Muir Oaks Veterinary Hospital

I think they do a great job. Vets are attentive, staff is pleasant, place is clean. Dr. Herder runs a tight ship, is very busy, and is a smart doctor who cares about your pet - this is what you should look for in a veterinary. Read Less

Muir Oaks Veterinary Hospital in Martinez California is by far the best place I have ever taken my pets doctor herder who I believe owns the hospital and also works there is the best veterinarian I have ever come across I've lived in this area all my life I've been to every veterinarian in this area she is by far the very best she is very thorough in her and examinations she doesn't try to cut corners she checks out every possibility that could possibly be wrong with my animals every time I go she doesn't try to get me to do a necessary things or unnecessary treatments so that she can make more money she's a very kind and compassionate woman and she really understands the necessities of animals I will never go anywhere else Read Less

They will lie to you about tests being done and the condition of your cat. The vet "tested" my cat and said he had feline hiv. I got suspicious after I went to get some refills for my cat and the tech could not find any papers for the original prescriptions. I took my cat to another vet and told him about what they said was wrong with him. Turns out nothing was wrong with my cat, he did not have feline hiv, I was just being ripped off by this place. This was years ago, before yelp was a thing. This place was in my suggestions and I saw the rating (ha 2 stars is 2 too many for this place) and just wanted to chime in about my experience. Seeing so many other reviews that follow my experience here I am pretty sure the positive reviews are paid shills. Read Less

First of all let me say that Muir Oaks Veterinary has given me nothing but top quality vet care . Shame on you people calling Bob passive aggessive he has brought meds to my home and is gentle. Dr Herder is high energy you jerks she tries to give through diagnostic care.Now you freaky pet owners that do not like their pets being taken in the back their scale is back there and many problems need to be seen under a microscope to get s concise view. Now you Fools who feel Dr Herder upsell she Does Not hold you at gunpoint simply Tell her what you wish to do. If a MD told you your Child needed a shot but while you are here you. Should do a booster as well would you accuse your MD of upselling.? I think not !!!! Backoff these terrible reviews this is an Excellent vet hospital. And previous employers Shame on You sour grapes is unappealing. My dog suffers from diabetes and thanks to their care and teaching me about my dogs condition he is doing h GREAT !! No humans are perfect but this vet is dedicated and Money should not be your main concern when dealing with your pet You ate their caretaker stop whining about the bill set aside money for vet care and Enjoy your pet. Soooooo sick of whiners on Yelp I Love Dr Herder, her Staff and Bob back off you Losers. This is a Great place for any pet to come to  Respectfully submitted to you 1 star idiots. New clients try this vet hospital it has saved my dogs life without wiping out my checkbook Read Less

I've read all these negative reviews and am afraid people only write with the negative!I've had only POSITIVE visits and care here.  I first came here last year with my 8 yr old dog and most recently with my new puppy.Both Doctors have been very friendly and professional.  The staff is very helpful and made me feel very comfortable with their care.I would refer this practice to anyone.  Laurie D. Read Less

Please stay away. I just went there to renew one vaccination with a completely healthy dog. This is my horror story:1st: when you come him your dog is taken away from you to "a back room" so they can better up sell you all the products. 2nd: I spent hour and half being manipulated closed in a small room. I was shamed to agree to procedures which were not needed. Even when I said no many times. I can't imagine how this pressure impacts weaker or not informed owner.3rd: they presented me with a large bill with four different procedures- mind you the vaccine I came for is $8. I said that I just want the vaccinations and didn't ask for expensive lab test. At the end I was bullied to do one lab test which was totally unnecessary. 4th: I have no idea where they put my dog during the hour and half of them pitching and when I got home I noticed two fleas on her. I think they put her in a kennel or cage which was unclean or she was in contact with other dogs (possibly sick).5th: The one vaccination I needed the proof of for an oversea trip with my dog and all the paperwork they gave me was wrong: My dog's age was wrong and numbers of the vaccine batches didn't correspond on the two records of the vaccine. The border control could turn me around for that. These kind of vets shouldn't be in practice. Pet owners should stood up for their animals. Read Less

