Story published March 10, 2026
Shocking, sad, and frankly egregious news from our investigative team.
Vetcor says on its website that one of its values is “Do the Right Thing” and that employees should act with integrity and speak up if something doesn’t seem right.
Vetcor’s marketing stunt appears to be the exact opposite, with their own marketing team writing 5-star reviews for the company, including asking friends and family to post them, which is why we are speaking up.
Marketing professionals are supposed to understand ethics, transparency, and platform rules. Yet instead of helping address a serious animal welfare issue, members of Vetcor’s marketing team appear to be posting 5-star Google reviews and encouraging friends and family to do the same to inflate the company’s rating. Most likely, the same team posting these reviews is also replying to them, creating the appearance of genuine public praise.
Vetcor’s own words reveal troubling contradictions.
For six years, City the Kitty and supporters have asked Vetcor, the 3rd biggest veterinary group company, one simple question: if your mission is to “enhance the health and well-being of pets” and your values are to “do the right thing” and “provide compassionate care,” why do you allow declawing?
Vetcor has never responded.
Vetcor says “Life is better here,” on their website, but life is anything but better for cats being declawed in their clinics.
One kitten even died after a declaw procedure late last year in one of their clinics.
In 2023, Vetcor issued a press release titled “Vetcor Unveils Dynamic New Look and Branding, Reinforcing Commitment to Pet Health and Community.” It stated that Vetcor’s refreshed identity “captures the heart of their commitment and reiterates their core values: do the right thing, …”
In that same release, Vetcor’s Chief Marketing Officer Heather Bern said, “As we launch this new chapter, we look forward to continuing our legacy of excellence, creating a better life for our team members, their patients, and their clients for years to come.” Declawing never creates a better life for cats and in fact, does the opposite.
Vetcor published a 2023 blog post titled “Compassionate Care Every Day.” While that may be true in many of their clinics, those that continue to declaw cats are performing an inhumane procedure that is the opposite of compassionate care.
In December 2025, Vetcor replied to a BBB complaint about a pharmacy issue, saying they are “firmly committed to ethical practices and patient safety” and uphold “the highest standards of professional conduct in veterinary care.”
(2025 story about Vetcor and declawing.)
In a March 3, 2026 post on Vetcor’s Instagram page, they say, “Every animal deserves a chance to thrive…” Declawing does not allow a cat to thrive and countless studies show it causes chronic long-term pain, arthritis, nerve damage, worse mobility and other negative issues to their health and well being. Here’s the latest study from 2025.
Taken together, Vetcor’s own words expose a stark hypocrisy. While the company speaks about ethics, patient safety, compassionate care, and “doing the right thing,” it continues to allow declawing, a painful, non-therapeutic amputation widely considered inhumane and below the standard of care in veterinary medicine.
As long as cats are still being declawed in Vetcor clinics, those promises directly betray their mission to “enhance the health and well-being of pets.”
Vetcor’s Marketing Team’s Stunt
Just last week, City the Kitty supporters began leaving polite reviews on Vetcor’s Google page asking them, “Why do you allow declawing when your mission is to enhance the health and well-being of pets”, hoping to inspire the company to do the right thing and ban it.
Rather than addressing the concern, Vetcor’s rating was boosted by a sudden surge of twelve 5-star reviews on March 9, 2026, first around 5:30 p.m. EST and again on March 10, 2026 around 1 p.m., raising their score from 1.9 to 2.4.
Here are some of Vetcor’s new reviews on their Google review page:
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Vetcor’s Senior Marketing & Event Specialist: Praises Vetcor as a company where “the people here genuinely care… about the pets we serve.”
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Friends of Vetcor’s Senior Marketing Specialist are posting 5 star reviews.
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Vetcor’s Marketing Manager: Highlights the company “obviously cares about pets.”
- This review was deleted on March 12, 2026.
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Family members of Vetcor’s Marketing Director (Most likely husband and father) posted three separate no-text 5-star reviews.
- Both of the Matt reviews were deleted on March 12, 2026.
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According to Google’s policies, this type of activity can violate their conflict-of-interest and fake engagement rules, which prohibit employees, affiliates, friends, or family from posting reviews intended to manipulate ratings.
There can also be serious risks for companies that engage in this behavior:
• Conflict of interest: Employees reviewing their own company is prohibited.
• Fake engagement: Reviews must reflect genuine customer experiences, not coordinated reputation management.
