Hear from pet parents who trust us with their companions’ health and happiness.

What Our Clients Say

Dr. Shim has saved my dog’s life!!!!!!!!!!
My dog, Bori, is a seven-year-old Shih Tzu who fell down in September last year and was diagnosed with IMHA at another hospital. Over the course of seven months, Bori was prescribed steroids, thyroid medication, and had blood tests performed eight times. I never once suspected that the doctor had made the wrong diagnosis. While Bori sometimes became ill and vomited frequently, I assumed it was due to IMHA, as the doctor had explained.
On August 30, Bori fell again, and I took him in for another blood test. The doctor said there was nothing wrong, but I began to doubt the diagnosis and decided to consult Dr. Shim, who had been recommended to me by a friend.
Dr. Shim examined Bori thoroughly and reviewed the results of the eight previous blood tests. He noticed that one of the test results had been incorrect, so he decided to perform another blood test and an X-ray. After reviewing the X-ray, Dr. Shim discovered a large tumor in Bori’s body. He immediately conducted an ultrasound and biopsy. Three days later, Dr. Shim advised that surgery would be the best option, as the blood tests showed positive results, and the biopsy could not definitively identify the tumor as malignant. We decided to proceed with the surgery on September 8, following Dr. Shim’s advice.
Dr. Shim referred us to an excellent surgeon, and the surgery went ahead. Fortunately, the cancer had not spread to any other organs, so the surgeon was able to remove the spleen along with the tumor. After the surgery, Dr. Shim kept us informed by sending updates via text and phone calls. He took the time to explain everything in detail, comforting us during a stressful time. Bori woke up well from anesthesia, and despite the large operation, his recovery was remarkably fast. He was able to come home from the hospital the same day.
Although Dr. Shim‘s hospital was far from our home; I am so grateful we found him. If we hadn’t come to this hospital, I would have lost Bori. The doctors at the hospital Bori attended for a year had diagnosed him with IMHA but had never performed an X-ray. I trusted them, but they made the wrong diagnosis, and I was charged a significant amount of money for their mistakes.
Bori is recovering very well, and I received wonderful news this morning from Dr. Shim—the biopsy results confirmed that the tumor is not malignant! Oh, thank God!
I am endlessly grateful to Dr. Shim. If we had not met him, I would have lost Bori. It’s terrifying to imagine that if we had continued believing the IMHA diagnosis, one day the tumor could have burst, leading to peritonitis and taking Bori’s life. Thank you, Dr. Shim, for everything!
Dr Shim is amazing he saved our baby Savannah (miniature poodle)

We cannot express to Dr Shim how much we are truly thankful for him professionally diagnosing Savannah, treating her and being able to see her back to her usual self in a short period of time. He told us he would do his best to get her better soon and he definitely delivered.

We believe Savannah would not have made it through the weekend (she got sick Tuesday night) if we had not found Dr Shim and continued to go to our previous vet.

We brought Savannah to Dr Shim for a second opinion after having a nightmare experience with our previous vet who requested a number of tests be done to figure out what she had which turned out to be unnecessary because they first said they still couldn’t figure out what she had and then completely misdiagnosed her. Two days of unnecessary suffering for Savannah and both my husband and I experiencing severe emotional distress because we could tell she was suffering yet our vet couldn’t figure out what she had and then when they guessed what it might be, it completely didn’t make sense to us. They also told us we needed to force feed her since she was refusing to eat otherwise her organs would start to shut down. Such a dramatizing experience to go through.

So after staying up all night with Savannah still being sick and I felt even worse, I searched on yelp and found Dr Shim and decided we would bring her in for a second opinion. The best decision we could have ever made.

We arrived as soon as they opened and although we did not have an appointment we were quickly looked after. Dr Shim brought us back to the room and we proceeded to explain all of Savannah’s symptoms, just like we had done with our previous vet. He listened carefully, asked a few questions and then told us what he confidently believed she had. But he not only told us but also showed us. He pulled up on the monitor (I believe it was an online medical resource)for us to see what it was, why it happens and how it is common issue Poodles sometimes experience. He then proceeding to show us what the listed symptoms were, which were exactly what Savannah’s symptoms were, to a T. Amazing. He then showed us how it should be treated, and it was to NOT feed or give her water for 24-72 hours! So, what the previous vet had told us to do, force feed her, had actually been making her condition worse! We were devastated.

