Big Tujunga Veterinary Hospital

I took my dog here once. My dog had a lump on her nose and I was worried. The vet told me not to worry and that it was just an infection. Well yesterday I found out, after a 6 hour surgery, that it wasn’t «just an infection» it was a tumor. So I’d like to thank these vets for doing absolutely nothing for my dog and thank them for not doing their job at all. Please take your pets to a vet who actually cares about them.

I called to get my dogs records because I had moved to another state. The receptionist lady (Linda) said she’s sorry that they don’t have my dogs records anymore they threw them away because it’s been more then 2 years!!! Really??? How do you just get rid of my dogs records. I wasn’t happy at all. I had taken my other dog to Montrose Veterinarian when I called them they gave me the information with no problems. I told that to Linda she said they have computers and they’re able to pull that up. Now I have no records or any information regarding my other dog at Big Tujunga Veterinarian Hospital. So make sure that if you take your pets there you keep all your information they do not keep it you’ve been warned. They obviously don’t care about your pets or keeping there files.

The same exact thing happened to me this doctor just wants our money and he is a liar my pet was dieing and he knew it but he ran all these tests charged me over a thousand dollars then after 2 days I took it to Montrose pet hospital and the doctor spoke the truth there she told me sorry there is nothing I can do she said even if you had all the money in the world you couldn’t save your pet it was sad to hear but it was the TRUTH so I put my dog to sleep she was 13 and I will never forget her I have another dog I take to Montose pet hospital I wish I would have known this place earlier it would have saved me a lot of money I hope Dr. Ancu or whatever the fuck his name is gets what he deserves

Tried to upcharge me on unneeded tests when my pet was dying, to take advantage of my emotional state. Refused to treat my pet unless I paid extra $ 300 for anesthesia that was not required at two previous vets that treated my dog for same issue. Call around and get estimates from other places before using this one, it will save you hundreds of dollars (about $ 500 in my case).

I’ve been taking my animals here for about 15 years. Dr. Ancu is a fantastic vet. There has never been a misdiagnosis, or a problem after any surgery, and nothing has been pushed on me. No unnecessary and very expensive tests were recommended when my cat became jaundiced at 16, and no unnecessary surgery was suggested when my 17-​yr old cat had a tumor in her mouth. Nothing would have changed the course of either disease. I’m not big on vaccinations and frequent stool tests, and it has never been an issue. All you have to say is no, people! Veterinary care is not cheap anymore, for sure, but that’s the price we pay for improvements in the field, for new tests, equipment and drugs that help our pets stay or become healthy. I would highly recommend pet insurance if money is a concern. It’s paid off tenfold for me. I have now moved out of the area but refuse to change vets because I know I can count on Dr. Ancu and his team. I’ve never had a problem getting an apt even at short to no notice, and I truly appreciate that. The clinic has also seen some serious remodeling, you should check it out, they’ll give you a tour. Dr. Ancu takes his time explaining everything and answers each and everyone of my questions. I never feel rushed there. Knowing he’s there gives me piece of mind.

The worst place ever Since Ancu son (with his Visconsin diploma) took over father’s business. Misdiagnosing and lazy. My 10 y.o.dog had skin problem. He gave her 3 different medications, cos he was not sure what she had. High dosage. Her skin got better and she DIED 3 month later! They overcharge, my bills were always around $ 200 whatever happened. They gave me fecal sample bag every time I visited and charged me for it. Outrages prices and poor record keeping. When I asked for a copy of my records, they said it’d take 1 week to mail it. After 3 weeks they told me that they mail it to me, but I never got anything. Finally I had to go there, and the receptionist Michelle was so defensive and rude. It took 4 weeks to get my dogs record of 10pages. They are bad.

My favorite Vet. dr ancu really truly loves animals and takes care of them like his own. I won’t take my cats anywhere else.

This is the worst place ever. I had to bring my dog here to board because I was going away for Memorial Day weekend and my dog came back all sad and down. I’m not sure what they exactly did but I honestly feel like they hit her or something because she has never acted like this before. My dog is the friendliest dog ever and for her to come back like this really hurt me. I hope no one boards their dogs here. It’s the saddest thing to see her like this.

