Antelope Valley Animal Hospital
Compassionate Care
About Antelope Valley Animal Hospital
- Hours
- 24 HOUR EMERGENCY SERVICE AVAILABLE ; HOURS 9-12 3-6 MON-FRI 9-12 SAT
Message from Antelope Valley Animal Hospital
We are centrally located between Lancaster, Palmdale and Quartz Hill, just west of the 14 freeway on Ave. N. The practice, purchased by Dr. Jim Nyholt in 1980, Schumann Animal Hospital became Antelope Valley Animal Hospital. Along with partner Dr. David Gantenbein and associate Dr. Michael Siegel our friendly staff is here to serve you and your pets. We at Antelope Valley Animal Hospital believe each patient deserves the best quality veterinary care possible, to work as a team to achieve such a goal. To realize the forgoing responsibilities, the following values characterize conduct of the veterinarians and staff of Antelope Valley Animal Hospital. Our ambition is to enhance the lives of our patients and their human families by delivering compassionate, focused veterinary care. Patient Care: Our knowledgeable doctors are committed to providing compassionate, quality personal care to our patients. Client Service: Our doctors and staff realize communication is key in providing the best service to our clients; we strive to understand our clients needs and respond with honesty and integrity. Team: Our employees are our biggest asset; each member of our team brings their own distinctive strength to our practice. Collaboration: Our highly trained doctors work together and collaborate to give you the most comprehensive answers possible. Education: We recognize the importance of continuing education; our doctors keep up to date on current veterinary procedures and medicines through seminars, monthly periodicals and manuals. We also encourage our employees to attend continuing education classes.\n\nSMALL ANIMAL CAREJim Nyholt, D.V.M.David Gantenbein, D.V.M.Michael Siegel, D.V.M.Hours: Monday Friday9 am - 12 pm & 3 pm - 6 pmSaturday, 8 am - 12 pmwww.AVAnimalHospital.orgLocal 24-Hr. EmergencyService Available
Insider Pages Reviews for Antelope Valley Animal Hospital
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My family had just picked up a free pup and a week later thought he had parvo so we made an appointment and brought him in. Come to find out the puppy did not have parvo, thank goodness, but I felt completely taken advantage of. This was a puppy my family and I had no long-term commitment to and Dr. Dave did in my opinion everything imaginable without discussing the costs first. I went in with good intentions trying to help out a new puppy and instead of leaving feeling relieved my family and I felt completely stressed about what we were going to do to pay our bills. Our bill was over $300 and they do not accept payments. I believe that was an unreasonable amount of money without my prior authorization. To think that people with good hearts and good intentions can readily afford such a cost is unthinkable. My family and I take good care of our pets and would do whatever necessary to help them, but $330 is more than my pocketbook could afford at the time, especially for a puppy that didnt even have the disease. Shame on you Dr. Dave. Please be sure to discuss costs with the owners prior to doing any procedures and or tests just to make sure you are not creating a great unnecessary burden on them.
February 01, 2011Was this review helpful to you?
I have used this Hospital twice now. My Animals have been treated in a very timely manner, The Drs have been very good in my opinion, the only issue I have is pricing. I feel they are way over priced and you have no options but to pay.
The care outways this strike for me.
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Insider
| Rank: 15,862
Love Dr. Dave! He is the best!!! I had 2 Golden Retreivers that he gave excellent care to in their time of need and was very kind when he had to deliver bad news on their conditions. The male was diagnosed with cancer and passed away only a couple days after and the female had to be put to sleep when she stopped eating 6 months after her brother passed away (she had a tumor in her stomach). Dr. Dave was so respectful and caring during both those troubling times and is a kind-hearted man. I wouldn't take my animals any where else. Now that we have become cat owners Dr. Dave treats them with the same kindness and Dr. Greg did an excellent job in fixing our kitten we rescued. She needed surgery to repair her lower mouth. Thank you so very much AV Animal Hospital!!! You have awonderful staff as well!
