Talega Animal Hospital

We took our new great dane puppy in today. The staff was friendly and welcoming. They took great care of him and he seemed comfortable and at ease throughout the entire appointment. They took their time to explain everything to me and patiently answered all my questions. We had a great experience and felt that our puppy got a very good and thorough examination. Based on todays visit, I would definitely recommend them for your pets medical needs. Read Less

We unfortunately had to put our dog down here. They we're very intune with what we were going through and made a tough experience easier. They even sent us a card after the fact with a personal messages from the team. Top notch service. Read Less

The best!!! Can't say enough about them from the front office staff to the Drs. They are all wonderful, with a special affinity for Dr. Kristie, since she usually sees our girls. Have also had them groomed there and was also extremely happy. Read Less

We have been clients of Talega Animal Hospital since they opened their doors in San Clemente in 2004.  Prior to that, we were at their 1st location in Laguna Niguel.  I would not go anywhere else.  Dr. Kristy Surbida is an Angel and has always taken the best care of our pups. She always provides options and choices to tough decisions and takes time to discuss and explain them all.  The staff really is family -- not only do they share in the joy and excitement of welcoming a new furry family member, but continue to be right by your side their entire life.  They all care, and it shows.  Cindy Grimes runs the front reception area, and Darcy -- fantastic groomer. Such a GREAT team. Cannot say enough good -- and after so many years, never a bad experience - not one.  I wish there were more than a  5 star options for Talega Animal Hospital. Read Less

Very professional!  High quality care every visit!! Once again, I am very satisfied with the care my pet received!! Dr. Stephen Whipple, and the entire staff, did an extraordinary job caring for my cat!I was well informed every step of the way!Thank you for your consistency in high quality pet (and pet owner) care!! Read Less

I took my dogs in to be groomed. As I was struggling to get them in the door, one of the staff just watched from the waiting area. Poor customer service & not the first bad experience. Won't be taking them back. Read Less

Took my dog here for an ear infection. It cost me $500! I would've just gone somewhere else but they already took my dog to the back to treat him without telling me how much it would cost. I am a full time student so spending $500 on an ear infection is not in my budget. Also, they charged almost $100 just to clean his ears, I know how to clean a dogs ears, if they would have talked to me about the charges before hand I could have taken a few hundred dollars off of my bill! Never going here again. Read Less

Cost $500 for my dog who had an ear infection.  Didn't even tell me about the charges before taking my dog to the back room.  I don't get why they need to take my dog in the back room if they already have us in a separate room for the appointment.  The actual doctor barely even looked at my dog(didn't even touch him) and just had his assistants take my dog in the back while he stayed in the room and talked to us about his dogs for about 45 minutes! I get that you need to spend money to keep your animals healthy but this place is just ridiculous! Read Less

I have no idea why there are poor reviews of this office. I have never had a poor experience. We take both our dogs here and unfortunately it's rather often as they are old. We never have long waits, all the staff and Drs are super friendly (love Dr Kristy), they don't try to pressure you into unnecessary expenses. I trust them and grateful for their diligent care of our pets. Read Less

Do yourself a favor and find another place to take your animals.  TAH is operational challenged at best. They lack common customer service skills. We've hung in there over the last few years and took their inconsiderate communication because we liked Dr. Campbell.  However, not that she has left, the facility has continued to go down hill. over priced, long waits, and cancelled appointments. Read Less

I used to love this place! Then one of their top vets left. Then I met Dr. Stone, ugh! Apparently he is one of the owners. Save yourself, he'd rather talk about himself than your pet. The desk staff is always nice and friendly. The techs have also changed since the one vet left, the new ones leave a lot to be desired. This place needs a better direction. After ten years, we're going elsewhere. Read Less

Today was our first visit at TAH . We actually followed our Vet Dr. Stephen Whipple whom we have been with for several years. My husband took our Yorkie in to see him and he was really impressed with the Animal Hospital. I would recommend Dr. Stephen Whipple to anyone who is looking for one that's well educated and genuinely cares for your pets needs.Angela HoffmanIrvine,Ca Read Less

