost. Royal Vista, however, turned Piper's final moments into a nightmare of greed and indifference. Royal Vista Veterinary Specialists should be ashamed. Their owners, doctors, and staff displayed a shocking lack of humanity, prioritizing profit over compassion. They exploited our grief, neglected our needs, and tainted our last memories of Piper with their unprofessionalism. I will never return to this heartless establishment and urge others to steer clear. If you love your pet, take them somewhere that values their life, and your loss, with the respect they deserve.

Royal Vista waiting room
CatMo M.

Just had a wonderful experience at Royal Vista Veterinary in Windsor!! My cat has been having abnormal labs on routine exams that I've been monitoring regularly. She's a Siamese mix and very vocal and a bit fidgety but very sweet and not aggressive at all. Only vets with lots of cat experiences truly know the difference between aggressive cats vs. merely vocal cats and won't have any issues performing any professional veterinary services. Since my cat gets so stressed during blood draws, we needed an abdominal ultrasound to make sure these abnormal labs are just stressed related vs. a true medical issue. I contacted Royal Vista as one of the few ultrasound providers in our area. They were extremely nice and explained everything in detail, provided me with a rough estimate of price and was able to schedule the appointment within 2 days, although I was given an option to be seen same day for an emergency visit for extra charge. I opted to wait 2 days instead. Location was super close and convenient. Plenty of parking and office/hospital area was large and clean with plenty of seating. I was attended to immediately and all questions were answered quickly. Front desk staff and ultrasound tech were amazing! Extremely nice, thoughtful and very informative! They explained the process step by step and advised if anesthesia with exam was needed, they would let me know in advance and what those fees would be. I was given the option to opt to select to opt in or out for CPR if needed and what the cost range was. Tech advised, they rarely use anesthesia for ultrasound which was very comforting knowing how experienced they must be. Paperwork said ultrasound length would be about 20-30 mins. But my cat was done less than 20 mins. showing how highly trained and skilled they are. They said my kitty was vocal but behaved well nor was aggressive, even as they were shaving her belly for the ultrasound. I was so relieved as I've had other vets not able to easily draw blood on my cat and blaming it the cat being too vocal or blaming me the owner for making the cat anxious. So having Royal Vista reassure me that it's not my cats issue or mine, was so comforting! I currently now have an experienced cat vet/tech that draws labs easily so it's no longer an issue, but going to new places stirs up that old PTSD, but the staff here at Royal Vista are all so very warm, caring, professional and experienced! They are definitely well trained to know how to handle sweet but vocal cats. Plus the cherry on top was the cost of the abdominal ultrasound was even less than quoted since no exam or anesthesia was needed!! Cheapest ultrasound around for $315 Plus even better, they were able to get the results sent to my primary vet that very same day hours later and even emailed me a copy! What a wonderful place. Should I ever need their services or ER care again I will not hesitate to come back or recommend anyone to come here! Thank you for taking care of my kitty ‍

Dog

Been taking my dog here for about a month, stared with the ER staff they all have been amazing, then to surgery for spleen removal, and also the oncologist department. I have nothing but amazing things to say! From the front desk staff, vet techs and the veterinarians and specialists. Nothing but amazing to me and my dog. I highly recommend this place and trust them with my animals. They help put your stress at ease and give you all the info you can need/ ask for any big decisions you need to make for your pets life.

Zelda the dog

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Dr Stone is the best! Our Yoshi has been going to her since he was a puppy and he is now 10.

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Very professional, and most importantly, there when your pet needs them. I would recommend them.

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Ask the Community - Royal Vista Veterinary Specialists

Review Highlights - Royal Vista Veterinary Specialists

I have nothing but wonderful things to say about Dr Hazenfield and his care of our lab/great dane mix and his TPLO surgery.

