I love this place. Part of it is that it's very close to my home, and there was absolutely zero wait on a Saturday at 11. But outside of that, we found the staff to be friendly (and funny), and Dr. Dahlman was pleasant and very quick. Some people may not like the idea of the vet taking your animal from the room for treatment (and I imagine it was optional), but I appreciated that he took her away for treatment and returned very quickly. He and the staff were all informative without being condescending. In and out in 20 minutes. I'll add that we've paid $40 more for the same treatment at other vets, so that's also a plus. Read Less

Dr. Monica Ortiz is the best veterinarian I have ever met. She is an excellent doctor with a calm and confident bedside manner. The staff is friendly and the clinic is clean and updated. Everything from booking an appointment to follow up phone calls is easy and professional. I will never go anywhere else. Read Less

We have been going to South Novato Animal for as long as I can remember. They helped us with our dog Benny who had shoulder cancer and vision problems for 14 years. Helped us with Whisper (Westie) who had Addison's disease for 10 years who ultimately died of prostrate cancer and bladder cancer! Our current dog Zack for the last 7 years! Our dogs have always been treated by the professionals as if they were their dogs! They are loving and caring! Since we only had one dog at a time it's been at least over 30 of excellent care! We also drive 30 miles for unbelievable care! I would highly recommend them for care for any animal. Nikki Kosta Read Less

I am feeling so lucky and so grateful to the Marin County Humame Society! In late February I adopted my perfect companion, a seven pound canine marvel who has transformed my life for the better. I now get the walking exercise I was procrastinating about; have company -- someone to talk to, pet, and watch TV with; someone who loves and needs me; and an eager learner who will soon doing an obedience class with me at the Humane Society. The folks there are so supportive! Kudos to The Marin County Humane Society! Read Less

I absolutely love this place . Sully is a rescue , and I always take his lead . He is great at assessing people , and I always listen to him because he must like the people I entrust with his healthcare . Dr Newman was amazing . We loved Hailey and Tori , and they made us feel comfortable straight away . Sully didn't mind lounging on the examination table and the hospital was super clean . Sully rarely eats out of a strangers hand, and he ate out of both Hailey's hand and Dr Newman's hand . If you are looking for a competent place to take your furry children , then look no further because this place rocks . I read a few other reviews ,and I want to say that the prices are comparable to other places . We were pleasantly surprised . I am so grateful to everyone for providing great healthcare to Sully . Thanks to everyone for providing amazing healthcare to my superstar . Read Less

I absolutely love this place . Sully is a rescue , and I always take his lead . He is great at assessing people , and I always listen to him because he must like the people I entrust with his healthcare . Dr Newman was amazing . We loved Hailey and Tori , and they made us feel comfortable straight away . Sully didn't  mind lounging on the examination table and  the hospital was super clean . Sully rarely eats out of a strangers hand, and he ate out of both Hailey's hand and Dr Newman's hand . If you are looking for a competent place to take your furry children , then look no further because this place rocks . I read a few other reviews ,and I want to say that the prices are comparable to other places .  We were pleasantly surprised . I am so grateful to everyone for providing great healthcare to Sully . Thanks to everyone for providing amazing healthcare to my superstar . Read Less

In late January, my mini doxie who is 12 years old had a sudden change in behavior and started with a painful yelp and whining. We had no clue where his pain was coming from because he was inconsistent when it came to what was going on or what he was doing to cause the discomfort. I have recently been out of work and contacted the Humane society and they were wonderful. They gave me assistance to help with part of the examination and two referrals. I chose the first, which my dog was seen by Dr Dogma. I don't know if the treatment of my dog was related to my being a referral from the share program or if this is the way he treats everyone. His examination only included him listening to my dogs heart. When he tried to examine Winnie's mouth, my dog started the yelping and whining. He jumped back and said, "I know what it is, it's his neck." He then said so do you think it's time to put him down?  He had not examined his back or palpated one vertebrae of by dog. I was so upset I just left. After a day and a half my dog was getting worse. He didn't want to eat and you couldn't come near him. I called the second referral which was South Novato Animal Hospital. I felt the difference as soon as I walked into the waiting room. The staff was so caring and understanding. I said nothing of my previous experience because I wanted to see if the Dr would come to the same conclusion.  The first Dr was Dr Ortiz. She took her time and did a full examine and my dog let her with minimal whining.  She was very gentle and soft spoken. He had no back issues at all. It was a bad tooth.  She prescribed an antibiotic and a pain pill. I took him back for a follow up and he was seen by Dr Koalska who was equally as nice and gentle and she cleaned his ears because he had a lot of build up.  Today my dog who is twelve years old is acting like a puppy again. He's running, jumping on chairs (which we try to limit) and eating everything in site. If I had listened to that other vet, I would not have my Winnie today. I thank God for Drs Ortiz and Koalska and all of the fine staff at South Novato Animal Hospital. My vets for life!!! Read Less

