Reasonable price & friendly staff members and the best Dr.shim!!!! I have been going to Alton Main Animal Hospital for couple of years now. They have been taking care of my dog Happy for his urinary blockage case and ear infection. I also brought Happy in to get dental cleaning couple of times. Dr. Shim and his staff members have always been friendly and kind on my visits and you honestly can’t beat his price anywhere around this area. Read Less

This is our go-to vet for our two dogs: one malamute and one lab mix. The vets are efficient and thorough and always take care of our pups. Parking is never an issue and the pricing is much better than other vet offices we’ve been to. There is never a long wait but it doesn’t hurt calling ahead of time to check whether they’re having a busy day or not. I usually also call ahead to pick up medication just to make sure they have it in stock. I recommend you check them out! Read Less

Bad attitude from start to finish, kinda weird. I almost didn’t believe my GF till I tried just getting the last visit paperwork. My little guy got a cyst from his last visit and all my new vet wants to know is what did they do to him :| Oh and they don’t have internet and they hate their lives because of it. Can’t email you anything Read Less

I'm so thankful to have found Dr. Shim and Alton Main Animal Hospital. My 6-yr old Yorkie needed a bladder stone surgery and he and his staff did a wonderful job making me and my pup feel comfortable, educated, and involved throughout the whole process. Dr. Shim took the time to show me x-rays and give a thorough explanation of my options- he even followed up with phone calls to ensure my dog was recovering and talk about how to treat her moving forward. I have never felt more cared for. And on top of all this, their costs are SO reasonably priced. I don't have to fear and wonder how I'm going to pay for her treatments because they are fair and moderate. Read Less

I was at another vet near my house(Murrieta) that was charging 4000 to get surgery for my dog that need to get her uterus removed, and remove a lump from her breast. My mother in law said she came here a very long time ago and had me call in. I am so happy we found this place. I called in and told them the situation and they charged us 700 for the exact same surgery and removal, with medicines, and appointment to removes stiches. As soon as he was done with surgery he called us to notify that our dog would be just fine. When we left her there, I wasn't too nervous because by the way they handled her I knew she was going to be in good hands. Needless to say I drove almost two hours to come to this vet and from now on I will drive these two hours because this service and prices  is unbeatable. I would definitely recommend to those who truly love their furry family and want the best without emptying your pockets. Read Less

My dog started having difficulties to lift up his right rear leg on June 3, 2017, with no other abnormal symptoms. Dr. Shim diagnosed my dog with Patellar Luxation ( a kneecap problem for small dog) on June 9, which was a Friday, and scheduled a surgery on the same day night. After the surgery, my dog began to experience seizures. On June 12, I rushed back to his office on a Monday morning and presented the seizure issues to Dr. Shim. I explained to him my dog also vomit every time after we took the medications he gave us after the surgery. Without double checking any medical records, he gave my dog an antibiotic injection (as I believe) and sent us home. He told me seizure after surgery is extremely rare and I shouldn't worry too much. Just give the dog a few days and pick up the same medications later once he stops vomiting. I was extremely worried about my little baby, so I went to another animal hospital for a second opinion.I was contacted by the second vet a few days later and vet urged me to come to her office for a blood test. She requested the pre-op medical records from ALTON MAIN and surprisingly discovered that the pre-op result shows my dog's white blood cell count was 104 (10 times higher than the normal dog), and she explained to me, just like human, when white blood cell is high, it's extremely risky to do surgery because the possibility of infection after the surgery will be high. And also I should never stop my dog from taking antibiotic after a major surgery like this. THIS IS ALMOST 5 DAYS LATER, and Dr. Shim had not ever tried to reach out to me, even after his office sent my dog's medical records to another hospital.I struggled a lot. Without knowing the causes and what went wrong, I had no time to deal with Dr. Shim at that time, and tried to focus on my baby. However, my dog was subsequently unable to eat and drink, and experienced more frequent seizure and vomiting symptoms on June 24, 2017. Due to the limited business hours at both ALTON MAIN and the other animal hospital, my baby and I ended up in an 24-hour emergency animal hospital. The emergency animal hospital diagnosed my dog with Acute Pancreatitis on July 2, 2017 and had to hospitalize him for 4 days during the Independence Day weekend. We were finally able to save him til his pancreatitis issue disappeared.Sadly, because his white blood cell count was high, when we traced it all the way down, we found out that he has a huge brain tumor. A kind, passionate and professional vet, from everyone's review comments, left us on the street during the Independence Day weekend while my dog was still in critical condition; accused my dog's brain tumor and his 3rd party lab caused him did a wrong surgery; and now refused to talk to me and told everything needs to communicated through his insurance company.I sent emails to his insurance company, and never be able to get responses from them.Tomorrow, I've scheduled a home euthanasia for my baby. He has suffered too much. It is the hardest decision I've ever made, but I know that I need to let him go, hopefully in peace, at home, in the arms of loved ones. Besides sadness, anger and disappointment also fills me up. This is never the end of this story, I will fight for my baby. I'm losing him already, but I can't lose justice, and can't let this vet to ruin another family. And Dr. Shim, if you going to respond, stop saying sorry. Because other than sorry, you did not do anything right. If you are not capable to treat brain tumor, at least you shouldn't make things worse. If you found out a mistake you made, at least you shouldn't try to cover it up. Do not try to find excuses from everyone else except yourself. Yes, he's cheap, but now everyday I regret I went for a "cheap" services from him.Dog owners, if you love your babies, give him the best and avoid Dr. Shim and his hospital. I'm sure you can find affordable and professional services somewhere else. Read Less

