About Us
At Imperial Animal Hospital, we believe in the power of family and the bond between pets and their owners. For over 45 years, we’ve been a cornerstone of the La Mirada community, providing compassionate and ethical veterinary care to generations of beloved animals. As a family-owned and operated practice, we understand the unique needs of your pets and treat them as if they were our own.
Unlike corporate veterinary clinics focused on maximizing profits, we prioritize the well-being of your furry family members. Dr. Sam Kim, along with his son, Dr. Edward Kim, and daughter, Mary Kim, lead our team with a commitment to transparency, ethical practices, and personalized care. We strive to create a welcoming environment where you feel comfortable asking questions and participating in your pet’s healthcare decisions.
Experience the difference of a family-oriented veterinary practice where your pet’s health and happiness come first.
Dr. Sam Kim
Dr. Sam Kim, a graduate of Seoul University in Veterinary Medicine, has dedicated over 50 years to providing exceptional veterinary care. He founded Imperial Animal Hospital with a vision of offering honest, transparent, and compassionate service to the community. Clients appreciate his direct communication style and his commitment to explaining complex medical conditions in a clear and understandable way. When he's not caring for his patients, Dr. Kim enjoys cycling, golfing, and exploring the rugged beauty of Moab in his Jeep.
Dr. Edward Kim
Dr. Edward Kim joined Imperial Animal Hospital in 2013, bringing his passion for veterinary medicine and a unique blend of business acumen to the family practice. After graduating from UC Riverside with a business degree, he followed his heart and earned his veterinary degree from Western University of Veterinary Medicine. Known for his patience and compassion, Dr. Edward takes the time to build strong relationships with his clients, ensuring they feel heard and understood throughout their pet's healthcare journey. A proud dog dad to Mia and Pablo, Dr. Edward enjoys spending his free time with his daughters, building LEGOs, playing video games, exploring new burrito places, and catching the latest movies.
Mary Kim, CVPM
Mary Kim, a Certified Veterinary Practice Manager (CVPM), brings her passion for animals and her business expertise to her role as Practice Manager at Imperial Animal Hospital. With degrees in Business Administration and Interior Design, Mary ensures the smooth running of the hospital while creating a welcoming and comfortable environment for clients and their pets. Driven by her dedication to animal welfare, Mary is currently pursuing her Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT) certification with a focus on rehabilitation to better serve geriatric pets. A passionate advocate for senior animal adoption, Mary dreams of opening a senior pet rescue. She finds joy in mentoring her team, fostering their growth, and building lasting relationships with clients..
Jessica, Inventory & Operations Mgr.
Jess is our devoted Operations and Inventory Manager who started out her career as an Animal Care Attendant! She has gained hands-on experience working with animals and understanding their needs. Jess now oversees day-day operations of our facility to ensure everything is working smoothly. She is pursuing her RVT certification to develop her skills and contribute to animal rehabilitation.
Christina, Shift Lead
Meet Christina! She is our dedicated RVT Lead with nearly a decade’s worth of experience in the veterinary industry. In her role, she is responsible for overseeing the daily operations of the veterinary team and ensuring a seamless workflow. With her leadership abilities and extensive knowledge, Christina is well-positioned to achieve her goal of becoming a Certified Veterinary Practice Manager (CVPM).
Candace N. RVT
Candace is one of our dedicated RVT’s whose commitment to animal care has allowed her to form deep connections with pets and their owners! Her passion extends beyond our hospital as she is a devoted pet owner with many animals of her own. Candace also values pet preventive care and education, placing a strong emphasis on pet dental health..
Maria, Client Liaison
Maria is one of our dedicated client service coordinators! She is known for always having a smile on her face and for her warm personality. She is always excited to see all the pets that come through our doors! One fun fact about Maria is that she adopted a rescue dog named Rei who came from Korea! She also owns a chinchilla by the name of Mochi and a chihuahua named Bella.
Denise, Client Liason
Meet Denise! With her kindness and commitment to client support, she makes sure to provide comfort to both pets and their families during difficult times. She has become a valuable team member as she provides the necessary support and communication for everyone. Denise is currently study Animal Health Sciences and is a proud owner of three yorkies.
Jorge, Client Liaison
This is Jorge! One of our amazing client service coordinators who is always happy to lend a helpful hand to everyone! With his calm and compassionate nature, he builds relationships with clients and enhances their overall experience. He is currently pursuing his education in accounting and has been a valuable asset to our team.
Giselle, Client Liaison
This is Giselle! She is one of our essential team members with strong administrative skills and helps to contribute to our hospital’s marketing efforts! Despite her shy demeanor, she is always eager to lend a hand and provide excellent customer service. In her downtime, she enjoys reading and listening to music. She is also a proud owner of three dogs and two cats.
Melody, Veterinary Assistant
This is Melody! She is one of our amazing veterinary assistants who began her career as an Animal Care Attendant. Her kind demeanor and genuine love for animals has helped every pet feel safe during their visits! She is currently studying to become a Registered Veterinary Technician to continue providing advanced care for animals.
Eric, Veterinary Assistant
Meet Eric! He joined our team as one of our Animal Care Attendants but gradually transferred over to veterinary assistance. He is a great contribution to the team with his extensive knowledge and proactive attitude when helping clients. He is currently studying to become a veterinarian! In his downtime, he enjoys spending time with his dog, Amy and his cat Chibi.
Brisa, Veterinary Assistant
Brisa is one of our amazing veterinary assistants who loves working with all pets, especially puppies! She always makes sure to create warm environments so all her patients feel safe. Brisa is currently studying to become a Registered Veterinary Technician to gain more knowledge and elevate her skills! In her spare time, she loves to care for her three pets; Oliver, Pantera, and Cake!
Alyssa, Animal Care Assistant
This is Alyssa! One of our amazing animal care attendants who has a passion for caring for animals during their boarding stays. Her love for animals helps to ensure each pet feels safe and comfortable during their stay with us. She is also studying to become a veterinarian, bringing her quick learning abilities and growing knowledge into her daily tasks.
Paige, Animal Care Assistant
Paige is one of our quick-learning animal care attendants who values gaining knowledge and growing her skills. She is also always ready to help others in need! In addition to her dedication, she also brings a great sense of humor to the team making her a positive and fun team member!
