Estrella Veterinary Hospital A Thrive Pet Healthcare Partner

Horribly rude manager named Sam. DO NOT RECOMMEND! I called this "USDA" accredited vet hospital almost everyday trying to figure out how to get a vet health certificate for my dog to travel to Europe. I spoke to APHIS and both US and UK customs and every government authority told me that the accredited vet needs to acquire and fill out the correct form for me. This vet continued to tell me to bring the form in, even though I was told not to do this by every government authority. Then, when speaking to almost every receptionist (who did not understand anything), I was given to the manager who was incredibly rude, telling me that the hospital has been around "since the 70's" so therefore they are correct. I am more than happy to go somewhere else than risk my dog being quarantined due to rude, ill informed staff. So thank you, SAM! Read Less

I have been going to Estrella Vet for over 20 years and wouldn't think of going anywhere else!!  Three years ago, my then 10 year old Yorkie sustained a major head injury and they were excellent with her.  They did not insist on unnecessary tests and allowed me to take her home every night instead of leaving her by herself in the hospital.  My Yorkie is now 13 and is doing remarkably well. Read Less

The staff is amazing! Dr. Ryan is in my opinion one of the best Veterinary Doctors in Orange County. The warm and caring environment make every visit amazing! I trust all the staff with my pets health and highly recommend you do as well. Estrella Veterinary Hospital is the best. Read Less

We have been going to Estrella for years for our dogs and cats.  Dr. Wendy, Dr. Ryan and Dr. Mike have always been wonderful.  I think our pets actually look forward to seeing Dr. Wendy as she's the kindest, calmest, gentlest vet I have ever met and truly cares about our pets! I have seen a lot of complaints about the cost of services at Estrella and I have to saye that they are not the cheapest vet in town, but in my experience, it is worth every penny.  I have not experienced any "upselling" to get more billings and in fact, all the doctors usually give me the options of the most prudent/cost-effective route to pursue.The office is always clean and well equipped and the front desk is friendly and efficient. Read Less

I am sad to say when I took my 15 year old Dog in after he collapsed and was unresponsive, Dr Laura insisted on putting him through an exam despite my saying I wanted him back and didn't want him out through any poking and prodding. When I brought him in he was unresponsive but not exhibiting any pain - no writhing, no groaning or crying - just out and limp. Because of his age and heart condition, and overall condition we just wanted let him go, peacefully so he wouldn't suffer any longer. I asked for him back. I asked for them to stop - that didn't happen. When Dr Laura brought him to me after her "Exam" she said she had to give him a pain medication because he was moving like he wanted to do a bowel movement - he wasn't doing this when I found him and for the 20 minute car ride to them - he was calm and limp. Did she try to make him stand? She said she pushed on his paws and how the front ones don't respond but the back did. She said she gave him an abdominal X-ray - and couldn't see his stomach as something was in the way - she felt bad. Well you know what, I help people cross over in hospice and when people are at this point you don't poke and prod them! And I requested they NOT do this and they wouldn't listen!!! Then they handed me a $575 bill! I emailed what happened and asked for the owner to call me. I was sent an email (no name) saying how losing a pet is so hard! Yes it is but this has nothing to do with how they handled this! I kept emailing asking if the owner read my email - I got an phone call from manager Samone which I missed - tried to call back but she wasn't in. Asked her to call - no call. Asked if the owner read my emails - no reply. So, since it appears to me I will never hear from the owner and apparently Samone isn't calling me back (as it's almost been a week) I am writing this review to warn others. Please don't take your pets here to be euthanized, at least not by Dr Laura. This was grossly mishandled and apparently, they could care less. Take them to VSG in San Juan Capistrano as they know how to compassionately and lovingly euthanize an animal. Read Less

