Sepulveda Animal Hospital

We've been bringing our two dogs here for a few years and have been impressed with the level of expertise and skill the veterinarians have here.  All of the vets we've seen have been knowledgeable and very kind to us and our dogs.  They are up front with costs and make reasonable recommendations.  We're very happy here! Read Less

The crew here is amazing and really knowledgeable. All the vets are very sharp and staff is great. After a couple years going here, I had to take my dog to VCA because of an emergency UTI. VCA treated her twice and it didn't work. Sepulveda found the right treatment right away. Read Less

I used to like this animal hospital until I witnessed their rude, selfish attitude toward their clients and their situations. I believed every one is reading this is looking for a legitimate and professional vet for their fur kids and Im one as well. I've been looking for a profession vet that I can trust to give our fur kids to. The doctor here is kind and know what they're doing. However, My problem was that they changed the final price without informing me. The original estimate was lower. I brought my cat here a month ago to get a pre-check and price estimate for neutering. However, the final price is slightly changed and is different than the price estimate they gave it to me a month ago. I understand it's not a big difference, but this shows that they can alter their price however they want and the costumers won't really be aware since it's not a big difference. If they told me that there is extra medical tools,injection...etc so the price will vary from that, I might be more acceptable but, after neutering. I didn't get any surgery record from the procedure that there was anything needed so the final price changed. There is no any surgery notes/summery/information/report as well. Which I'm kinda surprised this high ranking hospital does't bother to do it while other places do provide the surgery notes. I understand if it's a low-cost organization for neuter/spay, they don't usually monitor and provide medical record afterwards. So where is the extra cost from neuter afterward? Is the spay/neuter price not firm so they can change the price? I was very disappointed by this. Moreover, one of their receptionists was so rude and cold the whole time when she talked to me. She was kind at the first time I brought my cat there. However, her attitude totally changed to a horrible person this time. the whole time she talked to me when I asked her questions just pure frustration and annoyance. The final weak point that made me not want to come back to this place was they don't accept to enter a credit card number from my mom's card. Which MOST of the animal hospitals accept. The receptionist gave me a horrible attitude the whole time I'm trying to talk to her. She said "you can talk to our owner if you want as if she doesn't want to deal with me. Then, I talked the owner and It was an uncomfortable and helpless conversation just like the reception lady. He had an fake-smile on him as if he cares and telling my they don't accept credit card number without the card or the person here. and he was asking other costumers who are there to get their agreement to make his own "policy" sounds stronger in front of me. So the theory is even if I stole someone's money or card and gave it to them, they'll accept it because they're actual objects. But the credits numbers don't' work because they're afraid I stole someone's card? The owner finished our conversation by careless apologizing and told me I can go to bank and borrow money if I'd like to. So I was standing there, and couldn't take my cat home even I have money? At the mean time, the receptionist was telling me that they closed at 5 and told me to figure out a way before that with a cold and careless attitude. After these, I will never go back to this animal hospital. I have to be objective that the doctors there I've encountered were kind and professional and most the receptionists are kind. However, the way they can alter their price by not notifying costumers is not moral. The reception lady and the owner's attitude totally ruined my day and my trust to this animal hospital. This two people could care less about your pets but all they want is money. Read Less

