West LA ..... your lost is our gain ;) We are so grateful to have met Dr Schulman at the Dog & Cat vet in Calabasas . My GS has been in some sort of distress for the past week. We took her to a different vet in the Valley who informed us that we need to get her FHO surgery done ASAP in order to ease her pain. The X-rays revealed that she has severe hip and vertebrae arthritis (IVDD). Because her pain was getting worse, we knew that surgery is inevitable. However, we decided to get a second opinion. I searched for different vets in the area on Nexdoor neighborhood app. Dr Schulman's name kept coming up. Apparently, he had moved from the West LA VCA to the Dog and Cat Vet in Calabasas which is really close to us. Dr Schulman was very thorough in examining all her joints, watch her walk, and spent a considerable amount of time in his diagnosis. He concluded that our pup will eventually need a Full Hip Replacement but FHO surgery is not a good option; he suggested a medication regime first to give her comfort in dealing with her condition. Our pup received several injections to help with her Osteoarthritis. Also, we cannot express enough how wonderful the Vet Tech 'City'. Our GS personality and hyperactivity especially at the vet office can intimidate a lot of people. In fact, while we were at the other vet clinic, they immediately asked us to place a muzzle on her. But not City at Vet Tech, she right away knew how to deal with our pup, get on her level on the floor, and embrace and pet our puppy just to ease her anxiety. She was able to comfort our pup at ease while we were talking to Dr. Schulman. They were a perfect duo: Dr Schulman's knowledge of our pup's condition as well as City's lovingness. They worked together very well especially with our pup's situation because all dogs' and cats' temperament are different. We were so happy to have met Dr Schulman and know that moving forward, our dog will be in the best care with this dynamic Duo treating her. read more

Schulman Alan J DVM - The best care from these two: Brilliance of Dr Schulman and lovingkindness and care from City - Veterinarians Near Me - Los Angeles, California

See all

Alan is a wonderful vet. I have been with him for over 25 years. Does that tell you anything?

HELP! We love Dr. Schulman. He's a wonderful human being and a wonderful top notch vet! We called VCA today to schedule an appointment for him to see our dog and they told us he's no longer there. Does anyone know where he went? They wouldn't tell us! Post update!!! For those of you who are fans of Dr. Alan Schulman, DVM, previously @ VCM on Sepulveda... he's moved to the "cat and dog hospital" in Calabasas https://www.dogandcatcalabasas.com/ read more

I took my dog to Dr. Schulman at VCA of Southern California in Los Angeles for an evaluation of his injured leg resulting from a car accident 30 days prior. My dog had seen other veterinarians on multiple occasions since the accident. I described when and how the initial injury occurred, and I felt Dr. Schulman dismissed my description and concerns. I also described when and how a subsequent injury occurred within the previous couple of days. Again, it appeared as though he dismissed my description. He made comments inconsistent with my explanation (that I repeated multiple times) of the subsequent injury. It appeared that he was discounting everything I said regarding previous events. In addition, he made comments regarding previous X-rays that I understood to not be factually true. After X-rays were taken, he informed me that the limb was so badly damaged (fractured) that if an attempt were made to repair the limb it would most likely be lame even after months of rehabilitation. Dr. Schulman strongly suggested that amputation was the only viable option. I had previously informed him that I had a modest background in the medical field and have taught Human Anatomy and Vertebrate Anatomy at the university level and hence knowledge of bone structure. I asked to see his X-rays but was not allowed to see them. In the end, I agreed to the amputation. The procedure was performed later that day. Early the next morning, I was informed that my dog had passed possibly of an embolism. Several days later, I was able to have a conversation with Dr. Schulman, and he stated that another veterinarian assisted in the procedure because he wanted to observe Dr. Schulman's technique regarding an amputation. I received access to my dog's X-rays and, upon observation, I did not see the damage that Dr. Schulman described. Given I am not an expert, I showed the X-rays to my vet of multiple decades, and even he stated that he did not see the damage that Dr. Schulman described. He stated that in his opinion there was no reason to go forward with the amputation and alternative views of the limb would be needed to diagnose the damage if it did exist. My veterinarian sent the X-rays to a radiologist. The radiologist report stated that there "may" be a fracture but alternative views may help in diagnosing a fracture. The images were also sent to another orthopedic veterinarian who did not see the damage as described to me by Dr. Schulman and offered multiple routes of treatment. Given the reports and statements by numerous veterinary professionals, it is my opinion that my dog passed as the result of an unnecessary procedure. It is also my opinion that Dr. Schulman coerced me to agree to the amputation so that my dog could be used to demonstrate his technique during an amputation. read more