• Legal concerns: The Federal Trade Commission considers undisclosed employee reviews a form of deceptive advertising, which can lead to enforcement actions and fines.
So the obvious question is:
Why did Vetcor’s marketing staff think inflating their Google rating was a better response than addressing the declawing issue itself?
For six years, Vetcor has never answered the simple question about declawing. When supporters began asking it publicly on Vetcor’s Google review page last week, the company’s rating started to drop, then suddenly the wave of 5-star reviews appeared.
Why try to manipulate ratings rather than confront the reality that cats are still being mutilated by declawing in many Vetcor clinics?
Declawing was banned in Massachusetts in January 2025 because of how inhumane and cruel it is. Since Vetcor’s headquarters are in that state, they have a responsibility to honor their mission to “enhance the health and well-being of pets,” act with integrity, and “do the right thing.” Following the lead of all the other ethical veterinary groups that have already banned declawing, Vetcor should stop this cruel practice in all their clinics.
The nation’s two largest veterinary groups, Mars, Incorporated (owner of Banfield Pet Hospital and VCA Animal Hospitals) and National Veterinary Associates, have already banned declawing, Vetcor, the third-largest veterinary group in the U.S., still allows it.
Many Vetcor clinics have stopped declawing, but others still perform the procedure, forcing veterinary staff to witness or participate in a brutal amputation they know is wrong, causing severe moral stress and injury to these veterinary professionals. As you can see below, many Vetcor clinics are performing this barbaric animal cruelty on cats.
Tragically, a kitten recently died after a declaw procedure at a Vetcor clinic, leaving staff devastated over a death that may have been prevented if the company had banned the practice.
This is not a game!
Vetcor’s apparent review-manipulation stunt raises a serious question: if a company’s marketing team is willing to manipulate public reviews instead of addressing animal suffering, can the public truly trust the leadership at VetCor, or trust their pets with this company?
If these marketing leaders truly care about Vetcor, they should use their influence to push leadership to ban declawing, protect cats and support veterinary staff, just as other major veterinary groups have already done.
Vetcor allows individual clinics to decide whether to perform declawing, even though major competitors like VCA Animal Hospitals, Banfield Pet Hospital, and National Veterinary Associates have banned it. Many Vetcor job postings also advertise production bonuses tied to the revenue veterinarians generate from procedures and services.
Is Vetcor not banning declawing because of the financial incentives tied to declawing for both veterinarians and the corporation?
CALL TO ACTION
Please ask Vetcor on their Google page: “Why does Vetcor allow declawing when its mission is to ‘enhance the health and well-being of pets’? Do cats not count?”
Vetcor’s Google review page: https://bit.ly/VetcorGoogleReviews
If Vetcor bans declawing, supporters can update their reviews with praise.
Please email their CEO, Chris Strong: CStrong@vetcor.com and Chief Veterinary Officer Michelle Shoemaker: MShoemaker@vetcor.com and ask them the same question.
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Here’s a small glimpse of how declawing is addressed in some Vetcor clinics. As this sample shows, the procedure is still being performed, generating steady revenue while a cat’s much needed toe bones and claws are barbarically amputated.
Our researchers made a short phone call and asked how much they charge for a declaw, if they do them regularly, and if declawing is ok long term for a cat.
We have withheld the names of employees for fear that they might suffer a backlash for their honest answers.
2026
Meadowlands Veterinary Hospital. Washington, PA
The employee said that a neuter/declaw is $420-$500 and Dr Laurel Marshall does their declaws. Dr Marshall, their declawing vet’s bio says, “Dr. Marshall’s medical interests include dermatology and feline medicine.” The feline medicine link goes to a page that says, “Help your cat live a longer, happier life.”
Researcher asked if Dr Marshall does declaws regularly and the employee said yes.
Researcher asked if a declaw is ok for a cat long term and the employee said, “Yes, they do stay overnight with us here.”
Researcher asked how she declaws the cat and the employee said, “She just takes the bone right off” and said she uses something that’s kind of like a nail cutter. Researcher asked if it’s a nail clipper and the employee said yes. (This method is the guillotine nail clipper which is the old school and most mutilating method because bone fragments are often left behind.)
Troy Animal Hospital, Troy, OH
2026: Researcher asked for the cost of a neuter/declaw. The employee asked if you wanted two or four feet. They said a two paw declaw is $398.75 and a four paw is $434. A neuter is $225. The employee said they use a laser and it cauterizes as it cuts, they do around one declaw a week, and said people get the declaw done when the cat is 6 months old with the neuter, so they can go under anesthesia once.
