San Francisco SPCA Veterinary Hospital Pacific Heights Campus San Francisco, California

If you have an emergency “after hours “ good luck

Don’t go there. Staff sucks. Especially front desk.

Really unhelpful. Took my dog that had contracted a pink eye and they couldn’t accept or schedule an appointment. Urgency care is a 2 day wait and reception desk didn’t even know how to schedule one.

Site is misleading. Says 24 hour care but they are definitely not.

Thank you to the staff at sfspca for putting my cat Shadow down in a professional compassionate way. Also sent a heartwarming card that all the staff signed, it meant alot to get it.

I can't say enough about the staff. I wasn't an established patient and the other emergency centers were too busy. From start of my call to out of the door post treatment we were treated kindly and efficiently. Thanks for making an emergency less stressful.

On Oct 6, 2020, Dr. Reid from SF SPCA advised a dental procedure for my dog Gotti because of periodontal issue. I was worried and expressed concern about putting Gotti under anesthesia as he is 13 years old. He didn't have any dental infection. I told Dr. Reid that some of Gotti's teeth have fell out on their own, and the remaining bad teeth will fall out too. Dr. Reid still recommended the dental procedure. Dr. Reid said a blood test will be done to confirm that Gotti can handle anesthesia. On Feb 18, 2021, I got email that Dr. Reid is sick. SPCA said another doctor will oversee his dental on Feb 19. I was worried but they reassured me that replacement, Dr. Villard, is experienced. On Feb 19, Dr. Villard called to say the blood test was fine and it was safe for Gotti to get anesthesia. He said full mouth teeth extractions were needed. Later that day he said the procedure went well. A technician gave me 2 medications when I picked up Gotti (Metacam and Gabapentin). I followed the written discharge instructions from Dr. Villard, but I noticed Gotti had a loss of appetite and was lethargic. I called and email SPCA to let them know, and the client services told me this was normal for a few days after the dental and to just keep following the discharge instructions. I asked for a follow-up appointment immediately, but I was told I had to wait for a follow up appointment on March 6th. In the next week, Gotti was eating much less. On March 2 and 3, he didn't eat anything. I brought him to the ER at 1pm on March 3. Dr. Nario took his blood sugar and it was normal. She sent Gotti home and said to cook some tasty chicken and rice food. But he still didn't want to eat. At 8pm, I went to the ER for the second time the same day. Client Services made me wait 5 hours until 1am for Gotti to be seen by the ER. I told them that Gotti is very lethargic and didn't eat for 2 days. But they said I need to wait. They said I must pay in advance for his blood test and X-ray. This took an additional 15 min while I already waited 5 hours with Gotti. The ER doctor said that Gotti has an Immune Destruction of Blood Platelets (IMT). Dr. Buatois said Gotti has low blood sugar, low platelet count, high white blood cell counts. She said it was strange that Gotti's blood test earlier was normal with Dr. Nario. Dr. Buatois told me it could be a recent dental procedure as a reason for low platelets. She said to focus on treatment and sent Gotti home with medications and discharge instructions at 3am. She said the IMT is easily treatable. Dr. Buatois administered Gotti 3 medications (Prednisolone, Doxycycline, and Entyce) on an empty stomach at the ER and sent us home. Gotti and I came home after 3am and he didn't want to eat. Gotti died around 8am that morning on March 4, 2021. I arrived with Gotti at the ER within 15 minutes. They tried to resuscitate him but they said he already died. I'm in disbelief how Gotti was sent home from the ER at 3am and died at 8am, 5 hours later. This was a misdiagnosis or negligence. The ER doctor said it was easily treatable condition and never said he could die. I got a second opinion from another doctor about his blood test results from March 4, 2021 and the doctor said it was internal bleeding. Gotti had internal bleeding after his dental surgery on February 19, 2021. I don’t understand why the ER didn’t keep Gotti at least overnight and treat this as a medical emergency at SF SPCA hospital. Gotti could’ve been saved if it wasn’t for the ER doctor misdiagnosis. I submitted a complaint to the CA Veterinary Board and asked them to investigate everything that led up to his death. Prior to his dental procedure, Gotti was healthy, energetic and had a good appetite. I want to get justice for Gotti and myself. This was a medical malpractice. It's very wrong that he died. I paid money for his medical services, brought him to the ER twice in the same day, but the doctors and hospital did nothing to help Gotti. I want them to be held accountable because I don't want anyone else to have this terrible experience.

I am Extremely thankful for the SPCA veterinary team. They helped us just before closing when our dog was attacked by another dog and needed care. They were efficient and kind when helping us. Claude was the technician/nurse who helped to explain medications, was caring towards our dog and even was caring about how we got home. Dr Chew was the veterinarian who took the extra time to fit in our pet, was clear and thorough with explaining the diagnosis and treatment. Thank you to the team that was working hard, late on a Friday, to care for our pets when they need it most. I can’t explain how important your job is to people who are worried about their pets!