He has been my vet since he opened his first office almost 40 years. I just learned that he is no longer with VCA. When he became part of the VCA maga system I was disappointed and he said it will be great. I have a feeling it didn't go that way. I found out where he is and will definitely be transferring over. read more

Our dog was paralyzed. We called Dr. Shulman's office. He's out. Be back in a few days. We can work you in. Confirm the day before. Get there and they refuse to see us. No call. No help. Went elsewhere. Not going back. read more

Words cannot describe the experience I had with Dr. Schulman and his staff this week as I was dealing with my sick 11year old female Shepard. I brought my 11 1/2 year German Shepard here because she was very lethargic. Dr Shulman did a quick check up, checked her limbs and listened to her heart and recommended we do the same shots. He also prescribed Daramax pills but told me to wait at least 2 days before I give her any. Later on that day, she vomited badly and I called Dr. Shulmans office. They said that could be from shots and to keep an eye on her. Two days later, Suki wasn't eating and threw up water. She was lethargic. I called ahead of time because my dog trainer warned me that the vet would try to do all these useless test on a 11 year old Shepard. Trainer said don't do an x-ray because it may not show what's really going on in her belly and an ultra sound is better and will be recommended after the X-ray. I called Dr. Shulmans office and spoke to a male tech. I asked him the costs. He said $225 for X-ray and $250 for ultrasound. I made appointment and Dr Shulman looked at her and said, he recommends blood work and X-ray. He said she didn't appear to be dehydrated so that was a good sign. He said he would get me estimate for his recommendations. Doctor leaves and a tech comes in to up sell you on all these other add ons or so called recommendations. Tech said $200 for blood work and another $150 for shots to get her hydrated. Also is X-ray for $250. I said no X-ray, just do blood work and why hydration shots. The Vet said she was not hydrated. He said that's what the vet recommended so I said go ahead with shots for hydration (even though doc had said she is not hydrated,) They took her in back. 5 minutes later tech brings her out and Suki is now panting for air, breathing heavily and she falls over on the floor in the lounge. She is breathing really heavy and I start to panic. The female tech is telling me she was breathing heavy when I brought her in. I said no way. Don't BS me. She then said she checked dogs temperature and its 96 which is lower than it was when she first came in. She said it dropped. I said, no one has ever checked her temperature. How can you tell me her temperature dropped when you guys never checked it, even the first time she came in? The tech berates me with my dog dying on the floor, and tells me, "Well, you are not doing the things we recommend" We recommended hospitalization, x-rays, blood work" I am like, don't talk to me that way. As tech walked back into back office, she spurts out, "I am not dealing with this guy anymore". Can you F N believe that, My dog is dying and this is the attitude she has. What a shit show. Dr Shulman comes out and we talk about doing ultrasound. I told him if you do X-ray and most likely find nothing, you will just recommend ultrasound so shy not do it now. He says," Its more money so we try with X-ray first," I told him its almost same price and he says, Ultra sound is $600. I told him I called and spoke to tech and he told me it was $250. Dr Shulman gets defensive and then tells me his competitor down the block charges $800. I replied, "I don't care what someone else charges, I spoke to your tech and gave him the persons name who told me that. Dr Shulmans replied, " he is wrong, that's only for spot ultra sound." He then tells his receptionist to make sure everyone knows its $600 for an ultra sound. I had already paid for the blood work and Dr Shulman says it takes 2 days to get results. I tell him, my Dog may not have 2 days so forget the blood work. I am now thinking I will have to out my dog down but def not doing it in this place. All of a sudden, Dr Shulman says, "I can do it on our lab here and it will take 20 minutes." I asked him, so why would you send it to a lab for 2 days time when you can do it right here? Is it different? He replies no but I know he just doesn't want to lose the $200 blood work job. It's clear these people are completely disconnected and all they care about is $$$. Dr Shulman has a 4 page blood work report and begins to basically tell me, he doesn't know what it is and recommends we do a lot more tests if I want to find out. He clearly didn't know what was going on other than to say, there is def something going on. I say thanks but no thanks. She is a 11+ German Shepard. They don't usually live longer than 12 and I have been through this back forth with a variety of tests only to find out when its time its time. I get her out of this place and mobile service came over and did a very humane, peaceful and blessed service and she passed 30 minutes after I left Dr Shulmans office. STAY AWAY STAY AWAY STAY AWAY read more

