Expanded Veterinary Reviews (See new Schulman Comments)

I used many vet review sources but did not post any unless there were at least 5 reviews except for the two worst, Mission Animal and Value Vet Canoga Park. There will be redundancies where there are two different review sites, as for Ken Jones, Rattan, Value Vet. I have marked each practice if they appear exceptional, either good or bad.

There were not enough reviews to post for Porter, Noreda, Northridge Pet Hospital, Chatsworth Pet, Adlers, etc. Two vets below were listed as top rated by rating services. Winnetka got 8 reviews, all five stars so I rated him best in the West Valley. I find it strange that I can find only a few, very different ratings for Adlers compared with significantly smaller vet practices. The scattered Adler reviews I did see were very inconsistent.

Special mention for Alan Schulman and Dr. Michael Broome. Schulman is a gifted surgeon, a top vet but with a crude and almost abusive communications style. He did wonderful work on two of my cats, but it was very hard to talk to him on the phone. You had to make an appointment to see him to get to talk to him and his arrogance knows no bounds. Some of the reviews, especially from former employees, are brutal. In addition, a few comments about him were recently added. They are even more brutal. Of course I cannot attest to their truthfulness. This is all information publically available on the Internet from numerous sources.

Dr. Broome, whose main office is in Tustin, is simply the best veterinarian—in my opinion—that I have ever met in terms of communications and clinical competence. Unfortunately, his main office is in Tustin and he doesn't do general vet work at the West LA office.

This is NOT the Vet review website I was talking about starting. We are still discussing the scope of that site, format, etc.

SANTA MONICA-WEST LA

Ken Jones, Santa Monica

http://www.insiderpages.com/b/3710367283

http://local.yahoo.com/info-20529694-jones-kenneth-dvm-kenneth-jones-veterinary-hosp-santa-monica?csz=Santa+Monica,+CA


Pet Medical in Santa Monica:

http://www.insiderpages.com/b/3710698396

CULVER CITY AREA

Mar Vista Animal Medical Center (average rating)

http://www.insiderpages.com/b/3711554199


Sepulveda Animal Hospital** (Top rated)

http://www.yelp.com/biz/sepulveda-animal-hospital-culver-city#hrid:ArNkZPdoWFqF_qvAflwRyQ


FAIRFAX/MID-CITY AREA

Cedars-Sinai Center (Average to poor rating) www.centersinaianimalhospital.com (Their Website)

http://www.yelp.com/biz/center-sinai-animal-hospital-los-angeles

Dr. Jason Rattan** (Fairfax Area-Top rated)

http://www.yelp.com/biz/dr-jason-c-rattan-los-angeles#hrid:E1maHAW8hCXL1zjg6SfScw


http://local.yahoo.com/info-20415692-rattan-jason-c-dvm-park-la-brea-veterinary-care-los-angeles?csz=Los+Angeles,+CA


WEST LOS ANGELES


Animal Medical Center (Alan Schulman^, Michael Broome**)

(Schulman among worst rated; Broome highly rated)

http://losangeles.citysearch.com/review/42547437

http://www.insiderpages.com/b/3711374499

http://local.yahoo.com/info-31385283-schulman-alan-j-dvm-los-angeles

http://www.yelp.com/biz/animal-medical-center-of-southern-california-los-angeles-2

For Dr. Broome:

(website: http://www.avmi.net/)

http://local.yahoo.com/info-20432116-broome-michael-r-dvm-advanced-veterinary-medical-los-angeles


