Big Tujunga Vet Hospital

Worst Experience, STAY AWAY! Boarding: I took my dog here for boarding Twice and would never take him back! They would not let me see where my dog would stay/sleep. Since my dogs one year old and going through training, I would ask after each stay, how he did, both times I got "He was great". I then get a call one month later out of the blue saying you can't bring your dog here because he's nipping at the workers! Ive never had any issue with people handling our puppy! I have a groomer come pick up our dog, go through grooming, and dropped off with no issues! Vet Visit: This was by far the worst. Its like they are terrified to handle dogs. I had to help them administer the shots. Another time our dog had a tick, they didn't want to touch him because he looked "intimidating" (even though he's friendly and sweet) I understood their concern and cooperated, so they brought a muzzle that was too small and told me to put it on. I looked at the muzzle, looked at my dog, knew it wouldn't fit, and said you have to get it on. After trying, it obviously wouldn't work the Dr. (some angry lady) said we need to sedate him!!!! for a tick!!!! I told the "Dr" to get out of the room, removed the tick myself and left. If I had such a bad experience with this place, I can only image what our dog went through!The young girl working the the front desk and the nurse Blanca were really great and friendly. Cant say the same about anyone else. I would strongly suggest finding another Vet/Boarding facility. Id rather spend a little more and make sure my puppy is in good hands. Read Less

They really took care of my two cats and boarded my dog. Prices are on the upper end but not ridiculous for the past care and service that is provided. I haven't had anything negative happen that I can report about this vet. They just changed owners and are in the process of remodeling.Read Less

I am giving a bad review for pet boarding. Do not take your dog for pet boarding. Who knows if what they offer they really deliver. I took my dog there for 5 days and they never let me see the place where my dog stayed. In part was my fault for leaving my dog in a place that never visited before. I was rushing to find a place for my dog and I paid 30 dollars for a large kennel and asked to see when I dropped her off. They said they are too busy and I can see the place when I pick her up. That didn't happen either, they told me the exact excuse. Too busy and they gave me all kind of excuses. I have doubts if the place is well maintained and the safety and well being of my dog. It made me believe that this is a crappy place for dogs. Don't risk your dog to this place. Read Less

I don't think I'll be back here. I was expecting a vet to be a little more caring and genuine but don't think Dr. Ancu really had the animals best interest. I think he was more concerned about his wallet$$The whole time I felt like he was trying to rack up my bill and sell pointless treatments and procedures instead of telling me what was ACTUALLY wrong with my dog. I feel like he is more of a businessman vs. a caring vet. Just my opinion:) Read Less

Each time at least 3 I add grooming to overnight stay. Worst grooming every time Now I only allow them to wash which they This time didn't do just sprayed dog with Stuff and charged 32 for grooming. Never Allow them to cut dog last time they had Glue on his ear to hold it together and other Cuts that had bleed. When you pick up dog He is so thirsty not getting any water at this Vet and this wasn't first time pick up dog and he's panting for water. Maybe a vet never Sees a out dog but after trying this several Times with same terrible results I say do not Take your dog if you love it Read Less

They have been nothing but compassionate and professional at every turn.Only good things to say Excellent care from Dr.Edward Ancu,DVM and the staff @ the Big Tujunga Veterinary Hospital  Center Foothill. Our  4-years-old bagzi Read Less

