Dr. Ray and Leather take really good care of my elderly cat Melvin.  Honestly I have learned so much about her from them over the last 4 years.  I recently took her in - she lost her vision suddenly - and Dr. Ray and Leather had a pretty clear idea of what was up, did tests right away, put up with her quite grumpy nature (she does not like be handled by anyone but me) and prescribed medication, controlling her blood pressure, which brought her vision back.  Dr. Ray and Leather are also so very kind and understand animals.  Highly recommend. Read Less

I have been taking my 15-year-old dog Harley and my 11-year-old cat karma to dr dieter since 2013. Make no mistake, Dr. Dieter is THE best and most experienced veterinarian in the bay area.  I say this having been to dozens of vets in Sonoma county, Marin county and San Francisco over the last 12 years.  They all know and respect him as a 40-year pioneer in both wildlife rescue and in cutting edge techniques such as using acupuncture to reduce the amount of anesthesia needed for surgery.  Even now that I live in san Rafael and am surrounded by decent vets (and have tried a couple), I find myself taking the time to return to Sausalito to see dr dieter and his assistant leather due the following reasons:1. Dr. Dieter cares about animals more than money.  I have no problem paying a lot for my animals care, however I find the other vets are always trying to sell expensive tests and surgeries, often unnecessary and at times at risk to the animal.  Example:  last year my old pup's eyelids had growths on them and my local vets answer was always "let's put her under, cut them out and clean her teeth while we're at it." dr dieter supported my concern that she was too old for unnecessary surgery and simply pulled out the growth with some local anesthetic.  After a while it came back and dr dieter carefully explained to me exactly why surgery might be necessary to prevent a future eyelid issue. we scheduled it with the understanding that he would reduce the risk of anesthesia through acupuncture.  When the day came, I brought her in but before I left he said "hold on a sec", examined her and told me "it hasn't grown... She doesn't need surgery after all."  He had blocked all other appointments to perform surgery, yet he was willing to give up an entire day of revenue to do the right thing by Harley.2. Dr dieter and leather care about animals more than their own schedules.  So many vets are run as a business first, so it's rare for the dr to answer a question or fit your pet in like they will.  On multiple occasions I have left a voicemail, only for leather to call me back within the half hour, no matter the day or time.  And if there is a prescription or short notice appointment needed, she makes it happen and even follows up to make sure things went through.  Dr. Dieter himself also follows up to see how my pets are doing, and if needed will stop everything he's doing to answer my question over the phone.  I've seen this in action for others too - during an appointment he'll say "excuse me" and rush to the phone to help out with a more urgent case.  I love that.3. Dr. Dieter cares about animals more than himself, or you, or me.  Much ado has been made about his "unique personality", "grouchiness" et al.  As someone who spent years in the Chicago area before living in Sonoma/Marin, this makes me laugh.  Being blunt, efficient and honest about your pets care is NOT unprofessional - quite the opposite. If it makes you uncomfortable, just remember that this isn't about you - it's about giving the absolute best care to your pet.  Get to know Dr. Dieter a little better and you'll see the depth of his passion for animals.  Example: weeks ago Harley suffered a severe vestibular attack, and I thought it was the end for her.  I took her to dr. Dieter to plan her end of life - instead, he examined her closely and even watched her interact with his own dog.  Then he looked very intensely at me, and pressed me for reasons why I thought it was the end, in a blunt manner that might have upset the 1-star reviewers on this page. then he softened, and gave me a very heartfelt speech on the subject of euthanasia... He told his own personal stories and said that if Harley was still eating and affectionate, she really does want to be alive.  It was a life-changing exchange for me.  Then he got up and asked "so how's karma (my cat)?" and followed up on her care before rushing to the phone to check on an injured stray animal.  Thanks to him, both she and Harley are doing extremely well.  :) Read Less

We recently got a new Great Dane puppy and AKC recommended this hospital. We just had our first visit and couldn't be happier we made the trip over the bridge. Dr. Ray and Leather were amazing. Their candor was much appreciated and we learned a lot. If you want truth and to do best by your pet, you should come here. See you soon, Dr. Ray. Read Less

My dog and I have been bouncing around Vets for years. Not that we were unhappy with any of them, however my friend told me I had to check out Sausalito Animal Hospital. When we walked in my dog was excited to be there. It's open and brightly lit and just has a good vibe. Usually she goes into full freakout mode but here she was fine. Doctor Ray saw her right away and fixed her problem (a split nail) quickly and easily. The bill was really responsible. This is definitely the only place I'm taking my dog from now on. Read Less

I lived in Sausalito back in 2001-2002.  I had two cats and a new puppy from the shelter at the time.  Dr. Ray and Leather were great.  Yeah he's got a grouchy personality but at the end of the day he's a good vet and my boys always got great care.  When I moved away I had to fly them cross- country---the airline turned them away because their last checkup had been more then ten days prior to the flight.  Dr. Ray came in at 6 am to redo their paperwork so I could fly them to Philly.  My kitties passed but I still have my pup Tyler ( almost 16) and I have great memories of my time in Sausalito and my experience with Sausalito Animal Hospital. Read Less

Um folks who gave low ratings -- notice they are about Dr. Ray's unique personality.  Seriously, would you rather have a sunshiny personality, but not the best care for your pet? And on that note, lovable curmudgeon is how I'd describe him.Dr. Ray is a master veterinarian.  He's a vet's vet -- the vet that other vets refer to you when they don't know what to do.  He's provided amazing care for our boston terrier for 7 years. We've tried a few closer vets since we moved to SF -- all nice and well meaning -- but it's become a no brainer that Dr. Ray's expertise is in a class of its own.  He's worth the drive over the bridge to Sausalito for us.  Recently, Dr. Ray x-rayed, properly diagnosed and treated our dog after another vet left us thinking that she had a slipped disk (a disabling condition) and asked us to cage her for several weeks (which would have done nothing for her).  The dude has even saved whales.  In any event, we're really grateful to him and his caring staff -- nothing like knowing your furry little one is in the best hands. Read Less

