VCA Westlake Village Animal Hospital

Our two babies have only received the best loving care here. All the staff is superb As far as price there are many pet hospitals that are more expensive. I would recommend to everyone

I am sorry that I was too far away to put my cat of 24 years to sleep here. This is got to be the best vet I have ever visited. The owner of the clinic is so much different from other clinics because he cares. It is not just the money, its the well being of the animals that matters here. Stacy Rothman is one of the most kind and caring Dr’s who will always tell you the truth. I have been going here for a long time and to have had to go to Mission Animal Hospital in Ventura was the worlds worse experience. I ONLY recommend this place and if you do end up in Ventura DON’T go to Mission Animal Hospital!!!

Whenever I come here, I do fear for my wallet. But I am willing to shell out all I can for my pooches health, which is why I have chosen to come to VCA Westlake Animal Hospital. The veterinary is clean, and the staff is attentive. They have ample check-​in staff so the wait is never super long. The best part is they always follow up after an appointment to check on the status of your pets. Dr. Namekata is super friendly and you can tell he really cares about your fur babies. Dr. Stacy Rothman is also really amazing. She’s very knowledgable and patient. I used to come here strictly for emergency purposes because they originally were opened ²⁴⁄₇ but now they close in the evening. Even so, I’ve basically moved to this vet because the facilities are top-​notch and über clean. My doggie had an upper respiratory infection and they were super careful to not contaminate other dogs. As a pet parent, it makes me really happy to see that type of care given! Woof! Woof!

My sincere advice to you if you love your pet; read through all of these ratings about all the heartbreak, mistakes, rude staff, incompetence, lost pets, mistreated pets, overcharged consumers, extremely low standard of care. (It’s really too bad animals can’t talk)
I do not recommend Westlake Village Animal Hospital and would never ever go back.

Dr. Steve is a great vet, but office staff is impossible to work with. I brought a urine specimen in because I though my 13 year-​old dog might have a urinary tract infection. She was showing similar symptoms to when she had one years ago. Afterwards was told results were inconclusive, so she really should have a culture and comprehensive blood work done. Now at $ 600+. Then vet recommended another test. I asked how much and he said office would call back tomorrow. They never did. Finally I called back days later and was told $ 375. I scheduled the appointment, but got no instructions other than bring her in early in the morning. I called the night before because I was uncomfortable not having been given instructions for the test, knowing fasting could be important. Sure enough, they then told me she couldn’t have anything to eat in the morning. I bring her in and they give me a new estimate for $ 430. I ask what happened to $ 375, and was told that I shouldn’t have been given that figure. After I stuck to my guns they finally agreed to honor the price I was quoted. I was told she would be ready around 2:30, but check around 2 to be sure, sometimes they run slightly behind if they’re busy in back. I call at 2 and I’m told she won’t be ready until after 5. It’s a 9 hour test not a 6 hour one. You would think that being aware of all the previous errors the receptionist would make some effort to get this part right, but no. Wasted planning my day around this mid-​afternoon pickup. Can only hope there will be no more problems when I actually get to pick her up.
Everyone there seems happy to throw another employee under the bus for making a mistake, then they go do the same themselves. Incompetent, uncaring, lazy? Don’t know which, only know I’m looking for a new vet once I get the results.

Just an update on my earlier review. I am still so happy that I made the switch to Westlake Village Animal Hospital. Dr. Rothman is the absolute best, I will not go anywhere else. She tells you all the facts, gives you all the options and spends as much time as she needs to make sure you have all the information you need.

Spent $ 350 for emergency visit and meds for a bite on my dogs back. Brought her back 30 minutes later because the MD failed to notice her eye injury too. was charge $ 35 for a repeat visit and $ 75 for eye drops. The next day I was unable to administer the eye drop to a jack russell terrier and was told I could bring her in for a tutorial and will be charged $ 35 for that in addition to $ 10 to administer the eye drop. I was agast. Been a customer since they opened. I will not return.