Brentwood Pet (Olympic Blvd. Drs. Martin, Olds, Thorrens)

http://www.yelp.com/biz/brentwood-pet-clinic-los-angeles


Value Vet West Los Angeles

http://www.insiderpages.com/b/15240007658

http://www.mojopages.com/biz/value-vet/los-angeles/ca/90024/10562261

http://www.yelp.com/biz/value-veterinary-services-los-angeles

http://losangeles.citysearch.com/review/32776838/page/3?providerSource=cs


VCA West Los Angeles:

http://www.insiderpages.com/b/3710598731

http://www.mojopages.com/biz/value-vet/los-angeles/ca/90024/10562261


WEST/CENTRAL VALLEY


Animal Medical (Van Nuys)

http://www.yelp.com/biz/animal-medical-center-van-nuys#hrid:V2m_cJD_h1htCcDwwv5LMA

Beverly Oaks Animal Hospital^^ (Sherman Oaks) Worst Rated Ever!!)

http://www.insiderpages.com/b/2005040805

http://losangeles.tribe.net/recommendation/Beverly-Oaks-Animal-Hospital/sherman-oaks-la-ca/b5534abc-41ce-4823-96fa-6a97697011ac

McClaves:

http://www.insiderpages.com/b/3711579785

http://losangeles.citysearch.com/review/32776838/page/3?providerSource=cs

http://losangeles.citysearch.com/review/271752


Mid Valley Veterinary Hospital** Top rating West Valley

http://losangeles.citysearch.com/review/304878

http://www.insiderpages.com/b/3711562777

http://losangeles.citysearch.com/review/304878/page/1?providerSource=cs


Mission Animal Hospital^ (Worst Rated)

http://www.yelp.com/biz/mission-animal-hospital-and-emergency-hospital-granada-hills

Moon Jay (Sherman Oaks)* Highly rated, considered affordable (818) 907-0929

http://www.yelp.com/biz/moon-jay-r-dvm-sherman-oaks

http://local.yahoo.com/details?id=20691199&csz=North+Hills,+CA&sortreviews=1&from=4#reviews

Dr. Jason Rattan** (Fairfax Area-Top rated)

http://www.yelp.com/biz/dr-jason-c-rattan-los-angeles#hrid:E1maHAW8hCXL1zjg6SfScw


http://local.yahoo.com/info-20415692-rattan-jason-c-dvm-park-la-brea-veterinary-care-los-angeles?csz=Los+Angeles,+CA


Value Vet Canoga Park^ (Worst Rated)


http://www.insiderpages.com/b/3711606803


Winnetka Animal Hospital (Dr. Smollin)** (Top rated WestValley)

http://www.insiderpages.com/b/3710923735

9 comments:

Paul Koretz

The LA Times did not endorse Paul Koretz saying LA needed new thinking and that Paul was part of the old establishment. But he has tons of endorsements from Democrats you can trust and is--as the photo shows--a cat person. He has a good, good shot and is highly commended by our own Rich McClellan. Unfortunately, what he says below doesn't have much meat. (Soy?) He either hasn't studied the issue, or he doesn't have any answers. This is disappointing. Yet, I believe him that after he hears many options over a period of a year or so he will whole heartedly back one, but it doesn't sound like he'll buck the Mayor on this one.

Candidate: new leadership needed at LAAS, give citizens greater voice, end “environment of distrust”

by Kate Woodviolet

In the wake of my recent interview with David Vahedi, candidate for L.A. City Council, seeking his opinions on various key issues in the animal care community, I was contacted by Rich McClellan, head of the California chapter of the League of Humane Voters, to ask why I hadn’t interviewed Paul Koretz, also a candidate in the 5th, whom the League has endorsed in this race. I was happy to do so.

I asked Mr. Koretz the same questions I asked Mr. Vahedi, so that animal lovers in the Fifth District, and throughout the city, can have the opportunity to get to know the candidates, see what they have to say about the various animal-related issues and controversies that face our city – and to hold them accountable for their answers when and if either are successful in their bid for the Fifth District Council seat.

Kate Woodviolet: Why do you make it a point to talk about animal issues?

