Dr. Vanderhoof and his staff cared for my dogs thru their lives with loving care and kindness. A daushunds four slipped discs were surgically fixed by Dr. Sloan and I was given kind support thru his long recuperation. Roberta was always there for me as were other staff members who cared for my dogs when I was incapacitated . The fires only interrupted the Vanderhoof clinic and I am happy to see them back in Altadena. Great folks. read more

We've been taking our one or two at a time menagerie of pupz and kitz to Doctor V.'s clinic for 30+ years now. The treatment that our pets have received has always been more than simply proficient and professional. It's been something that communicates at a personal level. He and his staff know how pet owners feel, and that understanding permeates the practice from start to finish. read more

Professional staff, caring support of animals and outstanding vets. I have never been disappointed in the care or treatment my animals have received. This office receives the best vet award yearly...because they are the BEST! read more

The one-star, or negative reviews, are from special types who get offended that Dr. Vanderhoof's clinic can't take on new pets. Sometimes it happens. But that doesn't take away from the compassion the staff has shown us when our pets are in a bad way. Dr. Vanderhoof and his associates have a sure and gentle touch. We've seen it with our cats and dogs. If they do take on new patients--and your pet is one of them, you're in good hands. read more

Five stars aren't enough for our experience having had Dr V as our vet for 30 plus years, caring for many family pets. his experience, logical approach and advise, and his ability to explain complex matters to customers in a simple way are beyond appreciated. we moved to Florida and miss him. read more

I find those that run the office are arrogant and treat patients like they're lucky to get an appointment. I literally live a couple minutes away and am never allowed to schedule an appointment. They always say they're not taking new patients and to try back another time. I took my dog there over 5 years ago; which is too long ago with their records and boots me off there patient list with no option to use them again. To be honest, my visits in the past were less than desirable due to the pretension. The office manager complains about being overly busy with not enough help to accommodate new patients. Why not hire more staff? Why be on a list as an available Vetrinarian through the Humane Society? Why offer a $20 discount when booking first appointment through Yelp ? read more

My pets receive wonderful care at Vanderhoof and the staff are extraordinary as well. Thank you Vanderhoof !!

Dr. Vanderhoof has been our family veterinarian for the past 30+ years - probably shortly after he opened his clinic. We have had many pets during this time and I wouldn't exchange Dr. Vanderhoof with any other veterinarian in the world. His experience and common-sense approach is exceptional. read more

Best and most ethical veterinarian service in town, but I don't think they're accepting new patients now (2023). It warms the heart to know there are still people who are in the business for the love of pets and their welfare, and not like the new gouging tech-oriented money hounds that seem to be graduating from vet school these days. Remember when you used to ask a young person why they wanted to be a vet? Usual answer was "Because I love animals (and usually their owners) and I want to help them." Now the answer, if honest, would be "Because I want to make a whole boatload of money and put videos on Youtube and maybe even set up a chain of vet offices--it's all about the money I can make!". Pretty sad state of affairs. read more

i love that Dr. Vanderhoof really looks like he loves his job- the nurses and staff are always so nice and helpful- they make you feel really safe and assured that your fur babe is in good hands. Some people have said they are costly but I really think you get what you pay for in some instances and my fur babe is worth it. read more

Daniel Vanderhoof, DVM - Josie's annual check up with Dr. Vanderhoof - Veterinarians Near Me - Altadena, California