Westlake Village Animal Hospital is in my opinion a 5-​star animal hospital. Dr. Steve Rosenstein deserves a very special recognition as does the hospital administrator, Jennifer.
I took my 11 year old Cocker Spaniel here for an ACL repair. The price was reasonable and the vet that did the surgery seemed competent. I chose the repair option where they basically tie the back leg bones together. It’s supposed to be a permanent fix.
Long story short, the vet I spoke with apparently did not know what he was doing or else he was just a sadistic man. After 9 – 12 months the material he used to hold the leg bones together dissolved. Unreal. He is no longer on staff. My dog could barely stand. He frequently collapsed his rear legs because of the incompetent repair.
I spoke with Dr. Steve Rosenstein about it. I asked him to make good on the botched job. He examined my dog. He ultimately referred me to a specialist in Woodland Hills. This new surgeon did a proper repair as far as I can tell. They literally gave me my dog back and gave him his life back. He seems to be his former self. I love my dog and I’m very grateful for their help. Dr. Rosenstein is a standup guy. Westlake Village Animal Hospital paid all expenses for the re-​do of the ACL repair. They’re the best!
Dr. Jerold Bausman did the re-​do of the ACL repair. He was an excellent person for the job! Thank you everyone!!!

STAY FAR AWAY from this hospital if you care at allabout your animals. I used to regularly use this hospital for all of my dogs and the foster dogs in my care. I really liked Dr. Slaton’s demeanor, the other dr.‘s were nice too. The front office staff was incredibly rude, impolite, wouldn’t acknowledge you when you walk in, even if they know you, but that’s not unusual for any business hiring people who are too young to handle the stresses… so that wasn’t the issue, just an irritant. The horrid experiences I’ve had with WLVAH started with me taking a Tiger in due to a diagnosis of Bi Lateral hip dysplasia. This was a foster dog and WLVAH gave a discount to the rescue, so they were who I used. The rescue could not help financially, so I, as the foster mom, took it upon myself to pay for this surgery (estimated costs $ 2600 and was told that he’d be down for two weeks). Tiger had the surgery almost three months ago now and has still not recovered. he is much worse than he waswas prior to the surgery. for about a month and a half after surgery, Tiger could not walk, he could not stand, he could not move, he was screaming in pain all night long, for months! however, several times during that time, I took Tiger back to the hospital begging them for help! Dr. Slaton offered to give him surgery again, and that there would be no charge as he felt he didn’t do the job he should have on that one side that Tiger was having the most difficulty and was planning on removing more bone. I refused to put Tiger through that again. The end result could have been loss of yet another limb. No one at the hospital could tell me why he was in pain. Not even a guess — because that would mean they’d have to admit the dr. made an error and god forbit they’d have to help me get help for Tiger! Nor did anyone (dr’s, vet techs, front office) No one offered solutions to the situation all the while I was forking out money to them (at a discount, I should be so appreciative they gave me a discount to try to fix the error THEY Made) so I ended up going to VMSG in an emergency because Tiger wasn’t’ sleeping at all and neither was I. Two dr. s who saw Tiger at VMSG stated that the surgery was the reason for this pain and that the surgeon most likely nicked a nerve and it may never heal. They also stated to me that the surgery was the wrong surgery for this dog due to his being a tripod and that the entry way (from on top of the muscle) was a major reason for this issue (they would have gone in from the inside of his leg due to his already atrophied muscle) They finally assessed that I would most likely need to be euthanized him because they did not see a way to alleviate this pain. They did offer a temporary solution, an epidural ($ 600), to avoid having to make that decision right then and there as he’s only a year. During this time of his immobility, tiger’s muscle had atrophied extensively. He was able to move now that the epidural kicked in but still has no strength. The epidural lasted about 3 weeks. During that time I would take him to WLVAH for hydrotherapy, I’d drive down there twice or three times a week from Ventura because I wanted my dog back! However, this is where it gets great, 3 times I left him there (the entire day while I had to work) and Birgitte (the tech who does that, I guess) failed to do the hydrotherapy, just ‘forgot him’. And all I got was ‘oops, sorry’. They were apathetic, incompetent, lazy, and had an attitude with me because I was fighting them to get them to help me help my dog! Any time I’d call for an update while he was staying in there after the surgery or even after for PT, I’d get a different story for different people about the same situation. One would say «he walked today», later someone else (cause I learned to not trust any one there to actually COMPREHEND the situation NOR tell the truth, except Dr. Steve) they would say «I had to carry him, he didn’t stand at all». In summary, this hospital is ran by people who do not have the skills to give the surgeries they offer, they don’t communicate with each other, there is inconsistencies with NOPs, they are apathetic at best, incompentent as worst. They are great, convenience (but expensive) for day to day

