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Lawndale, CA

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VCA Advanced Veterinary Care Center

3.8 (525 reviews)
Open • Open 24 hours
Updated over 3 months ago

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My baby boy
Mark M.

I have been to so many vet hospitals and this one has made such an impact on me that I will definitely make this our permanent vet. My baby cat boy unfortunately went to heaven and this hospital clinic was the light to one of my darkest days. I appreciate Dr. Kanuka for her kindness and honesty. She was genuinely concerned about our boy and wanted the best for him. But with his age and cancer it was best we made it easy for him. I was so impressed with the staffs approach. Thank u all! Shot out to Ryan for being pleasant , great customer service !

Coco at VCA
Nancy O.

Coco was brought in by my husband on Saturday afternoon, she had thrown up and had a seizure. He was helped right away and Coco was seen by the Vet . Once my husband figured out what she might have eaten ; poison control was called , and her treatment was started . Saturday night we kept getting updates , what labs were gonna be drawn and what exams were needed . My husband was able to visit her Sunday morning , and she was so happy to see him . I was able to come Monday morning . And she was able to be discharged Monday night . Thank you to VCA team for saving my girls life ! I can't say how grateful I am for the whole team ! Everyone was amazing !!!

Skylar D.

I came here because my fur baby unfortunately swallowed a raisin. The vet techs took her in immediately. The wait was long. I mean very long. Except to be here for some hours. They brought her out and she seemed fine. They explained to me they were able to retrieve one raisin. I was relieved because I thought she swallowed more. Now when it came to cost, I know these things can be costly. The Dr assistant did want me to pay between 3,500-4,500 for my fur baby to stay there for two nights to check her levels. When I informed the Dr assistant I did not have that sort of money. The Dr assistant demeanor seemed to have changed, but she followed up with me after and asked how Prada was holding up. The doctor on the other hand was very nice and accommodating. Luckily my fur baby Prada is very much alive. If my fur baby has another medical emergency I would come back here. Especially since this is the only emergency vet open 24/7.

Petra getting her stretch on !!
Aaron T.

Excellent VET !! My 2 year old Boxer has a heart murmur and they have helped me get ahead of it. Thank you for taking care of my girl !!

Allison C.

went there last night and for an emergency they were very quick and nice. The lobby was very clean and they even had snacks and coffee etc. The facility was very clean and very organized. They doctor and technicians took my dog right in and they were very helpful. Followed up with my primary as well!

Kristine K.

My beautiful boy Adam had to be put down last night. He had a level 5 heard condition. He would not lie down and was coughing. I went to VCA Advanced Veterinary Care Center around 3:00 am. Aleathea was very kind to me at the front desk. Dr Brown was so caring. They gave Adam fluids before the procedure. I will come back to this VCA. I am very picky about vets and this one impressed me.

Nervous baby...

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9 days ago

Pricey but always open. Some staff are friendly and some not so much. Emergency rooms are stressful enough, but when it's your animal...

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4 days ago

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1 month ago

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4 months ago

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1 month ago

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9 months ago

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4 months ago

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4 months ago

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9 months ago

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1 year ago

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4 months ago

Friendly receptionist. Everyone helpful and kind. Cost conscious. Comfortable. Recommend.

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2 months ago

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8 months ago

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8 months ago

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3 months ago

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11 months ago

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1 year ago

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2 years ago

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2 years ago

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11 months ago

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7 months ago

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2 years ago

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2 years ago

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1 year ago

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3 years ago

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7 months ago

If you value your pet and your time avoid this place like the plague. The staff is horrible their time management is abysmal.

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7 months ago

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3 years ago

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1 year ago

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5 years ago

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1 year ago

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1 year ago

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2 years ago

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3 years ago

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4 years ago

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Page 1 of 14

Ask the Community - VCA Advanced Veterinary Care Center

Our two papillons my have been sprayed by a skunk. How do I know for sure?

Hi Gloria, Thank you for your inquiry. In order for us to fully understand the medical situation, please call us at (310) 878-4712 and we can review your needs in greater detail and determine appropriate next steps. Thank you.

Do you have teeth cleaning for dogs?

Hi Norma, Thank you for your inquiry. We'd be happy to answer your question regarding teeth… 

How much do they charge? I'm currently not working but my frenchie has a really bad rash in his stomach land legs area

Hi Cintya, Thank you for your inquiry. In order for us to fully understand the medical situation… 

Looking for a Cardiologist. I was told my dog needs an echocardiogram and there is none in Bakersfield. Do you have this at your facility?