Just got a new puppy. Front desk ladies are just wonderful. make me feel welcomed. the techs are just... not so great. never inform me FULLY, cant answer my direct questions. rush rush rush.. trying to take my puppy in the back room for shots. NO THANK YOU.the first appt i ever made with them i had them put a note in my pup file stating, "needs to be with owner in room at all times, and PLEASE DO NOT PICK UP DOG".ive been their 5 times. every single time, they try to take him in the back room with them and they pick him up. lady today actually almost dropped him. and i had a mini panic attack.(seriously, not joking) Previously NOT related to this vet office, i did allow my cat in the back room when she was about 3 months of age. sweetest cat alive.. and while she was back there, all you could hear was screaming from her and hissing. the vet brought her back, he was all cut up. and her personality is just NOT the same anymore. i love her to death but, shes a very mean cat.(wanted you to get WHY im afraid of them going back there) so i do have a fear of my animals being away from me while at the vet. and i have informed them of this horror story that still bothers me to this day, and they didn't seem to care. Personally i do find this vet a little expensive.. but today has really drawn the line, they cannot respect that i would like my animals with me at all times. and do not respect that i do not want my dog picked up. he tries to jump out of hands arms. and he weights 16 pounds, zero reason for him to be picked up in the first place. and when they DID give him his shots. they did put him in a choke hold. ive had animals my WHOLE life and never have a EVER seen someone give an animal a shot while another tech puts a choke hold on him. I have already made a new appt with a new vet. and i do not recommend this vet to anyone. ive heard my fair share of horror story's from this vet office. Read Less

Attention!!!! Warning!!!! If you love your pet I would not recommend this place! First time we took are kitten there for severe diarrhea that had been going on for weeks. Their diagnosis was "diet"! Give me a break! Cats can eat dead animals and to say cat food is making her sick is ridiculous! But of course they upsold us on their Majic cat food that's super expensive!We also explained that our cat was going blind because  she had walked off our balcony and into our pool. And their diagnosis was her vision was fine and she was a baby and baby's fall!?? Cats just don't walk off and fall, cats are experts at balance, regardless of age. So after the second visit they finally prescribed an antibiotic for the diarrhea!  It sure would of been great to get that the first visit, that would of saved me their expensive office visit fee! After are cat walked off the balcony for the second time, we brought her back for our 3rd visit and then they finally admitted she was going blind or had serious vision issues! But besides the incompetence of the vets, let's talk about the incompetence of the staff and customers service! They charged my credit card twice of $195, and I understand accidents happen. Now I didn't notice until the transaction was already out of pending status and was a finalized charge. So my girlfriend calls to ask them to reverse the charge and told them these were NOT pending charges and emailed them proof. They told my girlfriend that if the charge does not reverse to call my credit card company! I was under the impression that they processed a credit, but nope they basically were saying not our problem. So after a week I realized they didn't do a refund, I decided to go back in there in person. And of course their attitude was horrible and basically said they can't help me until they investigate it again? So basically it's back to being my problem! After telling them they better have my refund ready by Monday or I will be back and won't be so nice this time around; they called to tell my girlfriend this morning it was their merchants fault and they were going to issue a refund. I find if funny they can't except responsibility, and I didn't get a notification from my capital one card of this refund. So they may see me again if it doesn't go through. I will never give these people my business again!!! Read Less

We've been going to Talega Animal Hospital for a little over 5 years now.  We absolutely love TAH.  The facility is always clean, and all of the staff, from the front desk to the veterinarians and vet techs, are so friendly and caring and take great care of our beloved Corgis.  Although our dogs don't love going to see the vet, they do love the doting and affection they get from the minute they walk in the door. Read Less

Staff is awesome and each of them share in an interest in our pet as if it is their own. Dr. Christie is over the top amazing. What a great blessing she has been to us over and our boy Sammy over the last 12 months. No one cares for the pet and the pet owners than she does. Read Less

Always great service, I've never had to wait past my appointment time, everyone is friendly, and the over the phone communication is always smooth and easy.  I hate calling places and feeling like someone is going WAY out of their way to answers my questions and it's inconvenient for them, but Talega Animal Hospital has never treated me this way.  Thanks, guys and gals! Read Less