Stay away from this hospital!
Specially stay away from the Hospital manager by name JENNIFER!!!
You cannot feel safe, if you live your pet in this hospital!
Is not every day that I write a review but there are times when I have to let other know what places/​services they need to *avoid* This –hospital– place is a clown short of a circus. They can care less about what my dog needed. This place is not so far from my house but I will not go inside again ever. I rather take the extra time and effort to take my dogs to a palace I know has their best interest in hand.
I have been going to this vet for several years, and in the past I can say that I have received caring service for my pets. In more recent times, I can say that the doctors have been good with my pets… the front office staff and some of the Manager and technicians however, are completely heartless and inept individuals. It is not alright to treat people like they are idiots… I understand that dealing with stressed out people is not fun… but that is the downside of working in this field. The word care is in the title of your job… do it.

There are many other qualified vets in the area — go to one of those. Dr. Slaton was terrific and staff was nice, but I would leave messages — no return calls. I would call in prescriptions — they wouldn’t be ready. I would be put on hold most of the times I called. And now putting my dog through pain because they won’t refill a monthly prescription unless annual blood work is done. Ok. Fair. But a little notice would be great! How about, «This is the last month before you need to come and…» Not just, «NO. Won’t refill. Too bad.» Even after I explained I am 4 hours away, need to find a new vet, dog is doing great, and how about just a week’s worth to get him by until I get to a new vet. Answer still was NO.
DOES THAT SOUND LIKE A VET YOU WANT?

I had SUCH a great experience at this vet this past Monday. Where do I even begin? I was referred to Dr. Rosenstein by a family friend of mine after I had a horrible experience at our previous vet. I was immediately greeted by kind-​hearted and friendly people at the front office. (Customer service is everything!) Our wait was a little long (only downside) because Dr. Rosenstein was backed up with his previous appointment which is totally understandable. Gail was so nice and offered us coffee, water, and even brought out water for our dog Daisy and treats for her. Our dog wasn’t eating the treats so she even brought out ANOTHER kind! She was a very nice lady! After the wait, we were brought into the room where Dr. Rosenstein took a look at our dog who came in for an ear infection. He was very gentle with our dog and very knowledgeable. He even asked if we had any questions at the end which I liked. You truly can tell he loves his job and wants to help animals and cover any concerns. Another thing that I liked was that they gave us an estimate before doing any procedures with our dog (something we did not find with our last vet… They wouldn’t even ask for our permission before they did any procedures!). Before leaving, Gail was so sweet and put some treats in a to-​go bag to give our dog when we got home.
Tuesday: Angela nicely called back to see how our pup was doing and to check in on her. (Something we ALSO did not find at our last vet!) we missed her call but called back today and Olivia answered and was also very friendly on the phone and asked how she was doing and informed us on when to be concerned.
Needless to say, I will definitely be coming back to this vet. (But hopefully I don’t have to!) Although the vet visit is a little pricier than most vets, it is worth it. They were very thorough with the examination, had great customer service, and were very gentle with our pet.
I will be referring Dr. Rosenstein to anyone who needs a new vet :)

Our new puppy Sparky needed a vet, so we called Westlake Village Animal hospital since they are attached to The Barkley — where Sparky will be going to Day Camp.
Dr Rosenstein happily spent as much time as needed answering all the questions I had.