Don't quite understand all the negative reviews. I've been taking our dogs & cats to MOVH since 1998. I have had nothing but the best experiences from their staff & doctors. I take my Border Collie there every 3-6 weeks for a pedicure, & have done so for the last 5 years. I visit MOVH constantly & have NEVER had a bad experience. MOVH has always accommodates my last minute phone call to get my dog &/or cat's in for either a check up or pedicure(s) due to my hectic work schedule. 99% of the time, I can be seen that same day. That is what I call GREAT customer service. Their prices are more than fair. I have never walked out feeling like I paid too much. To the naysayers who believe Melody &/or Bob are posting fake reviews, YOU NEED TO GET YOUR HEAD EXAMINED! I suppose my post is a lie too... Stop spreading vicious rumors & lie's. Read Less

Dr. Herder has been the vet for my last 5 cats over the past 20 years. She is quite knowledgeable and has provided the best possible care for each, and in their late years, ensuring their comfort but not prolonging the inevitable. The past 11 months have been particularly difficult. I lost my 2 baby girls (both 18 years) to kidney disease -- the most recent was 3 wks ago. Dr. Herder was gentle with them and helped me thru the experience. I'm grateful she understood my need to be with them. The staff and doctors at Muir Oaks have been comforting and understanding of my grief. Now it's just me and my little boy kitty, who was diagnosed with kidney disease just a couple of months ago. I'm comforted knowing that Dr. Herder is his doctor too. Read Less

For those of you who have yet to meet Dr. Sarah Mantovani, the newest member of the Muir Oaks Veterinary Hospital team, I would like to tell you how lucky you are to have her in your community! I have a 12+ year old Maltese, Bell, who has been my constant companion since she was 16 weeks old. I brought her to see Dr. Mantovani because her regular vet told me she had a heart murmur. The team at Muir Oaks ran blood test, took X-rays and performed an ultrasound and did the most through examination I've ever seen done, all in their state of the art facility. While we can not reverse the aging process, I left my visit feeling confident we are doing the very best that can be done for her. Dr Mantovani was awesome with Bell and I. We are home now after our second appointment and Bell is feeling much better! I know what to expect and how I can best help Bell. It is an almost three hour drive for us, but worth ever moment. Muir Oaks is an impressive hospital with an amazing support staff. I will continue taking Bell there as along as she is with me! Martinez is lucky to have Muir Oaks!!!! KimberRead Less

Should have checked the reviews before I took my dog in. I was concerned about my older dog and was able to be squeezed in that same day. The Dr. was in a rush and did not seem to listen to my concerns. I was hoping for a quality of life conversation and tried, but she had one foot out the door and said she needed all these labs etc. I work in an emergency room so I understand needing diagnostics, but I didn't feel comfortable running them when she wasn't listening to me or on the same page. Also I didn't like that they took my dog away for his exam. I ended up leaving and going to Sun Valley, where the staff and Dr were amazing. The Dr examined my dog in the same room as me, kept it real, and explained what tests needed to be done. They were more necessary than the ridiculous ones the Dr at Muir Oaks was suggesting. Read Less

The goodness begins with the front desk ladies, who are ALWAYS kind and patient, even when the phones are ringing off the hooks and they have clients waiting. This is the first impression of the office and its a very positive one! Next, it is a nice and CLEAN office. Back office staff so friendly and they remember your dogs from one visit to another, another thing that impressed me. The vet was friendly, clearly very knowledgeable and obviously cares for your pet. Plus's all the way around. When I first decided to become a patient here (my dogs) I was a little concerned that because its such a nice office that the prices would be out of reach, not so. The prices are very much on par with the rest of the vets we have been to over the years. This was a relief. I am definitely pleased with our care here and would highly recommend them to anyone looking for a vet in the Martinez area. It is right off the Morello exit so it is easy to find and easy to get on and off freeway. Read Less

I rescued my westie and Dr. Melody Herder has been very helpful and understanding. She went the extra mile with my dogs teeth and answered all my questions regarding his health and age. I am very pleased with this Veterinary hospital. Read Less

About 3 weeks ago I took my pit bull to Muir Oaks for boarding care. He stayed two days and a lady named KAT took care of him. Let me just tell you that she is and was AMAZING! She went above and beyond to make sure my baby was well cared for. She personally called me to give me updates on how he was doing since I had never left him before. She gave him treats with my permission of course and just made both myself and Champs experience very good. Trina at the front desk was also very friendly and helpful. Thank you KAT and Trina. Your kindness did not go unnoticed. Read Less

