Alternative to Berkeley Dog and Cat?
We have been long time clients at Berkeley Dog and Cat. I've always preferred them because they have the 24 hour hospital just in case. And the care used to be excellent. I'm aware of the stresses across the industry and I don't know if all vet clinics are as bad right now. But they have made so many mistakes, miscommunications, and held our pet for an unnaturally long time recently because the vet was just too busy to sign her out. Does anyone know of another pet vet with all the hospital bells and whistles not too far away?
Nov 27, 2023
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We switched from Berkeley Dog and Cat to Montclair Vet. Montclair Vet in Oakland recently got new ownership! They’ve since been very responsive, answering the phone right away almost every time and they’ve generally been able to fit in appointments quickly. The service is good and the staff is friendly and professional.
We have had trouble finding a good vet too and we were with Berkeley Dog and Cat for a long time but had similar experiences to what you described and have since moved to Kensington Veterinary Hospital and so far have been happy with their care. But they don't have the 24 hour hospital. We have gone to Pet Emergency on University for emergencies in the past and while the wait can be very long, they have always provided us good care. There is also an Urgent Care that we discovered that took our dog right away when we weren't able to get an appointment at Berkeley Dog and Cat (that was one of our biggest issues with them, they never had appts when we had an issue) and we really liked them but they are for Urgent Care, not for regular veterinary services. Good luck!
We have never tried Berkeley Dog and Cat, but have been happy with care for a couple of recent issues for our dog at PETS on University, which is quite close to Berkeley D&C. I have also heard good things about OakVet in West Oakland if that's more convenient for you. Both are 24-hour facilities. (Our regular vet is Claremont Vet Hospital, which refers out to PETS after hours and for some speciality care; they seem to communicate with each other well.)
Personally, I was unimpressed with Berkeley Dog and Cat long before the Covid shutdown put so much additional stress on the veterinary industry. They made some serious mistakes, questionable ethics with my pets in the past.
I don't know of other vets with an associated 24-hour hospital, but I have always been impressed with the communication between PETS Referral and Oakvet for emergencies /specialty care and my own vet (Campus Vet). We've had a couple pets with complicated medical situations and have been so impressed and eternally grateful for the amazing care we've received from these providers.
I guess what I'm saying is I don't think you have to limit yourself to providers that have a vet hospital ;)
Hey there,
Our pets see Dr Jas Mattu at University Vet Hospital on University Ave. He has many years of experience and has a kind and matter of fact demeanor. The front desk staff and vet techs are extremely efficient and professional. I’ve never had to wait too long for a visit and because one of my dogs is reactive on a leash they put us in an examination room immediately upon arrival. While they are not an emergency hospital, they communicate with the Pet Emergency hospital down the street.
I'm also interested if folks have some suggestions. We've also had some bad experiences and had a friend who had a very very bad experience with their cat nearly dying and ending up on lifetime dialysis after they removed a lot of teeth from their very young cat without talking with them.
Claremont Vet on College Ave. I had a sick geriatric dog during COVID and getting treatment everywhere was brutal.
The vets, techs, and front staff are professional, efficient and kind. The care is excellent.
Also, I can email the staff with questions and can get appropriate advice without needing an appt every time.
Highly recommend!