The staff here is amazing!! After researching emergency location for our dog I saw many negative reviews about the service and getting over charged. Let me say that can not be any more WRONG! Everyone I encountered was very nice and carrying, Especially Dr. Reid. He listened to my concerns and was very empathic to our situation with our dog. He took the time to go over the options we had, what was the best choice, and what was in our best interest. He thoroughly explained the procedure that was ahead and gave us a complete break down of cost with 2 quotes. He made sure to call me later in the day to give me and update of her condition. At pick up the technician that brought her out to me even took her to go potty before handing her over, went over the bill (which was below the estimate), and made sure she had all her medications. I highly recommend them for your pet care needs.

TLDR: Friendly staff, fair pricing, efficient service, great care! I had a fabulous experience here on Friday night. My poor little pooch got nailed in the eye with a tennis ball while playing and had trouble keeping it open, so we rushed off to the SF SPCA’s Pac Heights emergency clinic to get checked out. The woman who answered the phone was kind, cheerful, and helpful. When we got there, we were seen almost immediately by a vet tech, who too was friendly and caring, and before too long they took my little girl into the back to be seen. They were pretty busy, so I was surprised when I got a call only 30 minutes later from the doctor himself giving me a full rundown of his findings and what to do next. The doctor was thoughtful, thorough, and pleasant to speak to. He even wrote detailed instructions for me to take home that covered everything I needed to do, as well as prescribed a medication to go home with. The best part was the price was shockingly affordable. I believe they even offer payment assistance for low income pet owners. We were in and out in an hour! I couldn’t have been more impressed and would recommend this location to anyone who needs emergency pet care.

Worst experience. Will not be taking our dogs back. They are expensive and honestly responsiveness is a joke.

My beautiful rescue dog, Chapa has been a patient of SF SPCA Pacific Heights since we rescued her in 2019. They have treated her incredibly well. Chapa loves going there. She wags her butt off while there. I appreciate all the hard work the vets/vet techs and staff do. They have listened to my many calls and worries.

They help keep my cat healthy.

About 2 weeks ago because my dog was wheezing, stopped eating and was lethargic. My dog is only 14 month. The dr at time sent her home without examining the X-ray and said she was just getting older. Days later a different dr actually looked at the x-rays and Called me to let me know that my fog was indeed sick and it is either pneumonia or bronchitis. This dr prescribed an antibiotic that they had guessed may make her better if it were bronchitis. After showing no outward improvements I called and was asked to come back in. On the phone they said Another X-ray would be needed since otherwise she would appear normal. I took her back in and no good or exam was done. The Dr shamed me for being there. She said I don’t know what you want me to do she looks fine. So, the dr refused to do the exam of her lungs and my dog was sent home without tx-ray or any of the actions recommended by the radiologist. So left with a big bill and absolutely no care.

I have being taking my two cats here for few years. Mostly of the time I was happy with the service, however, I never had any serious emergencies before. Last Thursday, on April 1st 2021, I took my older cat for his routine appointment, and apparently everything was okay and under control, he just needed an increase dose of medication for his thyroid problem. He was happy and very playful. On Sunday he woke up very lethargic and breathing with difficulty. I took him to the SF SPCA on Fillmore Street since Arguello Hospital Vet was closed. Over there he was prescribed asthma medication, after exams and X Rays. They said that he was having an asthma attack, which I never even knew before that he had asthma problem. On Sunday night he didn’t sleep and neither was he able to eat much. On Monday he still having the same noisy breathing. I called Arguello since I would like to bring him in and have a second and different option from a clinic that he was a patient for years. I was VERY CLEAR about the emergency situation, but instead of saying that I could bring him in , they said that I should contact the SPCA again. Once I took my cat again to the SF SPCA, they still not had received my cats blood test from the Arguello Pet Hospital and any information. In the end, I was told to put my cat to sleep saying that he was having an asthma crises and about to have heart failure, the best option would be to let him go. On Tuesday his veterinary from ARGUELLO called and said that she didn’t see anything about heart failure in the report from SPCA. I’m shocked with the treatment that my cat received between these two places. Until now, I’m not sure if putting him down was the only or at least the best option and the delay, lack of communication by Arguello and SPCA and mostly important, the fact that his primary clinic for years, refused to seem him and sending him in a life threatening condition to another hospital. I’m heart broken and terribly disappointed.

SF SPCA saved my dog!! She came in incredibly sick and continued to decline, until they were able to find the right combo of treatments and turn her around. I am eternally grateful to Dr. Reid, Dr. Villard, all of the vet techs, and front office staff for their open communication, prompt responses, care of my dog, and commitment to her health despite the challenges and obscure diagnoses. I would bring her back in a heartbeat because I know they genuinely care for her and are determined to help her get well. They also were very transparent about all costs and had my budget in mind at every step. I highly recommend them for your fur family!

Go there If you want your dog or cat to remain sick. Awful experience with front desk manager that just made the entire experience even more unbearable.