We love Dr Schulman we are a rescue and have brought many of our rescue dogs to Dr Schulman and have been very happy . We highly recommend him. read more

I have been all over Los Angeles in search of great veterinary care for my dog after my vet of many years retired. I am so happy and relieved to finally meet Dr Schulman a vet you can TRUST. It's easy to see Dr Schulman's genuine affection for animals. Plus and equally important is Dr. Schulman's approach to problem solving. Many vets and clinics are interested in up charging by ordering every test possible!! Dr Schulman approached my pet's issues in a logical way through a process of elimination to determine the cause of the problem. So refreshing to work with a great guy like Dr Schulman. Thank you Dr Schulman! read more

A Complete disaster after they sold to VCA. The front desk is beyond ridiculously busy. It took 14 days before I got my lab results. My dog needed to see a vet on an emergency basis because he has liver issues. However they never called me to to tell me the results. I had to call them every day to call for lab results. (Had to be on hold for 15 min each time) My dog hasn't eaten in two days. They are too busy to see my dog. So I had to go to another vet. I don't have a problem with that because everyone gets busy. However they will not even give my dogs records in any urgent manner. They said they have 48 hours to turn over records. I told them that my dog could be dead by that time. I said no! They hung up on me. read more

I am shocked at all the reviews that talk about being overcharged or that Dr. Schulman is not good with people. I had quite the opposite experience. My 5 year old Pitsky who is my life exibited behaviors that indicated she was in severe pain. I called seven offices as our vet is an hour away and was closed (it was a Sunday at 6 PM). I got several referrals and called them all. I was told everything from I could schedule an appointment on a future day to there would be an 8 hour wait. I called Dr Schiulmans office and they did let mew know the Dr was in surgery and there would be a wait but if I brought her in he would see her. I arrived and she was seen in about an hour. Dr. Schulman was extremely nice, he got on the floor with my big girl and did a very thurough exam as well as having a great social conversation with me while explaining what he was doing. He explained clearly what he was seeing and options and took her to a treatment room where she was treated and brought back to me with two medications. She had a procedure done which I have paid more for with an appointment at her regular vet on a non emergency basis and she was given a Prednisone injection. The staff was amazing, the bill was barely over $200 which shocked me as I visited an emergency vet in Sherman Oaks/Studio City and they charged me $500 to walk in the door and completely misdiagnosed my pet at the time costing me over $3000! I am so grateful fo Dr. Shulman and his team. I will be taking my baby to him from now on. I do understand when our pets get sick or we don't get the results we want that we look for something to blame, but I would not point the finger in Dr. Schulmans direction. He is TERRIFIC. If you want you pet treated with love and kindness this is the place. read more

Alan Schulman is thorough. Prices are ridiculous!! He charged me $442.50 for euthanasia of my Dachshund. As if putting your baby to sleep isn't tough enough. The price overshadowed the grief. Six blocks up the street at the VCA .......$170 AND they have a private room for it and send you a condolence card after. At Dr. Schulman's it's in an examining room with no amenities. 2 1/2 TIMES MORE!! That's insulting as its a STANDARD PROCEDURE. NO JUDGMENT CALL HERE. I wrote him a letter requesting an adjustment in my bill to reflect the going rate for the competitive rates of the area and received NO response and no adjustment. That's it for them. To rake a pet owner over the coals at a time like that is unconscionable. read more

Still available for appointments in a reasonable time frame, during covid. I appreciate this. Dr. Schulman used to be my dog specialty vet, but now I have him doing my cats too as I can get them in within two weeks rather than two months. read more