I came to this place with my dog for a second diagnosis for him. I was doubtful anything could be done since the last vet I went to was complete zero help and basically told me my dog had days to weeks to live. The Alton main hospital gave my husband and I hope. And after almost 2 months after the visit here my dog is now on three medications showing a positive recovery! I can't believe how helpful the staff is and I'm so thankful for finding this animal hospital I will always be grateful for the kind generous staff who gave my dog a fighting chance!! Read Less

I have mostly great things to say about Alton Main Animal Hospital and Dr Shim.I had only taken my dogs here for shots until my 18-year-old senior dog started slowing down. ='[Dr Shim was very kind and very informative on my dogs condition. He did an X-ray and explained it in detail. The whole appointment was quick, yet thorough. As for prices.. luckily I have never had to take my healthy little old man in for more than shots before, so I cannot compare the prices for his X-ray, blood work, wound cleanse, and antibiotics. I can confirm that a pet emergency room will cost more for these procedures!I brought my senior dog back in a month later after a pet emergency room visit the night prior and Dr. Moon was the vet on duty. He wanted to do the same thing as the last visit (X-ray, blood work, wound clean, meds, etc) which I was fine with. I reviewed the prices he wrote down and knew that it DID NOT match the prices a month ago! The vets hand write in prices FYI. As soon as I mentioned it, he quickly changed them. I had to leave my dog there for a few hours and did not pay yet. I had the opportunity to grab last month's bill/receipt and bring it to compare prices. When I picked up my dog, I showed the front desk lady my bill from last month and asked why I was being charged $30 more for a wound cleanse that day. Without hesitation, she changed the price! If I had not been paying attention or had my bill, I would have paid OVER $100 more for the same exact procedures performed last month! I'm just glad that both Dr Moon and the receptionist changed the rates when I pointed it out! 7 months later (June 2017), my senior dog had a major decline and Dr Shim basically confirmed what I had been thinking.. that it's time. He didn't put any pressure to make any decisions, but just informed me about my dog's quality of life. 2 days later, I had to make the heart shattering decision to send my 18-year-and-9-month-old baby to doggie heaven. (REST IN PEACE BABY BOY! 1998-2017) I came as a walk in appointment towards closing time. Dr Shim was patient with my crying self throughout the whole ordeal and verbalized condolences. He let me have as much time as I wanted before and after. The office has arrangements with "Only Cremations" in Newport Beach. His ashes were ready to be picked up at the office 10 business days later. Overall, I've had good experiences here and will continue to take my dog and future pets here as long as Dr Shim and his awesome service stays. Read Less

