Irvine Veterinary Services

$ 500, one visit, for diagnosing and treating a urinary tract infection for my cat. Gave me their second choice for an antibiotic, they didn’t have the «big gun» meds in stock and it «should» work. I hope so, I can’t afford to take her there anymore. I’ve taken both my dog and cat to them for 6 years. No more.

My pack has been treated for over 11 years at IVS Northpark — we are blessed to have such amazing doctors and techs near our home. Today I picked up my oldest from her ACL repair surgery. She was in the best hands I can think of — Dr. Snyder an Hughes made things as painless as possible for her before during and now in aftercare. Thank you to the techs and staff for looking out for her and making her feel comfortable until we could bring her home. I know how difficult it is to select a Vet and trust the care of our furry family and I can not say enough great things about the information, the service and the care IVS provides. They also are open every day and have ours to suit just about every schedule. Thank you IVS.
Kailua and Christy

Everyone who works here is so incredibly kind and helpful. Prices are very reasonable. They take great care of my cats.

DO NOT GET the DISSOLVABLE STITCHES (ones that fall out on their own after you neuter or spay your dog)!! The vet charged us more and convinced us they’re easier. What they didn’t tell us was that when they fall out, our dog would have a completely re-​opened wound (the size of a nickel). He needed a cone and sprays for three weeks and almost got infected. Horrible! This vet just wants your money, go somewhere else. But for sure, DONT get those stitches.

My dogs have been going to IVS Northpark for over six years now. The staff at IVS from the receptionists to the techs to the doctors have been lifesavers for our family. They are always warm, friendly, and professional, and they truly make an effort to get to know each of my pets.
Juggling the medical needs of multiple senior dogs can be a headache, but the staff at IVS are always looking out for us. They send us reminders, do follow-​up calls for progress reports, and are always very understanding when we have last minute requests. Whether it’s scheduling same day appointments, grooming, surgeries, prescription refills/​scripts etc., they always go over and beyond to accommodate us.
What truly stands out in terms of my experience there is the level of personal attention and the quality of care. As a regular client, the receptionists and the technicians always take the time to ask not only how my pets are doing, but also my family. Even during busy hours when I’m waiting to see the doctor or to check out, the staff always acknowledges my presence with a courteous smile and a quick hello, which is much appreciated. When you’re there as often as I am, it makes a world of difference.
Our family chose IVS Northpark as our regular veterinary clinic, not only because of its convenient location, but more so because of its commitment to high-​quality preventative care. From luxating patellas to autoimmune disorders and ear infections, my pets have had it all, and I believe that routine care is often undermined by pet guardians. A lot can change over a course of a year for a dog, and so I think it’s fantastic that IVS offers Senior Dog Packages, dental discounts, and reminders for annual wellness exams, vaccines, and fecal tests.
Furthermore, I always feel that the staff make the extra effort to look out for my dogs and their wellbeing. Little things like notifying me when my pets need updates on their vaccinations when I bring them in for grooming (without even asking) is really appreciated since it saves me an extra trip to the vet. Dana, the groomer, also pays special attention to my pets and in the past has notified the doctors when she sees unusual growths, ear infections, etc. They also send out annual client service surveys, and actually take the time to read and address your concerns.
Dr. Hoholm, Dr. Snyder, Dr. Tiberi, and Dr. Sanchez have all been wonderful. They have seen my dogs through all sorts of issues, and they collaborate closely with the Specialty Hospital to make sure our dogs receive the best care possible. Dr. Hoholm and Dr. Snyder who currently see our dogs are both excellent. They are careful, very detailed, and always explain things to their fullest. When it comes to cost, I appreciate that they provide multiple diagnostic/​treatment options that range from a more conservative approach to a more aggressive one, and they do not hesitate to refer our dogs to a specialist when appropriate (to prevent us from occurring double charges).
While some clients may find the costs of services absorbent, I do not think this is the case. Based on my experience at other vets, the costs at IVS are competitive with other clinics in the Irvine area — it is California after all, and when you live in a city that is becoming more and more popular among families, costs of care will fluctuate with the market. I’ve also taken my dogs to SF for veterinary care and have noticed the same fluctuation in medical fees.
All in all, I definitely recommend IVS to anyone looking for a reliable and friendly vet clinic focused on preventative care, quality diagnostic tools, and client services. The staff is knowledgeable and caring, and always looking out for your pet’s best interest!

