Valley Animal Hospital

I took my 2 year old puppy here when we first got her so she could get all of her shots. My sister was the one who took her so I wasn't there to judge, but I did pick her up one day after she got fixed and that place is ridiculous. They didn't even put the leash around my dog properly, so when we went outside to walk to the car her leash came undone and she ran towards the street and almost got hit by a car. I dropped everything from my hand and ran after her. Not only did I have a heart attack, The service was HORRIBLE. The front desk is unneccesary. They were on the phone the whole time talking to their boyfriends, and didn't even feel like answering any of my questions. They just told me how much everything was and basically wanted me to get the f*ck out. I called today to find out how many shots my dog had, and which ones they were because the pet hotel needs to verify all of her vaccinations. She sighed, looked it up, and had an attitude when I asked her a few more questions. Her name is Vanessa, and she needs to be fired. How is someone going to feel comfortable taking their animals there knowing they don't even give a sh*t about you or your animal, they just want the money. The place wasn't clean at all, and everything was unorganized. All the employees look like their hating life and they need to get the f*ck out of there asap. I regret spending a penny at this place. Cons: Front desk is rude/unprofessional more

First, this place is an mess, hygienically challenged, a bit deceptive. and Dr. Haubert, the owner, has been disciplined and penalized by the State for some serious problems there. I took my dog there for Cushings Disease tests. They're touted as a ""low-cost vet"". I was told the tests would cost $100, which was great since my regular vet quoted $200. Now, for these tests they need the dog almost all day. So I dropped off at 8 AM. I was told to pick my pup up at 3. Got there and they said he wouldn't be ready until 6. Back at 6 and waited an HOUR before they released him, at closing time. Then, it took almost two weeks before a doctor would return my calls for test results. Finally got a call with results: my dog did indeed have Cushings. But then the doctor said that they needed to do another test - for $100 - to determine the cause of the disease, whether it's a tumor in the brain or on the adrenal gland. What? Why wasn't I told up front that I would need TWO tests, at $200 (same price my regular vet quoted)?!? OK. So I took him in again at 8AM for the 2nd test (which also requires that he be there all day). NEXT thing, I get a call at 1 PM, and they're asking me why my dog is there!!! They had completely forgot about him! And it was now too late to do the tests. So I had to being him back another day, which I did. When I picked him up after the third visit, they had misplaced a blanket I left, and kept me waiting forever while they looked for it. Finally I told them to let me go back and ID the blanket. When I went back to where they keep the dogs, I was fairly stunned. The inner bowels of this place look like inner bowels. Third world all the way...THEN i find out he now needs an ultrasound test to determine location, number and size of tumors, and that will cost $425. So, why the hell wasn't I quoted the $625 it takes in tests to reach treatment options?!? The other tests by themselves are virtually MEANINGLESS, and the initial $100 was thoroughly deceptive. Pros: Outweighed by Cons Cons: Too many for this space. more

It seams to me the only reason why people post reviews on this site about VAH is because they have had a bad experience. I believe when people are upset sometimes they can be a little dramatic. If you have never been there before i recommend to make an appointment and find out for yourself, Their prices are reasonable and the loving technicians try there hardest to make sure the pets are taken care of correctly. Dr. David is AWESOME!! Dr. Lucero is very organized and consistent, and Dr. Haubert really knows his Veterinary Medicine!!! The receptionist are always running from the front desk to the back and trying to help as many people as possible. They are always willing to help, I know its a long wait and sometimes when the staff is rushed it feels like they might not care, behind closed doors they are extremely caring of your pets!!! Go with your Experiences Not Others Opinions!!! Pros: Loving Staff and Doctors/ Great prices!!! Cons: long waits/ very crowded waiting room!! more

IF I COULD GIVE THIS PLACE 0 STARS I WOULD !!! THE FIRST TIME I EVER WENT TO THIS PLACE MY DOG ENDED UP DYING IN THEIR CARE. DR HAUBERT ALSO TOOK CARE OF MY DOG ON 10/31/2006 LIKE THE PERSON IN THE REVIEW BEFORE ME, I SHARE THEIR PAIN. THEY ARE IRRESPONSIBLE PEOPLE. MY DOG WAS DYING IN FRONT OF ME AND ALL THE RECEPTIONIST DID WAS TALK ON THE PHONE. I HAD TO START YELLING AND ARGUING WITH THEM FOR THEM TO FINALLY DO SOMETHING. THE PLACE IS EXPENSIVE I SPENT $600 THE FIRST HALF HOUR THERE. IN TOTAL I SPENT MORE THAN $2000.00 FOR THEM HOLDING MY DOG FOR ONE DAY AND FOR THEM TO END UP KILLING MY DOG. NOT ONLY IS THE PLACE EXPENSIVE BUT THE LEAST I EXPECT IS FOR THE SERVICE TO BE DECENT BUT IT IS THE WORST EVER !!! I WAS GRIEVING MY DOGS DEATH AND THEY STILL HAVE THE NERVE TO TRY TO KICK ME OUT AFTER 10 MIN OF GOODBYES. HOW IS IT THAT MAN STILL HAS A JOB ? HOW IS IT THAT THIS PLACE IS STILL RUNNING ? DO NOT TAKE YOUR CHANCES WITH THIS PLACE !!!! Pros: NONE AT ALL Cons: EVERYTHING ABOUT THIS PLACE more