Iv been going to South Novato Animal Hospital for the last 2 years or so. They have a very helpful and friendly staff in a nice relaxed environment. Also they are always willing to work with me around my hectic schedule, even on short notice. Within reason that is. Iv had a few different veterinarians in the last few years and they are by far the best so far!Read Less

South Novato Animal provides excellent care for our animals.  My dog that was rescued in Mexico and again my MHS is now 16 yrs old.He roamed Mexico as a homeless, w no medical care.  South Novato is the source that has kept my terrier healthy and continues to provide him with love and care in his older years.  Thank you South Novato.Sharyn and Thor Read Less

Excellent, top of the line knowledgeable, skilled, outstanding, professional, care. The most wonderful personal caring team, from all Doctor's, Vet and Med Assistant's, all staff care with compassion beyond reproach. Even when emergencies might occur all stay calm with not a single negative reaction to all of us. Most importantly never forget the front desk staff who makes that first impression. They put up with so much from me over the phone and in person. Always state their name when answering a call, one of little pet peeves at other places. They especially and everyone for that matter makes me feel at ease, at home, and a part of the SNAH family. My only wish is that they had a frequent flyer miles set up (smiles) for my expenses, or maybe seniors on fixed income. Read Less

My husband and I have a rescued feral kitty. She's very fearful and extremely difficult to catch and to treat. Her days in the wild contributed to very severe dental disease. Dr. Dahlman was just terrific, noting his own feral cases. He handled her beautifully. I also adore the admin and tech team. Ana, in particular, was so patient and gracious. Excellent follow up. But the admin team also was terrific explaining the care plan. I admire a practice willing to have such an excellent support team in place. And our feral, post-op, is doing just beautifully. She's a different cat. Read Less

Let's face it...my dogs are like my kids. I'm not a crazy dog owner - but I do hold my vet to the same standards I hold my doctors and South Novato Animal Hospital exceeds my expectations. I came to them several years ago when I moved from the East Coast with two dogs - one quite elderly. They lovingly saw me through my beloved, Jack's final year with dignity and love for BOTH my dog and me. My second dog has had several challenging issues - and they have carefully worked through the diagnostic and treatment process. The entire practice - from the front desk to the vets - have the demeanor of a "family vet" with the knowledge, facility and resources of a high tech hospital. I love everything about them. Read Less

I love that this vet is connected with the Marin Humane Society.  I've adopted several animals from there throughout the years and this vet hospital really takes care of my fur babies.  They're also very accommodating for stressed animals.  Before my beloved, high strung cat passed across the rainbow bridge, they helped me with early appointments to avoid my cat seeing other animals or had a room ready so I could just walk in.  They'd bring towels to hold him carefully for shots and examinations and offer him treats once he was done with his visit.  Even when he passed, they send me a condolence card that really touched my heart.Now with two new kittens, they've tried their best to present a calm, warm atmosphere for checkups with defusers and warm towels on the examination tables.  My kittens purr from such kindness offered by both the vet techs and the veterinarians that examine them.  Add treats to the experience, and my kittens think it's a great place to visit.  I also feel very informed by my vet, Dr. Kowalska, who takes time to explain medications, health needs, and current new discoveries around cat behavior.  I feel talked with not talked at like I've experienced with other vets.  While it can be pricey from time to time, it's worth the care and thoroughness each animal receives. Read Less

We started to bring our dog, Jasmine, to SNAH a few years ago.  We had nothing but wonderful care for her for these few years.  When she got sick, and we finally had to let her go, they were so caring and compassionate.  But what really struck me was what happened after she was gone.  Not only did we get a condolence card signed by all the staff with memories of Jasmine's paw prints, but then I got a letter from UC Davis stating that a donation to their animal research programs had been made to them in Jaz's name.  Wow.  Above and beyond.  This clinic will get my business from any pets we have in the future.  Thank you. Read Less

Took excellent care of our pup Johnny, who was in dire need of dental surgery. And took amazing care of us. Helped us get the insurance forms taken care of, making everything easy and fast. Johnny is a new dog! Thank you all so much.Read Less