Horrible !
Not professional !
I wish i could express my horrible feeling! I was working with this people since i got my poppy ! He wouldnt eat and there was blood in his poo ! I was there every other day ! They did all kind of test and every time the answer was: It is all normal ! I asked the horrible doctor. I should know who im dealing with whe I saw a whole on doctors shirt ! I shouldn’t take him back but the Russo’s had contract with them ! So i had no option ! They told me it can be stress and very normal for dogs ! I asked her to write and im glad i have it all in writing. Never had to deal with stupid doctor ! The only one sounds caring was Terri !
Horrible horrible doctors. I’ve started my process with my Lawyer. If you want your dog to be diagnosed correctly, please dont take them there ! They charged me and Russo’s to say i am sensitive !

Love the staff! Everyone is so pleasant and professional. I have a 7 year old cocker spaniel and I’ve been bringing her to Irvine Vet Services since she was 3 months old. My dog is very shy and timid but the staff is great with her. I don’t trust many people with my dog but I feel 100% comfortable with them. I recommended them to everyone!!! The facility is super clean and organized. The staff is well educated and very patient. I never feel rushed if I have a million questions. Amazing! Amazing!!!

Overpriced but they have always taken very good care of my cats. My last cat had kidney failure & another vet had given up on her. With Irvine vet help, she made it another 3 months. They did a great job spaying my kitten as well.

If I could give them zero stars I would!
Let me start off by saying I bought my pom from Irvine Spectrum Pets and they were affiliated with them before they closed down for free shots and visits. I called in advance to let the receptionist/​front desk staff know we would be out of town and would bring her in as soon as we got back in 2 weeks and they said it would be no problem because it does «not expire». I called off work in the morning and brought my puppy in for her FREE examination as I previously set up. I got there and waited and waited while they kept looking at me and my paperwork & talked about my visit and began assisting everyone else AFTER me. Finally the receptionist and the owner/​vet acknowledged me and asked me when I bought her and that it was originally only good for 2 weeks after purchase. As everything was being explained the receptionist was very kind and quickly told the owner and openly admitted to our arrangement. After even longer, the VET walked in front of the counter, introduced herself, smiled and escorted me into the room and closed the door just to tell me SHE WILL NOT HONOR my free visit because it was past their expiration date to redeem it. I was confused… didn’t you just ask me the same question outside? Why would you pretend and entertain the fact that maybe you would see my puppy? Oh I know why! You didn’t want your stupid excuse to be heard by any of your weak customer base! Either that or you thought since I was already waiting, already signed paperwork and already spent $ 1000 on a dog that I would just go ahead and accept the charges. NOPE!
I told her and briefly reminded her this was already pre arranged weeks ago even that same exact morning by her own staff who admitted their mistake and she just plainly refused to even work with me. This place is a joke and they are fully aware thats why they will now take you to a room away from their other customers to avoid a scene that would be caused by their ridiculous newly made up policies trying to scheme people with some bait and switch tactics.
STAY AWAY

I wish i could give them a 5. But the cost is really high. I only go here when i am short on time. The vets in costa mesa are less pricey. But they are professional and friendly people here. One time i did nt agree with a diagnosis but we talked about it and i respected their way of seeing something

