BEST VETERINARY HOSPITAL IN TOWN!! We have 3 rescue dogs each with their own issues - and would go nowhere else!! Love the location, the service, the staff and of course the talented Vets!! They have always been professional and customer focused. read more

By far the best Vet I have ever taken my dogs to. This is the first vet where I don't feel like they are trying to sell me something and are always so thorough when explaining the different options I have or why they are recommending something. They always take their time and are so patient with my dog's needs. I 1000% recommend them. read more

Estrella Veterinary Hospital, A Thrive Pet Healthcare Partner - Veterinarians Near Me - Capistrano Beach, California

I am extremely disappointed with Estrella Veterinary Hospital after being a loyal client for over 4 years. We have been bringing our dog in for the exact same ongoing issues (skin, ears, and eyes), and despite spending thousands of dollars on consultations, medications, and procedures, her condition has never been properly resolved. She has never returned to 100%, not even close. Instead, we were put on a "maintenance" routine that includes weekly ear treatments and eye medication whenever symptoms flare up. We followed all instructions carefully. Today, when we simply needed to replace medications we had already been prescribed (because they ran out), we were told we had to bring our dog in again for yet another paid consultation, just to get the same products we've been told to use long-term. This is unacceptable. When I explained that we had just been there a couple of months ago, I was told it had actually been four months, and therefore, we were required to come back in. So the question is: how many times a year are pet owners expected to pay for repeat visits for the exact same unresolved issue? There was zero understanding, zero flexibility, and absolutely no regard for the fact that we were just there and have been dealing with this same unresolved issue for years. It feels like a constant cycle of visits with no real solution, only more charges. At this point, it no longer feels like care, it feels like a business model built on repeat visits rather than actually solving the problem. I cannot recommend this clinic. read more

The veterinarians are very cautious and attentive. Always kind to my very skittish dog and very efficient.

Had to put my beloved cat of 16 years to sleep on Saturday and I have never felt so disrespected. Not empathetic. Asked for payment before she was put to sleep and this vet clinic treated her for months. Tech said he instead of she. Dr Wendy is great. But this vet will not be used again read more

Total narcs. Brought our puppy here for his initial vaccinations and they reported us to the local animal services. Received a letter from animal services that we have to have him vaccinated twice a year for rabies, annually. Total joke. Never have I ever lived anywhere where the vet narcs on you or the city requires something so ridiculous. Took 2 cats here once, had an appointment, was on time. We waited for an hour and a half, looked past over a dozen dogs. They had no idea about anything cat related. So disappointed as the vet was nice. They also just automatically started my puppy on symmetrical trio, never explained what it was other than that he needed it after $60 a pop monthly. I should have done better research but trusted them to not gouge me into something completely unnecessary. read more

I would give this place five stars. They truly truly care about animals here. Every single member of the staff is so caring so kind so helpful and they do a really good job. My issues are 1) It's very expensive and 2) I always have to wait at least 30 minutes before we're brought into a room, Which means my dogs vaccination appointments take an hour and a half and honestly it should take 15 minutes. They do truly care about animals and you can see it in every inch of their service. It's the wait that's killing me. read more

I've never taken my cat to the vet other than neutering when he was little. This is because he never showed signs of discomfort etc. He peaked at 15 1/2 years old and recently passed. This vet welcomed us in with open arms and treated me with the upmost respect. The girls at the front counter were extremely helpful in a moment of panic. My experience with this location was amazing and plan on bringing any future pets here for sure! read more

I brought my kitten here when I first adopted him. His first check up and round of shots cost around $500. I haven't owned a cat before so I assumed this was the normal. He ends up with fleas and worms so I take him there to get treated, another $300. He snagged a claw, as kittens are clumsy, and they did amazing work with him and his healing process. But yet another $300. Took him there again because the treatment on the worms did not work. Thankfully the vet tech assistant gave him the medication and didn't take him into an exam room as she probably knew that would cost me $100-$200 out of pocket just for being in a room. So i was only charged for the medication and nothing else. But it didn't solve the problem. I went back one more time, just to be charged another couple hundred. So both me and my roommate, who has also brought her first cat here found an alternative vet in San Clemente. The Dr. is great, it's just the price that gets me. I know pets are not cheap, they are family. But for something as simple as fleas and worms. It shouldn't be a repeat process with that kind of cost. At least not that much in less than 9 months. read more