PLEASE do not deal with this facility. They appear to be harmful to animals and dishonest with their clients. The staff appears to be incompetent and this has seriously affected my dogs health. Today I was told that NO RECORDS FOR ANY Animal will be released to another vet without direct approval of the last vet to see him at the facility . dr. SCHULMAN must PERSONALLY approved the records be sent. No other vet in the practice can release the records. No other staff can send them . According to the Vet Tech I just spoke to (and recorded) because Dr. SCHULMAN has been out all week these records could not be released. In spite of 8 calls from my vet and my self, over the course of a week , five assurances that the records had been emailed and failed to go through and one completed sent record, all without Dr. SCHULMAN releasing them he assured me that this was the policy and that the records could not be sent. On Monday, I requested my dog's medical records be sent to my primary vet , he was having problems from a Surgery last year with Dr SCHULMAN. They were not sent. When I got to my vet I had them call the office to,request them again. I also called . We were both told they were on the way. They were never sent. My dog was scheduled for surgery Sat. morning. 8 phone calls later, records were never sent. My dog went into surgery without previous medical records, x -rays, and other critical information due to the staffs lack of follow through. read more

My husband and I took our 6 year old French Bulldog into Dr Schulman today doe the first time. He was diagnosed with an obstructed pyloris and other vets recommend a very invasive risky surgery. It's now been 2.5 months since we decided to try and manage it ourselves with diet. He's doing great but we wanted to see if we were delaying the inevitable. Fast forward to today- Dr Schulman spent 30 minutes in the room going over options scenarios and explained every question we had. I have had my dog into see at least 12-14 vets over the course of his life unfortunately (as a Frenchie) and never had a vet spend so much time. We left feeling confident and educated and really appreciated the time and great care he took. Not to mention he spent the entire 30 minute visit on the ground playing and getting to know our dog Tank. Thanks again for a great appointment read more

My 10-year old Lab has been a long-time client of Dr. Schulman. She has received good care through a number of health issues, currently cancer. I trust his judgment and when he is outside of his knowledge base he recommends a specialist. Dr. Schulman is an excellent surgeon and being a Cornell Veterinarian School alum carries significant weight with me. He has twice accommodated a non-ER surgery with 24-hour notice. His technicians are warm and friendly, and immediately before and after surgery they do a good job of keeping you notified of the patient's status. He also takes time to talk through issues whether in clinic or by phone so that I can make an informed decision on next steps. I have also enjoyed Dr. Bianco who works as a "freelance" internist amongst a number of local clinics and is well respected. The only knock is that the clinic never runs on time for appointments and a 45-minute (or longer) wait is not unusual. read more

UPDATE 6 mos later and we could not be happier with Animal Medical Center. We recommend Dr. Schulman and his colleagues whole heartedly. Since our kitten's return to good health, we have moved ALL of our furry family members to Dr. Schulman's practice and the results are in: Best Vet Practice/ Hospital in L.A. (And we've been to every vet worth knowing in LA over the last 20 years.) One of our cats was in recently with a bladder issue and Dr. Schulman and Dr. Marquez could not have been more thorough and fantastic. We understood what was happening, took him home and monitored him with wonderful follow up all weekend from staff. Cannot recount how many times we have rec'd the hard sell from vets over the years to ratchet up a bill. Not the case at AMC. We know that if ever comes a day when they tell us that one of our dogs or cats needs to be admitted, we're going to trust their recommendation. And I'd be remiss to not also applaud Dr. Bhuta; she found a heart murmur in one of our dogs that our previous vets failed to notice over the last 4 years. Not only are they great vets, they're really good people who really love what they do. Great front desk, too! read more

Dr. Schulman and his staff allowed me to enjoy my dogs for 12+ years! Our great dane/german shepard/mutt had several tumors and at one point was temporarily paralyzed due his spinal cord pinching in his nerve. We were adamant on seeing only Dr. Schulman but the night vet know what he was talking about and diagnosed my guy on the spot, speeding up the time for him to have surgery and walk again. They say big dogs don't live long but he was able to have 11 great, comfortable years. My lab/dalmation suffered from bloat due to a doctor closer to home (we lived 40 miles away from his office) being negligent and roughly flipping while he was under to extract a broken tooth. We rushed here and had him back and healthy; the doctor, I've been told has patented a procedure where he stitches the stomach to the wall so that it does not flip again as it is a common issue with barrel chested dogs. He lived to the ripe age of 13. My next adoption will definitely be a patient of Dr. Schulman and Animal Medical Center as well! read more

