Pasadena Veterinary Specialists

This review is for Dr. Yau, and I can’t say enough good things about her. She faithfully cared for my little shih-​tzu for a year, treating him for what turned out to be chronic pancreatitis and IBD. She was so warm and kind and thoroughly knowledgable and competent. She kept our dear little guy going for a year, and we will forever be grateful to her for giving us another year with him. Although she never sugar-​coated the situation or gave us false hope, she also would not have given up on him as long as we wanted to hang in there. But we finally had to face facts once we realized how chronic his conditions were, and that he wasn’t going to get better but instead would keep declining and suffering. (We did an in-​home euthanasia with Gift of Peace and Dr. Robin Holmes; see my 5-​star review for her on Unilocal.) Dr. Yau called me as soon as she found out, and she was so kind and supportive. We will always remember Dr. Yau with gratitude, and I highly recommend her, for both her clinical competence and her bedside manner. A shout-​out to the staff as well, especially Alex.

We were referred here by our Primary Vet for removal of tumor in our Dogs leg. The office staff, veterinary staff, and Surgeon Dr Little exceeded our expectations in explaining everything to us and handling our case with caring patience and professionalism. The Pet hospital on site was excellent too. I highly recommend Pasadena Veterinary Specialists

My dog Felix had TPLO surgery (to repair a torn ACL) with Dr. Little. We are almost 9 weeks into his recovery and (after 2 overnight visits and 3 follow ups) Felix is doing GREAT! To say that I am a neurotic dog-​mom would be putting it lightly. Dr. Little has been great with answering my millions of questions and even called me on Easter Sunday when I left her a panicked voicemail that Felix had been crying non-​stop since his surgery. (AND the advice she gave stopped Felix’s crying!)
It is really tough for me to take time off work for follow up visits so Dr. Little’s staff lets me drop off Felix early AM on my way to work and pick him up late PM when I get home. The fact that they are so accommodating (and open ²⁴⁄₇) is a huge plus. Every time I drop Felix off he seems excited to go in so the staff must treat him very well. Dr. Little always calls me with a progress report about an hour after I drop Felix off and she patiently answers my long string of questions and reassures me that Felix healing just fine. Her receptionist (Jessica) is awesome too; every time she calls to confirm one of Felix’s appointments she asks how he is doing (with some other medical issues he has). It’s nice to know that they actually REMEMBER who Felix is and care about how he is doing!
Another reason I would recommend TLC is because of their prices. They were the first place I called for a quote and (out of the 8 places I got quotes from) they were among the cheapest. Some of the other reviews say that TLC is overpriced but I think that people need to remember that TLC is for emergencies and bigger medical issues. I wouldn’t recommend TLC to someone who just needs to get their dog vaccinated (as an example)… Go to VCA for that.

5 yrs. ago I was referred to Dr Yau. My dog was diagnosed with gallstones. At that time Dr Yau and her staff were very helpful and caring and treated her well. Today I returned to have Dr Yau review the status of her gallstones. Dr Yau remembered Abbie! Talked to her like an old friend. Went over her 5 yrs of medical records, checked her vitals, provided her diagnose and recommended to follow through on the ultrasound. Explained the process to me, very kind and very professional. Her nurse came in, very sweet and mindful of my feelings and very empathetic and took Abbie. Her receptionist that helped me through the billing process was very, very kind. The procedure was completed, Dr Yau explained EVERYTHING! Abbie well be fine. I left with everyone in the office wishing us well, have a great weekend. I am forever thankful that Dr Cheng from Citrus veterinary clinic in La Verne referred me to Dr Yau and very grateful to have Dr Yau as our medical experts. Thank you, Dr Yau and staff…

Horrible Facility Rude careless service all they care about is your money. My dog is dead and in 10 minutes or less im out 550

we had a consultation appointment ($ 150) during a power outage so no services were available. they took our credit card to charge after the power came back. checking the credit card statement several days later showed they charged $ 852 which included various tests that were never performed!!!
Not the most pleased about their philosophy which seems to be lots of tests ($$$) rather than trying to pair a plan for the patient (old) and customers (not rich).
a nice vet but extremely expensive and maybe too thorough ($$$$)
I think we’ll try elsewhere in the future.