Paul Koretz: Animals have always been treasured members of the families of many of my constituents, as well as my own. The empathy for animals in this district reflects and is a part of its concerns for many other social justice issues. I take strength from the degree to which animal issues invite participation by the people of this district in making Los Angeles a better place. There also has always been a special place in my heart for wildlife, especially endangered species.

KW: What, in your opinion, are the main problems facing animals in Los Angeles?

PK: As long as there have been politicians there have been more problems then there are good ideas or the resources for dealing with them. I turn to the community most concerned with our current problems to help me decide priorities.

Legitimate concern about the need to confine certain species of animals in a zoo, in spite of the cost, when more economical and effective ways of educating and awakening people to the wonder of animals exist seems to be an issue that resonates with animal lovers and fiscal conservatives alike. Should we be imprisoning elephants at a cost of millions of dollars when private sanctuaries exist that are willing to take them?

The fact that elected representatives continue to fund the maintenance of pet overpopulation in this city rather than create and enforce laws that will truly control this problem is one of the most fiscally irresponsible and inhumane situations that LA continues to maintain. It is obvious that new leadership is needed in the department of animal services.

KW: L.A. has two distinct animal care and control entities: L.A. Animal Services for the city, and the L.A. County Department of Animal Care and Control, for county and unincorporated areas, which is responsible for animal control in such Westside areas as Culver City.

Both departments have experienced their share of controversy, including a recent petition of no confidence against Ed Boks, general manager of LAAS, which was signed by over fifty percent of LAAS workers; and multiple lawsuits against LACDACC and its Director Marcia Mayeda.

What, in your opinion, are the most pressing issues that need to be resolved, both with LAAS and LACDACC?

PK: Los Angeles County is the responsibility of the County Supervisors. There are ideas that could improve conditions in the County Shelter System, but since we have no direct control I would focus on the City.

The problems in the City Shelters appear to be those of leadership, creativity and policy. I certainly believe that the highly motivated members of the humane community in this city should have a much greater voice in creating and implementing policy. There is the power in this city to make animal services a private entity endowed by those concerned members of this city. There is the citizen interest to have large portions of the activities performed by volunteers at great savings to city. But not within the current environment of distrust between the citizens and the administration. My door will always be open to those of any interest group who want to improve the functioning of this city through ideas, innovation and participation. Together we can delineate problems and create solutions. City government and administration should not be at odds with its most concerned and active citizens.

Part 2: Koretz talks about pet limits, anti-Pit Bull legislation, whether elephants belong in zoos, and what members of the humane community must do to make their voices heard in City Hall
3 comments:

Some Veterinarians Reviewed

I used several sources but did not post any unless there were at least 5 reviews except for the two worst, Mission Animal and Value Vet Canoga Park. There will be redundancies where there are two different review sites, as for Ken Jones, Rattan, Value Vet.

There were not enough reviews to post for Porter, Noreda, Northridge Pet Hospital, Chatsworth Pet, Adlers, etc. Two vets below were listed as top rated by rating services. Winnetka got 8 reviews, all five stars so I rated him best in the West Valley.

This is NOT the Vet review website I was talking about starting. We are still discussing the scope of that site, format, etc. I am just warming up.

Animal Medical (Van Nuys)

http://www.yelp.com/biz/animal-medical-center-van-nuys#hrid:V2m_cJD_h1htCcDwwv5LMA

McClaves:

http://www.insiderpages.com/b/3711579785


Mid Valley Veterinary Hospital

(Be alert here. Lots of vets and other retailers have friends, staff, etc. give positive reviews. When they are consistently short responses such as this, I’d be a bit careful accepting them as authentic. If you have good info, let me know. If you look at Resellerratings.com review of Internet rip offs, you'll often see lots of short, glowing reviews left by employees who spend no time on them, and then some very long and detailed reviews that clearly prove the retailer is a scam artist.)

