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Northwood Animal Hospital - Ora H Fife Higher Standards "Just a pet" just isn't in our vocabulary. We love your pet like you do. And that's why we believe in doing things the right way. There are no shortcuts here. The difference between good medicine and great medicine is in the details. It's in priding yourself on a more thorough exam. It's in establishing more robust surgical and anesthesia protocols. It's in taking the time to understand every pet's individual physiology. And it's in making sure that every pet we see receives our focused and undivided attention.
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Dr. Gayle R. Roberts Dr. Gayle Roberts graduated from Los Altos High School in Hacienda Heights. She attended UC Davis for 8 years, earning her Bachelor's degree in Animal Science in 1976 and her DVM in 1980. Dr. Roberts has practiced in Orange County ever since. Dr. Nessie Gann Dr. Gann grew up in Taiwan and moved to San Francisco at the age of 13.
At Northwood Animal Hospital, we believe that regular checkups and wellness exams are critical to your pet's well-being. During your pet's wellness exam, we carefully examine your pet's overall health, their different biological systems, and chart a baseline for your pet's health and behavior. This allows us to be quick to detect any potential health issues before they become serious. Regular exams can improve your pet's quality of life, lifespan, and even decrease the total cost of health care for pet owners!
We are proud to be the go-to rabbit veterinarian for Southern California rabbit owners. Our team has decades of experience providing exceptional care to rabbits, and we are passionate about helping these incredible creatures live happy, healthy, and long lives by your side. Because love knows no size.
We believe that every pet deserves exceptional veterinary care. In order to provide high quality care to every pet we see, payment is required upon checkout. Pet insurance reimburses you for veterinary bills when your dog or cat is ill or injured. Sometimes these illnesses and injuries can result in very high veterinary bills.
Reviews (37)
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Johhny C.
Jun 30, 2022
Dr. Gaan is the the Best. I highly recommend dog moms and dog dads looking for the Best Veterinary Doctor in Orange County. Sonic and Bella was taken care of so gently with kindness, love and expertise. Maria, Kitty, Kristy and Maria were so wonderful and amazing with their warmth and tenderness. I will recommend all of my friends to Northwood Animal Hospital. Thank you so much Dr. Gaan! With warmest regards John Choi Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon.
Arlene O'Donnell
Jun 16, 2022
Northwood Animal Hospital has treated several pets for me. My pets have not always enjoyed their experience, but I certainly have! The staff is caring and flexible about my pet's needs and that of their owner!
ShrugRug
May 30, 2022
We trust Northwood Animal with caring for our dog so we made the drive from Menifee back to Irvine after being our vet in an emergency previously.
Alizen R.
May 26, 2022
My bebe bunny Jameson and I looove the staff at Northwood Animal Hospital! Though it's located in a teeny tiny plaza, I love coming here because the customer service is amazing! Setting up an appointment is as easy as making a phone call. They'll ask if you're a new or returning member and then discuss reasons for your visit. For your first visit, they charge you 50% of the standard price which is great.

Due to Covid restrictions, only one person may accompany the pet into the room so family must wait in the lobby or in the car. Dr. Roberts is a very well-known vet who specializes in rabbits and she is super sweet! She always calls Jameson "the perfect size" and makes sure to give great pets and snuggles before finishing up the check-up. There is a new requirement to have the RHDV2 vaccine even for grooming services but since it's safer for your bunny, I opted for this anyway.

