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September 2022 by Sandra D.
My older dog had many teeth removed from Dr. Franck's office. This is the first time I had ever been there. The veterinarian I've seen previously I'd say is "OK". I wanted something more than OK for removing 15 plus teeth from a 11 year old dog. I was very pleased with their office. They were very caring, attentive to him, made sure I understood the medication afterwards, etc. I will make them my regular vet from now on.
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April 2020 by Russ T.
I'm not sure why the last reviewer was put off about her doggies exam, but Dr. Franck is awesome. Quite personable and easy to talk to, and knows her stuff when it comes to cats for sure. She is my favorite Vet at El Sobrante Veterinary Hospital!
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November 2019 by Ash P.
If I could I would give them 0 stars. We used to come here when Dr. Robinett was there but switched when she retired. I went to take my dog in to her new regular vet but they were booked so decided to try bel Marin again. Today was a reminder as to why I left. It was a half hour past my appointment time before the doctor even saw her. Then my favorite was the vet is talking about possibilities of surgery etc and I had to say "I don't think we've met before..." and THEN she introduces herself. But the icing on the cake was the "physical examination". She looked at my dog for all of 15 seconds, didn't even check breath or heart sounds! I brought this up to the tech, who was pleasant and compassionate, and she apologized and said she did it in the back. And I responded that anywhere you go it's one of the first things they do when examining either a human or animal during a physical assessment. She apologized again, and assured me they would be faxing our regular vet the assessment from today. Such a shame. Plus this place is way over priced, it's sad to see the Bel Marin Animal Hospital name being tarnished by bad medicine :(
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September 2019 by James C.
We have to thank Dr. Sutton and Dr. Hansson and the staff at Bel Marin Animal Hospital for all the care they have shown our dog over the last few years. We have been going to Bel Marin Animal Hospital for 15yrs now. We had excellent care from the previous lead vets (Dr. Robinett and Dr. Frank) and were duly concerned when the practice changed hands a few years ago. Though different names and faces, we have experienced great care and expertise in the new staff. We also did NOT see pricing go up - we always felt the charges were in line with the treatment received - pet care unfortunately can cost a considerable amount, anywhere. For his 'Senior Dog' checkups, we usually saw Dr. Sutton who was incredibly thorough and gave us complete confidence in her recommendations on his medicine, diet, and exercise regime. We just had the sadness this week of having to say goodbye to our dog. He was 15 years old, and his mobility and overall health changed in a matter of days and we went in for a consultation with Dr. Hansson. Without us asking, but being totally attuned to the situation, the staff kindly rushed to lay down a series of floor runners so our dog could walk across the clinic. Dr. Hansson struck the perfect balance of clinician and compassion, knowing we were going to have to make a very tough decision as there were not really any viable options to improve his situation. Any pet owner knows that is one of the worst times in life, and Bel Marin Animal Hospital doctors and staff took great care of our guy and made this as easy on us as possible.
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August 2019 by Jan H.
Dr. Franck is a new Vet at my Veterinary Hospital in El Sobrante where I have been taking my dogs for 20 years. I met her today when I took my 7 year old dachshund mix in for his exam. I was expecting the vet who always sees my dogs. I have to say, I wasn't impressed. She didn't present herself as professional, didn't really get down and get to know my dogs( i have siblings who have never been apart so they go everywhere together.) I didn't feel like the exam was very thorough. I won't be going back to her. I always ask for my regular vet but they told me she changed her days.
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July 2019 by Monika E.
Only giving one star because I have to otherwise I would give none! These people are all about getting the most money they can possibly get from pet owners. Brought our healthy puppy in for an exam and basic shots. Dr. S took almost an hour later than the appointment time to see our pup and examined him for 20 seconds. Proceeded to say he needed a fecal test which was unnecessary since he just had one and was checked out to be just fine. $55 Then asked to see him again in four weeks with another exam for $67 which was again unnecessary just to make a pretty penny! They insisted that all puppies need to be examined every time they came in to get shots! Lame. Canceled my following appointment and found a veterinarian that is not just about ripping people off but actually be reasonable and not charge unnecessary tests!
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July 2019 by Debbie A.
Dr. Robinett no longer works or owns this hospital. They have been bought by a corporation. I'm sorry to have to leave with my 4 dogs but they up sell you every time you visit. I went for a dental cleaning and they pulled all of my dogs teeth without telling me till afterwards. They exam and treat your pet in the back without you. Exam charge is almost $70 they also charge for a re exam after treatment. This was never the case before. I have never seen the same doctor or same staff in the office. They even tried to tell me my dog needed a rabies shot when it had one a year ago their records were wrong. I'm very sorry things went this way because this place is closer for me but I don't trust anything going on here it's all about the money
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May 2019 by Jennifer O.
