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Atlas Animal Hospital
Categories: Pets Veterinarians Pets Pet Services Pet Boarding/Pet Sitting Veterinarians, Pet Boarding/Pet Sitting [Edit]
5696 Fraser StVancouver, BC V5W 2Z4
Neighbourhoods: Riley Park, Sunset, Kensington-Cedar Cottage
(604) 301-0300
- Hours:
Mon-Sat 7:30 am - 12 am
19 reviews for Atlas Animal Hospital
19 reviews in English
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Review from Lesley D.
Vancouver, BC
9/17/2011
My boyfriend's 2 year old English bulldog was suffering badly. She was terminal, suffering from renal failure. She was in the final phase, and in a great deal of pain. The vet bills were already over $4000, with little to show for it. ( from a different vet). Money was so tight, and the situation was so dire that despite so many negative reviews, I decided to go to Atlas Veterinarian clinic. It was a bit of a wait and my boyfriend was getting edgy. I worried over my decision. The vet wearing a turban came in the room and I thought, oh sh#*. This might be bad.....it wasn't.
I was pleasantly surprised. The vet was so kind, gentle, compassionate and warm. As was his assistant. It was so heartbreakingly sad. But the vet (I will find his name and update this post) was incredible. He couldn't have been better, or done more. He gave the dog a kiss and with genuine compassion and sadness apologized to her and said good bye. He found a vein right away without causing stress or pain. He was a saint. ( and I was expecting a monster). And he charges so little, I can't imagine how they get by. Anyone who had a bad experience should reassess the situation, from an objective POV and ensure that you weren't just appointing blame as a defense mechanism. I couldn't have asked for anything more. I have a chihuahua who is very healthy will be visiting Atlas the next time it's necessary. I can't emphasize enough, how pleased I am with this clinic. The service was better than the price. And the price is exceptional. And for anyone who thinks I have no frame of reference; I worked a doggy daycare and have owned and/or raised a lot of dogs.
I encourage anyone looking for a vet, especially those on a budget, to give Atlas a chance. People are so quick to place blame and pass judgement. Especially when it's anonymous. They fail to see how much harm they are doing. And to all the Yelpers, if you are really ticked off and having a bad day, wait a bit before you Yelp. Make sure you're not misplacing your aggression because it feels good. Because you might be destroying someones livelyhood. Or in this case, convincing someone to spend money they don't have on a different vet, for no good reason. -
Review from Trude H.
Vancouver, BC
8/17/2011
I took my rescue cat here - the cleanliness is substandard; the staff have major attitude stuff; and I didn't find the total bill to be any less than my regular vet.
I will never return to this business. Public redemption does not make up for dirty examination tables and the "chip on the shoulder" attitude. -
Review from Richelle O.
Vancouver, BC
6/6/2011
I am absolutely horrified of what happened yesterday.
We brought our dog Tika in to get a checkup, as she was ill. An Indian vet came in the exam room and didn't even look at us in the eye. He immediately started checking out Tika without even introducing himself, being rough with her, and didn't use gloves. He was rough and it was blatantly obvious this guy doesn't give a *$&# about animals. My baby is 13 and a SWEETheart and he didn't care about her.
We caught him in a few lies. For example, he said that since she's vomiting, there's no possible way she could have Giardia. A few minutes later, he said that she could have Giardia and that she would need to get IV drip and stay at the hospital for 2 days. I knew this wasn't right, and we asked him kindly how it is that she could have Giardia when she's vomiting. He got mad at us and started yelling. He was very aggressive. He started accusing us of not being able to understand Enligh! Uhm, check your accent there buddy, and your lies while you're at it. (It's easy to get confused when you lie so much).
Later I was asking him if it were OK to board her in a few days if she was getting better (because it was most likely just a food discrepancy). He started yelling at us asking how the kennel could care for her better than an IV drip. He was YELLING AT US.
He left the room and said "Just make up your mind and I'll come back". He left, I turned to my cousin and said "is this a f'ing joke?". He STORMED back in the room and in my FACE said "Excuse me lady? What did you just say? I heard a bad word! What did you just say!?"
I stormed out, told the receptionist to fire him and find a better vet, and said I'm not paying for anything. This man is probably the abusive type. We were scared of him. -
Review from Shannon B.
Coquitlam, BC
8/19/2011
Since I no longer live in Vancouver and most likely won't be taking my animals here anymore (too far on transit!) I figured it's high time I write this place a review.