This place is the best. I've been taking my dogs here since the opened. I've actually even had to put one of my dogs down here and they couldn't have been more supportive and sweet. The office is so clean and gorgeous. Love the staff, the groomers, and the Doctors, especially Dr. Sabida they care for your dogs like they are theirs. Read Less

I have a 9 year old and 12 year old cat.  One of them is so big and scary he is larger than my parent's dogs and has been labeled a "caution" by another office.  They needed their Rabies Vaccinations updated so I found this place on Yelp.  I meant to call around and price a few places but they were so nice and knowledgeable on the phone I didn't even check anywhere else.The vaccination system is really handy in that there is no appointment necessary.  They have walk-in hours M-F, reasonable pricing and do not charge "visit" or any other hidden fees.  The location is handy and has a large parking lot that is easy to get in and out of.  I went in this morning and there was no wait.  I showed up with my two huge carriers and two toddlers.  They saw me coming & not only held the door for me, but helped me carry my cats from the parking lot so that I could push the stroller.The facility is spacious, bright and clean.  It also did not smell like pets or medicine.  Every room I could see had windows to the main area.  This is comforting to me because we can see they have nothing to hide in the way they treat and handle the animals.I was greeted with smiles by Jessie, Elizabeth and Sanandry.  I warned them about my cat possibly being a problem and they thanked me and handled our cats with the love I would have given them myself.  The new patient paperwork was fast & not too invasive.  The cats were both finished and back in the waiting area before I was done paying.  I had been stressing about this visit but they took such good care of us that this ended up being the least stressful veterinarian visit I have ever encountered.  When it was over, they carried my cats to my car since my hands were full with the little ones.The employee interactions can make or break my feelings on a business.  The staff represents the business, so a negative experience will have me searching for another establishment.  Jessie, Elizabeth and Sanandry were professional, knowledgeable and courteous.  They cared about my cats, answered all of my questions and you can tell they take pride in their work.  These are the kinds of people any business should strive to keep around.I will bring my pets here as long as we are in the area and would highly recommend Talega Animal Hospital to anyone. Read Less

I have been such a happy client of Talega Animal Hospital for the last 3 years. I got my first dog ever and they just helped me through all my questions. All the doctors and staff are so warm, welcoming, and wonderful. When I bring my dog in, they know her by name and are just thrilled to see her, which is a really nice feeling for a pet parent. I got my chihuahua spayed here, she comes for her annuals, and all her vaccinations. They have some odd vaccination hours but I'm always in and out in under 15 minutes. Dr. Surbida is great with small dogs. I feel so good about bringing my fur baby here and would recommend it to anyone. Read Less

Coco and Fudge love love love all the staff. Dr Kristy has looked after both our girls like they were her own now for 7 years. Dr Campbell looked after fudge when she had a small operation. Both doctors are exceptional and I would always recommend them to friends. Dr Kristy tends to see us more often, as she gets the short straw. Great lobby area, very friendly and nice and open and they love Auntie Cindy who always gives them treats. The doctors listen to my 100 questions and always involve us their treatment plan. So blessed to have talega animal hospital and their entire team to look after my girls. Thank you... Read Less

I love it here! I get my dog groomed here because on Mondays and Wednesdays they have a deal for grooming and its such a great deal! They do an amazing job i spoiled my dog last time and got a blueberry facial, it was only $10 more so why not?! They staff is so sweet and attentive. :) Read Less

I have ben taking my 11 month old puppy bulldog here since he was 11 weeks old and they treat him with such great care. As you know bulldogs have a lot of health issues and mine has had A LOT for not even being 1 year old yet but they always take great care of him. The staff is so knowledgeable. My puppy has probably seen all of the doctors there and all of them are amazing and are concerned for your pets well being. He recently had surgery to get rid of a papilloma wart in his nose and he looked so good after the surgery. I was very nervous but I trust them completely and know he was in good hands! I got a few estimate for his surgery from other places as well just to see but they were the cheapest out of all I went to. So I'm so glad I have them to take care of my hulk!We love Talega Animal Hospital! :) Read Less

