Dog, cat, ferret or parakeet, our pets are beloved family members. So choosing the perfect veterinarian is a primary concern for every pet owner. Pets are even more vulnerable than humans when it comes to medical care, because they cannot speak to tell you what’s wrong.
You want a vet you can count on to be knowledgeable and skilled and very caring. One who can and will communicate clearly with you. One who will go the extra mile if your pets are in distress. One who won’t overcharge you.
How do you find the best veterinarians in and around San Jose?
You can read online reviews.
There’s nothing like reading about other people’s experiences to give you insight into the tangible and intangible traits of particular vets. Are they good? Are they personable? What kind of approach do they take to pet health and wellness?
These four vets in San Jose have received numerous reviews and top ratings:
Pinnacle Animal Hospital
4724 Meridian Avenue, San Jose
5 stars on Yelp, with comments like “amazing,” “very knowledgeable” and “love the family and personal care we receive.” One reviewer noted the cleanliness of the facility, the pet fountain in the waiting room and the “cat steps” in the exam room.
ArchVet Animal Hospital
6207 Santa Teresa Blvd., San Jose
5 stars on Yelp, with comments like “reasonable, straight forward and truly treat you like a member of the family.” One reviewer noted the vet called her right after she posted a negative review to work with her further on resolving her dog’s problem – and isn’t that the kind of responsiveness you want for your pet?
Animal Medical Center San Jose
1820 Hillsdale Avenue, #20, San Jose
4.5 stars on Google, with comments like “fabulous” and a story about Dr. Grewal opening the clinic on Sunday to handle an emergency.
West Valley Pet Clinic
1360 S. De Anza Blvd., San Jose
4.2 stars on Google, with comments like “kind and compassionate” at the worst moment of any pet owner’s life – having to say goodbye. One reviewer noted she “could write pages on how impressed” she was.
You can take a more “scientific” approach.
The Prime Buyer’s Report, an independent organization that researches and rates local businesses, has put together a list of their “Top 10” veterinarians in Santa Clara County. To come up with their ratings, staff at The Prime Buyer’s Report verify business credentials, investigate business practices to learn of any complaints or claims, and conduct phone interviews with past clients to hear first-hand about experiences and customer satisfaction.
They note that although all vets are required to be licensed by the State Veterinary Medical Board, they are not required to carry professional liability insurance – the kind of coverage that would reimburse you for a loss caused by their negligence or a mistake. Nonetheless, the vets on their Top 10 list do carry this type of insurance.
Here’s their list, which, curiously, includes just 9 vets:
- Adobe Animal Hospital
- 396 1st St, Los Altos
- Alta-View Animal Hospital
- 690 Showers Drive, Mountain View
- Campbell Animal Hospital
- 186 E Sunnyoaks Ave., Campbell
- Cupertino Animal Hospital
- 10026 Peninsula Ave., Cupertino
- Evergreen Veterinary Clinic
- 1611 E Capitol Expressway # 204, San Jose
- Gilroy Veterinary Hospital
- 9565 Monterey Rd., Gilroy
- Palo Alto Pet Hospital
- 711 El Camino Real, Palo Alto
- South County Animal Hospital
- 15790 Monterey St # 500, Morgan Hill
- Summit Veterinary Hospital
- 23291 Summit Rd, Los Gatos
Choosing a vet is as personal of a decision as choosing the right pet for your family. Checking out both factual data and client reviews will give you the most reliable starting point. Once you’ve had a chance to meet the vet and see first-hand how they interact with you and your pets, you’ll know if they are the best choice for your furry family. An don't forget to keep your furry friend clean and happy by installing artificial turf for you pet.