But Dr Shim was confident he could help Savannah at the same time being realistic on the time period it might take to get her back to feeling better since it had been a few days and she currently had a temperature.

Savannah stayed overnight. He called us that night before going home to update us on her condition, which we greatly appreciated. It was hard not having her at home with us, but we trusted Dr Shim was taking care of her better than we could at the moment.

We were completely right. We called the next morning, and they told us the great news that Savannah was doing a lot better, and we would be able to pick her up that night. Night and day difference! We picked up Savannah and were amazed to see her back to her usual self jumping and wagging her tail (she had been that sick before she hadn’t even wagged her tail for those two days).

Dr Shim put her on at home treatment plan and thoroughly explained everything to us.

And now 8 days later I can say Savannah is definitely back to her usual self! After calling Dr Shim a few days later after picking her up and telling him how Savannah was, he honestly sounded as happy as we were that she was completely better.

He truly cares and that’s all we want from someone who has our furry baby’s life in their hands.

I can also say he is reasonably priced. He definitely did his best to keep the cost down by getting Savannah better as soon as possible and not extending her stay and for that we are also grateful, to be able to trust him to only request what’s necessary.

I was referred to Dr. Shim by a friend who had extensive experience with him, and I’ve never been happier with my decision.
My kitties, ranging from 2 to 9 years old, have all been treated by Dr. Shim for a variety of conditions, including asthma, pneumonia, skin issues, constipation, lumps, lacerations, two surgeries, and one very serious emergency. In every case, Dr. Shim took the time to thoroughly explain the condition, review X-rays, show photos of the issue he was addressing, and discuss his treatment plan. Most recently, one of my kitties had a severe neurological reaction to flea medication that left him temporarily paralyzed. I rushed him into Dr. Shim’s office after he had a seizure, and within three minutes, Dr. Shim was already treating him. Thanks to his quick diagnosis and intervention, Wolfie made a full recovery and is now 100% healthy.
Dr. Shim is incredibly friendly and a fantastic diagnostician. He calls as soon as he receives blood work from the lab, and he follows up the day after any surgery to check on his patients and answer any questions. His care for his patients and their outcomes is evident in everything he does.
My neighbor, who has a very old dog, took her pet to see Dr. Shim and couldn’t believe the difference in care after switching to him. He didn’t just say, “Your dog is old, and there’s nothing we can do.” Instead, Dr. Shim diagnosed and treated three different conditions that had been overlooked by the previous vet. My neighbor’s dog is doing so much better, thanks to Dr. Shim’s expertise.
His prices are also very reasonable, and the front staff is always friendly and welcoming. Dr. Shim’s vet tech, Adrian, is especially patient with my kitties, whether it’s during a nail trim or when they need to be comforted for blood draws or X-rays.
Dr. Shim is incredibly kind and patient, and he explains everything to you which I greatly appreciate in a doctor. I visited Dr. Shim twice: the first time was for my l Bichon Frise who had bloody stools and needed to be on a special diet, and another time for my nephew (my sister and brother-in-law’s Siberian Husky).
 
I had gone to another vet twice regarding my Bichon’s bloody stools, and both times he didn’t resolve my small dog’s stool issues. Then I searched for another Vet, which is when I saw all the great reviews about Dr. Shim-which all hold true. He put my dog on a special low-fat diet and since then my dog has never had an issue with his bowel movements.
But I became even more grateful to him when I was dog sitting my sister and brother-in-law Siberian Husky and I needed to bring him in ASAP. They got me in to see Dr. Shim that day, it turned out he had cancer throughout his body which greatly progressed, and any day would be his last. I asked Dr. Shim if he could speak to my brother-in-law on the phone and he gladly did, I could see how much he empathized as he spoke to him and was so accommodating and nice to us and our situation. He advised that it be best if they came home soon-which they did, and I am so grateful to him for that and his kindness or else my sister and brother-in-law wouldn’t have spent his last 2 days with him.
Dr. Shim is an amazing and kind doctor. I feel so comfortable taking my pets to him and trust him very much. I’m so glad I found him and his practice when I did (although I wish I found him sooner).
Dr. Shim has performed a 4.3 LB fat lump removal surgery to my 11-yr old dog, after trying many attempts with her regular vet. Dr. Shim, provided through information about the process of the surgery giving me the confidence and trust to proceed with this decision.
The staff were very attentive, kind and caring when asking questions.
NOW my dog is free from carrying such as enormous lump on her neck.
Our family will forever be thankful for enhancing the life quality of my dog
“Incredibly Professional Operation”
 
