Why Choose Us

Why Choose Us?

How Santa Monica Pet Medical Center Different From Other Veterinary Hospitals.

Experience:

All too frequently the selection of veterinary care is based on cost rather than value. If quality medical care, both in terms of a full service hospital and a staff of four veterinarians with a combined total of ninety years of experience matters most, then we think you have come to the right place. Our slogan “Where Experience Matters” embodies our approach to veterinary medicine. Thanks for giving us a look; we hope you will find it of value.

Dr. Anthony George – 20 years at Santa Monica Pet Medical Center,
Dan Miano, Head Technican – 25 years at SMPMC
Karen Longbotham, Office Manager – 25 years at SMPMC
Myra Hall, Technician – 22 years at SMPMC
Kirstin Pirkl, Hospital Administrator – 16 years at SMPMC
Eva Good, Receptionist – 16 years at SMPMC
Dr. Annie Hernandez – 12 years at SMPMC
Sandi Fifield, Asst. Head Technician – 11 years at SMPMC
Dr. Michael Yuan – 7 years at SMPMC
Ronnie Dorsey, Veterinary Assistant – 7 years at SMPMC
Dr. Mary Isaacs – over 30 years of clinical experience
Meet Our Doctors Meet Our Staff

AAHA Accredited - Our animal hospital is AAHA-accredited, meaning that our staff and clinic have been evaluated on over 800 different standards of veterinary care. Accreditation by the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) is a voluntary process for animal clinics, however only a small percentage of animal hospitals are able to meet these high standards of veterinary care. In addition to this prestigious industry accreditation

Modern Technology - When you choose Santa Monica Pet Medical Center, you have the comfort of knowing that you and your pet are getting the best in modern technology and medicine. Our recently renovated facility includes:

Digital Radiology
Ultrasound
Endoscopy
Anesthesia system equivalent to human hospitals
Brand new state of the art in house lab equipment
DIA video system to help you understand your pets’ health.
Telemedicine - Ability to send radiographs and ultrasound images to experts all over the country

After-Care - Following all procedures, we call our clients to make sure the animal is recovering well. Our clients appreciate this, because it shows them that we really care. This additional information enables us to provide a superior level of care to all patients.

Wellbeing - We base all our recommendations first on what is in the best interest of our patients. Their health and wellbeing always comes first.

Communication - In order to be able to provide you and your pet with the best care, it is vital that we listen. Communication is key when it comes to your pets.

Exclusivity - We only see one patient at a time. Our appointments are scheduled for 30 minutes. We focus on your pet, and only your pet for the full exam time. We base our measure of success on the quality of the relationship we have with each client and their pet.

Open and Honest - In advance of any treatment, we will provide you with a written treatment plan detailing an estimate of all costs so that there will be no surprises. We always advise clients to obtain adequate insurance so that unexpected treatment costs don’t become an issue.

Helpful - If you require help financially, we will work with you to find a way for you to maintain your pet's health.

Awards – Our hospital has received several awards and accolades

About Us:

Santa Monica Pet Medical Center was constructed in 1962 and opened doors for business in January, 1963. We provide a broad spectrum of diagnostic procedures through in-house testing and the use of external laboratories. We also consult routinely with the local Emergency and Board Certified Specialty Practices when special diagnostic procedures are required. Our facility includes examination rooms, a well-stocked pharmacy, a fully prepared treatment center, in-hospital surgery suite, in-house x-ray capabilities, extensive laboratory equipment, a closely supervised hospitalization area, and separate dog and cat indoor boarding kennels.

Our Policies:

Appointment Policy - To allow ample time for all patients and scheduled surgical procedures, we operate primarily by appointment. Emergency cases shall always receive top priority, which is why occasional appointment delay is inevitable. Please realize that we make a sincere attempt to see each client on time.

For your convenience, "drop-off" appointments are available. A "drop off" means you could bring your pet at the time that works best for you and leave him/her with us for a couple of hours. Usually we will ask you to drop off' sometime in the morning so our doctors can examine the patient in between appointments or at the time purposely reserved for admitted patients. Once the doctor is done, she will give you a call to go over the diagnosis and to give you discharge instructions. For the safety of all animals in our care, we require that all vaccinations be up to date. Even though we make every effort to make our patients feel comfortable during visits, they may be a little uneasy about new people, new surroundings and other pets. This is one of the reasons we ask you to restrain your pet. We recommend that animals be placed on a leash or in pet carriers before entering the waiting room.

Payment Policy:

We require full payment at the time that services are rendered. For your convenience, we accept Visa, MasterCard, Discover, Care Credit, cash and personal checks.

Patient Arrival Policy:

For your protection, and that of others, all dogs must be on a leash and properly controlled while in the waiting area or exam rooms.

All cats must be presented in an appropriate cat carrier or on a leash.

Pennies for Pets Fund:

This fund began in 2001 by staff members after a tragic accident involving one of our patients. The owners could not afford treatment, so the staff of SMPMC raised money by having a bake sale, a garage sale, soliciting monetary contributions and donating their own time and money. As SMPMC’s private fund, “Pennies for Pets” has been used in the past for special situations to assist animals in need. Your donation will allow the fund to expand its reach to more needy animals.