Dr. Rittenberg is amazing. We have been going to him for years, and it's clear he cares truly cares about our dog, and he truly cares about us. He always thoughtfully explains things, gives us options, and he has called us after hours to give us test results or check in on our dog. His staff, especially Robert and Emily, are just as wonderful. We consider our dog to be a four-legged family member, and we love him to pieces. Dr. Rittenberg and his staff totally understand that, which is why we will always go to Foothill Pet Hospital. Read Less

Dr. Rittenberg was the only vet who was willing and able to see our special needs rescue bunnies on short notice and his wonderful Assistant Robert, made room for us in Dr. Rittenberg's schedule to see them on short notice.  Dr. Rittenberg was extremely kind, patient and professional and laid out different options for a rather complex issue with bunny Fluffy  This suffered a serious injury and now is already doing much better after two doses of 5 meds she needs to be on for a few weeks. It's amazing!  I have a lot of experience with vets as we've always had animals, big and small and we really like him and so did my baby bunnies.  I would highly recommend him and he is reasonable. Robert is very knowledgeable and helpful.Marleen VDH, Carpinteria Read Less

Overall I have had excellent service here for my 3 dogs. I have been to other vets in Santa Barbara (since my first dog in 1973) with previous pets and have not been satisfied. I tried Foothill and Dr Rittenberg on recommendation after I got a new dog. I was very happy with the care and prices. He did a serious surgery on one of my "girls" and she pulled thorough fine, healed fast, and the cost was reasonable for what she had done. I expected a bill much higher than it was. I office is clean, friendly, and convenient to Hwy 154. Read Less

After my girlfriend and I got our new puppy we both called several vets in the Goleta and Santa Barbara area. Not a single vet including the Foothill Pet Hospital picked up on the first try (which was a little strange), but they were the only vet to call us back (within 5 mintues!) Dr. Rittenberg and the rest of the staff here are extremely friendly and knowledgeable. He patiently took the time and addressed all of our concerns in a professional, but friendly matter. In addition, since they are open on Saturdays this vet is perfect for people who are busy during the week. Lastly, they even have a separate entrance for dogs and cats, how cool is that? Read Less

Dr. Mike saw my cat the same day when I called for a new patient appointment. I think he stayed late to help us. He squeeze us in because I had expressed concerns regarding my cats behavior. The Dr. was extremely kind, patient, gentle and knowledgeable. He explained all the findings and my options in great detail. He called promptly the next morning with lab results and again explained findings and options with detail and compassion. He allowed me to pick the treatment plan that was best for us. The office staff were very kind and the facilities were spotless. I could not be more pleased! Read Less

The staff at Foothill are tops in their field.  Dr. Ritt is a great vet. He is smart, kind and very patient.  He doesn't make you or your pet feel rushed.  He is thorough and explains his feelings.  Robert at the front desk is so much more that a "receptionist."  He is a friend and has literally bent over backwards when I needed health certificates or paperwork rushed to me.  He was also there to offer condolences when I really needed it.  Emily is another super star and really knows her way around international pet travel and procedures.  If you are looking for a family atmosphere at a pet hospital, this is the place.  My dog Sophie and I have been coming here for 13years and before that another five years with my other dog. We would never think of going anywhere else.  We highly recommend Dr. Michael Rittenberg and staff. Read Less

They have always been very helpful to my family, as we tend to rescue animals frequently.They go above and beyond whenever they can. Most recently, Robert went out of his way to get my cats records to me when I told him I had moved and needed access to them online. He scanned them all individually when he realized there weren't a lot and emailed them out to me.Thank you, Foothill and whenever I am back in town, I will bring my cats to see you all. Read Less

Dr Rittenberg and his staff are wonderful, kind, caring, knowledgeable and professional. . Dr R is calm and gentle, thorough without rushing, and he always explains every option in case you're on a budget. He let me know which tests/shots were vital and which could wait. He called me the same day after hours with the lab results. I also liked that there were separate entrances and waiting areas for the cats and dogs, although I've never had to wait more than a few minutes. I will recommend Foothill Pet Clinic and Dr Rittenberg to everyone! Read Less

Dr. Rittenberg and his staff stayed after hours to address a pet emergency.  They were very accommodating, reassuring, and proficient.  Dr. Rittenberg followed up multiple times after our visit to check up on our pet and see how we were coping.  He went to extra mile to help us during a very stressful time. Read Less