Tootsie Roll Pop, my sweet Calico, was the gentlest soul, she didn’t go outside, but chose to stay inside with me. My self-​appointed shadow, she would follow me from room to room as I moved through the house. Since I work from home, I move from my office to the laundry room to put in a load of laundry, then stop in the kitchen to freshen my coffee, then back to my desk.
Without fail, every time I moved to another room, she’d up and follow me, without my urging her to do so. She’d always be sitting patiently by the door, watching me and waiting for me.
She was a tiny girl, only weighed 9 pounds at her full weight, with fur as soft as down. She had a curious «silent» meow, opening her mouth, but making no noise. If you weren’t looking directly at her, you’d never know she had meowed at you.
This year she was 17 and we thought she was in relatively good health. Then, suddenly she stopped eliminating her waste and I knew something was seriously wrong. She also started vomiting every other day and the weight started to drop off her, so I took her to our regular vets at VCA Foothill.
They said she had developed hyperthyroidism, and gave me medicine to give to her by mouth twice a day. They said it would slow down the weight loss, and in a couple of weeks I thought she was getting better.
But, she started losing weight again and still was eliminating irregularly, so I got another opinion at the Rose City Vets office. They said her thyroid was slowly normalizing, but had no answer about her elimination problems.
She started throwing up every meal, and I took her back to VCA Foothill to see why she wasn’t improving. The doctor there told me that Tootsie was impacted (her excrement had hardened inside her intestinal tract and bowels), and that she needed enemas done all night long to clear them out. They are a daycare facility only, so our vet suggested we take her to Pasadena Veterinary Specialists (PVS) in South Pasadena, where they could monitor her condition over night.
They didn’t remember me, but I had been there years before with a severely sick cat (he had Cryptococcus). Dr Mott told me that the treatments would be $ 800.00 each and that she couldn’t guarantee the treatments wouldn’t kill him, so I got out of there as fast as I could and vowed to never go back.
So, against my better judgment, I took my sweet Tootsie back to PVS. Although I was careful to bring all of her current medical records and test results from VCA Foothill Vets, they insisted on doing all the tests over again, at a cost of $ 2,000.00. When they agreed with VCA Foothill that she needed overnight treatment for the impaction, they came up with another few thousand dollars in costs for keeping her overnight. They spent more time talking to me about money than they did on care for my poor Tootsie.
Later that evening, Dr Mott called me with a diagnosis of an impaction (which we already knew) and that she also had an obstruction in her intestines. She informed me that it would cost another few thousand dollars to cut Tootsie open to see if it was cancer (in which case it couldn’t be cured) or a tumor (and it would, naturally cost more to remove it). She also informed me that either way, she could not promise that Tootsie would survive the surgeries.
I couldn’t stand to listen to this woman coldly insist on more money and more procedures when she had just told me that either way Tootsie would probably die. I asked her to prepare Tootsie to come home, so I could spend my last week with her, and she coldly informed me of the balance I owed before I could pick her up.
When I got back to PVS, Tootsie was filthy and stinking, they had let her lie in her own filth form the enemas, and she was shaking with the cold. The clinic is kept at a chilling temperature, as are the people who work there.
We finally decided that my poor baby had had enough of procedures and found a very kind doctor who does in-​home euthanasia. She had a very peaceful ending to her life on November 30^th, at home among the people who loved her.
I still miss her every day.
But the nightmare with PVS wasn’t over.
On December 16^th one of the receptionists at PVS called MY HOME NUMBER and asked me if Tootsie had been euthanized!
Since I answered my phone from a private residence, in no way could any intelligent person have construed that it was VCA Foothill Vets, since they answer their phone with their company’s name. Furthermore, the receptionist was laughing while she asked if Tootsie had been euthanized. I told her she had called the client, not a vet’s office, and she did not even apologize, she just hung up the phone.
Her insensitivity was emphasized when she called me right back, again laughing her head off, to ask if Tootsie had been euthanized. I am shocked at her cavalier attitude about a most painful time in my life. This is the third furbaby I have lost this year due to old age or illness, and I find nothing funny about their employee’s insensitivity.