I was shocked to see several one-star reviews for Dr. Vanderhoof simply based on the fact that this veterinary practice is no longer accepting patients. This resentful, self-righteous attitude is misplaced. Vanderhoof Veterinary Hospital is not a large, complex veterinary medical center with many veterinarians, techs, and rooms... it is a small, old-style "family pet practice." Fact is, a much-loved veterinarian at this practice recently passed away and the Covid-19 Pandemic has taken its toll in terms of mandatory precautions and the resulting extra time and cost required to see and care for animals safely. Finding (and paying) for high quality replacement veterinarians that fit into a small practice may -- or may not -- be feasible at this time of high demand. As a licensed veterinary technician myself, I appreciate a veterinary hospital admitting that it has reached capacity for providing its high standard of care. They could easily try to squeeze in more and more patients during shorter and shorter visits... and hire temp doctors... which would bring in a lot more money, yet reduce the quality of care and the time allocated for each of their current critter patients. There is no lack of veterinary hospitals in this region, many of which are large, multi-disciplanary "specialty" practices, including several for emergency care. Others are more oriented towards local, General Practice for regional communities like Altadena. Point is, many veterinary practices are still adapting to the current pandemic-generated influx of *new* pet owners who obtained companion animals during lockdown. It IS more difficult to find veterinary appointments at this time and many hospitals are still operating under pandemic-precautionary protocols that reduce the number of appointments they can offer. Vanderhoof Animal Hospital should not be denigrated for its honesty about its limits to provide excellent veterinary care for new animal patients. I've found Dr. Vanderhoof to be extremely compassionate and skilled at what he does and we appreciate the extra time he spends with our animals, especially a frail, elderly cat he has known for years. Continuity of care during an animal's life provides important data that enables better diagnosis and less stress on animals who have come to trust a veterinarian they know. Would it be nice if everyone in Altadena could see Dr. Vanderhoof? Sure. However, cloning this small vet practice is not possible. Instead of criticizing circumstances that prevent taking on new patients, those who could not get an appointment should spend their time evaluating the many other regional options for veterinary care. They'll likely find many other practices are also stretched to capacity in seeing new patients. The current situation is not the fault of Dr. Vanderhoof or the other veterinary practices that are currently operating at full capacity. read more

Can't really recommend this vet. As a local in Altadena I've always hoped that I could use their services, but they don't take new pets and don't seem to want to build any new customers in Altadena. read more

NOT TAKING NEW CLIENTS? FOR YEARS NOW? I get that you probably have reliable customers but seriously, WHATS GOING ON. The people in your local community would like to schedule appointments to see the vets but we are being discriminated against for being to new to Pasadena (or just not local for those that come from farther away). They say they've only stopped taking new clients the last 2 years. But are still booked to September. No one knows when their pets will get sick or hurt. How are you so booked? Why can't anyone book an appointment? Do you only do grooming and prescriptions? Too busy spaying and neutering? Do you like discriminating against the newer community? You know we will continue to live here right? And we're not going to just wait around until you're conveniently available to handle the needs of the animals we take care of. Please reconsider your policy. At the very least serve the local community with prudence, I live just blocks way and I can not come see this vet and it is not an option, even though the vets are supposedly good (who would know at this point, they haven't had any new clients in 2 years) read more

When I called with an urgent pet health situation, the rude receptionist told me they are not taking on new clients. I live two blocks away from them but they refuse to see my pet? Maybe change your name from Pet Hospital to Pet Country Club. Or make an appointment for the next time the doctor is available. Bad business. read more

Vanderhoof and his team are the best! Vanderhoof takes time to examine your pet and explains what's he's doing during the visit. He is amazing! We love him we've taken all of our dogs there. The front desk ladies are so sweet. Highly recommend. read more

I was a big fan of Dr. Vanderhoof and team until my chihuahua was incorrectly diagnosed with heart failure in Sept 2019 due to their X-Ray machine malfunctioning. Despite the advice I was given to take my dog home and not continue to explore other options, I took her to VCA ASEC where they correctly diagnosed her with nothing except an enlarged heart and a faulty x-ray machine at Vanderhoof Veterinary Hospital. Grateful I trusted my gut. A bit surprised that my calls to inform them of their x-ray machine issue was not met by a personal call by the vet or senior personal to apologize or offer some way to make up for it, as I simply suggested they reach out to all patients who had been diagnosed with heart problems to re-evaluate. read more

We have been with Dr. Vanderhoof, Roberta and their Great staff for over 25 years. They have taken great care of several family pets from puppy hood to the Rainbow Bridge. They're a caring staff with great customer service. Dr.V is a extremely knowledgeable professional who is well respected in his industry. Just a Great Doctor... Thank you for taking care of our family members. read more