I will never go back to this veterinarian, and as a long time pet owner I can honestly say STAY AWAY. I have never, EVER met someone with such an unprofessional attitude. Dr. Ray asks you a question, then doesn't give you time to answer it... then gets upset and plain rude when you insist on answering fully. Additionally, my dog is petrified of him. Not an issue with any other veterinarian. There are zero circumstances where I would recommend going to Dr. Ray or Sausalito Animal Hospital. Drive a little farther and get someone who actually cares. Read Less

I have been taking my Lhasa Apso to Ray since 2008 and now have a Cocker who sees him, too.  Both dogs like Ray as they don't get nervous when I pull up to the building.  In fact, they seem quite happy to see him.  I've read the negative reviews and can understand how some people are put off by Ray's demeanor.  But I must say, he and his staff really are animal lovers and truly care about the pet's welfare.  He cares very much about my dogs and is quite an advocate for them.  I've had surgery on one dog and the other had his teeth cleaned.  I like that Ray uses a combination of acupuncture to reduce the use of anesthesia which is very hard on dogs.  I would definitely give him a chance and let your pet decide. Read Less

Since moving to Sausalito 3 years ago, we have been bringing our 12 year old Cockapoo Libby to SAH and have been very happy with her care. Libby had a bacterial infection last year that led to a mass of bladder stones that had to be removed.  Dr. Ray performed the surgery  removing more than 100 stones, some the size of a grain of sand.  He followed up personally calling often during her recovery and was genuinely concerned about her well being.  Not only was the surgery a success, Dr. Ray identified the source of the infection (true detective work) and proper treatment to insure that the bladder stones would not return.  I do not understand some of the negative reviews.  Dr. Ray is all about treating animals not coddling their owners and for some that can be a deal breaker.  Leather is kind, attentive and considerate and has always treated Libby with great care.  If you want straightforward treatment from experienced professionals this is the place.  Ray will not want to discuss it, but check out his impressive background and when you get a chance read the postings on the wall of the SAH waiting area and you will understand this is not just a hospital but a team with heart. Read Less

Do not take you pet there! I had a horrible experience with Dr. Ray. His receptionist apologized for his abrupt personality and said he is better with animals than people but my cat did not think so. Dr. Ray proceeded, in front of my eyes, with a painful procedure that should have been performed under anaesthesia (I did not know any of that at the time). My cat cried so loud from pain and I was there asking Ray to stop. But he did not, saying it was almost done. Even his assistant said: "Ray,  enough!"  On top of all that, they had a dead cat in that same room where my cat was getting "his treatment" (a fact I learned upon leaving that nasty place). I am sure my kitty sensed that while he was tourtured.  My cat, who normally is very social and happy, spent a whole month under the bed hiding after this vet visit, it was that traumatic (for both of us).Avoid this place at all cost! Read Less

I was new to town last year and had an emergency with my 15 year old Lhasa Apso, Samson, and Dr. Ray Dieter took us in immediately and handled his ruptured blood vessel in his ear quickly and professionally.   He then proceed to call me over the weekend to check on him as did his staff.  This year, Samson now pushing 16, had a tumor that needed to be removed.  My apprehension in putting an older dog under anesthesia was put to rest by both Ray Dieter, Leather and Sarah.  The friendly staff called me through out the procedure to keep me updated and calm my nerves.  I trust their professionalism in their knowledge and would highly recommend this Veterinarian practice. Read Less

Ray and Leather are wonderful with animals. Our dog loves them and is relaxed around them, despite his fear of people (he was a rescue with a history of abuse).I have trouble understanding the negative reviews. Ray is one of the most experienced and competent vets in the country. Check out his resume some time. Moreover, he actually makes followup calls to keep tabs on your animal's progress. I've had lots of vets over the year, and have no hesitation in recommending Ray above any of the others.Granted, if you are someone who needs sugar coating or handholding, you might not like Ray's directness. Ray clearly prefers proper and thorough patient care to making owners feel better about themselves--but, really, what's better for your pet, in the end? Read Less

I write this as my cat Shadow lays on my chest purring and happy. I can't give enough praise to Dr. Ray and Leather. Shadow underwent a procedure on her nose and spent a few days away from us at the vet. They both took great care of her and showed great concern. Ray went so far as to spend the night in the office to make sure Shadeow was ok recovering overnight from her procedure. He was still in the office the next day when we came to pick her up. Both he and Leather walked us through everything we need to do and Ray even gave us his cell phone with instructions to call about anything if we are concerned. I have NEVER had a vet go this far in caring for a pet. I can't recommend them enough for your pet care. We didn't feel like a patient, we felt like a friend. Read Less

We live in Sausalito and bring both our dog and cat here. Our dog has a long medical history and we moved from across the country, Dr. Dieter took the time to go through our dog's entire folder, like 4 inches of paper, just to bring himself up to speed on his own time. They have provided excellent care for both, doing their best to make the animals feel calm and at ease when being examined. Dr. Dieter himself has a refreshingly frank style of discussing your pet's health with you. They have also provided top notch ongoing care to our cat, who loves to get in fights on an almost weekly basis. Having been to several other vets, as well as 2 chapters of the SPCA in different states, their rates are also quite reasonable. They are also exceptionally accommodating of emergency situations. I highly recommend this vet to anyone looking for dedicated personalized care for their pets. Read Less