VCA Encina Veterinary Medical Center

My senior kitty needed emergency dental treatment after being injured at her usual veterinarian. While there are no dental specialists in the bay area on the weekend, they were able to get her in and have a consultation and surgery within 3 days of her first visit. Before they could get her into surgery, they did what they could to adjust her tooth and provide pain management. At each appointment the techs and Dr were all very kind and explained everything thoroughly, repeatedly asking if I had any questions and that I could call at any hour if I had questions. Of course the cost is what you'd expect for urgent specialist surgery, no dentist is cheap, but they explained the expected itemized cost range before and after surgery and completed it without issue. After she went home they sent

For several years VCA Encina Medical Center has been our preferred choice for emergency care largely due to its adept, compassionate medical team. Whether it’s the receptionists, vet techs or skilled weekend emergency doctors such as Dr. Sarah Vasend and Dr. Damion Walters, the Encina staff has always been exceptional. It also bears noting that their professional commitment to ensuring the best care remains intact even during late nights and wee hours. In addition, the location itself—from the waiting area to the individual rooms—is always spotless and orderly. We’re thankful VCA Encina has been there for us in times of crisis and highly recommend their emergency services.

Dr. Nurre at VCA Encina was recommended to me by my primary Orinda vet of 11 years, and we’ve always trusted his judgement. My dog, Geronimo, needed an ultrasound to check his gallbladder after his littermate sadly passed from a rupture that was likely genetic. The ultrasound revealed clear signs of an enlarged mucoccele that would likely rupture soon. Dr. Nurre carefully explained all our options and walked us through every step of the surgical plan. Geronimo’s surgery went smoothly and his recovery was excellent. At 10 years old, I hope he won’t need any more surgeries — but if he ever does need care beyond what our primary vet can provide, we’ll absolutely return to VCA Encina. Their expertise and compassion made a stressful situation so much easier.

Unfortunately, we have had to use VCA Encina for two speciality events and one emergency event in the last 14 months. Fortunately, VCA Encina has been fabulous each time. One of our dogs needed significant dental work because of a botched procedure elsewhere. Encina's oral surgery team got him back on track. Our other dog has been going to Encina for the last four months for chemotherapy and then unrelated emergency surgery on New Year's Eve. Each time, the desk staff, vet techs, and vets have been fabulous. They are communicative and friendly. Dr. Bennett of the oncology staff is especially thoughtful, transparent, helpful, and gives great care. Both our dogs are doing great because of VCA Encina. If you have the right insurance (we use Trupanion), Encina direct bills and we only have to

I feel like finding a good veterinarian, especially for emergency care or a specialist, is like finding a needle in a haystack. Healthcare for your fur babies never feels as thorough as human healthcare. Nonetheless, finding VCA feels like a gift from the universe. Our dog Nala was having chronic UTI’s and nothing seemed to be helping her. She had an abdominal scan where they found a mass on her bladder. We got recommendations for a few oncologists in the area but chose VCA because of how qualified the team is. We were not disappointed. Our Nala girl had surgery on Tuesday and naturally I came in to drop her off in a very emotional state. Kathy brought me in the room and was so empathetic and sweet. She kept reassuring me that Nala would do great and she was in the best of hands. They took