These bad reviews are enough to stop people from coming here Forsure. Sorry but there's a awesome business in Pasadena that is 24/7 hours operated, don't need this crappy place read more

For 7 years this veterinary office has taken care of our husky shepherd. Everyone in the office takes their time to help you including the receptionists and technicians. read more

Now I see why they don't have many reviews. I just called to see if they would take a new patient (my little Maltese) and they said no. That is fine I will take my business elsewhere. read more

Been attempting to book an appointment with Vanderhoof for the past 20 years since I live less than half a mile away. However, every time I call to book an appointment, I'm told they are not taking new patients. Shameful that his office is in Altadena, but he won't accept new patients living in Altadena. read more

I did not experience the 4-5 star ratings that other people have given this clinic. I moved down to L.A. from Santa Barbara, and was looking for a good vet for my two Labs. I am used to great clinics - clean, wonderful, friendly people, and quality medical care. Not the case for this clinic. It was time for one of my dog's annual exam and shots, so I chose this clinic based on the yelp reviews. The waiting area and clinic room were dirty and smelly. The front staff were not friendly or happy to see me and my dogs when we arrived - no greeting at all. It wasn't just me - that's how they treated everyone while I was there. Very unwelcome feeling. Very strange. Dr. Sloan was nice, but he didn't seem to connect with my dogs. I won't be bringing my dogs back to this clinic. read more

Love Dr. V. He seems to put Toby at ease. Each time we have visited Toby seems to calm down when Dr. V comes to do the examination. The staff there are very friendly. I like how Dr. V seems very in tune with the needs of all his furry patients. read more

Dr Vanderpool is the very best vetinarian that I have ever had. He and his staff are not just friendly, but they are also very caring and sensitive. Sadly, all three of my dear elder kittens have had to be euthanized this year. The entire process for each was handled with care and love. The doctor provided excellent advice and helped us make our decision based on the probability of a recovery. The tough calls became easier when one realized that the cats comfort was the focus. If tears could have cured my cats they would still be alive, but that was not possible. I have the highest regard for Dr. Vanderpool and his staff and recommend them without hesitation. read more

We have had pets cared for by Vanderhooof and their vets for many years. Always excellent care. Dr. Sloan was wonderful with our yellow lab as she aged. They now have fewer vets so hard to find an opening. read more

Went here to visit Dr. Dawson since I have a new conure that found me a month ago. Dr. Dawson is a friendly, knowledgeable vet who definitely knows her birds! She took plenty of time with me as a new bird owner to check my bird's overall health, took photos of his leg band, identified his age & birth date, and answered all the questions that I had. She also gave me tons of information and a list of foods I should be giving my conure. I would highly recommend Dr. Dawson to anyone looking for a good veterinarian, especially for birds. The veterinary staff were also very friendly and patient as trying to weigh the bird was especially challenging! I am so happy that my conure has a wonderful place to go in the future for all his medical needs. read more

2012 UPDATE: Dr. V is still our guy with the magic hands, though my husband has had major issues with the front desk: being given one quote over the phone for either a med or a test, I forget which, and then being charged a higher figure. **This could easily have been an honest mistake or even a misunderstanding, which it probably was,** but here's what is not up for debate: He feels he was treated VERY rudely by the front desk people when he questioned it. And we are long-time patrons. Wa-a-a-ay long-time. So, 5 stars for Dr. V, 2 for the front desk, at least that unpleasant day. ORIGINAL POST: Dr. Vanderhoof has magic hands when it comes to quaking-shaking animals, and he is calm, knowledgable, and communicates well with nervous pet-owners. I can't praise him enough--for regular care AND emergencies. I really like one policy of this practice, which is to ask in a written form at the very beginning how much $ and effort should be spent on each pet. (I'm putting this wrong, but you get the idea.) When I first filled this out, I was so grateful, having just been taken for well over $1000 at another Altadena vet's for my cats' ear mites--EAR MITES! and one of the cats was a stray I had adopted with feline AIDS! This was far more than I could afford. We do insist on seeing Dr. V, though, after one less than wonderful experience with another vet there. Also, we are very careful now with out-of-sight "procedures" (claw clipping), after one bad experience. (Dog's bad back.) But those are the assistants, not Dr. V, and this may have been an unusual happening. read more

