Northridge Veterinary Center: A Review of Services in Northridge, CA

Northridge Veterinary Center Introduce

Choosing a veterinary hospital is one of the most important decisions a pet owner can make. In California, where our pets are truly part of the family, we expect veterinary professionals to provide not only expert medical care but also a deep sense of compassion and integrity. This article aims to provide a factual overview of Northridge Veterinary Center in Northridge, California, based on available public information and customer feedback. Located in a bustling part of the San Fernando Valley, the center presents itself as a comprehensive resource for a variety of pet health needs, from routine check-ups to urgent care situations.

Northridge Veterinary Center is located at 19462 Rinaldi St, Northridge, CA 91326. Its location is easily accessible to residents in the Northridge area and the wider San Fernando Valley. The center has a focus on accessibility, with a wheelchair-accessible car park and a wheelchair-accessible entrance, making it easier for all members of the community to access their services. Appointments are recommended to ensure a smooth and timely visit. The center can be contacted by phone at (818) 832-1888, with a mobile phone number, +1 818-832-1888, also available for communication.

Northridge Veterinary Center offers a broad spectrum of veterinary services designed to meet the diverse needs of pets, from general wellness to specialized care.

General Medicine and Wellness: This includes care for both acute illnesses and chronic conditions, along with essential services like lab work and flea control.
Surgery: The hospital is equipped for a variety of surgical procedures, from routine spays and neuters to more complex orthopedic surgeries and lump removals. All surgeries are performed with general anesthesia.
Emergency and Urgent Care: The center provides urgent pet care and emergency treatment for situations requiring immediate attention.
Exotic and Pocket Pet Care: A notable service is the care for exotic pets, a valuable resource for owners of house exotics and pocket pets.
Dental Care: Offering professional dental cleaning to maintain your pet's oral health.
Boarding and Grooming: The center provides boarding and bathing services, including drop-off options for pet owners.
Pharmacy Services: A fully stocked pharmacy is available for prescription refills, and they also carry prescription diet food to meet your pet's specific dietary needs.
Other Services: The hospital also performs anal gland expression and nail trims as part of their comprehensive care offerings.

Based on the available information, Northridge Veterinary Center highlights several features in its business model.

Comprehensive Services: The center offers a wide range of services, from general medicine and urgent care to specialized surgery and exotic pet care, making it a one-stop-shop for many pet owners.
Exotic Pet Expertise: The clinic's ability to care for a variety of exotic pets is a key feature, as this can be a difficult service to find in some areas.
On-Site Pharmacy: The fully stocked pharmacy provides convenience for clients needing immediate access to medications and prescription diets.
Accessibility: The wheelchair-accessible car park and entrance show a commitment to serving all clients.

Based on public information and recent customer reviews, the experience at Northridge Veterinary Center is a mixed one. While the clinic provides a wide array of services that are crucial for a community, some serious concerns have been raised by clients. Several recent reviews highlight significant issues, including a lack of thoroughness in examinations, discrepancies in medical records, and a lack of professionalism and compassion from both the staff and a doctor. One pet owner recounted a traumatic experience where their dog allegedly suffered an injury during a visit, leading to severe pain and a distressing exchange with the staff. Another client described a frustrating experience with the office manager regarding a prescription refill, citing rude and dismissive behavior.

The negative reviews express a feeling of distrust and a lack of transparency, with allegations of falsified reports and a refusal to take accountability for what happened. This is a crucial consideration for any pet owner, as trust is the foundation of the veterinarian-client relationship. The core of these concerns revolves around a perceived lack of integrity and compassion, which are two of the most critical qualities in veterinary care. While some pet owners may have had a different experience, the recurring nature of these complaints suggests a pattern that potential clients should be aware of.

When considering Northridge Veterinary Center, it is important to weigh the comprehensive services offered against the serious concerns raised by recent customers. The hospital's broad range of services, particularly for exotic pets, could be beneficial for some pet owners. However, the recurring themes of alleged falsified records, a lack of compassion, and poor communication are significant red flags that could impact the quality of care and the trust a pet owner places in the clinic. As pet owners, we want to feel confident that our animals are in safe and caring hands. The decision of where to take your pet is a deeply personal one, and it's essential to have all the facts to make an informed choice.

Contact Information:

Address: 19462 Rinaldi St, Northridge, CA 91326, USA

Phone: (818) 832-1888

Northridge Veterinary Center Services

Animal Hospital
Acute Illnesses
Anal Gland Expression
Boarding & Bathing
Chronic Conditions
Dental Cleaning
Dietary Needs
Drop Off
Elective Surgeries
Emergency Treatment
Exotic Pets
Flea Control
Fully Stocked Pharmacy
General Anesthesia
General Medicine
Home Services
House Exotics
Internal Medicine
Lab Work
Lump Removals
Medicine And Surgery
Nail Trim
Orthopedic Surgeries
Other Surgeries
Pocket Pets
Prescription Diet Food
Prescription Refill
Spays And Neuters
Urgent Pet Care
Veterinary Medical Clinic

Northridge Veterinary Center Details

Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible car park
Wheelchair-accessible entrance

Planning
Appointments recommended

Northridge Veterinary Center Photos

Northridge Veterinary Center Location

Northridge Veterinary Center

California Los Angeles County Los Angeles Northridge Rinaldi Street

19462 Rinaldi St, Northridge, CA 91326, USA

Northridge Veterinary Center Reviews

An average rating of ★4.2 from 80 user reviews.

