Paws and Claws Veterinary Hospital

"Disappointing. New to the area and was looking for a good vet (for my 5 furries) that would be closer. Took my youngest dog here for a check up because he was due for his rabies booster, and wanted to check out the facility and experience as our new go-to. The building is well-located to other conveniences, fairly new, and the patient areas seem very clean. There’s an open field across the parking lot, handy for dog folks. The waiting area is small but workable. The initial person at the front desk was super nice, as was the assistant who took us to the exam room and checked us in on the system, so a star for all of the above. 1st Red flag: they required a credit card number and signed authorization at the front desk BEFORE we were seen. Was told I’d get a copy on my way out. Vet came in 3 minutes after Tye assistant did our intake. She didn’t even try to build repor with my pup; no greeting, eye contact, didn’t check his teeth, ears, palpate his torso, look at his posture; all norms in a well-pet check up. The focus was on me, additional vaccines (he’d already had) and another $800-$1200 in tests without asking about his history or obtaining his previous medical records (he’d already had the normal panel done at his check-up 2 months prior at the vet where we lived before for less than half that amount) … Another set of red flags). With so little attention focused on him, I asked her how old she thought my pup was. (He’s just under a year). She over-estimated by 2 years, so it was abundantly clear the info input to the system during intake hadn’t been reviewed. I declined the upsells, Vet said the assistant would be back, and she left the room. After 20 minutes of waiting I went to the front desk and inquired. Different staff. Was told I owed for the shot and “extended visit fees.” I told them we never got the shot and had been waiting 20 minutes for it: not our fault: not paying the additional fee. Reply: the shot is already prepped so we owe for it and my card was already charged because the “estimate” I’d signed allowed for it. I asked them to remove the “extended visit fee”, give him the shot I was already charged for, and went back to the exam room. The assistant arrived a few minutes later, gave the shot, and also presented a bill I was asked to authorize payment for. I reviewed it. It included extended visit fees and an $800 for the labs I’d already declined. I mentioned it. She couldn’t look me in the eye and said we couldn’t leave until I signed. Knowing I’d be kissing $800 goodbye if I did, I refused until the bill was corrected and asked for a copy of the original authorization. Waited another 20 minutes. She returned with another bill without the labs, and sure enough, when I’d signed the initial “estimate” it also included authorization paying for that simple check up and booster, and any additional time required before the visit began. Repeat lesson: even if it looks normal, read everything BEFORE you give consent before you sign. I was being charged almost $300 for want in reality was 4 minutes of the vet’s time 7 minutes of the assistant’s time (spent mostly as a bill collector), and a $15 rabies booster…after wasting over 40 minutes of my own time after declining unnecessary treatment. This is not my first pet, or vet visit, and I’m also a business owner. I can only imagine the rent they’re paying for the newer, well-located leased space in a city with many pet-care choices. I feel bad for the vet assistant (usually paid just above minimum wage) who’s expected to do all of the things and collect…payments from clients as well, but that’s not the client’s or the pet’s problem. I need to be able to trust those I entrust with the care of those I love; human and otherwise, and will continue to drive all 5 of my furries the extra hour to a provider that has proven their expertise, earned our trust, repeat business, and will present a clear and reasonable bill for services agreed upon and rendered appropriate to the situation without wasting anyone’s time."

"I’ve been taking my dog to paws and claws and it’s been awesome with most of the visits. Nurses were sweet with handling my dog, doctor Abigail was great and gave great advice’s with some of the questions & concern we had. She prescribed shampoo for my fur baby for skin issue and it was awesome, I noticed great result after first use. Clinic is clean and neat, they have nice sitting area. You can either park in front or back of the clinic. Overall great and affordable veterinary clinic in central Bay Area."

"The staff here are absolutely wonderful. Had to bring my dog in and found out she had cancer and had to be put down. The staff here made her so comfortable and made me feel way better than any other vet has in these types of situations. 10/10 recommend them."

"On 12-21-2021, I had to have my beloved Ella put down. It was by far the most difficult thing I have ever had to do. Ella was 17 years old and was not only my emotional support, but I was hers. Ella was already in her senior years when I adopted her, and had been owner abandoned. I felt she deserved so much more and wanted to give her the best life possible for her remaining years. I know I did that for her, and in return, she made me the happiest pet owner ever. Knowing it was her time to go was the hardest decision I had to make. Ella layed on my chest, and as I was petting her, I said you’re ready to go aren’t you. I then called Paws and Claws Tracy. They were so compassionate through the entire process. I chose to be with Ella to the end, very tough, but they were there to comfort me before and after. I truly don’t know how I would have gotten through it without them. I had Ella cremated. When I got the call Ella’s ashes were ready to be picked up, again the compassion came through, even over the phone. When I did pick up my beloved Ella, she was brought out to me with loving care. Seeing I was still obviously upset, the gal kindly said they are still there for me and to drive safely. True compassion. Thank you Paws and Claws for not only taking care of my beloved Ella, but me, in our time of need. We were truly Blessed to have been in good hands."