The vaccine is $45, the nail trim is $20-25, and the visit is $80-90 (can't remember). Overall, this is our primary choice in Orange County and I can't speak highly enough about how great the team is! (50/100--2022)
Amendoza Mendoza
May 19, 2022
I am so happy I found out that Northwood does brushing & sanitary trims for rabbits. Everyone is always so kind and helpful. When they bring Carly back out to me they let me know everything they did and how she did. Thank you! We will be back monthly for her groomings.
Patty Santry
Apr 23, 2022
It was a great visit -- I have always recommended Northwood Animal Hospital to my friends and family -- and based on this visit will continue to do so! I'm especially happy that you have gone back to in-person appointments (with precautions, of course).
Cynthia C.
Apr 20, 2022
5 STARS I love this place, such great staff. Everyone is so nice here and welcoming. I love the communication skills, the cleanliness. They welcome rabbits! There are never many places that welcome rabbits. I'm glad this place do well with them. As they are not as easy as you think to care for. I highly recommend this place!
Jimmy N.
Mar 30, 2022
Northwood Animal Hospital was excellent at taking care of my dog. They have staff to answer the phones and explain everything to great detail. If I didn't move away from Irvine, I would continue to visit and take my dog here.
Kobe M.
Feb 24, 2022
I have a 82lb Doberman who hates nail being cut. I brought my dog to petco, and at least 10 local vets in the area. Noone could trim my dogs nails. I finally found a place here at Northwood animal hospital. They have a really convenient phone app. I make appointments for what I want and can see all past services and what vax need to be done. Really great because I hate having to call people.
Joann Smith
Jan 25, 2022
As the Covid pandemic settled in, appointments at vets, even emergency vets, became increasingly rare. I have an older dog and several pet rabbits. Northwood is a one hour drive from my home-but Dr Roberts, Dr Gann, and Dr Guarracino are skilled in rabbit care and will see my animals promptly. The staff is friendly, efficient, and have all info on my animals readily available. This is a great vet office! Joann Smith MD
Alex H.
Dec 30, 2021
Our Guinea pig died at 5 years of age and we needed a place to have her cremated. From the first call to the actual drop off of the team was very professional and supportive. Price was fair. Parking right in front of the hospital.
Jennifer Newell
Dec 26, 2021
Friendly, informative and efficient. I was very impressed by our first visit. Thank you for being so awesome Northwood Animal Hospital!
Kim M.
Nov 27, 2021
Nice staff, sincere doctors, and honest business! TIPS: - do download the PetDesk app after scheduling your first appointment here. You can use it to request appointments with Northwood Animal Hospital and it makes it super easy and convenient - be thorough in describing what you are coming in for/scheduling your appointment for - when dropping off your pet, remember to keep your phone close by and on - the Dr. will call you during/after the exam!

After adopting my rabbit, Tofu, 3 months ago we have made 3 trips to Northwood Animal Hospital for various reasons: checkup/vaccination, eye infection/ulceration, and a follow up for the eye infection. The first two times we met with Dr. Mario and our most recent trip was with Dr. Roberts. They are one of the few vets in the area that specializes in rabbits and other small pets, and came recommended by the rescue I got Tofu from since they offer the RVHD vaccine.

At her initial exam, they even gave a bunch of pamphlets and brochures with info on rabbit care, which was nice. Overall, We have had nothing but pleasant experiences during each of our visits. I know it can be hard to maintain that when everything is done through the phone (due to COVID) right now, but honestly it's been working out great! Only downside is that I can't be in the exam room with her to see how she is doing, but she never seems scared/threatened when I pick her up after her visits (which is a good sign when it comes to rabbits) Prices are fair and it really does seem like they will only charge you for what is necessary.
Brit D.
Nov 07, 2021
If you have bunnies then Dr. Roberts is who you want them to see! I drive all the way from Torrance just to have my buns seen by Dr. Roberts. My baby Draco suffered from GI stasis last year and Dr. Roberts saved his life! The staff gave me everything I needed and showed me how to continue his care (inserting IV). I have also taken several bunnies I have fostered here for their spay/neuter and have never had any issues with any of them. I don't trust anyone else with my babies, I am forever grateful to Dr. Roberts!
Sherry Soong
Nov 02, 2021
Dr. Roberts is wonderful and so are her staff! Everything gets explained well, I feel like I can ask questions and I even got a follow-up phone call this time!
Katt L.
Sep 08, 2021
Just wanted to do an update to my review. After coming here for many years, still love this place. They do a great job cutting my extremely anxious dog. She hates having her nail clipped and they do a great job. No one else has been able to cut my dogs nails like northwood. Bonus points for having a app that I can make appointments through. The app has all my dogs info also. Really convenient and saves me time.
Behraam Baqai
Aug 23, 2021
Would have been nice to hear surgery details (spaying) without needing to research on our own, would be nicer to have more detailed discharge papers than just half a page. Some guidance is a bit ambiguous and not specific to the laser version of the procedure.
Hani K.
Aug 16, 2021
Updated review: I had sent them a text during closed hours with the pictures, and the lead hospital manager Mrs. Wagner called back once the clinic opened. The lead/owner Dr. Roberts also reached out to me. Both were very understanding and worked with me to mend the situation and to help the pig. If anyone is looking to bring their pigs here, I've since learned that you should ask for Dr. Roberts, who has the most glowing reviews. The vet I was assigned to was Dr. Guarracino.
Private Person
Jul 22, 2021
Please consider taking your pet to a different veterinarian clinic. I sadly have experienced everything displeasing about a vet you could imagine from them: overtreating for thousands of extra dollars of unnecessary and painful tests and procedures on my poor pet, dispensing almost expired medicines requiring repeat purchases, repeated misdiagnosis and disinformation that threatened my newborn pets life and sadly super disingenuous staff to boot, including Dr Roberts who doesn't even look at you in the eye or care to relate to you.