June 16, 20111 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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AV Animal Hospital, especially Dr. Dave, has provided our pets with exceptional care. They really feel for our pets and for us. We have never had vets who took the time they do to thouroughly analyze and provide the best care for our dogs and cats. I would recommend them to anybody who loves their pets.
March 27, 2010Was this review helpful to you?
Dr. Gallegos loves animals. He shows it as soon as he walks into the room. He even makes us an owners of pets feel very comfortable. He explains clearly the situation so that you can understand what is going on. You would absolutely love to have in on your side.
February 28, 2010Was this review helpful to you?
They are the best !! I would not go anywhere else.
Always kind and very helpful. Any questions I need answered the Doctors are always ready to give me a answer when it comes to the health of my pets. I recommend them anyone who cares about their four legged friend. :)
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wish i'd seen this page years ago! i believe Dr. Dave is the only exotic vet in the area, and he takes care of all my house bunnies (7 at this time)! EVERY SINGLE MEMBER of the staff is kind, loving, and willing to learn.
i recently lost my beloved cat, bubba, to complications (maybe) of diabetes. we'd been treating him with insulin for @ 4 years, and all the doctors, assistants and office personnel loved him to death. Dave's always been there with a hug when needed, and gone out of his way with treatment for the cats and the buns.
the cost has NOT been out of line, and even with the worst of news, i love going there. in fact, i'm taking three of the buns there this week, and have no concerns what so ever.
if you need a vet in the antelope valley, these folks ARE THE BEST. they love what they do, their fees are reasonable, and dr. dave is the only exotic vet in the valley (and yes, more animals than you would think are considered exotic.).
also, please reconsider buying bunnies for your children at easter time. they take a lot more effort than you may think, and i'm part of a bunny advocate group that tries to educate people
about much effort buns need in a day to day basis.
please check out MAKEMINECHOCOLATE.ORG!!!!
thanks,
mendi
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I brought my 10 year old Yorkie in for an emergncy visit. She was diagnosed quickly with a uterine infection requiring surgery. I believe she was very close to death at this point. The doctors performed the surgery and saved our little girls life. They were very kind and compasionate and also very truthful in the diagnosis and possible outcome. This was my first experience with this hospital and we will be taking all our pets there in the future. I highly recommend this facility!
September 08, 2008Was this review helpful to you?
I have had problems with my GSD for the past six months. Dr. Leigh was compassionate, and knowledgeable. I ended up having to have the dog put down due to an incurable disease. Dr. Leigh and her staff were accommodating. I cannot say enough good things about Antelope Valley Animal Hospital. Highly recommended!!
December 28, 2007Was this review helpful to you?
Insider Expert
| Rank: 8,713
When your pets are in need of care, you want the very best . . . that's why you should call A.V. Animal Hospital. Dr. Nyholdt and his associates have been providing the finest care to Valley pets for years. The staff is friendly, caring, and knowledgeable. As soon as you walk int he door, you will feel comfotable that you are getting the very best care for your little furry friend.
November 06, 2005Was this review helpful to you?
Very busy place. Was pretty clean and smelled OK Staff was too busy to really handle my pet. prices were a bit high for my services. Facilities were modern and the room we were in was nice. Dr. was very good / nice3 / professional.
August 29, 2005Was this review helpful to you?
This vet clinic sees all types of animals: dogs, cats, horses, guinea pigs and the like, but what sets this place apart is Dr. Dave Gantenbein. Dr. Dave has a great 'table-side' manner and is a very skilled vet, but on top of all of this, he specializes in unusual animals: reptiles to be specific. His forte is turtles and he has an expertise with the endangered California Desert Tortoise (which is illegal to collect from the wild, or even to purchase, but can readily be adopted to good homes through tortoise preservation societies since captive tortoises can never be released back to the wild). If you are fortunate enough to own a turtle or a tortoise and it needs medical attention, Dr. Dave is your man!
June 15, 2005Was this review helpful to you?
Latest reviews from Citysearch.