Our pup went in after another dog bit him at the dog park. The whole experience of another dog attacking our 8 month old puppy was a nightmare but this team was really helpful and looked after him, put him under for a stitch on his eyelid and called us to pick him when he was ready. They provided clear instructions on his care and medication, and made it easy to arrange his follow up. I guess he loved the staff because he practically jumped back into the vet clinic when we brought him back to have the stitch removed. He’s made a really great recovery- sending our thanks to the team there!! (Picture of our cone head included ????)

DO NOT! go here they just care about making money! they DO NOT care about the actual animal and helping!!. i waited 6 hours to get a xray and a 600 bill sent my dog home with a broken leg. they want 6 k to fix my dog. with no other options but to take out credit cards! the vets went to school to make money and clearly not help the animal in need !!! tried to upcharge for unnecessary meds !!!!

Horrible costumer service. They sent us away when we brought our Hurt struggling dog. Do not recommend.

Our puppy swallowed a scrunchie, they saw us immediately and they were super helpful got everything cleared up in under thirty minutes. If your puppy has an appetite for scrunchies this should be your go to spot. Phone for scale. Puppy is 12lbs ????????????

Front desk helped me promptly... I have been waiting to speak to this doctor for over 2 hours. The wait time is very long and there are about 2 people that have been waiting just as long. This is ridiculous and would recommend another location.

If I could give this place a zero stars I would. They have absolutely awful customer service. None of the staff know what they are doing. I took my cat in the be seen for a stool issue twice in a matter of 3 days and they were no help. In addition to all of this when I took my cat in it was a 7 hour wait for him to be seen and could not help my cat get better. DO NOT USE THEM.

We’ve been going here with mostly positive experiences for 10 years now, but one encounter can ruin it all. Our dog was having some serious issues and a male receptionist we spoke to heavily steered us away from coming in for an emergency visit. Numerous times mentioning it was likely just anxiety, and to call back in a week. 18 hours later our dog was hospitalized at an emergency vet in the Inner Sunset. Our pup is doing great, but it could have been a lot worse.

Bad service-they find ways to upcharge you. Focus more on money then they do on care. Dr.V is the only good vet there. Don’t book unless you are going to see Dr.V

I called prior to going and was told a 30 minute wait. I arrive 30 minutes later to be told about an hour. 1 hour and 45 minutes later I heard one of the representatives say to the guy ahead of me they had an emergency and will be another hour wait. Where is the common courtesy to let us know there will be a delay. Like people dont have something better to do then wait 4 hours to get our lovable pets eye drops. This is ridiculous and completely unacceptable. Go to a vet that has some respect and care, SPCA obviously doesnt.

I called SPCA to make a regular appointment for my pup. I inquired about the earliest appointment so the receptionist told me they had one for the same day at 5 pm. I told her I would take it. At the end of the visit I was charged $90 for urgent care visit when my appointment was NOT for urgent care. They told me that since I scheduled the appointment for the same day that this was considered urgent care. Way to go SPCA when informing your patients of your fee practices. This should have be brought up to my attention when I was scheduling a regular appointment that required no urgent care. I could have waited another day but this is just another way they use to up-charge their patients. Additionally, when the Vet checked my dog for the condition that I brought him for (rash near eyes area) the Vet tried to explain me a probable cause and asked me the type of flee medicine my pup was on, which I responded with Simparica. The Vet said that she thought it was a type of bug that is common in dogs when they are not on a good flee medicine or no medicine but that she was going to take my pup to the back to take some tissue samples to perform some tests. Shortly after the Vet came back with my pup saying that my pup was not cooperating and it was hard for them to take the tissue samples but since my pup was on Simparica (flee medicine) that she thought it was very unlikely that my pup had what she was trying to diagnose. WTH??? By the way they never asked me for help to handle him. As his handler and owner I would have helped them to provide better control. My visit was pure guessing games of conditions with no fundamentals. This is the worst overall veterinary service that I have ever received. From the front desk when scheduling to the veterinary service. I will advice you to learn from my experience so you look for a Vet facility that is clear about their fee polices and that diagnose conditions based on fundamentals and not guessing games. Also look for a place where if they are really concern about checking for some conditions that they make the best efforts to follow thru and not just said that the pet is not cooperating.

They assumed that I picked up medication and didn't pay for it, while I haven't picked it up yet and was using up what I still had at home. They have charged me anyway for something that I've never got.

Had to run here unexpectedly with our 16wk old puppy. Everyone was very friendly, professional, and clear about pricing. We were in and out in an hour with the peace of mind (and medication) we needed. Would definitely go back in an emergency.

Consistently great care from staff and doctors. I’ve had three dogs cared for here, one back in 05-06, and my two dogs once I moved back to SF in 2013. My current dog has Cushings Disease which had gone undiagnosed by previous vets in So Cal. Dr. Bowman was the first to not just say my dog was overweight, but investigated further. Thanks to his diligence, Cooper is living a healthy life, albeit on daily medication. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend this practice.