PETS Referral Center Introduce
For pet parents across the diverse landscapes of California, ensuring the health and well-being of our beloved animal companions is a top priority. When unexpected emergencies strike or when specialized medical attention is required, having access to a reliable, expert veterinary facility is not just a convenience, but a necessity. In the vibrant East Bay, the PETS Referral Center in Berkeley stands as a vital resource, offering exceptional emergency and specialty veterinary care around the clock. This article aims to provide a comprehensive and engaging overview of PETS Referral Center, highlighting its crucial role in the local California community and the invaluable services it provides.
PETS Referral Center is more than just an animal hospital; it is a dedicated team of board-certified specialists and compassionate staff committed to delivering the highest level of care for pets facing urgent or serious medical problems. Since its founding in 1979, PETS has evolved from primarily serving after-hours needs to becoming a state-of-the-art facility equipped to handle a wide range of complex veterinary cases. For local users in California, particularly in Berkeley, Oakland, Alameda, San Leandro, Richmond, and Pinole, knowing that such a comprehensive and empathetic center is available 24/7 offers immense peace of mind.
From the moment you step through their doors with your furry, feathered, or scaled friend, the focus at PETS Referral Center is on providing personalized attention and advanced medical solutions. Whether it's a sudden illness, an injury, or a long-term condition like cancer, the experienced teams work collaboratively to diagnose, treat, and support both the pet and their family through challenging times. This detailed exploration will delve into the center's convenient location, the specialized services it offers, its distinguishing features, and how to get in touch, ultimately demonstrating why PETS Referral Center is an indispensable part of the California pet care landscape.
Location and Accessibility
Strategically located in Berkeley, California, PETS Referral Center is highly accessible for pet owners throughout the East Bay. You will find the facility at 1048 University Ave, Berkeley, CA 94710, USA. This prominent address, situated at the intersection of 10th and University, makes it easy to locate, even during stressful emergency situations. Its position just off the Eastshore Freeway ensures a convenient drive for residents coming from various parts of the San Francisco East Bay Area.
Given its role as a 24/7 emergency and specialty hospital, accessibility is a key factor. The center is open every hour of every day, all year round, ensuring that urgent care is always available when your family veterinarian might not be. While appointments are not typically necessary for emergency visits, calling ahead is recommended to help the staff prepare for your arrival, though they are always ready to receive pets in critical condition. The facility is designed to accommodate pets and their owners efficiently, aiming to provide a smooth experience during what can often be a very difficult time. The presence of ample parking further contributes to the ease of access for pet parents navigating an emergency.
Services Offered
- 24/7 Emergency Services: PETS Referral Center is staffed continuously, 365 days a year, to provide immediate and critical care for pets experiencing sudden illnesses, injuries, or life-threatening conditions. No appointment is needed for emergencies, though calling ahead is advised.
- Oncology: Specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of various cancers in pets, the oncology department is a major highlight. It offers chemotherapy, palliative care, and advanced diagnostic tools. The team includes board-certified veterinary oncologists dedicated to creating tailored treatment plans and providing emotional support to pet parents, as evidenced by heartfelt testimonials from clients whose pets received extended quality of life and compassionate care during cancer treatment.
- Surgery: A comprehensive range of surgical procedures is offered, utilizing state-of-the-art equipment and skilled veterinary surgeons to address diverse conditions requiring intervention.
- Radiology: Advanced diagnostic imaging services, including X-rays, ultrasound, and potentially CT scans, help in precise diagnosis and monitoring of various medical conditions.
- Ophthalmology: Specialized care for eye conditions and diseases, including medical and surgical management of vision-impairing cataracts, corneal ulcers, and dry eye therapy. Advanced imaging such as ocular/eye ultrasound and electroretinography (ERG) is also available.
- Exotics: Services for unique pets, including birds, reptiles, rabbits, rodents, and other small exotic mammals, ensuring specialized attention for these often-overlooked companions.
- Endoscopy: Minimally invasive diagnostic and therapeutic procedures using an endoscope, allowing for internal examination without major surgery.
- Internal Medicine: Addressing complex internal diseases and conditions that may require specialized diagnostic techniques and ongoing management.
