Veterinary Specialty and Emergency Center of Thousand Oaks

Reviews

• AJ

  Ashley Jones

  Nov 9, 2025
  5.0
  I had a very good experience. The vet was so friendly and calming as was all the staff.
• RB

  Rebecca Ball

  Sep 22, 2025
  1.0
  On Saturday night we rushed our 10-year-old golden retriever to this emergency clinic after she jumped from our parked truck, splayed her back legs, and was unable to walk on her own. We were understandably panicked and immediately sought help. Dr. Martinez saw us quickly, which we appreciated. However, the actual exam lasted no more than 10–15 minutes. Without any imaging or further testing, he concluded she had likely torn her ACL. He gave her a pain injection, then proceeded to tell us that “this is typically the end of the road for dogs this age.” He spoke about hospice, implied she may never recover or walk again, and even asked if we would like to euthanize her right then and there. When we declined, he suggested we “take her to her favorite places, feed her steak, and give her one last best day.” Thankfully, we chose to take her home with the medication provided. The very next day, she began improving—eating, walking with a sling, and eventually walking on her own. By Monday morning, we took her to her primary vet, who reviewed the emergency notes and did a thorough exam. Our primary vet found no evidence of an ACL tear or any break. She concluded it was most likely just trauma to her hips from the incident, and our dog is already back to walking and putting weight on all four legs. I am deeply disturbed that Dr. Martinez so quickly and confidently recommended euthanasia without exploring other possibilities or even running basic diagnostics. Had we trusted his judgment that night, our beloved dog would not be alive today. I understand emergency vets see many difficult cases, but compassion and caution should never be replaced by rushing to the worst-case scenario. This situation caused our family unnecessary grief and anxiety. We were able to seek a second opinion and were told that our dogs injury can be managed with rest and pain medication. I would strongly caution anyone considering this clinic. Please advocate for your pet and seek a second opinion—our experience here could have cost us precious years with our dog. Update: We received a call from the general manager and were informed that an investigation is pending. We appreciate the response and were informed that Dr. Martinez is not a regular doctor at this clinic.
• MM

  Mike Miltko

  Sep 21, 2025
  1.0
  Terrible place. My mother brought her dog in yesterday 9/21/25, due to her tail having problems(she had happy tail and smacked it into everything)Doctor proceeded to tell her that her dog “your dog looks fine, her gums are pink, she’s A&O, but I see the tall tale signs of cancer, kidney and liver failure, we should euthanize” didn’t run any tests to confirm these things just made an assumption. Long story short they put her healthy dog down for no reason. You should all be ashamed of the terrible medicine being practiced there. Stay away or you’ll be bullied into euthanizing your animal.
• KC

  Kim Campbell

  Sep 7, 2025
  5.0
  Eric and Ryan were the kindest individuals. Thanks so very much for all you do!!
• RW

  Rob Wickens

  Aug 18, 2025
  5.0
  24 hours, actually open at 3:30 am. After two separate ‘24 hr’ hospitals being closed in Ventura was grateful they answered my call. Super friendly “yes we’re here, come right in”. Our new adopted kitten had an abscess burst at 3:00 am, crying, scared, fever, needing help right way as huge amount of pus, was worried about kitten being septic. The three person team at this hospital was on it, quick evaluation, plan shared, bill paid up-front. Two hours later minor surgery done, antibiotics shot given, sun-q fluids, kitty loopy but happy, crisis averted! Thanks team on Friday Aug 15, 2025, great service, communication and care. You’re our new vet!

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