Mentioned in 7 reviews

Read more highlights

Four Seasons Veterinary Specialists - Gus post surgery

Four Seasons Veterinary Specialists

(72 reviews)

Arriving at 5:20 on Friday of the Memorial Day weekend we were pleasantly surprised by the…read morefacility, the staff, and the vet. Our beloved 80 lb lab mix has started having massive black poops the 2 nd if which was up in Estes park at 4 pm Friday. We called 4 seasons and were advised to bring Chloe in. When we arrived at the scrupulously clean facility, we were greeted by the office staff who had already begun paperwork based on our phone conversation. The vet saw Chloe immediately and came out to give us preliminary report on vitals along with recommendation for next steps. The vet tech followed with cost estimates. After conclusion of those tests, the vet came out again to tell us results of blood work and's xrays and to let us know fecal labs vwouldn't be back till Tuesday. She gave us diagnosis of colitis, and recommended meds and post visit instructions. Check out was seamless, and final visit was about 10% less than the low estimate. Three days later our dog is recovered. A very pleasant experience for an emergency vet office. High marks to all!

From my initial call to the facility, I found the receptionist to be professional and willing to…read moreanswer my questions about appointment availability and estimate. The staff was caring and professional. I was able to talk with the radiologist after the ultrasound and get my questions answered. Unfortunately we did not discover the reason behind my dog's unexplained fever and illness. I appreciated not feeling rushed and the clinic staying on schedule. Waiting for the appointment to begin, I did find it somewhat off-putting to have to listen to the front desk staff discuss personal or non-business related issues. This seems to be a common issue though with many businesses these days, both retail and medical.

VCA Veterinary Specialists of Northern Colorado

VCA Veterinary Specialists of Northern Colorado

(46 reviews)

I can't believe they are closing this location. I had excellent service. they were busy enough that…read moreit would take a bit to get an appointment which is fine. I hope the doctors are all able to find a new home. I will keep track of them because their service was excellent. Not impressed with VCA corporate.

So, I understand how Emergency Animals Hospitals work. There's usually one vet on at night and that…read moreusually probably works just fine. We all get how triage works. However, when your clients are bringing in a puppy at 7 pm on a weeknight, normally that would denote an emergency. We called way before, brought in a 12 wk puppy who for all we know was dying, with symptoms of parvo or ingestion toxicity. Would you expect to wait over two hours and never see a vet when you think your dog is dying? You also only see one vet tech whose behavior was indicative of being under the influence of something. We were so scared for our puppy and this kid (he looks 16 I'm sorry- he's maybe 23ish) is bordering on giddy. Just bizarre behavior. We were clearly terrified and he didn't seem to be in any rush. I think the standards for vet techs need to be higher to say the least. I couldn't believe how bad this guy was. Thankfully we (and another client who had been waiting for 2 hours for an infected surgical wound on her pit bull) left and went to Four Seasons Animal Hospital and I'm so thankful we did. I understand things happen but if a vet is not able or willing to at least check in with you for two hours when you have a very clearly sick 12 wk old corgi puppy, get the heck out of that place. It was literally shocking and enraging. It was like they didn't give a shit. I know there are good vets there but I think they're picking vet techs off of East Colfax. (Denver people will understand;) I will never bring another animal there again. Just absolutely inexcusable

VCA Fort Collins Animal Hospital

VCA Fort Collins Animal Hospital

(24 reviews)

Be careful if you choose to go here…read more They did not do a thorough exam of my dog. My dog was (and still is) having nasal problems. When I took him in, they didn't even look at his nose nor the teeth surrounding it. They just suggested a four THOUSAND dollar procedure and went on with their day. That's all they could tell me- not a prediction of what could be wrong nor prescription of medicine (other than Benadryl) that could help him. We returned multiple times without answers, so frustrated with the lack of care, I went to another animal hospital. They diagnosed him instantly and were able to tell me with clarity what might be wrong without pressuring me to just instantly do an expensive procedure. I learned there that the procedure this hospital suggested was completely unrelated to the issue. Overall, I would not suggest this hospital. While they were kind people, they did an improper job with healing my dog.