Called yesterday and asked if doctor was experienced with reptiles. The receptionist was extremely helpful and friendly and said yes. We drove there immediately as my daughter’s cameleon was dehydrated, tachycardic, with shallow respiration and lethargic. We expected this be a hospital where they would treat accordingly. They had us wait our turn as there were other non urgent clients in the lobby. My daughter waited in the car so the sunlight would keep Cosmo warm as they do not have a heat lamp. After 45 minutes I went and sat in the car with my daughter and watch the cameleon die. I went in and told them «He passed». They asked me to bring it in to verify. My daughter came in and handed over her pet in tears. After another five minutes doctor walked in. He was professional and courteous. He confirmed Cosmo had passed and asked if we wanted an autopsy to rule out cause of death. We declined. He asked if they should disposed of his remains but we chose to take him. They were having a special for dentistry and I scheduled an appt for my Teacup Yorkie. Then I was asked to pay $ 48 for emergency visit. I paid as my concern was to get to the car where my daughter was sobbing holding her dead pet. I would have gladly paid ten times that if they would have had a sense of urgency and had given my girl’s pet fluids. But to tell us he was dead and charge us an ER visit for listening for a heart beat, when you have a girl clearly emotionally drained, tells me about the heart of this hospital as a whole. My opinion today, it’s there for the money, with no real Hospital or emergency qualities. No heat lamp when you care for reptiles? Had this been handled as a true medical emergency he would have gained five new clients as I have 2 dogs and 3 rescues. I will cancel today’s visit for my Yorkie as I don’t feel comfortable with a hospital such as this. The one star is being generous.

I actually saw down below that he ear crops? Disgusting. That’s all you need to know about the ethics of this vet. When I left the field of veterinary nursing 11 years ago almost no vets were doing this procedure anymore due to the fact that it is painful and completely unnecessary. Most vets simply tell owners the dog is not there to look cool or mean– they are your companion. This vet will do anything for money– including unnecessary surgeries like ear cropping.

We moved to the area about a year ago from So Pas but we never switched vets and continued driving down to So Pas for our babies check-​ups and vaccinations. Yasiel, our male pug, came down with kennel cough recently and I made the drive down only to find out that our vet was called away on a family emergency. They weren’t sure when he’d be back. Conundrum. I drove home thinking I’d try again the next day but felt so bad that Yasiel had to go thru another day without getting checked and possibly starting medication. So I googled another vet closer to us and Big Tujunga Vet Hospital popped up on Unilocal.I read the reviews and decided to give them a try. I called and explained that I thought my dog had kennel cough– they put me on hold but got back to me right away asking if I could make it into the clinic in 15 mins. I sure could.
Its a small clinic– looks like a home actually– and not very «hospital-​y». I liked that it didn’t seem so stark & sterile, but also that everything looked clean. The young lady at the front desk greeted me nicely and then her colleagues were all very friendly as they came over to say hello. I filled out an intake form and was shown to the exam room right away, I could tell that they took the «kennel cough» situation very seriously. Everyone was very friendly and polite– knocking on the door before entering as if Yasiel was going to get caught with his hospital robe on backwards or something. There was a young lady who came in to go over my form– A+ for being friendly & understanding. The doctor’s assistant that came in to take Yasiel’s weight and temperature– A+ again for being friendly and actually getting Yasiel to sit still on the scale. Then Dr. Ancu came in and he was very impressive. Calm and attentive… I could tell he was listening very intently at what I was saying. He was very reassuring and recommended antibiotics. Also confirmed that our other one would probably get it soon again –she hasn’t yet thank goodness but I’m waiting and will take her to Dr. Ancu asap. The assistant that checked me out was just as nice, ringing me up efficiently as I waited for the antibiotics. $ 70 for an exam and antibiotics is a pretty reasonable price — I do believe that vets should be compensated fairly as they provide such an important and needed service to our beloved pets but I have had experience in the past where a vet (not the one in So Pas) has charged me $ 180 for an preliminary exam and vitamins. Will I be back? Yes– most definitely– in fact I’m waiting of the other one to come down with kennel cough and will bring their vet records in then.
Parking: on the north side of the building– approach from the west on Foothill to make a right into the parking lot because you cannot cross the double-​yellow line to make a left.