Dr. Shim is great!! Always attentive and with a listening ear. My dogs trust him and he puts them at ease. The ladies at the front desk are quite the characters- in a good way :) You and your furry friend(s) will be well taken care of here! Oh- and the place is always clean. Read Less

I absolutely Love Dr. Shim. I have been bringing my pet here for more than 10 years. He takes the time to make my dog comfortable first! Wow! Dr. Shim always takes the time to explain everything clearly and addresses any questions and issues you may have. He's very honest and never adds on unnecessary fees or false advises on anything to make extra bucks as some other vets do. On the contrary, he will actually suggest opting out on anything that's not needed to be done. I've came here for multiple reasons for my dog, some including, check ups, shots, blood work, x-rays, etc... Price- Very fair compare to others in the area. Staff - Very friendly and well informed. Although they take walk-ins, I would suggest to make an appt as the wait can be long depending on the time/day. Read Less

I'd like to start off with the ending because how completely horrible it was. Because my dog was barking, the front desk staff told me I could leave my dog IN THE CAR in 80 degree weather and then come back in to pay!! I actually could not even believe this was something a place that helps animals would say. Completely horrified. Now I'll start at the beginning. I was referred to this place to find a cost efficient and good place to take my dog while he was sick. A few months ago, my dog was attacked by another dog, so anytime he see's one he barks like crazy. We were immediately shoved into a room to fill out our paperwork because of this, which did not bother me in and of itself, but it wasn't to make my life easier- it was to make theirs easier. I then had someone from the staff come in to gather some information, and would scold me when I would stop filling out my own forms, because I was paying attention to her. She didn't let me complete the paperwork either. Dr. Shimm finally came in and my dog actually did not mind him. He quickly examined areas my dog needed to be examined in and gave us a quote. Would not consider this place low cost. Unfortunately, I could not afford that at all (not his fault) so I did only what I could. He was helpful and the only reason I did not put one star on this review. On my way out, I was mocked one more time for something I was getting a small discount on and then that's when they suggested to put my dog in the car. Definitely never going back here due to the staff, not the doctor. Would highly recommend to not go here unless your dog is totally quiet. Read Less

Found this vet on Yelp. My dog had a lump on her paw, and another vet in Huntington Beach wanted to charge me $915. I have worked in the animal hospital industry and knew how unreasonable that estimate was. Thankfully we found Dr Shim and saw him for a free 2nd opinion. He performed the same surgery for half the price, $550. I was very happy with the entire experience and with how the surgery turned out. Her incision looks great, and she's on the road to recovery. I will be coming back with my other dog. Thank you Alton Main! Read Less

Love these Vets. They do an amazing job with our dog, and they keep all costs to our budget. They provide options for treatment and not just prescribe the most expensive treatment. They also accept walking and can also board your dog if needed. In addition they mail you a nice reminder postcard for annual shots. Read Less

I'm so glad I took my puppy, Fishy, to see Dr. Shim today. His team was amazing and very friendly. I was already in an anxious mood because Fishy had an abnormal growth on his belly and it was getting bigger by the day. I knew it was going to require surgery and I was worried about the costs associated with it but Dr. Shim assured all my concerns, gave me a free consultation, and even offered me a deal to have him neutered while he was under anesthesia to remove the mass. His price was absolutely reasonable and then offered an extra discount if I paid in cash. I was able to get squeezed in as the last procedure of the day at 2pm and picked him up at 6pm. Dr. Shim was also kind enough to board Fishy the next day free of charge to watch him and help make sure he recovered well! WOW!I honestly haven't written a review in what seems to be a year and this man brought me back to YELP to leave this review. Thank you Dr. Shim for your kindness and excellent care of my pitbull Fishy. I was really sad to leave Fishy for his surgery but I knew he was in great hands. Thank you so much again! Read Less

Dr.Shim and his team are absolutely amazing!! My family, friends and I have been coming here for a while now. Excellent service and attention to detail. Very reasonably priced and always the best quality! Our three cats couldn't be in better hands!Thank You so so much!!!!! Read Less