Yesterday it came time for our Lab, Buddy, to be sent on his journey over the Rainbow Bridge.My husband made an appointment with Dr. Ancu at Big Tujunga Vet Hospital to help us with this difficult decision. We started going to Dr. Ancu about 13 years ago after we had moved to the area and rescued Buddy. Back then the doctor seemed more caring of the animals. That soon changed to just wanting the money. Over the years we found another Vet who was a God send but farther away so we only went to Ancu only for shots and when absolutely necessary. All he seemed to care about was raising his prices and piling on the unnecessary tests. Unfortunately for him we know more than a little about medicine, disease process and pharmacology (thanks in large part to the other vet that took the time to help educate us).  Many of the things he wanted to do were just ridiculous. We assumed that he could handle this task. We were wrong.  After arriving at his appointed time he had to wait with our Buddy on his lap for the staff to get around to finally moving them into an exam room.  Then the wait continued.  Please remember that for a pet owner that this is the most difficult decision one has to make for their loved one.  We had made the decision that as long as Buddy's pain was manageable we would keep him comfortable and happy as long as we could.  But the time had come when his quality of life had come to an end.  There was no reason to be guilted into running further tests and doing procedures that would only rack up costs as Buddy was filled with tumors, wouldn't eat and had lost most of his muscle mass. This did not stop Ancu from trying to squeeze more money out of us. He finally gave Buddy the tranquilizer to "relax" him and said he would be back in 10 minutes. He did not so much as touch the dog to guess weight. After the shot he left the room saying he' be back in 10 minutes leaving us alone. The dose was too strong and he went into seizures. Buddy had no history of seizures and was actually very relaxed just from being held.  Tranquilizer overdoses will cause seizures.  The tranquilizer is also the cheaper of the drugs used in euthanasia. I'm sure he doesn't realize I know this.  After more than 20 minutes Ancu returned to administer the final cocktail. By this time Buddy was almost gone due to the overdose.  When Ancu gave Buddy the cocktail and pronounced that his heart had stopped, Buddy started snorting like he couldn't breathe.  Not just the sigh that they normally make before drifting off.  After it was finally over my husband was approached again in the attempt to guilt him into paying an insane price to have Buddy's ashes retuned.  No thank you.  $250 for 2 injections was quite enough!  He is in our minds and our hearts.  Bear in mind this is not the first bad experience at Big Tujunga. As an old dog he needed special care in grooming. We'd taken him in a few months previously for a simple bath. He came back knotted, sore and generally looking worse than when he went in. The treatment of the reception staff and assistants was rude, condescending and abusive. At the time we cut Ancu some slack due to his not being on premises at the time. We should have known better. The body follows where the head leads and this head has delusions of his own importance and superiority. The staff follows his example.  Please research this Vet for your family pet's sake before just going to some one that is conveniently located.  There are many of them in the Sunland, Tujunga , LaCrescenta, Glendale area. Dr. Ancu is more concerned with making money than caring for your pet. His understanding of medicine is a joke compared to our preferred vet.  In closing keep in mind that if a Vet cannot efficiently and caringly end a life what makes you think than he can save a life.  We will never be back. Read Less

I took my dog here once. My dog had a lump on her nose and I was worried. The vet told me not to worry and that it was just an infection. Well yesterday I found out, after a 6 hour surgery, that it wasn't "just an infection" it was a tumor. So I'd like to thank these vets for doing absolutely nothing for my dog and thank them for not doing their job at all. Please take your pets to a vet who actually cares about them. Read Less

I called to get my dogs records because I had moved to another state. The receptionist lady ( Linda) said she's sorry that they don't have my dogs records anymore they threw them away because it's been more then 2 years!!! Really??? How do you just get rid of my dogs records. I wasn't happy at all. I had taken my other dog to Montrose Veterinarian when I called them they gave me the information with no problems. I told that to Linda she said they have computers and they're able to pull that up. Now I have no records or any information regarding my other dog at Big Tujunga Veterinarian Hospital. So make sure that if you take your pets there you keep all your information they do not keep it you've been warned. They obviously don't care about your pets or keeping there files. Read Less

The same exact thing happened to me this doctor just wants our money and he is a liar my pet was dieing and he knew it but he ran all these tests charged me over a thousand dollars then after 2 days I took it to Montrose pet hospital and the doctor spoke the truth there she told me sorry there is nothing I can do she said even if you had all the money in the world you couldn't save your pet it was sad to hear but it was the TRUTH so I put my dog to sleep she was 13 and I will never forget her I have another dog I take to Montose pet hospital I wish I would have known this place earlier it would have saved me a lot of money I hope Dr. Ancu or whatever the fuck his name is gets what he deserves Read Less

I've been taking my animals here for about 15 years. Dr. Ancu is a fantastic vet. There has never been a misdiagnosis, or a problem after any surgery, and nothing has been pushed on me. No unnecessary and very expensive tests were recommended when my cat became jaundiced at 16, and no unnecessary surgery was suggested when my 17-yr old cat had a tumor in her mouth. Nothing would have changed the course of either disease. I'm not big on vaccinations and frequent stool tests, and it has never been an issue. All you have to say is no, people! Veterinary care is not cheap anymore, for sure, but that's the price we pay for improvements in the field, for new tests, equipment and drugs that help our pets stay or become healthy. I would highly recommend pet insurance if money is a concern. It's paid off tenfold for me. I have now moved out of the area but refuse to change vets because I know I can count on Dr. Ancu and his team. I've never had a problem getting an apt even at short to no notice, and I truly appreciate that. The clinic has also seen some serious remodeling, you should check it out, they'll give you a tour.  Dr. Ancu takes his time explaining everything and answers each and everyone of my questions. I never feel rushed there. Knowing he's there gives me piece of mind. Read Less

This is the worst place ever. I had to bring my dog here to board because I was going away for Memorial Day weekend and my dog came back all sad and down. I'm not sure what they exactly did but I honestly feel like they hit her or something because she has never acted like this before. My dog is the friendliest dog ever and for her to come back like this really hurt me. I hope no one boards their dogs here. It's the saddest thing to see her like this. Read Less

