The staff at AVS are unbelievably amazing. I took my cat Jada in late on evening 5 months ago because she fell suddenly very ill - she wasn't eating, having trouble going to the bathroom and very lethargic. The staff at AVS saw us quickly and scheduled an emergency ultrasound. They found a mass and suspected cancer. They scheduled an appointment with their oncologist, Dr. Ayl, first thing in the morning and texted him to instructions that night to make sure we got the meds ...we needed ASAP. When my husband and I met with Dr. Ayl, the oncologist, we were fully prepared to have to say goodbye to our sweet kitty, Jada. She was in such terrible condition that we didn't have much hope and were preparing for the worst. Dr. Ayl discussed treatment options for Jada's aggressive cancer. He took over 1.5 hours with us explaining our options and reassuring us that we know best for Jada and that any option is valid and brave. His knowledge and honesty helped us make a decision that we felt was best for Jada's care to give her the best shot at more quality time. We began a chemotherapy treatment for Jada. At first, I was very apprehensive as I didn't want her to feel sick - we only wanted to pursue treatment if she would have great quality of life. Within 2 weeks, Jada was back to herself again - eating, using the bathroom and at the center of attention. Here I am, 5 months later, and I still have a happy cat. In fact, today we got the news that Jada is now cancer free! I cannot recommend the staff at AVS highly enough. When we were at our lowest lows, thinking we'd have to say goodbye to our fur baby, their staff listened, comforted us and helped us along emotionally. They listened to us, helped make changes to Jada's care along the way and greeted us every time we came in with a smile and cheerful good morning. Every staff member that we've worked with has truly cared about Jada and has gone above and beyond. They cried with us, cheered us on and celebrated our wins. I honestly don't know where we'd be without AVS. Do yourselves a favor, if you ever need emergency or specialty care, don't hesitate to take your pet to AVS - you're in the very best hands. See more Read Less

Wonderful, kind staff. Clean, bright office. If you have to go to a 24/hr vet, go here. They made an objectively terrible situation significantly better for my tiny kitty Joni and I. Highly recommended. Read Less

The worst veterinary experience ever.  The front desk staff are all very nice, which makes you think you and your pet will be in good hands.  As others have noted, don't be fooled by the smiles.Veterinarians who work weekends and "after hours" are lacking in bedside manner.  I think they are shipped in from other parts of the state.  None of the regular vets are around.  As other reviewers have noted, these "fill in" vets treat patients like they are an interruption to their coffee break.  They have the personality of a robot, and no empathy.  First question they ask about is euthanization before they even know what is wrong with the pet!  Communication is very poor.  Vets did not communicate from shift to shift, only the medical notes they entered in their electronic medical record of present conditions...but nothing of the pet's medical history that was provided by regular vet, no notes about conversations with pet owner.There are many great vets in Santa Barbara; unfortunately they are not open 24 hours/day.If your pet has a life threatening emergency that your regular vet cannot treat, drive right past AVS and head to VMSG in Ventura.  They are committed, professional and they are smart enough to know that emergencies are not limited to happening Monday - Thursday from 9am - 5pm.  Note to AVS: emergencies requiring specialists' care happen at night, on weekends, and on holidays.  If you are going to provide true 24/7/365 emergency care you should commit to having your specialty vets available, or on-call.  If you cannot commit to that, you should close your doors.  General vets do not have the knowledge or experience to make proper decisions that only a specialist should make, although the 2 arrogant and aloof vets who work the night shift acted as though they knew everything. Read Less

Great place to go if your pet needs urgent emergency care. The have all the right equipment and really care about your pet. We've been here more times than I'd like to but I sure am thankful there is great care always open. Read Less

We had to rush our mini doxie here in the late evening because her hind legs were not functioning quite right. We called on our way over and was greeted by friendly front desk staff that took Coco in right away and assessed her situation. We were offered beverages while we waited and were assured that Coco was in good hands. My wife and I were pretty upset because it's our fur baby and we were worried. The staff kept us informed and was straight forward about what was going on with Coco and did what was best for her all the while looking out for our wallet. Coco was diagnosed with IVDD and is being treated appropriately. We appreciate this team and if we ever have any emergencies in Santa Barbara again they will be the ones we turn to! Read Less