We take all three of our chihuahuas here exclusively, after trying another vet's office down the block for about a year just for comparison. I was initially sold on this place back in 2006 when I had to put my pitbull to sleep. It was the first time I'd ever been there and only chose them at that time because it was after normal business hours and most vets were closed already. I was curled up on the floor with my dog for a while before the procedure, and the vet on duty (not Dr. Schulman) got down on the floor with us until I was ready to go through with it. She didn't rush me, and she was very respectful of what a difficult process that is. Big points scored that day. I also love a lot of the vet techs, like Heather. I feel bad that I don't know all of their names, but I've never had a single negative impression of any of them. The reason I don't give this place five stars is because they seem to have a lot of new vets or interns on rotation, maybe due to their 24-hour business model. Some of these people (like the female vet I mentioned in the story about my pitbull) are FANTASTIC. I have had mostly good experiences. Mostly. Occasionally someone is on duty who I find to be unknowledgeable, to put it nicely. This is the exception, not the rule, but it is the truth. Dr. Schulman himself is definitely a seasoned pro and never feels like he's trying to upsell me on anything or exaggerate what's going on, like other vets have. But depending when you go in you won't get Dr. Schulman so just know that ahead of time. read more

I like Dr shulman a lot but last year I took my Yorkie for teeth cleaning 2 shots and 6 months of flea meds. It was $500. This year he had cleaning no shots and flea meds $1000. The tech told me I just got lucky last year! Im going to another vet read more

I wish I could give zero stars. I cannot even believe the money and years I wasted going to this place. One of my dogs had a chronic ear infection, and I paid thousands of dollars for injections, medications, and laser treatments, and it never got better. Thank God I didn't do the expensive surgery they kept suggesting! Instead, I took him to a new vet for a second opinion. This guy actually took the time to figure out what the issue was (and see that his eardrum had completely deteriorated) and after having drops made at a compounding pharmacy, my dog was COMPLETELY infection free within 10 days. When my dogs were boarding while I was out of town, the dog sitter thought they may have gotten into some rat poison that was in a "pet resistant" container outside. He brought them to the vet, and they treated both by pumping their stomachs, etc, which of course was the correct thing to do, however when I flew back and had a 3 thousand plus dollar bill, I asked if I could pay 2500.00 that day (a Thursday) and the remainder, the following day, (Friday) because I would get my paycheck the next day. They said, "absolutely not." I then asked if I could speak to Dr. Schulman, since I had been going there for over 15 years, and they said "Dr. Schulman says no". My boss, who has put Dr. Schulman on her tv show MANY times, even called to ask if she could pay my bill on her credit card and was told by the receptionist "NO, we don't take credit cards over the phone". I'm sure if I were a celebrity, it would have been a completely different story. I wound up having to apply for their "pet credit" and paid it in full the following day, but just the way they treat their patrons is very rude. And to top it off, I brought my other dog in who was limping, and they said "it's probably a slipped disk". I agreed to do the tests, then they came in 30 minutes later and said "oh he has a tumor, so it's up to you when you want to put him to down." I was so in shock, and saddened by this news, and I numbly made my way to the front desk to pay my $1,800.00 dollar bill for the day. There was no compassion, whatsoever. So- my boss and I have now taken all of our dogs to a new place, where they take the time to diagnose and treat your pets, and treat you like a human, not a cash dispenser. read more

My dog got attacked by another dog, and my regular vet was too busy to see us (!) A neighbor and longstanding client of Dr Schulman insisted I go see him, and called his office to see if they could squeeze me in, even being a non-patient. They were happy to see us, and the wonderfully kind vet tech Rochelle took him right back to check his vitals and make sure he was stable. We decided together to do an xray, but it was never pushed on me... then I saw Dr Schulman also to go over it all, and decide course of action. I was in and out in under 1 hour 30 mins, as an emergency patient, non-client, and on a sunday at a clearly quite busy practice. And the whole time I did not feel rushed, and felt very confident my pup was getting the best diagnostics and care, so I could relax he was ok. I was truly impressed with the kindness, speed and knowledge of everyone there - I'll be back for sure, I'm switching vets! :) thanks all. read more