Dr. Herder and staff have been caring for our dogs for 10 years. We have always been pleased with the Dr. Herder's expertise - one of our dogs is a "senior dog" and the other is a cancer survivor. Also, we feel more comfortable boarding where the staff has their records. Read Less

My rescue Cocker Spaniel had many health issues, one after another, so we were at Muir Oaks frequently during her lifetime . . . And she could not have received better (or more loving) care. Dr. Herder often consulted with specialists to determine a particular diagnosis and/or treatment and worked closely with Sage Specialty Hospital for more complicated surgeries . . . and ultimately for chemotherapy. For those reviews complaining of the high cost, may I suggest pet health insurance (which was literally a [Baby's] lifesaver for me) . . . and quote the old canard, "You get what you pay for". The very first thing I did with my new rescue Cocker Spaniel was to take her to Muir Oaks for her "new pet" check-up. She can't possibly get better (and more loving) care anywhere. Read Less

Muir Oaks Veterinary Hospital has been caring for our pets since 1992. The same caring attitude is displayed with our German Shepherd puppy as it was with our terminally ill 13 year old sheepdog. We board our pups with Muir Oaks Vet also. Their follow-up on tests/issues is ALWAYS timely. They take extra time to make us comfortable with what is being prescribed for our furry friends. Highly recommend this hospital and staff to anyone in search of professional and caring attention to your pets needs. Read Less

After several days and tears Took my 14 year old dog in to be humanly put down due to age and seizures.. I was told on top of visit and fees I would have to pay for a vet check also, to make sure I was doing it for the right reasons, Are you kidding me? way to go, kick somebody when they are down and try to squeeze some more $ out of them, while making one of the hardest,  decisions in life. Needless to say, I scooped him up and left. You suck out loud. How dare you. ZERO compassion, I hope you go bankrupt, you deserve it Read Less

So I just left the dr's with my little guy...The atmosphere is very clean and quiet.I was cordially greeted by the young lady at the front desk who walked me through the first time visit paperwork and I only had a short wait until I was taken to the exam room where a vet tech (nurse) came in and looked Petey over.giving oohs and awes of course... He is adorable!She went out to get the dr and apprised her of what our visit was about.. Routine shots and exam.Then Dr.Herder came in and assessed Petey, reviewed all past records I had sent over, gave him a full exam and discussed the treatment plan with me. What a nice but professional personality. (She reminded me of me actually)Yearly shots with a 2 week booster.She scanned his microchip to keep in her records, shots were given, nails clipped and filed.And we were in our way.Never a whimper out of Petey so of course mom's happy :)I'm not quite sure what all those old negative reviews were about, I couldn't have asked for a better visit and I am one picky mom!Thanks Doc and staff! Read Less

We took our dog in because she had a slight limp after a run.  My boyfriend insisted although I was pretty sure it was nothing.  Front office was very nice.  Went into room and female doctor (this was a year ago-don't remember her name) wanted to do every test under the sun.  I knew better but said yes to one because of boyfriend's concern.  My dog was in no pain.  She was happy and moving around.  They wanted to give her a pain med but said she had to have a blood test to see if she could tolerate the meds or something ($100 for test).  Said we'd have to come in the next day to see results.  We went home and I realized we had that same med from a past visit that a vet from a different place just gave us-no blood test required.  We never went back and dog was fine by time we got home anyway.  Too much upsell!!  Someone mentioned the empty parking lot.  Yep, always empty. Read Less

Worst vet experience I have ever had. When I filled in the form before the visit, they would even ask for my age. Isn't that strange! They took my 3 months old puppy in the back room and who knows what kind of tests or exams they actually performed. Or they may not have done any tests at all. Then they team up, sell fear first and then sell all kind of expensive "packages" for my puppy and they bad mouth Martinez animal services. The vet is Medody Herder. She is very impolite and I just do not trust her a bit. Do not waste your time even you have a free consultation from any animal pounds. You will see the whole parking lot very empty and you will know the reason why after your first visit. Read Less

