Alicia Pet Care Center

Wow another amazing visit to Alicia Pet Care Center. I drive from San Clemente to see Dr Wheaton and its so heart warming to come into a place and everyone is happy to see you and actually remembers you. Well, I guess they remember my dog Mickey Finn. Dr Wheaton is the only Vet I trust, following in his father’s foot steps he has compassion, caring and experience. I love everything about this place.

Alicia Pet Care is amazing! They neutered our dog and were so organized, helpful and friendly. We were lucky enough to be part of the 4^th annual Pet Neuter and Spay day that they perform for free of charge if you are chosen in their lottery. Such a kind and generous thing to do! We are so appreciative of having them do this for the community. I will definitely be taking our two dogs in the future to Alicia Pet Care for regular vaccinations and other Vet care. Thank you again!

Dr. Foreman is the best vet you can imagine. He is kind, compassionate, gentle and listens and if that wasn’t enough he is not pushy. Some vets tell you your animal needs everything test or procedure done as the bill gets higher and higher! Dr. Foreman never does that so when he does suggest something you know you should do it. I would recommend him he’s great! We have 3 cats and he has been awesome with them.

After visiting with Dr. Wheaton and Dr. Northrup I am very impressed with the peel of care and caring that they have given to my rescue dog. The need to be commended for the integrity and patience of their staff.

Charlie has been coming here since he was a pup. They take good care of him and their prices are reasonable. They take a holistic approach which is appreciated. The only knock is they keep paper records instead of using a computer. So I have found that I needed to clarify at times because the vet could not scan the file thoroughly for information they already have (because it is paper based.)

I brought my puppy here for eye surgery which was done by Dr. Wheaton. Unfortunately he did not do the surgery correctly. My puppy had serious complications and needed a revision surgery which was done by another vet.
(Note: see the following post regarding the passage of the « Unilocal Bill» and freedom of speech protections provided to consumer reviews:
)

I would like to give a review to this facility because I believe they deserve it.
I have been to many vetenary offices in my life, and I definitely know this is one of the best. Very caring staff, very reasonable, and very understanding.
First of all, the adoption center is amazing. We adopted our bouncy three-​legged American-​Shorthair Boo from here back in June, and I have been meaning to give good feedback. She is now our little baby. Extremely convienient that there is a vetenary clinic here.
As for the reviews: First of all, some of the bad reviews on here are extreme cases. Neuturally speaking, some of the owners on here have let their animals wither beyond repair, and (having had senior animals who have exceeded average life expectancy) are complaining about the cost and care. To certain extent, I will agree that the cost to take care of a pet is expensive, and yes I will agree that some places are more expensive than others.
However, before I continue, need I remind the reviewers, that it is actually the job of the pet parent to do their research before choosing a facility. You have a budget? List the places you would like to go and how much each one may cost. Call the staff and they should be able to give you an estimate. This is what I did for the many pets I have owned (and had to put down), and if the customer service is good, they will be more than happy to tell you their rates. If not, they SHOULD be able to give you a new-​patient wellness check up, and you can make your decision then.
I would also like to point out that it is absolutely digusting that someone would hope that their pet’s teeth would fall off during old age. Let alone, let any kind of infection, injury, and/​or disease persist. This literally almost made me vomit, thinking someone could just watch their pet lose their teeth. I have witnessed this happen to my sister’s cat and I cried seeing her pull her teeth out due to decay and rushed her to the emergency. I can’t imagine someone just saying, expensive. Point is, if you had done your annual check-​up like the vet had recommended, you would have gotten this paid for prior 14 years. Those thousands of dollars come with the senior age of a pet. I highly doubt, it would have been a huge shock if the person had actually brought the animal in for a wellness check up. It’s equivalent to doing human check-​ups, so diseases could be prevented or kept under supervision.
In addition, I have noticed Dr. Wheaton actually try to comment and explain to some of these reviewers what had to be done. Call him whatever you want, but I think he is at least trying to contact you personally. However, instead of the parents dealing with the doctor personally, they resort to using social media to bash and take out of context what happened during their visit. Now, I’m not saying that all of you are in the wrong, no, all I am saying is that some of these matters are very personal, and before resorting to Unilocal to bash, have you tried actually speaking to the doctor, like a human? Maybe you would have gotten the answer you needed to hear.
Also, for those complaining about the practicies and cost: I am not from Orange County and came from the Bay Area. The prices were signficantly more expensive, and the office I had gone to up near where I use to live was tremendously higher. The doctor went on vacation, and ended up «loosing» viles of my senior cats blood and was going to charge me a 2^nd time because of his mess up. In addition, he sounded incredibly drugged/​high, and the cost to take care of my senior pet was incredibly higher than usual (just so he could pay for the rent of his facility). In addition, they added other stuff that was unnecessary.
This facility is completely open and tells you exactly what needs to be done. They do not try to push anything unless you are not aware of what is needed for your pet. Trust me, I know, the last facility tried to get me to drug my pet with all kinds of meds that other vets said was not necessary. They ended up giving him medicine that ended up making him sicker and DID NOT tell me what the effects of the drug would do. They just told me to give it. Then he died. And they didn’t care. Drug got discountinued after.
So before you go on here and bash the vet, and before you go on here and expect someone to just «agree» with your standard, try stepping back a bit. Look at the bigger picture. Try thinking about your pet first. Your pet isn’t just a thing to «have», they are our friends and children and if you cannot provide for them you can be held criminally liable. It is your responsibility to save up money for them and to take care of them when they need it most.
Don’t adopt, or «take-​in» a pet just because you want it. Take it in because they need your love and support. Don’t misdirect your anger because you can’t hold yourself liable.