Hi Debbie, Thank you for your inquiry. Yes, this is a service our facility provides. At your… 

My 10 week French bulldog got some vaccinations after that her mood changed, she is puking all over the place and she's not eating. Is there a wait time or do I need an appointment?

I don't know if there is a current wait time but you don't need an appointment. Just go. There are wait times once you drop the animal off but they're in good hands then. I just went home until they called me to come back. They took great care of… 

Hi, how would VCA handle euthanasia during COVID-19? Will the owner be able to be present?

Before my pit underwent invasive surgery a few months ago (at Advanced in Lawndale) I was assured that, worst case scenario, arrangements would be made so I could be with her at the end. However I did already have a long-standing relationship with… 

Hi - do you have a surgeon on staff that can perform the surgery to correct an ectopic ureter ( right side only ) spaying at the same time on my 7 month old female pup? I only want to sedate her once - if not do you have a referral? Thank you

Hi Dee, Please give us call at (310) 878-4712 and we can review your pet's needs.

Hi do you have a Cardiologist on staff? Our vet recommended we look for a cardiology specialist.

Hi Yessenia, We do have a cardiologist on staff. They aren't here 24/7, but if you call and make… 

Do they have a CT scan with 3d reconstruction capabilities for complex orthopedic surgery?

Hi Jennifer, Thank you for your inquiry. Yes, we do have a CT Scan capable of 3D Reconstruction.… 

Good evening, my dog has ear infections on both ears and I think she might have a rash by her tail. I was wondering if you can help me with prices? I am looking for something affordable but i also know her care is important

Hello Mayra, Thank you for your inquiry. Please give us a call today so that we can discuss your… 

View All 14 Questions

Review Highlights - VCA Advanced Veterinary Care Center

“I will forever hold a special place in my heart for the care and love provided by VCA LAWNDALE most importantly Dr.”

Mentioned in 14 reviews

Read more highlights

ACCESS Specialty Animal Hospitals - South Bay

ACCESS Specialty Animal Hospitals - South Bay

(632 reviews)

North Torrance

If you're unfortunate enough to be in a situation where you and your pet really need to be at an…read moreemergency vet, this is the place to be. It's a very professional group of people who clearly care about animals. Dr. DiCiccio presented me with options for treating my 18-year-old cat, from very intensive, a middle-ground, and left emotional space open for euthanasia. He bounced back and is doing much better, but I would be leaving a good review regardless of outcome. I really like that they let you visit a hospitalized pet! The specialist departments can be a little hard to get a hold of, since they're all very busy, so I recommend getting the email address of the department to reach out with questions. In terms of cost, without insurance, it's expensive. But they're really good.

NEVER COME HERE UNLESS YOU HAVE ABSOLUTELY NO OTHER CHOICE…read more We brought our toy poodle to ACCESS Animal Hospital because I suspected he was having a pancreatitis flare-up. We were scared and wanted help as quickly as possible. Instead, we felt like we walked into a business that saw our fear as an opportunity. Before discussing a reasonable treatment plan, we were charged over $1,300 for diagnostics (X-rays, ultrasound, bloodwork, etc.). After all of that, we were told he needed to be hospitalized for 24-48 hours at an estimated cost of $4,800-$6,100. We were devastated. Fortunately, we called a friend who works at Orange County Animal Hospital and immediately transferred our dog there. The difference was unbelievable. Their staff was compassionate, moved much faster, and took a thoughtful, measured approach that balanced what our dog actually needed with the financial reality every pet owner faces. Our dog was successfully treated overnight, and the total bill was about $1,400. We were also told the same diagnostic workup would have cost around $500 there instead of the $1,300 we had already paid. That experience made it impossible not to wonder whether ACCESS's recommendations were driven by what was best for our dog--or by what would generate the biggest bill. As a pet owner, you are at your most vulnerable during an emergency. You'll do almost anything to save your animal. In my opinion, ACCESS takes advantage of that desperation with staggering prices and an aggressive approach to treatment that can leave families feeling like they have no choice but to spend thousands of dollars on the spot. To make matters worse, with the exception of a couple of employees, we found the staff to be cold and unfriendly. The veterinarian we dealt with showed very little empathy during one of the most stressful nights we've ever had with our dog. I understand that emergency veterinary medicine is expensive. I expected to pay a premium. What I did not expect was to feel pressured into a treatment plan costing over $6,000, only to discover another emergency hospital treated the exact same condition successfully for a fraction of the cost. If you love your pet--and of course you do--please know that you have options. Call another emergency hospital. Get a second opinion if your pet is stable enough to do so. It could save you thousands of dollars without compromising your pet's care. I will never return to ACCESS Animal Hospital, and I cannot recommend it to anyone. Based on my experience, I would only go here if there were truly no other emergency veterinary hospitals available.