Called yesterday and asked if doctor was experienced with reptiles. The receptionist was extremely helpful and friendly and said yes.  We drove there immediately as my daughter's cameleon was dehydrated, tachycardic, with shallow respiration  and lethargic.  We expected this be a hospital where they would treat accordingly.  They had us wait our turn as there were other non urgent clients in the lobby.  My daughter waited in the car so the sunlight would keep Cosmo warm as they do not have a heat lamp.   After 45 minutes I went and sat in the car with my daughter and watch the cameleon die.  I went in and told them "He passed". They asked me to bring it in to verify.  My daughter came in and handed over her pet in tears. After another five minutes doctor walked in. He was professional and courteous.  He confirmed Cosmo had passed and asked if we wanted an autopsy to rule out cause of death.  We declined.  He asked if they should disposed of his remains but we chose to take him.  They were having a special for dentistry and I scheduled an appt for my Teacup Yorkie. Then I was asked to pay $48 for emergency visit.  I paid as my concern was to get to the car where my daughter was sobbing holding her dead pet.  I would have gladly paid ten times that if they would have had a sense of urgency and had given my girl's pet fluids. But to tell us he was dead and charge us an ER visit for listening for a heart beat, when you have a girl clearly emotionally drained, tells me about the heart of this hospital as a whole.  My opinion today, it's there for the money, with no real Hospital or emergency qualities. No heat lamp when you care for reptiles?  Had this been handled as a true medical emergency he would have gained five new clients as I have 2 dogs and 3 rescues. I will cancel today's visit for my Yorkie as I don't feel comfortable with a hospital such as this.  The one star is being generous. Read Less

We moved to the area about a year ago from So Pas but we never switched vets and continued driving down to So Pas for our babies check-ups and vaccinations.  Yasiel, our male pug, came down with kennel cough recently and I made the drive down only to find out that our vet was called away on a family emergency. They weren't sure when he'd be back. Conundrum.  I drove home thinking I'd try again the next day but felt so bad that Yasiel had to go thru another day without getting checked and possibly starting medication.  So I googled another vet closer to us and Big Tujunga Vet Hospital popped up on Yelp.  I read the reviews and decided to give them a try. I called and explained that I thought my dog had kennel cough- they put me on hold but got back to me right away asking if I could make it into the clinic in 15 mins. I sure could. Its a small clinic- looks like a home actually- and not very "hospital-y".  I liked that it didn't seem so stark & sterile, but also that everything looked clean. The young lady at the front desk greeted me nicely and then her colleagues were all very friendly as they came over to say hello.  I filled out an intake form and was shown to the exam room right away, I could tell that they took the "kennel cough"  situation very seriously.  Everyone was very friendly and polite- knocking on the door before entering as if Yasiel was going to get caught with his hospital robe on backwards or something.  There was a young lady who came in to go over my form- A+ for being friendly & understanding. The doctor's assistant that came in to take Yasiel's weight and temperature- A+ again for being friendly and actually getting Yasiel to sit still on the scale. Then Dr. Ancu came in and he was very impressive. Calm and attentive... I could tell he was listening very intently at what I was saying. He was very reassuring and recommended antibiotics. Also confirmed that our other one would probably get it soon again -she hasn't yet thank goodness but I'm waiting and will take her to Dr. Ancu asap. The assistant that checked me out was just as nice, ringing me up efficiently as I waited for the antibiotics. $70 for an exam and antibiotics is a pretty reasonable price - I do believe that vets should be compensated fairly as they provide such an important and needed service to our beloved pets but I have had experience in the past where a vet (not the one in So Pas) has charged me $180 for an preliminary exam and vitamins. Will I be back? Yes- most definitely- in fact I'm waiting of the other one to come down with kennel cough and will bring their vet records in then. Parking: on the north side of the building- approach from the west on Foothill to make a right into the parking lot because you cannot cross the double-yellow line to make a left. Read Less

