Santa Monica Pet Medical Center

Britt P. 

on Yelp

4 years ago

If I could put a 0 I would. This center is only about running up a bill. I took an older dog there with an ACL tear and they stated I needed xrays of 2 hips and both knees to compare the bad one to. In human medicine this is considered unnecessary radiation. Then when my dog had adverse reactions to a medication they gave me I called for a week and they never called me back. They also referred me to a PT who said their exam wasn't enough for PT and I had to redo the exam for a significant amount of money. Word to all, if you... read more

Carolyn B. 

on Yelp

4 years ago

I felt sad to leave this vet practice that is 1 block from my home and cared for my 13 yo dog for 7 years. Please trust all of the people that are saying the same thing. It has become toxic. They are over charging and then shaming people that love their animals one thousand times more than they do. Dr. Hillebrand is a young vet that is paternalistic, condescending and worth avoiding if you do go here. You may have a better experience with Dr. Hernandez, but she only works part time. 

Patrick S. 

on Yelp

4 years ago

The owners of this place - their last name is Pirki - are businesspeople who studied finance and worked in the pharmaceutical industry. You can look it up on linked in. Their approach to pet care, while somewhat organized, is fear. All you have to do is call the main line and listen to the recording: they spend the entire time speaking about the risks to your pet and what you need to buy / how to vaccinate etc then when they treat your pet it's 'upsell upsell upsell!' Additionally their vets are sub par. They wanted t... read more

Jen B. 

on Yelp

4 years ago

I don't typically write reviews for anything, but I will make an exception this time around to save anyone else from dealing with this nightmare. This is the absolute worst vet I have been too in Los Angeles and NYC. They used to be great, Dr. Bijlani is fantastic individually and their previous employees such as Robin were fantastic, but their new employees are the most unprofessional group of people I've encounter and they should be embarrassed at their level of service. They are rude, overpriced and refuse to return phon... read more

Ali R. 

on Yelp

4 years ago

For some reason, my previous reviews were removed but I just want to echo what many other unhappy customers have reported. Since this vet possibly changed owners (I am not sure) they became more about $$$ than animal care. My pet was a customer for almost 7 years until they terminated our relationship because I disagreed with their diagnosis from an intern (not even a real vet) and asked to speak to a manager. Not only did a manager never phone me back, the diagnosis was wrong. Some intern said my dog was riddled with cancer... read more

Josh L. 

on Yelp

4 years ago

I have enjoyed going to SM Pet Medical for the past 10 years. While the prices are high I have enjoyed the convenience of going to a place close by and don't mind paying extra to support a neighborhood business. I recently called them to ask when I could come in and get a flu vaccine for my 1 year old dog as I have for previous vaccines and as stated on their website. I was told to go somewhere else, that per the owners, Mark and Kristen's instructions they would not be scheduling first doses of vaccines. Justly, I'm upset.... read more

John S. 

on Yelp

4 years ago

I'm a 72 year old cancer patient with limited traveling ability. I live with a small dog I have for company. I can't risk his life with this virus and was asking the woman on the phone for help in dealing with this or information on how much at risk he can be. She was very dismissive. She talked over me and did not listen to my problem. I don't see how one can trust your pet to a Vet that is so rude and unconcerned. I am still trying to take care of my dog. 

Sunset F. 

on Yelp

4 years ago

We have been going to this Vet for 40 years. Over the last year the service has gone downhill significantly. My dog was misdiagnosed with heart failure and it turned out the dog has cancer. I was given ZERO follow up with the Vet, no guidance for treatment, and the oncology referrals they recommended- NOBODY was taking new patients. As long term clients we were disheartened the lack of caring and follow through. We have another dog who stopped eating and drinking 4 days ago, we called to get an urgent appt with the Vet an... read more

Em V. 

on Yelp

4 years ago

I really love some of the vets here (George and Hernandez specifically) so this review is hard. I have been coming for years and have always been hesitant to write this but this place is rough and increasingly frustrating to deal with. Super hard to get appointments, really REALLY expensive these days and the front desk staff leaves a lot to be desired. Sometimes you might catch a moment where everything is working but a lot of the time it is very frustrating most always drains the bank. Also the responses to some o the frus... read more