http://www.insiderpages.com/b/3711562777


VCA Santa Monica Dog and Cat:

http://www.insiderpages.com/b/3710775218


Pet Medical in Santa Monica:

http://www.insiderpages.com/b/3710698396


Ken Jones, Santa Monica

http://www.insiderpages.com/b/3710367283

http://local.yahoo.com/info-20529694-jones-kenneth-dvm-kenneth-jones-veterinary-hosp-santa-monica?csz=Santa+Monica,+CA


Mission Animal Hospital^ (Worst Rated)

http://www.yelp.com/biz/mission-animal-hospital-and-emergency-hospital-granada-hills


Moon Jay (Sherman Oaks)


Sepulveda Animal Hospital** (Top rated)

http://www.yelp.com/biz/sepulveda-animal-hospital-culver-city#hrid:ArNkZPdoWFqF_qvAflwRyQ


Dr. Jason Rattan** (Fairfax Area-Top rated)

http://www.yelp.com/biz/dr-jason-c-rattan-los-angeles#hrid:E1maHAW8hCXL1zjg6SfScw

http://local.yahoo.com/info-20415692-rattan-jason-c-dvm-park-la-brea-veterinary-care-los-angeles?csz=Los+Angeles,+CA


Value Vet Canoga Park

http://www.insiderpages.com/b/3711606803


Value Vet West Los Angeles


VCA West Los Angeles:

http://www.insiderpages.com/b/3710598731

http://www.mojopages.com/biz/value-vet/los-angeles/ca/90024/10562261


Winnetka Animal Hospital (Dr. Smollin)* (Top rated West Valley)

http://www.insiderpages.com/b/3710923735


8 comments:

LANCASTER SHELTER HORROR STORY

Someone sent this to Ryan Olshan whose County blog is: 
/lacdacc.blogspot.com.
http://lacdacc.blogspot.com

I have been involved in rescue for about 9 years. I have to share this haunting experience of an hour at Lancaster Shelter on Friday February 20th. I am not sure where to start. 

I go everyday to visit with 2 pits that are waiting to be evaluated for placement. One is pregnant, they were going to put her down this morning but i begged them to re-evaluate her so she is for now safe. There are 3 kennel buildings at Lancaster, bldg 3 being the newest built. They also house the small and old in "the grooming trailer" and then there is the isolation room and the 900's which house the animals that are in quarantine. 

For some reason the only building that really gets any attention is the new building, that's the only section that is somewhat "sane". Building 1 which half of it is unaccessable to the public, housing mainly pits and "unadoptable" dogs.

In the remaining half of building 1 and in building 2 are hundreds of dogs. there were uncountable fights while i was there. the sounds of that i will never forget, the cries, howling, growls, barking were non stop. the kennel workers could not keep up with it, they would separate one and another fight was going on. it was crazy. it was horrific! the community service workers were trying separate dog fights, the kennel attendants couldn't keep up.

The dogs in buildings 1 & 2 are so crowded, even for me it was so overwhelming to look at these dogs that were so crowded in a run, seriously, 5-6 in a run, big dogs, in one case 3 shepards and 2 rotties,when they close the doors at night these dogs couldn't turn around. the heat was on and the dogs spilled their water as no room to move, the heat is good as it is so cold up here, but it only fed the irritablitiy of these poor dogs, they are so starved for attention that when you stop in front of the runs they start fighting to be the closest to the front. therefore the few people that were there looking to adopt are so shocked or whatever they just walk away.

How these poor dogs are able to eat out of one bowl amongst the cage partners is a mystery.so these 2 runs are really just housing until they are drug to the back to be euthanized as there is not much hope for them.too overwhelming for any hope. 

When one fight broke out it frayed on the other dogs nerves and if they werent hiding in a corner shivering and terrified ( mainly the small ones) there was full blown fights, nasty fights! in one particular run, # 206, there were five brindle shep mixes standing over a long haired shepard mix, she was so paralyzed with fear she lay on the floor shaking as every move she made these 4-5 other dogs pounced on her. several passerbyers walked away in tears. we notified the k/a's but as was obvious there was no place else to put her. in just the hour i was there this time we counted 12 dogs being brought in by the public, dozens others brought in by field officers. 