Since moving to the area a couple years ago, we have been bringing Pinky our American Pitbull Terrier to see Dr. Shim for our dog's ongoing skin allergies. He has always been comfortable and competent in handling our boy (who can be nervous!). We recently discovered an abnormal growth on our dog's leg and brought him in. Dr. Shim answered all our questions and talked us through what needed to be done. We made a later appointment to have the growth surgically removed. On the day of the surgery, Pinky was promptly seen at his set appointment time. When I called in later to ask if they could cut his toenails while he was down, I was informed they had already done it! Pinky's lab results came in today and Dr. Shim made time to see us after closing time to go over the results and address our questions and concerns. Highly recommend! Read Less

The best choice I have ever made. The best veterinarian!!! Reasonable and affordable surgery! Dr.Shim is so passionate and professional. He saved my puppy, a little boy broke his arm and needed a complicated surgery immediately. Before I came to dr.shim, I found another animal specialized hospital. However, they did nothing yet charge me for $125 for only one useless consultation!!! They charge x-ray for $300 per scan!! That's insane!!! Then I came to Alton, dr.Shim gave us FREE consultation and only asked for $75 per scan--- in fact, he did x-ray for four legs!!! Plus bandage he only charged us for around $170. Surgery was successful and he updated us on the new x-ray, which was free. Overnight care and following bandage changes are free. Words fail to convey me gratitude. Thumbs up!!! Read Less

The best choice I have ever made. The best veterinarian!!! Reasonable and affordable surgery!  Dr.Shim is so passionate and professional. He saved my puppy, a little boy broke his arm and needed a complicated surgery immediately. Before I came to dr.shim, I found another animal specialized hospital. However, they did nothing yet charge me for $125 for only one useless consultation!!! They charge x-ray for $300 per scan!! That's insane!!!Then I came to Alton, dr.Shim gave us FREE consultation and only asked for $75 per scan--- in fact, he did x-ray for four legs!!! Plus bandage he only charged us for around $170.Surgery was successful and he updated us on the new x-ray, which was free. Overnight care and following bandage changes are free. Words fail to convey me gratitude. Thumbs up!!! Read Less

I feel like just leaving this fine establishment a great review is not enough! I have been looking for a place to take my pug that weren't just like every vet out there. You know type, the mechanic that always tries to up sale you on everything they can. Not here though! I wrote Dr. Shim to enquirer about his service, here on yelp. He responded within an hour!!!! He actually took time to from his busy day to write me back within an HOUR!!! The other vets got back to me days even weeks with a response...... When arriving, I was greeted by a friendly receptionist. Place was clean! Don't get fooled by the location! This place is well maintained! Dr. Shim came a few moments after me filling out my paper work to examine my pug. He was straight forward on what needed to happen and did not try to up sale me on anything! This was what I was looking for! A honest vet that was here to help people like me in a time of need.I went through with his recommendation of surgery. He was in constant contact with me before and after the surgery. He went above and beyond on this. I will definitely be back for his services in the future with all of my dogs needs. I will also recommend him highly to whoever needs a vet! Thank you, Dr. Shim! Read Less

I brought my dog in for some pain he was having with his paw. The Vet was so nice and understanding. My dog is a big dog and not a friendly dog but he knew how to handle him and did everything on him quickly. The Vet was able to detect my dogs issue, luckily just a infection, and had my dog out by an hour. He answered all my questions and even provided me with extra information. Amazing services here ! And for being a first time client he gave me MAJOR discount which was TOTALLY THE BEST! If I can rate more than 5 stars I definitely would. Bring your pet here, the Vet is the best and the staff are friendly ! Thank you Alton Main hospital ! I feel much better that my pet is healthier! Read Less