I was horrified to learn that I had taken my dog to a doctor who was suspended by the Calif. Veterinary Medical Board. If you love your pet, do not take him/her there. I?ve never been to this hospital before but due to an emergency, I took my dog to Dr. Haubert on November 2, 2006. The vet required a $300 deposit before he would see my dog, in spite of it being an emergency! I was completely taken aback by this ridiculous policy but I paid the deposit. Dr. Haubert wanted to run a series of tests but because I did not know this vet, I asked Dr. Haubert to consult with my dog's vet over the phone first. When it was decided that it was best to put my dog to sleep, I requested that my dog be sedated before he was euthanized. I don't know what kind of sedatives this doctor used but none of them worked, after three attempts! (I felt my dog?s heart racing after each sedative!) I asked the doctor why the sedatives weren't working...I literally hovered over my dog refusing to let these people euthanize my dog until he was sedated and asleep. Dr. Haubert then instructed the technician to anesthetize my dog. The tech brought a machine into the room and placed a mask over my dog's face until he fell asleep. (The tech -- not Dr. Haubert -- administered each of the sedatives, anesthetized my dog, as well as euthanized my dog.) After my dog passed, the hospital staff told me it was time for them to close and that Dr. Haubert had to leave and allowed me only a few minutes to say good-bye to my dog. The next morning, I went to the hospital to pick my dog up and was directed to the side of the building. I noticed a very foul smell while I was standing outside waiting for my dog. I asked about the smell, but the guy who delivered my dog to me -- in a garbage bag -- did not respond. I could only guess it was the smell of decomposing animals. This hospital should not be in business, period! Cons: Uncaring; Foul smell; Deposit required before seeing your pet, even if in emergency! more

The staff is very unhelpful and not at all friendly. They act as if every question is a chore to answer, and are even worse to deal with over the phone. I only went their once, and that was more than enough for me. Waited nearly an hour to be seen for an appointment I had. Saw a very large insect run along the wall while waiting, and considered leaving. Unfortunately, I decided to wait and was thoroughly unimpressed. The doctor prescribed a weaker medicine than would be used for the ringworm my cat had (which the doctor confirmed upon seeing the ringworm I had unfortunately caught from the cat). He said he would give me the other medication after the test came back. Needless to say, I wasn't shocked when the test came back positive and the doctor wanted me to purchase another medication. Would not recommend you ever take your pet there as there are so many other options nearby. Pros: Doctor ok, central location Cons: office staff, facility cleanliness more

I used this vet for several years, I don't even know why, maybe because one of the vets there, Dr David, is very pleasant to deal with and the only one who actually cares.\r - The front staff are rude, disinterested, lazy, uncommunicative and not really interested in animals. When you call for lab results or to speak with a doctor, it may take days until anyone gets back to you, because the front staff won't pass the calls on to the vets or technicians. I asked them to make copies of my pets' records because I wanted to switch vets and 6 weeks later, still no records, despite frequent requests. I finally went to a new vet, their front staff tried to get my dog's records faxed over and met with resistance from Valley Animal Hospital front staff.\r - The technicians seem nice and caring, but unfortunately you have to deal with the front staff.\r - Of the 3 vets, I prefer Dr. David, the female doctor (Meyerhoff) is harsh, unfriendly and quick to misdiagnose, Dr Haubert the hospital director did a good job with my dog's surgery, but is hardly ever there and impossible to get a hold of. \r - It costs more to have an appointment, yet the average wait time (with appointment) is 40 minutes. When you come in and fill out the sign in sheet, the front staff will ignore it for 15-20 minutes before they look at it.\r \r Unfortunately the hospital director and the manager do very little to train their front staff. The front staff needs to be replaced or properly trained in customer service. Pros: Dr David Cons: Rude front staff, crawling insects in exam rooms, general disorganization more

