VCA Santa Margarita Animal Hospital

Our Story

At VCA Santa Margarita Animal Hospital, we help pets live long, healthy and happy lives. We deliver the best medical care for pets and the best experience for pet owners.

Our veterinarians, technicians and other pet-friendly support staff are trained to the highest standards. Their thorough knowledge of the latest procedures and medications ensures that all our patients receive the best in preventive and healing care.

Hometown Care at VCA Santa Margarita Animal Hospital

At VCA Santa Margarita Animal Hospital we do much more than care for pets who are ill or injured. Our mission is to provide services and products needed to keep your pet healthy and happy during it's lifetime. We pledge to do it in a caring and gentle manner.

We originally opened as Rancho Santa Margarita Veterinary Hospital in 1988, in the Plaza Empresa. Because of our dedication to client and patient care we were able to expand and open VCA Santa Margarita Animal Hospital in October 2000. We are still committed to offering affordable pet care with the best customer service on which our reputation was built. Dr. Kelpe and his associates are backed by a knowledgeable and caring support staff with over 80 years combined experience in the veterinary field. This means your pets receive the very best medical attention from people who care.

VCA Santa Margarita Animal Hospital is a full-service animal hospital whose mission is to provide the highest standard of veterinary care for pets. We provide friendly, informative, and supportive services for you and your pet, while maintaining a superior working environment for our employees.

VCA Santa Margarita Animal Hospital offers the Rancho Santa Margarita animal community emergency veterinary services as well as medical, surgical, and dental veterinary care. With an in-house dispensary and access to specialists, our facility offers a one stop for your pet's health and medical care.

Your Pets . . . Our Family!

We are open for appointments and emergencies during normal business hours seven days a week.

Accreditations & Affiliations
American Animal Hospital Association

The American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) sets the standard for quality veterinary care for companion animals. As an accredited hospital, we voluntarily uphold the Association's high standards in 18 different areas and are routinely evaluated on over 900 different standards of veterinary care. Not all animal hospitals are accredited, and we are proud to be amongst only 12-15% of veterinary hospitals that hold this honor.

Fear Free logo
Fear Free Certified Professional

As veterinary professionals, we know that the stress and anxiety associated with taking a pet to the veterinarian is a significant reason why pets don't always receive the medical attention they need. Fear Free℠ veterinary visits reduce feelings of stress, resulting in a better experience for all involved, including pets, owners, and veterinary health care teams. Having a Fear Free℠ Certified Professional can help alleviate your pet's fear, anxiety, and stress when visiting our hospital.

In Our Community

We harness the scale and strength of our global network while acknowledging each individual's contribution. We work locally to improve the lives of all who interact with our brand.


Explore more below.

  • ASPCA Poison Control Hotline

    ASPCA Poison Control Center Hotline

    The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center is staffed 24 hours with veterinary health professionals who have been specially trained in veterinary toxicology. If you think that your pet may have ingested a potentially poisonous substance, call the ASPCA 24 hour emergency Animal Poison Control Center hotline at (888) 426-4435.