Everything!! It's a hot mess!! Rude staff, fail to return pet owner calls, fail to see your pet after surgery, vets DO NOT discuss surgery rather they send out their techs? So many complaints there's not enough space to type them all here. It was an excellent practice UNTIL it was sold. So bad now I wouldn't bring them a frog!!! You will pay a fortune for utter stupidity!!!! read more

Everything is perfect-THE STAFF, SERVICE AND PRICING AND YOU GET what you pay for and more! You get direct answers and just amazing! Dr. Julie, Owen is fantastic, sweet and amazing at her job. She likes what she does. She likes animals a lot and she's very good to them and truly does care and want to help. She treated my daughter Nala so fantastically and I thank her so much for that. The vet techs are also fantastic and so on Point as well! read more

This is a corporate veterinary hospital, seems to be more concerned about the bottom line than the patients. Prices are sky high! Front end staff could use a lesson on being polite read more

From the staff to the doctors everyone is very friendly, helpful, very caring with our furry baby cat Luna, and all do a great job!

Such awesome people at Estrella Veterinary Hospital! The entire staff is so compassionate and helpful. They took WONDERFUL care of our senior dog. Thank you for all that you do! read more

I've stopped using Estrella Veterinary Hospital after being unable to get my dogs in to be seen. A vet-owned practice in San Clemente prioritizes emergency situations and I have gone there for two years. read more

Excellent gentle care, and made my pup more comfortable, he was less traumatized and would definitely return again.

I can't say enough about Estrella Veterinary Hospital. Everyone there is absolutely amazing; the entire staff was phenomenal. This was the BEST experience I have ever had with any veterinary hospital. My Aussie fractured her paw Monday night, I called as soon as they opened on Tuesday and they were able to work me in early that same morning. I never felt rushed and Dr. Owen really took her time with Charlie. You could tell everyone cared. Dr. Owens was wonderful, so was the vet tech and front staff! My baby is very anxious and they handled her so well! You can tell they are all very passionate about animals and love what they do. I would absolutely recommend them! I just moved to the area so I didn't really know where to take her. A friend recommended Estrella Veterinary Hospital. So glad I found them! read more

We love this Veterinary office! Clean and knowledgeable and really helpful! You know your pets will be taken care of like they are family!

We had the most compassionate, friendly & awesome experience with Estrella Veterinary Hospital! From the friendly, smiley front desk, to the compassionate Vet Tech that than overflowed to the most loving, knowledgeable Dr/Veterinarian we've ever had treat our cat!!!!! Thank you! You made this experience for our anxious cat so calming for him through all your positive interactions! read more

They took wonderful care of my fur baby for an eye infection & made sure to get all of my previous vets info. Went over her medications with me & even found an ear infection (she plays in the ocean a lot) They look pics & videos of her for instagram, which put my mind at ease. With all of the COVID stuff I hate that I can't go in with her. My nervous hubby was so grateful to see that she was being well loved for the whole 45 mins she was there Thank you guys!!! Kukui loves her new friends at Estrella vet! read more

Estrella Veterinary Hospital, A Thrive Pet Healthcare Partner - Veterinarians Near Me - Capistrano Beach, California

This is a hard review to leave, because the vets are GREAT. If money is absolutely no issue, then I would recommend this place just to see Dr.Wendi. I've taken different animals over 15 years to Dr.Wendi and she is the best vet I've ever had. This used to be a privately owned business - owned by the vets and it was great. It's since been bought out by a large corporate group and the vets care hasn't changed, but the management and fee's have become untenable. I took a dog in to have a growth removed. Was given an estimate between $300-$500. It required no sedation (other than a oral, but not put under) and was pretty small. When I picked up my dog, the final cost was well over $600. I asked to talk to the office manager and went over the charges. Office manager said there were 5 stitches and only was able to take off about $30(I've never been a good negotiator at this type of stuff). When I was leaving, they tried to make an appointment to take out the stitches, but I was going to be traveling and I've been trained on basic vet care and have taken out many stitches, so I told them I'd do it myself. When I said I'd do it myself, the manager sort of panicked and INSISTED I bring her in, that there would be no charge. I made the apt, but later cancelled. When I went to take out the stitches, there weren't 5. It was just one little stitch (perfectly done by Dr.Wendi) . I realized the office manager had probably panicked because she realized I was going to see that there weren't 5 stitchs, but just one. I hope it was an honest mistake - but either way, this business has become over priced and has lost its local focus. It still looks like a little local vet, still has the same awesome vets, but the buyout has been a disaster for the clients. I'll only be going here to get Dr.Wendys recommendations for complicated issues. But anything else, no. Again, if money is no issue for you and being overcharge won't hurt, I'd still go here. read more