Dr. Yau is very thorough, thoughtful, and responsive. She didn’t rush and she and her tech took their time going over my pet’s extensive medical history. She did tests the same day we came in, and when I wrote her an e-​mail with some concerns she got back to me THE VERY SAME NIGHT with kindness and patience (after a very long day)! Amazing! Take your pets to see Dr. Yau. You’ll be happy you did :).

I wouldn’t trust «Dr.» Mott with a stuffed animal. She probably would want to run tests.
Go somewhere else. Her license should be taken away. She is a Monster. Had I googled her prior I would have went somewhere else. Obviously I’m not the only one who notices horrific behaviors about her.
I was referred by my vet for one thing. I came in hysterical. After almost $ 10,000 in one week here with a down payment… I wasnt told exactly what my Pet has. Expensive ass tests. Something in my Gut didnt trust Dr. Mott. She’s very cold and can have a disconnect to her vibe. She never explained in detail what my Pet had just CANCER! After complaining I wasn’t getting clear answers what my Pet had the assistant sat with me and went over everything. They put a food tube in his neck because he wasnt eating but when I got him home he ate just fine
She contradicts herself and doesn’t like when you question her. She wants all these expensive ass tests. Well I get them done cheaper at my Vet. So I order the test exactly as she wants from my Vet then they foward to her. She charges $ 70 for a 5 minute visit and if you bring up anything she will want to order MORE tests. She will look you up and down and make a comment how you *should* be able to afford $ 50.00 a month medication bill.
Turns out she and ny vet use the same Lab that run these tests, My vet is cheaper… So she must either be getting a kickback from this lab to charge more because she had the BALLS to tell me «This is why I rather have you get the Bloodwork done here so we don’t have to play these games»
Games? She’s lucky I had my Pet in my hands. Who The F says that ??? She still got paid for the visit! My Blood was boiling. I HATED taking my Pet there.
She speaks to my Mom and accuses her as if its my Moms fault whose never been to Vet school mind you for ordering too much even when My mom explains WHY we get the lab work done at our Vet because it’s cheaper, she makes some comment about what we order… We order ONLY what she wants to the very T! How would we know codes and shit? LOL.
My Gut told me something was off about her and I think it really is all about money. Her comment about games was so disrespectful and offensive. And I don’t think my Pet benefited. But I’m sure she did money wise.
I’m so Happy now because I found a fantastic Specialist and my pet is thriving!!!

I had an appt for my pet and I have to say I did not learn anything new. I had others suggest I see an «internist» to really understand whats going on with my dog.
I was a bit shocked to get the same info I would get at any old regular vet for 40.-50.00!!! Except the price tag to see this vet for a consult was a wopping $ 150.00 out of my wallet without any new advice or explanations! Everything I was told I had already been told by my other vets
I absolutely did not have a «thorough explanation» of what I came in for. She focused on what I already knew, what any vet has told me numerous times. I came in specifically to get certain questions answered and did not get answers at all.
I walked out sort of stunned. I had great hopes by going here, and was willing to pay the higher price because I thought I would get answers here to my pets complex issues.
Plus, I got a really detached, cold and unfriendly doctor named Dr Mott like so many other doctors I have encountered for humans and animals. This really pissed me off because I was paying a huge consultation fee. She didn’t give a lot of eye contact & I noticed she looked at my clothes a few times. That was very odd. I would have expected someone who radiated a great deal of caring and compassion for my pet. Instead I got a breezy estimation and as I am such a good reader of people, someone who simply isnt that caring.
I am entirely fed up with the bedside manner of these sorts of «doctors». Then I was pushed into getting a written «estimate» WHEN I TOLD HER I DIDNT WANT THOSE PROCEDURES DONE. She wanted it done anyway! Turned out to be an estimate for a lot of needless crap that my pet did NOT need, so obviously these people are as money hungry as the next money hungry doctor. The write up for expected costs was for hundreds to thousands of dollars. I can’t believe they can look me in the eyes with that stare and disagree with me that its not all about the money.
So much for «seeing an internist». Ugh.
I heard that the vets in Simi Valley are excellent, compassionate, caring and professional. Unfortunately its just too far away.