I am sad to say when I took my 15 year old Dog in after he collapsed and was unresponsive, Dr Laura insisted on putting him through an exam despite my saying I wanted him back and didn't want him put through any poking and prodding. When I brought him in he was unresponsive but not exhibiting any pain - no writhing, no groaning or crying - just out and limp. Because of his age and heart condition, and overall condition we just wanted let him go, peacefully so he wouldn't suffer any longer. I asked for him back. I asked for them to stop - that didn't happen. When Dr Laura brought him to me after her "Exam" she said she had to give him a pain medication because he was moving like he wanted to do a bowel movement - he wasn't doing this when I found him and for the 20 minute car ride to them - he was calm and limp. Did she try to make him stand? She said she pushed on his paws and how the front ones don't respond but the back did. She said she gave him an abdominal X-ray - and couldn't see his stomach as something was in the way - she felt bad. Well you know what, I help people cross over in hospice and when people are at this point you don't poke and prod them! And I requested they NOT do this and they wouldn't listen!!! Then they handed me a $575 bill! I emailed what happened and asked for the owner to call me. I was sent an email (no name) saying how losing a pet is so hard! Yes it is but this has nothing to do with how they handled this! I kept emailing asking if the owner read my email - I got an phone call from manager Samone which I missed - tried to call back but she wasn't in. Asked her to call - no call. Asked if the owner read my emails - no reply. So, since it appears to me I will never hear from the owner and apparently Samone isn't calling me back (as it's almost been a week) I am writing this review to warn others. Please don't take your pets here to be euthanized, at least not by Dr Laura. This was grossly mishandled and apparently, they could care less. Take them to VSG in San Juan Capistrano as they know how to compassionately and lovingly euthanize an animal.Reply to Samone: I received 1 message from you Samone. I called back and they said you were not in, left a message for you to call back - received no call back so emailed you again. Didn't hear back. Read Less

Took our small, timid cat here for a lion cut, because her long hair gets matted and needs sedation to be cut. We asked three different people if they could please only trim and not buzz the area around her neck. When we got her back they had buzzed all up around her neck AND trimmed her long whiskers. The worst part was when we called to express our concern over cut whiskers, the manager was rude and hostile saying "well we don't have groomers on site so we tell customers not to expect a good job" and " we must have had to rush the cut because the anesthesia was wearing off and you cat must have been aggressive". No accountability, never addressed the cut whiskers. We called other groomers and vets who confirmed whiskers should NEVER be cut. We will not bring out pets back. Read Less

I just transferred my dog's care to this veterinary hospital. Having a 10-year-old dog and having moved several times, I have experienced The whole gambit a vet clinics. I can say, hands down, that the office staff at Estrella are the most warm, caring, and prompt people you will ever encounter in a clinic. They recognized every dog by name, even surprise visitors. Professional, friendly, and current on the latest veterinary care advancements. Read Less

We took Jake here back in 2009 on sat Saturday late in the day for a rattlesnake bite. They fortunately carry anti venom they charged us for a reagular visit on a SATURDAY ! They've always been amazing. If you have a fur person and truly love them. Bring them here. They really care about their patients. Read Less

Last week, Dr. Ryan, Kate, Bree and other members of the staff went way beyond what can be expected to help me and my (Oreo)Cookie in an urgent situation while I was out of town. If you want the most compassionate professional care for your beloved animal companion and yourself, this is the best veterinary hospital around. I am so grateful for their help and understanding, even when dealing with a "tough Cookie" like my cat. Read Less

The physical health of my dachshund is one of my top priorities and the Estrella Staff has also made this their top priority as well. Taking Samson to the vet is just like taking him to the dog park. He loves the environment, the staff and of course all the treats. I have full confidence in this office and I am proud to say Estrella Veterinarian Hospital is my vet of choice! Read Less

Love this place! The staff and doctors have much compassion and dedication in dealing with their patients. We love all the vets there, but one in particular who has stolen my family's hearts ( including our doggies ) is Dr Wehmeyer. She is the most caring, compassionate, and professional vet that I have ever dealt with! Dr. Wehmeyer treats each of her "furry" patients with love and dedication. My family and I feel truly blessed to have found such an amazing vet, and now friend for our entire family! Read Less

You guys are lifesavers!!! You were able to find the lung tumor(lung cancer) of our beloved Taegan (10 year boxer), went above and beyond to save her and to make sure she wouldn't suffer! recommended a hospital and a doctor that would do such surgery! Lung was successfully removed, and she had to stay overnight at the hospital in Tustin. From the time the tumor was found to the surgery time, were about 2 weeks. Now, after 3 months, T girl runs and is herself again! We are so grateful! These people understand that pets are part of your family and the same love you have for your pet, I can tell you I know they love your pet just as much as you do! They don't do this for a career, they do it for a passion! Thanks Dr Wendi and everyone there for always helping us and guiding us! Read Less