Dr. Schulman was referred to me when my Bengal had a tumor on his paw. It needed to be removed, and after my normal vet wasted time and money on fine needle aspirations and X-rays...well $700 later tells me it needs to be removed. They also said he needed to see a board certified surgeon and they referred me to some clinic with oncologists, who said the surgery would be between $2000-$3000 and he may need radiation or to have his limb amputated to get the margins clear, or they may need to do a skin graft, or we may have to do another surgery if it turns out to be carrcinoma...blah blah blah $$$$$$... So I call Dr. Schulman. The consult was $69 (the other place was $139) I already knew I needed it removed, so I had also scheduled the surgery. He came in, was extremely confident that there was plenty of skin and he could remove the mass, and stitch it up. He said the needle aspiration was a waste of time and $ since regardless the mass needs to be removed. He doesn't waste time ordering unnecessary tests or procedures. And for this I am grateful. They kept my kitty overnight. Tey removed the tumor, and the staff was awesome and very loving to my big buy (he weighs 17 lbs). They gave me a quote on the surgery which was about $1260 and that's how much it cost. I would highly recommend him. So I have a hard time believing these other reviews. I hope your animal never needs surgery, but if so - see him first! read more

We started taking our animals to Dr. Schulman over 20 years ago when we first arrived in LA on recommendation from our Boston vet. Over all these years he's been a great vet and a friend to all of our animals. He has saved the lives of our pets more than once and walked us through difficult times with sick animals. I write this today having just heard news from him about a great prognosis for our golden retriever following surgery last week. His only fault is his deep hatred of the Boston Red Sox - but we can live with that. read more

Over the last 12 years Dr. Schulman has taken care of all my babies: 4 cats and 3 dogs. This includes everything from complicated surgeries to regular check-ups. He has always diagnosed any problem correctly leading to quick treatments to keep them healthy. One of my German Shepherds is healthy and active at 14, despite an orthopedic genetic issue. I take my dogs for grooming here (medicated baths) every couple of months because they both have allergies and it keeps them from needing any allergy treatments. Great grooming and cheap compared to other places! I would never take my babies anywhere else. Dr. Schul is a expert! read more

Horrible experience with this guy. We found Alan on Venice at Sinai. Did an great eye surgery., so we followed him We think he is a capable surgeon and a bright man just not motivated on behalf on the client and not terribly interested in diagnosing without many unnecessary tests. What we don't like about him: Followed him to Olympic. We paid cash. Within a couple of days, we receive a lawyer-type letter informing us that our overdue bill is being sent to collections. We would have preferred a phone call. It took some straightening out as he had fired the receptionist that had taken our cash payment. Our nightmares began and ended thankfully at his Sepulveda office. We felt grossly overcharged and treated as insignificant peons that only are there to pay his bills. We took a dog of ours who was shaking and bleeding from his bottom into the office in a panic. There was NO rush on their part whatsoever. When we got into to see him, he suggested every test they do (okay maybe not everyone, but close to it) Once again no urgency. He was given back to us and we were told he, no doubt had eaten something that didn't agree with him. The penny dropped and we felt as if they had had a hunch all along which explained moving so slowly. . We would have preferred to have been let in on the hunch. We, in all likelihood, would have agreed to the tests and xray, but we really felt like they took advantage of our distress for our beloved animal and racked up the charges. $4 for the wipe he used to wipe a drop of blood from his back side. If you want to get a lower cost vaccine, their rule is that you must have had an examination within a year, I believe, in order to qualify for the discount. Okay, we thought. Nothing seems wrong with our animal, but why not? This is why not! Because the doctor that "examined" him spun him around a couple of time, looked into his mouth suggested he get a few teeth pulled and left. Okay we were asking questions of the doctor regarding supplements, etc,, so we assume that he felt he spent long enough and left. P.S. Other vets did not agree with the assessment of the teeth and our dog still has the teeth in question. We thought it was a joke and that he would be back, but no. It WAS a joke of an examination only it cost us $70-$75 don't remember which. We thought surely he would listen to his heart, look in his ears, eyes, but we were very wrong. Do yourself a favor. Go down the street to Value Vet and get your vaccines there. They don't ascribe to the same B.S. We brought a 16 year old cat that we thought was in the process of dying. He, of course, tested the daylights out the poor thing and sent us home with vitamins for a cat that died two weeks later. With an appointment, we waited over an hour without so much as "I'm sorry". We found it to be in poor taste as regaled us with his list of his celebrity clientele and the "stars" he's dated. Good for you, Alan, but we are there for the welfare of our pet. By in large we found him to be totally full of himself, rude, arrogant . It took us a few tries with other doctors but, alas, we found Mar Vista Animal Medical Center and couldn't be happier. We find the staff there to be really smart and mindful of the client. The troubleshooting is thoughtful and because they are so smart, it rarely takes many, many tests to analyze the problem. We found them to good with our animals, thoughtful, helpful -- often going out of their way to call and check up or email info. Thank you Alan, Without you we may never have found Dr. Brooks or Dr. Moore. Owning a pet is never inexpensive, but with Mar Vista Animal Medical Center don't feel like our name is filed under "sucker" anymore. read more

