Business Details
14 Years
experience
Emergency
services
Your Trusted Ladera Ranch Veterinarian
Rancho Viejo Animal Hospital has been providing compassionate and dedicated veterinary care since 2012. Our state-of-the-art facility in Ladera Ranch, California, offers comprehensive services including routine exams, advanced diagnostics, surgical procedures, and dental care. Our team of experienced veterinarians and support staff prioritize your pet's health with modern technology and personalized attention. We serve communities across the Saddleback Valley, combining cutting-edge medicine with exceptional customer service. With over two decades of collective experience, our professionals treat each animal patient with the highest standards of care.Our commitment extends beyond treatment to include client education, preventive care, and community outreach initiatives. The hospital's infrastructure supports digital radiology, in-house laboratories, and specialized dental equipment to ensure accurate diagnoses and effective treatments. We maintain affiliations with professional organizations to stay at the forefront of veterinary advancements. Our practice philosophy centers on transparent communication, ethical practices, and creating a stress-free environment for both pets and owners.
Services
Pet Dental Care
Pet Radiology
Pet Surgery
Routine Exams
In-House Labs
Details
- Year established: 2012
Highlights and features
- We offer 23 years of combined veterinary expertise in small animal medicine
- Our facility features digital radiology and advanced dental equipment
- We provide complete surgical monitoring with modern anesthetic techniques
- Our team includes veterinarians with specialized surgery and dentistry training
- We maintain transparent pricing with no unexpected charges
What people say
Excellent job
Terrific staff
Exceptional care
Reasonable prices
Knowledgeable team
Services
Pet Dental Care
Our veterinary dental care includes scaling, polishing, and digital x-rays to maintain oral health. We use specialized equipment similar to human dentistry to address periodontal disease and tooth decay. Regular dental checkups prevent systemic health issues while ensuring your pet's comfort during eating and play activities.
Pet Surgery
We perform orthopedic and soft tissue surgeries with advanced monitoring equipment. Our surgical suite tracks vital signs including EKG, blood pressure, and oxygen levels throughout procedures. Post-operative care includes pain management and follow-up examinations to ensure proper recovery for your animal companion.
Pet Radiology
Digital x-ray technology provides clear internal images with minimal radiation exposure. Our radiology services help diagnose skeletal issues, organ abnormalities, and respiratory conditions. Images can be stored digitally or transferred to specialists for second opinions when complex cases require additional expertise.
Routine Exams
Comprehensive physical examinations detect early signs of health concerns through hands-on assessment and diagnostic testing. Our veterinarians evaluate weight, coat condition, dental health, and organ function during regular wellness visits. Early detection enables timely intervention for improved treatment outcomes.
In-House Labs
On-site diagnostic equipment delivers rapid bloodwork and urinalysis results during critical cases. We analyze thyroid levels, blood counts, and organ function markers within minutes to support immediate treatment decisions. This capability reduces wait times for test results compared to external laboratory processing.
People
Dr. Sheryl Eckstein
Veterinarian/Owner
Dr. Eckstein graduated from Mississippi State College of Veterinary Medicine in 1999 and owns Rancho Viejo Animal Hospital since 2012. She specializes in internal medicine and rescue work while maintaining AVMA and CVMA memberships.
Dr. Lara W. Alkofer
Veterinarian
Dr. Alkofer earned her veterinary degree from Washington State University in 1997. With six years in emergency medicine and Orange County practice since 2003, she specializes in surgical and dental procedures at the hospital.
Dr. Elizabeth Edmunson
Veterinarian
Dr. Edmunson received her UC Davis veterinary degree in 2008. She brings six years of West LA surgical experience and specializes in soft tissue procedures while actively participating in local animal rescue initiatives.
Emily Clifton
Veterinary Technician
Emily provides compassionate care as a registered veterinary technician with two years of clinical experience. She maintains a positive atmosphere through music and dance while delivering technical support during animal treatments.
Catherine
Veterinary Receptionist
Catherine brings over 20 years of animal care experience to her reception role. She manages client communications while balancing family life with multiple pets, including dogs and cats at her San Juan Capistrano home.
Questions
What veterinary services do you offer for small animals?
We provide comprehensive care including routine exams, dental services, surgical procedures, digital radiology, and in-house laboratory testing for cats and dogs.
How can I schedule an appointment with your veterinarians?
Call us at (949) 365-0101 during business hours or use our online appointment request system for scheduling convenience.
Do you handle emergency pet care situations?
Yes, we offer emergency services for urgent medical conditions requiring immediate veterinary attention outside regular appointments.
What payment methods do you accept for veterinary services?
We accept major credit cards, cash, and check payments for all medical treatments and preventive care services.
Are your veterinarians specialized in specific treatment areas?
Our team includes professionals with advanced training in soft tissue surgery, dental procedures, and internal medicine specialties.
How do you communicate test results and treatment plans?
We provide same-day follow-up calls with test results and offer written reports from radiologists for complex diagnostic cases.