Altadena Pet Hospital

We have had 2 experiences with the Altadena Animal Hospital. \r \r The first visit was for our cat's yearly shots. On Saturdays, they offer a 1/2 price "clinic" for shots. At our old vet, we got to sit in the exam room with our "baby", but here, we had to listen to the yowls of our poor kitty from the waiting room. (He always does that, by the way, it was just hard that we couldn't reassure him that it was okay.) The situation was hard as a pet parent, but there was no harm done. \r \r The second visit was for an emergency. Our very curious cat stole some fried chicken off the table, and ended up with a chicken bone lodged in his mouth. It was after hours, but I called the 24 hour hotline, and spoke to the vet. He told me what to look for to assess how serious the situation was. We decided that I could wait to bring him in in the morning. However, the doctor told me what to look out for, and told me where there was a 24 hour hospital, just in case. He was very calm and reassuring. When I b more

The "doctor" we saw (who had pretty clearly given up on human companionship a long time ago) told us in the most hostile tones that our cat's urinary infection would force them to remove his whole male reproductive tract surgically. I changed his food and the problem went away. She also informed me that my beloved cat was "not a nice cat". You know what, lady? You're not a nice human. Keep your pets away from these people.\r \r Who's writing all these five star reviews? Does it strike you as strange that every five-star review worships "Dr. Sahi", but none of the bad reviews even mention him? You know, in the three times I went to this place, I was NEVER even introduced to a Dr. Sahi. It sounds like people with big emergencies get great care. People who just need some shots get the hostile lesbian nurse?\r \r Also, notice that one of the five-star reviews is written by a semi-functional idiot who thought this was a help forum. Consider your sources! more

I called a couple of weeks ago to get a quote on spaying my dog. It was very reasonable. I took off work the following week to bring my dog in and the price had more than doubled. I was then told that no one would have given me that quote, basically accusing me of lying. Do not recommend!!! more

Where can I begin. \r Los Angeles county was breathing down my back to get my cats rabies vaccine.. and they already slapped me with a late fine. So I went here. Prior to the injection I asked the girl if there were any known reactions/bad side effects to the vaccine, and she shrugged saying "no". It's been 2 months since the vaccine. The county has been paid. Then I discovered a lump on my cat's hind leg. I did research and found that many pet owners have lost their animals to "fibrosarcoma" or in other words "cancer" at the injection site. I took her back to Dr. Sahi and he timidly told me it was a tumor. I asked him why they are not educating their clients about the risks of this vaccine. And he said he cannot, as this procedure is demanded of the city. Please do the research before getting this done. The disease is called VAS (Vaccine associated sarcoma) and grows rapidly. They give the injection now in the hind legs, so the idea is if they get a tumor, the leg can be amputated. It more

I have experience with this Hospital... years worth! I have gone to the place for the past 8 or 9 years with my 2 dogs and my 2 cats... four of my best friends. I love my animals, as you can tell. And so does this place. Every experience there with every single staff member has always been extremely kind, professional, caring, compassionate, etc. I couldn't ask for more. TODAY, July 1, I had to have my 17 year old cat put to sleep. The doctor and his staff were very kind in giving my son and I lots of time to say our "good-byes". The doctor's "bedside" manner with my son, my cat, and myself.. was great. I can't complain about this place. I can only say great things. more

When we moved to Altadena, it was time to find a vet for our cat. My neighbors referred me to Altadena Animal Hospital. Dr. Sahi and his staff were very professional and nice. A year later when we got our puppy, she began her care with AAH. Two years later we rescued our 2nd dog and we put him under Dr. Sahi's care as well. Not only have our animals received normal well visits and vaccines but our female lab required a major surgery on her right knee in Sept. 2008. The surgery was performed at AHH. Dr. Sahi and his staff were very comforting after her surgery and basically held our hand through the 6 month recovery process. I am happy to say, our lab has fully recovered and was given the OK in March 2009 to resume normal activity. I can't even begin to tell you how hard it was to keep a 3 year old lab confined for 6 months with very limited activity but it was worth it. Our 2 year old lab mix is happy to have his girl back as well. We are thinking of moving again and the onl more

