In Search of New Veterinarian
I've been going to Codornices Vet Clinic for the last 20 years because of the amazing Dr. Hack. I still love one of the vets there and hate to leave her, but unfortunately, ever since Hack's retirement a few years ago I have had so many bad experiences there. I won't go into all the many ways I have been disappointed because that would turn into too much of a rant.
Because my two dogs are seniors now I am having a lot of medical issues these days and need a clinic I can count on—to have a same-day time open if I call first thing in the morning, to be staffed by competent, experienced vet techs, and to have ALL great vets rather than rolling the dice and hoping I get the one good one. And I'm not even going to complain about the price. I don't care what it costs. I just want an entire clinic filled with people I can count on. I'm also hoping to find it in North Berkeley rather than Oakland as it's really stressful on the older doggies to manage a long car ride when they're feeling sick. Also I do wonder if the changes at Codornices have to do with the clinic being owned by a corporation now rather than by a vet who actually owns the clinic (the way Dr. Hack once did). So maybe I'm also looking for a smaller independent clinic where quality-control can be more easily managed.
Do you know of such a place? I am so grateful for any suggestions.
—Worried Dog Mom
Parent Replies
Kensington vet is very good- always on time and great service. I do feel they care a lot about animal health and wellness. Their prices became a issue for me and I switched to dr Han in Richmond where the clinic is not as fancy and the waits a bit longer but Dr Han is great. From what you are describing though I suggest Kensington Vet.
Hi, I have a traveling animal dental clinic, which means I'm pretty looped into the local vet scene. I understand your sadness at the changes at Codornices; as a long-time client, I also felt the pain of the ownership change, new prices, difficulty getting in, etc. But I still go there because I have not found anyone I think is a better vet than Dr Grant (and I also think several of the other vets at Codornices are exceptionally good). There are many good vets in this area, but it sounds like you are looking for something comparable to the "old" Codornices and, sadly, there are very few of those in existence, as the whole model of vet medicine has changed and most of those "old-school vets" have retired. I'm sorry not to give the answer you are seeking; mainly, I was hoping to offer you some perspective. This topic comes up in conversation with customers a LOT. There are many pressures vets have to deal with that clients don't necessarily see or understand; some vets are better than others at communicating those. I think if the client has good perspective on what to expect, as well as what they can ask for (which won't necessarily be offered), the dynamic is more useful and productive. My advice (regardless of where you end up) is to be really insistent about which vet(s) you want to see, and if there are Techs you don't like, let the Dr know, as sometimes they don't get that feedback. Also it is important, as the client, to ask for ALL the treatment options including the "less ideal" ones, as sometimes vets will only propose the one they feel is the best. And, you also need to get clear for yourself about your priorities. If you want "the best care", you have to be ready and willing to pay for it. But you should also know that there are often several more options than the one your vet suggests, and you should take it upon yourself to ask. Dr Hack was educated during an era when NO ONE would have considered spending $4000 on their dog's medical care, and thus his approach to care reflects that. Vets today are expected to provide treatment consistent with current standards of medical care. And what many clients just don't understand is that current standards of care are much, much better than they were 20 years ago- clients often just feel they are getting ripped off for profit (and yes, sometimes that does happen), but really the care being provided is just better, and more expensive, than it would have been in the "old days".
Anyway, my point is that even though Codornices has changed, and that can be frustrating for someone who remembers it "back when", the vets there really are exceptionally good. I'm not sure you'll actually find what you're looking for (but certainly there plenty of good vets in the area to check out if you're just fed up with your experience at Codornices). You are welcome to contact me if you want to pick my brain on my knowledge of local vets, maia [at] pettooth.com.
I recently took my cat to Abbey Pet Hospital in El Cerrito after hearing highly of Dr. Judd. We too had an awful experience with El Sobrante Veterinary Hospital, they literally put my cat's health in danger. Anyway, I liked Dr. Judd (have only seen him once) and will continue going there.
Hi! I have been happy with Berkeley Dog and Cat, especially Dr. Leah Isaacson, but other vets there have been good too. I have had so many vets in Berkeley and that is who I decided to stay with. they have been very kind when I suffered a loss, as well. It is 24 hours and I have had to go in last minute late at night, they have always been available. Good luck!
I've been going to the VCA Albany Animal Hospital on Solano (just across Peralta from the 7-Eleven) since 1986. They've helped four cats (one we adopted from there as a kitten) through routine care, illness, chronic conditions & finally end of life. Dr. Gardner is our favorite, but we've trusted and been happy with all the vets. I'm not sure you could count on any practice always being able to accommodate a same day request, but we've always been able to be seen within a day. Bout The Same
I love Berkeley Dog & Cat. Dr. Benjamin is fantastic and they can always get our dogs in.