Over the last six or seven years I have taken every one of my 4 cats (yes, 4) here to get spayed and for the occasional check up or other minor medical procedure. When it comes to price, they can't be beat. Paying about $40 to have a cat spayed when you are a broke student is a wonderful thing. They have also never tried to push any other services on me other than whatever it is I made the appointment for.
There is a lot of bad reviews about this place, and so many people I know refuse to take their pets here. Sure, they once handed me one of my half doped up, recently spayed cats to me wrapped in a dirty towel when I came to pick her up. And the Dr with the turban always manhandles my pets in the way a heartless robot would, but he's never been too rough and always does his job. He's just being professional, I guess.
All in all, I won't go out of my way to bring my pets there anymore because of the distance, but this place isn't bad. -
Review from Andrea L.
Vancouver, BC
12/2/2011
If there was anything less than one star, this would be it. A while back I brought a baby bunny who wasn't eating in to see the vet. The poor thing was smaller than the palm of my hand and we waited FOREVER. It died in my hand just as I was put into the stupid room. Guess where the Dr. was? Munching in the back! Bastard just told me 'yep, its dead'. No shit, sherlock. If you busted your ass like I did right after an 11pm shift and 12am rush down to see you it might have still been alive.
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Review from Kate H.
Vancouver, BC
7/17/2011
I'm torn between 3 and 4 stars. For the price, 4 stars. For the No frills atmosphere that is slightly disconcerting ... 3 stars. Its admirable that they keep their prices affordable for students. low-income, and immigrant families. It's a lot better than having dozens of new kittens to put down when they cannot afford a $400 spay/neuter operation.
I did read all the reviews before going, which were extremely mixed, but at the end of the day, the budget won. My husband and I had just gotten married and picked up a free kitten to kick off our little family. When it came time to spay her, we simply did not have the cash, but she was starting to go in to heat and it was only getting worse. We discovered Atlas and felt we had no option at that point (yes, we should have planned ahead). All in all, everything went great. Our kitty was very groggy but the Drs were really nice and the staff was fine. Our cat wouldn't stop jumping, and torn her stiches, and Atlas patched her back up free of charge and gave us some antibiotic drops on the cheap to boot.
I really have to say, it was a good experience. We can still feel the scar where she had it, I don't know if that's normal or not ... but it could have been from her own doing, with all the jumping.
Now we have moved, and our once indoor only cat is now a partially outdoor cat. To celebrate, she is puking everywhere. We think she drank some puddle water, after being used to purified tap water. Regardless, to ensure her safety, we are preparing to pack her up and head back to Atlas. This time its because they have a nice record of her history and everything went well last time.
The mixed reviews still concern me but I can't help but adore the prices and recall how smoothly things went last time.
If our cat ever got seriously ill though, I don't think I would take her to Atlas. I think Atlas is great for spaying, neutering, nail clipping, teething cleaning, etc. We will take her to get a cheap, professional opinion on why she is throwing up. However, if it were to worsen, I would probably cough up the money and take her to a more expensive vet. This is not really due to the reviews here, but the reviews on some vet-review site where people mention these terrible things happening to their pets (but usually pets that needed more serious medical attention). I think a lot of it is that in order to cut costs, they don't employ the best staff, and cut corners where ever they can. So if your pet needs some serious help, unless you are absolutely dead broke, maybe go for something of higher caliber.
So, simple, "chore" visits? Yup. A quick opinion for unusual behaviour (ie, my pukey cat)? Yup. An emergency in the middle of the night? Yup. (open 24 hours). Your pet needs a major surgery? Maybe not.... unless budget doesn't allow otherwise.
Note: there are now two people (cameron and brooke) on this forum who have posted, from "abbotsford" (really, driving in from Abby?) and saying the identical thing. Obviously a staff member or family member. I understand trying to help the mixed reviews but come on, its so obvious. Knock it off.
Otherwise, it's budget, friendly, and overall my experience was good. I will for sure post again if that ever changes. -
Review from David W.
12/16/2010
I have very mixed feelings for this place. Dr. H. Bhullar has done his very best to offer affordable animal care for students like myself who love and own pets but have very limited budgets.
Unfortunately this has also meant hiring sub-standard employees and implementing bad business practices. I've read some negative articles in the Vancouver Sun and the CBC regarding his inquiry in 2009 that led to his license being pulled in the long time battle between him and the B.C. Veterinary Medical Association.