Dr. V is an amazing vet. He and his manager Roberta really set the tone for the practice: capable, compassionate, and attentive. The entire staff clearly love animals since they know many of the animals by name and are ready with treats, tickles for the animals. I disagree with another reviewer about the place being dirty. At one point we were at Dr. V's daily for 10 days since our cat was critically ill (another animal saved by Dr. V). Either front or back of the clinic was very clean each time that we were there, and we visited during all different hours. Dr. V also called us every morning with an update on our cat's condition. Dr. V and his staff fed our cat by hand to get our cat to eat and recover. And then the bill was reasonable (a huge bargain compared to care for humans) after their amazing care. We've been to other vets, but Dr. V and his staff stand heads and shoulders above other vets. I wouldn't think of going to another vet. read more

Dr Vanderhoof, Rosa, and team are very nice. This place has taken care of 3 of my pets already and I am very grateful for the great service they have provided. read more

I've been extremely happy with Dr. Vanderhoof, who has been caring for our cat, Lucy, for the past several years. He is friendly, honest, and it's obvious that he cares about the animals, and me as the owner. He always takes the time to listen and understand the issue or concern, and then thoroughly explains his recommendations for treatment. He has also been excellent about calling with follow up results, and always returns my calls when I leave a message. We have spent a lot of money on veterinary bills over the years, and I've never felt that Dr. Vanderhoof is anything but reasonable with his charges and treatments. It's not always easy to find a good veterinarian for your pet, however Dr. Vanderhoof fits the bill, and then some! read more

Dr. V is the absolute best. This is coming from someone who is crazy about all animals, so you can imagine how that insanity boosts a notch up when it comes to my own fuzzy friends. I used to live in Altadena where the hospital was just down the street, and now that I'm in Pasadena, I still trek up there to see Dr. V. Why? Because he is the best vet I've been to, and he really cares about the animals he treats. He has such a calming way with them that even my feline screaming banshees calm down once he's in the room. I'm not sure why, but I was lucky enough to be chosen by 3 brawler cats, so Dr. V is very familiar with my hooligans. I think their files could paper the walls in the whole clinic and the parking lot to boot. Lovely. That being said, his costs are really fair and I never feel ripped off. A few years ago, when one of my cats was suddenly paralyzed, I rushed him to the emergency hospital in Pasadena. They told me he would be fine and to pick him up by 6am the next day. The following morning I picked him up (you can imagine the costs associated with this) and called Vanderhoof Vet. Clinic. At exactly 9am when they opened, someone from Vanderhoof called me to bring my cat in. It turned out that my cat had an enlarged heart and had thrown a blood clot which was blocking blood flow to the back legs (in other words he was NOT going to be ok) Dr. Vanderhoof really took the time and care to explain everything to me- even all of the painful details that I didn't want to hear. He was like a caring and concerned Uncle, wanting the best for my cat and not wanting me to spend a ton of money on procedures that would not even prolong my cat's life, much less fix the problem. I would also like to acknowledge Roberta who is the resident Vet Tech, but might as well be a full fledged Veterinarian. She knows EVERYTHING and is just so great with the animals - she's also really caring to the humans that accompany them...She'll call you the next day to see how your buddy is doing. The Vanderhoof Vet. Clinic is the place to go- when your fuzzie friends are healthy, and when they aren't. Period. read more

Dr. Vanderhoof and Dr. Dawon are outstanding. All the receptionist Roberta, Rosa, and Michelle are equally outstanding and very very kind. Monkey, Lola, Bardot and Tiger all love you. read more

I have been taking my "family" to Dr. V and staff for well over 10 years, and have only good things to say about the practice. Yes, I have had to wait a few minutes on occasion, but I am sure that is due to the extra time and care each Doctor gives to the previous pet /patient and owner. This is not a place that gives you 10 minutes and says "Good Bye" they stay with you and your pet until all the questions are answered and the diagnosis is made. I have referred Dr. V and staff to many friends all who have nothing but praise for a job well done. Steven Erler read more

