Barney And Russum Animal Clinic

We recommend Barney & Russum with no reservations. We have taken our dogs there for 9 years and are impressed by the high level of care they receive. The veterinarians and the staff are kind, caring, and professional. Our beloved female cocker spaniel died from pancreatitis and the care she received at Barney & Russum was compassionate and the treatment outstanding. One vet tech came in on her day off to be with our cocker. We are indebted to the excellent veterinarians and staff for giving our family member the best hospice care. We take our two Cockers to Barney & Russum and wouldn’t think of taking them elsewhere. Barney & Russum are the best. Read Less

Fantastic service and the prices are great as well. Dr. Barney along with the other vets take time to explain to you all the options and the treatments that they offer. They don’t try to upsell anything, and they are extremely informative with all questions. They greet you right away and work hard to get you in as quickly as possible. When I’m in with the doctor they never rush and they make sure all questions get answered. I drive 2 hours from the Bay Area just to go here for my bully, and it’s more than worth it. Read Less

While they gave our reacue proper treatment, they made us wait over 90 minutes to get into a room for examination. They treated him well, helped keep him calm (he's a timid fellow), and consulted a senior Vet when his x-ray came back cloudy on 1 side. Front desk staff are hit or miss as which is friendly or not. Overall a very competent office. Read Less

I have been going to Barney & Russum since around 1995 when I was still in CA. I moved and retired to Oregon on Thanksgiving day 1997 All my English Bulldogs have been to him. Zac,Abby,Winston,Churchill,Angel 1 ,Angel 2, Precious, Prince & Toby and others before them.. Dr.Barney added three yrs more to Little Angel 1 's life..When I moved up here I was told by the regular Vet up here she had allergies if one med didn't work they tried others, meanwhile she was suffering so badly..when she was having so much trouble breathing, I decided after talking to Dr.Barney & taking another xray, sent it to Dr.Barney in CA. he said, if, I want her to live another day, I should bring her down.My Little Angel had surgery and was so much better that very afternoon and everyday since.Dr.Barney on his last day of work before retirement did surgery on my Little French Bulldog Prince..removing his leg due to Cancer..Thank you Dr.Barney from the bottom of my heart for giving many years more to all my babies and myself.A must, is if you own a Bulldog, Please rest assure a Bulldog Specialist is the person to see. My Late Gabby Grace 6-10-09...4-26-15 her sibling sister Angel 2 and Prince and "Little Prince"11 yrs he will be 12 Jan.24,2018 Read Less

Dr. Barney is the absolute best! I have any English bully and have been terrified to have her put under for any procedures. It finally came to the point where surgery was the last and only logical avenue to remedy a very aggressive infection in her tail pocket (she had a severe screw tail and deep flesh pocket around it). Since we needed to put her under anesthesia for her tail, we decided to have her elongated pallet reduced at the same time (so we wouldn't have to put her under again). I brought her in at 8am, I called to check on her at sound 11 and received an update, and had her home recovering by 3pm! Dr. Barney left a little nub so it'll look like she kinda has a tail after her hair grows back, she doesn't sound like she's struggling to draw her breath anymore and he did everything well below the estimate he had given me. Every time he's seen Lily, he has treated her with love and care. I couldn't ever recommend anybody or anything more strongly than I can recommend this awesome doctor! Thank you very much Dr. Barney and God bless you and your staff! Read Less