After moving to Costa Mesa I have had a hard time finding a vet that I completely trust. After some research and reading reviews I decided to give this place a try. Coincidentally, my cousin who now lives in San Francisco used to go here for her family pets... I felt at ease knowing that. With any place, I look at cleanliness, staff friendliness and willingness to help and evaluate how my pet reacts with the Doctor. Everything was up to par. Especially Dr. Shim's interaction with Bella (my pug). He was gentle, loving, very thorough in explaining different things about what could be wrong. Bella felt comfortable, she wasn't shivering... Of course she was a bit timid, but what dog loves the vet? We had a full blood panel done and an X-Ray. Everything checked out safe for her to go into surgery. I was told if her blood panel didn't look good, she would not be able to go into surgery. My first visit there was for 4 masses that have grown on my pug who has a history of mass cell tumors. I also wanted her to have a deep cleaning while she was under. I went ahead and set the surgery up for a couple days after. My puppy is my everything, Dr. Shim knew how anxious and how much I wanted to be informed of everything was going on. He did just that. He called me when they were going into surgery and called me right after and let me know she was waking up and doing just fine. I really, really appreciated that. Since then, she has had to come visit a couple times for an ear infection and check up. She is on the road to recovery and I couldn't be happier. Healthy pug = Happy life.Thank you, Dr. Shim and staff for the great experience. Read Less

I was referred to Dr. Shim from a friend who had plenty of experience with him and I've never been happier.  My kitties range in age from 2 to 9 years of age and they have all been treated by Dr. Shim for for various conditions ranging from asthma, pneumonia, skin conditions,constipation, lumps, lacerations, 2 surgeries and one very serious emergency. Each incident Dr.Shim took all the time I needed to understand the condition, review x-rays, look at photos of the condition he was describing and how he was going to move forward with treatment. Most recently, one of my kitties had a severe neurological reaction to a flea med that left him temporarily paralyzed. I grabbed my kitty after his seizure, rushed him into Dr.Shim and within 3 minutes my kitty, Wolfie was getting treated. So happy to say Dr.Shim saved my kitty and his condition fully reversed thanks to his quick diagnosis and treatment. Wolfe is 100% thanks to Dr.Shim.Dr.Shim is super friendly,  a great diagnostician, phones you as soon as he receives blood work from the lab, phones also the day after any surgery to check on his patient and to see if I have any questions. He overall really cares about his patients and their treatment outcomes.My neighbor took her very old dog in to see him and couldn't believe the difference in care after she switched over to Dr. Shim. He didn't say your dog is old and there is nothing we can do, he treated three different conditions that were undiagnosed by the previous vet. My neighbors dog is doing so much better thanks to him.His prices are super reasonable, you can walk in without an appointment and the front office staff -Theresa and Malia are very friendly. His vet tech, Adrian is always very patient with my kitties when they need a nail trim and comforts them when they need to be away from me to get blood drawn or an X-ray .There is another Dr. there but I only have experience with Dr.Shim so call to check his office hours. Read Less

I switched to this vet because my last vet was a bit inexperienced. She was friendly and wonderful but told me that my dog had been the first cancer patient she saw. (Uh ok no thanks). Dr. Shim has been taking care of Maple for about 2 years now and he's wonderful. He diagnosed her with degenerative disc disease a while ago and has been treating her for it weekly. He's straightforward and knowledgeable and I highly recommend him! Love his staff as well. Read Less

I wanted to write a review not only to let anyone considering this location how amazing the vet and his staff is but also to thank the staff at Alton Animal hospital.  I have had nothing but great experiences here with my dog sparky and now with my second puppy. I bough her in because a few days after she came  home from the shelter she started showing signs of kennel cough. I was worried, she  was treated for a fever and given an IV and Antibiotics. I am also continuing her treatment  of shots here. The staff has also taken great care of sparky and I have been bringing him here for shots, illness and teeth cleaning. they are very knowledgeable and great people all around. Read Less

This clinic is the best animal hospital I ever been to. DR. Shim always takes care of my pup with high quality service and Love. I can always trust Dr. Shim's treatment without worry. Reasonable price is also a big merit as well. Love this place, I can definitely recommend this clinic to anyone and everyone. Read Less

Lady in the front desk is very nice, Dr. Shim is also nice. BUT My dog hurt his leg and I took him to this place, Dr. Shim said he needs to take an X-ray from my dog's hip and leg, and he said he will inject pain medicine so he can strech my dog's leg. THEY PUT MY DOG TO SLEEP only for taking an X-Ray!!!!! My poor dog still is sleeping after 4 hours. It cost me $200 to taking 2 X-ray, pain medication, and 10 advil. I don't think I go back there again. Read Less

