Canyon Animal Hospital

I have been taking my dogs to Canyon Animal Hospital since the '90's. I have complete confidence in the veterinarians and staff. The service is outstanding and personal. No question goes unanswered. The veterinarians on staff take the time to discuss with you the health of your dog and explain any treatment plans if necessary. It is an approximately 19-mile drive from where I live to Canyon Animal Hospital. It's not always the easiest drive but one well worth it.

Wonderful staff…. Caring, helpful, pleasant. I have been with CAH several years and have Always felt good putting Scarlett in their hands. Whether it’s checkups , teeth cleaning, Emergencies, meds… I feel confident in their care. Dr Brower answers voicemail messages quickly … explains & answers my questions. We just love her !

We drive very far to see Dr. G and I wouldn’t have it any other way. He is truly the best vet! Love, Yogi & Ranger

Dr. Lauren Brower-Wacholder is our Vet. She is an Angel. Our Lucy loves her, as do we. Canyon Animal Hospital is the best. No others need apply!

Unimaginable grief! Before you consider taking your precious pet here, you may want to read my Family’s traumatic experience with this clinic and the despicable way we were treated by Dr. Gershon Alaluf (Dr. G), his practice manager Sarah and assistant Samantha. In January, we welcomed in Katie, a 12-year-old long-haired dachshund, into our family after our neighbor of 34 years, passed away. My parents were asked by the woman who had been taking her to the Vet once a month for a check up and grooming. Seemed natural as they shared yards, the family saw Katie daily since she lived there, was familiar with the neighborhood. As my dad said enthusiastically “Everyone loves Katie!”, because she gentle and the sweetest. Our neighbor was an animal lover and had rescued many abandoned pets over the years, however, as it turns out this was an adoption. Katie’s previous owner had set up a trust which as we now understand, Dr. Alaluf was set up as guardian, and Laguna Canyon Vet Hospital was trustee. My father met Dr. Alaluf at Katie’s first appointment in February and He approved the transfer of adoption. It was a wonderful beginning and for 5 weeks Katie was loved by two full time caregivers, supported by two sons, a niece, who was a professional dog groomer and San Clemente animal shelter volunteer, all dedicated to caring for this precious dog. She was walked daily, fed with the healthiest food, and lived in a clean and safe environment. On the next appointment, Katie was brought in that day in good faith, on the premise that they were going to provide checkup and my family would show the exceptional care she was getting in her new home. This never happened Dr. Alaluf coldly and quite callously ordered his staff to take back Katie. Dr. Alaluf did not even have the professionalism to face the family or give us a reason or explanation. Instead, he heartlessly sent his receptionist to “collect” Katie which was her exact words. When asked to speak to the Dr., he sent Sarah, the practice manager and Sarah the assistant out and all they said is “Dr. G decided he wants Katie back.” The two, unemotionally, would not even look at the many beautiful photos and videos us enjoying her. My family was in complete shock and in utter disbelief this was happening. The whole time crying and begging for the opportunity to reason with the Dr. The pure deception that was done to my family is appalling and inexcusable. The heartbreak and grief are palatable that he has caused our family, particularly the trauma caused to my parents is unforgivable. They responsibly welcomed Katie in as family, bonded with her daily, introduced her to their many friends and grandchildren and now she was abruptly taken without the decency of a face-to-face conversation. Now they would face the prospect of a lengthy and costly custody battle when they were initially asked to and graciously brought Katie into their home. The Dr. would not come out to give a reason. Now we can only ponder. “Why, when she was in your custody, would you give the dog up for adoption, then after the bonds were built, cruelly exercise your authority?” “Why would you give up the dog twice for adoption and knowingly leave the dog in deplorable conditions just months before, now have a change and heart after she was in a loving home? “Considering his deceptive behavior, would it not be fair to question his motives. Would it not be appropriate to wonder if his practice considerably benefitting financially from trust set up by the previous owner? Not my idea but a suspicion everyone who has heard the story. If that were the case, would it not be a conflict of interest to the Veterinarian’s Oath. We feel strongly that the community needs to be aware of the questionable ethics of Laguna Canyon Vet Hospital. We are animal lovers and loathe even the prospect of anyone abusing the community’s trust, let alone the idea that one might engaging in predatory business practices on the elderly. The complaints to the proper channels and are being made to investigate the matter thoroughly.