I'm finding it hard to review this clinic because each visit is a different experience. Therefore this review will be based on my most recent visit on Thursday 8/10/17. We brought 2 animals here on the same day. A senior dog, and a new matted shelter cat for sedative grooming. (Normal groomers wouldn't take her since she doesn't tolerate handling well.) The cat grooming was an utter failure. We specifically made the appointment for SEDATIVE grooming and NO ONE called the day prior to remind us to keep her NPO prior to the visit. Luckily, since I've had experiences with pets needing to go under anesthesia, I knew to keep her NPO so I did it anyway just in case. But if a newer pet owner didn't know this, it would be a problem! So we get to the clinic 30 min before our appointment time to check in, and we still end up waiting 30 AFTER our appointment to be seen. When they finally take our cat in, the vet and techs decide to try to shave the cat WITHOUT sedation. They shave ONLY her back before deciding it's not working and they in fact need sedation (which is why we brought her there in the first place!!). Later, I get a call from the vet saying that they reviewed her chart and that the blood test taken a few weeks ago on her initial check up shows early signs of renal failure, so sedation would be risky. WHAT?? They NEVER informed us of kidney issues before this visit. We would have never brought her in for sedation and risk her health if we knew that beforehand!! Plus, why are you reviewing her chart ONLY NOW, knowing her appointment was for sedation and AFTER shaving half her body?? This was extremely frustrating and upsetting. I wasn't charged for the botched grooming, but our poor cat has to live like this until her hair grows back. See pictures uploaded.My senior dog with a complicated medical history was also seen for cough and knee problems the same day. The vet at first recommended surgery on the knee, but then consulted with Dr. Barney in another room, who felt surgery was not recommended due to his old age. Dr. Barney recommended supportive, medical treatment instead of surgical intervention. The vet didn't seem confident in her recommendations and seemed very very new. I decided to hold off on any intervention since I was getting different answers. I paid $60 for that visit.The phone system can also be a problem because you can be on hold for a VERY long time. There was once a time where there was a long queue, we were the next caller up, then suddenly got hung up on. We called back only to be placed in the back of the line.It's difficult because it looks like a lot of people have had great experiences especially with the more experienced vets. We have also had good experiences in the past. Dr. Carey was great but she left the clinic. We've also visited with several other vets there (Dr. Varon, Dr. Veltri, Dr. Mack) who have all done good work with our other animals. We've never met Dr. Barney or Dr. Russum.Again this review is based on the most recent visit which I felt was an example of mismanagement and lack of foresight. Please review an animal's chart BEFORE any action, inform owners of any major diagnosis beforehand, and don't make major surgical recommendations if you're really not too sure. Read Less

My dog is a regular patient. She usually sees Dr. Barney. However, Dr.Mack did my dog's mammary tumor removal. She missed several growths we asked her to remove. My dog now needs additional surgery. She missed stitches when she did the suture removal. Needless to say, do not go to Dr. Mack. Read Less

The first time I brought my chihuahua in they were really friendly and helpful. I go there often now due to my dog being a bit aggressive when he gets his nails clipped. They won't take him at petco. His nails over grew into his thumbs. They fixed him up right away. I let the doctor know about his ear infection and how difficult it is to medicate him. They brought him to the back and treated him with a high dose of medication. Which actually got rid of his infection. I just love how friendly they were to my dog. I don't hesitate about making an appointment with them.  Thanks for treating my family like yours. Read Less

Always willing to go the extra mile & can work you in if need be on a critical issue.  Dr. Barney is truly caring & concerned... and he will be retiring soon.  It's hard to find veterinarians like him, they are a dying breed.  I will miss him deeply. I drive an hour and a half from Sacramento, just because I own a Bulldog.  It is a very specialized breed with quirks & issues that are not known to regular vets. Read Less

Barney & Russum is fantastic, they took very good care of our Pedro. The vets there were very caring about his heart conditions and kept him with us for 14 years. When Pedro passed away they treated him and us with care and dignity. Several days later we received a sympathy card along with his paw prints from the staff. Rest assured they will take very good of your pets.... Read Less

Half a star. I called three times today to become the next for an answer and my call went to voicemail each time. Great. No follow up appointment for my cat. It took 48 hours to get the results of my cats urinalysis. Very simple lab work. No one called me. The results had been in. His urine is still bloody so that's misdiagnosis number two. Make an appointment and you're almost always guaranteed to not be seen for at leas an hour. Quoted a price and charged almost double the price. They did pay us back the difference though. My dog suffered for 14 days with a sinus infection because they misdiagnosed him too. I clearly said he had no cough three times. Then we paid for a scope that turned out to be unnecessary. I had high hopes because of a recommendation from friends who had taken their dogs here for 12 years. They even feel like the service has gone downhill. I think it's downright $hit. I won't be back. Read Less