We have now taken our dog Emma to Dr. Sloan two times and he's WONDERFUL too. All the vets on staff are lovely, and the receptionists, even though sometimes forget who you are, are super nice. I am sure they see TONS of people and animals, so I don't expect them to keep us all straight. We still always ask for Dr. Dawson first, but if she's unavailable or not in the office, Dr. Sloan is great as well. I really think both are equally great, it's just that we've been seeing Dr. Dawson for a longer amount of time so we like to stick with one vet if possible. She's amazing and genuinely cares for our turtle, our cat, and our dog! read more

I took my Little Varmint here because she doesn't use the litter box anymore and I figured maybe it was time for some cat prozac. All of the staff were friendly and seemed interested in Varmint. I waited for a while because there was an emergency that came in before me. Someone's dog had been attacked by another dog and I listened while the owner told the staff about how he had to jam 2 fingers up the other dog's butthole to get it to release. So I guess it was an entertaining wait. Varmint was unusually calm when we finally got to see the vet, Dr Sloan. Usually she has a major panic attack and hyperventilates and drools when she goes to the vet, but this time she just sat on the table like a little lamb. Dr Sloan was very gentle and got her to let him examine her teeth, which she doesn't let me do, and he discovered she had an abscessed tooth. The vet techs took her in the back and pulled it. They seemed nice and were gentle with her. Then the vet gave me a script for an antidepressant for her. When I checked out, they gave me a discount since I had to wait so long in the waiting room. I didn't really mind since it was because of an emergency, but the discount was much appreciated since I'm a regular frugal freddie. I am definitely going to take my cats to this office from now on. None of the other vets we've gone to around here have made me want to return so the fact that I actually want to take my cats to this vet says a lot. read more

All three vets are terrific. Vanderhoof, Sloan, and Dawson give top-notch care to our dog. (Sloan is our favorite!) The back of the clinic staff -- vet techs -- are wonderful. They're caring, concerned, empathic, and good. Here are the two problems: 1. The behind-the-counter staff are just the opposite. They're seemingly unconcerned, and at times, actually impatient with customers. On one visit, I walked up to the counter and after a few minutes, had to ask if anyone could help me. Sure they're probably poorly paid, but a smile, a positive attitude ("hey, we're glad to see you,") and even a phony display of interest would go a long way. 2. The other issue is a problem at every vet's office -- they're expensive, and I know they have lots of overhead, and blah, blah, but I sometimes feel like I'm being gouged to help put their kids through college. I gave them a five, and overall, I strongly recommend Vanderhoof and his vets; just be prepared not to feel welcome at the front desk. Oh, yeah, and don't forget to bring your best credit card when you bring in your pet. read more

This is simply the best Vet in town. We've been going here 20 years and I hate to admit it but we tried a vet who was a bit closer to our home near Eaton Canyon. Boy did we feel dumb coming back to Vanderhoof's with our tail between our legs--nice pun huh? Good to be back though! And as an added bonus they never rubbed our noses in it--wow another great pun. read more

Great service. Very personal. The doctor gave my babies a great examination on their first visit to him. We have found our new doctor/vet.

We recently moved to Altadena. We had not yet transferred to a local veterinarian. Yesterday our little chihuahua took an overnight turn for the worst with very labored breathing. No previous indications. She was seen immediately. Our poor little girl was found to have pneumonia as a result of an enlarged heart. Although she is not out of the woods, she is very much improved. Even ate a little breakfast. I don't know if she would have made it through the weekend without Dr. Vanderhoof's help. A thousand thank you's to the staff and Dr, Vanderhoof! Perhaps we will share a few more loving years with our 12 yr old sweetheart. We have found our new vet! read more

I was referred to this office by my neighbor. I called this morning for a same day appointment but the Dr wasn't in today. The receptionist that answered the phone was extremely nice. She listened to what I was calling in for. Even though I was not able to get an appointment I was referred to another location that is associated with this office. read more