We just had our first visit to TAH. Dr. Kristy was so kind and patient, taking the time to answer every question we had. Same thing with the front desk staff. It was a very different experience from our last vet, who was always in a hurry. We felt judged every time we voiced concerns or questions. We are parents of a 2-year-old dog who we totally adore--and worry about because he's our first--and for the first time since moving to California we feel like we have finally found our vet. Our dog even enjoyed being there! Thanks TAH! Read Less

PRICEYI've been going here exclusively for 5 years and I do like it. I have a lot of animals and they have all been here. I find the staff knowledgeable and the premises are very clean. They are also very compassionate which is important to me.My only complaint is how much they cost. When you walk through the door it seems like they believe everyone is prepared to spend beaucoup dollars on anything the vet wants to do even if it doesn't seem totally necessary.They don't seem to have a budget-friendly frame of mind and I wish they did. Read Less

I spend a little more and get alot more at TAH. Great staff and customer service but not equipped for trauma. If your dog need s a tranfusion or major surgery you still gotta drive to Golden Lantern. sigh UPDATE: Now a year later I am less happy with TAH. Everytime I call to book an appt i get the same thing, "Can you hold?" Then after several minutes I hang up (usually because one of my five lines rings) but they always put me on ignore and I am sick of it. Add staff! Get someone to handle the calls instead of overworking the few girls you have! This is management's failure...the girls that work here atre great but they cannot do everything. Back to VIP Pet Spa for me...they never put me on hold. Read Less

Dr. Surbida has been caring for our two PWDs and was instrumental when we lost our beloved Fozzie. The location is always clean and well organized. The front desk staff is polite and helpful. I always seem to be able to get an appointment even at the last minute. Diagnosis are accurate and they are patient with our questions and concern. We always receive a follow up call. I think they really care! WOOF! Read Less

I give this Vet 5 stars in so many ways! The only demerit is cost. So, setting aside cost (which is hard to do), I have to say that this is an A+ facility with an A+ staff. I have been taking my 3 dogs here for many years and I have only accolades to say about everyone at this hospital. They really care about the animals and the people. They understand that these little fur balls mean the world to their families and that just makes a world of difference. Thank you Talega Animal Hospital!! Read Less

I absolutely love Talega Animal Hospital and would not take my dogs anywhere else, except maybe their Dana Point location, Golden Lantern Animal Hospital! Dr. Stone and Dr. Surbida are amazing Veterinarians. Dr. Stone is thorough and has called me at 8 o'clock at night to go over test results instead of waiting until the next day! Dr. Surbida is so sweet and you can tell she loves my dogs! Both of my dogs are groomed by Darci and she has always done a great job! She is the best groomer in Orange County! The staff is always so nice and they know my dogs by their name...they usually know me by name too! I have called other animal hospitals in the area and they are reasonably priced compared to the other Vets in the area, but I think I get more for my money through Talega Animal Hosptial! I highly recommend Talega Animal Hospital! Read Less

Third time there for grooming. First time too short. Second time too long. This time totally butchered. I have no idea why a minatire schnauser (MS) should look like a rat terrier with a square muzzle. It is easy enough to see the standard for MS's and grooming tips. Obviously the groomer had no idea what a MS should look lilke. I won't go into details, but it will be at least 6 months before Charly's hair grows out. What a shame to turn a handsome dog into a disfigured one. Charly is still Charly, but I sense she is aware of her condition. Please do not patronize this establishment for grooming. You will take your dogs looks into who knows neverneverloand. This is a serious review based on actual experience. Heed! Read Less

I live in Talega and tried Talega Animal Hospital as my neighbor boards her dogs there. The staff is nice, but I've found the advice and bedside manner of the vets questionable. This place is in it for the money and will refuse service if you are unable to spring for all the test, etc. they ask for. I was laid off from job and finances are tight. All I asked was that they work with me as I love my pet. I found a more compassionate vet outside of Talega. Read Less

Make sure you know the cost before you leave your animal, otherwise you might be very upset. They have a way of not explaining or simply telling you the amount. I will never go back. San clemente deserves better Read Less