Lady in the front desk is very nice, Dr. Shim is also nice. BUT My dog hurt his leg and I took him to this place, Dr. Shim said he needs to take an X-ray from my dog's hip and leg, and he said he will inject pain medicine so he can strech my dog's leg. THEY PUT MY DOG TO SLEEP only for taking an X-Ray!!!!! My poor dog still is sleeping after 4 hours. It cost me $200 to taking 2 X-ray, pain medication, and 10 advil. I don't think I go back there again. Read Less

I really like Dr.Shim and the staffs here. Every time I visited the hospital with Royal, my adorable cat, he explained all the procedures very clearly. Although I did not understand all the medical terminology, he explained in the way I was able to understand. He really showed excellent communication skills. Whenever he examined Royal, he was talking to him in a gentle voice, explaining what he was gonna do. That really helped Royal to feel relaxed, not scared at all! Their exam fee was $39, which is reasonable compared to $55 at my previous animal hospitals in Irvine. I live in Irvine, and used to pay about $200-$500 depending on the conditions of Royal in Irvine. But the price in Alton Main was very reasonable and affordable for me, and pretty close to Irvine. I am very pleased that I found the most trusted vet within 5 miles from my house. Read Less

Dr. Shim and his staff are lovely and care about their patients. They welcome you with open arms and only want to do their best to help you and your loved ones. Dont hesitate to make the call, they will work with you as much as they can. I will never go anywhere else, all my babies go here. Love them!!! They really know what their doing and keep me and my family happy :]] Please if you love and care for you pet, then go here!!! You wont regret it :] Read Less

I Just want to say how awesome Altom Main Animal Hospital is! The very best! And Dr.Shim Who goes above and beyond! All of my cats are doing well do to Alton Main Animal Hospital I would never take any of my babies to anyone but him! I adopted a kitten a week ago and was so woried I was going to have to put him down. Dr. Shim looked at my new baby totally assured me he needed love and patience and time would heal my new baby! And told me he was a he! We have taken over 7 cats there to get fixed and all are big and sassy! We took one of our girls there a few months ago when she was on deaths door and he gave her love and medicine and now she is fat and sassy and lovng like the restof our kids she is doing great! If your pet is your family I can not recommend enough that you should take your baby here! Dr. Shim cares and loves like you do! Take your pets to Alton Main Animal Hospital! It is so hard to find a loving kind Dr. who actually cares! Here you have one! I drive an hour to take my kids here and always will! Can Not Say enough good! Love this Place and Dr. Shim! Thank You Read Less

I'm one of those ""over protective"" dog owners who takes their responsibility for their pet's health very seriously. When I first got my dogs I went all over town(s) looking for a good vet. I discovered that a good vet isn't always easy to come by. Some places I got lost in the crowd of people in the waiting room, some places were super expensive, and some vets didn't even allow the owner of the pet in the examination room at all! Not on my watch! Upon my first arrival at Alton Main I was reassured by the competency of the doctors and the openness of their practice so I decided this is a place I'd trust with my dogs health (life). Now, I take my dogs there for their checkups, when they get sick or injured and for their annual teeth cleaning. All the doctors there are very knowledgeable about their practice and have earned my trust by continually ""fixing up"" my dogs. Read Less

Dr Shim is now the only Vet in Orange Cnty that I'd trust with the care of my animals. He is knowledgable, gentle, caring, and concerned with not only the health of my cats but also with the cost of caring for them. He and his team are excellent practictioners. I now take my pets to Alton Main for their annual shot regimens, their baths, flea treatments, food, and emergency care. Recently, one of my older cats was suffering from the lingering effects of a kidney disease. Dr Shim ran a series of tests that uncovered an additional problem - and the animal is now receiving treatment for a thyroid condition that had gone undetected by their former Vet. The prognosis for her recovery is good. I am very grateful for Dr Shim's attention to details and his insistence on thoroughness. Read Less