We have a mouse that began to develop a tumor. In 3 weeks it had tripled in size. When we heard that there was a doctor at Estrella that works on Pocket Pets we went to see if she could do anything about it. Well, it turned out that she could and he had it removed. However, while removing the tumor she discovered that it had grown onto part of his pee-pee. She had to remove part of his pee-pee and then invert it. Yes, our little guy has an inverted pee-pee. It has been a week now and he is doing so amazing! Thank you so very much Dr. Laura for saving our little guy. Thank you Dr. Wendy Brown for helping with the inversion. The surgery was way more invasive than planned. And thank you to the staff! You all have been so sweet and supportive; especially to Amy Taylor that helped get the ball rolling to make this happen. He turns 1 on April 24th and he wouldn't have made it without all of you. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts! And Insta thanks you too!Read Less

I have been going to Estrella since 1991 and I feel very comfortable and safe taking my animals here. Dr. Mike Ontiveres is my vet and he really cares about your animals and always works very hard to figure out what is wrong and to help them get well. He was very understanding when I had to put my cat down a few years back It was the first time I ever had to put a cat down and I wanted to be in the room to comfort my cat. Though the experience was painful, he made the experience a peaceful one. I highly recommend this hospital because they treat your pet like family.Read Less

I have been taking my pets to Estella Vet Hospital for over 20 years and they are the very best! They treated my first lab, Brandy, and discovered cancer and were so compassionate when we lost her. Our current lab Bailey has had her share of emergencies and I would not have taken her anywhere else. I love their personalized service and how they care for my pet. Each of them from Dr. Mike, Dr. Wendi and Dr. Ryan are dedicated professionals that truly love animals. The front desk staff and technicians are also very dedicated, friendly and helpful. I would highly recommend this hospital to anyone who is looking for a Vet for their pets. Read Less

I am so blessed and fortunate to have Dr Mike & his Estrella Veterinary Hospital for my kitty cats vet! The only negative is the car ride to... but during, the kitties absolutely feel comfortable. I always feel comfortable and calmed and very much trust Dr Mike and his staff at Estrella to provide me with the most thoughtful and professional care for my girls. They truly care about our animals and, although they are incredibly busy since they are so sought-after, they are open 7 days a week! They truly care about our pets and they never push treatments/meds that are not necessary. I so appreciate Dr. Mike O. & Estrella Veterinary Hospital staff and cannot thank them enough!Read Less

I'm not one to reccommend something unless it is exceptional. Estrella Veterinary Hospital is just that, going above and beyond to care for my puppy, Macee. Dr. Ryan and Dr. Wendi are the two vets who have looked after Macee and I guarantee she will be seen by no other doctors or hospital! Love the doctors and the staff at Estrella Veterinary Hospital! Thank you all! Read Less

All of the veterinarians are truly the best at Estrella Veterinary Hospital. After moving, I now actually drive two hours each way to take my two babies (dogs) there! My two now-passed kitties were treated there for years too. I just cannot find a veterinary clinic/hospital locally that even comes close to Estrella, so I make the drive for each and every appointment. They are truly the very best, the most caring, the most compassionate. When one of my kitties was ill, rather than trying to charge fees to "save" my cat as many would, when it was clearly time for her to go to rest, Dr. Mike was honest and caring in advising me as he did. These are trustworthy, competent and caring vets. A rare find, I cannot say enough good things! Read Less

I am 21 years of age, with a regular job, and a beautiful 16 month old Pitbull. Estrella Vet is the best! I can afford to take care of my dog and the staff are SO friendly. My pup is very comfortable when he is there and Dr. Wendy is so down-to-earth, we both love her. Affordable, Kind, Honest, and Helpful!!!Read Less

we have been taking our cats there for years and found them to be honest, attentive and compassionate. we had a really sick cat who got excellent care and when we found out it was leukemia they actually discouraged some procedures that would have made them money but was not in the best interest of the animal. when we sadly had to put her down they were compassionate and very sympathetic and reassured us we were doing the right thing and not to feel guilty. I believe they really helped us emotionally through the painful process . I highly recommend them to anyone... Read Less

The doctors and staff at Estrella Vet Hosp. are always professional, and treat me and my pet with love and compassion. I am greeted with a smile and leave with confidence in the care of my pet. This is such a great place in the community, I am more than happy to give my recommend for them. Read Less

Cecelia04? March 17, 2009 at 11:12:38 PDT I have found the staff and Doctors at Estrella to be compassionate, professional and effecient. I had an appointment for a Friday and needed to be emergently seen on Tuesday and they squeezed me in immediately.Read Less