I used to like this animal hospital until I witnessed their rude, selfish attitude toward their clients and their situations. I believed every one is reading this is looking for a legitimate and professional vet for their fur kids and Im one as well. I've been looking for a profession vet that I can trust to give our fur kids to. The doctor here is kind and know what they're doing. However, My problem was that they changed the final price without informing me. The original estimate was lower. I brought my cat here a month ago to get a pre-check and price estimate for neutering. However, the final price is slightly changed and is different than the price estimate they gave it to me a month ago. I understand it's not a big difference, but this shows that they can alter their price however they want and the costumers won't really be aware since it's not a big difference. If they told me that there is extra medical tools,injection...etc so the price will vary from that, I might be more acceptable but, after neutering. I didn't get any surgery record from the procedure that there was anything needed so the final price changed. There is no any surgery notes/summery/information/report as well. Which I'm kinda surprised this high ranking hospital does't bother to do it while other places do provide the surgery notes. I understand if it's a low-cost organization for neuter/spay, they don't usually monitor and provide medical record afterwards. So where is the extra cost from neuter afterward? Is the spay/neuter price not firm so they can change the price? I was very disappointed by this. Moreover, one of their receptionists was so rude and cold the whole time when she talked to me. She was kind at the first time I brought my cat there. However, her attitude totally changed to a horrible person this time. the whole time she talked to me when I asked her questions just pure frustration and annoyance. The final weak point that made me not want to come back to this place was they don't accept to enter a credit card number from my mom's card. Which MOST of the animal hospitals accept. The receptionist gave me a horrible attitude the whole time I'm trying to talk to her. She said "you can talk to our owner if you want as if she doesn't want to deal with me. Then, I talked the owner and It was an uncomfortable and helpless conversation just like the reception lady. He had an fake-smile on him as if he cares and telling my they don't accept credit card number without the card or the person here. and he was asking other costumers who are there to get their agreement to make his own "policy" sounds stronger in front of me. So the theory is even if I stole someone's money or card and gave it to them, they'll accept it because they're actual objects. But the credits numbers don't' work because they're afraid I stole someone's card? The owner finished our conversation by careless apologizing and told me I can go to bank and borrow money if I'd like to. So I was standing there, and couldn't take my cat home even I have money? At the mean time, the receptionist was telling me that they closed at 5 and told me to figure out a way before that with a cold and careless attitude. After these, I will never go back to this animal hospital. I have to be objective that the doctors there I've encountered were kind and professional and most the receptionists are kind. However, the way they can alter their price by not notifying costumers is not moral. The reception lady and the owner's attitude totally ruined my day and my trust to this animal hospital. This two people could care less about your pets but all they want is money. Read Less

I met Dr. Galea just three days ago after I called his office in a panic and begged the receptionist to schedule my beloved dog, Dublin, for a splenectomy ASAP.  An ultrasound performed in connection with an unrelated issue at another animal hospital had revealed the presence of a large mass on my sweet old boy's spleen, which threatened to rupture at any moment and which was causing him enormous discomfort. Not only did Dr. Galea agree to see Dublin and me for a same-day consultation, he agreed to perform the surgery the next morning for about 1/3 of the price of other vets in the area. On top of making himself available at the last minute for a new patient, Dr. Galea was knowledgable, experienced, sensitive, realistic, and forthcoming with even the most terrifying and unwelcome information without being  cold and clinical. Ultimately not even Dr. Galea could save my best friend from the advanced cancer inside him.  However, thanks to Dr. Galea's calming bedside manner and obvious skill, I was able to be a source of comfort to my boy instead of the weeping ball of nerves I'd been in the offices of other vets. Thank you, Dr. Galea, if you're reading this. I will never forget your willingness to help my little guy and your sensitivity when you had to tell me that no one could. Read Less

TL;DR this hospital is clean, friendly and fair. The staff and doctors at this establishment are all incredibly pleasant, patient and helpful. Everyone treats your animal like their own, which I appreciate so much. The vet can be a terrifying and stressful experience for owners and pets, but not here. The facilities are spotless - we were in an exam room while our Dr stepped into the back to get something for our dog and they left the door open. It was so clean back there you could eat off the ground (just because you could doesn't mean you should). Our pup has had excellent experiences here over the last year and the cost is offset by the convenience of not needing an appointment and the fact that they stock almost everything they prescribe, meaning your pet's treatment can start immediately.Our Dr's have been transparent about costs and treatment options, and always give honest recommendations. For example, our Dr recommended the cheaper option for both our flea/tick and antibiotics after comparing them to the alternatives. Read Less

We have been using Sepulveda Animal Hospital for several years and they have always been great, but this review is for the staff on duty the day our Lucy was stung by a bee, and specifically want to acknowledge Dr. Alexandra Orenich for her amazing efforts to save Lucy's life. Words can't describe our feelings of gratitude. Thank you for bringing her back to life. She's doing fine now. Read Less

Took my dog here for infection and allergies. Very expensive, but the Dr. Was thoughtful and attentive at least. However, I will not be back due to the rudeness and incompetence of the front desk people. Every phone call has been unpleasant to say the least. Pet bills can be high in most places but I'll be looking for great customer service elsewhere. Read Less