The hospital continues to run as other licensed veterinarians take care of the animals and Dr. Bhullar only owns and administers the business while he appeals his case. At first when I read these reports, I had heard that members of the Veterinary Medical Association had ulterior motives for shutting down his business as he was effectively lowering the cost of animal care by being far below that of all other animal hospitals in Vancouver.
That said, over 13+ years, and 3 family pets that have all been to Atlas, I won't be returning there again.
My sister's cat, Svea, who had been going there for many years was generally taken care of for many years and with few notable incidents. Svea had been a rescued cat that had been abused and very few people were able to even touch her, myself not included, but she had no problems letting Dr. Bhullar handle her. He also performed successful life saving surgery on her when she had extremely low chances of pulling through.
I took my first cat, Toby, there due to my sister already having a relationship with them. He was diagnosed as diabetic and generally well looked after there. A few years later he had become injured after a fight with a raccoon. We took him in where another doctor, not Dr. Bhullar, saw us. I was shocked to hear the vet recommend we put him down immediately! He went over a long list of problems and said coupled with his current suffering we should do the humane thing. It turns out he had mixed up the file with my sister's cat (who was no longer alive and had suffered from kidney problems before passing away). I strongly insisted he treat my cat's wounds. My cat made a full recovery and lived for another happy 8 years. I cannot help but wonder, like Megan J's friend, how many people might have euthanized their pet due to some error or wrongly diagnosis by the staff there.
I had since made the decision not return. I recently adopted a rescued kitten through VOKRA and had been going to Blue Cross Pet Hospital as she already had a history with them.
I'm either in classes or work 6 days a week and I desperately wanted to get her spayed around 5 months for numerous reasons (before she goes into heat, and its also safer before her sexual organs start maturing). Atlas Animal Hospital is open 24 hours and I was unavailable to take her in during the normal hours of operation at Blue Cross.
I called them to book an appointment and the guy asked what time I would like. I asked for 6:30pm and he said that was okay. I foolishly made the assumption that if I was booking an appointment, it meant booking the operating. I even knew that most operations are done in the morning, but after he told me not to feed her for 10 hours prior, I thought surely that means she'll be having it that day. Especially since kittens should generally be fed multiple times a day unlike fully grown cats.
I drop her off, and then ask when I can pick her up and he said the following morning at noon. The next day I request an extra long lunch from my job to go down and pick her up. An older women came out from the back and I told her I was here to pick up my kitten. She comes back 5mins later asking if I was sure I was told that I could pick her up. I told her I was 100% sure.
Finally the women emerges saying that my cat had not had her surgery yet. I was pissed, which is extremely uncharacteristic of me, but when you adopt a rescued animal, spend months getting her to trust humans again, I feel extremely protective. I instantly bombarded her with questions: why would you tell me not to feed my cat prior to dropping her off? Are you telling me she hasn't eaten in 24 hours? I could have dropped her off in the early morning instead of some cage in an animal hospital overnight? I even had to produce my own receipt as proof I had already paid because apparently they didn't have it noted that I had pre-paid for the surgery and wanted me to pay again.
Finally, the more expensive laser surgery (thats supposed to leave a smaller mark) I paid for left a huge incision on my cat which makes me think the operation didn't go text book. I had to take my kitten to Blue Cross after the sutures came apart and the vet told me it was poorly done.
Based upon the other reviews here I'm not surprised that some patients have good experiences, and others have terrible ones. -
Review from Y Z.
Mississauga, ON
11/7/2011
Because I've had different kinds of animals for pets, I've been to more than a few veterinarians and specialized veterinarians through the years - so when I tell you Atlas is the best animal hospital to be, what I'm telling you is based on over 25 year's experience with vet. hospitals. Let's get a few minor points out of the way first, shall we? Yes, it is run and mostly staffed by, Indo-Canadians. I'm mentioning this because of the reviews complaining about men wearing turbans. Hello? are you aware that there ARE other cultures in this world besides yours? Yes, you will find a few cultural differences at Atlas, most staff being Indo-Canadain - and for the better, I might add: At Atlas you will find heart and sincerity.