I love the caring way the vets and techs treat my cats. They always suggest things but never force me into anything I feel is not needed and if I have a question about what they are suggesting for treatment they always explain it totally for me. They called me when I had questions and concerns for my cats and understand the feelings pet owners have for their pets. I truly appreciate what they do and how they do it. Read Less

So we just recently adopted a pound puppy :-) well she may have the "cough" I took her to muir to see Dr . herder ....boy what a mistake . Dr herder insisted that my puppy needed 400$ worth of lab work done . Even though she had already told me the remedy of her illness could be fixed with some antibiotics that she would prescribe . When I declined the un-nessacry lab work she declined to fill the prescription unless I purchased at least part of the lab work . Which consisted solely of stoole samples . Now kennel cough is diagnosed with out spending 400$ on stoole samples . I thought vets were like doctors and wanted to help sick animals . Not help fatten their wallet . Tisk tisk shame on you money hoarder Herder ....I refuse to give you the respect of calling you DR anymore . Read Less

Dr. Herder had been taking good care of my Domino, and cared for my two dogs before her. The techs are kind & caring, & the office girls are wonderful. I've boarded Domino here as well & they took good care of her. My only criticism is sometimes the wait is longer than I'd like. Read Less

I love Natalie the groomer. She puts up with my rather nippy little dog. However the vet part is a problem. My dog lost the use of his back legs, quite frightening. The vet said the answer was a $6000-7000 dollar surgery! No alternative offered. I could not afford this, so was quite worried and told the vet, she offered a loan from some company, I just sat there. I finally asked about a  more conservative approach and she gave me some muscle relaxants and pain med. He was on his feet in 24 hours, running as usual in 48 and nothing bad has happened since.She obviously realy wanted me to go for the big expensive operation, now I dont feel I can trust what they tell me. I am not sure what is necessary and what is not. I will stay with Natalie, but wont be doing business with the Vets. Seems to me they are shooting themselves in the foot, not being honest and up front and reasonable. I have already gotten an emal suggesting they will give me a discount for referring a friend, so they are looking for more patients, but other vets in town are almost hard to get into, so busy. Read Less

Long story short:  horrible experience.  I will NOT be returning, and highly suggest you avoiding this place.  They will up-sell you the tune of hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars. Here's the review my wife gave after the last "treatment":I believe that my dog is being treated with kindness and gentleness, and I trust that the doctors and staff know what they are doing.That being said, I have an uneasy feeling that unnecessary treatments are being pushed with the sole purpose of making profit for the office.I had to spend quite a bit of money (close to $400) on "blood tests, screens and labs" in an effort to make sure my pet didn't have any underlying disease or condition that would have caused a strange episode she had recently experienced.  While I was willing to run tests to make sure she was ok, I expressed to the staff and doctor my concern about cost. And although I was shocked at the final bill I really wanted what was best for my pet.Then I was told she needed rabies and kennel cough vaccinations as well as heart worm prevention pills.  That made sense, but wanted to spread them out since I just spent 2 car payments on my pet! So I agreed to the rabies since they said it was the most pressing and it only cost $7.  My spouse missed the original appointment and called to bring our pet in later that same day.  When he spoke to the person at the front desk she indicated that our pet was scheduled for "several procedures" and refused to give him a dollar amount. He got an uneasy feeling and decided not to bring her in and to let me handle it.I called later that evening and rescheduled for the rabies vaccination only.I was very clear and so was the front desk person.When I showed up for the vaccination the doctor who came in the room started typing on the computer and announced that we were there for rabies and bordatella and heart worm ( another combimed ~ $100 cost I believe).I clarified and said no just the rabies and that I would be back later in the month for the other vaccine as well as the heart worm.  She then asked if they could insert a microchip in my pet that day!  What?!  We are there for my pet to have a simple rabies shot. Why were other treatments being pushed after it was agreed that only the rabies was occurring? And it felt so random to me, not to mention another probably $50!  The idea of a microchip was never brought up at her other appointment, or on the phone, and in my opinion has nothing to do with her health.I said no thank you, just the rabies please. Then she said that a different doctor had recommended it in the hallway while walking past my pet. She said the doctor pointed at my pet and said " Oh I want to microchip that dog"Again, what? why? So I asked why. Then this doctor said it was because I had mentioned taking my pet out of town and a microchip would be good to have in case something happened.I just really felt that this was a strange interaction and unnecessary treatment recommendation.  It made me concerned that perhaps the primary goal of this facility is profit. I understand everyone needs to make a profit and I also understand that these procedures are costly. I love my pet and want the best for her, but I also have a budget.  It would be really nice if the doctors were more mindful and understanding of that before recommending various testes and procedures that aren't necessarily crucial to the animals immediate health. Read Less