2022: Researcher asked for the cost of a declaw. The employee asked, “Do you want a four foot or front foot?” They said that Dr Sarah Knight does their declaws, uses a laser, and does them regularly. A 2 paw declaw is $307.30 and a 4 paw declaw is $360. Researcher asked if a declaw is ok for a cat long term and the employee said, “Oh yea.”
Delphos Animal Hospital, OH
2026: Researcher asked for the cost of a neuter/declaw. The employee said that the cat has to be seen first and they do not declaw unless they get a letter from a medical doctor for the owner.
2022: Employee asked, “Just two paws?” $260 for a 2 paw declaw/neuter and $300 for a 4 paw declaw/neuter. Researcher asked if their vets do declaws regularly and the employee said, “We do enough.” They said that they have 3 vets who do the declaws.
Doubs Veterinary Hospital, OH.
(They have the Fear Free logo on their website. Fear Free does not allow declawing in their practices.)
2026: The employee said that a neuter package, with a front feet declaw is $579. Researcher asked if declawing is ok long term for a cat and they said as far as they know and they haven’t had anyone call back and say something. Employee was asked if they do declaws regularly and they said, “We do see quite a few of them.”
2022: A spay/declaw is $387. The employee said that all 5 of their vets do declaws. Researcher asked if declawing is ok long term for a cat and they said yes. Employee was asked if they do declaws regularly and they said, “Oh absolutely.”
Town and Country Veterinary Clinic, Eaton, OH
2026. Researcher asked for the cost of a neuter/declaw. The employee said the cat has to have an exam first and they can do both procedures at the same time.
2022. A spay/declaw is $193. Researcher asked if a declaw is ok long term for a cat and they emphatically said yes. They said that a lot of people get their cats front declawed to save their furniture and keep them from clawing stuff. They said to just not let them out.
They can do a declaw over 2 years old but need more blood work for the cat.
Barry Road Animal Hospital, Kansas City, MO.
2026 The employee said they do not perform declaws. Researcher asked why and the employee said that doctors are finding that it’s inhumane and can cause arthritis and issues with their feet.
2022 A neuter/declaw is $393.25. They said that Dr Johanson and Dr Montrose do the declaws. When asked if they do them regularly, the employee said yes and said, “In fact, 5 minutes ago we released a patient that had a declaw.” Researcher asked if a declaw is ok for a cat long term and the employee said that kittens do really well and heal easier but it’s more of an adjustment for an older cat. They said that a front declaw is best because those are the paws they use for kneading and shredding things.
Cavanaugh Pet Hospital, Blue Springs, MO.
2026: The researcher asked for the cost of a neuter/declaw and the employee said a neuter/2 paw declaw is $450 and a neuter/4 paw declaw is $500. Researcher asked if declawing is ok long term for a cat and they said yes. Employee was asked if they do declaws regularly and the employee said yes. They said that they only have one surgeon that will do the declaw, Dr Stukey. (They have 6 vets listed on their website. https://cavanaughpet.com/veterinarians )
2022: Employee said that a spay/declaw is $272.50 and Dr Cavanaugh and two other vets do a great job with the declaw procedures. They said they do at least 5 or more declaws a week. Employee was asked if a declaw is ok for a cat long term and they said yes, they do just fine.
Ames Pet Hospital, Ames, IA.
2026: The employee said that they do not perform declaws. Researcher asked why and the employee said that it is not in the best interest or health of the cat and in the last decade or two there’s been more research coming out and since it removes the whole first knuckle, it causes long term pain and discomfort because it changes how their feet connect with the ground when they walk, higher rates of arthritis, it can increase aggression and biting and said that’s why a lot of clinics don’t declaw cats anymore. They said they recommend nail trims and nail caps for any scratching issues.
2022: Researcher asked for the cost of a spay declaw and the employee asked, “just a front declaw?” They said that a spay/declaw is $389.50. A 4 paw laser declaw is $350- $400. Employee was asked if a declaw is ok for a cat long term and they said there can be side effects but that they don’t follow up on the cats later in their lives.
East Holmes Veterinary clinic, Berlin, OH.
2026: The researcher asked for the cost of a neuter/declaw and the employee who has worked there for 16 years asked, “Are you talking front paw declaw or back?”
