El Cerrito Veterinary Care 10324 San Pablo Avenue, El Cerrito, CA 94530

"I am very disappointed with El Cerrito Veterinary Care. This is the first vet I really established my two cats with since moving to California. Dr. Buttar is absolutely wonderful- I highly recommend. However, the front staff is the worst. Not all of them, I'm specifically talking about the male receptionist. I believe his name is Shaun or something like that, I really don't remember. Every time I have called in the past to make an appointment, I genuinely pray that it is not him who answers the phone. His overall tone and demeanor is very condescending and rude. The worst person they could have chose to answer daily phone calls. He has always rubbed me the wrong way. Last time I had an appointment there, I no call no showed, which had never happened before. I realized about 10-15 minutes after the appointment I missed it and called right away to apologize and reschedule. We were scheduled for later that day. Once I got home and analyzed my cat prior to the appointment, it seemed as if his symptoms were improving. So I called back to let them know we would keep a watch on my cat for now and that the appointment was unnecessary. The vet that day, Dr. Kriensky, told him to tell us that we're NEVER to be seen by/booked with her again. We said ok, we see Dr. Buttar anyways so no problem and again, we apologized. I called today to make an appointment with Dr. Buttar and was informed that the clinic is no longer providing services to either of my cats, that we have been basically banned from the clinic. Ummm???? This was a huge surprise. Clearly there was a lack of communication and I already know that the male receptionist marked our chart that way. The only reason I continued coming here in the first place was to see Dr. Buttar. We've spent A LOT of money here and always paid up front. This was a one day incident and I am again very disappointed in the way it has been handled. I do not recommend this practice and feel sorry for anyone who has to encounter the male receptionist at the front desk. Trust me, if you call in or speak with him, I guarantee you'll know exactly who I am talking about. I have set up an appointment elsewhere and look forward to establishing care with another practice."

"So… see what had happened was… I’m awful at writing reviews but after today I just had to. There was a new tech that I’ve never seen before named Courtney (hopefully that’s spelled correctly). She was absolutely fantastic and made my whole entire day!! My two dogs have been seeing Dr. Fernandez for years at this point and I just want to say: If Courtney and Dr. Fernandez start their own practice, I will follow them to the ends of the earth and bring everyone I know that has a pet with me! Highly knowledgeable and bed side manner that generations will tell stories about! Love you both and thank you for taking such great care of my babies!!"

"Dr. Buttar has been my Pom's vet for three years now. Dr. Buttar has always been assertive on his diagnosis, kind, and professional to my dog and I. The Vet office is always cleaned and organized and the staff is friendly. The waiting time for an appointment is also very reasonable. The price is average. My experience at this clinic has always been positive."

"We've used El Cerrito Veterinary Care since we first brought home our three year old poodle. We did have some concerns that it always seemed services were "up sold", but continued there. Most recently I called to schedule a check up and teeth cleaning. I was told they were "no longer allowed to serve me". I was confused, after some probing the clerk stated that it was because if a previous "no show no call" for an appointment. I let her know that I don't remember that - but we recently had a baby. It is possible that my husband scheduled something and forgot, but I've never received a concern from them or a notice of discontinuing us as clients. She let me know that she would speak with someone and was back almost immediately reiterating that she could not schedule us. When I expressed my dismay at being "exited" without warning, a conversation, some compassion, etc. she asked if I wanted management to reach out later. I said yes - although I haven't heard from them, and it would be hard to imagine returning to somewhere that heartlessly declined service. I grew up with pets, and have always built relationships with veterinarians (and other places where I frequent) the lack of care was appalling. I would understand if they charged a fee for a missed appointment. But, to lose service without explaining when the appointment was missed or giving any context is appalling. I've also noted that they refute all of the negative reviews - so it will be interesting to see if this is refuted without me receiving a personal phone call/explanation."

"I’ve always had good experiences here. My cat has severe allergies and Dr. Fernandez helped us get things under control. The staff are friendly and can usually fit in emergency appointments within one or two days. Billing is straightforward and I never feel like they push unnecessary expenses. Thanks for all your assistance! Manchego appreciates it."