We have been bringing our pets to Dr. Dave for over 20 years. In that time I have never had reason to question his knowledge base, his professionalism, or his caring attitude. He is always gentle with our pets, especially the new ones, giving them an opportunity to get a feel for him before he begins an exam or treatment, often sitting on the floor with his furry patient so that they are more comfortable and at ease.
In 20 years I have never seen him lose patience with any animal or raise his voice. Dr. Dave has always been willing to share care tips and make suggestions, when appropriate, to save a little money.
I have to wonder about the agenda of "thee gadget" because I've never experienced anything like that on any visit with Dr. Dave. When our big dog was diagnosed with a tricky cancer, Dr. Dave found us an excellent specialist and kept in touch to see how things were going - something I consider above and beyond the standard of basic care.
We were so fortunate to find Dr. Dave when we moved to Palmdale and I would highly recommend him to anyone.
This was the worst experience we have ever had with a vet; I strongly recommend going somewhere else if you care at all about your pet and their wellbeing. My wife brought our 8 week old guinea pig in to be looked at after we had a concern of a possible fungal infection close to his eye; we researched online and found it would be best to bring him to a vet to properly identify the issue. First, Dr. Dave thought he was a Chinchilla, the only similarity was color; our little guy is gray but looks just like a guinea pig, small ears, no tail and all. Second, before even inspecting his eye he took a razor knife and scrapped a few layers of skin off around his eye, causing him to scream and bleed excessively, he then yelled at our little guy for squirming. He handled the little guy roughly and had no patience or compassion. Third, my wife asked if he could show her how to trim his nails properly, he picked him up and attempted to trim his nails, then said it didnt need to be done; but charged us for it anyway. Forth, after his inspection he still didnt know what was wrong with our little guy, if anything, but still insisted we buy a $33 medication which would treat both mites and fungus. Finally she left the place very upset and had to pay $99.50 for his bad and cruel service not knowing anything more about our little guys condition than she did when she got there. This was the worst experience ever with a vet and we will NEVER return.
Pros: None
Cons: Had no compassion and enjoyed causing pain to others.
The office staff is helpful to a point, but mainly if you develop a relationship with them or have one prior to going in you will have a better experience. rather the up point of AV Animal Hospital is the personalized approach. I have taken my animals to Nyholt for over 20 years and have been extremely pleased. Now that I no longer live in the AV I still make the hour drive to bring my dog to a vet I trust.
Pros: Personalized Care
Cons: Office staff can lack professional nature
Just to preface this, I have worked as a veterinary medical assistant at a very successful clinic up on the central coast while I was in college and contemplating veterinary school. My pets are family to me and I have poured hundreds of dollars in to the care of my snake and other creatures. When I took my 8 month old puppy to this veterinarian to get him neutered, everything seemed relatively normal. But when I went to go pick him up, I noticed in his chart that they put a danger sticker in his chart, which means that he is a potential hazard to the staff. They then asked me to go get him because they couldn't handle him. I was led to their holding area, and was sorely disappointed in what I saw. Their dog kennels were extremely dirty and were in need of some repainting as well, at the vet I worked at the kennels were extremely cleaned (we had to scrub them down very well every day) and we provided the dog both a towel and blanket to lay. He didn't have a blanket even between him and the concrete. He was shivering in the cage, but I just took him home and took care of him. He is a very large active dog so when his suture sight split open I was not happy. They had used surgical glue, which I know when I worked at the vet they never used on high energy dogs when their surgery site was in such a susceptible area. I took him immediately to a different veterinarian, North Valley Veterinary Clinic, where he received amazing care. They ended up having to staple his neuter site and he had to go on antibiotics, but at this vet they have not once had a problem with aggression with him, so I can only imagine that he possibly had a bad reaction to the anesthesia, which I have seen plenty of. I think that the Antelope Valley Hospital is subpar when it comes to just basic animal care, since they can't seem to handle a rather common problem of an animal that has problems with anesthesia and they don't seem to care much for the comfort of animals exiting surgery.
Pros: None
Cons: Rude office staff, veterinarians not very attentive