I recently adopted a dog, five days after having him he started red stools. I took him her after being referred by a friend. I made an appointment and got there 30 mins early. I waited an hour to get into a room. I had been waiting in the room 30 mins. in the room before my dog again red stools, I got very nervous and upset, I walked out to the front desk and explained the situation and they told me the doctor would be right in. 15 mins later the nurse came in to take his temp. and decided we should just wait for the doctor. Another 15 mins and she came in, took his temp, and a fecal sample. She told me to wait 10 mins and the sample would be ready to read. In which time she stood outside of my door INTERVIEWING a someone to be her PERSONAL housekeeper for 40 mins. She then advised me to wait on other tests, and see what happens with prescriptions. In which time I waited at the front desk to figure out prescriptions for another 30 mins. The prescriptions were in FACT WRONG.I called back when I discovered a worm in his stool. They told me to come back in to get some different medicine. I called back with a couple questions, thinking MAYBE they would like to see my dog. Which is when the doctor REFUSED me service. Stating that I refused treatment. Since I followed her advice of prescriptions instead of stressing out the dog and doing test after test, I unknowingly to myself REFUSED TREATMENT. I then spoke with the manager, and came in to pick up my medicine. In which time she found it appropriate to come out and point her finger in my face and yell at me. Asking me if I was schizophrenic, and how dare I call her a liar, that shes is sorry for my dog, I should have left him in a shelter. Threatening to call the police on me, making me feel completely humiliated. I have never been treated so badly in my life. She is a horrible doctor looking to cover up her mistakes, and just in it for a pay check. Pros: Cheap Cons: Bad Service, Terrible Pet Care, Horrible staff, front desk doens't know anything about animals, long waits more

I just wanted to share my personal experience with Valley Animal Hospital. As a very concerned pet owner, I've been to numerous veterinary clinics in the past and none compare to the service and medical attention you will receive at Valley Animal Hospital; so much that I drive the 15 miles just to pick up my pet food. They treat my pet with the utmost care and always give me their undivided attention. What I really enjoy, which you won't see at many clinics, is that they have very little turn-over with their staff. They know you by name (if you're a regular) and if you're a first-time customer, they still give you excellent service and make an effort to make your experience as pleasant as possible. I've been a customer for about 2 years now, and I've found that the majority of their clientele are return-customers. I stand behind Valley Animal Hospital. They truly care for their patients and provide excellent medical and customer service. The down-fall of having such a successful practice that you will experience a lengthy wait at times. But it's only because they are in high-demand. If you make an appointment, you're better off. They make a huge effort to accomodate your schedule by being open 7 days a week. Pros: Excellent Service, Business Hours, Staff Cons: Wait more

yes, you will wait a VERY LONG without an appointment, but in a life/death situation i know first hand how exceptionally the staff performed. Even appointments have a bit of a delay when it is packed out, but what can you expect when the only time anyone has to go in is afternoon/evening and weekends? \r my family and i have been at this vet for over 20-some years, and know of other customers whom i've made small talk with who have been there longer!!! the doctors are gentle, the technicians/dr. assistants very knowledgeable, and the girls at the front-desk are always over-worked, but very sweet. they make an effort to not over-charge (as most animal hospitals do) but give your pet the extensive medical care he/she needs! i wouldnt dare use anyone else (and trust that i have visited other places, to find no comparison) \r i reccomend mornings or early afternoons, and mid-week appointments! Pros: Consistent doctor's and technicians, who actually remember who you are!!! Cons: Busy, busy, busy, to prove all the more popular! more

According to the California State Veterinary Board, in 2003 Dr. James Haubert, Valley Animal Hospital, had his veterinary medical license revoked. Dr. Haubert was then placed on three years probation. The premises license/permit for Valley Animal Hospital was also revoked, then placed on probationary status with limited practice.\r \r Reference: \r \r State of California Veterinary Medical Board Legislation, Regulation and Policies\r California Veterinary Medical Board News and Views Spring 2004 Newsletter \r \r Los Angeles City Search apparently doesn't allow the posting of any links. Google California Veterinary Medical Board, then search on that site for Dr. Haubert.\r tinyurl dot com/nof49 (.pdf file) more

Even if you make an appointment just to purchase food, you will be waiting FOREVER. Or approximately 45 minutes minimum. I understand that this is a high volume animal hospital and serves a lot of clients. However, with the health of one's pet at stake, every minute is crucial and it might be an occasion of life or death.\r \r The staff engages in a lot of small talk and banter behind the counter. When you sign in, and they've looked your name over, they will still call the wrong name, and on occasion, call people that have signed in AFTER you. This happens nearly every single visit. I'm livid that my pet is now on prescribed food that can only be purchased from somewhere that takes forever to assist you.\r \r Would recommend going elsewhere unless you have lots of time to spare. more