I have read the reviews of Talega, and being new in the area, I am very excited to bring my dogs to this vet. Actually Bette Lu, my doxie, got a personal tour this morning. Thank you to the staff - Cindy and Celine - and the tolerant doctors, for allowing my lost puppy to stay with them. In the wee hours of the morning, Celine found my dog wandering the streets and lovingly brought her to the hospital. Later that morning they searched the neighborhood to find her home. I can't thank you enough for rescuing my 12 yr old dog. She (Bette) and her husband, Hubert, will be your new patients. Read Less

Took my 1 year old Lab to Talega Animal Hospital for first time today because he was vomiting blood. They got me right in. The doctor and staff were all super nice and showed a great deal of care and compassion for my sick puppy. My puppy (who is usually pretty timid) laid down next to the vet and put his head on her lap... he was obviously very comfortable with her, which is not typically his character. I would highly recommend them. Read Less

I took my 12yo black cat to Talega Animal Hospital, as he had lost weight and within two days became listless and fur very dull. It was THE day before we were to go on a much anticipated 8 day vacation. They did the typical blood and urine tests and I left him with them while I went to work. They called me right away to explain what was found and options for next steps. It turns out he needed to stay over the weekend for fluid therapy as a last resort, and with a relative lined up to fill in for us while we were on our trip, they continued the fluid therapy. There were different vets who were on staff during the week we were gone, and each would call with an update and were very compassionate and took alot of time to talk with me and answer any questions, and they are sensitive to costs so they provide information on costs as well. Their quick care and careful explanations helped me make the best decisions to save my kitty's life, he has made a full recovery. Months later my other cat is experiencing difficulties and they remember the first cat and ask about him, and are again providing excellent and compassionate care for my second kitty, who's prognosis is not as great unfortunately. But I know I have the best pet partners to help me care for her. The front staff are nice but they are more doing a job and processing people in and out, it is really the vets and the vet assistants behind the scenes who are very compassionate and ultimately the one's caring for your pet. Always ask for costs up front, don't wait until you are at the front desk. They usually even tell me other places to go that are 'a little cheaper' but it is never enough to warrant an extra trip for my pet, it is minimal differences, like 20 bucks. Pet care is expensive there is no doubt about it, but it isn't because they are in Talega. I think they are priced fairly. I have not used their grooming services so cannot comment on that. Facilities always clean. Read Less

I have been taking my Australian Shepherds to Drs Stone and/or Saunders for many years. I started at Dana Point and then to the beautiful facility in San Clemente. I have always had good experiences, and much compassion when I had to have one dog, and one very old cat put to sleep. The office staff has always been helpful and efficient. I have had to go to other places in emergencies and the bills are just as high or higher. I am always happy to go in there. Read Less

We have been with Talega vets since they opened, and came from their original Golden Lantern facility. Incredibly kind and gentle. Very compassionate in the most difficult of situations. Early diagnosis saved the life of one of our dogs in rare neurological situation. We board, bathe, and have routine visits -- from nail clippings to surgeries..... highly recommended -- would not take my animals anywhere else!Read Less

We had our first visit yesterday. We loved our new vet, she is very knowledgeable and such a friendly person. She answered all of my questions and answered some questions I didn't even know I had. We set up our next appointment for puppy shots and the vet had told us to set up rabies and the staff told us we couldn't. So, I guess they don't always communicate with each other very well, but that is a minor issue in this case. Also, this morning I received an e-mail to a link for Pet Portal where I can review my puppy's records, schedule appointments and set up reminders for things like medication. I am very impressed Read Less

I went in for the first a few months ago because my dog was very sick. My dog and I waited for about an hour to see the vet no big deal saw the vet and he looked at Tasha for about eight minutes and had ordered some x-ray. X-rays came back he said it doesn't look good for your dog. He said i'll set you up with some medication and hopefully the meds would work which did not. OK i went out to pay my bill in front and when I saw the cost for about 15 minutes of work, I said ""Are sure this right? and the lady said ""Yes."" X-rays for two pictures were $250, vet bill $150 and the price for 7 pills $72. Read Less

It has been a while since I have taken my dog to their groomer, but I was very unpleased with there service. It took all day, I felt the groomer had a nasty attitude, and the grooming was nothing special. Too short, and uneven. My dog was trembling afterwards from the stress of being there. I have never had any issues with the veterinary care, but i will not ever use the grooming service again. Read Less