Receptionist doesn't acknowledge owners and their pets upon entering, leaving us standing at the counter. I said I was there to check my pet in, and she in turn rudely asked my pet's name to check him in.Noon appointment and I'm still waiting to be seen 45 minutes later... Why even schedule an appointment if all I'm gonna do is wait as a damn walking anyway?!!! NOT the first time this has happened...Keep bringing my little guy in for the SAME ISSUE with no resolution, just additional visits.Think it's time to find a new vet! This can't be the only facility in the Solano/Sacramento area with bulldog expertise. Read Less

This has got to be one of the most kind, professional, ethical veterinarian clinic my family has ever depended on to get the need of our pets met.  Even after the incompetence of another vet office they seen my daughter's very sick puppy and treated The Whole family with dignity. They saved the puppies life after the other one took almost all my daughter's money treated her and her children badly then unhooked their puppy and handed the sick puppy to the traumatized oldest one. No diagnoses at all. This vet here they are skilled and kind and thorough. I would give them more stars if I could. You want a good vet, a vet who works with the family like this is a fur baby member of their family this is the place to go. Skilled and professional!!! Read Less

Dr Barney has saved the life of 2 of my dogs and cares for my current dog. he is compassionate and caring. Dr Russum is also great with my dogs. I've been going there for over 30 years and wouldn't think of going anywhere else! Read Less

I have been going here for over 10 yrs and have always been very happy with the care my pets have been given on every visit. Yesterday was no different in fact they go above and beyond in making sure my pet is ok . When you get follow up calls at home after hours checking on your pet you know they care . Thank you Barney & Russum for All you have done for my family Read Less

The first time I called to schedule an initial visit, I only had to try a few times for my call to go through.  The staff were good at managing appointments, wait time was reasonable.  On our last visit for our puppy's last set of shots, they were able to accommodate our request for an orthopedic exam (requested by our insurance company).  I appreciated that they did not make us jump through hoops for it; they saved us time and money. Read Less

We've recently relocated to the area and we're needing to switch to a different vet but hadn't yet. We were able to call and get a visit that same day to have the vet look at our Loki's nail that had spilt even though Loki had not been seen by their office before. When we took him in, the vet was very helpful and gracious when dealing with Loki who has some anxiety when on a table. Overall, I'm grateful to have found this office to take my babies too. Read Less

I used to live nearer to this vet...I have since moved twice- to sacramento and to sonoma. I have also used another vet in the Fairfield area. With this being said....all three other vets have been expensive,  have made suggestions and recommendations for unnecessary procedures.....with the exception of this vet clinic. Seems like this vet clinic will do what is necessary and only charge (a reasonable competitive price) for what your animal needs. I came here some years ago to have my dogs tooth pulled....was the cheapest around and still providing great service. so.....I live about 45 minutes away now. I just came back from a visit with a vet who,  in my opinion made suggestions for unnecessary items and then came out paying $90 more.....[total trip was about $266] than what I expected.....and gave no solution to my dogs illness. I have no plans to return to that vet....and will definitely  be traveling 45 minutes to Barney & Russums in the future! Read Less

B&R always treat our pets with care and compassion. They have everything your pet needs, go out of their way to accommodate and are very knowledgable vets. I brought my tabby cat in today, and Dr. Sam and the techs were great with him as always. They were gentle, warm and took their time to hear what we had to say as well as give Jasper a thorough assessment. Our family has been coming here for years and we are so grateful for their compassion and hard work. They get busy sometimes but thats to be expected when your the best vet clinic in town. I came in today (Tuesday) and it was fairly slow for them. Thanks Barney and Russum (and Sam)! Read Less

Kitten was a few months old and ate some plastic clogging her intestines. The other vet I regularly went to gave me a quote of $4,800 just to figure out if they could save her within her 2-3days left she had. They couldn't even tell me what was wrong. I was referred here by a friend and the grand total came out to just under $1k for everything. They saved Finn's life and I will only come here from now on. Very honest, very knowledgeable. Thank you. My cat can now continue to enjoy the fancy life with my older cat and puppy whom I bring here as well.Read Less

These guys saved me over $2,000 when All 4 Paws opted for major surgery on a simple stitch situation. Barney and Russum charged me $250.I've been bringing my husky here ever since. They remember his name and his favorite belly rubs! Love love love this place Read Less