No doctor there will charge you for what you don't really need. They are open 24/7, and trust me, this has got me through 3 late night emergencies with my pet. I felt disappointed at some of the reviews and the automatic judgements and anger. You will find all kinds of people everywhere - why expect perfection? Sure, they do have one cranky doctor, but you do have a choice as to who you want to see, unless it is late night, then there will only be one doctor working. Even the cranky one is expert and gets the job done, dear.
I have had ongoing problems my pet was suffering corrected properly and at a very fair price at Atlas, I found the doctor I most want to deal with (he was referred to me by a neighbour equally impressed) who did a miraculous job of surgery my pet needed (can you believe she purred all the way home, and ate like there was no tomorrow the very next day, even walked around in her cage!), and all the front desk receptionists
were very kind and helpful to my pet and myself.
Yes, it is fact the clinic
is simple in its decor and an older looking building. But what goes on INside
the 4 walls is the reason I am a devoted fan. I have been to clinics that are colour-coordinated, have all the staff dressed in catchy uniforms, but charged me 2 to 3 times more than Atlas, and gave me 75% less the service. -
Review from Matthew P.
Vancouver, BC
5/16/2011
This review is only based on the nail clipping i got for my pup. We have our pup on a Raw Food diet and as a result their nails grow faster. Since my last visit to Atlas I have bought my own tow nail clippers.
It was Sat morning and I wanted to get his nails clipped. I called Atlas which is only a 10 min walk from my house and figured it would be convenient. They said "come on in, no appointment required. " I have read the reviews on this place prior to going here and I almost did not go based on all the negative reviews. However, I this visit was non medical and we are already taking our pet to Granville Animal Hospital, which so far is pretty good.
When I arrived I said I want to get my dogs nails clipped. The lady behind the desk said "OK, let me take him to the back." LOL, yeah right!!! Not after what I have read about this place. I requested/demanded that I be with him. This was for a couple reason.
1: He's only 3.5 months (first nail clipping). I don't want him to be traumatized by this place
2: Previous reviews on this place
3: Would you let a Doc take your child alone into the back... Hellz No!
So the visit went well, the lobby was clean enough, I was not expecting to eat off the floors. The exam room was normal and the Doc that clipped my pups nails was friendly and patient. So, as for getting that nails clipped only I am giving Atlas Hospital 3 stars. I can not vouch for anything else besides the nail clipping which cost me $12.00 -
Review from Natasha L.
6/2/2009
Atlas offers a quick and 24 hour service, which is great. Took my dog there and he had his nail and butt done pretty quickly ( although he is auoer grumpy old man).
Moreover, Atlas opens 24 hour, with no extra charge, which is great for anyone. The price is the one of the most affordable too.
My main concern is the hygiene of the place. I'm not expecting the floor to be extra clean that I can eat something off it, but I personally think as a vet, cleanliness is extremely important. But if you are not too picky about that, I think this is a good vet to go to.Listed in: Dogs etc.
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Review from Kreag S.
Vancouver, BC
1/23/2009
I took my 2 cats here a few years back to have them fixed....and to be de-clawed...I know I know...I didn't know at the time how awful this was..it was just that they were destroying everything in my house and I had to out a stop to it...
I picked Atlas after a friend recommended them..they were in the price range I needed and she had used them for her cats as well...
My little girls were in and out in about 8 hours..a little groggy and totally pissed off at me...the staff were great..told me all about the procedures and how to care for their wounds over the next few days..they even called to follow up a few times!
I have heard some mixed reviews about this hospital but I personal had a great experience..I can't say my cats really had the best time though :) -
Review from Andrew N.
7/7/2011
I took my sister's much loved but terribly ill cat in yesterday to be euthanized. The staff were all very respectful and the process was explained beforehand and then performed humanely and with compassion.
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Review from Noa G.
Vancouver, BC
8/26/2008
When it comes to vets, this is, as far as I'm concerned, one of the best. Atlas may be a bit out of the way for some pet owners who live on the West side of the city, but it's worth the trip -- trust me.
Unlike other vet and pet clinics, Dr. Bhullar and the team at Atlas cut the BS and tell you, as best they can, what the problem is with your furry friend. Also appreciated are the lower-than-normal prices, and the fact you can drop-in without an appointment on the weekend.Listed in: Dog Day Afternoon
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Review from David S.
Vancouver, BC
9/16/2009
When dealing with the health of a beloved, always get a second opinion.
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Review from John W.
