Canoga Park Veterinary Center ico

Canoga Park Veterinary Center

Pet HospitalCaliforniaLos Angeles CountyLos AngelesCanoga ParkSherman Way

22323 Sherman Way, Canoga Park, CA 91303, USA

4.0

I have to definitely publicly apologize and correct this review. I had a falling out with one of my kids and they got a hold of my phone and made the companies that I use look bad. This is indeed a great veterinarian. They’re always available if not I you just make an appointment. Super friendly and attentive! I wouldn’t use any other veterinarian team Canoga Park veterinarian THANK YOU!!

Susan Villareal
  • Overview
  • (818) 992-8860

Hours

Monday 8:30 AM - 6:00 PM
Tuesday 8:30 AM - 6:00 PM
Wednesday 8:30 AM - 6:00 PM
Thursday 8:30 AM - 6:00 PM
Friday 8:30 AM - 6:00 PM
Saturday 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Sunday Closed

Welcome to Canoga Park Veterinary Center

Canoga Park Veterinary Center, located at 22323 Sherman Way, Canoga Park, CA 91303, USA, serves as a "Pet Hospital" dedicated to providing veterinary care for the local community. With contact numbers (818) 992-8860 and +1 818-992-8860, the center has established itself as a go-to for many pet owners, particularly under the guidance of Dr. Shahzad, who consistently receives high praise for his professional and compassionate approach.

The environment at Canoga Park Veterinary Center, as gleaned from client feedback, suggests a functional and busy clinic focused on the provision of medical care. While specific details about its interior design are not explicitly provided, a "Pet Hospital" by definition must be equipped to handle various aspects of animal health. This would include essential facilities such as examination rooms for consultations, a reception area for client and patient check-in, and spaces dedicated to diagnostics and treatment. It is expected to have an in-house laboratory for quick blood tests, urinalysis, and other diagnostic screenings, crucial for timely diagnoses. Additionally, surgical facilities would be present for routine procedures. The clinic aims to maintain an environment where pets can receive attention efficiently. However, one specific review mentions a lack of a readily available restroom for clients, suggesting a focus on operational efficiency that might occasionally impact client amenities. Despite this, the overall impression from many clients points to a professional setting where the quality of medical care is prioritized.

Canoga Park Veterinary Center offers a range of core veterinary services for companion animals, primarily focusing on dogs and cats. These services are designed to address both preventative health needs and general medical concerns:

  • Comprehensive Wellness Exams: Regular check-ups are fundamental to preventative care, allowing the veterinary team to assess a pet's overall health, provide guidance on diet and lifestyle, and identify any potential health issues early on.

  • Vaccinations: Essential vaccinations are provided for dogs and cats, tailored to their individual needs and lifestyle to protect them from common and serious infectious diseases.

  • Diagnostic Services: The clinic utilizes diagnostic tools to accurately identify and treat various medical conditions. This would include in-house laboratory services for blood work and other tests, as well as potentially imaging services like X-rays.

  • General Medical Care: Diagnosis and treatment of common illnesses, injuries, and chronic conditions in pets.

  • Second Opinions: A notable service, as clients frequently mention seeking second or third opinions from Dr. Shahzad for major health concerns for their rescue cats and personal pets, highlighting his reputation for reliable and unpressured advice.

  • Emergency and Urgent Care: While not a 24/7 emergency facility, the clinic appears to accommodate urgent cases, as implied by reviews mentioning immediate or quick attention for sick pets.

The key features of Canoga Park Veterinary Center are largely defined by the professionalism and ethical approach of its lead veterinarian, Dr. Shahzad. He is consistently described as "amazing," "kind, honest and friendly," and one of clients' "top three favorite vets." A significant distinguishing feature is the explicit statement from clients that they have "never felt pressured to vaccinate, medicate, or overdiagnose from this vet." This emphasizes a transparent and client-education-focused approach, where decisions are made collaboratively without undue financial pressure, fostering immense trust. Dr. Shahzad's willingness to provide second and third opinions, even for rescue animals receiving care elsewhere, further solidifies his reputation for integrity and expertise.

However, while the medical care receives overwhelming praise, the clinic also faces some challenges, particularly concerning its front desk operations. Client feedback indicates that the two women at the front desk have sometimes been perceived as "brash and short," "impatient with very normal questions," "short tempered," and having a "condescending tone." Issues such as incorrect information about pricing and forgotten email delivery of blood test results are also mentioned. These aspects of customer service stand in contrast to the high regard for the veterinary team and are a point of concern for some clients, impacting the overall experience despite excellent medical care.

