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VIDA Veterinary Care - Denver

Updated 2026-07-08 · 946 reviewed · 172 listed · Scored from 923 Google reviews · How we rank ›

4.3(923) 74 composite score See reviews on Google ✓ Verified
Exotic & Avian Veterinary CareMobile & House-Call VetEmergency & Urgent Care VetLow-Cost & Affordable Vet ClinicsGeneral & Wellness Veterinary CareFear-Free / Low-Stress HandlingVeterinary Dentistry
VIDA Veterinary Care - Denver
Services
Exotic & Avian Veterinary Care, Mobile & House-Call Vet, Emergency & Urgent Care Vet
Reviews
923

What recent reviews say

Most reviewers praise VIDA's caring staff, wide hours, and willingness to handle anxious and exotic pets; long-term loyalty is common. However, recent complaints highlight billing practices that feel deceptive (surprise urgent-care surcharges, high add-on charges like fluids and anal gland work), inconsistent vet quality, and cases of misdiagnosis or unnecessary costly procedures. The 4.3 rating masks a sharp split between five-star routine-care experiences and one/two-star encounters with billing surprise or poor clinical judgment.

Recent shift: Recent one-star reviews (past 2 days) highlight billing practices and malpractice concerns not evident in earlier five-star praise, suggesting growing customer friction around transparency and procedures.

Praised for
  • caring and patient staff
  • weekend and evening availability
  • quick diagnostics and follow-up
  • gentle with anxious or exotic pets
  • reasonable pricing on exams and services
Watch-outs
  • hidden urgent-care surcharge ($30-50 for short-notice bookings)
  • aggressive add-on charges (IV fluids, anal gland expression without consent)
  • inconsistent quality across veterinarians
  • misdiagnosis and unnecessary expensive procedures
compassionate-staffskilled-vetsgentle-with-animalsgood-with-anxious-petstransparent-pricingresponsive-emergency-carecaring-bedside-mannerclean-facilityupselling-concernsknowledgeable-stafffriendly-front-deskfollow-up-care
Best for: Pet owners who value flexible hours, exotic or small animal care, and experienced staff willing to take time with nervous pets.
Think twice if: Those on a tight budget or needing routine care: short-notice bookings incur hidden $30-50 surcharges, and add-ons (fluids, anal gland care) are frequently charged without upfront discussion.

Strengths

  • Extended hours (7am-7pm, seven days a week)
  • In-house pharmacy
  • Handles exotic pets and small animals
  • Rapid diagnostic turnaround
  • Experienced long-term staff (notably Dr. Gelatt and receptionist Susan)

Worth knowing

  • Dr. Zappos known for rapid kidney-stone diagnosis
  • Dr. Gelatt praised for personalized care and conservative treatment approach
  • Susan at front desk noted for warmth and efficiency
  • In-house pharmacy and online ordering available
  • Hidden urgent-care surcharge ($30-50 for appointments booked less than 2 days out, not disclosed before booking)
  • IV fluids commonly recommended and charged at $70
  • Anal gland expression charged at $70, sometimes performed without prior consent or discussion

What reviews say by service

General & Wellness Veterinary Care
Praised for wellness exams and follow-up calls; exams described as reasonably priced by loyal customers, but billing surprises and unnecessary procedures undercut trust.
Exotic & Avian Veterinary Care
Staff described as kind and confident with rabbits, guinea pigs, and exotic pets; small-animal owners report high satisfaction.
Emergency & Urgent Care Vet
Fast diagnostics and urgent problem-solving praised, but urgent-care surcharge ($30-50) applied without upfront disclosure.
Fear-Free / Low-Stress Handling
Reviewers with anxious pets consistently note calm, patient approach and reassuring manner; animals reportedly feel safe throughout visits.
Veterinary Dentistry
One mention of anal gland expression (related to dental/hygiene work); charged at $70 without clear upfront consent.
Mobile & House-Call Vet
Not specifically evidenced in reviews.

How it compares

  • Rated 4.3 against a 4.58 average across the 93 exotic & avian veterinary care businesses listed here.
  • Has more Google reviews than 89% of the businesses in this directory.

How we scored this

Ranking Method
Star rating 54
Review volume 100
Review recency 100
Review sentiment 50
Profile completeness 100
Verification 30

Rating breakdown

5
720
4
48
3
18
2
20
1
117

Common questions

What are the hours?
VIDA is open 7am to 7pm, seven days a week.
Will my short-notice appointment cost more?
Yes. Bookings made less than 2 days before the appointment incur a $30-50 'urgent care' surcharge on top of the exam fee; this is not disclosed during booking.
Does VIDA handle exotic pets like rabbits and guinea pigs?
Yes. Multiple reviews confirm the staff is experienced and caring with small and exotic animals.
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Last updated 2026-07-08