San Pablo Animal Hospital

The veterinarian’s own response mentions a board investigation that ‘went nowhere.’ A lack of disciplinary action is not the same as quality care. It only means the minimum threshold wasn’t met—not that the care provided was acceptable. That may reassure them, but for me—and for anyone who values their pet—it raises far more questions than answers. It’s also important for other pet owners to know that Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy can be diagnosed with a cardiac ultrasound (echocardiogram) — this is standard veterinary cardiology. I was not informed of this at the time, and only learned later. That lack of information matters, because earlier cardiac evaluation could change how a case is handled. Your response continues to avoid the central issue.Yes, Baba was given Lasix and placed on oxygen. However, he was already in acute respiratory distress while under your care, which is what required those measures in the first place. What I have since learned is that cats with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) require careful handling, as stress can precipitate severe cardiac events. Diagnosis of HCM requires an ultrasound (echocardiogram)—something that was never performed or recommended over years of visits. As a pet owner, I trusted that risk factors—especially in a Ragdoll breed known for HCM—would be appropriately considered before subjecting him to stressful procedures like grooming. Instead, I was placed in a position where I had to transport my cat in critical condition to an emergency hospital, where he required stabilization and was hospitalized for two days. At the time, I was simply grateful he survived. With more information now, I have serious concerns about whether this event was preventable and whether appropriate precautions were taken. Your response does not address: • why a high-risk cat was not evaluated more thoroughly for cardiac disease • why stress-related risk was not mitigated • or why the situation escalated to an emergency under your supervision I became increasingly uncomfortable with how often “problems” were raised during grooming visits and immediately tied to recommendations for veterinary services within the same practice. It did not feel objective or patient-first. This is why I stand by my review. Pet owners deserve transparency, appropriate risk assessment, and accountability when something goes wrong. Baba Ghanoush, my Ragdoll, was a patient here since 2016 and also groomed here for years. On August 18, 2023, I got the call no pet owner ever wants. I drove there and found my cat in distress. I had to take him myself and rush him to the ER while he was gasping for breath. He survived that day — he was truly a miracle cat. What I will never forget is the response I received at this facility. There was no urgency, no empathy. Instead, I was told, “at least the grooming was done.” Dr. McCall came into the room while my cat was struggling to breathe and casually said they needed to hurry because they needed the room. Despite everything that happened, I was still charged for the grooming. I had to dispute the charge myself to get the $750 refunded. Baba had an underlying heart condition (HCM) that was never identified over years of visits. After the incident, we asked for CCTV footage and were told it did not exist. Baba fought on after that day, but ultimately passed away on March 13, 2026. I trusted this place for years. What I experienced in that moment — when it mattered most — was dismissive, careless, and deeply upsetting. If you value your pet, especially a cat, please think very carefully before bringing them here — particularly for grooming or any stressful procedures.

San Pablo Anima Hospital is simply amazing! I had an 8 week old puppy very sick with parasites. I had no idea what to do and the amazing staff were with me every step of the way. They supported me via email and phone calls at all times of the day and were so accommodating to having our puppy come in multiple times throughout the week. They truly care and will do everything possible to make sure your dog is taken care of. My husband and I moved recently and we will make the extra distance to continue bringing our puppy to San Pablo. Doctors Waldon, Owens, and McCall as well as Tayler are AMAZING.

My furbaby was not eating or drinking and I took her to a local vet to have her seen. That vet recommended I take her to an endoscopic vet. After a few calls, I was able to find San Pablo Animal Hospital which is an hour from my house. From the first call, they went above and beyond. I was concerned my pet may have had something in her esophagus due to x-rays taken by the local vet. The doctor agreed to review her medical records and call me back. I emailed them while I was on the phone and she reviewed the x-rays and said there was nothing there. She could have said you have to come in so I can review the records but she didn't do that. She went above and beyond and I so greatly appreciate that. I did take Lola in to see her the next day just to get a repeat x-ray to confirm she was fine. San Pablo Animal Hospital was great and I would definitely recommend them. I also thought their prices were reasonable.