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Why why why is Vet care so insanely expensive now????
VCC (VCA, I assume) is basically the ER of vet clinics, you're paying for the building and the corporate overhead. For routine stuff like anal glands, you want a smaller independent practice. Try Dr. Mel at Highland Pet Hospital on Franklin, she's old school and won't upsell you on food or gabapentin. The fecal test price is actually pretty standard now across the city, labs raised their rates during covid and they never came back down. If you're in the valley, Dr. Kim at Van Nuys Animal Hospital is also solo and reasonable, cash only but half the price of VCA for the same exam.
yeah VCA is a total racket, they quoted me $600 for a simple ear infection once. for anal glands honestly most small clinics will do it for like $50-60 without any exam fee if you just call ahead and ask. I take my dog to Dr. Reyes at Echo Park Animal Clinic on Sunset, he's been there forever and still charges $45 for a fecal. also worth checking if there's a spca or a shelter-run low cost clinic near you, the one in Silver Lake does walk-in wellness stuff for like half price. the 700 tab is insane, sorry you got hit with that
The boot scooting could be worms too, not just glands. Shelter dewormers don't always get every type, and if she was stressed from the move that can make things pop up. A basic fecal float at a place like Lincoln Heights Animal Hospital on N Broadway runs about 35 bucks and they'll look at it under the scope while you wait. For the gland expressing itself, try calling around to groomers, some of them will do it for 15 or 20 bucks without a vet visit. I've been taking my dogs to Dr. Chen at Chinatown Pet Clinic on Hill Street for years, he's a one man shop and still charges 55 for an office visit. The corporate places are all pushing those prescription diets and supplements because they get kickbacks from the brands. Your old vet was likely charging cost plus a small markup, these new places have revenue targets for each room.
Things to Do in Los Angeles (2026)
Start with the Hollywood Walk of Fame along Hollywood Boulevard, where over 2,700 stars honor celebrities. For a classic photo, hike up to the Griffith Observatory for sweeping vi… 🌴 Iconic Sights
Start with the Hollywood Walk of Fame along Hollywood Boulevard, where over 2,700 stars honor celebrities. For a classic photo, hike up to the Griffith Observatory for sweeping views of the city and the Hollywood Sign. Arrive early to avoid crowds, especially on weekends.
🎨 Museums and Culture
The Getty Center in Brentwood offers free admission (parking $20) and stunning gardens with art from the Middle Ages to modern times. For contemporary art, head to The Broad in downtown LA, which has free timed-entry tickets for Yayoi Kusama's Infinity Mirror Rooms. Book online weeks ahead.
🏖️ Beach Day Essentials
Santa Monica Pier is a lively spot with an amusement park and aquarium, but for a quieter vibe, try Manhattan Beach with its wide sandy shores and local shops. Both have bike paths connecting to Venice Beach, where you can watch skateboarders at the famous Venice Skate Park.
🍽️ Foodie Hotspots
Grand Central Market in downtown LA has been a food hall since 1917, offering everything from tacos at Tacos Tumbras a Tomas to egg sandwiches at Eggslut. For Korean BBQ, head to Koreatown's Park's BBQ, where the beef short ribs are a must-try. Expect lines on weekends.
🚶 Hidden Neighborhoods
Explore the Arts District for street art and industrial-chic galleries, then grab coffee at Blue Bottle. Echo Park is great for a stroll around the lake and vintage shopping on Sunset Boulevard. Both neighborhoods are walkable and less touristy than Hollywood.
🚌 Getting Around
LA's Metro system has expanded with the K Line connecting Crenshaw to the Westside, but a car is still the most convenient option. Rideshares are widely available, but traffic on the 405 and 101 can be heavy from 7-10 AM and 4-7 PM. Consider renting a bike for beach areas.
🌆 Best Evening Spots
Catch sunset at the rooftop bar of the Ace Hotel in downtown LA, which offers craft cocktails and views of the city skyline. For live music, the Hollywood Bowl hosts concerts from May to October, with affordable bench seats starting around $20. Pack a picnic for a classic LA experience.
💡 Local Tips
Many museums offer free admission on certain days, like the Natural History Museum on the first Tuesday of the month. Parking can be expensive, so use apps like SpotHero to reserve spots ahead. Always carry a reusable water bottle, as tap water is safe and refill stations are common.
Seconding the Academy Museum free day tip, that's a solid addition. One thing the guide doesn't mention is that the Griffith Observatory can get completely overrun on summer weekends, to the point where they close the road to cars. If you're not up for the hike from the bottom, take the DASH Observatory bus from the Vermont/Sunset Metro station, it's 50 cents and drops you right at the door. Also, for a quick beach lunch that's not a tourist trap, the fish tacos at Fishing with Dynamite in Manhattan Beach are worth the short walk from the pier.
one thing the guide doesnt mention is that the getty center has a free shuttle from the parking structure up to the museum, so you dont have to hike the hill unless you want to. also if you go on a weekday morning the gardens are basically empty and the light is perfect for photos. for a quick bite after, the cafeteria is overpriced but the hot dog stand outside the tram stop has decent cheap snacks
honestly the guide is pretty solid but i think theyre sleeping on the food scene in the san gabriel valley. if you have a car and an afternoon, drive out to monterey park for some of the best chinese food in the country. the soup dumplings at din tai fung are famous for a reason but the real hidden gem is the xiao long bao at mei long village just down the street. way less of a wait and just as good. also for a chill evening that's not downtown, the rooftop at the standard on sunset has a great vibe and you can see