I am surprised by some of these negative reviews.  The front office staff have been incredibly helpful and kind, and Dr. Underwood has been fabulous (my shy, vet-hating cat loved her immediately). My pet has some very serious, ongoing health issues, so in addition to visits I have been in touch with them a lot by phone, ordering and picking up meds and asking for advice. Contrary to what others have said, they have been very patient and responsive to my frequent questions. The facility itself is nice and clean, and I am willing to pay slightly more for this--I did not find the rates unreasonable at all. The only negative to me is that they will not call in prescriptions to other pharmacies, which is especially frustrating when having to wait for them to place orders for something I could pick up same-day somewhere else. Read Less

I just can't take the bad service and the excessive up selling anymore.  I have been going to this vet since I moved to Martinez in 2010. Bob the office manager is Captain Passive Aggressive and the main reason I finally made the decision to switch vets today.  When I tried to provide Bob with feedback about poorly administered services he became smug and condescending.  We have spent thousands here on major surgeries and basic services for our animals over the last 5 years and he can't even hear me out or take a little bit of feedback??!?! I was floored by his lack of professionalism. Dr. Underwood is straight from an episode of Penny Dreadful and constantly rushes through the appointments.  She barely hides her disdain for people and doesn't have the patience for more than one question.  Dr. Herder genuinely cares about the animals but she is a bit scattered and always uses guilt to up sell. It is sooo creepy how they take my animals in the back to perform procedures.  Twice they took a stool sample after I specifically said NO to their offer of a fecal test.  The tech said they took the sample just in case I changed my mind.  I was furious they put my dog through that procedure unnecessarily.  The front desk staff is a revolving door of incompetent and unhappy people. Never NEVER again will I come back here.  I used the Nextdoor app to ask all my neighbors for another recommendation.  Within an hour 23 people suggested Martinez Animal Hospital and  Montecito in Pacheco.  17 of those 23 people said to STAY AWAY from Muir Oaks. Read Less

I started going to Muir Oaks at least 8 years ago, 3 cats and 2 dogs later I finally wised up.  The convience of location to my house & extended hours is what kept me as a client.  Thank god I wised up!  I HATED that they took my pet away and into the back room for treatment...why?  Even when I asked that they be treated in the room with me they would still remove them.  In all of my years of owning pets I've never had this experience.Upsell, upsell, upsell!  I really got tired of being upsold on tests that arent necessary, and when I refused it felt like I was a bad pet owner. Not only do they they have high prices on their services but then they won't give you a perscription to get filled elsewhere, even for flea meds you HAVE to buy from them and their inflated prices.  Ridiculous!Finally... the last straw for me was when I had to consider putting my cat down due to an injury.  I talked with the Vet and was making the very hard decision to put him down when in comes the vet tech and she tells me that I shouldn't do it - Can't I keep him inside? can't I get rid of my dogs?  have I tried to get him into a foster or cat rescue.  Really?  you are going to come in here and make me feel bad? Don't you think I went through all of my options?  WTH?Pet owners beware. Read Less