HIGHLY RECOMMEND.I have used this location for a few years already, and can't express how happy I am with Dr. Ancu. Every time I've gone in for an exam for any pet, Dr. Ancu has always been thorough and honest, and above all... seems to genuinely love animals. He always compliments my pets in a true pet lover way - whether it's my chinchilla being handsome and SUPER friendly, or my cat having the silkiest coat.I just yesterday took in Mocha, my new cat, for her shots, dewormer, general exam, and nail trimming. They were great, and Mocha didn't seem at all traumatized. The young ladies at the front desk were friendly, attentive, talkative, and professional. I can't imagine this place having rude or inattentive staff. I literally come back here BECAUSE of the awesome service and honest vet. I also got a call from Dr. Ancu himself indicating no concerns and seeing an overall healthy kitty. Instead of trying to sell me a ton of services or pushing me toward a ton of precautionary measures, he was honest, caring, patient, and straightforward.I took in my chinchilla, Pikachu, a few years ago. Dr. Ancu saved his life, and I mean it. All for $120! Exotic pet exam was only $50 (at the time, which was a few years ago), and the remaining $70 was for the antibiotic. Who can complain about THAT? To save my fluffball's life? Have we all forgotten the price of human health care? To those complaining about prices - give me a break!I was in complete distress when my poor chinchilla was sick. At the time, he was about 2 years old, and I was so worried that he wasn't going to make it. I had to hydrate and somehow barely fed him by force, and the poor thing was miserable. He was having seizures and would cuddle up in our arms. Anyone who has experience with chinchillas knows they aren't ones to cuddle. AT ALL. They're just way too hyper.First thing Monday morning, we took him in. Dr. Ancu saw him immediately. He called me himself and mentioned they have issues with their teeth, as they constantly grow causing depression if they feel discomfort when eating/playing. In some cases they need filing... which has to be under anesthesia. He told me he would be concerned putting him to sleep, as these animals are so sensitive that they have a 50/50 chance of surviving anesthesia. He told me the physical exam checked out, and he didn't seem to have broken cartilage or any lumps indicating an injury. He told me the only other thing he imagined it could be was an internal infection, and recommended I put him on an antibiotic. He suggested that if that made no difference, only then would he recommended anesthesia for a tooth inspection and possible filing. Thankfully that was never needed. Within two days on his prescribed antibiotic he was back at 50%, and within a week he was FULLY RECOVERED! I can't thank him enough. Read Less

I started going to Dr. Ancu many many years ago when his father ran the practice.This place has been around a long time .I've never had any problems but my only issue is the fact that he doesn't really take appointments and a place can get packedI don't feel that his prices are too high .I happen to live in Sunland which is much closer to The clinic near oro vista foothillPet medical center Read Less

Extremely friendly and knowledgable staff!!!They always go out of their way to help especially Marine!!Dr. Ancu is wonderful!! He has good bedside manners and makes sure that he explains everything thoroughly!!!! Read Less

Best kennel services & very affordable!!!!! Been bringing my 11 year old jack Russell terrier mix to the kennel every time I can't take her on any traveling trips with me. I'm definitely pleased with the care they offer at the kennel.Read Less

Tujunga Veterinary Hospital seemed to be an A rated business. However I found their actions to be all about the $. That's right business. You got the $ honey, you'll love them. He is way cool and the staff very friendly. My dog thinks they su.. they knocked her out , shaved around the wounds, cleaned the wounds. BUT they did not sew her up. They wanted $500.00 on top of the $330.00. They wanted to call sutures and a drainage, ' surgery' Are you serious? They knocked her out but did not sew her up. A superficial tear on her leg, and a deep bite on her belly, needing drainage. " Should I bring her back for a check? " " No", they replied, " only if you want the surgery". What ?...........Where are you from.?...New Age Business $$$. It sucks to be poor. Read Less

Dr. Ancu cropped my bully pitbull Buddhas ears and did such a good job. We took him to another clinic before that was cheaper but we ended up having a horrible experience there. Dr. Ancu was very professional and explained the entire procedure so well. He made me and my fiancé very comfortable leaving him there. The procedure was so quick and Buddhas ears are healing so fast! It was so worth every penny! Read Less

Big Tujunga Veterinary Hospital is the best place Ive ever taken my pets!! They have a state of the art kennel, a great staff, and the doctor is amazing! He has helped me with so many of my rescues, and has been so caring. I am not sure why the other woman posted that there is a basement with no lights. Maybe she is confused with another clinic. I think that everone should check BTVH and Dr. Ancu out! You will not be dissapointed! Read Less

HORRIBLE PLACE!!! THEY BOARD THE DOGS IN A BASEMENT WITH NO LIGHT! THEY LEFT MY DOG IN A CAGE WITHOUT BEING WALKED FOR SO LONG THAT SHE PEED EXCESSIVELY IN THE LOBBY AS SOON AS SHE WAS LET OUT (WHICH SHE WOULD NEVER DO). THEY GAVE MY DOG THE WRONG MEDICATION AND WHEN I TOOK IT BACK THEY ACTUALLY HAD THE NERVE TO CHARGE ME FOR THE 2 PILLS I HAD GIVEN HER! IF YOU LOVE YOUR ANIMALS PLEASE DO NOT BRING THEM TO THIS DISGUSTING UNPROFESSSIONAL PLACE!!! Read Less

The vet here is no miracle worker. I agree with a lot of the reviews, doesnt make me feel like they care about me or my pet, just maybe my dollars! They rip you off, the receptionists are half witted, and the vet is rude!!! I have had my worst experiences here ever, and if you want to go to another vet, and request your records, well, good luck with that! I dont suggest anyone who loves their pet to go to this place! I will only give 1 star as there is no lower rating than this. Read Less