Dr. Shim has been our primary veterinarian for over four years, and he always did an exceptional job in being compassionate and delivering the highest quality care.
Our geriatric Cocker Spaniel has been here for many medical necessities over the years, including a malignant mammary tumor removal surgery, several dental surgeries, and general checkups/blood work. She recovered well from all the surgeries, no doubt due to Dr. Shim‘s precision and competency. The staff here always treated us with the upmost care.
Thank you, Dr. Shim for your years of compassionate care – we never have to worry when leaving her under your care.
Dr. Shim and his staff are very kind, patient, and knowledgeable – from the front staff to the back. I really cannot say enough great things about this office as I have been going through a few vets since ours of over a decade had to sell her practice. I was looking for someone who cared about the well-being of the animals under their care, as well as the humans involved.
During my dog’s dental procedure, I received frequent updates, and it was easy to get in touch with the office overall; scheduling the initial exam and the procedure was easy and fast. I will also say that I appreciate that their pricing is reasonable as in this economy, it is so hard to get by at times! Dr. Shim and his staff are fantastic communicators and will educate you on what is going on, give clear options on what needs to be done, and they don’t put pressure on you one way or another.
Thank you, Dr. Shim and all the staff – you are all fantastic. Definitely a gem of a vet office here in this community. 

My 5 years old dog suddenly experienced IVDD (degenerative disc disease) about 4 months ago and we had to go to a different animal hospital that is closer to my house. We went there and they told me to consider euthanasia because there is no hope for my dog anymore. Also, they prescribed medication, but it was just painkiller. Then, we made an appointment with Dr. Shim (which is my dog’s usual physician) and with his treatment, my dog can now walk normally!! The surgery was too expensive option for me but Dr. Shim‘s medication treatment was successful. My dog is slowly getting better and now at this moment, she can walk, run, and walk up the stairs. I would give 10 stars to Dr. Shim and definitely RECOMMEND him!

My 2-year-old Lab swallowed a ball and had to have it surgically removed. They wound up finding 2 balls in his stomach during surgery and a rubber band. Dr. Shim and the staff were phenomenal! They were friendly, professional and reassuring. This is a top-notch Animal Hospital with reasonable prices. I would highly recommend bringing your fur baby here for any healthcare needs. I will definitely be returning.
 
The 2 balls surgically removed from my Lab's stomach. (The pen is for size comparison)

Dr. Shim saved my cat’s life!!! My cat is alive and well because of this incredible vet.

An emergency situation came up for our cat and he desperately needed surgery. Dr. Shim was able to accommodate our cat for an emergency operation at the very last minute even though he’s not our usual vet. I had called around in desperation and nobody was willing to take our cat in (including our usual vet) without a consultation. One of my good friends recommended Dr. Shim as he had performed surgery on her cat for a similar situation. We were able to get our kitty over to Dr. Shim just in the nick of time.

Dr. Shim was compassionate, thorough and kind. He clearly is in the right profession. You can tell this is his passion. He operated on my kitty, kept him overnight for observation and recovery, gave us very clear post op directions – him and his staff are absolutely amazing, and I will recommend him to anyone in a heartbeat.

He is very reasonably priced too. We have found our lifelong vet and will be forever grateful.

Thank you, Dr., Shim and staff!

Dr. Shim is the best!! He is so kind, patient, and I completely trust him when it comes to caring for my dog. Dr. Shim diagnosed my dog with Valley Fever, and he knew exactly what to do and gave him the proper treatment (I went three times to other vets, and no one was able to diagnose him correctly). Dr. Shim took the time to explain to me what Valley Fever was and even brought out a research book to walk me through everything! My dog is 100% better now thanks to Dr. Shim. Ever since then, I’ve been taking my dog to him for everything (teeth cleaning, bloodwork, checkups, etc.) The prices are reasonable, and the customer service is excellent.

