VCA California Oaks Animal Hospital

What a long overdue review! I’ve been bringing my precious Tofu here since around 2011 and later my sister’s little guy Morgan «Momo». I’ve never been happier with a Veterinarian’s office as I have been with VCA. From the front desk receptionists to the nurses to the Doctor. Dr. Wentzel is simply an amazing and genuine man. He truly cares for my babies as if they were his own. Very easy to communicate with, very thorough, gives plenty of comparisons, suggestions, and answers every single annoying question of mine. He evens answers my emails on weekends at obsurd hours. This office is a little on the pricey side. But for this kind of immense care, it is worth every penny to know my babies are in good hands. In 4 years, Tofu has had 3 very successful operations with zero complications. This includes 2 cystotomy ops in the span of 3yrs and her most recent today; a knee surgery for torn CCL/​MCL. I am a happy mama. Thank you VCA!

I took my newly adopted dog to VCA California Oaks Animal Hospital for a wellness exam last week. This was my first visit there and everyone I encountered, the girl who made my appointment, the guy at the front desk, the vet tech and Dr. Yale were friendly and helpful. Dr. Yale not only gave my dog a thorough exam, but she explained causes & treatment for an eye problem the dog has, as well as tests she would recommend so we would have more information about how to proceed. I was completely satisfied with my experience.

Our beloved wiener dog Casey of 16 years passed away at home Saturday. We were distraught and Jessica came to the rescue. She was a godsend in making the arrangement to have Casey put to rest. Don’t know what we would have done without Jessica’s help. They even sent us a sympathy card signed by the entire staff. Glad to know compassionate caring people exist that care so much about a pet they they didn’t have the pleasure of knowing. God Bless them all.

I had a great experience from the moment I walked in the office. I was greeted warmly by the front desk staff. You could tell he loves animals. He went around and greeted each animal too! The vet tech was friendly and helpful. Dr. Laxineta was wonderful. She spent a lot of time with us. She was friendly, knowledgable, and great with my scared kitty. I would highly recommend this office to anyone!

Top notch medicine and unbelievably caring staff. My pets have been coming here since they where puppies. This hospital has always made sure to make me feel at home. Thank you VCA Cal Oaks!!! Special shout out to Vicky. Your kindness really does change the world.

My sister brings all her children (2dogs 1cat) here! They are the most friendly doctors and staff I’ve ever met! They take exceptional care of her animals. They are very professional at all times and friendly and caring to the pets that come in the door. Zeb is wonderful on taking pictures of the pets that come in and he’s so sweet to them while taking the pictures! This is a amazing pet hospital to take your little ones to! I wouldn’t go any where else! You can’t miss with these caring and professional people!

I took both of our newly adopted dogs to VCA. It was a great experience. The staff was very friendly. The Dr. was also great. He took a lot of time with my dogs, wasn’t just in and out. I will definitely use them again for my dogs!

I have moved from Carlsbad and needed a new vet and came here. Had such great service and everyone was so beyond nice here!

This is an update from my previous review (which was also 5 stars.) I took my kitten to them and through a series of very sad events we discovered she had an untreatable disease and needed to be put down. I’ve never had to do that with a pet and was devastated. The staff was really nice and kind. I would never wish that upon any pet owner, but I’m glad my kitty and I were treated kindly and with respect. It makes the process easier to have that portion be smooth and professional.

This Vet Practice is just the best! The best staff and the best Vets around anywhere. They treat me and my dogs with love, compassion and care! I would highly recommend them to anyone!

I had the most pleasant experience here! The entire staff was sweet and helpful. The vet answered all my questions and then some. The cat program here is phenomenal! If you have cats, bring them here!

What a great experience! Took my cat there this afternoon with an abscess after visiting my normal vet this morning. My usual vet Angel Care on Scott Road would not entertain anything other than a surgical procedure despite the fact that my cat does not take well to being put under, and quoted $ 700 to put it right — didn’t even examine the area! Quite willing to pay that sort of money to put my baby right but it seemed to be all about the money and not about the cat.
My cat was seen by Laura Laxineta at VCA Cali Oaks this afternoon and what a different approach. She cleaned the area and decided that we would try antibiotics for two weeks — first examination was free so all I paid for was the medicine — they also gave me a free travel box and sprayed it with a spray to settle my cat down in the car which really worked — free food samples and even a little toy for my cat to play with.
Overall an excellent service by very friendly and efficient staff — she may well have to go into surgery in two weeks time if the antibiotics do not work, but I certainly know where the surgery will be done. Thank you VCA

My dog needed emergency stitches and we went to VCA Cal Oaks. They are so nice! Everyone was amazing! My furry child even gave her paw of approval. They fit us in because it was an emergency. We didn’t have to wait very long before they saw her. It’s rare to go somewhere and every person is awesome! Thank you so much for taking care of my baby!