Wasn’t impressed in the least. My vet suggested going there to figure out curing my puppies giardia problems because everything we tried didn’t work. I explained this to the specialist and they didn’t really offer an explanation or anything. They prescribed a pill he hadn’t tried yet but was unaffected. The suggested an endoscopy, just for the money I assume. They tested him, took x-ray’s and all for nothing. No explanation on the results of the test.
My guess is that they are only interested in making money. I would drive to another town if I needed to see another specialist.

I’ve been to a lot of vets and Pasadena Veterinary Specialists ranks at the top. My pet has seen both Dr. Yau and Dr. Little. Both are extremely caring and compassionate with great patient rapport. Dr. Yau is treating our pet for an ongoing condition and we couldn’t be happier. Dr. Yau takes her time, goes over all options and follows up to make certain that everything is going as planned. I really feel that we’re getting complete care. After our first visit, we were trying to get the dosage correct for our small dog and she had us email her during her days off so she could help us adjust the dosage. Additionally, we really value the periodic check in calls that she makes just to ensure all is well. They may be a little expensive but in this case you get quality.

Not only do we love Dr. Mott, we also love Dr. Yau. She took great care of our beloved ginger cat until the end and was completely honest about what our steps should be. She could have bilked us for more money but the best option was to end her suffering instead of forcing her through more tests. We will never forget her honesty, empathy, and kindness.
We recently saw her for our other cat and she was equally caring. She even called us on her day off to tell us the results of her urinalysis since she knew we were worried as any pet parent would be. She called on more time before our follow up appointment out of concern.
I ain’t going to lie. PVS is expensive but the quality of care and thoroughness of both Dr. Yau and Dr. Mott are unmatched. We are so thankful that they’re close by!

I was very skeptical about going to this place because I thought it was tied in with TLC which has some bad reviews. However, upon entering, I realized it’s a separate practice.
My dogs dental specialist recommended that I see Dr. Yau before getting her teeth done. While I only dealt with Dr. Yau’s front desk person, I have to say that she was incredibly helpful and very nice in working with us from the time we entered to the time we picked up our dog. She also was knowledgeable on how the Care Credit worked which really helped me when using it to pay for my bill.
Additionally, my first visit with Dr. Yau was just as pleasant. She was very thorough with the exam and treatment while providing realistic options and recommendations. I had no reservations at all about leaving my dog here while she was in for tests and when I returned to pick her up, it was obvious she had been as spoiled as when I left her. At 15, I wasn’t sure what the outcome would be for her but with just a few days of ongoing treatment and care, she’s nearly back to her old self, chasing cats and causing havoc.

Our 7 ½ year old Chesapeake, Luna, had TPLO surgery here in January. She is doing amazing. Dr Little is phenomenal! Not only is she a fantastic surgeon but she’s so good with the animals. You can tell that she truly loves what she does. And Luna actually liked going in for her check ups. The day we brought her home was so scary and we had to work very hard to follow the instructions we were given but it was well worth it. At 3 months, just as Dr. Little had said, she was able to run and catch tennis balls — her favorite thing to do. An added bonus is the staff there. They are all so friendly, they are efficient and thoughtful. Hopefully, we won’t have to use their services again but if we do, we know that Luna will be in good hands. Thank you to everyone there!