HORRIBLE EXPERIENCE FROM BEGINNING TO END! I came here to have my boyfriend’s dog looked at for an abscess in her leg. The reception was anything but warm and friendly when I walked in with his beautiful old dog. Having dogs myself, I am used to a friendly, caring, happy atmosphere at my vet so I was quite surprised at their lack of enthusiasm for their patients and their owners.
The vet assistant? Tech? Receptionist? Took us back to a room without much enthusiasm and said the doc would be in. Took no history or information so far. The vet came in and was very nice and seemed knowledgeable but then handed us off to her assistant??? Receptionist? tech? This person then comes in the room with an Estimate. An Estimate? For all the things they want to charge him for… but they are all negotiable it seems… this is just a top of the line… estimate. For 700 dollars!
We opted from the estimate to have the abscess cleaned and bandaged, blood work to be done in house which costs less, and prescriptions written instead of filled. After doing an online search, his dog will get her antibiotics, her anti inflammatory and her pain meds for about $ 180 LESS than they were charging!!! What a Markup!!! Holy COW!
We got out of there for a still staggering $ 400 dollars and the receptionist, tech, assistant? Was so rude and bitchy that we will NEVER return again. I have two dogs and two cats and he has a dog so they have quickly lost a good amount of revenue due to their gorging their customers and their horribly rude and lackadaisical attitude toward their customers.
Haven’t they heard that customers matter? That they can make or break their reputation? Apparently they just don’t care…

This is a rambling review as I am very upset at the discourteous and potentially misleading behavior I received a couple hours ago from this place.
I’ve been taking my two dogs here for the past five or so years. I’ve spent several thousand dollars here. The care here by Dr Tiberi and a couple others has been fine. However, I have always been concerned by the way they «run up» the bill. Example: They never give refills for Rimadyl (anti-​inflammatory drug similar to Advil I gave my dogs for arthritis) with out a visit and possibly labs. My dog (s) are old, and the arthritis is not going to get any better with age.
Today, I expected that I may have to put my dog to sleep due to a weeping infection on her leg, and the fact that she is very old. After a discussion we decided to clean it and try antibiotics. I asked for Rimadyl as her arthritis is worsening as she ages, and I’d like to make her comfortable. She agreed. But, she’ll have to have labs done.
When the vet assistant came in to review the charges, they wanted $ 700!!!
This was for labs ($ 250), clean and bandage, and drugs. I said $ 700 was way high, and I’ll give my dog her old Rimadyl and if I had to, an occasional aspirin. Her response was: «You can’t give dogs aspirin». Seriously!!! That’s not been my experience (she didn’t know I did veterinary anesthesia in my past life). I told her that was flat out not true. I also trimmed the work being done as I am now switching to a new vet. I asked for paper prescriptions (telling them to do the labs so I can get it). When I paying the bill, we got nothing but a snotty attitude because I asked for paper prescriptions.
So, in reviewing the prescriptions the vet wrote for 30 Rimadyl (two pills per day). So, my old dog (who I am trying to be responsible in managing the end her life) and they give me two weeks of chronic pain management. Two weeks… They said I could come in and get another prescription (I’m assuming for the price of a visit).
I just went to an online pet med retailer and saved almost $ 200 for three drugs. Get paper prescriptions people!!!
Last year, I would have given this place 4 – 5 stars. But whoever this facially pierced vet tech was, she certainly made it clear that they just want money. Her attitude was simply unforgivable. Moreover, the vets here need to stand up to this crap.
Update: a day later. I just was called by the vet telling me they have a policy NOT to call in/​fax prescriptions to online vets. For the «safety» of the patient. Funny, my doctor does that all the time. I think it is for the safety of their REVENUE. They just lost another star.

Honestly, I go between vets for my dog, Mochi. He started out at Irvine Blvd Animal Hospital. But I need visits after 5:00 due to work, so I started coming her more often.
The staff has been incredibly helpful with my dog. I took Mochi to a dermatologist this year and he now needs allergy shots. But being an Australian Shepherd, he is getting too smart for me. He starts screaming the minute I try to give him a shot.
So the nice staff at Irvine Vet Services allowed me to come in and learn some tricks to help do the shot quick on him.
They even allowed my fiancé to come another time so he could learn as well.
Thank you so much for helping us!