Talk to Maria at the front desk as well and you'll also learn the apple doesn't fall far from the tree. Sadly, in sharing their work/diagnosis/care instructions with other care providers and pet societies I've been shocked with how wrong they've been over and over again. This after many benefit of the doubts later. The hospital is clearly very aware of their behavior as they recently even made emailed their clients, myself included, discussing other clients same concerns. Sadly no changes were made despite the very shallow attempt to address the concerns.

This hospital really should not be listed as a vet referral by any animal societies or local shelters, they're that unfit. Makes you wonder why the shelters list them. Please head my warning and find a different vet. "How you do one thing is how you do everything" and they do it all wrong!
Ron Bauer
Jul 22, 2021
Dr. Gann saved our dog's life. She quickly and correctly diagnosed his life-threatening stomach bloating and helped get him into emergency surgery right away. Without her expertise, guidance and sense of urgency due to the severity of his condition, he would not be with us today. We cannot thank her enough!
Angel Valadez
Jun 22, 2021
The Staff Here Is Awesome! I Came In On The Wrong Date Of My Pet's Appointment And They Still Made The Effort To Attend To My Rabbit. Thanks To You Guys My Rabbit Is Eating Much Better Again. Thank You Minerva And The Doctor That Worked On Spud.
Tina F.
Jun 02, 2021
I couldn't be more grateful for the doctor and staffs at Northwood Animal Hospital. My bunny had a situation a couple weekends ago where I noticed his behavior changed on a Saturday night: he was lethargic, not eating or going to the bathroom, and rapidly breathing with a slight head tilt. While they weren't open on Sunday, they provided a list of Emergency pet clinics in their Contact webpage.

I was so glad to see they had one for Rabbit emergencies. I immediately made a call early Sunday morning to bring my bunny in at the pet ER clinic. The ER clinic examined eased my bunny's discomforts and forwarded the data over to Northwood and advised me to call them the following day to make an appointment, which I did on Monday. When I called, the staffs at Northwood were fully aware of my bunny's situation since they received information from the pet ER clinic.

Even though they had planned for his appointment for 3:00PM I was so concerned and wanted them to see him sooner. They were patient with me over the phone and suggested that I could drop off my bunny with them sooner than the slotted appointment time and will inform me once the doctor can see him. I made the decision and dropped off my bunny as early as 9:30AM and felt a lot more at ease and relieved knowing he's in good hands.

Once they were able to assess my bunny's situation they gave me a call and was extremely thorough and explained every question I had and how to proceed. They also emailed me a low and high cost option to treat him. I absolutely loved that as I was able to see a price breakdown with the treatments. Once they treated him and they gave me a call to go pick him up.