HIGHLY RECOMMEND.
I have used this location for a few years already, and can’t express how happy I am with Dr. Ancu. Every time I’ve gone in for an exam for any pet, Dr. Ancu has always been thorough and honest, and above all… seems to genuinely love animals. He always compliments my pets in a true pet lover way — whether it’s my chinchilla being handsome and SUPER friendly, or my cat having the silkiest coat.
I just yesterday took in Mocha, my new cat, for her shots, dewormer, general exam, and nail trimming. They were great, and Mocha didn’t seem at all traumatized. The young ladies at the front desk were friendly, attentive, talkative, and professional. I can’t imagine this place having rude or inattentive staff. I literally come back here BECAUSE of the awesome service and honest vet. I also got a call from Dr. Ancu himself indicating no concerns and seeing an overall healthy kitty. Instead of trying to sell me a ton of services or pushing me toward a ton of precautionary measures, he was honest, caring, patient, and straightforward.
I took in my chinchilla, Pikachu, a few years ago. Dr. Ancu saved his life, and I mean it. All for $ 120! Exotic pet exam was only $ 50 (at the time, which was a few years ago), and the remaining $ 70 was for the antibiotic. Who can complain about THAT? To save my fluffball’s life? Have we all forgotten the price of human health care? To those complaining about prices — give me a break!
I was in complete distress when my poor chinchilla was sick. At the time, he was about 2 years old, and I was so worried that he wasn’t going to make it. I had to hydrate and somehow barely fed him by force, and the poor thing was miserable. He was having seizures and would cuddle up in our arms. Anyone who has experience with chinchillas knows they aren’t ones to cuddle. AT ALL. They’re just way too hyper.
First thing Monday morning, we took him in. Dr. Ancu saw him immediately. He called me himself and mentioned they have issues with their teeth, as they constantly grow causing depression if they feel discomfort when eating/​playing. In some cases they need filing… which has to be under anesthesia. He told me he would be concerned putting him to sleep, as these animals are so sensitive that they have a ⁵⁰⁄₅₀ chance of surviving anesthesia. He told me the physical exam checked out, and he didn’t seem to have broken cartilage or any lumps indicating an injury. He told me the only other thing he imagined it could be was an internal infection, and recommended I put him on an antibiotic. He suggested that if that made no difference, only then would he recommended anesthesia for a tooth inspection and possible filing.
Thankfully that was never needed. Within two days on his prescribed antibiotic he was back at 50%, and within a week he was FULLY RECOVERED! I can’t thank him enough.

I started going to Dr. Ancu many many years ago when his father ran the practice.
This place has been around a long time .
I’ve never had any problems but my only issue is the fact that he doesn’t really take appointments and a place can get packed
I don’t feel that his prices are too high .
I happen to live in Sunland which is much closer to The clinic near oro vista foothill
Pet medical center

Extremely friendly and knowledgable staff!!!
They always go out of their way to help especially Marine!
Dr. Ancu is wonderful! He has good bedside manners and makes sure that he explains everything thoroughly!!!

Don’t take your loved ones here. That is all worth mentioning.

Been taking pets to this clinic for years now, but it lately it seems like its all about money. They will call you and keep in touch with you when its regarding bringing your pet in for exams and tests but once those tests are done and you’re waiting for results or to get some further information… good luck. One thing I have a problem with is when i’m told to call in on a certain day to see if results are in… then I call and they say the DR will call you later to discuss results because only the dr reads and goes over the results… sooo…why doesn’t he just call when they’re in. What’s the point of me calling? I think it’s time to find a new vet. Prices are expensive also.

Dr. Ancu cropped my bully pitbull Buddhas ears and did such a good job. We took him to another clinic before that was cheaper but we ended up having a horrible experience there. Dr. Ancu was very professional and explained the entire procedure so well. He made me and my fiancé very comfortable leaving him there. The procedure was so quick and Buddhas ears are healing so fast! It was so worth every penny!