Looking back at the years that I took my dog here, I cannot remember when we started doing Bordatella shots — basically kennel cough — for dogs around lots of other dogs (humans call it mono, LOL). But every year I got the shot for my dog. Then it was an annual fecal examination. Given that I monitored my dog’s droppings, it seemed unnecessary to bring him in to have his poop picked through and billed $ 200 or more for it.
This is the typical MO at this vet. Then food goes up. Then you can’t get food without a $ 200 examination. Sorry dog, you’re just gonna have to switch back to Newman’s.
Oh, and we stopped doing that dangerous put-​em-​to-​sleep dental cleaning. Considering my dog is part chow, he does amazingly well with the safer and more affordable awake-​cleaning method.
I just wanted to share one last review with Unilocalers, warning them that this place does not care about your pet but cares more about lining their wallets.

After switching vets to Dr. Greek and Associates, I look back at this place and wonder what kept me coming here besides the mostly friendly service.
To preface, when I came here I had a bunny and two guinea pigs. This place says that they can examine exotics, but when it comes to actual health problems, this place is quick to say that they don’t know much and they referred us to Dr. Greek (ironically). Decided to cut the middleman and just stick to the actual specialists in Yorba Linda.
The vets (and vet techs) who handled our animals were rarely confident in running routine, noninvasive examinations and even asked us to hold them a few times since they couldn’t. However, the vets that examined our pets were really friendly — I just wish that they either were more knowledgeable about exotics or willing to more quickly shuffle our needs to someone who knew about exotics.
The two-​star rating I give comes from two aspects: the lack of knowledge of exotics even though they were willing to take our business and one instance with one of the staff at the front desk. After I complained to the facility about her, I never saw her there again — I don’t know if they got rid of her, but she was definitely not friendly. When my late rabbit had a problem with his stool and we took him to this vet when we became unable to relieve it ourselves anymore, this staff member was really judgmental with us, giving us a condescending look and telling us that he was really miserable. Obviously he was uncomfortable, which is why we took him to the vet. She didn’t know his history, or the effort on our part to keep him in the best conditions we could. Nor did she know that we’ve been to multiple vets to try to get the problem solved, but in his old age (he was about 12 years old at the time — very sage-​like!) he developed arthritis and needed assistance with hygiene, which we gave twice a day. Needless to say, the condescension was not appreciated.
Switched to Dr. Greek and have never looked back.
EDIT: I have since switched to Dr. Roberts at Northwood. I’ve never had a better vet than her for my guinea pigs and bunny.

Have had good and bad experiences here, depending on the staff on hand.
The vets are amazing. My normal vet is Dr. Y but I’ve also had Dr. C, both who were very kind and knowledgeable about rabbits and guinea pigs. If I were to rate my experience with this clinic based on the vets, I’d give it a solid 4.5÷5.
The staff on the other hand can be really rude, and often condescending. I took my rabbit here awhile ago to have his rear cleaned (old rabbits can’t reach behind and clean their rears so oftentimes it’s hard to get a good clean and it’s near an extremely sensitive area. Though our vet was well aware of the situation and told us to come in whenever it got bad, the staff who were cleaning my rabbit gave me a major attitude. One lady even walked up to us and said «you know, he’s in a lot of pain, he’s really miserable — you really should be taking better care of him…»
I’m all for professionals giving me a opinion, but not a judgemental one. It was really rude, and caught me totally off guard because I thought I was doing the right thing by bringing him in.