I love it. I have 1, 17 years old Mutt Terrier and 7 months Shih Tzu, and been going to this clinic. All the staffs are very nice and always happy and smiling people. The doctor are very good and the best doctor for me is Dr Rassum, he is very sweet, kind and very understanding. How many times he took care of both my dogs and don't charge me. He cares for my dogs to get better and feel better. No matter what. I will keep coming to this clinic because I know for sure that they will take good care of my babies Read Less

I was referred to this vet on Thursday when my dog suddenly became very ill, they were closed at the time, but I left a message, thinking it was a long shot that they could get me in the next day. This morning I got a call back from them almost immediately upon opening. They were able to get my dog in at 9:30. The care, compassion and service we received from them was so far above & beyond anything I have ever experienced from anyone in the medical field. They saved my dogs life when I felt like I had no options. There aren't enough words to describe the gratitude my family has for Dr. Russum. Read Less

I got my kitten spayed here last month after a couple recommendations. Dr. Sam Varon did the surgery--he is very kind and knowledgeable and answered any questions I had. Afterwards, my crazy little kitten managed to get to her incision, so I took her back in on short notice to see Dr. Sam, who patched her right up again. Vet visits can be stressful, but I'm very happy with my choice to come to this clinic. The vet techs are friendly, it's close to home, and they have some of the best vets in the area. Thanks Dr. Sam and Barney & Russum Animal Clinic! Read Less

This place is great.  Took my newly adopted puppy to another vet and was not happy with their service.  Found this vet through a neighbor, and glad I did.  I have a Pittie who was having horrible allergies.  They were so sweet and they got her all fixed up.  I would HIGHLY recommend them! Read Less

Let me start by saying this is the WORST vet I have ever been to. Last month, my pet was very sick and dying. I called and got a same day appointment. When I arrived, I was told there was a scheduling error and they couldn't see me. I was very upset because I knew my pet was dying and I took off work to get him help. After insisting that my pet be seen, they finally ushered me into a room. A few moments later, Dr. Sam came in. Now, I will be honest and say my review of this clinic has nothing to do with Dr. Sam, as he is AMAZING, knowledgeable, and compassionate. This review is geared towards the front office staff and the reptile Dr they have on staff, because of her NEGLIGENCE, my pet died 2 hours after she "released him, saying he was in better health". I insisted she look at him further and told her that he wouldn't make it through the night, and sure enough, I was right!!! Thank God for a good attorney!! So, I come to them for a checkup for a new pet and they have me waiting for over 30 minutes past my appointment time and all the girl has to say is, I don't know what to tell you we had an emergency and they came first. First of all, that was a LIE, because I sat there and watched pet after pet be seem, while I sat and was ignored. Second, my vet was not in surgery because I watched him come out of the exam room THREE times. I am not an idiot and they will me hearing from my attorney for negligence in killing my family pet AND horrible customer service and consideration. Read Less

Dr. Sam diagnosed and removed an aggressive tumor from my dog's leg, and along with the clinic's staff of skillful technicians, he provided my 3-year-old boxer, Piccola, with a tremendous amount of care, attention, and expertise throughout our entire experience at the Barney and Russum Animal Clinic in early 2016. The tumor rapidly grew from a small bump on the side of Piccola's leg (radius?) that my wife and I first noticed on a Sunday into a large, round, slimy, blood-red sore by the following Wednesday, which was the day Dr. Sam examined her and determined surgery was needed.  Dr. Barney offered his opinion and concurred with the diagnosis. Dr. Sam successfully removed the tumor the following morning.  The lack of excess skin on that area of the leg required Dr. Sam to use a "webbing" procedure in order to stitch Piccola's wound closed.  In short, he made several more cuts on the healthy skin around the wound in order to pull the skin closer together, which, in turn, allowed him to stitch together the area formerly occupied by the tumor.You can see pictures of my dog bandaged after surgery, the healing process that shows the webbing procedure, and the fully-healed final result by following this link:goo.gl/photos/YzGmLrEJr4…I'd be remiss if I didn't stress how absolutely amazing the technicians were to my little girl throughout the entire process. In addition to regularly changing her bandages and monitoring her progress during the ensuing weeks with the utmost level of professionalism and service, they treated Piccola like the rock star that I, in my biased opinion, know her to be. Beyond his expert surgical skills, Dr. Sam also demonstrated great kindness towards her.  Barney and Russum continues to be the only vet clinic Piccola would wag her little tail to visit; she went berserk with excitement in the back of the car once when we pulled up next to one of the techs at a stoplight on Texas St. as she tried - in vain - to grab the tech's attention.I mention this to demonstrate how Dr. Sam and the techs turned a scary situation involving the pain of surgery into one my dog came to know as a positive, happy experience.We lived in Fairfield for only one year; we feel so truly fortunate to have found and received such wonderful support for our little girl during our short stay. Here's a 30-second video of Piccola, fully healed and enjoying a life that Dr. Sam and the various techs helped to make possible:youtu.be/T5LZFhxCxeoThank you. Read Less