After moving to Costa Mesa, I have had a hard time finding a vet that I completely trust. After some research and reading reviews, I decided to give this place a try. Coincidentally, my cousin who now lives in San Francisco used to go here for her family pets… I felt at ease knowing that.
With any place, I look at cleanliness, staff friendliness and willingness to help and evaluate how my pet reacts with the Doctor. Everything was up to par. Especially Dr. Shim‘s interaction with Bella (my pug). He was gentle, loving, very thorough in explaining different things about what could be wrong. Bella felt comfortable, she wasn’t shivering… Of course she was a bit timid, but what dog loves the vet?

We had a full blood panel done and an X-Ray. Everything checked out safe for her to go into surgery. I was told if her blood panel didn’t look good, she would not be able to go into surgery. My first visit there was for 4 masses that have grown on my pug who has a history of mass cell tumors. I also wanted her to have a deep cleaning while she was under. I went ahead and set the surgery up for a couple days after.

My puppy is my everything, Dr. Shim knew how anxious and how much I wanted to be informed of everything that was going on. He did just that. He called me when they were going into surgery and called me right after and let me know she was waking up and doing just fine. I really, really appreciated that.
Since then, she has had to come visit a couple times for an ear infection and check up. She is on the road to recovery, and I couldn’t be happier.

Healthy pug = Happy life.
 
Thank you, Dr. Shim and staff for the great experience.
My dog Lucky was not acting himself and couldn’t move much and wasn’t eating and sleeping, so I got really worried, so I went to meet Dr Shim again and he took great care of him. He had a bloated stomach and some back problem but even after the visit, he wasn’t himself for a few days, so I was still worried, but Dr Shim told me to wait for a few more days and let him get some good rest. So now after 2 weeks he is almost back to normal himself and I am so glad that he is ok now. Thank you so much. I would recommend anybody to trust Dr Shim with their pets.
Lucky
We loveee Dr. Shim! We spoil our dogs, and we make no apologies about it! Only the best of the best for our furry family members. We’ve always been dog people, so we know about what makes a good vet. We have taken 4 dogs in for the past several years (unfortunately 2 have crossed the rainbow bridge due to old age). We are never rushed, never pushed for unneeded testing or medications and Dr Shim‘s skill level is superior. It is rare when you find a vet who tells you “I don’t think we need that in this case.” After all, it’s business. We cannot thank Dr. Shim enough. We’ve had our dog neutered, teeth cleaned under general anesthesia, laser removal of a growth on one of my dog’s eyelids, teeth removal due to decay, taken them in for diarrhea, stool samples, yearly checkups and vaccines. Each time it’s a great experience. Scars heal well after surgery, no infections ever. What I can tell you is that he is very knowledgeable, thorough and kind. We trust him 100% , which speaks volumes since my husband, and I are both medical professionals. His prices are reasonable, and he is the absolute best! If you’re looking for a vet, look no further!
 
Super healthy, happy pups.
Super healthy, happy pups.
Very happy and loved dogs.
Very happy and loved dogs.
I came to this place with my dog for a second diagnosis for him. I was doubtful anything could be done since the last vet I went to was complete zero help and basically told me my dog had days to weeks to live. Dr.Shim gave my husband and I hope. And after almost 2 months after the visit here my dog is now on three medications showing a positive recovery! Dr Shim is such a great vet, very attentive and extremely kind!!! I am so happy for finding this animal hospital, I will always be grateful for the kind generous staff who gave my dog a fighting chance!!

I absolutely Love Dr. Shim. I have been bringing my pet here for more than 10 years. He takes the time to make my dog comfortable first! Wow! Dr. Shim always takes the time to explain everything clearly and addresses any questions and issues you may have. He’s very honest and never adds on unnecessary fees or false advises on anything to make extra bucks as some other vets do. On the contrary, he will actually suggest opting out on anything that’s not needed to be done. I’ve come here for multiple reasons for my dog, some including, check ups, shots, blood work, x-rays, etc…

Price- Very fair compared to others in the area.

Staff – Very friendly and well informed.
Although they take walk-ins, I would suggest making an appt as the wait can be long depending on the time/day.

 

Join the families who trust us with their pets. Schedule your visit today.

Ready to Experience Exceptional Pet Care?

Google Yelp