Do not take your dog here! The customer service here is AWFUL!
I have taken my dog here a few times before. On my visit today, I was in the waiting room with my dog, and there was one other dog waiting. They ended up calling them before me, even though that dog’s appointment was after mine. They apologized for taking that dog first, and I was very nice and understanding, even though I had to wait an extra 30 minutes.
After my appointment with the vet, I was awaiting my paperwork and payment out front. There were 4 employees out there trying to do some kind of training but everyone seemed clueless as to what was going on.
I stood up there for another 30 minutes trying to get paperwork. When I finally got out of there and got home, I reviewed my paperwork. At that point, I realized they had given me all the paperwork for the other dog that they took before me.
I called them back and they told me to come back up there, but I insisted they mail me the correct paperwork.
A little while later I reviewed my receipt and realized that had been for the other dog as well. I called the office again, and got a very insincere apology from them. I mentioned they should offer me some type of compensation, but they refused.
They are ok with my dog but not worth the human customer service — they seemed very disorganized!

I’ve been taking my pup (who is almost 6 yrs now) to Irvine vet services on Irvine blvd since he was about 3 months old, and I couldn’t be happier with the doctors and their services.
In the past 5 – 6 years, my dog has made many trips to the vet for various reasons, in addition to his annual checkups. The first doctor I am familiar with is Dr. Sanchez. Although she is no longer there, I’d like to comment on how wonderful and kind she was, and of course very knowledgeable. His new vet is Dr. Kristin Yamasaki and she is just as amazing — listens to all my concerns, gives honest opinions along with helpful tips/​solutions. You can tell she loves her animals and genuinely cares about you and your pet. I wouldn’t go to anyone else!
The doctors and staff members are very friendly yet professional, genuine, and know their stuff! My friends and family know, when it comes to my dog, I will not settle for anything less than the best, and here, they definitely exceed my expectations in many ways which is why I’d highly recommend IVS to all pet owners.

DO NOT GO HERE if you love your pet. We neutered our female puppy here the weekend before Thanksgiving. We paid extra for «upgraded» anesthesia (this becomes relevant later).
When I picked up my puppy, I noticed that her belly was very red and raw from the staples holding her surgical incision together. I was slighly surprised that she had been stapled rather than stitched. Her skin did not appear to be reacting well to the staples.
I took my puppy home and watched her carefully for 2 days (my husband and I took turns staying up with her) to make sure that she did not dig or bite out her staples.
On Thanksgiving day, during dinner, I looked down at her and ALL OF HER STITCHES had come out. There was literally a gaping hole in her belly. My brother suggested buying the pharmacy store «butterfly» bandages to hold her incision together so that we could go back to IVS the next day to get her re-​stitched. It was an awful night watching her in pain.
When we went back to IVS (day after Thanksgiving), we told the Vet Tech what happened. Without explaining to us what they were about to do, the Vet Tech took my puppy in the back and held up her two puppy arms exposing her belly. They shot staples into her. We only figured this out because we recognized her Unilocaling, opened the door between the front office and the back office and SAW her being held up by her front arms/​paws being shot at by a staple gun. IT WAS HORRIFYING.
The Vet finally came out after we demanded to speak to someone (ie not a Vet Tech). The Vet said that she would stitch up our puppy if we left her overnight and paid for anesthesia – AGAIN. The Vet blamed my puppy for the staples coming out. While we were arguing — a newly inserted staple CAME OUT BEFORE HER EYES.
We argued for about 10 minutes and we left IVS so that I would not break into a violent rage over how they treated my animal.
We literally drove over to Petsmart, walked into Banfield, and the Vet there stitched up my puppy for $ 40…shocked and furious for us at what had happened to her.
WE NEVER WENT BACK TO IVS AGAIN. They are awful awful people who do not care about animals.

This vet is right by my house but I won’t go there after the way they acted about my cat.
My kitten took a dive off the 2^nd floor to the first floor and hit her head. Her nose was bleeding. We called this office, told them what happened and asked if she could be seen right away (it was quite early in the morning, and the e-​vet is all the way across town). They said yes so we drove right over. When we got there we were the only ones there but they made us sit and wait the 10 or 15 minutes until they were «officially» open. With a crying, bleeding animal with a head injury. REALLY?
Btw kitten is fine and no longer thinks she can fly. :)