The employee said a 2 paw declaw is $432.50 and a 4 paw declaw is $527.50. They said that there’s a little bit of a discount if you do the neuter/declaw at the same time. The employee said that they have two vets who can perform the declaws, Dr Eric Shaver who started their practice (in 1986) and Dr Kelsey Dalton. (They have 6 vets listed on their website. https://eastholmesvet.com/berlin-veterinarians )
The employee said they use the Guillotine method to cut them off. (This is the very old school and more mutilating method.) Researcher asked if those cats seem to be ok after the declaw and the employee said yes, and said, “I’ve done mine, every cat I’ve had, I’ve had 4 paw declawed.” Researcher asked again if they are ok long term after their declaws and they said yes, and said, “the one I have now, my Ragdoll, she’s four, I had it done.”
Employee was asked if they do declaws regularly and the employee said yes.
They said they keep them for two days and give them pain meds. Researcher asked how they perform the declaws and they said they go in and remove the nail, “just like what they do if you have an ingrown nail” and said that’s what they do with the cat. The employee said, “They open up the foot, take out the toenail then sew it shut.” They said the cat is going to be sore but that’s why they give them pain meds.
2022: Employee said that a two paw declaw is $170.50 and a four paw is $231.75. They said that Dr Wise and Dr Shaver do the declaws and they use the guillotine method. They will even declaw a 5 year old cat. Employee was asked if a declaw is ok for a cat long term and they said, “Oh yea” and said that that they had their cat declawed and they are fine.
Ridgeville Animal Hospital, OH
2026 The employee said they do not declaw cats and said none of their doctors don’t do them. Researcher asked if it’s bad for a cat and the employee said, “Not that I know of, mine are, I guess it’s just doctor preference.”
They recommended Animal Clinic Northview for a declaw and provided their phone number.
Animal Clinic Northview (NOT A VETCOR CLINIC) AAHA Accredited Animal hospital since 1978. North Ridgeville, OH
The employee said they only do the front declaws and a neuter/declaw is around $1800. The employee said they use a laser for the declaw and said Dr Miller is their main doctor who does their declaws. They said Dr Randy very rarely does them and said, “Dr Miller is the one who we typically advertise them with.”
(They have 33 veterinarians listed on their website. https://northviewvet.com/our-story/ )
They said you need a consult exam first and she needs to check the cat out and go over the surgery.
Researcher asked if the cats are ok long term after a declaw and the employee laughed and said, “Yes definitely, Dr Miller is an excellent doctor” and said they haven’t heard any issues with her declaws.
Researcher asked if they perform declaws regularly and the employee said yes.
West Lake Animal Hospital
January 2026
Researcher asked for the cost of a neuter/declaw. The employee said a 2 paw declaw is around $800 and the neuter is around $282.
Researcher asked for the cost of an all four paw declaw and the employee had to ask another veterinary team member and came back on the phone and said the only time they’ve done an all four paw declaws is for a client who was a seamstress and the cat’s claws caught on all the clothes but usually they only do the two paw declaw unless “it’s a really good reason on why you need all four taken off.”
The employee said they have two vets who perform their declaws with a blade. They said that they put tape on them, keep the cat overnight to monitor them, and take the wraps off in the morning to see how everything is healing up. They said that if you were to go ahead with the neuter/declaw or just the declaw, it has to be scheduled on a Tuesday.
They said to be transparent they do not have anyone stay overnight and the cat stays by himself but the manager is the one to get there in the morning around 6 am to check on the cat.
Researcher asked if the cats are ok long term after a declaw and the employee said emphatically, yes. Researcher asked again if the cats are ok long term and the employee said yes.
Researcher asked if they perform declaws regularly and the employee said they do around one a month or every other month.
Researcher asked if you need an exam first before the procedures and the employee said you can just make an appointment for the surgeries as long as you pay a $100 deposit and then can drop the cat. They said that they would book it for a Tuesday and get the card info for the $100 deposit. They said they offer pre-anesthetic surgical meds to give to the cat before the procedure, two calming and one anti-nausea med and said that helps them get over the procedure a little bit faster. They said you can pick up those meds whenever you can before the surgery and give them to the cat a couple hours before the procedure.
Not once did the employee mention using the humane alternatives first or that you needed an exam to talk about the declaw.