I was so fortunate to get a last minute appointment with this office after a bad experience at Bel Marin Keys Animal Hospital; which ironically is their "Sister hospital" My dog had a foxtail in her nose, and an ear infection, Dr. Erin Koalska saw my girl.  She got right down on the floor with her, talked to her, looked in her ears, but would not look inside her nose.  Dr. Koalska said that she had heard a story about looking in a dogs nose, and having it rip the face off of the person; so their policy is to sedate dogs to look in the nose.  Um, okay, strike one. She took my dog out of the room to weigh her and was gone a good fifteen minutes; during that time, a woman came in with an estimate to get the foxtail out (if indeed there was one), this included some follow up lab work because my dog had high liver enzymes with her regular vet and was due for a follow up on that.  They didn't want to sedate her to look in her nose without the lab work, BUT, they wanted to do in house lab work, which would tell them if they were high or low, but not actual numbers, PLUS send it to a lab in Sacramento - and get this,they double charge for it.  I stated that I was okay waiting overnight, that they could do the lab work and send it out, but couldn't do both.  The estimate was $1097.00.  I refused everything except the antibiotics for her ears, but they didn't want to give those to me without sedating her and cleaning her ears, and scoping to see if there was something in them.  Um, no.As a former vet tech who worked for whom I believe to be the best veterinarian ever (until he kind of went off on a God complex and thought he was above the law) I know that sedating isn't needed for looking in a dogs nose, or cleaning their ears.  I refused again, and the woman left.Dr. Koalska came back in, showed me a book with photos of ears with infections (I know what they look like, and knew my dog had one) she did the scare tactic thing about how she could go deaf, and then went on about the foxtail and how it could travel and become a problem - things she said I probably already knew as a former vet tech.  I also know that $1097.00 is out of the question and insisted on the medication for my dogs ear, she agreed to give it to me, and stressed that I really should do the labs in house and sent out.  I declined.  That night, my dog sneezed the foxtail out, and today her ears are better.   I also called outside of Marin County for estimates on everything they wanted to do, under $400.00 in Cotati, and Petaluma.  Marin County Veterinary offices in general are price gouging and it makes me angry, and sad.   I just want a veterinarian in Novato who is really about the treatment of animals, and not the money all the time, conservative in treatment and appropriately priced. The third star is for Dr. Koalska being honest when she said their prices were very high, and the fact that they filled out and faxed the insurance forms to my insurer. Read Less

We've been coming to this vet for about 5 yrs. the quality of care has always been excellent. Like many things though, it seems to have gotten a bit pricey. Some examples:Had to get a refill of a prescription my cat has been on for years. Instead of $60, it was $137.  When I asked why it has suddenly more than doubled, I eventually was told "Oh it looks like we were charging you wrong all along.". Hmmm. I did get a call about this recently and they offered to see if they could find it for less at another compounding pharmacy.Took one of our cats in that had been losing weight. They needed to run some tests of course as it wasn't anything obvious. One of the items was x-rays. The x-rays were $600 more. I said "how about we do the other tests before we resort to x-rays?!". It turned out it was diabetes. \It's a very good practice. Just be aware. They seem willing to work with you if something has gone up in price to see what they can do (like find another pharmacy). To be fair, I haven't been to any other vet in Novato. So I'm not sure how it compares in price. Read Less

The staff at South Novato Animal Hospital are THE BEST! I had been going there for years for my rescue pug Gus. Dr. Koalska was his primary vet, but all the vets and staff are fantastic at what they do! When we lost Gus, they guided us and comforted us. We miss our little boy. Now 2 1/2 years later I'm excited to return to South Novato Animal Hospital with our new adoptee Oscar. I highly recommend South Novato Animal Hospital to everyone I know that has dogs or cats. Staff are truly talented and caring...clearly loving animals and always doing their best for our furry friends/family members' care and well being. So grateful. Read Less

Just adopted a dog and took her to South Novato Animal Hospital for her well-dog checkup. Everyone, from the front desk staff to the vet (Dr. Koalska) were wonderful and caring. Thank you for a great experience! Read Less

I cannot say enough amazing things about South Novato Animal Hospital. The three vets and all of their technicians are extremely knowledgeable and truly care about the animals they treat. They are thorough and even call to follow up to check and see how your pet is doing. Added bonus they have Saturday hours!!! Read Less

The people are very caring. My experience has been that they are thorough but conservative when recommending procedures and treatments. This is appreciated by both my old friend Murrey and my wallet. I highly recommend this group that truly cares about your furry friend. Read Less

