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 passionate Operations and Inventory Manager, who started her journey in animal care as an Animal Care Attendant. Her hands-on experience with animals gives her a unique understanding of their needs, which she brings to every aspect of her work. Jess now keeps our facility running smoothly while ensuring pets and staff are well cared for. She is also pursuing her RVT certification, eager to expand her skills and play an active role in animal rehabilitation.
Christina, RVT Shift Lead
Meet Christina! She is our dedicated RVT Lead with nearly a decade of experience in the veterinary industry. Christina oversees the daily operations of our veterinary team, ensuring a smooth and efficient workflow. With her leadership skills and extensive knowledge, she is working toward her goal of becoming a Certified Veterinary Practice Manager (CVPM), continuing to elevate the care and experience we provide for pets and their owners..
Maria, Client Coordinator
Meet Maria! She’s one of our friendly and dedicated Client Service Coordinators, known for her warm smile and welcoming personality. Maria loves seeing all the pets that come through our doors and making every visit a positive experience. She is also currently studying sonography for humans to further her healthcare knowledge. Outside of work, she’s a proud pet parent to Rei, a rescue dog from Korea, Mochi the chinchilla, and Bella the chihuahua..
Jorge, Client Coordinator
Meet Jorge! He’s one of our fantastic Client Service Coordinators, always ready to lend a helping hand. With his calm and compassionate nature, Jorge builds strong relationships with clients and ensures every visit is a positive experience. He is currently pursuing his education in accounting and has become an invaluable member of our team, supporting both clients and colleagues alike..
Giselle, Client Coordinator
Meet Giselle! She is an essential member of our team, bringing strong administrative skills and contributing to our hospital’s marketing efforts. Giselle is always eager to lend a hand to her team members and provide excellent customer service to our clients and their pets. She is currently studying Business Administration to further develop her skills. In her downtime, she enjoys reading and listening to music, and she is a proud pet parent to three dogs and two cats who keep her life full of love and furry companionship..
Melody, Veterinary Assistant
Meet Melody! She is one of our wonderful Veterinary Assistants who began her career as an Animal Care Attendant. Her kind demeanor and genuine love for animals help every pet feel safe and comfortable during their visits. Melody is currently studying to become a Registered Veterinary Technician, furthering her skills to provide advanced care and support for animals..
Alyssa, Veterinary Assistant
Meet Alyssa! She began her journey with us as an Animal Care Attendant and has since grown into a dedicated Veterinary Assistant. Alyssa is passionate about providing exceptional care for pets during their visits, ensuring every animal feels safe, comfortable, and well-cared-for. She is also studying to become a veterinarian, bringing her quick learning abilities and growing knowledge into everything she does each day.
Paige, Receptionist
Meet Paige! She is one of our quick-learning Animal Care Attendants who is always eager to gain knowledge and grow her skills. Paige is quick to lend a hand to both her team members and the pets in our care, ensuring every day runs smoothly. Beyond her dedication and strong work ethic, she brings a great sense of humor and positive energy to the clinic, making her a joy to work with. Paige’s passion for animals and her eagerness to learn help create a caring and welcoming environment for both pets and their families.
Elena, Animal Care Assistant
Meet Elena! She is one of our newest Animal Care Attendants, eager to lend a hand to her team members and help wherever needed. Elena loves meeting all the pets that come through our doors and takes special care of those staying with us for boarding. Her friendly nature and dedication make her a wonderful addition to our team, ensuring every pet feels safe, comfortable, and cared for.
Oliver, Animal Care Assistant
Meet Oliver! He joined our team as an intern and quickly grew into his role as an Animal Care Attendant. Oliver brings energy, curiosity, and a love for learning to every shift. He enjoys helping care for boarding pets and making sure every animal feels comfortable during their stay. His dedication and positive attitude make him a great addition to our team.