From a promotional standpoint, Canoga Park Veterinary Center would logically leverage the strong positive sentiment surrounding Dr. Shahzad and his medical expertise. Their messaging would highlight the "kind, honest, and friendly" nature of the veterinary staff and the clinic's commitment to not over-diagnosing or over-medicating pets. They would emphasize their availability, whether through appointments or accommodating urgent needs. Online presence would feature testimonials that praise Dr. Shahzad's diagnostic acumen and compassionate care. They would likely promote their comprehensive services for dogs and cats, and potentially their expertise in providing second opinions. Addressing any negative feedback regarding customer service, perhaps by emphasizing ongoing training or improvements in front-desk interactions, could be part of their public relations strategy to maintain a uniformly positive client experience. The consistent flow of positive reviews for Dr. Shahzad's direct medical care indicates a strong foundation upon which to build further client trust and expand their reach within the community, perhaps through local pet health seminars or community involvement.

In conclusion, Canoga Park Veterinary Center in Canoga Park, CA, serves as a crucial "Pet Hospital" that provides comprehensive veterinary care for dogs and cats, underpinned by the exceptional and ethical practice of Dr. Shahzad. Its environment is set up for efficient medical service. The clinic's core features are its highly trusted, honest, and skilled veterinary team, particularly Dr. Shahzad, who avoids unnecessary treatments and is highly sought after for second opinions. While the medical care is consistently praised, some client experiences highlight areas for improvement in front desk communication and amenities. The center's promotional efforts would naturally focus on its strong medical reputation and the compassionate care provided by Dr. Shahzad, aiming to attract pet owners who prioritize integrity and expertise in their animal healthcare provider.

Canoga Park Veterinary Center Photos

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Canoga Park Veterinary Center Location

22323 Sherman Way, Canoga Park, CA 91303, USA

Reviews

I have to definitely publicly apologize and correct this review. I had a falling out with one of my kids and they got a hold of my phone and made the companies that I use look bad. This is indeed a great veterinarian. They’re always available if not I you just make an appointment. Super friendly and attentive! I wouldn’t use any other veterinarian team Canoga Park veterinarian THANK YOU!!

May 08, 2025 · Susan Villareal

Update: Dr Shahzad is still amazing. He’s one of my top three favorites vets. Here is the difficulty- the two women who answer the phones and run his front desk have only ever been brash and short with me. Not only have they rushed me off the phone with incorrect and inaccurate information about pricing- They are impatient with my very normal questions - short tempered and their tone is condescending. I don’t know why. I know life is hard and that work is challenging. Working with injured and sick animals can’t be easy. But please watch your tone with people. Your clients come to you desperately concerned about their babies and your rudeness is unwarranted. There are ways to tell people you’re busy without your tone telling them you don’t care. Also I paid $350 for a blood test and visit - and while I was waiting for my cat to be seen I needed to use the ladies room. - and I was told to walk to RALPHS to pee. Wow. That’s a lot. So unkind. Removed two stars for lack of humanity by the front desk and strange bathroom policy. Also - they say they will email the blood test results - but then forget. 💔 Original: Dr Shahzad and his staff always remain kind, honest and friendly. This is one of my favorite vets and I always come here first for my own kitties and pup. For my rescue cats, if I go to another vet through my rescue organization- I come here if I need a 2nd or 3rd opinion for anything major. I have never felt pressured to vaccinate, medicate, or overdiagnose from this vet. I hope it remains this awesome for years and years to come. Thank you!

Apr 04, 2025 · A Tribe Called Love

These people are absolute ANGELS! I’ve been taking my cats to Dr. Shahzad for over 20 years and I’ve had over 19 cats pass through his doors over the last 2 decades. I don’t know what I would have done if I didn’t have Dr. Shahzad to turn to. He’s extremely helpful, honest and caring. If you trust him with your fur babies, you can guarantee that they are in excellent hands. He, Gabby and the rest of the crew are a godsend and after numerous vets before finding Canoga Park Vet Center, I can honestly say that these people are hands down the BEST around. Thank you so much for always caring for my cats (6 now) and any stray that I take in and need guidance on. The world is blessed to have these angels in it helping our pets!

Dec 17, 2024 · Lisa Tamburrino

Very helpful. Not the ending I had hoped for. But, they gave me all the information I needed to make the correct choice.

Apr 07, 2025 · Lance Umemoto

I recently had a very disappointing experience at this veterinary office due to the behavior of one of the receptionists. When I made my appointment, I paid a $65 down payment but was not informed of the 24-hour rescheduling policy. When I tried to reschedule, the receptionist was extremely rude and unprofessional. She refused to acknowledge that I had not been informed of the policy and insisted on charging me another $65. Instead of trying to help, she doubled down on her stance and was unwilling to cooperate. She even refused to give me her name. This isn't the first issue I've had with this receptionist. A few months ago, a doctor told me I could come in for my dog's shots at any time. However, when I arrived, the same receptionist informed me the doctor wouldn't be available for three more hours, contradicting what I was told. It's unfortunate that such poor service from one individual overshadows the good work of the doctors. I chose this place for its affordable pricing and proximity to the groomer next door, but the repeated negative experiences with this receptionist have left me very disappointed. This kind of service is unacceptable, and I hope management addresses this issue promptly.

Jun 13, 2024 · Beth Woods

Pet Hospital