After a very trying morning of trying to find help for my injured pet, the Humane Society suggested that I take my injured dog to South Novato Animal Hospital. They were so nice and they were very concerned for my pets well-being and they didn't quote pricing to me right up front. They took him in and then discussed the options I had for paying for his care. Caring and respectful is just the words to describe the staff at this place. They even have a payment program for those like me that didnt have $3300.00 stashed in a mattress to give them. Please if you live in this area , take your pet to them . Read Less

We've been going to this highly recommended vet practice since we moved to Novato. About 5 yrs. They are consistently caring and knowledgeable. They have been with us from new pets to old and even through euthanasia. We have a cat that needs ongoing care due to kidney disease, pancreatitis, and thyroid problems. It's a balancing act when he is 17 years old, and they have done a great job of it. All of the staff is amazing and capable and friendly and caring. Everything you could possibly want for the care of your pets! Read Less

Took my pitty here for his first ever vet visit and it was great! The staff was very friendly as soon as I got to the doors. Ruger loved Dr. Tiffany whi was very friendly  and kind. Kudos to her for handling him so well considering how strong he can be. He got a few vaccines and was still comfortable being there. Very friendly place. Thank you!! Read Less

Really nice animal hospital.  I came here because my regular vet was out of town.  The prices are expensive compared to my regular vet's, but they do give you a choice for treatment and prices.  I did like it that I wasn't forced to choose the most expensive treatment for my dog's urinary infection.I will continue to use this place as my backup when my regular vet is out of town. Read Less

My vet recently sold his practice. Not impressed with the new group. Did a lot of research and found SNAH. Was hoping they were half as good as their reviews. Was delighted to discover they are even better than what had been said.The three vets are friendly, professional and very caring. I was impressed when all three vets immediately petted my animals before introducing themselves to me. Dr Dahlman even sat on the floor with my 13 year old lab. There is full disclosure about the cost of any tests before they are run. The doctors each call as soon as the results are received.I was super impressed when one of the staff went to my old vet's to pick up missing tests and x-rays from information that had been forwarded to SNAH.After 18 years with a vet I could trust I am now ecstatic to have found SNAH.The support staff is amazing! Friendly, caring, lovely people!Highly recommend SNAH! Read Less

I'm not easily impressed, but this place deserves a great review. They gave my dog the care he needed, and worked with me financially to make it happen sooner than later. Dr. Dahlman struck me as a real human that actually cared about my dog.     I was so pleased with their service, I referred my roommate that had been struggling with his dog's issues for over a year, visiting several vets. After one trip here, he was back in good health in no time. Worth the trip even if you don't live in Novato. Read Less

My new puppy jumped out of the car while the car was in  park and hurt its back leg .I took him to South Novato Animal  Hospital to make sure he was okay ,as my regular vet had no opening till late that afternoon.as I walked in, the staff put me in a room and the vet arrived shortly.First thing out of the vets  lips was "I will have a nurse give you an estimate and the paper work for you to sign"Not how are  you doing? or how is your puppy doing? The form was a 3 page contract.as the vet said she needs to get an x-ray .2 hours later they called me that your puppy is fine and ready for pickup.Now comes the bill of $750.00 for an X-ray and exam.$750.00 for an x-ray and a exam? was it an MRI ?This hospital is all about money and nothing else ,after all there were 7 nurses sitting there doing nothing ,and not a single client or pet and not even a   cars in the parking lot.I guess this is how they make payroll for their staff.I would have paid $10000.00 to make sure my dog was okay but there got to be a limit how businesses like this can rip off people .Stay away from this place ,as there are lots of good vets out there that care about your pets more than your wallet .By the way my dog is fine and was running around  this afternoon. Read Less

South Novato Hospital has always treated my dogs with concern and individual attention. They immediately recognize the very different personality of each of my animals and tailor their approach accordingly. I truly appreciate the costs for treatment and alternative strategies are discussed before any procedure. Read Less

We moved to Novato and needed to establish a vet here. Nice place, nice people. The cat vet is super nice. She was gentle with my little kitty and very knowledgeable. They have kept me up to date by emails when she needs her shots. I even got her first exam free with an offer from yelp. Saved me $50. We have found our new vet! Read Less

I've been taking my family pets to South Novato Animal Hospital for 20yrs. 3 dogs and 2 cats. My little chihuahua, Chili is my fur baby, they've taken great care of him and are friendly and accommodating. Read Less

The staff was very professional and kind. My cat came in for treatment of internal worms. The exam revealed that although he is only 3, he has alot of tarter on this teeth and the estimate for that will be discounted if done within 30 days.They have taken care of my pets for quite some time, I am happy with the detailed information that I get regarding the health of my pets. Read Less