While I was there, they also provided a demo on how to administer syringe medication for my bunny. That was extremely helpful to me as I've never done it before. Dr. Gann was the one who treated my bunny and I am over the moon for how well and quickly my bunny has recovered from the medication prescribed to him. She did a follow up call the following day to check-in on his health and that was very thoughtful. I absolutely loved my very first experience with the doctors and staffs at Northwood Animal Hospital. Thank you for all your hard work!
Anna
May 30, 2021
For small animal owners (other than rabbits!) who may not know that they can bring their pets here: Dr. Gann and staff are always extremely thoughtful, caring, and readily available to help, and it's obvious that they care about their animal patients as well as their patients' owners. I have brought my two mice to Northwood Animal Hospital for their URI/mammary tumor related issues.

Last month, I had to put down my mouse Mimi due to a large cancerous tumor, and they were very understanding and professional throughout the whole process. I also received a kind handwritten card in the mail from their office. I am now bringing my other mouse Millie in for URI treatment as necessary and every time they are very efficient and helpful. Absolutely nothing but positive things to say!
Grace H.
May 28, 2021
A wonderful and caring place to take your pets. Not only do they care for your pets, they also care for the owners. We have been taking our dogs and cat there for years. Dr. Gayle Robert's is a very compassionate person. Her staff mirrors that attribute.
InkyMoo B.
May 27, 2021
How infuriating that some people are so negative and selfish when it comes to their own needs. It's always me me me me Me. It's very saddening to have to receive such an email like this from the awesome and kind Doctor Robert today. Obviously some of these people need a chill pill and take their negativity elsewhere! Cheer up doctor Robert and your team!

I loved going to you guys for all my furbabies when I lived in LA. Even now being in Vegas, I'm tempted at times to drive to You guys for my furbabies needs hang in there and don't ever let these selfish people pull you guys down! There are plenty of us who appreciates you all!
Rachel P.
May 27, 2021
I took my rabbit here for a vaccine and a molar trim. Both appointment experiences were excellent. I loved how thorough the vet was in asking questions, explaining procedures, and giving updates. I feel like their pricing is very reasonable as well, especially for the quality of service. I am a very happy client here!
Melissa B.
May 04, 2021
I have been taking my 2 cats here for 10 years. Recently, my almost 15 year old cat started pooping blood and when I called them they said I should figure out who the cat is then call back and make an appointment. When I called back they said they don't have anything available until next. I can't believe after all these years I get treated like this.

They didn't even offer any medical advice. I asked them to talk to the doctor and ask for recommendations. They said they would and didn't call me back. Please trust your babies somewhere else.
Melika J.
Apr 21, 2021
I took my Russian turtle to the vet for the first time at this location and the doctor and staff were all so nice and informative. I was searching all around trying to find a vet who treated exotic animals such as my turtle and I'm so glad I found them. The doc was very informative and explained my Pets needs and findings to me through the phone. They did not make me feel rushed at all. All in all, it is a wonderful and warm practice.
Rebecca Black
Apr 15, 2021
This vet was recommended to me by a friend who has been taking her dogs there for decades. We have a new puppy, so we were trying different options. This is definitely the one we are staying with. The doctor was very knowledgeable, patient, and easy to talk to. The staff were all friendly and helpful. They offer curbside service during the pandemic.

Everything was fast and efficient. Best of all, our puppy seemed super happy. Highly recommend! Update: We just had our puppy spayed, and the doctor did such a wonderful job. Her pain was minimal, and we're struggling to keep her still because she bounced right back. Highly recommend this vet.
Erin D.
Mar 25, 2021
Primrose's first trip to the vet! They take all necessary CoVid precautions to keep the humans safe. I was super happy there is a rabbit specialist there too!
Carina L.
Mar 22, 2021
A month ago, I brought my cat here for the first time, seeking a better vet. They ran many diagnostic tests on him, including blood work and X rays, I ended up spending $800 out of desperation and love for my creature, who was developing a lump in his face. They told me it was cancer at first before any tests were done, then told me he didn't have cancer.

Their tests were inconclusive an a waste of my time, tears, and money. They couldn't even explain what the lump was, or offer me any solutions or treatments. They said come back if it gets worse or grows. A month later, the lump has grown exponentially and he is in critical condition. I took him to another vet and they were immediately able to tell me it is in fact cancer and it is now too late for my beloved cat child. Honestly fuck this place for dismissing me and my concerns, offering absolutely no communication or insight, and charging me up as much as they could because they knew how scared and concerned I am.