It's an expensive pet vet. The doctor always late on my appointments, like 40 mins late once I remembered. The ladies on the front desk were inpatient and kind of cold to me made me felt uncomfortable every time I went there. My kitten got sick and the doctor gave me different medicines twice with different tests, but none worked well. I had to came over again. Every time I spent over $100 there but it didn't help my kitten at all. I had to beg them to removed the recheck fee even any medicine didn't help my kitten. Each time the doctor just tried to charged me more money for something I had no idea. I told her that's too expensive, and she said:"it's expensive to have a pet". She made me felt like I deserve to spent a lot of money for having a pet.The best thing about this place is super clean here. Read Less

Dr. Galea and his staff have taken care of my cats for nearly 20 years. They are all highly dedicated, kind, loving people. The facilities are spotless and friendly. I cannot recommend Dr Galea enough. He tells you all your options and never pressures you into unnecessary medical procedures, like some vets. He saw me through the end-of-life decision for both of my 20 year old cats, when the time came, with grace and compassion. And now he is the doctor for my new kittens. Read Less

(Culprit)Galea seems to be a decent guy and vet, but his front office staff, the one who answers the phone, has a lot to be desired. ...She makes you feel like you're trying to get into an 'A List Celebrity Club' on opening day.  Seriously!  Maybe this is why this place is quiet as a tomb!!   But the WORST is, she is always trying to add services to the procedure or appointment, sometimes I wonder if she is on commission.  Today was the latest incident...(Background) I rescued my dog from the pound in April 2015.  So, she has been throughly examined 6 months ago, spayed, current on all shots, etc ----a clean bill of health.. And she was seen by Galea six months ago to put in a microchip........Additionally, I have taken her to Galea for a nail trim since I rescued her.  She is a young happy dog with NO health issues.(Problem)I called to find out the times for nail clipping as they have walk in times for this type of procedure at Galea's office on Saturday... But as usual I got the third degree from the Front Office Warden.....She has to look me up, study my records...THEN says, for a nail trim, you will also have to get an examination (!!!) --- REALLY?? What next? Blood work?  I went through the dog's exam history stated, above....and pointed out that it's a nail clipping not heart transplant, but she wanted to tack on the exam anyway.  (Can you imagine getting a physical before a pedicure?)(Solution)Petco charges 10-15 depending on clip or dremel (file). They were great!! I paid 15 dollars, gave the tech a good tip, and they treated me like a valued 'customer'... I don't mind paying the extra for Galea's office, but turning a $25 nail service into an office visit that probably would cost me a $100 out the door with the trim, is why most people I know don't like Los Angeles vets, and why sadly people do not take their animals in..  And, then to have to deal with the front office Warden who makes everything into a major medical procedure is more drama than I need for a Saturday afternoon.  She should get a job as a prison guard or jail house warden, IRS auditor, or maybe a colonoscopy tech. Read Less

We have taken our dog (Folsom) to SAH and Dr. Galea for the past 11 years and have always been completely satisfied with the service we've received. In 2007, Folsom was hit by a truck and Dr. Galea essentially rebuilt him and 8 years later he is still healthy and happy. We'll never take our dog anywhere else. Read Less

I cannot recommend Dr. Galea and his wonderful team at Sepulveda Animal Hospital more highly. He has cared for my dogs for many years and I am always pleased with his very thoughtful and considerate approach. My yellow lab used to dread going to the vet and would dig her toenails into the cement to keep from going in the door. Now she starts barking the minute she senses we are near Dr. Galea's office and runs in to greet the staff wagging her tail. That says a lot, especially since she has undergone several surgeries and other painful procedures there that would ordinarily send a pet running. I am so grateful that I was introduced to Dr. Galea. Knowing my pets are in his care eases my mind tremendously, especially when I must be out of town. I wish there were more stars to give him. Read Less

I scheduled an appointment for both dogs. No wait at all. Fairly priced for visits and even a small discount since I brought in both dogs at once. Very happy with Dr. Galea. Glad we made the switch from our previous vet. He seems to be very knowledgable and gave me plenty of great tips in the short amount of time that I was there. You can tell he is someone who is beloved in his community. Read Less