We are in the process of moving to Berthoud and having previously been a part of the VCA network, I…read moredecided to call the Fort Collins location when our fur-baby started limping. I am so glad I did. We have been under the care of Dr Kizzy English who has been so great. With every phone call she takes her time explaining and talking to me, and also listening to any concerns and every detail. When 1 medication wasn't helping, she immediately said "lets try something else and find out what does work" And the rest of the staff is all so friendly and caring as well. I get good feelings with every single interaction with them. Highly recommend everyone there. :)

Colorado State University Veterinary Teaching Hospital - Lupo struggling to breathe and hold himself up at the same time.

Colorado State University Veterinary Teaching Hospital

(120 reviews)

I have used CSU exotics emergency several times over the years and have been pleased with the care…read moremy rabbits have received. This last visit was no different. The team in charge of my rabbits care were exceptional - knowledgeable, communicative, helpful. However, I have noticed pricing has gone up substantially, especially for "companion" rabbits. As any rabbit person knows, a bonded pair should not be separated if at all possible. My rabbit was brought in initially by himself and hospitalized for a few days before I was able to bring his bonded friend. The staff all commented on how much happier, calmer and overall better my ill rabbit seemed with his friend with him. What I was charged for the "companion" rabbit was astonishing. $2,500 for less than 48 hours. A rabbit who stayed in the same enclosure as my ill rabbit and was healthy. Did not need any medical treatment or intervention. I wanted to write this review so that others who may be in the same situation with a bonded pair are prepared for the cost. My total bill for my ill rabbit was very high, but I can more easily justify it based on the care he was receiving. My "companion" rabbits bill - I am extremely disappointed about. Especially since this is a teaching veterinary school, I fear it is teaching future veterinarians to overcharge which could potentially limit owners from being able to afford taking their animals to receive the care they need.

I cannot express how deeply disappointed and heartbroken I am over my experience at CSU Veterinary…read moreTeaching Hospital. I brought my dog, Lupo, there during a medical emergency while we were traveling from North Carolina, and what followed was one of the most traumatic experiences of my life. We were already in a state of panic, far from home, trying to make the best decisions we could. Despite that, there was a profound lack of communication, compassion, and transparency throughout his care. We were never offered the option to stay in any rooms, just to rest for a little. Being 45 minutes away while our dog was critically ill created unnecessary distance during the most important moments of his life. The most devastating part is that we were only contacted when things had already taken a severe turn, and that call was not a supportive update, but a frantic, high-pressure conversation where I felt like I was being almost yelled at that he needed to be euthanized immediately. There was no sense of guidance, no compassion just urgency without support. We were not called earlier as he declined, and we were not given a real opportunity to come and be with him in time. Because of this, I lost the chance to have any meaningful final moments with my dog. By the time we were involved, he had been intubated. That was not what I wanted unless it was absolutely necessary as a life-saving measure, and it ultimately robbed me of being able to hold him, comfort him, or say goodbye in a way that had any meaning. That is something I will carry with me forever. When we last saw him, he was placed all the way at the bottom of a cage. It felt impersonal and distressing given how critical his condition was. There was no sense that comfort or dignity in his final moments was being prioritized. To make matters worse, a necropsy (autopsy) was performed without our explicit consent. This was incredibly upsetting and felt like a violation during an already devastating time. The lack of clear communication and consent around something so significant is completely unacceptable. After his passing, the handling of his remains and the lack of communication continued to cause harm. Because of delays and inability to reach anyone, his body was not released to the memorial service we had chosen in time for us to receive his ashes before our flight home. We were forced to extend our stay, rebook flights, and incur additional expenses... all while grieving the loss of our baby. I understand this is a teaching hospital and that not every case has a positive outcome. But communication, compassion, and respect for both the patient and their family should never be optional. At no point did I feel supported, informed, or prioritized as his owner. Lupo was my world. He deserved better. And no family should have to go through what we experienced here. There was no compassion in here. There was only a severe urgency to give us a large bill.

Royal Vista Veterinary Specialists - emergencypethospital - Updated May 2026

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