Seriously what an evil shame to do to someone who is clearly crying their eyes out and distraught. Another vet was able to diagnose him properly and now it is too late. Fuck yall.
Sheila H.
Feb 02, 2021
I have been very happy with the expertise and service from Dr. Roberts and Dr. Gann for my two rabbits. Also the front office service with Maria and Minerva has been excellent. Im thankful I have found a clinic that is rabbit savvy.
Shannon L.
Dec 27, 2020
Finding a rabbit savvy veterinarian in Orange County is no easy task. I was so relieved to finally find a vet I TRUST with my rabbits, and I found that in Dr. Roberts. I have taken my 3 rabbits to Northwood for a couple of years now, and will never take them anywhere else. I have a rabbit with chronic GI issues, which can turn from manageable to critical overnight.

This has resulted in my having to bring her in with no warning (and no appointment) multiple times. Dr. Roberts has always made room for us in her extremely busy schedule. Most recently, her episodes brought us in the day after Christmas when the hospital was absolutely slammed. They allowed me to drop my baby off and worked her into their day (they ended up staying 2 hours past closing time to help her). Dr. Roberts is amazing! Compassionate, dedicated, and always so friendly. Her entire staff, from technicians to receptionists, is equally great. I highly recommend them to all rabbit owners in the area!
Katie T.
Oct 21, 2020
I came here to get my little bunbuns vaccinated. Our vet, Dr. Gann, was so thorough with each bunny. She gave recommendations on what they needed and took such great care of them. The vaccines were reasonably priced and the initial exams were 50% off, which was a good thing since I have 5 bunnies! We'll be coming back!
Nadine B.
Sep 23, 2020
I had to take my dog Biscuit here for the most dreaded visit, it was time for her to cross the rainbow bridge as she was very old and sick. Going to Northwood Animal Hospital was the best decision I have made. They are very compassionate, caring group of professionals who have passion for what they do. Previously called a few hospitals to accommodate my family and I the last minute and although they didn't have any open slots, they were still able to help us considering it was an emergency situation.

And glad they were able to. Its never easy to say goodbye to a lifelong companion and loyal friend. They were very understanding, patient and kind all through out the whole process. Thank you, thank you! Doctor Roberts and staff!
Stephanie C.
Aug 18, 2020
I called around both the LA and OC county area looking for vets that took in bunnies. I'm based in Long Beach and was iffy about the drive, but Northwood Animal Hospital had the best reviews and most affordable prices, especially for a first-time patient. I made the most earliest appointment date available which was only a few days apart from my call.

There wasn't an urgent matter but some concerns I wanted cleared up. Prior to the appointment, they confirm through email and you can set up a profile for your pet with the "PetDesk App" which is very convenient to keep track of appointments and finding vets. I brought my 3 month bunny, Pluto, in for an annual exam, nail trim, and vaccination.

The hospital is following COVID-19 precautions so going inside with your pet is not allowed. Instead, you call them when you arrive and they either come to get your pet from your car, or you meet them at the door. If you're getting a vaccination, they require you to sign a waiver and provide an informational flyer regarding it. The appointment lasted only 30 minutes which was very fast! Dr. Gann spoke to me over the phone once they were done with everything to let me know of the exam results and to answer any questions I had. After, I was transferred to the receptionist to pay over the phone.

They also emailed me my invoice and doctor notes. I highly recommend Northwood Animal Hospital! They provide great customer service and affordable services. Thank you Northwood Animal Hospital! I look forward to coming back with Pluto :
Clara Fuentes
Nov 08, 2019
They were able to book an appointment the day I called. Dr. Roberts was super gentle with my bun and the vet tech was able to keep him calm for his first vet visit. Luckily he is ok and they were able to prescribe him some antibiotics to help him get better. We also were able to buy an 8 pound bag of hay for the same price as a smaller bag at the store. Overall super happy with the service that was received. Charlie was very happy .