Locally Owned Animal Hospital and Veterinarian in Ventura, CA
Welcome to Cornelius Pet Hospital, your neighborhood veterinary team here in Ventura.
We’re a locally owned, AAHA-accredited animal hospital built around a simple philosophy: pets and their people deserve truly personal, high-quality care. That means longer appointments, no rushed conversations, and a consistent team that knows your pet (and you) by name.
Our team offers full-service care for dogs and cats, including wellness, urgent care, dentistry, surgery, acupuncture, and advanced diagnostics like ultrasound and CT scans. We’re also a Gold Level Cat Friendly Practice, with a strong focus on low-stress handling and individualized care for every patient.
From routine wellness exams and tailored vaccinations to complex abdominal surgeries and multimodal pain management, you can count on our veterinarians and team to combine advanced medicine with down-to-earth support, always with your pet’s comfort and health at heart.
Gold Standard, Every Visit
Gold Standard, Every Visit
Cornelius Pet Hospital is proud to be accredited by the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA), an honor earned by only about 15% of animal hospitals in North America. What does that mean for you? It means every aspect of our care, from safety and cleanliness to medical protocols and communication, meets the highest standards in the industry.
AAHA accreditation isn’t required; it’s a choice we made to hold ourselves accountable to the best in veterinary medicine. So when you walk through our doors, you can feel confident your pet is receiving care that’s not just compassionate, but exceptional.
0%
Only 15% of veterinary hospitals in the U.S. and Canada are AAHA-accredited.0
AAHA evaluates over 900 standards of veterinary excellence.0 Years
AAHA-accredited hospitals are re-evaluated every 3 years.0%
Studies show pet owners are 80% more likely to trust AAHA-accredited practices.
Meet Your Pet's Care Team
Meet Your Pet's
Care Team
Led by Dr. LaFevre and Dr. Heikes, our team is dedicated to creating an exceptional experience for both you and your pet. You’ll see the same veterinarian and support team at each visit, allowing us to build meaningful relationships, notice subtle changes in your pet’s health, and provide more personalized, effective care.
Every member of our team brings compassion, expertise, and genuine love for animals to their work. While we hold ourselves to the highest standards of veterinary medicine, we also believe in creating a calm, friendly environment, so every visit feels a little easier, and a lot more comfortable.
-
Here for the Journey
Community shapes everything we do—from supporting local events to working together to provide the best care for pets and their families.
-
Connected Care
Our shared love for pets brings us together with purpose and empathy, allowing us to care deeply—not just for your pet’s health, but for your bond with them, too.
-
Community Proud
Caring for pets, supporting neighbors, and giving back—our commitment to community shapes who we are and how we serve every day.
Comprehensive Care, Thoughtfully Delivered
We offer a full range of services for dogs and cats, designed to keep your pet healthy, happy, and comfortable through every life stage.
-
Wellness Care
Good health starts with regular checkups. Our wellness visits catch issues early and support informed care decisions.
Learn More
-
Dentistry
Every pet deserves a healthy mouth. We include full-mouth X-rays with every cleaning and treat dental care as essential.
Learn More
-
Surgery
When surgery is needed, we provide compassionate care and prioritize your pet’s safety and comfort every step of the way.
Learn More
-
Advanced Diagnostics
We bring advanced imaging in-house through mobile specialists, making diagnosis faster, easier, and less stressful.
Learn More
-
Laser Therapy
Laser therapy relieves pain, reduces inflammation, and supports healing—ideal for recovery, arthritis, and injury care.
Learn More
-
Acupuncture
Acupuncture supports mobility, eases chronic conditions, and offers gentle pain relief to help pets heal and feel their best.
Learn More
Loved by Pets. Trusted by People.
Loved by Pets. Trusted by People.
We’re incredibly grateful for the trust our clients place in us, and proud to have been voted one of Ventura County’s top veterinary clinics in our very first year. But don’t take our word for it — read what local pet parents have to say.
Pet Health Resources
Looking for seasonal tips, answers to common questions, or just good advice from your local vet? Explore our latest articles to learn more about caring for your best friend.
Cat Tooth Loss: What It Means and When to Take Action
Cat tooth loss often points to dental disease, injury, or advanced oral inflammation rather than a normal aging change. Many…
Common Vaccine Reactions in Cats
Cat vaccine side effects are usually mild, short-lived responses that show a cat’s immune system is reacting to a vaccine…
Why Does My Dog Grind His Teeth?
Teeth grinding in dogs, also called bruxism, happens when a dog rubs their teeth together, often producing a noticeable scraping…