If you are looking for exceptional medical care, honest and reasonable fees, a helpful staff, and a clean facility for your pet relative, look no further than a more than 5 star veterinarian, Dr. Yves Galea!I wrote a review about my experience with him on his clinics Yelp page.  It says it all:My cat had fallen from a 2 story window and shattered her femur.  After a traumatizing experience at the VCA West Los Angeles Animal hospital (that review to follow) I was referred to Doctor Galea quickly by a vet, and by another reputable animal professional.  I quickly scooped up my girl from VCA and drove her to Dr. Galea as soon as his door opened that morning.Attention to acuity of the patient -- 5 Stars:My experience working in an ER taught me that a good doctor will first base his care on acuity, attending to the most life threatening or sick first!  I called Dr. Galea's office at 8am for a quote.  His administrative staff got him on the phone immediately.  He gave me a very reasonable quote over the phone for my cat's surgery and told me to bring her in right away!  She was was out of the ER, in his office, and they were prepping her for surgery within an hour of my phone call!  And, he went over an itemized list of all the costs involved from hospitalization, tests, surgery, and after care!  He makes the term "being on it" an understatement!Customer service -- 5 StarsMy cat had surgery the same day!  From the time I first got to the office, to his personal phone call before the surgery to discuss her surgery plan, to the call after surgery to update me on how it went and how she was doing, the customer service was absolutely top notch!  I cannot express the peace of mind he gave me while I waiting those calls, and the trust he earned during the entire experience!Level of care -- 5++++++++ Stars:Turns out my girl had a very bad fracture.  During the fall, her poor leg was also empaled by an object that had the potential to cause an infection that jeopardized her keeping that leg all together! She required hardware, and a lot of creativity, skill, and talent from Dr. Galea.  Like Humpty Dumpty, he put her leg back together again.  He had me stick to a very conservative after care plan which included a long cage confinement, and the perfect combination of meds to fight any chance of infection.  All of this so that she could recover into the same agile, and thriving cat that she was before her injury!  Dr. Galea made himself available every step of the way.  And when he was not available due to his other patients (who I might add, rave about him in the waiting room), his staff always remembered us, were friendly, and even more helpful!Naobi has regained her status as the queen of the house to myself and her brother and sister!  I dare say she is more confident because of the experience, and holds no baggage from it.  Dr. Galea turned what began as a traumatizing and potentially devastating experience, to one of great relief and hope!  I highly recommend him, his great staff, and impressive facility!*Thank you Dr. Galea, for giving her highness Naobi her second chance, and for being such an exceptional Surgeon and Vet!* Read Less

DR. Galea was the only honest vet who didn't give me false hope about my pet. She was very sick and other vets wanted to keep running tests on her. We talked about her quality of life and that she had made it to 15 y/o. I still feel sad and miss her... Read Less

After going to several vets in West L.A., I finally found someone I was really comfortable with. Dr. Galea is a no nonsense person, who truly cares and treats animals with the utmost care. He is also very concerned about his clients' expenses, and tries to keep them to the minimum. This seems rare if you read most vet hospital reviews around here. I would definitely recommend him to my friends and family. And yes, we have the same first name, which is pretty rare around here since it is truly French. Read Less

I brought my cat in today for an initial visit. Dr. Galea and his staff were friendly and made my experience very simple. I have been to other vets and I have never seen another staff behave so affectionately towards my cat... I almost thought they loved my little buddy more than me! Dr. Galea spent time getting to know me and clearly explained what tests were needed; he also ruled out others which I had expected to be mandatory. The cost of my visit was not cheap, but this is L.A. I am giving my initial visit 5 stars but I will report back if a future visit yields less than a reasonable experience. Read Less

I had been going to another vet, who's office either closed or moved (I don't remember). Somewhow I heard about Dr. Galea. I took my then 17 year old cat for an exam. A year later, that beautiful and sweet cat became ill and the time came to euthanize him. I was devastated to find that he was so ill, when I thought it was something that could easily be treated. My cat most likely had cancer, but at the age of 18 plus, Dr. Galea was so honest in my options. I knew that if I kept my dear pet alive that it would be for me. The day came that I knew what I had to do. I had had this cat for 18 years and pet owners understand that that pet is a part of who we are. I have had to have other pets euthanized and I've always stayed with them to the end. My experience with Dr. Galea was so much more compassionate and gentle than past experiences. He gave my dear cat something that would make him dreamy and not scared. Then he left us alone for perhaps 10 minutes. He came back in and as he got ready to give my cat the final shot, he told me that I was doing the right thing and then as he stroked my cat, he said, ""goodbye kitty"". My dear cat passed with absolutely no stress or trauma. I stroked him and told me that he had been such a blessing in my life. Dr. Galea and his staff were so very compassionate. I have just purchased two kittens and I will be back with Dr. Galea and his staff. Read Less