The staff is rude and not personable, the facility is dirty and old, there is a reason why they do not allow a tour of the facility when you are planning on boarding your pet. The staff will not go beyond just giving you basic information. After the way they treated me I would never feel comfortable leaving my pet with the staff or in the care of the Dr. If you care for your animal at all don't go to this clinic. \r \r The Dr. does not treat his staff with any respect while dealing with clients. This place really needs to work on customer service if they want to succeed through the recession. Because from the looks of the parking lot every time I drive by, it is no coincidence that it is always empty. more

I adopted my little one at a very - dangerously young age. His mother had passed and we were worried that he might not make it. Dr. Sahi checked him once, twice, and a third time in one visit because I was very worried! When I apologized for the questions, he reassured me that it was a sign of a good pet mom. I called every week until I felt that my little one was out of harm's way and his staff was friendly, honest, and extremely helpful. Every member of his staff met my little one! They are usually available and very flexible. Dr. Sahi is, in all honesty, a life saver! I wouldn't trust my baby with anyone except him! I can even make appointments with their pet portal system. It is also very cost-friendly.\r \r Pros: Great staff, dedicated, helpful, gets along with my pet, wonderful customer service.\r Cons: Haven't seen one yet. And when it comes to my little one, trust me, I'm looking! more

my cats jaw was broken from being hit by a car and i didn't have enough money for the surgery, dr sahi asked what i had and then accepted my payment and said not to worry about the rest\r god bless dr sahi more

We took our 13 week, 2LB baby in for shots. The vet gave her three at once which made her very sick. I have since done a LOT of research and these shots should have been spaced out by at least a week or more and one of them wasn't even necessary. \r \r The vet never explained how much we were giving her and never even offered the options of spreading them out or not using some. There is also a school of thought that recommends only giving 1/2 the dosage to such tiny puppies. Never heard that option, either.\r \r The WORST PART is that I called to tell the vet, left a message with the receptionist that my baby was having a bad reaction to the vaccines the vet gave her and asked to have the vet call ASAP. He NEVER called back!!!!!!!!! It has been 24 hours and still no call!!!!!!!!!!!! I will NOT be going back!!!!! more

16 yr old cat experienced very messy dog bite. Rushed her to TLC in So. Pasadena. They recommended surgery, which would cost $1,500 on top of the $1,000 already incurred. They said if I elected not to have surgery, I needed to pick up the cat by noon or be charged an addtl $850!\r Vanderhoof, my vet of 10 yrs, would not take her. Said they were understaffed. Desperate search - found Dr. Sahi and he told me to come in the SAME HOUR that I called.\r His evaluation was sensitive, pragmatic, confident, candid, and caring. He thought the cat would be fine w/out expensive interventions. He recommended strong antibiotics and offered to flush the wound every day for free (which we did for more than 2 weeks)! The cat is good as new! \r The entire staff was involved in my cat's recuperation and they were all friendly, competent, and caring. Really a top-notch group overall. In fact, I'm taking all of my animals out of Vanderhoof's care and moving to Dr. Sahi for good. more

I don't even know where to begin. Dr. Sahi is the best, very compassionate and professional.He saved my pet's life!! The staff is wonderfull! They have top of the line equipment so you wont have to go anywhere else for other treatments. I highly recommend Dr. Sahi as a family vet. This community is lucky to have him!! PROS: Great Doctor and staff. Full service hospital!! CONS: more

Beware, when you phone after hours - Dr. Sahi answers from home. Your pet can often be seen same or next day for non-emergencies. The female vet gave really good diet advice for our overweight house cats that's actually helped one to drop a pound (high protein content of 40% or more rather than calorie content)! Gentle spay and neuter for my cats at a good price with pain killers. I've seen them for 3 years. Saturdays are half price shots. Definately go on a Saturday for their immunizations clinics and save money. PROS: affordable, concern for animals CONS: more

This is a good vet. Dr. Sahi is a man who genuinely cares about the small animals he treats; you can see it just in the way he handles them and they respond to him. He took the time to answer all my questions about the illness my kitten had, and to show me how to coax her to eat standing up (she was too congested and couldn't eat with her head down). He does a lot of animal-charity related work also. The place is clean, friendly, easy to find, and good parking. I highly recommend. PROS: Caring Vet and staff CONS: more