Vancouver, BC
8/9/2010
I went to Atlas for several years when my cat needed routine vaccinations and I was short on cash. I never had any problems, but was always suspicious of the mediocre sanitation, the sketchy record keeping, irregular vaccination reminders, and the revolving door of staff (vets and attendants) who passed through the clinic. I don't believe I've ever met the same vet or receptionist twice.
The stench both inside and outside the clinic is unbearable. Plus, on several occasions, the examination table had bodily fluids, supposedly when they were "sanitized" between patients.
With the recent BCVMA ruling against Dr. Bhullar, I'm taking my cat elsewhere. Atlas might be okay if you have a healthy pet who just needs a routine vaccine, but if your pet is experiencing any problems, I'd run to a more highly rated vet. -
Review from Joyce D.
Burnaby, BC
8/23/2009
I am going to be as honest as I possibly can when I tackle this review. I respect Dr Bhullar and his commitment to spaying low cost especially for the animal rescue groups. His prices are the best in the city, bar none. He is open 24 hours and does it out of care. I have went to him for years, but a few years ago experienced a terrifying change-of-heart when one of his vet assistants lost my cat. Can you imagine losing your cat after you take it to the vet. Sam was there because he was continually getting blocked ie: crystals in his urine,,,,very painful for male cats. After several attempts and many vet trips Dr Bhullar told me that he would have to get a very detailed operation in the 2000$ range. I never hesitated because i loved the cat very much and he was only a couple of years old.
I had to bring him in the night before to get him on a drip (antibiotics). Long story short, the vet assistant a young girl put food and water in his cage and didn't lock it securely. Sam, as clever as he is managed to get out and hid somewhere in the clinic. When i was called down and given the news from Dr Bhullar, I burst out into tears. I was beside myself. My boyfriend, heavy duty construction worked long hours and had to go there 3 nights in a row with a huge ladder and searched the attic and everywhere possible. I would say he spent at least 5 hours there over a 1 wk period. I want to say Dr Bhullar was very sympathetic and at the end of the week after looking every evening after work, he told me that he had fired the attendant who lost Sam. I felt bad but was very upset about the cat still. My boyfriend set a trap up after not eating for a week, low and behold we got the cat in the trap after 8 nights. Unbelievable.
Dr Bhullar told me he would do the operation for 1/2 the price so I saved 1000$ but the mental anguish was much more than that. If anyone loves their pet they can understand what I went through.
Unfortunately, the cat didn't do well with the operation and I lost Sam after only 1 more year. I love my cat and was always pleased with the service I was given at Atlas but this incident changed everything and I never did bring another animal back there.
I will end on a positive note. I know many people don't have money for vets and Dr Bhullar really goes out of his way to accomodate everyone. -
Review from Andy W.
6/9/2010
I have been bringing my dog to Atlas Animal Hospital for 2 years.
My dog is an a retired best in show dog. I have never had any problems with Atlas Hospital.
My dog even stayed over night once and we had no problems the staff where professional and very helpful.
Best you check the place out for yourself.
Yesterday we where in for a regular check up. They where very busy and everyone seemed very happy. -
Review from stephen a.
Vancouver, BC
9/9/2011
My small little shiba needed to be put to sleep after a long illness.My most recent vet.on Dunbar St.wanted more than $200.just for the medicine.even though I was taking procession of the body.I had gone to Atlas before and thought Dr.Brullar was very good but my most recent visit was with a Dr. with a turban.He seemed very uncaring and incompetent.He needed another vet.just to help him with a simple procedure.I was not impressed by him at all and would never take a pet to see him again.So with some hesitation I phoned up.The cost was a very reasonable $75 for the same procedure.But much more important than the cost was whether I would get the care and understanding my pet needed in his last moments of life.I asked the young girl at the counter if there was a vet who was kind because I had had a bad experience with that Dr. with the turban.Do not go to him. But a Dr.Patel was recommended by the young receptionist.She was 100% correct.Dr. Patel was both very caring and kindly.I have no hesitation whatsoever of recommending him and Dr. Brullar.
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Review from Suzanne D.
New Westminster, BC
4/8/2010
I have had a special place in my heart for this vet ever since he helped out a great deal when my roommate's cat got hit by a car. Bascially both back legs were broken and the bill was going to be $100. My roommate really didn't have that kind of cash but didn't want to put the cat down. They cut thier price and gave us contact information for charities that could also assist us with the bill. In the end the cat lived a long healthly life. Thank you Atlas!