Im very impressed with Dr. Schulman. I spent $16,000.00 with VCA Allcare over the last year, running expensive and unnecessary testing, and then they misdiagnosed the problem. My first visit with Dr. Schulman and Dr. Anderson I was very impressed with the time spent and the thoroughness of the evaluation, their suspicions, and then the diagnosis. FIRST time, out of the box I knew what were dealing with, and the potential treatment plans starting with the most conservative and options if she didn't respond. They have done a wonderful job in managing her care. The clinic is not the most inexpensive, however I'm talking about a beloved member of my family, a wonderful rescued golden. It's clear that Dr. Schulman loved animals, and sits on the floor with them as he talks. read more

He Killed My Dog !!!!!!!.....Diesel French Bulldog , 5 years old . i took him for a check up , for a non cancer growth, that was the gum line...the check up price was $45.... as we where about to leave ..Schulman said : that he think Diesel have Pain on his back..Diesel walk fine always and that day (Thursday February 17 2011 )..he ask me to ok , giving Diesel some thing for pain ( that raise the chart to $ 470 ).. he gave Diesel 2 injection on his lower back. Diesel collapse.. could not use is back legs. PARALYZED!!!!.. OVER NIGHT SCHULMAN PREFORM A MYLOGRAM ON DIESEL... ONE HOUR AFTER..NO BODY WAS WATCHING DIESEL ..HIS FEVER CLIMB UP TO 107.2...BRAIN DAMAGE, KIDNEY AND LIVER DAMAGE..INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL BLEEDING..DIESEL CUT HIS TONGUE FROM THE PAIN OF THE FEVER...EVEN AFTER THAT SCHULMAN CHARGE $7000!!!!!!!!!! WITH ALL THAT MONEY NO ONE WAS WATCHING DIESEL . DIESEL DIE ON FEB 21..AFTER THAT 4 DIFRENT HOSPITAL ,TRY TO REVERSE THE DAMAGE THAT SCHULMAN DID..............................................2 ANIMAL RIGHT LAWYER ARE WORKING NOW ON DIESEL CASE. THIS COULD BE THE LAST DAY FOR YOUR LOVE ONE............................................. DON'T GO read more