I was talking to a lady and we heard terrible cries by what appeared to be a small dog. we turned to see a very large animal control officer dragging by a comealong, a tiny, 7-10 lb terrified dog into this hell. she was not vicious, too small to hurt anyone, but yet this 300 lb man( i use that term loosely) found it appropriate to drag her as she tried to hold on to the ground she was being drug on. other than that one field officer i have to say that the other shelter employees appeared to be doing what they could to break up the fights and keep the water bowls full, etc. 

In the grooming trailer 2 volunteers were trying to bottle feed 7 new born puppies that came in w/no mom. while another worker drug in pit bull moms that had obvious milk sacks, no puppies though. saw 3 of those brought in in an hour.I know all of the shelters are full with the economy as it is, but Lancaster has always been the dumping grounds for dogs, because of the vast amount of land where hoarders thrive, the dog fighters on rural parts of town, the area is a popular spot to drive out to nowhere and dump your dog. 

We have numerous reasons that our shelter is always so overpopulated. i would just ask someone that is not as grief stricken as i am right now, seriously can not even talk about all that i saw and heard, there has to be something more we as animal lovers can do to educate people, help the shelters, something. i checked on several tiny maltese/poodle mixes, they were owner surrenders, reason: cant afford to feed" whats that about!

Please forward to everyone you can, i am not sure what i am asking for but just distraught and desperate to stop this madness at lancaster.

14 comments:

Vet Watchdog Website Coming

As you know, I have been furious about bad vet care and overcharging for some time.

I have posted horrible accusations by others against many vets, many associated with LAAS. 

VCA is making record profits, and, as one commenter related, due to them performing unnecessary numbers of procedures.

I must have received 15 emails concerning bad vet acts or practices. It is overwhelming. I don't post many because some are from insiders and I want to protect them.

So, I, and one (and possibly two) consultants have decided to set up a website providing information of vet care and animal related prices in the Southern California area.

Vet's will receieve a rating of 1 to 5 in several different areas. Readers can leave ratings and comments just as you find on eBay or ResellersRatings.com. 

Horror stories as well as good will be posted. Various vet prices for different procedures will be listed and readers can submit bills for analysis. Procedures would include consult charge, SQ hydration, charges for fluids, catheterization, vaccines, shots, take home antibiotics and prescription food. Naturally these prices will change, but we will update the information as new info comes in.

Bills could be submitted for our analysis and comment to you as well as allowing us to build a database of current charges for vets as well as "irregularities" we see. Referrals may be made for legal action if the reader wants.

Readers will be able to submit complaints about a specific vet, submit medical records and they will be reviewed by a professional with comment.

Retailer food prices will be posted so you know the cheapest current price for Friskies or I Ams at Walmart or Petsmart. Naturally we will allow advertising by retailers and possibly from vets until they get on our Bad Vet list.

There will be periodic exposess of specific vet practices, as well as stories of changingservice patterns in Southern California.

As of now, the animal community has only word of mouth as to who is a good vet or a bad vet, whether they are being overcharged and whether their pet is receiving good care or not.

This website will fill an information gap, hopefully allowing you to avoid being overcharged for poor or even life-threatening services such as Lakshmi got from Value Vet.

As one professional told me, the veterinary industry has no oversight and vets go out of their way not to criticize other vets' practices.

Please tell us the kind of information you would like to see on such a site. 

My friend Ken Rockwell has a how-to photography site which gets well over 100,000 visits a day. Of course he appeals to a world-wide audience and our site will only be for Southern California, but I'll bet there are more animal owners on the web in So. California than Nikon users world-wide.

Help us out; what information do you want?

Also, if any of you have seen sites with similar content, or see site we can link to, please let me know.
8 comments: