Griffith Pet Hospital

It is a relief to go to a locally owned vet where each visit you (and your pet) see the same staff and the same doctors. My cat is sick with liver failure and even he doesn’t fight me as hard as he used to go to see the vet. After our first time at Griffith Pet Hospital all the staff knew me and my cat, Chester’s, name. Griffith Pet Hospital lets Chester out of his carrier when he is in the exam room. This is a huge game changer for Chester because it lets him have a sense of autonomy back and also get some sniffs. Chester and I have never been to a vet that had this practice before. Pricing is reasonable, or at least doesn't feel like price gouging like some of the corporate vets do. Testing and a surgery to place a feeding tube cost us a little over $1,000. However the last time Chester had a medical emergency, they charged A LOT more than that! Dr Ruiz is very communicative and has been following up in emails about monitoring Chester and reviewing his labs and tests. And, the best part of all, Chester is getting better due to Dr Ruiz’ protocol and guidance. All around 5 stars for experience, friendliness, cleanliness, communication, and medical care.

Dr. Ruiz and the front desk staff here are amazing! They take great care of my cats and provide fair pricing/service. Highly recommend!

Dr. Rafael Villicana is an amazing veterinarian. He has many years of experience and truly invests in the quality of care the animals receive. He is also adept at explaining medical issues in understandable terms. The reception staff are excellent. I'm so happy he, Dr. Ruiz and their staff have returned as the former corporate VCA had very negative reviews. Our neighborhood can now return to quality pet care at reasonable pricing.

Review for Senior Canine, Dental, Surgical, and Emergency services: So grateful Dr. Ruiz is back as owner and partner beginning this summer of 2025, and reopened what used to be known in the Glendale / Los Angeles area for decades as the well established, trusted, and always reliable Gateway Animal Hospital with another former owner/partner, Dr. V! Now operating as Griffith Pet Hospital! The past few years when it changed ownership to another ¥ € A and operated as Gateway with different new veterinarians, it was absolutely terrible! That team is GONE!!! My nearly 16 yr old doodle had a bad accident by high jumping off a sofa and onto a patch of slippery concrete and chest landed hard, hitting his jaw, which caused multiple severely cracked/broken teeth, jaw and tongue injury, and really awful pain. He could not open his mouth, eat or drink. Dr. Ruiz was available to see him the morning I called and able to perform all labs and X-rays AND necessary surgical dental treatment that same day, approximately 7.5 hours. I was thoroughly consulted with and informed of the steps necessary, including all risks to his needed procedure due to my dog’s age and condition. I agreed to it versus the only other option, and Dr. Ruiz and his team took great care and expertise, and the surgery was successful! Only experienced, skilled, AND patient caring Doctors can do this! I believe Dr. Ruiz and team literally saved my dog’s life and remedied his suffering. His staff updated me 3 times throughout my dog’s treatment. This helped me to remain calm and positive. Dr. Ruiz followed up early this morning inquiring to my dog’s condition and status, as well as additional test results. His compassion and kindness is greatly appreciated. Considering the scope of my dog’s treatment, their fees are very fair and reasonable!!! My senior super doodle is now on his road to recovery!!! Photo taken from 24 hours after his treatment and surgery! He’s sleeping without pain, eating, drinking, walking on his own, and able to spend this afternoon bird watching in his favorite spot in the yard! So Grateful! 🙏 Thank you Dr. Ruiz and Team!

I was so happy to hear that Dr. Ruiz is back in Glendale!! We took our little old timer Bellarina in for a wellness check at her age and was so happy to have such great customer service and care. Val & Yesi, the front desk receptionists are very kind and helpful which is great. What a BIG difference from the previous staff!! Had a wonderful visit with Dr. Ruiz! He listens and is very compassionate about his work! Bellarina was really comfortable with all the staff because of their caring energy towards her. Thank you to Dr. Ruiz, Dr. V, Berto, Val & Yesi for taking the time to care for our cat. I forgot the name of the other lady in the back but she was so wonderful with our cat!! I made sure to refer all my pet lover friends to Griffith Pet Hospital!! Also, their prices are so much better than VCA!!!