Castro Valley Animal Hospital

Yesterday my dog got into something extremely toxic and this hospital was closest to where we were at the time. She was so agitated and aggressive it was the scariest thing ever. They immediately treated her (they said) and wanted me to agree to a laundry list of expensive tests that I just couldn’t afford. So she comes back with a bill for $1200 that was for - $155 for walking in the door then diazepam & fluids was hundreds of dollars ooh and $250 for critical care exam so that’s $400 just for walking in the door. I would’ve been totally fine with all of this. I really would have if she would’ve been even a little bit better when they gave her back to me. She was still highly agitated, confused, scared, I really don’t know what they did for her? If I would have followed their recommendations it wouldn’t have been for more treatment. Just more tests. She even admitted there isn’t much more anyone could do but just wait until whatever it is passes. So what exactly did I pay for? And thank God, I didn’t agree to the whole treatment plan. Also, they close at 9 PM when on the website it says they’re 24 hour emergency services like what the hell? Worst experience ever for vet hospitals.

My regular vet wasn't available, so I went here. Lots of waiting. Complete lack of transparency. Took my dog and dissapeared in tge back for 24 hours. Spent $2000 and then another $1200 an hour later. Kept my dog overnight without actual explination. Can't speak to a vet. Barely got to talk to the receptionist. Charged an additional $100+ for meds the next day. No one cared to hear the list of meds that my dog was already taking before giving him a bunch of antibiotics and anti inflammatory drugs. My dog had a tummy ache. I should have gone to the vca. I'll never go here again.

i had a horrible experience with this place. all they care is money. my wife called 2x to confirm the cost. however, when i was there with my cat, they didn't say a word or request sign any docu. They sent me and the cat straight to the office. After 10-15 minutes late, they told me to go to the front make payment. The quote on the phone was approx $300-400, but the bill was $1141 now. and when i call my wife have her talk to the front girl, then she said the prices is $712. when my wife question her why the price is big drop, she wouldn't give her the reason. after they were on the phone for few minutes, the price drop to $500 something. how come the medical office' price is up and down. i don't feel safe to have my cat get any services here. when i ask for my cat back, the front lady who said was the office manager refused to give my cat back until i made the $82 payment as initial office visit. they didn't really do anything to my cat. i will not recommend this place to anyone. no wonder they have appointment right away when we called.

My dog was eventually diagnosed with a serious autoimmune disease that affected her spine and brain and Incompetence by this vet wasted precious time as they were more interested in jacking up the bill than taking the time to properly examine my pet. My dog was showing signs of pain, quivers and loss of appetite. I explained all of to the vet that checked her out. He did a brief check, ran blood and fecal tests said she had a fever and recommended an iv. I was give pain medication for her but was never given a diagnosis. Two days later her condition became worse and I brought her to another vet. Gave them the same description and they did a much more thorough physical exam and explained that she likely had a neurological issue. They called several other clinics with that expertise. Later that day my pup was diagnosed with an autoimmune disease that was causing the tissue around her spine to swell.

Was able to get a same day appointment on a weekend for a kitten I had just found who had a respiratory infection and eye issue. When I brought my kitten to my regular vet she informed me that the eye ointment that was prescribed is known to cause anaphylaxis in cats! She also said that she would not have prescribed that antibiotic that was given due to other medications having more efficacy and less side effects. While one could say that it’s good to be able to get a quick appointment and start treatment - there also appeared to be a huge risk to the health of my very young kitten! They also did not do the physical exam while I was in the room with them which was odd and off putting. I have since heard a few horror stories about this location. I will not be going back.

They took my dog the same day we called. They checked him, gave IV and blood tests, and clearly explained what they knew and didn’t. The charge was reasonable. The next day, they called me with the test results and informed me of the next steps, including specialist costs upfront. I feel they are honest and do solid work. I highly recommend this clinic.

Our sweet boy Cisco was a patient here for 12.5 years, from a playful pup to a wise old soul. While it wasn’t always perfect—wait times could be long, and they’re often understaffed—we stayed because of Dr. Brar’s unwavering dedication. He didn’t just treat Cisco; he cared for our whole family, offering transparent advice through every stage of his life. The emotional goodbye was heartbreaking, but it showed how deeply Dr. Brar and the staff invest in their patients. Cisco loved visiting, even in his final years—a testament to the clinic’s warmth. I’d recommend Dr. Brar for his honesty and long-term commitment, but hope management addresses staffing to ease the strain on this compassionate team.