Horizon Veterinary Specialists

On Monday while at an event in Acton, on of my Shelties became frighteningly ill. We live in Ojai, so we headed back and hoped to find an emergency hospital that would see him. We ended up at Horizon in Ventura. They were extremely busy, but triaged him and saw that it was urgent. Dr. Badal and the staff worked really hard to stabilize him and eventually, decided that he should be admitted. The next day he was seen by Dr. Rhoades. She kept me informed of all the tests and results, as well as his condition. Harry, my Sheltie, had to stay another night, so I was able to go see him. Harry is home now and doing well. Some test results are still pending. He was treated so well by all the techs; I wish I knew all their names. Alex and Angel are just two of the terrific staff. Emergency care and hospitalization for our companions is expensive. This is because the equipment, staffing and extensive training necessary is extremely costly. I am so grateful they were there to care for Harry. Harry is the black dog. One picture is me visiting him at the hospital. The other is on a hike when he's feeling good.

Everyone that helped me during my dogs emergency and last days were very helpful and compassionate. I'm thankful for the expertise and efficiency throughout our ordeal. Both veterinarians were very communicative, detailed and empathetic. Aja- front desk was very sweet and helpful. Miranda- (I think that's her name) brought whipped cream for Cosmos when I said he loved pup cups, but he was too sick to even taste it. Dr. Herrera was very gentle and sympathetic during my dog’s last breath. This was the hardest thing I've had to do, was lay my dog to rest. 🙏🏽 What I appreciated most is the compassionate care for my dog Cosmos. Thank you!

From the very first phone call, the team at Horizon Veterinary Specialists was kind, compassionate, and professional. My daughter had to go through one of the hardest things a pet owner can face; saying goodbye to her beloved dog Tana. The staff made an incredibly painful experience as gentle and dignified as possible. They were tactful, patient, and truly caring every step of the way. What really touched our hearts was receiving a handwritten sympathy card afterward, signed by multiple staff members, each with their own personal message. That kind of thoughtfulness is rare and it meant the world to our family. You can tell this team genuinely loves animals and the people who love them. They treated Tana and my daughter with so much grace and love. We are forever grateful. 🐾

So grateful for the kind staff here. From the front staff, to the techs and the vet, every person was kind and compassionate. Our dogs got into medication and they were able to pump their stomach quickly and ensure they were safe and healthy. We are beyond grateful to them all! You all are fantastic!

We’ve been through so much with our dog, Ghost, and his complex health challenges. I cannot express enough gratitude for the entire team at Horizon Veterinary Specialists. From the moment we began this journey, I have felt that Ghost’s well-being has always been their top priority. Dr. Herrera has been truly exceptional. Her expertise, compassion, and patience have guided us through every step of Ghost’s diagnosis and treatment. She takes the time to explain everything clearly and always considers both medical effectiveness and financial practicality, which means so much to us. The entire staff has shown such kindness, professionalism, and dedication. Their support has made an incredibly difficult time manageable, and I genuinely believe we’ve been able to keep fighting for Ghost because of Horizon’s unwavering commitment. His fight isn’t over but I know we’re in the best hands possible. Wherever his journey leads, I’ll always be grateful for the care, skill, and empathy shown by Dr. Herrera and the Horizon team.

Dr. Ortega is the IM vet who has been overseeing my dog Indi’s care for IMHA for the past seven months. She is kind, and generous, and an outstanding doctor. She is incredibly knowledgeable and I absolutely trust her with my pets life, which she has sustained for all this time. He has also been hospitalized here and received excellent care from the ER vets as well. Indi knows everyone in the office and despite vets being a generally scary place for sick pets, he is always happy to see the techs who take him back for his tests and help care for him while he’s there. He seems to truly understand that everyone here cares about him and makes him feel better. I have recommended this office to other pet parents whose dogs have IMHA, just as they were recommended to me. I am truly grateful for the love and care they give my dog and our family.

On February 7th, I found it necessary to take my 14-year-old Pittie Roxanne to Horizon for emergency medical services. Upon my arrival, the staff was very concerned and accommodating for Roxanne‘s medical condition. She was rushed in to assess her situation, but unfortunately, it was not a treatable condition. We all know what had to take place from there. This was by far the hardest thing I’ve had to face in a very long time. Emotional? Yes! Crying? Absolutely! Almost nonstop. The entire staff was so accommodating and compassionate. I was never rushed to make a decision, nor was I rushed to leave Roxanne’s side during the whole ordeal. I asked one of the Assistants, Reagan, If she would mind staying with me during the entire time. She politely agreed. I knew Roxanne didn’t want to be alone, and neither did I. Horizon staff never fell short of their commitment to animal care, compassion, and customer service. I am so very grateful for them, seeing Roxanne off in such a loving and compassionate manner To go on, I received a card yesterday addressed from Horizon, expressing their condolences, with multiple staff members heartfelt greetings inside the card. Off to tears once again. None of us ever want to let go of our pets. But if that time does come, and you find yourself in need of people who will treat you with respect and compassion, I highly recommend Horizon Animal Hospital. One last time, a huge, heartfelt, thank you Horizon. Respectfully, Joe Bentz …… and Roxanne