Took my dog in for her required visit in order to get a flea and tick prescription. The vet touched my dog for her exam, all of 20 seconds, and then sent staff in with almost $600 dollars worth of recommendations. Obviously the majority of recommendations were declined. Staff are patient and pleasant, the Vet, meh.
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April 2019 by Romeo C.
Could not be more delighted with our wonderful vet surgery - the whole team are so welcoming and really look after all 5 of our furry rescue crew! Piglet a rescue dumpster pup (who has PTSD from not eating as a newborn) gained ALOT of weight very quickly - they straight away got her on a diet with love guidance and huge support she is now at her ideal healthy weight! I could go on! They go out of their way to love and care for their patients and their parents! Great job - outstanding!
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February 2019 by Chris C.
We have been bringing our dogs to Bel Marin Animal Hospital for the last 14+ years. I just started a sabbatical, which also means I am the one who runs the dog to the vet now when we have a concern. Today was my first visit in, and I got to meet Dr. Sutton and the new staff (well, new to me). From the staff I talked to in making the appointment to the folks who took care of us during today's exam of our dog, I was really impressed by their professionalism and friendliness. Dr. Sutton was incredibly thorough in examining Murphy and in asking me questions to narrow in on the issue. Additional tests were needed and a very complete explanation of the purpose and costs for these was provided up front. When I got the bill for the exam itself, I was pleasantly surprised (we just returned to Novato after 18mos in Seattle, and the office visits were noticeably higher up North) and thought it very reasonable. Dr. Robinette set a very high bar for our expectations, and my experience today with Dr. Sutton and team assured me that we are still in the right hands.
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December 2018 by Diane M.
Our family went in for euthanasia and our small dog as it was time. I took our dog away and put a catheter in her leg. When the doctor came in she gave a shot that made the dog sleepy and then the final shot then nothing happened. The catheter was never put in correctly. Precious moments going by and wish she was taking away to put another catheter in. I was told by the doctor "this happens all the time ", totally unacceptable during this very heart wrenching time. I didn't like the procedure no time in between shots to comfort The dog and ourselves. One star
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July 2018 by Iva T.
This review is about the BMAH customer relations, not their veterinary care. I went in today as a first-time customer and definitely won't be back. They said they just needed verbal confirmation on my cat's needs form a prior vet. That should've been a simple phone call, but instead it was an off-putting demo of their culture. I was first told that the place in question (the other vet) was closed for the day- when it was still open, with more than an hour left- and yes, she was referring to the same place I was. When I offered to find information online she just said she forgot the WiFi password. When I offered to help get information over the phone and had no cell signal, she said "I can't be just handing over the [wired company-owned] telephone". (Why, because I might walk an entire foot away with it? Or because letting a customer do the dialing might hurt the professional image she's cultivating? Imagine learning about this policy of hers there, at a critical time when you need to reach someone...) Finally, when I reached the other place on my own and arranged for them to call BMAH, the same associate's response was "I can't be sitting at the phone all the time." No, but I also can't be fighting you to make a purchase. Better luck with your other customers. This was enough aggravation for my taste.
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March 2018 by Mark C.
Read the date of reviews, Dr. Robinette and Dr. Franck are no longer there, I don't think Monica is either. It's a completely different practice. I called about cost for communal cremation. The girl left me on the line in silence, finally asked me to hold at which point I left my number and asked for a call back. I got a voicemail for I think a package deal for euthanasia and cremation. I of course specifically asked for communal cremation. Spoke to a different girl when I called back and finally got the answer, she had a hard time asking if I already have the body. Neither of them offered any words of condolences. Not asking for grief counseling from an untrained person, it's natural in some places for human beings to say one sentence along those lines when death is involved. I deleted them from the contact in my phone.
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January 2018 by Jessica M.
Bel Marin Animal Hospital has been the best veterinary hospital/clinic I've ever dealt with. The staff and Dr.'s are very pleasant and compassionate. I'd highly recommend, Steven Dennis, DVM, for your furry friends needs. He's honest, forthcoming, and compassionate. Thank you Dr. Dennis for your help with my beloved Tigger.
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December 2017 by Caron S.
I've been a client of Bel Marin Animal Hospital for over 30 years, all the way back to Dr. Diana Phillips. I had full faith and confidence in Dr. Robinette and her staff. I have taken my two dogs in and am appalled at the attitude and cost of this new group. I was there for 45 minutes. The vet examined one of my dogs and diagnosed with a skin infection. Two medications and heart worm and flea medication. Second dog, ear infection, ear flush and medication, heart medication. Total bill $1,043.00!!!!! Outrageous and never again. I'm looking for a new vet.