Expensive but worth it to get answers.  Not sure why they need to charge 3 times what other vets charge.  X-rays on humans I have paid $40-100 cash without insurance but at AVS it was $300.  Our bills at AVS have been $500-2000 to help our dog.   Our regular vet does not listen and gives poor advise.  Andrea Wells at AVS is excellent, she listens and has empathy.  She got us answers to tough questions.  Just wish other vets in SB were as good as her. Read Less

After reading all the reviews I can't help but side with the negative experiences here. The people at the front desk give a smile and make you feel welcome but that's where it ends. My little Border Terrier puppy had suffered a fractured leg and I asked the tech if I could please see where he would be housed while waiting for the Doctor....I just wanted to see where my little guy would be as any pet owner would. She said that would cost me an additional 30 minutes in the waiting room. I just wanted to take a peek where he would be??? Her tone was disgusting, it was almost like I was cutting into her coffee break. His rehabilitation briefing was cold at best... just a CYA and on your way. That was just a little example of my customer experience. I'm not going to give a deep dive into my my case, I simply wanted to make everyone aware of their service level and a glimpse of my experience. I only used this Veterinarian because Veterinary Medical and Surgical Group (VMSG), 2199 Sperry Ave, Ventura, CA 93003 was completely booked and it was imperative that he was seen immediately. They are a first class operator. You are brought into a private waiting room and the Doctor diagnoses your pet with you and provides you with options Eye to Eye. None of this send your pet through the revolving door and a tech comes back with a slip of paper with options BS. 40 year SB resident and have to go to Ventura for the best service.... it's worth it. Read Less

Our (formerly) "man about the neighborhood" cat was struck by a car at 700pm on a Saturday night.  He was fully mobile but very shockie and breathing heavily.  We bundled him in the car and contacted AVS on the way.  They were ready and waiting for him and took him straight back. Within 1/2 hour he had X-rays, a diagnosis and was in an oxygen tent as stable as possible.  I knew he would get the overnight attention he needed.  Dr. McLaughlin was AMAZING - she is a true gem.  We opted for conservative treatment and after a night of watchful waiting and morning X-rays and assessment he was released home.  He is now recouperating under the bed.  There was even a credit! The entire staff from front office to the doctor were wonderful.  I felt so fortunate to have this resource in Santa Barbara when we needed it most.  Thank you AVS. Read Less

Super disappointed.  Drove two hours to be seen for a complicated medical issue at the recommendation of our local vet with the understanding that the emergency vet would consult with the internal medicine specialist on site. This did not happen and unclear if the vet even examined our dog as the vet would not examine with us in the room.  For such a complex issue we were provided with an extremely cursory evaluation and rush to push us out the door but then took over an hour to ring up our bill.  Would not come back.... Read Less

Dr. Letty Obledo and the staff at AVS are incredible!  My 16 year old kitty got her tail closed in the door, of course, right at the time when my regular vet closed for the evening. The tail had a big laceration and appeared broken. I yelped 24 hour pet care, called them and asked how busy they were. Fortunately, it was a slow moment and we raced in. I know this isn't always the case with emergency care, but it worked out for us. The friendly front desk staff helped us get admitted right away. When Dr. Obledo came in, she thoroughly discussed my cats injury, a few plans of attack and what we could expect. She had wonderful bed side manner! We agreed to her plan, and I left for a few hours while my cat had to have repairs done. Dr. Obledo personally called us before the procedure to bring us up to date on status and again right after the procedure. My husband and I were so taken with her thoroughness, how she answered all of our questions and that she was truly happy to help. Incredibly important when your baby is injured!  After deciding our kitty would need to spend the night, we picked her up the following morning. She was bandaged, cone on her head, the whole nine yards. A staff member sat down with me a discussed all of her home care, medications, what to expect, etc. Upon check out, I was blown away when the staff member said we were actually getting a refund back since the services rendered were not as much as projected. Where does that happen?! No where in Santa Barbara!! The entire experience was phenomenal. For all future emergencies, this will be the only place we take our animals. Thank you AVS, Dr. Obledo and staff!! Hopi is home resting peacefully and looking forward to making a full recovery! Read Less

I have needed AVS 2 times in the last 4 years. First time was major trauma when dog run over by truckIntake was quick and Dr Carley and staff did a phenomenal job in stabilizing my dog. Had to beReferred out of Area for Joint reconstruction. ButAll went smoothly for the 30 hours he was there.They allowed me to give him several visits whileHe was there . Last Saturday night he started coughing badly, took him in and he was diagnosed with kennel cough . Pretty scary sounding butDr Obledo assured me it was normal . He's on medication and on the road to recovery withThe great care from AVS. Thank you from me and Jonah our sweet Labrador Read Less

Staff and vets here are professional and caring.  They know their stuff.  I would trust my pets to their care and concern.  My emergency did not end well but I know they fought for my kitty's life . I had a tough decision  .  Their gentle presence reminded me of angels -- they helped me during a dark time.  Thank you all from the bottom of my heart.Harriet Roberts Read Less

I brought my dog here today because there was a possible infection in his leg. The staff was very courteous on the phone. Then when I got there they were incredibly efficient. I was in and out of there in 45 minutes. Everyone explained things clearly. The cost was reasonable for a Sunday /After hours visit. The care was good, and they treated my dog very well. Read Less

Last year, my dog tore his CCL and we were referred to AVS from St. Francis. Dr. Shields performed two TPLO surgeries on my dog last year for torn CCLs (one on each knee back to back). He is more agile and athletic than he ever was prior to the surgeries. Through both surgeries, Denyce was amazingly attentive and caring. She even responded to e-mails in the middle of the night when my dog was having a reaction to the medication prescribed. If any dogs need TPLO surgery, I would highly recommend Dr. Shields. Read Less

Thank you so much for helping Romeo after he was hit by a car in December! We have had his eye removed since then and he's doing wonderfully!! Thank you again for all that you do!! I sent you a picture of him!! He's got a big smile on his face!! Read Less

We came in for a visit on a referral from our dog Tank's primary Vet. He has been experiencing what seems to be kidney failure from a NSAID that obviously did much more harm than good to our sweet boy. Let me start of by saying that every single person in this establishment: receptionists, vet techs, triage nurses and Veterinarians were all 100% amazing. Every question, every need(both for me and my boyfriend, and for Tank) was taken care of with the utmost customer service and care. In what could have been a very traumatic and scarring time, they made it very easy to understand and even went so far as to help us financially, giving us links to a non-profit foundation in town to help us monetarily. Dr. Armour and Dr. Mary Ashley; from the bottom of my heart, thank you so much. I hope that Tank makes a full turn around recovery and lives a long happy life thanks to all your help. Read Less

Incredible staff! Had three great veterinarians work with my very ill dog and even though it's still unknown what's going to happen in the long run, they have made her feel better and are attempting to cure what it is that's hurting her. I walked in feeling hopeless and am now taking my pup home to recover. Thank you for all the kindness and love you showed my Charlotte. Read Less

They took excellent care of our corgi Maddie. She has been diagnosed with Evans syndrome and they walked us through the long road we have in front of us. Dr. Wells is an excellent internist and the er doctors were all very compassionate as well as the vet. techs. Thank you for all you have done. Read Less

The AVS team is extraordinary. Leaving our critically ill Golden in their care was difficult - the uncertainly was almost unbearable - but the tender loving care and unsurpassed medical treatment he has received these past seven days has helped us cope. There is no better place for your beloved pet to be when the need arises. Read Less

This was our first time at Advanced Veterinary Specialist. We were referred by our Vet in Santa Maria. It was definitely worth the drive. From the minute we walked in, I felt that everyone was friendly, professional and caring Dr Wells and her staff were attentive and helpful. I'm hoping we get our dog's longtime issue resolved. I would definitely recommend this business. Read Less

How about minus stars!I didn't get a chance to see a doc hereFirst let me tell you I had my cat before my three children,he was raised like a part of the family. I wasn't aware of parking so I had walked two blocks with my terrified 19 yr old dying cat, Who has only been out of the house 2 times his whole life, I was out of breath, disheveled when I walked in & the receptionist looked at me crazy for worrying so much about my cat being frightened on the drive/walk overThe atmosphere was very unwelcoming A nurse came out and asked to take him to the back until they had a room ready I responded I didn't want him to leave my sight, she also gave me a funny look and walked away While we were waiting for a room my cat was scratching at me to get down, there was a small dog in the waiting room on a leash so I made sure to keep my cat close & cornered in a corner so I could scoop him up at any moment, another lady from the reception area screamed at me "excuse me,you need to keep your cat up off the floor!"I was really offended at the tone of her voice, i've been to two other vets never having a problem with my cat out of a carrier!Then the nurse comes out with a carrier and tells me that I need to put him in it!I explained to her that he has never been in a carrier and he was already terrified I told her I would keep him in my arms she said it was their policy I was not about to put my cat under any more pressure as sick as he was I decided to walk out and go to another vetI can't speak for the doctors but the people that are working in the front are obviously not animal lovers and are very cold and unfeeling when it comes to someone with a dying pet! I do not recommend this place for that reason. Read Less

We've been taking our dogs here since they opened. While it's never great to take your loved pet to the emergency room they have done everything they can professionally and personally. The decisions we make that can be very expensive and sometimes without great results have been based on clear information of what can be done and what the results might be. As well as costs which are significantly less than the other emergency hospital in Santa Barbara plus every time we have paid less than our deposit. None of this was true of the other pet hospital, in fact just the opposite professionally and financially. Read Less

This is the third time my pet has been seen at AVS. The first time he was an overnight patients. And he was taken such great care of. Natalie and Abel were there both nights and they were great at communicating and keeping my mind at ease knowing that my fur baby was going to be ok. Best 24 hour clinic in town! Read Less

I wish I could say something positive about my experience with these folks but I can't. We had an unfortunate circumstance and had to rush our 9 year old Pitbull in and ultimately had to put him down as not to suffer any longer. As hard as this process is to endure already, we paid a fair amount of money to have our family member cremated and returned in a beautiful cedar box with engraved plaque on top.... first of all, we DID NOT receive his remains by the date we were originally told, due to a "mix up on their end" (comforting right?!?!?! Who knows if I even have the right remains).. when they finally called to tell me he was ready to be picked up, I drove down there to get him and had an issue with the receptionist "locating" our file to ensure we had no remaining balance (which was paid for when we originally ordered it) so after waiting and waiting she finally gives him to me. I get to the car only to realize the plaque engraving is wrong.. So here we go again.. We call, we get it ironed out..... so, we wait...... after an additional two weeks of waiting (for them to correct a mistake made on THEIR END!)... I got my new cedar box with the correct engraving!!...... Now..... the box is too f****** small for my animals remains! So on top of this being a devastating time in my life I have the headache of dealing with an unprofessional office that can't seem to get their stuff together... and on top of the cedar box issue, they have the completely wrong name on my cremation certificate, this is A JOKE !!! Do yourself and your furry family members a favor and go elsewhere!!!! UNPROFESSIONALRead Less

Staff was very pleasant and professional. Doctor knew what she was doing. BUT, they made a big deal of providing estimates and having us authorize all treatments. As there appeared to be no truly pressing emergency, I authorized an anti-nausea drug and some fluids to keep my pup comfortable until we could get to her regular vet. AVS turned around and also administered antibiotics (and charged me for them) without a) knowing what they were treating and b) getting the antibiotics authorized by me. They had my cell phone number and authorization would have been a simple matter. I would have declined based on the situation. Read Less

Incredible. You all saved my cat, Mac. He should have died, and you saved him. Thank you for the compassion and expertise of your staff. I'm happy to report that is now happy and healthy, at home, where he belongs. Again, thank you. Read Less

JUST no...!!! I AM BLOWN AWAY BY THE NUMBER OF ERRORS MADE BY THE STAFF!I have been looking over the reports and everything we talked about is incorrect on the paperwork. The cardiologist made several mistakes as well and I am TOTALLY UNIMPRESSED by the lack of accuracy by this animal hospital. They didn't listen to a single thing we told them, and I don't know that I would recommend them in the future. Even our primary vet takes her dogs there, and SHE WAS SHOCKED as well.If you are going to call yourselves "advanced" then maybe you should act like it. I'm worried that many of these errors have contributed to false test results or even wrong medication doses being prescribed...I'm happy we were able to bring our little guy home, but I'm just TOTALLY TAKEN BACK by the problems we have run into with this place. There are too many people taking information from you, and NOT ONE OF THEM could get any of it right.... Very sad that this is one of only places to go for emergency care for our pets. Read Less

Dear Advanced Veterinary Specialists I am so thankful that Margie Mason told me if Hank my Boxer (the love of my life) ever got hurt to take him to AVS. This was truly the best place for Hank, he had a complete cranial ligament rupture and had major knee bone surgery. It has only been 10 days since surgery and he is walking on all fours. Happy and himself again. Dr Sharon Shields and staff were direct, friendly , professional and understand of all my concerns. I recommend them highly, and am so grateful my boy is doing so well and we have such a top notch advanced veterinary specialist here in santa barbara calif, thank you. Madeleine Vite Read Less

Everyone was so nice and sweet to my border collie crouton when he came in last night choking on a treat. They were fast, knowledgeable and I thought reasonably priced for emergency veterinary care! I highly recommend them Read Less

RE: AVS & The Surgical Team Just after Labor Day, our Labrador Retriever Appa was playing ball with some friends - trying to be the best, as he does - and he started limping. The limp got worse, so we called our Vet and had it checked out. Keeping fingers crossed that it was just a soft tissue injury, we waited a few more days and it got worse. Back to the Vet - and the discovery that he damaged his cruciate ligament. Our Vet has known Appa since he was only days old, and we trust them completely with his health and well-being. When they recommended AVS for the surgery but warned we might not be able to get in right away, we were ready to wait because we wanted the best for our pup. As it turns out, I am so thrilled to have come to AVS! Everyone we have interacted with has been amazing, and our Surgery Consultant Denyce has been so gracious and helpful with our neurotic calls and emails about the surgery and recovery process: even having us take video of Appa walking because we were worried about his gait, so that she and Dr. Shields could view it without us having to come down for a visit! No one ever plans for a pet emergency, but in this instance having Denyce, Dr. Shields and the whole team at AVS to care for our Appa made this whole situation just the teensiest bit less stressful. I wouldn't hesitate to bring our pups to AVS for any of their health care needs - and I love knowing they are there to help in an emergency. Thanks you AVS! Read Less

AVS is the best!! The Doctors and Staff are wonderful, compassionate, skilled and took great care of our 14 year old poodle with a rupturing gallbladder and saved his life. I am forever grateful and would happily recommend them with 10 stars! Read Less

The doctors, nurses and reception staff were all very friendly and caring and communicated the situation well. We brought our dog in with respiratory issues during the heat wave and the doctor thoroughly examined her and we determined best to leave her overnight and reevaluate in the morning. She left the next day in much better condition due to their treatment. So nice to know they are there 24/7. Very clean and welcoming reception/waiting area. A plus they had children's books and drinks in the fridge for us as we had our 3 year old waiting with us for a couple of hours. The doctor even made a follow up call the next week to ensure she was ok, which I thought was very nice! Read Less

Live in SY and no Vets on call, put it out on Facebook this morning and everyone said AVS DR. Braswell is amazing, Abel the receptionist wonderful! The office was spotless, the girls were professional and made me and my little Sophee less anxious...Sophee is much better tonight!!!! Thanks everyone...best Animal ER in Santa Barbara County!!! Read Less

I was very pleased with my first visit to Advanced Veterinary Specialists. It was late on a Saturday night, and I was so thankful to have them there. The reception area was clean, neat, had coffee for clients, and receptionist was friendly and efficient. I was pleased with the fact that the attending Veterinarian was concise, down to earth, and realistic. The staff took extra care with my pet and I by putting us in an observation room together before release, to ensure his good health and attitude before going home. I was quite comfortable with the bill as well, as I have had much experience with veterinary care both with small and large animals, and they were fair with their charges. In my opinion, this is a top notch place! Thanks for being there for us animal lovers :) Read Less