A great vet is as hard to find as a great auto mechanic and handyman. So today’s local hot tip is for everyone out there who’s as big an animal lover as I am: North Figueroa Animal Hospital.

Anna Banana post boo-boo eye cyst removal

I discovered North Fig when I bought my first house in Highland Park in 2003. I lived off of Avenue 52 and North Fig was right around the corner on Fig and Avenue 55. I didn’t realize how lucky and blessed I was to be so close until later that year when my beloved rescue dog Anna Banana ran out the front door. Moments later, my 10-pound dog got sideswiped by a Dodge Ram. Within minutes, Anna was at North Fig and Dr. Vasquez who saw her without delay. It was critical, she was in shock and it looked bleak. Luckily, Anna survived and I have no other than Dr. Vasquez to thank. He knew immediately what to do and how to best approach such a critical situation.

Nine years, one small metal hinge, a couple ear infections and one eye cyst removal later, I’m thrilled to report that even though I moved out of Highland Park, Dr. Vasquez is still vet to Anna, my two other dogs and cat.

My cat after he decided to pounce on a bee with its stinger pointed upward

Dr. Vasquez, who works alongside his dad, Dr. Vasquez Sr., truly love and care for their patients. They know me by name and my pets’ histories without looking at their charts. I never feel rushed or unheard, and in fact, Dr. Vasquez always asks about how my other pets are doing (i.e. did that skin condition clear up? how’s the new food working out?). You can tell that this father-son vet team really loves animals and enjoy the community they serve.

North Figueroa Animal Hospital in Highland Park

It’s true that they don’t take appointments and visits are first come, first serve, but you can’t beat the $15 office visits that get you priceless care for the most important furry little ones in your life.

North Figueroa Animal Hospital, 5550 N Figueroa St., Los Angeles, 90042, 323-258-8068. Hours: Mon-Fri 9AM-6PM (Closed from 12PM-2PM Daily) & Sat 9AM-3PM