I can not say enough great things about the care that Dr. Galea provides at Sepulveda Animal Hospital. Upon moving to Los Angeles 2 years ago, we asked around for vet recommendations and Dr. Galea was highly recommended to us by a few different pet owners. Although we live clear across town in Pasadena, it was worth the drive because Dr. Galea goes above and beyond with his care. When our elderly dog developed health issues, Dr. Galea would provide us with additional research that he conducted outside of his normal business hours- and he always followed up with a personal phone call to see how our dog was doing. Our Great Dane lived a long, healthy life to age 14. When the dreaded time came when we had to put our dog to sleep, Dr. Galea made the process comfortable for our pet and counseled us during our grief. He eased what is an extremely difficult situation. It is obvious that Dr. Galea cares tremendously for each pet who enters his facility, as well as their owners. We are grateful for the wonderful care that Dr. Galea and his staff provided and highly recommend him. Read Less

I have been taking my pets to Dr. Galea for 10 years. He has treated my 4 cats and 1 dog as though they were his own and I know they have received the very best care. Given how expensive most vet trips can be, I have always felt that my pets received outstanding treatment at a very reasonable price. I have recommended him to all of my friends and coworkers over the years, and they too have all been completely satisfied. I would never consider going to any other vet, my pets are all healthy and happy and they love their vet! Read Less

Took my pugs for shots--he gave rabies and DHPP together, which, I found out later, is not a good thing to do. My dogs had a reaction--they were coughing, sneezing and one threw up. I called the office with my concerns, and through his receptionist, Dr. Galea told me I 'could' make an appt and come in, but it wasn't the shots. I told the receptionist it WAS the shots--they were fine beforehand and they BOTH had these symptoms. I spent over $200 for two examinations and the shots, and I found it extremely unprofessional and uncaring when they told me I could make an appointment and they could check them out, at my expense of course. I would not recommend this clinic. Read Less

Dr. Galea is a SUPERB veterinarian. His training includes residency at UC Davis (one of the best programs in the nation) and his new clinic is a huge state of the art animal medicine and surgical facility (they even have an animal sonogram and indoor dog run!). True, if you're looking for cheap, uncaring care that you're never sure of, Dr. Galea is the WRONG guy to see. If you want the best care for your pet, from a caring, professional staff, and want to be sure that your pet is getting the proper diagnosis, then Dr. Galea is the RIGHT vet to see. I have brought seven pets over the course of 10+ years to Dr. Galea for maladies including everything from fleas to stroke. He always provided me with the best course of treatment, and if I EVER mentioned anything about price, he'd always work with me on alternative treatments. He also referred me out when my pet required a very specific procedure. All in all, you can rest easy with your pet in Dr. Galea's care. Highly recommend, A++++. Read Less

I have been a client of Dr. Galea for over a decade. He performed successful back surgery on my dog at an extremely low cost, and demonstrated great compassion for his suffering prior to surgery. He has always engaged in as much detail about my pets' health issues as I ask for, and regularly consults with other top vets when he believes a particular diagnosis or treatment regimen requires more input. He calls me back when I have questions, and also makes follow up calls if the treatment is for anything that is non-routine. Dr. Galea is also very honest about his fees -- he has told me that I'm better off going to vaccination clinics than having them done in his office. His charges tend to be significantly lower than other vets on the Westside. Much of his office staff has been with him for years -- they are friendly, compassionate and knowledgeable. Those who have complained about outcomes may want to examine their own choices and expectations. Dr. Galea has always presented treatment options when they exist. He's very honest about costs and anticipated results. I have NEVER been advised to pay for high priced treatments without being given alternative choices, or told that I may want to get a second opinion. Read Less

I recently moved to the area and went to Sepulveda Animal Hospital based on the Citysearch reviews. I was not disappointed. I felt very comfortable with the office staff, as well as with Dr. Galea. My dog was the best behaved she has ever been at a vet -- all of the staff treated us with respect and friendliness. I felt as if they all truly cared about my dog's health. I recommend Sepulveda Animal Hospital to everyone. Read Less

I have two dogs and two cats, and was recommended to Dr. Galea by my dog walker. I have had last minute emergencies that the staff has stayed open late to accomodate, and have received follow up calls days after my visits to check on their recovery, which in my experience with vets is unusual. I feel confident about the way they diagnose and treat my pets. Dr. Galea is incredibley honest and up front about what's going on with my animals health, and I pass on his name whenever anyone asks now. Read Less