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★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1

I'm extremely disappointed with the level of care my pet received at this veterinary office with Dr. Smith. During our visit, he did not perform a thorough check-up--no vitals were taken, no temperature check, and nothing was done with my pet's ears, eyes, teeth, or anal glands, etc.... It felt rushed and incomplete.When I asked to speak with the office manager to express my concerns, I was shocked to see that the doctor had documented that all of those checks had been performed. This is simply not true, and I find it unacceptable that a medical professional would falsify a report.I expected transparency, thorough care, and professionalism, but unfortunately, that was not my experience.During another request to fill in a prescription. I had a very upsetting experience at this veterinary office, particularly with the office manager, Jan. When I raised concerns about the level of care my pet received, Jan was incredibly rude and dismissive. She wouldn't allow me to speak or explain the situation, and it was clear she didn't have all the facts in front of her.Instead of trying to understand my concerns or de-escalate the situation, she immediately became defensive. She even threatened to call the police after I said I would stand outside the office and share my experience with other pet owners. This was not a threat--just my right to express how poorly I felt we were treated. Sad to say, for someone who always tries to support local businesses, this business is not worth supporting.As pet owners, we trust veterinary professionals to care for our furry family members with compassion and integrity. Sadly, that was not the case here; now reading other recent reviews, I'm not the first, nor will I be the last. I won't be returning and would recommend others approach this clinic with caution.
June 25 · Sonny Bhogal
In a nut shell, when I took my dog in he “appeared” physicall fine. Only problem was frequent urination. I was able to pick him up, hold him, he walked fine, was happy, tail wagging, no noticeable pain, all good. All of a sudden i could hear my dog screaming and crying like someone was killing him!!! The cries lasted what felt like forever. When I got him back (same office visit, after several minutes had passed waiting in the room), my dog was lethargic, in severe pain (I couldn’t even touch him without him screaming in pain) and couldn’t even stand up straight without almost falling over. When I tried to pick my dog up to take him home he BIT me from how much pain he was in!! Smith claims that’s how sever I took him in. One of us is clearly delusional and it’s not me! If it was an accident the least he could have done was to apologize for what happened to my dog and treated him. But instead he said that’s how my dog was when I took him in. He didn’t give pain meds until I asked. He gave diarrhea meds when my dog did NOT have diarrhea!!! He sent my dog home in severe pain from an injury they caused due to negligence. Smith and/or his staff are cruel humans and shouldn’t be anywhere near defenseless animals. Shame on all of you!!! Take accountability for your actions!!! The details of this traumatic experience are too long to type out in detail but my dog suffered severe pain!!
August 10 · NoneYah Kiki
The staff was great , very appreciative, Very welcoming " Dr Smith I was very disappointed , with the way he handled things when it came to my turtle 🐢 he did the examination of my turtle in our presence which was not very pleasant, it was kinda gross to see and deal with what was going on at the time , The doctor trying to put her pro lapes tube back in her , a bit of blood , than he says I can't do this , I can't do this , How this is what you went to college to learn a career in taking care of animals, exotics, I'm not understanding this at all , very confusing, for me " ...When we first walked in he says this doesn't look good " ...Which didn't give me any hopes on this Doctor Smith " ...for saving my turtle " 🐢 " ...Than he says he wants to give us a referral to another Doctor in Pasadena, which I was more concerned of why he wasn't able to do , what this other Doctor was going to do " ..Which was save my turtle 🐢 life " ...Cause that's what they are trained to do " ...I left that placed feeling very distressed, after paying $90 and nothing was done " .. I wouldn't recommend this Doctor Smith too anyone " ...I hope I never have to encounter this ever again " ...I am grateful for the pleasant staff members who were there that day " Thank you " ...You were awesome " ..Happy , but a sad outcome " ...
August 01 · Susan Maldonado
I have taken all my ‘babies’, dogs, cats, parakeets to Drs. Smith and Gammatoni…for more than 30 years. They are truly remarkable. Competency, professionalism, kindness, …sure hands and caring hearts. There are no superlatives sufficient. I would take my precious Furries no where else. Thank You to Northridge Veterinary for taking such wonderful care of my ‘little loved ones’ for all these years.
July 02 · Ed Spielman
Super nice employees. Small office with a dull cold feeling but the people there are amazing. We have a Ferret, so it's difficult to find competent doctors. Even with all the weather issues right now, we were able to get an appointment. Very quick and efficient. Great prices. Gave us medicine for our ferret and made a follow up appointment on the spot.I will follow up my review after treatment is complete
February 27 · M Night