I'm so happy to have finally tried my local vet. I've been thinking about it every time I pass it on 154. I had a cat semi emergency and was able to get seen that day. The Dr is a stand up guy, offering all options for treatment starting with my style, the farm animal mentality to the 'well, he could get a root canal in that tooth'. He was great with my boy, took lots of time to explain things and eased into the exam, so my kitty wasn't to stressed. The price seems fair, not over the top like some vets around town. In general a very good experience, kudos to the whole crew at Foothill Pet Hospital. I'll be back! Read Less

Dr. Rittenberg and his staff are great. Great things about Foothill Pet Hospital: -Their office is right off Hwy. 101, it's clean, there is ample parking and a they have a nice green lawn out front.-When we make an appointment we never have to wait very long to be seen.-Dr. Rittenberg is patient and calm with our shy dog. -Dr. Rittenberg never tries to rush the appointment, and he always explains every option in case you're on a budget. Dr. Rittenberg is thorough and knowledgeable. When we went in because our dog went into shock after a bee sting, he noticed an area Sam had been licking on his paw where the hair was almost gone. We thought it was allergies or a "hot spot" but Dr. Rittenberg thought it was Demodex mites and sure enough he was right. We were happy he caught it before they spread. I'm not sure how their prices compare to other vets in the area, but I do know that your pet will be well taken care of at Foothill. Read Less

Great in every way.  Caring, kind, experienced, professional.  My dog who trembles at the mention of vets and has to be carried in to their offices walked right in.  Options were presented so I could help decide course of action.  After trying many different vet clinics I have finally found one that I will keep, YAY! Read Less

First visit to a new vet after moving to SB. Called on Thursday PM and got an appt for Sat AM. Cant beat that!Very cute little building. Separate entrance for dogs at cats, never seen that before. And also a different exit after the appt is over. Ive had to do the awkward walking thru a room full of anxious dogs after the end of a vet appt, and its not always easy, so although the place was empty this morning I can see where this would be very nice for everyone!There was a sub vet in the day I went, and she was very nice! My dog is 65lbs of shy/nervousness at the vet and both the vet and the assistants were very nice and sweet to her the entire time.Tons of patience! I was also able to get a blood test, vaccine and rx for heartworm and fleas in one visit. They called back very quickly with the results of the blood test.Cant complain! Will definitely be back for future check ups.If youre looking for prices...i was told a basic check up would be 59. I had a lot of other things added onto the bill so for around $250 I was able to get a checkup, blood test for heartworm, bordatella vaccine, 6mos of heartworm meds and 1 mo of flea/tick medicine.Ive certainly paid more for less at other places! Not cheap but not out of hand! Read Less

It was my fault for not asking if I could fill my Rx elsewhere. I could have gone to the local drugstore and fill it for $2 as opposed to their $32! I mentioned to them after the fact and they acted as it my problem if I did not ask for a Rx to fill it elsewhere. If your pet needs meds that are not animal usage only and non urgent (like most are), call your local pharmacy and ask them before letting this pet hospital or other places fill it for you. My oversight cost me an additional $30 that I could have used to spoil my pet or donate to a charity instead of their pockets. Their attitude after I asked them the discrepancy of the charges (nicely, mind you) lost me as a client. On the other hand, the vet and staff seem quite competent and nice before the incident. But then again there are other nice and competent veterinarian hospitals in town... Read Less

My pup couldn't have been in better care then with Dr. Rittenberg and his friendly and knowledgeable staff. Everyone treated my Ellie like their own, it was her first major vet visit in the area and I'll certainly be bringing her back for future vaccinations and care, when needed. Dr. Rittenberg was very informative and open to letting me know the various options for vaccinating and preventative pest treatment as well as abdanating that i make sure I felt my pup was in condition for surgery and in no did he push anything on us. Great place for pet care! Read Less

Everything about the Foothill Animal Hospital is first-rate. Robert and the rest of the staff are friendly, professional, and compassionate. Dr. Rittenberg is thorough, realistic, and has a wonderful "petside" manner. I never felt rushed, and he was very detailed in his explanations of the many options available to me. Fortunately, I am able to spring for the full battery of tests and treatments I chose for my senior kitty; but I was also offered, 100% without judgement, other options that would not wipe out my savings, had there been financial concerns. This was what I appreciated most, having once been a starving college student made to feel very guilty about not being able to afford the "recommended" treatment for my pet.A big bonus, is separate entrances and waiting rooms for cats and dogs--something I'd never seen before in all my years of pet parenthood. Read Less

In total, we have taken four pets to Foothill Pet Hospital - two dogs and two rabbits.  One of my rabbits is suffering from a severe case of wry neck (aka head-tilt or torticulis).  Dr. Rittenberg was realistic and thorough in his evaluation and gave me a strategy of treatments to avoid breaking the bank.  He has also returned several phone calls after hours.  One time he even called in the middle of an emergency of his own!  His staff is also very nice and helpful (I've dealt primarily with Caitlin, Emily, and Robert). Read Less

Dr. Rittenberg and the staff at Foothill Pet Hospital have always been stellar. He's always paid great attention to my kitties and has helped me learn to recognize signs of illness in cats. He is also very understanding of the financial strain a large pet medical bill can cause and works with you to come up with the most cost-effective plan to treat your pets. Sadly, one of my little girls passed away due to a sudden illness. After taking her to the emergency pet hospital (Care Hospital which I do NOT recommend), his office called me first thing the following morning to ask if she had made it through the night - they had received the medical records from Care. When I told them that sadly, no she hadn't, they expressed their extreme condolences and said that, in all honesty, it was a miracle she had lasted long enough to even see the other vet. Their sympathies and kindness during that difficult time will not be forgotten. Read Less

Dr. Rittenberg and the staff at Foothill Pet Hospital are AMAZING! I'd been taking my pet rats to quite a few other vets before finding Foothill Pet Hospital and I can't believe I ever trusted anyone else to care for them. The Dr. is so gentle, thorough and knowledgeable. I would recommend him to anyone who wants a vet who truly cares about your pet and you. Read Less

I came here in search of a vet more interested in animal care than "practice management". I pay attention to my animals and I know when a vet is "up-selling" me into high profit services we don't need. Dr. Rittenberg always explains the options that are available and then recommends choices, including the pluses or minuses. I don't mind doing home care of my animals and am glad to have a vet willing to work with me. Also, I get follow up calls from his office to make sure things are going as planned. His fees for service are fair and the staff are very good.Read Less

I'm going to have to say that my visit to Foothill Pet Hospital was the most pleasant veterinary experience of my puppy's entire six-month existence.The exam rooms were very clean and there were no mug-rings on the exam tables, the guy at the front desk was super-nice to my scared little puppy, and, most importantly, nobody called my little man a "she".Beyond the comparative excellence of Foothill Pet Hospital compared to the other places I have visited, Dr. Rittenberg was super-nice and very knowledgeable about all of the most recent pet-care advancements (heartworm preventatives, flea control, canine influenza vaccines, etc.).  Due to the fact that I don't like to see my beautiful little boy in pain, I hope I don't have to visit too often.  However, if my puppy (or soon-to-be dog) is sick or in need of some veterinary attention, I certainly would not hesitate about bringing him to Foothill Pet Hospital. Read Less

Dr. Rittenberg is a very caring veterinarian. I like the way he treats each pet as very special. His physical examination is very complete and he is very gentle with our pets. He always takes time to explain the various aspects of the medical condition of our pets. He will discuss the options of medical care in detail so that we can make an informed decision regarding the treatment needed for our pet. I like the fact that he will see not only dogs and cats, but also reptiles, pocket pets, and rabbits. His hospital is very well equipped and the staff is pleasant. I highly recommend Foothill Pet Hospital. Read Less

I spent over a year going to this place (6 visits) thinking that all vets would be the same , but I 100% agree with the review of the man who felt dr Rittenburg was rude. I found him to be very condescending and passive aggressive. My animals love most people but were really uncomfortable with this vet. I have since changed vets and have learned that most of the treatments and tests were redundant and unnecessary, and that any vet worth his/her weight in milkbones should have beeen able to identify the simple ailments my pets suffered from. Yes the vet does explain the different treatment plans, but manipulates you into giving your pet unecessary and unhelpfull medications and irrelevant tests. He also does a poor job of feining affection towards animals. Talks too fast, too much, doesn't listen and is kind of creepy. Read Less