Bixby Animal Hospital & Urgent Care - Our patient Kahless.

Bixby Animal Hospital & Urgent Care

(145 reviews)

I brought my senior dog here in the middle of the night (Bixby was open 24/7 but their current…read morehours appear to have changed). The door was locked and the receptionist let us in. The space feels more hospital-like than a neighborhood vet, but it was spotless and immaculate. There was one vet assistant and one vet on duty, that appeared to be about it at the 4am hour. The staff was very caring and I saw the doctor within 10 minutes (there was one person ahead of me). I was able to get a prescription, and also got some great advice on some supplements to give my sweet boy (which my main vet never mentioned but wish they would have years ago). The visit was more expensive than a normal visit given the late night emergency nature, but it wasn't outrageous. We were in and out in around a half an hour and they really helped my dog, short term and long term. Not sure what the daytime experience is like, but would recommend their services.

Scheduled a 4:00 PM appointment at Bixby Animal Clinic for a simple anal gland examination and…read moreexpression for my dog. What should have been a straightforward visit turned into an unnecessarily frustrating experience. I waited approximately 20-25 minutes in the lobby before being brought into an examination room, where a technician proceeded to ask me the same questions I'd already answered over the phone when scheduling. At that point, I'd been there for roughly 30 minutes and still hadn't seen the veterinarian. I understand clinics get busy, but if you're running behind, communicate that to your customers. Moving someone from one waiting room to another isn't progress. The biggest issue, however, was the pricing. I explicitly asked beforehand how much the visit would cost and was quoted $55. At checkout, I was presented with a bill for over $120. That's more than double what I was told. To be clear, I have absolutely no problem paying over $120 for veterinary services if that's the actual cost. Had someone explained that upfront, I would have agreed without hesitation. What I take issue with is being quoted one price and then presented with a substantially higher bill without any prior explanation. Mariam and Rosa at reception weren't able to resolve the situation themselves and had to involve Shannon. Initially, Shannon defended the charges as though this was simply standard procedure. I pushed back because I had specifically asked about pricing before coming in. Ultimately, Shannon honored the original $55 quote, which I appreciate. However, that resolution only happened because I challenged the bill. And that's precisely my problem. Why should customers have to argue about pricing to receive the amount they were originally quoted? Why wasn't the full cost communicated when I explicitly asked? I'm giving three stars because the clinic ultimately honored the quoted price, and I want to acknowledge Shannon for resolving the situation. But between the delayed appointment, repetitive questioning, poor communication, and unexpected charges, the overall experience was disappointing. My recommendation to Bixby Animal Clinic is simple: Be upfront about your pricing. If there's an examination fee, an expression fee, or any additional charge, explain that when someone asks what their visit will cost. Customers shouldn't have to discover additional charges at checkout, and they certainly shouldn't have to argue to get a previously quoted price honored. I've brought my dog here before, and I'm not opposed to returning. I'm also more than willing to update this review and increase my rating if future visits demonstrate better communication, transparency, and customer service. I believe businesses deserve recognition when they improve, just as they deserve constructive criticism when they fall short. For now, though, three stars reflects my experience. Transparency and respect for customers' time should be standard business practices, not something customers have to fight for. I hope the clinic takes this feedback seriously and improves its communication going forward.