We had to put our dachshund Jax down today, and I can’t believe the sorrow I felt, even knowing that it was best for him. His back gave out on him and the pain pills no longer worked. After a few false starts, I finally got him to the vet, and that was a disaster.
I went to Big Tujunga Animal Clinic expecting to see Dr. Ancu. Unfortunately he was not there and a Dr. Perry was. I specifically stated that «I wanted to be with Jax through his last moments.» Jax tried to wag his tail, licked my arm and looked at me with those big brown eyes of his, and showed me his love.
I tried to be strong for him, after all, I was the «pack leader.» Life had dealt him a bad hand of cards with knee dysplasia and phenomena, yet he always was so happy to see me, run/​waddling across the floor on his stubby legs, trying to climb my legs like regular dog, but limited by his short dachshund legs. But still all that a dog could be to me and his owner.
Jax could smile and his eyes would light up when he saw you looking back at him, with his squat little tail wagging away. Lying there in my arms, his I could feel his tail try to wag, showing his love for me.
The nurse came out to me in the waiting room, saying that she would put in an intraveinous port and that the doctor would come give him the lethal shot. I couldn’t sit, I just stood waiting for my friend who in a matter of minutes, would be gone for ever, and I waited. And waited, and waited, for over 20 minutes.
Until I finally knocked on the door and asked what was going on. 20 minutes away from my friend, who in a few minutes would be gone forever. They gave me the excuse that they couldn’t find the vein. What happened? Did I accidently wander into an auto mechanics shop? I told the doctor that if I didn’t have Jax in my arms in the next 5 minutes, I was going to take him home. And why couldn’t they just give him a lethal injection?
The doctor finally brought him out and I wrapped him in a blanket, his brown eyes looking at me, wondering what was happening. I held him and I loved him, and I told him that all his was pain would soon be gone.
His little tongue licked me again, and he received his shot. And I tell you, he looked at me with that little doggy smile on his face. He relaxed, he slept, and he passed on. And I let him go. — in Tujunga, CA.

What the hell is this? 2 Unilocal accounts? I guess I’m not surprised that a fraud like Dr. Ancu would try to game the Unilocal review system. If you want to read the REAL reviews of people who have actually tried this fraud check out his REAL Unilocal page here:
This guy will take your animal hostage and not give it back unless you pay $ 200. Even if it was there for 2 minutes while you filled out forms. He will also try to charge you thousands for a $ 50 job.

My small dog got into a bag of cheese, and ended up pretty sick the next day. My fault for leaving it on the dining room table where he often manages to climb up.
He was not being himself. He wouldn’t eat, didn’t want to go outside, and wouldn’t even get off of his bed. VERYunlike him! I knew something was wrong. Even though he was not vomiting and had no diarrhea, I knew my small fry was sick.
Anyway, my usual vet has been super busy, and when I took him there, they briefly looked at him and suggested I give him some over the counter stomach medicine. I took their advice and did that, but not an hour later, he screamed when I picked him up, so I realized he needed more care. My usual vet had kind of rolled their eyes like I was being a worry wart (Which I often am, actually) so, I actually felt too embarrassed to go back a second time that day, plus it was late in the afternoon and they do not offer overnight care.
So, remembering I’d been to Dr Ancu once several years ago, I gave them a try and they were kind enough to allow me to bring in my dog within the hour. Upon evaluation, Dr Ancu found that my dog was having significant abdominal pain, and suggested we do x rays to rule out an intestinal obstruction, and tests to rule out pancreatitis-​which can be a real risk when a dog gets into a large amount of fatty food. Of course I agreed, and they kept my little guy overnight on IV fluids and meds, and did all the necessary tests and medications.
They ended up having to give him an enema because he was so full of undigested food, and was unable to have a bowel movement on his own.
The good news: No pancreatitis or blockage.
His white blood cells were elevated, so they gave him antibiotics, and also sent him home with a bottle of them.
He is feeling 100% better now, and is back to his usual self.
The bill was about $ 1,200 but that was still cheaper than it would have been had I paid for all the exams and tests at a regular vet, then ended up having to use an ER vet for his overnight care. I know from experience that the ER vet’s overnight care, plus their own medications and tests which they always insist on doing even if you already have. would have run me about $ 3,500.
So, thank you Dr Ancu and staff for seeing us so quickly, and taking good care of my little boy!
The pracice is not frilly and fancy, but the next day when I returned to pick him up, they took me into the back where they are expanding and remodeling, so I think they are in the process of making things more spiffy.