What is wrong with these people?! My dog is on chemotherapy. On Day 2 of his oral chemo, he threw up shortly after I gave to him. Since my dog’s cancer hospital was closed on New Year’s Day, I called one of my dog’s local vets since I had no idea what to do about the fact that his careful protocol might have been messed up.
No call back till today, and not even from the doctor herself with the following message: «Dr. Peckham wanted me to call you back. Since we have no record of your dog being on chemotherapy, she suggests you call your other doctor for advice since she has nothing to do with it.» SINCE SHE HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH IT. That’s disgusting. No kidding, I’m going to call my other doctor; I only called you out of sheer mommy desperation because my specialists’ office was closed. Isn’t that what you purport to do: Take care of emergency situations? All I really needed was some reassurance, compassion, and guidance… even if ultimately she couldn’t help me without specialty training. My dog is your patient afterall…
I am done with them. How do you go back after a response like that? I JUST got done recommending this hospital to my neighbor who just moved here with her Golden from New Jersey. I will take that recommendation back, validate the criticisms she has heard, and cease all further recommendations.
I’ve only ever given ONE other one-​star review…

When our cat was wasn’t purring, staying on the floor and seemed to be in pain, we called another animal emergency clinic. Fortunately, there wait time was several hours which caused us to look elsewhere. That’s when we had the privilege to work with Dr. Michael Siegel. He was friendly, compassionate and easy to talk to. It turned out our cat had a kidney stone. A few days in the hospital on meds and IVs made it possible to bring our beloved cat back home and in good health. Thanks Dr. Siegal.

Just went to the verternarian to get the old man, Gryff checked out. Doctor Slaton is AWESOME. I have known Dr. Slaton for many years and find him to be compassionate, thoughtful and knowledgeable. It always makes me feel good to know that Gryff is in good hands. Thanks, Dr. Slaton for being such a great veterinarian. It is obvious that you love what you do.

Dr Slaton is a great veterinarian! He saved our Pomeranian after we went to another local vet who nearly killed her by prescribing Rimadyl and then taking no personal responsibility whatsoever. Meanwhile, Westlake Village Animal Hospital is a true 5-​star operation. The facility is clean, the staff very kind and competent and Dr Slaton is extremely knowledgeable. He also believes in acupuncture, herbs and raw foods as possible additions to Western-​based veterinary medicine. And while our little dog hates riding in the car to the vet, she actually likes Dr Slaton and lets him examine her without a peep. All stars team over there!

I wish there was an option for more than 5 stars! We absolutely love this place! They do so much for the rescue community, we cannot thank them enough. Dr. Slaton, Dr. Pekham and all the staff are so knowledgable and kind hearted.

We love Dr. Slaten! Our dog loves going to the vet because the staff is so friendly and gives him tons of attention.
Cleanliness — This place is always spotless. They have a lot of pets coming through all of the time, so that means that they are on top of it.
Service — I rarely have to wait more than a minute or two for assistance and the ladies in the front are very pleasant. They even call our boy by name. I’ve called in a few times for Rx renewals and I’ve always gotten calls back the same day to let me know that our Rx was ready for pickup.
Quality of care — Our dog was diagnosed with hip dysplasia when he was only 6 months old and we went to several doctors. They recommended a surgery that was not guaranteed long-​term results and would require us crating and keep us from properly socializing our dog during a critical time for shaping his behavior. Dr. Slaten was supportive of a holistic approach and we have been getting hydro and accupuncture treatments since. While our dogs condition had progressed, we have seen amazing results with this approach. Their acupuncturist is fantastic and he sees her almost every week. You can see him finally relax once all of the pins are in.
Minus one star for their prices. However, this is expected from an upscale facility that performs therapies in-​house.
I definitely recommend WLVAH!

I was really excited to go to this facility as the building was quite impressive but after 3 times with incorrect information from the front desk I did not feel my animal was in safe hands.
1) Took my new puppy in for a stool test and found out they did not do the test and then called me to tell me my dogs test results were fine
2) Called me to tell me that he needed shots that he had just done there
3) Called to get my dog neutered and when they sent me the paperwork for the quote I I had asked for a microchip and they had deleted the microchip from paperwork and ended up being almost $ 200 higher than the vet I went to.
Done…Too many great vets in the Conejo who are on top of their business…