Features / Highlights
- Round-the-Clock Emergency Care: One of the most significant features of PETS Referral Center is its 24/7 availability for emergency services. This continuous operation provides an invaluable safety net for pet owners in the Bay Area, knowing expert help is always just a phone call or drive away, even on holidays or in the middle of the night.
- Board-Certified Specialists: The center boasts a team of highly qualified, board-certified veterinary specialists across various disciplines, including oncology, surgery, radiology, and ophthalmology. This ensures that pets receive the most advanced and specialized care available for complex conditions.
- Compassionate and Empathetic Approach: Numerous client testimonials consistently highlight the profound compassion and genuine care extended by the staff, from the emergency department to the oncology team. Many clients describe the staff becoming "like family," providing not only medical expertise but also crucial emotional support during challenging times, such as a pet’s cancer journey or end-of-life care.
- State-of-the-Art Equipment: PETS Referral Center is equipped with advanced diagnostic tools and treatment technologies, enabling precise diagnoses and effective therapies for a wide range of medical problems.
- Collaborative Care: The specialists at PETS work seamlessly with one another and with primary care veterinarians, ensuring a comprehensive and integrated approach to your pet's health. This collaboration allows for smooth transitions and continuous care.
- Focus on Quality of Life: Particularly in oncology, the emphasis is not just on treating the disease but also on maintaining and extending the pet's quality of life. The tailored treatment plans aim to reduce discomfort and enhance joyful moments with furry friends.
- Client Education and Support: The center provides valuable resources and information for pet parents, helping them understand their pet's condition and treatment options. The team's transparent communication ensures owners are well-informed and empowered in decision-making.
Contact Information
Connecting with PETS Referral Center is designed to be as straightforward as possible for California pet owners, particularly given its role as an emergency and specialty care provider. Whether you have an immediate concern or need to inquire about their specialized services, their contact information is readily available:
Address: 1048 University Ave, Berkeley, CA 94710, USA
Phone: (510) 548-6684
Mobile Phone: +1 510-548-6684
The phone lines are staffed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year, ensuring that assistance is always available. While it's an emergency and referral center, calling ahead, if possible, is always a good practice to help them prepare for your pet’s arrival and provide guidance.
Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals
For residents of California, particularly those in the bustling East Bay region, PETS Referral Center in Berkeley stands out as an indispensable resource for advanced veterinary care. Its suitability for locals stems from several critical factors that address the unique needs of pet owners in a dynamic urban environment.
Firstly, the paramount advantage is its 24/7 emergency service. Accidents and sudden illnesses don't adhere to business hours, and knowing that a highly capable and compassionate team is available around the clock provides immense relief and peace of mind to pet parents. This accessibility is crucial for emergencies where every minute counts, offering a vital safety net when primary veterinarians are unavailable.
Secondly, the center's specialization in various advanced medical fields, especially oncology, is a significant benefit. For pet owners facing a daunting diagnosis like cancer, having access to board-certified veterinary oncologists who not only possess specialized expertise but also demonstrate profound empathy and a commitment to maintaining quality of life, is invaluable. The detailed testimonials from clients, recounting extended time and compassionate care during their pets' cancer treatments, speak volumes about the quality of care received. This level of specialized attention for complex conditions like cancer, surgery, or ophthalmological issues sets PETS Referral Center apart.
Moreover, the overall compassionate approach of the entire staff, from the emergency department to the long-term care teams, creates a supportive environment for both pets and their human families. During stressful and emotional times, the genuine care and understanding offered by the veterinary professionals at PETS are frequently highlighted by clients as a major factor in their positive experiences. This dedication to both the physical well-being of the animal and the emotional support of the owner fosters a deep trust within the community.
Finally, its central Berkeley location with easy access from major roadways makes it a convenient and practical choice for residents across the East Bay. The combination of comprehensive emergency care, a broad spectrum of specialty services delivered by highly qualified professionals, and an unwavering commitment to compassionate, family-centered care makes PETS Referral Center an ideal and indispensable veterinary partner for local Californians, ensuring their beloved pets receive the best possible care when they need it most.