Healing Hearts Emergency Animal Hospital

Healing Hearts Emergency Animal Hospital

(120 reviews)

I wanted to take the time to leave a glowing review for Dr. Berschauer and his staff…read more We came into Healing Hearts around 8pm on 8/8 to unexpectedly say goodbye to our family dog, who had been with us for 13 years. I was devastated at the possibility that this was going to be the outcome, and Dr. Berschauer and his staff made the pain of losing a pet and all of the emotions that came with it feel just a tiny bit more bearable. Their bedside manner, the way they treated us, and especially the way they treated our dog meant so much to us. Moments like these are incredibly hard, and I'm just so thankful that this was the place we chose to go, even though there were other facilities much closer to us. We never felt rushed & Dr. Berschauer took the time to make sure we understood why he believed it was the right decision given our dog's physical state and the pain he was in. His kind words and the way the entire staff cared for us made it feel like such a peaceful transition for our dog. We left obviously heartbroken and incredibly emotional, but also at peace knowing that he was surrounded by us and was able to take his last breath peacefully. It never felt clinical or like we were just in a room waiting for something awful to happen. They gave us the time and space to say goodbye. Thank you so much to Dr. Berschauer and your entire staff. It meant more to us than you probably realize to have that time with him and to be there when he took his last breath. We will always be grateful for the kindness you showed our family during one of the hardest moments we've ever had.

Every ER, including a veterinary ER is expected to have a long delay…read more However... Waited for 2 hours with little to no acknowledgment of being there. There were just a few others there and all were equally upset. Our animal was is so much pain, and we didn't know why. We found them online through Maps and were a little hesitant due to the low reviews... I do understand now we will not be returning. We went to Animal Emergency of South Orange County. They were also busy but treated us with kindness, professionalism, and care. Their review is much different this evening. Compassion and care go a long way... Especially when a family member is hurt.

BluePearl Pet Hospital - TrueCare for pets Emergency Vet

BluePearl Pet Hospital

(2k reviews)

Studio City

My cat has digestive issues and we have been a frequent flyer at True Care, we should probably get…read morea punch card so we can get the next visit free :) Most recently, my menace of a cat chewed on an eggplant leaf and we had to go in. When I got there, vet techs were waiting for me. Some of them took her back, and one took my story on what happened, and her symptoms. I had to call Pet Poison Line so they could tell the vets how to treat her-that's fine-and they wanted to do a full workup on her since she is 12. I said that's fine, that's what insurance is for. It was about 11pm when I was sent home to rest while they took care of her. At about two, they called me to tell me that she survived the nightshade poisoning, but they had found a thicker spot in her intestines in the x-ray, and they wanted to do follow-up images in the morning, so I got another estimate for them to keep her til the next day and run another round of x-rays and do an ultrasound. She stayed and I went back to sleep. In the morning, a very kind vet whose name I don't remember called me and went over what is happening and why that spot could be there. She gave me advice on how to proceed after today. She asked what food my cat eats so they could give it to her there too. I was kept in the loop the whole time from when I got there to when I picked her up at 4:30pm. It set me back about $3500. Thank God for pet insurance. But considering all they did and the overnight stay, not terrible. My cat's idiocy may have saved her bacon if we caught something early, but so did True Care's thoroughness.

Extremely disappointed with True Care for Pets. Their customer service has been absolutely…read moreterrible. Calls are rarely returned, communication is almost nonexistent, and getting something as simple as a prescription refill has turned into a nightmare. My dog depends on his medication to eat properly, yet I was told I now need to pay for another doctor's appointment just because the previous veterinarian left over a year ago -- something they never bothered to properly communicate to pet owners. How is that acceptable? To make matters worse, they don't even have appointments available until mid-July. So what exactly are patients supposed to do in the meantime? Wait until their pets are seriously suffering just to be seen and get medication they already rely on? There seems to be a complete lack of urgency, compassion, and accountability. Pet owners trust clinics with the wellbeing of their animals, and this experience has been beyond frustrating and honestly heartbreaking

Banfield Pet Hospital

Banfield Pet Hospital

(107 reviews)

I realized my dog probably had worms over the weekend so obviously I wanted to get it taken care of…read moreas soon as possible. My regular vet was closed and I was unable to get ahold of them so I reached out to Banfield because I wanted to get him seen as soon as possible. Banfield assured me that everything was going to be okay and they made time to see him the next day - even though I was a new client! I am a first time pet owner so I had a lot of questions (probably some dumb questions and excessive and annoying ones too) but they showed no signs of annoyance - they were very patient with me and answered all of my questions so kindly. I also work full time so when they called about my dog being ready, I was unable to pick him up but that didn't phase them either. They said it was no problem and that they were happy to take care of him until I was able to pick him up at the end of the day. Everyone at Banfield was SO nice and seemed to genuinely care about me and my pet. I would recommend Banfield to anyone - in fact, I WILL be recommending Banfield to everyone I know who has a pet - and I will be switching to them as my primary vet.