Over the past 35 years all of my dogs have been patients of Dr. Russum. Most of my dogs have been rescues and some have had multiple health problems. I once had a Maltese named "Troubles" who had a serious heart condition. He saved her life more than once and actually called me at home after hours to see how she was doing. Even human doctors do not do that. He always renders great service. I especially like that the practice collects donations from clients and uses the funds to treat animals owned by homeless people in the community. I am not aware of any other vet who does this. The practice has really grown over the years and it is sometimes hard to get through on the phone. Don't give up, eventually you will get through. They need to add more lines. Their prices are competitive with other vets in the area. I live in Rio Vista and drive to Fairfield to see Dr. Russum because I have confidence in his care of my pets. Read Less

Been giving this vet multiple chances for a few years. My small maltese mix has had few problems, but the ones she has had, have not been handled properly, if at all. But how do you know until you go somewhere else?!Each time we go it's a different doctor. They discount what I tell them. My dog had bumps on her back, they said "flea allergy", and to give her claritin or benadryl. I told them she's on flea prevention & in 5 years NOT ONCE has she ever had fleas. They disregarded & did no testing. Turns out it was a bacterial infection that required a simple scraping test (got it done at another vet at the same time as other tests below). My dog suffered for NOTHING.Took her for an exam due to some odd behaviors, they did zero testing & a brief incomplete exam, and prescribed her an anti-anxiety/sedative med. She had a HORRIBLE reaction to it, I called & they said keep giving it to her for 2 weeks, & they tried to give her another sedative to add on top of it. I refused the second med & stopped the first because I just knew it wasn't right. Took her to another vet, and they did some quick tests & found she had a bacterial infection in her bottom. She did not need sedatives or anxiety meds, she needed a physical exam & some testing & some antibiotics!The phone lines are always busy, and regardless of appointment, you end up waiting in the lobby because they overbook appointments. Constantly overlooking & misdiagnosing problems. No thanks! Read Less

The issue I continued to have at this vet was getting through on the phone. Every time I needed an appointment I would have to call over and over to try to snag the line between the busy signals. The staff was always kind and doctors were very thorough and kind with great bedside manner. I had been taking my Abyssinian cats to Cal West for years and was very happy with them. When we got our German Shepherds, my boyfriend had taken them to Barney and Russum. I would spend the morning calling over and over to get through. Most recently, after 9 calls, I was able to get through to get both my dogs shots updated to board on short notice (totally my own fault). They fit them in on the schedule, but after contacting the boarder, they told me that time won't work for them to be dropped off by. I called back 15 times to try to get through to let the staff know I wanted to cancel the appointment. I gave up after 15 calls and unfortunately became a no show (I'm not the no show type). I officially switched the pups over to Cal West that day. Read Less

I am so incredibly grateful for Mr. Russum and the staff at this wonderful animal clinic. I knew he was a special person when he got on the floor with my sister who was bawling her eyes out several years ago over a kitten who wouldn't make it. As we've grown up, we've brought several dogs, cats, and once my mom even brought a stray cat that turned out to be a premature raccoon into this clinic. They have always welcomed our crazy animal loving family with open arms. This past week we lost the glue to our family--our amazing Chopper dog. I find so much comfort in knowing that he was with such a caring staff in his departure from this world. Living in Oregon, I was able to call and make a few annoying requests, and the girls made sure they were all taken care of by the time I got here. My heart is so broken over my beloved brother of a pet, but I cannot express my appreciation enough for the staff here. For all the families that go through this pain, the crew is there going through it with them every single day, and that has got to be the toughest job in the world. You all have huge, amazing hearts. Thank you times a million - The Corns FamilyRead Less