Spotty was hit by a car and had 2 major fractures that required plates and 4 or more minor fractures. The surgeries looked complicated and the pelvic fracture was at a rather thin section of bone.
Dr. Little put him back together again and even though he looks like Robo-​dog from his x-​rays, he is good as new and back to his old fearless ways in 4 – 5 weeks. We had to hold him back from stairs and running. I’m sure he will be jumping on the sofa again pretty soon.
All the staff were very nice and helpful and Dr. Little spent time to explain the different issues clearly.
We did spend close to 8 grand since it was 2 seperate surgeries and about 1 week of ICU care. I look at Spotty today and think it’s all worth it. Just don’t do it again…

If I could give this hospital, the veterinarians, Dr. Yau and Dr. Mott and their staff 10 stars it would not be enough! I cannot express adequately the care, concern and gentle treatment they gave my little dog Chica and me. My little dog died, but they did everything they could to help us. Dr. Yau called me on her day off to talk to me about Chica. When it was time to let her go, Dr. Mott sat on the floor of the treatment room with me and talked to me for a long time. She asked me to talk about Chica and tell her about my little dog’s life. I was so comforted by her care, her skill and her empathy. Dr. Yau called me afterward to express her sorrow at my dog’s passing. The staff sent me a beautiful card. Lauren the Program Manager sent me a card letting me know that they have made a donation to the ACVIM Foundation in Chica’s name.
I know that if my dog could have been saved, they would have been the ones who would have done it. I have never experienced such care, concern, and responsiveness by any medical person, never mind a vet.
I did not know this hospital before I went there. We were referred to them by our regular vet who recognized that Chica needed immediate special care.
Thank you all for helping me through a very painful experience.
Judy Crown

I highly recommend Dr. Mott. She is bright, thorough and responsive. The facility from the outside is not all that impressive, however, the attentiveness of the staff and the ability of Dr. Mott deserve five stars alone. I was impressed with how she read my boys chart, was conversant with his issues and very methodical in her approach to rectify the situation. She is a calming force in a stressful situation. While I was at my last visit, there was another patient in the waiting room raving about her as well.

Thank you Dr. Yau for taking care of my baby! I was referred to PVC by Dr. Jennifer Lynn at Advanced Veterinary Dentist (also 5 stars!!!) because she saw a little abnormality in my dog’s EKG.
Dr. Yau examined her carefully, told me what to expect, and did everything she can to take care of my dog. She even got on the floor to examine my dog (a mini Dachshund) because she wanted to make sure that my dog is as comfortable and less scared as possible. She listened to her heart and knew right away that her heart skips a beat every other beat (or something like that) – and my dog sees a vet on a very regular basis. No one has ever caught that!
Dr. Yau did find a problem with her heart, unfortunately :(But at least we found the problem way early before anything is too late. I will keep working with her to ensure that my baby live a healthy and good life. Thank you so much!

I’ve been to many, many veterinarians over the years. Some have been awful, some mediocre, some exceptional. And I’m sure everyone has a different set of considerations to weigh in determining whether they’ve found the right one.
I’m surprised to see any negative reviews of PVS. My experiences have never been anything other than excellent and, as a business owner myself, I am very critical of other businesses and stingy with my praise. I’ve never met Dr. Mott, but I have had two dogs who have been treated multiple times by Dr. Yau and she’s fantastic.
Her bedside manner is terrific, she takes the time to explain things in terms that we non-​doctors can understand, she genuinely cares for the animals, is prompt, friendly, returns phone calls to answer questions; she’s incredible. I can say this with total confidence even though she had to euthanize one of my beautiful and beloved dogs. It was an amazingly difficult time and she and her staff handled the situation with tremendous empathy and professionalism.
Also, my wife and I have never had anything but great interactions with the front desk staff for PVS and TLC. They’re always friendly and attentive. The same goes for the vet techs who not only remember my dogs names, but are very gentle and kind.
All in all, credit needs to go where it’s due. Dr. Yau and her staff at PVS are our only choice, and deservedly so.