Jan. 14, 2026 Google review by a cat owner
I just moved to the area and I was excited to make this my new vet clinic for my 6 cats, but then I found out they declaw cats. Declawing is the amputation of the last bone of the toe, (not just removal of a claw) and is extremely painful. It often results in litter box avoidance/other behavior issues or lifelong pain (don’t believe me, check shelter statistics on how many declawed cats are surrendered for inappropriate urination or biting). It has been banned in many states/countries and some veterinarians refuse to perform them. It literally made my stomach turn to find out West Lake Animal Hospital does this. I hope this vet gets with the times and stops harming cats for profit. I’ll be taking my business to a cat friendly clinic. Declawing is animal cruelty!
West Lake Animal Hospital’s response. Jan. 15, 2026
Thank you for sharing your concerns. We recognize that declawing is a sensitive and emotional topic, and we respect that many pet owners feel strongly about it.
At West Lake Animal Hospital, declawing is not a routine or recommended procedure. We prioritize education, environmental modification, scratching alternatives, and behavior support as first-line options.
On rare occasions, after thorough discussion and when all other options have been exhausted, declawing may be considered. These situations are typically centered on keeping a cat safely and permanently in its home, particularly when the alternative may be relinquishment or euthanasia. When performed, the procedure is done using current surgical standards and comprehensive pain-management protocols, with the cat’s comfort and recovery as our top priority.
We understand that not every medical option aligns with every pet owner’s beliefs, and we respect your decision to choose a clinic that best fits your values. Our mission remains focused on the long-term welfare of our patients and supporting the human–animal bond whenever possible.
Kitten owner Google review. November 2025
We had called Westlake animal hospital about getting our 6 month old Siamese kittens front claws out. We were told $350. Perfect we said gave them a $100 deposit and scheduled the surgery. When my husband got there the day of the surgery they told him $850 to around a $1000. There prices had gone up that much in a week! The deposit was supposed to hold the $350 price we were quoted. My husband told them we were quoted $350 and we had given a deposit . They said then leave if you don’t want to pay the $850. He decided to pay the $850 because they had given us 3 medications we were supposed to give our kitten that morning which we did. That seemed liked a lot of medication for a 6 month old 7 lb. kitten but we trusted them. Well we got a phone call a few hours later telling us he had died while in the recovery room. We were shocked! when we went to pick up his body the doctor didn’t even come out and talk too us. The receptionist brought us his carrier with his body in and said don’t worry about paying .We have had this same surgery done on two other kittens and absolutely no problems! Really no explanation other than on the phone when they called and said our kitten had died and that it could maybe have been a reaction from the anthesia.
Westlake Animal Hospital Response-
We are deeply sorry for the loss of your kitten. Losing a pet so suddenly is heartbreaking, and our team truly shares in your grief.
We want to clarify a few details. The original $350 estimate you received was given in error by one of our new receptionists, and we take full responsibility for that mistake. The morning of surgery, we explained the corrected estimate and offered to refund your deposit if you chose not to proceed. We understood that the miscommunication was on our part and sincerely apologize for the confusion.
After surgery, the doctor personally called to explain what had happened and that your kitten experienced a rare, unpredictable reaction during recovery. When your husband came to pick him up, the technician who had cared for him all day met him and grieved alongside him. We told your family there would be no charge—not because a mistake occurred, but because we deeply felt for your loss.
Our entire team is truly heartbroken and extends our deepest condolences.
Google review from 8 months ago (May 2025)
Offering cat declawing is completely unacceptable this is disgusting and I am appalled, do better
West Lake Animal Hospital reply.
Angel, we appreciate you sharing your concerns with us. Your feedback is valuable as we are determined to make continuous improvements. Rest assured, we are committed to considering your comments thoughtfully. Thank you for raising this with us.
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VetCor location’s Google page that you believe are from employees or family members, you must flag them for violating Conflict of Interest or Fake Engagement policies.
- Find the VetCor Profile: Search for the specific VetCor clinic location on Google Maps or Google Search.
- Locate the Review: Scroll to the “Reviews” section and find the specific post you want to report.
- Flag for Removal:
- Click the three vertical dots (⋮) or “More” next to the review.
- Select “Report review”.
- Select the Violation: Choose the most relevant reason provided by Google:
- Conflict of Interest: Use this if you have evidence the reviewer is an employee or has a financial relationship with the clinic.
- Spam / Fake Content: Use this if the review is part of a coordinated effort or doesn’t reflect a real customer experience.
- Submit: Follow the prompts to finish the report.