I just want to thank all the veterinarian technician's for helping me with buddy Summitt with his final days and Dr. Veda Mac for all you have done to keep him going you guys have treated my search and rescue service dog with the most Respect even the lady's that had to put Him down had tears for him An I don't think know one new that buddy Was a $40.000 dollar k9 thank you so much in my time of need You guys are the best Read Less

Dr. Barney and Dr. Sam saved my English Bulldog puppy's life! It looked like a hernia, and we thought he had bladder problem. This was the fourth vet we had taken PeeWee to. They diagnosed him right away. He had Patent Urachus, which is a hole in his abdominal wall, urine was leaking out of that little hole. I live in San Diego, but I felt so comfortable and confident in the Dr's that we scheduled surgery. The staff was wonderful. The surgery was estimated at around 90 minutes, it took hours. PeeWee had so many things going on, his bladder was adhered to his abdominal wall and had six holes in it. Dr Barney excised it and repaired the holes. He also repaired the urachus and then fixed his urinary tract and literally created a new foreskin as PeeWee also had para phimosis, his foreskin was folded under his penis and was adhered there. Dr. Barney and Dr Sam and their assistants did a wonderful job. PeeWee is alive and well and peeing like a champ, with full control. Thanks to the anesthesiologist who kept a 12 week old puppy alive through a long complicated surgery. I would trust these vets and staff with any pet. Thank you!!Read Less

With 4 cats I visit Barney & Russum quite often. They are wonderful. If I have a emergency they always make time on their busy schedule for my pet and I. Everyone there is professional, knowledgeable, efficient, polite and very understanding. I would not go anywhere else. Read Less

Have gone to Barney & Russum Animal Clinic for over 15 years. Don't want to go anywhere else. Always receive such great care for our Bulldogs and love that Dr. Barney goes above and beyond to always do what is best for your pet, with you in mind. One of our bulldogs had a problem with cherry eye and the typical surgery did not work. Dr. Barney ended up doing the surgery two other times with different methods and our girl is doing great now. However Dr. Barney didn't charge us for the other two surgeries. Where today do you find that kind of compassion and care. We love Dr. Barney and enjoy seeing him every time we are there. The other vets and staff are always so friendly and helpful. The very best place to take your pet!! Read Less

We have been taking our pets to Barney and Russum since I can remember and have nothing but good things to say about them. Their receptionist is always pleasant and welcome us when we go in. They are compassionate when we've had to have a pet put to sleep and they send a sympathy card. They have taken excellent care of our five dogs and about seven cats over the years. We are pleased with all aspects of care we've received and will continue to use their service. They're great. Read Less

My husband and I have been taking our cats here for less than a year, but his family has been going to Barney & Russum for years. The staff is very friendly, knowledgable, and gentle. We usually see Dr. Shannon and she's great! She sees tons of animals every day, but genuinely remembers our cats whenever they come in. They have a separate dog entrance and cat entrance which is helpful. I also appreciate the fact that they give us the the option of scheduling an appointment with a technician instead of a doctor when it comes to shots/vaccinations (faster and cheaper). Highly recommended! Read Less

I have had many veterinarians in my life, many companion animals, and Barney and Russum Animal Clinic is probably the best of them all. They genuinely care about their animals and for over 10 years I have seen with my own eyes that all the staff, vet techs and Doctors are committed to doing good for my precious pets. I have trouble leaving my babies with anyone, groomers especially. but i never have one single qualm about leaving them with Barney and Russum. The staff is the best I have ever found. Their email reminders for shots and such are also great. They are constantly forward thinking, upgrading and I trust them unconditionally. I highly recommend them to anyone with any kind of pet need. You will love them too! Read Less

I have been with Barney and Russum for over 35 years. I wouldn't go anywhere else with my pets. I have always gotten the best of care for my pets and the whole staff is very caring. Dr. Barney and Dr. Russum are so compassionate when you have to let your pet go. I am a member of several animal sites on facebook and whenever someone is asking for a good vet, I always recommend Barney and Russum along with address and phone number. Thank you all for all you do. Diane Copeland Read Less