Alright, it's taken me exactly three months to write this testimonial. It's been very hard to express my feelings since our family's dear golden retriever passed. At just ten years old, she was gone much too soon. To be brief but honest, Dr. Alan Schulman certainly knows his stuff. He performed two surgeries on our girl, both successfully and without complication. However, his bizarre behavior, financially mercenary methods, and unflagging narcissism does tend to challenge one's devotion/appreciation. As she was dying from a cancerous tumor of her heart lining, her breathing was both labored and shallow. After having a cardiologist tap her pericardium, it allowed her to breathe a little easier and with less fear. This gave us just under a month more with her -- which was as wonderful as it was sad. In looking back to the nascent of this most recent illness, we first presented our girl to the Animal Medical Center's late night emergency clinic, which obviously was after hours for Dr. Schulman. Unfortunately, the vet on staff actually LAUGHED when describing our girl's devastating predicament. I don't know if he was on something or if it was some kind of social defect, but it left our family cold. While this was not Dr. Schulman's issue, it is indicative of the type of strange attitude that seems to pervade in this odd carnival of animal care. For example, Dr. Schulman repeats himself almost interminably when you ask any kind of follow-up question, be it on treatment, cost, timetable, end-of-life issues, etc. He gets angry and impatient easily if you don't go all-in with his financially exorbitant vision for treatment. This was so amazingly bizarre since he and the other vet clearly stated that our dog's illness was imminently fatal. That said, we just wanted to spend some quality time with her in her last days, which we did, rendering us ever so grateful to Dr. Schulman and his outsourced cardiologist. Almost 4 thousand dollars later, there was no need to attempt any of the surgical Hail Mary's (with estimates ranging close to 12 thousand plus dollars) Dr. Schulman kept trying to hammer home over the phone. His evident anger and lack of compassion went so far as for him to suggest, upon her passing, that we bury her in the ground on our property to save a few bucks. Hmmm. On her final day, when she was scared and weak and barely breathing, I called and spoke to Dr. Schulman, asking if there was anything I could get from him to help make her more comfortable in these final hours. He yelled angrily, "I'm not going to give her narcotics!! It would kill her!!" (What the???) When I told him I wasn't asking for this, just something to make her relax, he remained gruff and unsympathetic. He then gave me the name and phone # for a mobile vet who could help with her last moments. I called but she didn't return the call until the next day. Within less than an hour from the time I last spoke to Dr. Schulman, our dear, sweet girl passed away in my arms, with my son petting her, surrounding her with love. As it turns out, that was the best medicine she ever could've received. I can only hope that, after all the animals Dr. Schulman has and will continue to treat, upon his gasping his last breath, that he somehow has come to terms with his many issues and has somehow garnered the kind of love and devotion we were able to give our sweet girl in her final moments. He is talented, but it comes at such a weird and hefty price. I suggest you try and find another, more intact surgeon. read more

I was told Dr. Alan Schulman owns Animal Medical Center of Southern California, where I will never return after a visit to treat my dog's ear infection. VERY POOR CUSTOMER SERVICE. NASTY OFFICE MANAGER. OVERCHARGED FOR MEDS AND OTHER CHARGES. NO VET FOLLOW UP AFTER TREATMENT. TRIED TO HOLD MY DOG HOSTAGE IN BACK UNTIL I PAID BILL. It's pretty obvious this place is an textbook example of how small animal medicine has become a corporate money machine. When I wrote to Dr. Schulman with my concerns he never responded. BAD VET. BAD CLINIC. Plenty of other choices. Pick another. read more

Our beloved Jindo, Sienna, became ill very suddenly. Dr. Schulman is an extremely competent vet, but he even called in other specialists for additional opinions, trying everything he could to save our girl. Sadly, it was GME which is fatal. Although it did not end with Sienna getting well, I could not hesitate to recommend Alan to anyone looking for a vet that is skilled and compassionate. The office staff was lovely, even calling to see how everyone was doing. When we get another dog, which we hope to do someday, we would go right back to Dr. Schulman for his excellent care. read more

After 8 years of taking several dogs to Dr. Schulman's clinic, we are never going back. The facility is well equipped, and attended 24/7. The large staff is friendly and helpful; and when you get your bill, you'll understand how Schulman can employ so many people. So many of the services are severely overpriced, including euthanasia. A general check-up for my senior dog, including urinalysis, cost $500. An associate vet who examined my pet over the next couple of months, persisted in recommending repeating the exact same tests, despite no change in my pet's condition. The practice has a revolving door for associate vets. Sometimes they are great, but most of them are arrogant, condescending, insensitive, money gougers. They will take advantage of your pet's terminal diagnosis, to fool you into needless and expensive procedures. Over these many years, my pets were examined by Dr. Schulman only a few times. He was nice enough in person, but the last straw for us, was his refusal to return our telephone calls. We also noted the many photos of him with baseball players, and autographed sports memorabilia--nothing relating to animals. He obviously doesn't care much about animals, only the money he can gouge from their owners! read more