Yes, we have taken our pet to Alicia Pet Care, and for owners looking for a vet who has realistic expectations (not Mission Viejo expectations) for pet care, please look elsewhere. The office staff is very nice, but the problem however is with their overall approach to vet care.
In the APCC’s response to Nikki E., one quote stands out. Tim states: «I think most people would agree that it is cruel to not provide care for a dog who’s mouth had been neglected to the point of periodontal disease being so severe that in order to resolve the problem, 27 teeth would need to be extracted!» Really? So if someone decides to put down a 14-​year-​old dog suffering from pain that will cost $ 3700 to fix, then they are cruel? Uncivilized? Or is it that that they are just no longer a paying customer?
Alicia Pet Care Center, like many «boutique» veterinary clinics practices what amounts to guilt-​laden extortion. This vet is suggesting that a pet owner is cruel for choosing not to pay three-​months salary to save a 14-​year-​old dog from pain. Vet costs in this country are rising at triple the rate of inflation (real statistic), and Tim explains later in his response that decisions to pay such costs are normal in the «civilized world.»
We had a couple visits to APCC, after which we found another vet. The only procedure we had performed was quoted incorrectly. We paid regardless, but the stench was already in the air that this company was another «you-​better-​be-​willing-​to-​pay-​whatever-​it-​takes-​to-​save-​your-​furry-​child» clinics. I love my pet, but my vet better be able to respect my very difficult decision if they are going to charge exorbitant prices.
NOTE: As another reviewer pointed out, they do charge extremely high mark-​ups on food and medication if you buy it from APCC. Do your homework, and buy your products elsewhere and maybe they will get the picture since they seem so motivated by demand and profit rather than helping pet owners make responsible decisions.

I came home to find my best friend Henry with a injured paw, I called Alicia Pet Care at 5:10 pm and was told «Come in now». When I arrived I was greeted by not just one front desk employee but probably four sincere & caring wonderful ladies! Dr Northrup was so kind to Henry, Not to mention her complete understanding of me being emotional and acting like my first born was on her exam table. Henry was bandaged up, started on medication and sent home only to return in the morning for surgery. Dr Bromme called me after surgery was over and calmed my anxious heart, Henry did great and I could pick him up later that day. I think other Pet owners can understand that relief and joy to know your buddy is okay and to receive the news from a Veterinarian who was beyond kind and compassionate not just with Henry but with me too is priceless. My first visit to Alicia Pet Care was outstanding, I will recommend and insist to all my family and friends… «the best and only place to take your Pet is Alicia Pet Care»! Thank you to all of the staff for taking such excellent care of Henry
Angie Martzolf

I LOVE this vet! After taking my dog to Banfield (which I DO NOT recommend) multiple times for allergies and getting zero results I found Alicia Pet Care Center online. They were right down the street from my house so I figured I would give them a try. I could not be any happier! Dr. Northrope had many helpful tips to help stop my dog from itching and was able to give her the right meds to start her path to recovery immediately. My dog is 100x better in her attitude, itching and eating habits. I will definitely be back. I could not be any happier. Thank you so much to Dr. Northrope and all of the very kind staff! I am so happy I found a permanent vet office.

In life there are times when a caring skilled veterinarian can make a stressful situation better.
The team at Alicia Pet Care are professional, informed and the best at caring for my pets. I would recommend Dr. Wheaton to all of my friends. Thank you for providing great service.

I am the proud new owner of a rescue pup. This is a review of the boarding services at Alicia Pet Care Center. I’ve toured every boarding facility in my area (Ladera Ranch to Rancho Santa Margarita) and, by far, Alicia Pet Care Center is the most modern and clean, with a superlative staff who truly cares about my pet. My husband and I travel occasionally and combined with business commitments, we have to know that the facility caring for Rocky is stress free and as close to being at home as possible. Rocky actually seems to look forward to his «sleepovers».

Our pets (3 dogs and 2 cats) have been cared for by this team for over 13 years. I wouldn’t take them anywhere else. Not only is the practice state-​of-​the-​art, all employees (from reception to vets) are caring and knowledgeable. We live 45 minutes away, but the treatment and care is worth the drive!