Estrella and their staff are amazing, they have helped my fear reactive dog feel safer and more confident at the vet. They are nothing but kind and dedicated to their craft and making their clients comfortable. I will be telling everyone how fantastic they are! read more

Estrella Veterinary Hospital, A Thrive Pet Healthcare Partner - Veterinarians Near Me - Capistrano Beach, California

Dr. Taylore Meyer, DVM has been the best veterinarian who has treated our rescue German Shepherd yet. She was very accommodating to our anxious dog. We will be taking all of our pets to Dr. Meyer and recommend her to anyone seeking a caring and compassionate vet. read more

Hello, my name is Harley the tuxedo cat. I ate something that I shouldn't have, and I was feeling just awful. Couldn't hold down any food or water. I was so scared, and needed an emergency surgery to remove the foreign body that was totally blocking my intestines. Why did I eat that hard plastic thing you ask?? Even I don't know!! Anyhoo, the doctors and staff stayed late on a Friday night to take care of me and perform my surgery. Isn't that sooooo sweet of them? My mom & dad sure thought so!! Amazing doctors, vet techs and staff. They took really good care of me and I got to go home the next day! I don't like this new "necklace" that they gave me to wear, but mom & dad said I have to for the next week or so. Thank you!! Harley and Kerrie O. read more

Estrella Veterinary Hospital, A Thrive Pet Healthcare Partner - Can you see it?? - Veterinarians Near Me - Capistrano Beach, California

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Way too expensive. Slow to respond to call back with test results. I had to call 5 times and 3 days later had a call back

bad e CD performance no caring doctor seemed to rush my dog out poor customer service read more

I've been taking my pets here since early this year, and this place takes SUPER good care of my 3 fur babies. I only have great things to say about this place. Everyone is so nice, the techs and doctors are amazing. Unfortunately, one of my fur babies got very sick and passed. Through this heartbreak of mine, everyone at this hospital took care of me and my fur baby in his last few moments. I want to thank everyone at Estrella for always being so awesome, kind, patient, and comforting during each visit. It seriously means so much. You can take your pets here knowing they're in GREAT hands. read more

If you want to waste your day waiting for your dog, definitely bring them here! Very quick to send estimates and take payments over the phone but the service is definitely not what it used to be. I called ahead to let them know I was on my way and they told me my dog was ready. 40 mins later and I'm still standing outside waiting for my dog who they said would be right out after having to call a second time and knocking on the door. Time to look for a new vet which is unfortunate because we've been coming here for years and love the Drs. If you want to experience terrible customer service, ask for Lala. read more

Estrella Veterinary is the best animal hospital we've ever been to. We were with another vet for many years, but recently changed when our Aussie got sick - turned out to be kidney disease. We saw all three doctors- Dr. Taylore, Dr. Julie and Dr. Wendi - they were all so honest, helpful and compassionate. We ended up having to put our dog down, which we decided to do at their office. It's a horrible decision to make and Dr. Wendi was so supportive the day we had to come in and do it. Everyone on their staff are also so kind too. read more

Dr.Wendi and all the staff here are amazing. They 100% truly care about what is best for your pet and will go above and beyond for them. I had been taking my cat to banfield for a bladder infection and they kept just giving me antibiotics to give to her. I woke up one morning to her yowling in pain and knew something more was wrong. I called Estrella Vet Hospital as soon as they opened they told me to come right in. Dr.Wendi saw us as soon as we got there and took my cat back for x-rays, ultrasound, and labs. The doctors found my cat had multiple massive kidney stones which were completely missed by the banfield vet. She gave her pain medicine and antibiotics right there and helped schedule her appointment to have surgery. My cats surgery went perfectly and the staff have called to check in on how my cat has been doing multiple times. I am so appreciative for this entire vet office and all their compassion towards animals and their owners. read more

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This is the best Vet around the Dana Point area, we love to take Cooper to see Dr. Julie she us always so patient abs gentle with him, and her assistant Jolene is also the the nicest, kindest and so gentle. read more