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PETS Referral Center Location
PETS Referral Center
1048 University Ave, Berkeley, CA 94710, USA
PETS Referral Center Reviews
My dog was treated for lymphoma here for over a year. The staff was absolutely so incredibly caring towards me and my dog. Their expertise and care made a horrible situation much better for us throughout her treatment and even helping her have a peaceful rest when it was time. The emergency dept was also very kind when we had to visit. I highly recommend these teams.
Jun 18, 2025 · Erin McPhersonI first came across PETS Referral Center in 2022 while researching oncology facilities for my senior pitbull. His GP had found a lump on his throat during a routine checkup and had done a biopsy which came back positive for thyroid carcinoma and suggested we find him an oncologist. Thus began a three year saga of chemotherapy treatments, check-ups, x-ray appointments and such. The staff at PETS referral became like family, and Bradley was treated so very well by everyone, (I don't know if they make EVERY dog feel like a superstar, but Bradley sure was one!) They became part of our routine, like seeing old friends every few months. This May, Bradley's tumor started growing aggressively, and he started declining rapidly. Dr. Shafer was so kind to us and helped us try to find solutions, even though we all knew his time was near. The level of care and compassion we received were unmatched. I will never forget how kind the staff were at PETS. They gave us the gift of time and gave us 3 more years with our baby that we might not have had otherwise. If anyone is looking for an oncologist in the bay area, this would be my highest recommendation.
May 28, 2025 · Heather TumathThese folks are exceptional. They're kind, professional, compassionate and patient. They saved my sweet doggo's life, literally. I'm so deeply grateful to the compassionate care and transparent process. They did an amazing job keeping us updated, we had a wealth of information and didn't have to wonder and worry about our girl. They checked in frequently and let us know what to expect. I've been to other places for after hours vet care and have not always seen this level of professionalism and empathy. My sweet girl recovered beautifully thanks to the care of the team. I'll never forget that this team saved my sweet little rescue mutt. Thank you to everyone for doing what you do.
Jul 01, 2025 · RJ MooreWe took our sweet cricket to PETS referral center last week. A majority of the staff I spoke with were pleasant, warm, and compassionate. I did have to wait in my car with cricket because the hospital was concerned she was contagious but it was incredibly hot that morning. After two hours I called the front desk to ask for support because of the temperature and they helped get us situated inside immediately. I waited a total of 3 hours before being seen by a doctor which is consistent with most vet ERs I’ve been to/heard of (especially in the early afternoon) The front desk staff overall was incredible and helped me feel calm during a very scary time. The first doctor we saw was less direct about how sick my puppy was and I ended up leaving with a plan to give her some antibiotics and see if she improved. My only complaint is that a pill form of the medication was given to me which didn’t work because cricket wasn’t eating. I also wish the doctor was more direct with me about the seriousness of my puppy’s health but I understand that prognosis can’t be certain without testing. We ended up taking her back in the middle of the night because she was getting worse. We were seen immediately by Dr. Chloe Petuaton who was INCREDIBLE. very direct but compassionate - she told us straight up that puppy was in very bad shape and would be unlikely to survive if we took her home. Dr. Petuaton and Dr. Lee both worked incredibly hard to keep our puppy alive, along with the vet techs and other support workers at the clinic and we will be forever grateful. We had to make the painful decision to let Cricket go, as her prognosis kept worsening and she was unlikely to survive further treatment. The PETS referral team helped us make an informed choice about how to move forward and were transparent about price and prognosis. I hope I never need to use emergency vet services in the future but if I do, I will certainly come back here. Thank you so much for everything you did for our little Cricket!
Apr 02, 2025 · shannon moleyONLY GO HERE AS A LAST RESORT. Go to the emergency vet at Berkeley Dog + Cat before coming here as their wait times are equivalent but will provide better service. We waited over an hour with no updates as they took in patients of equal or less distress as my cat who came AFTER us. The only useful thing they did was check my cat's vitals immediately and told us everything was normal. The attitude of both the reception and the nurse was just as the other reviews state: cold and heartless. Atrocious energy from start to finish. We told them our cat's symptoms and the nurse responded "okay cool". Actually my cat not eating or drinking for 3 days is not "cool". I will say we did see one nurse giving other visitors excellent attention asking questions taking notes. But is it really worth the gamble?
May 05, 2025 · sarah von sternberg
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