Dr Wheaton and his staff are absolutely impeccable! He is VERY caring, understand, respectful, and has a genuine care for each animal he attends to. I have had pets my entire life and have never had a better experience with a vet in my life.
We brought in king Louis the cat for an obstructed bladder the day after he got out of the emergency room. He was in bad shape and from the beginning Dr Wheaton was so understanding and caring. He is extremely knowledgable. He went over EVERY single detail about what our cat needed. For the week that Louis was there we got 2 phone calls a day updating us on his condition and the cost associated with the day. We never felt pressure financially and actually Dr Wheaton numerous times was sensitive about the financial part.
Also– we went to see our cat everyday and were met with smiles from the girls at the front and then Nikki Louis’ vet tech would come over and talk to me about my orange friend. She was spectacular as well.
Dr Wheaton made a special trip in ON A SUNDAY to check on my cat. He is bar none the best vet. I am again total loss for words about how fabulous our entire experience at Alicia Pet Care Clinic was.
Thank you so much Dr Wheaton and team!

The staff are so nice! This is my first visit, my poor old dog. They have been wonderful! Dr Northrop is informed, nice, knowledgable & very kind vet. I’m very happy with my expirence.

Although it may be expensive, I would definitely recommend coming into Alicia pet care center if your pet has MANY unsolved problems like my pet. For two years my pet was suffering from elephant skin, ear infection, tooth disease, etc you name it. I normally do regular check ups at the Irvine vet services near my house, but after two years of not seeing any progress I decided to try a new doctor. My mothers friend had recommended me this doctor and I couldn’t have been more thrilled. Dr. Wheaton is extremely intelligent and since our first visit my dog and I are extremely happy! My dog is now so healthy thanks to the helpful and friendly staff at Alicia pet care center!

I can not give enough stars to this place! I called them this morning about my dog and they had an appt for me right away. I had to have my dog put down as he was 10 years old and very ill. The staff was absolutely WONDERFUL to me, my husband and my fur baby. I wish I could remember the name of the tech and vet that took care of us so I could put their name on here as they both gave us five star service. They let us take our time with saying our goodbyes to our sweet baby. It was the hardest day today but they made me feel so at ease. I feel like I got complete closure to say goodbye and know I did the right thing. I will ABSOLUTELY recommend this place to everyone I know. As well as take our next fur baby to them for all services! Thank you Alicia Pet Care Center!

I have already reviewed APCC before, but my most recent scare with Diesel, deserves its own review.
Doctor Forman deserves 6 starts for his attentiveness to my Diesel. Diesel had an unusual reaction to the anesthetic drugs he received, prior to his oral surgery procedure yesterday. Doctor Forman held D until his body temp was normal, kept us updated every few hours, has called twice today to check up, and genuinely shows a deep level of concern for my fur baby.
The only complaint i have is with the front desk. Most of the staff is very helpful, attentive and knowledgeable, but there seems to be a few weak links. Yesterday, I was told by the woman who answered the phone, that D was ready for pick up. I showed up 2 hours after he was «OK’d,» but was instead taken into a room and informed that D had an adverse reaction. I wish I wouldn’t have driven all the way there to hear that, because I was unalloyed to see him in his drunken, ill state, and it spiked my fears.
When I returned to pick him up at 7pm, there were 3 – 5 women still in the office. I was warmly greeted, but they forgot to give me D’s Tramadol prescription. I luckily remembered before I left, and grabbed it. They seemed hurried to close, and forgot to explain dosage, or tell me when his last dose was. I played it safe and dosed him 5hrs after I pick shim up, but pay attention to details ladies!

I had the WORST experience with Dr. Wheaton. I found him very rude and he spoke to me in a condescending tone.
I’ve written a review a while back and it was taken down! Hmmm… Wonder who was responsible for that???

Above all, if you do not read the entire review, know this: This facility will work with you on all levels to find the treatment options that are right for you and your pet. With open communication about your questions/​concerns you can potentially avoid miscommunications that would result in looking elsewhere for treatment. Most of the staff seem to be caring and competent. You will find the veterinarian that fits your personality to feel your pet is well cared for.
— — —
I have given this re-​analysis some time and another opportunity for treatment before I updated/​edited my review.
It is clear to me that most of the people that work at this facility *do* care for the health and wellbeing of your four-​legged family members. They will work within the best of their ability to keep your pet healthy. They will also work within your financial limitations to help find a middle-​ground approach to wellness that balances your priorities.
As it turns out in our case, our dachshund appears to possibly have some degree of hemophilia that we did not discover (and are now testing for) until after a couple routine and sick visit treatments involving blood draws and subcutaneous hydration resulted in abnormal bruising and one hematoma.
My husband and I had not handled the hematoma incident appropriately because we were so upset that it had happened at all, coupled with not knowing blood was routinely drawn through the neck. After they reached out to us and expressed their desire to resolve the issue we ended up (recently) needing to take our dog in. Dr. Wheaton suggested the potential hemophilia issue as a reason for her previous hematoma and current abnormal bruising. Honestly, my husband and I had never even thought of hemophilia as a potential culprit.
I hope to continue working with this facility. Time will tell if the mutual trust can be fully re-​established.
*But again the bottom line is: caring and knowledgeable staff. Safe and clean environment. Won’t price-​gouge.