The staff is great! Just want to mention Lisa specifically bc she was such a great help yesterday! I felt bad bc I asked for multiple things and required for her to keep going in & out of the room, but she didn’t mind & happily answered all my questions!
I have had my dog, Snoopy, for almost 8 years and I never really took him myself to a clinic since an old friend of mine owned a veterinary clinic so services for my dog were always free and I relied on him to take care of everything. So I didn’t know what to expect taking my dog somewhere else, but this hospital has gained my trust and will definitely be the primary clinic for my pets from now on!

Came in for a new exam for my adopted little girl! I have to say I was very impressed! From the ease of making the appointment, to the follow through calls they provided, all the service has been excellent.
I recently adopted a new dog and wanted to get her checked out to make sure she was healthy. I wish I could remember the vet tech who was in the room during the exam because she was so sweet and kind, giving great advice and didn’t mind answering my 1 million questions. Also, Dr. Wentzel was awesome! He is literally the first vet I have met that took his time and thoroughly examined my dog and didn’t rush me or
Pressure me into doing tests, etc.
I really appreciated the kind care we received here and we wi definitely be back whenever my dog needs care!

I have to say, the best Animal Hospital I have ever been a client at is VCA California Oaks. Dr. Wentzel and his team of techs are just the best. They always treat my dogs like they are a valuable part of my family… which they are. Recently, we had to put one of our doxie’s to sleep. It was the hardest thing we have had to do in a long time. They were so sensitive and caring and right there by our side comforting us. They even went the extra mile and sent us a sympathy card signed by everyone in the office along with some of her fur. I was so overwhelmed by this. You just don’t see that kind of personal customer service. I would recommend absolutely to anyone.

I called VCA yesterday because my dog seemed to have an eye infection that had spread to both eyes. The front office staff was very friendly and they were able to get us in the very next day!
Our dog gets nervous at the vet like many dogs, but all of the staff there were amazing! Our tech was Erin and she made the experience very pleasant! She gave Ty, our Pit Bull, tons of attention and was very sweet! Dr. Yale was awesome as well. She really took her time to get to know our dog and answer all of our questions. We will definitely return to them for future care for our baby! Thank you guys so much for making Ty’s trip to the doctor a good one!

AMAZING hospital! The entire office from front office to the techs and the vet who saw my baby. I came in with an aggressive dog who had never been to the vet because of my fear of her aggressive behavior, she needed emergency surgery! They were amazing and saved my little girl Lolita! I am so thankful! The vet even followed up by phone to check on us! I highly recommend this office!

What i just went through in the last two years could be described nothing short of horror.
My dog almost had to have her leg amputated (this month) because Dr. Wentzel didn’t communicate with his traveling surgeon the day of surgery, because he didn’t believe the diagnosis of the referring vet and didn’t communicate with the surgeon in her aftercare.
In total my dog who needed a basic ACL surgery ended up having 5 surgeries over the last two years. She had to have two surgeries on her initial day of surgery. Was left under anesthesia for 6 ½ hours. I was told by the traveling surgeon 3 times that he never read my dog’s file before going into surgery. Had he done so, she never would have had 2 surgeries nor been under anesthesia for 6 ½ hours and got an infection that led to 4 additional surgeries.
I am now out $ 9,000. Both dr’s were claiming full responsibility until the lawyers got involved. The bottom line is I NEVER should have had to pay or be financially responsible for their malpractice. They had multiple opportunities to do what was right and chose not to…
Do not go to VCA hospitals and especially not this one. Your dog may lose a limb.

Dear Dr. Wentzel and Staff:
It is hard to find the right words, but I wanted to express my sincere thanks and gratitude to all of you. Brownie’s recent passing has been a devastating loss to the entire family. She was so sweet, loving and fiercely loyal. She will be forever missed. I do, however, find solace in knowing that she was in such good, caring and professional hands in the end.
Thank you again for your compassion and kindness during this difficult time.
Warm regards,
Emi (Brownie’s mom)