I WISH WISH WISH I would have read through these today before writing a $364 check to them.My cat was neutered through a rescue foundation and I was worried he was throwing up and not eating so I brought him to this vet.They were VERY quick to take my cat to the back of the office where I couldn't watch. At first it seemed reasonable, and the Dr came in - WOW. What a piece of work. She went on and over things I had NO CARE ABOUT - I WAS THERE FOR ONE REASON, TO MAKE SURE MY CAT HAD NO INFECTION.They told me they would look at him, check for infection, etc., and would call me. I called them 3 hrs. later for an update; was told I would be called back. They didn't. I called an hr later asking AGAIN and I was told my cat was very "Aggressive" and that they needed me to come down to help with his IV because he was scratching?? (My cat NEVER EVER SCRATCHES, HISSES ETC). They told me it was VERY hard to get blood from him, but that they did. I left work and went there.When I was taken to the room, they said they would bring him; 5 mins later they walk in with a pile of towels, WHICH MY CAT IS INSIDE OF...WHAT THE HELL???? They open the towels and he is instantly happy when he sees me. I noticed his nail on one foot was COMPLETELY broken - I said what happened???? The very young, yet snappy asst said that's from him FIGHTING US....oh really??? ok. They then tell me they want to take him in the backroom for an IV because me being there isn't helping like that want... NO WAY IN HELL - I said I am NOT letting that happen UNLESS I AM THERE WATCHING, PERIOD.Of course THAT didn't fly - The Dr came back in saying her next Appt. was there and if I am getting an IV we need to now. I said then do it here. She sighed, and got the snappy asst back. They proceeded to wrap him in a towel (which okay is fine) but when he started to fight they were EXTREMELY ROUGH with him, and the Dr. THREW A TOWEL OVER HIS FACE - He was SCREAMING and the assistant grabbed him so hard, I said loudly NO STOP, IM OVER THIS. They let him go.They handed me a $300 bill, some pain meds, and told me have a good day.I get home, and they didn't even give me the correct syringe to get his meds out. I plan to call tomorrow to complain, I don't care that the Dr was the owner, It was HORRIBLE HORRIBLE experience, and I feel sorry for any one after me to take their poor defenseless pet there. They DO NOT CARE ABOUT ANIMALS, YOU CAN TELL THEY ARE ABOUT $$$$ NOW, NOT THE PASSION. It makes me sick. Read Less

Unfortunately, I must agree with many of the one star reviews for this "Upscale" overpriced, low quality service vet clinic. The staff are completely unreasonable with any appointment rescheduling. They will charge you anyways. They somehow believe that the client "owes" them for just a phone call. Maybe the policies are for yuppie class locals. But I won't make any more appointments with them nor pay outrageous prices for regular veterinary service that I can get at Banfield. Read Less

NOPE. One star is generous. I will NEVER bring my own cat here. My family has brought our pets here for a few years now. Always gotten "fair" service. Prices here are out of control. But (though sometimes incompetent), the staff tends to be friendly. This whole practice of "taking your pet to the back" is very uncomfortable. And, when they do so, they tend to do things incorrectly. We have a sick, elderly cat (bless her little old soul) and this place not only ran unnecessary tests on her, but also lost the samples they took in order to do the correct tests. SUPER! We have since found refuge in the form of Martinez Animal Hospital, and she is now receiving medication for the issues that this place failed to diagnose because of their careless approach to animal medicine. Boo on you Muir Oaks Veterinary Hospital. BOO. ON. YOU. ::Finger wag:: Read Less

I have used Muir Oaks for over 3 years until just recently. I always heard that it was more expensive than all the other local vets, but I never really knew how much. FIRST COMPLAINT: I brought my great grandmother's 16 year old mini-poodle (I inherited) in for a dislocated hip and got the very uncomfortable insinuation that since the vet (Herder) couldn't understand how the poodle dislocated her hip, that I somehow had to have kicked the dog! I was completely offended, but more in shock as this woman knew me not at all--and still made her thinly veiled insinuation. She didn't know me, because I had already been through 3 vets in the past 12 months--apparently Muir Oaks cannot hold onto their vets, so there is no chance that you will be able to form a bond with your pet's caregiver, nor will that vet get to know your pet...unacceptable. Then, a procedure to put my dog's leg back into the correct position was estimated at $600 including anesthesia...OK I guess that's what it costs. Well I was mistaken--apparently the vet didn't like the way her own taping job turned out after about 12 hours (she bandaged the dog's leg to keep it from moving around), so she decided to re-bandage the dog again. Well, I found out that in order to fix the job she didn't do very well the first time, the vet had to put the dog ""under"" anesthesia again! When I finally was able to escape that time, my bill had swollen from an estimated $600 to 3X that amount!!! My final bill was over $1,800. I'm posting three other complains--just have to break them up due to size limitations... Read Less

We have been bringing our puppy here for his shots, and the Dr. was very knowledable about puppies and the wait time is not very long. We just boarded our puppy here as well, would recommend this vet if you are looking for quality over pricing for a vet, for your animals. Read Less