If I could give 0 stars I would. Took my 1 year old husky here after vomiting and diarrhea. After…read moreevery test done possible and charging me a massive amount of money, they couldn't find anything wrong. Xray supposedly didn't show them anything. I picked him up hours later and they stated my dog was given a shot for nausea and told us to feed him food for a sensitive stomach. My dog seemed fine for a couple days, but once the vomiting started again I found another vet and took him in. Within 30 min the new vet found an object stuck within the esophagus likely causing these problems. We were referred to a surgeon and took him the next morning. Had we not done that the surgeon said my dog would likely not have made it. I get every visit and dr are different, but this is crazy to not see what the 2nd dr saw immediately. As my dog is now in recovery, my husband went back to PetSmart, where Banfield is located in, to find prescribed food for my dogs bland diet. He asked the two staff members at the Banfield desk for help and they stopped their chatting to rudely tell him they don't know where that food would be and they don't work for the store. They then went back to their chatting. I will never go to Banfield ever again and I will tell every person I come into contact with who has a pet to never go here. I will repeat my story so people know this is not a trusted veterinary clinic for your loving animals. This is not a place where caring people work to DO THEIR JOBS. You may not be a PetSmart employee, but you all know where prescribed food is located. I know because one of you literally walked me to that aisle to show me where the expensive sensitive stomach prescribed food was. What a horrible experience. My family has been going to PetSmart for more than a decade. We will never come back thanks to this experience.

Metropolitan Animal Specialty Hospital - Finley

Metropolitan Animal Specialty Hospital

(804 reviews)

Hollywood

I brought my poodle here when he suddenly started vomiting blood, and I'm so grateful for the care…read morehe received. The team took his situation seriously, ran the necessary tests, and did a great job taking care of him. Everyone was professional, caring, and reassuring during such a stressful time. It is a little pricey, but when it comes to your pet's health and getting good care, I truly believe it's worth it. I'm very thankful to the entire team for taking such good care of my fur baby.

Almost two years ago, I brought my beloved 11-year-old dog, Sam, to Metropolitan Animal Specialty…read moreHospital (MASH), thinking he was simply unwell. Instead, I was told he was in heart failure and presented with two options: pay $5,000 upfront to attempt treatment or euthanize him. When I asked for time, I was told, "If you take him home, you will have to watch him die." Let that sink in. I was alone, terrified, emotionally shattered, and suddenly faced with the possibility of losing my best friend. I did not have $5,000 readily available, and instead of feeling supported through an unimaginable crisis, I felt cornered into making an irreversible decision under immense pressure. Where was the compassion? Where was the discussion of alternatives? Where was the willingness to help me understand my options? If medically appropriate, could there have been lower-cost treatment options? Could palliative care have been discussed? Could I have been given the opportunity to understand whether Sam could safely spend his final hours or days at home with me? I will never know, because I left that hospital without the dog I loved more than words can ever express. I chose euthanasia because I was terrified Sam would suffer. I believed I was doing what was kindest for him. But no loving pet owner should have to live with the feeling that they were forced to make such a devastating decision without adequate time, support, and a meaningful discussion of their options. Two years later, I am still in therapy, trying to process the trauma of that night. I am still carrying the heartbreak, the guilt, and the agonizing questions that have never gone away. I cannot go back and change what happened. I cannot hold Sam again. And I cannot get those final moments with my boy back. What makes me so angry is that, in my most vulnerable moment, I needed compassion and guidance. Instead, I left feeling powerless. I understand that heart failure is serious. I understand that emergency veterinary care is expensive and that euthanasia can sometimes be the kindest decision. But those realities do not excuse the failure to communicate compassionately, explain appropriate alternatives, and give a grieving owner the support needed to make an informed decision. MASH, you were entrusted with a member of my family. Sam was not just a patient, a diagnosis, or a financial decision. He was my baby. He was loved beyond measure. He deserved dignity, tenderness, and every reasonable consideration of his circumstances. You cannot give me Sam back. You cannot give me those final hours back. And you cannot undo the trauma I have carried for two years. I will forever have to live with the decision I made that night, and I will forever wish that someone had slowed things down, explained our options, and treated us with more compassion. I am writing this because no pet owner should have to feel as helpless and alone as I did while facing the possible loss of a beloved companion. Sam deserved better. I deserved better. And I will never stop wishing that night had gone differently!

VCA Advanced Veterinary Care Center - emergencypethospital - Updated October 2026

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