Love Dr Wendy!! So companionate and understanding of our pets needs !! And when we have done everything we possibly can for our sweet babies, she grieves right with us. She is just the best. read more

I don't usually write reviews, but this one has been long overdue. Two years ago today I took my seemingly healthy 8 year old black lab here for a lack of appetite. For anyone who has a lab, for one to suddenly stop eating food something must be up. This also should have been a big alarm for the vet, but it was not, and we learned the hard way as a result. After a workup with the Dr, we were told that my dog was fine, and had likely just become a picky eater or possibly had too many beggin strips on vacation (where this lack of appetite started a few days prior). We left, switched up his food and things seemed ok but a week or so later his lack of appetite came back. We then took him to a different vet to see what was going on, and to make a long, horrible, traumatic story short - my dog did not have a lack of appetite, he had terminal cancer. Hemangiosarcoma to be exact. He had masses all over, everywhere, literally everywhere (spleen, liver, ribs, lungs, heart) which somehow were missed on Aug 22 in the x rays taken at Estrella. It is also incredibly common in this breed, but the Dr at Estrella did not even bring it up or mention anything of this magnitude could be going on with my boy. It took a few weeks to get this diagnosis from the meeting with the new vet, 4 weeks after my initial appointment at Estrella, and it only took 43 days from this day to kill him. That morning has remained the worst day in my life, and maybe if the Drs at Estrella had been more thorough, that morning in my life could have been avoided. They could not have saved him, I know this cancer was terminal, but had they caught it August 22, rather than September 30 when we finally did, perhaps we would have been able to be prepared. Instead, we were awoken by our dog gasping for air at 3am on October 4. We frantically tried to call vets that were open, grabbed our 2 year old daughter from her bed, and drove desperately to the 24 hour vet while our dog was gasping for breath and losing control of his faculties. Could they have saved him? No, they couldn't. But they could have done more due diligence, they could have explored more causes other than beggin strips, and instead of our dog dying traumatically in our car at 3 in the morning while we are all desperate and crying maybe he could have passed peacefully in our arms in our home rather than the floor of the front seat of my car. The floor I still look at often and recall the moment I saw my dog stop gasping for air. I don't write this to bash the Drs at Estrella, rather I write this to allow other pet owners to see maybe this place is not the most thorough. Maybe they rush things or aren't the most knowledgeable. I don't know the exact reason as to why they failed my dog, I probably never will. But I hope I can maybe help some other dog owner from having to go through the pain and anguish I have. This is my boy they failed, I love you always. read more

Estrella Veterinary Hospital, A Thrive Pet Healthcare Partner - Veterinarians Near Me - Capistrano Beach, California

I will be taking my business elsewhere and finding another primary vet. Our 20 year old cat had to be euthanized today because she was failing in old age. Super sad. So, I called to schedule an appointment with Dr. Wendy to have the procedure done. Ruby answered the phone and I told her our grave situation. She responded by letting me know that they are no longer taking clients into the building while their pet is being treated and that if I wanted to be present we would have to do it outside at the picnic table area. That would of been all fine and dandy if it wasn't raining! Sorry Ruby, it was wet and cold outside and there's no way in hell I would let my cat suffer more in the rain to be euthanized. Like what was she thinking by even offering me that option given the current weather conditions? I would of expected the doctors to allow owners into the hospital to comfort their beloved pet as they pass away. Nope. Not at Estrella Veterinary Hospital. We went to emergency and they treated us with dignity and respect during such a difficult time. Having compassion is apart BIG part of this business and Ruby totally dropped the ball. **updated to comment on the doctors response** I know your response is a bunch of crap. I was taken in to the clinic at emergency and I also witnessed a family being taken into another clinic (that is now my primary) when they were saying their last goodbyes to their beloved pet. It's called compassion. Your clinic and yourself lacks that if you really believe that. read more

Estrella Veterinary Hospital, A Thrive Pet Healthcare Partner - Saying goodbye's - Veterinarians Near Me - Capistrano Beach, California

Dr. Julie and Dr. Wendy and the whole team are fantastic. They are endlessly patient with my maltipoo, who is not a huge fan of going to the vet, to say the very least. My chihuahua has been fighting a URI that has dragged on and both Wendy and Julie have been working to try and figure out how to get her better. The staff has been very supportive during a stressful time trying to figure out why she has not recovered. They are also great with all of our cats, giving them cuddles and making them feel comfortable during visits. Everyone from the front office to the vet team are kind and compassionate. The wait times had been a problem in the past but have improved this year even with the staffing shortage. As someone who volunteers in rescue and works with a lot of vet offices, everyone needs to keep in mind that those that are there are doing the best they can, we need to be patient and remember that wait time are usually not their fault. read more

