Business Details
27 Years
experience
Emergency
services
Your Trusted Veterinarian in Santa Cruz, CA
Westside Animal Hospital has been a trusted provider of veterinary care in Santa Cruz, CA for over 25 years. Founded in 1999 by Dr. David Shuman, our hospital combines decades of collective experience with state-of-the-art medical technology to deliver compassionate care for pets. Our team of dedicated veterinarians and technicians prioritizes preventative care while offering advanced diagnostic and treatment options, including digital radiology, ultrasound, and surgical interventions.We maintain rigorous professional standards through ongoing education and certifications in specialized areas like cardiology and endocrinology. Our commitment to transparency is reflected in clear communication practices and detailed explanations of treatment plans. As active members of the Santa Cruz community, we extend our expertise through educational resources, client support programs, and partnerships with local animal welfare organizations.
Services
Dental Care
Vaccinations
Emergency Care
Surgery
Ultrasound
Wellness Exams
Parasite Prevention
Puppy/Kitten Care
Pain Management
Dermatology
Details
- Year established: 1999
Highlights and features
- We offer 25+ years of veterinary expertise in Santa Cruz
- Our team includes specialists in cardiology and endocrinology
- We maintain AAHA-accredited standards for facility and care
- We provide detailed treatment explanations with visual aids
- Our staff participates in annual continuing education programs
What people say
Trust the staff
Compassionate service
Knowledgeable team
Positive experience
Excellent care
Services
Veterinary Services
Our comprehensive veterinary services combine preventative care with advanced diagnostics. We offer digital radiology, ultrasound imaging, and specialized treatments for chronic conditions. Our team provides wellness exams, vaccination programs, and parasite prevention tailored to each pet's life stage. Emergency care is available during business hours for urgent medical needs. All services emphasize clear communication and client education to support informed decision-making.
Surgical Procedures
We perform various surgical procedures using modern anesthetic monitoring equipment. Our surgical services include spay/neuter operations, soft tissue surgeries, and orthopedic procedures. Pre-anesthetic blood testing ensures patient safety, while post-operative care includes pain management and follow-up examinations. The surgical team maintains current training in minimally invasive techniques and pain control protocols to optimize patient recovery.
Dental Care
Our dental services address both routine and complex oral health issues. We provide professional cleanings, digital dental radiography, and treatments for periodontal disease. Preventative care includes client education on home dental hygiene and nutritional recommendations. Advanced cases receive specialized treatments like tooth extractions or restorative procedures, all performed with appropriate pain management protocols.
Emergency Care
Emergency veterinary care is available during regular business hours for critical conditions. Our team handles trauma cases, acute illnesses, and severe allergic reactions. Stabilization procedures include intravenous fluid therapy, oxygen support, and emergency medications. Clients receive immediate triage assessment, with detailed diagnostics and treatment plans developed promptly following initial stabilization.
Wellness Programs
Customized wellness plans address each pet's specific health needs through regular examinations. Our programs include age-appropriate screening tests, vaccination schedules, and parasite control strategies. Puppy/kitten packages provide early-life care with developmental monitoring, while senior wellness plans focus on early disease detection. All wellness services emphasize client education and home care guidance.
People
Dr. David J Shuman
President / Veterinarian
Graduated UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine in 1993. Established Westside Animal Hospital in 1999 after practicing at other local clinics. Recognized for community service and business leadership in Santa Cruz. Continues active clinical practice while overseeing hospital operations.
Dr. Kye Kable
Veterinarian
Graduated Virginia Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine in 2016. Practiced with family members in Maryland before relocating to California. Specializes in internal medicine and senior pet care. Joined Westside Animal Hospital in 2024 after practicing in the Central Coast region.
Becky
Hospital Manager
Veteran hospital administrator with extensive experience in veterinary practice management. Oversees daily operations while maintaining client service standards. Specializes in staff development and quality assurance programs. Active participant in local veterinary association activities.
Rachel
Lead Veterinary Technician
Registered Veterinary Technician with over 15 years experience. Graduated UCSC with biology degree before transitioning to veterinary technology. Holds state certification since 2008. Provides technical leadership while maintaining direct patient care responsibilities.
Emily
RVT Assistant
Veterinary technician specialist with 18+ years experience. Joined Westside team in 2016 after working in multiple local practices. Focuses on patient handling and client education. Maintains current certifications in veterinary emergency and critical care.
Questions
What veterinary services do you offer?
We provide preventative care, dental services, surgical procedures, emergency treatment, diagnostics, and specialized care for puppies/kittens and senior pets.
Do you handle pet emergencies?
Yes, we treat urgent medical conditions during regular business hours. For after-hours emergencies, we recommend contacting Pacific Veterinary Specialists.
How can I schedule an appointment?
Call us at (831) 427-2239 or use our online Petly app for scheduling. Same-day appointments available for urgent cases during business hours.
What payment methods do you accept?
We accept cash, credit cards, and CareCredit financing. Payment is required at the time of service with options for payment plans when needed.
Are you accepting new clients?
Yes, we welcome new clients and pets. Our team provides comprehensive onboarding to ensure smooth transition of medical records and care history.
What sets you apart from other vets?
Our combination of experience, advanced diagnostics, personalized communication, and community focus creates exceptional care experiences for pets and owners.