This is strange review in the sense that I've never had a problem with the veterinary care I've received there with my dog, but the leadership and culture here is pretty shocking. I've been going here for about 2 years since it's in my area, I just make my appointments, get in and get out. After a few years now I've spent some considerable time in the waiting room and I can say that the clientele that comes in here is mostly self righteous, entitled local a**holes with self-esteem issues who just want to vent their issues on the receptionists via their pet because they just don't get outta the house enough or something... Time and time again I've been in here and watched these ignorant elitists stroll in and berate the front-of-the-house staff like they actually deserve to own their pet in the first place. The receptionists, you can tell, have just been instructed to smile and deal with whatever these a**holes dole out and try to maintain a calm and cool demeanor. Personally I've been around a lot of really strong leadership and really poor leadership as well in my career and the problem with this place lands squarely on the leadership in my opinion. There is no one there who has the backbone to stand up for their employees and the entire culture of the place is a reflection of it. The Doctors names might be on the sign out front but they don't act accordingly. Dr. Is a leadership title and a leadership role, but unfortunately they've lost control of their managers and have left the rest of their employees out to dry. Customers know they can get away with anything and are never held accountable for their terrible and unruly attitudes. I get it, people are tough especially with their pets physical needs, but that's not an excuse to just roll over and let your own team members get demolished by uneducated, entitled, unworthy pet owners. When your own people are getting mistreated and admonished worst than an abused pet, open your eyes, take some pride in your job and act like you actually care. Your customers see and feel your lack of attention, trust me, I'm one of them... read more

Took my coughing dog here for the first time. Staff was friendly, however I was told he had a heart condition and in no time I had a quote in front of me for $350. I agreed to pay this and the staff proceeded with handling my dog. Then after I got my dog was sent into the waiting room for over 30 minutes. By the time I went to pay, my bill was now at $683!! SERIOUSLY?? I was not informed of this. One medication for the cough was $69 and he's not even coughing anymore. This is insane! I would like to speak directly to a manager to have at least some reimbursement as I don't need this $69 cough medication! A few days after the above incident I received a call from Dr. Ryan. He was incredibly kind and apologetic. He explained what went wrong in the office and explained in detail what was going on with my dog. He put me at ease and answered all of my questions. He then put me in touch with the staff and I decided I would put the care of my dog into their hands and I could not be more thankful!! read more

Hang onto your wallet and watch out for that nasty office manager!! They remodeled the waiting room (it's nice... sort of) and maybe they expect their patients to pay for it because what was an affordable vet is now way out of our price range. Caitlyn, their office manager is rude and obviously has no intention of trying to resolve any issues. A refill was approved for our dog which required syringes. She refused to provide approval for the syringes without yet another office visit. I did eventually get one syringe FOR $10 DOLLARS. That took three phone calls and a visit to the office. She refused to listen to my request for the reason for the extra office visit. I only wanted to know why they would approve the medication but refuse to allow me to purchase the means to administer it. She threatened to hang up on me instead of answering my questions. Not very polite. I do not appreciate being treated rudely and will never return or recommend them to anyone else. By the way, our new vet sold us ten syringes for just $5.00. Are you aware they have a "processing charge" of ten dollars just to put the syringes in a bag before they give them out? Like I said, hang onto your wallet and go elsewhere!! read more

Dr Julie at Estrella is a great vet. Henry has been in to see her twice and was diagnosed and treated well. They also are not the most expensive in town providing you options in treatment ( depending on the case). I highly recommend Estrella Vet! read more

They charged me $75 for a $15 bottle of ear medication that has the propensity to cause deafness. They expressed my dogs glands without authorization $36. They charged $9 to throw the q-tip that went into my dogs ear away and $31 to clip minimal hair f/ her ear (Can we clip a little hair from her ear) $91 for the exam and charged an extra $9 for the girl in the room with the Dr. "clinical support". $100 to look under the microscope. $343 and I was there all of 45 min. Basically just gave them $343 because I can't use the ear meds unless I want to help my older pet to go deaf. My last visit here for an ear infection 4 months ago was $450+$68. Needless to say it's not about your pet. read more